Artwork featured in Cloth•Paper•Scissors

A recent mixed media piece of mine, called "To the Sea", is now featured in the current July/August issue of Cloth•Paper•Scissors. It appears in an article called "Life's a Beach" (page 76), which was a challenge to readers to create art based on this theme. I am really pleased with the way my artwork is presented (page 80), so that the tiniest of subtle details can be seen. It's one of my clipboard assemblage pieces, and celebrates the memories of many wonderful beach walks with loved ones. Most major bookstores carry this magazine. Check it out!

RENT: A true feast for the creative soul...

If you don't do another thing this year, GO TO RENT!! It's currently on a revival road tour, and it's starring the two original stars of the show (Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp) AND the movie. I had the privilege of seeing it last night at the gorgeous Paramount Theater, in Seattle...


And here's the one that makes me cry every time (after Tom Collins' lover, Angel, has died:


With beautiful music and talent and creativity in the world, there's still hope for us all.

(Videos and their content are copyrighted by their creators)

Candy tin assemblage class coming soon to Seattle!

Tom Nicho, originally uploaded by jomoma58.

This is a candy tin assemblage I made a number of years ago about my dad, and some of his travels and adventures during WWII (T. H. Jones, 1916-2004). If you are in the Seattle, Washington area on July 8, I will be teaching a class on how to do this. To find out more details, go to:http://www.teachstreet.com/seattle-wa/art/candy-tin-assemblage/cl-408ei46usg

To register, just go to:
http://depts.washington.edu/asuwxpcl/catalog.php

(The hula skirt photo was taken by an Air Force buddy during his stay in Hawaii. My dad really knew how to have fun!!).

Thoughts on my Daughter, Class of 2009

Tomorrow, my beautiful daughter will graduate (officially). Alas, she won't be present at the ceremony, as she is working for a resort in the Olympic National Forest for the summer. I can't help but think about her, and her 18 years of life, this week.

She was finished with high school in early April, attending community college through her high school's Running Start program. So, what did she do? She took a solo 'rail' trip (approximately 6000 miles!) to visit friends in New York City, and Missouri. Needless to say, mom was very distressed about this news when she started planning it in November. But, she returned safely, with $25. in her pocket, and some unforgettable life experiences...

One month later, she scored a great job working as a barista at a beautiful resort in the Olympic National Park. As a mom, I've had to let her go in 'little pieces', which has not been easy. I miss her! I worry about her. But I know she is fine, and will be just fine out in the 'big, wide world". In August, we will be trying to locate an apartment for her in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she will be attending a wonderful art school. Yes, she'll be on her own in a large city. 

Why does this remind me so much of myself at her age??? History does repeat itself. And, at 18 years old, did I care (or even think) about what my own mother might have been feeling when I departed into the Big Adventure of life on my own? Not a bit. 

I love you J., and I'm SO proud of you.

Artwork and photographs to be featured at Oasis Art Gallery...

Josefina's Paints, originally uploaded by jomoma58.

I am SO excited to announce my upcoming show at Oasis Art Gallery in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. The show will take place October 24, 2009-January 17, 2010. This is a beautiful gallery, featuring amazing artwork and photographs by some fantastic Seattle artists. This exhibition opens just in time for "Day of the Dead" (Dia de los Muertos) festivities, so I will be featuring--you guessed it--contemporary shrines and photographs taken in Oaxaca, Mexico! If you wish to be included in the announcement mailing list, please send your snail mail and email address to me at: jomoma58@yahoo.com. See you there!

An Artist Date and a Mind-blowing Experience....

RUN, don't walk (or even saunter) to this amazing place in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle called Souvenir. The owner (Curtis Steiner) of this little gem of a shop/gallery makes incredible items and shrines out of found objects, has gorgeous hand made cards, jewelry and beautifully odd found objects. Some of these things are housed in a huge antique 'dresser' of sorts, and all of the drawers are just BEGGING to be opened...and amazing discoveries to be made. 

His website is: www.curtissteiner.com

Click on the link for "1,000 Blocks" for an even more mind-blowing experience...come back and tell me what you think. My creative "well" has definitely been filled.

Autumn Diptych

Autumn Diptych, originally uploaded by jomoma58.

This is a favorite piece of mine, called "Autumn Diptych". Many processes went into this piece. I first printed some photos I took, of pond surfaces, onto inkjet poplin fabric. I then bleached them out. I applied some oil pastels to bring 'back' some of the color. Then I fused them onto cradled hardboard with clear encaustic medium, and continued to add tar paper, white encaustic paint, wire and some chicken bones I found in the parking lot. I really pushed myself on this one (to abandon old ideas), and I love the results! The 'process' was the most important part of this piece. I would love to revisit the state of mind I was in while doing this piece...easier said than done, though. (Mmmm...maybe I should call this "Pond Diptych" instead.)

June Happenings: Artists Garage Sale and Clipboard Shrine-ology Workshop

Artists' Garage Sale 

Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Hosted by the Arts Council of Snohomish County

Location: Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Ave., Mukilteo, WA

Spring is finally in the air! And that means it is time for artists to clean out their studios. So, if you are looking for a good deal on some great art, or are an artist in need of some art supplies – this is the place to be! There will be a smorgasbord of art that includes: encaustic paintings, assemblage, collage, watercolors, oils, pastels, acrylics, glass, found objects, cards, sculpture, ceramics, photography, garden art and much more. Seconds, old stock, new stock – all at fabulous prices! More Information:  http://artscouncilofsnoco.org

Workshop: Clipboard Shrine-ology

Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Location: Arts Council of Snohomish County, Everett, WA

Create a fabulous clipboard shrine dedicated to a meaningful event or person in your life. You will learn about various forms of Mexican shrines, and their place in contemporary society. Discover how to manipulate various mediums including acrylics, oil pastels, fabric, paper, found objects–while also learning the art of simple attachments for small objects. Express yourself with photos, handwritten notes, text and your own sacred objects. This will be a process-oriented journey 

that you will never forget!

Pricing:  $90. (plus $10. materials fee)

Register: 425-257-8380

More Information:  http://artscouncilofsnoco.org

Lori of Seattle says of her workshop experience: “Lisa is a very exciting and exuberant instructor. She is patient and generous and obviously loves what she does. And she knows what she is doing. She has obviously been doing this for a long time. She's opened my eyes to all kinds of artisitc expression. I can't wait to take another class from her.”