It took me a long time to start putting my own art up around the house. There’s a lot I just sort of pile somewhere, thinking I’ll figure out where to put it later. I have, however, been making a few things I want on my walls, so now there is some of my own art around the house.
I made a triptych in a Sally Jean Alexander class that I’m pleased with and put it on my mantelpiece. There are collages on both the front and the back (I used family pictures) and I like having it out in the family room.
In my front hall, there is a piece of wall where the stairs change direction. I painted this wall to set off some of my art. I have a polymer and canvas piece with angels, dedicated to me and my three childhood chums. I have a collage with a raven I made after a class with Jonathon Talbot. I have two Photoshopped pictures, each with one of my daughters as an angel. I also have three figures I made in a Karyn Gartel class. It’s sort of a mini gallery.
I finished and framed two of the pieces I made at the Serenbe art retreat with Catherine Moore (great timing, Michael’s is having a shadowbox sale this week-end). I took the three silhouette dresses pieces and put face tags on them: one of each daughter and one of me. Each of us has a rhinestone crown. I have written a small phrase for each. Annie’s says, “Katherine Deanna twirled and danced, looking like a flower dancing in the roiling wind.” Becky’s says, “Mary Rebecca drifted through her many activities while still keeping her jewels sparkling and her crown polished.” Mine says, ”Being the mother of two princesses, Joanne wondered why she was not a queen. The problem was solved when the girls graciously gave her a spare tiara.” The giant shadow box with the three of us is hanging in the hallway, across from the stairway gallery.
I framed the FAMILY tags, using a pre-cut mat and a store bought frame. I used a piece of wrapping paper covered with writing as my background.
I suspect it is a point of arrival to put out my own art. It’s fun to walk by them and see them out of the corner of my eye. I like them for the way they look, but I also like them for the memories they evoke of classes, fellow artists and good times.
