minervas madness

Finally a few moments

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:04:00 +0000

This sunset was just too fabulous not to post here. We have such a lovely view of the skies from our deck. What a tremendous thing it was for us to be able to move to the country.

So I have neglected my blog just a tad....(understatement) Know that I am doing fine and well. Have many art projects on the table and hopefully will finish some soon.

Wishing all our veterans, past and present, our love and thanks. Without you, this country would not be here.

Peace to all......

Finally framed!

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:08:00 +0000

Finally had some art time and framed Lack of Vision. It is now hanging in our family room downstairs. Fred still jumps when he walks past it. Says it creeps him out. Oh Well!!!!!!

Nothing else new on this end except some fabulous cool weather with rain. Got some good spider/web shots last night I will post soon.

Let's remember our flags tomorrow and take a moment to reflect on our great country on this most important day. So many lives lost, so many lives changed. Remember your blessings. Peace......

Jefferson Sunset

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:31:00 +0000

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:25:00 +0000

Wow, it has been a long time since I have written here. We had a very exciting summer with moving to Jefferson and my nephew getting married in Texas. Boy, was it hot!
The lovely butterfly here is a photo I took in our new back yard. I am not a great photographer so this delicate creature was behaving perfectly!
Hopefully, my studio will be set up completely this week. I do have a new addition to the space with my desk actually fitting in there for the sewing machine. WooooHoooo!
So much beautiful wildlife, insects and vegetation out here in the country that I will have love of inspiration when the studio is completed.
Peace and love to all......enjoy your world!

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:33:00 +0000

Greeting all!

As you know, I have a difficult time throwing things away that might turn into art! Here is a good example of a scrap piece of plywood. I saw the glorious knot hole in the top right area and had to turn it into an eye. One thing lead to another and here it is! Kinda creepy but lots of faces within faces. Enjoy!

Mindful Vision

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:53:00 +0000

Seems I have been into the surreal mode lately. This is a portrait of a dear friend I affectionately call Alice. Long story!
News from this side of the world is hubby dear and I are buying a home in the country.
A longtime dream will finally come true. My arm is black and blue from pinching myself.
Need to run finish filling nail holes in the condo walls. Why did I hang all this art? LOL
Peace to all.....

Swimming in Thought

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Here is another encaustic piece I am most proud of completing. It is much larger than the others and took a good amount of patience and time.
I am hoping to frame it soon and put it up for sale. If interested, leave me a comment here.
Nothing else new around here. Time to go play!

Double Vision

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:53:00 +0000

Seems like a long time since I have done any updates here. Time passes so quickly these days. I have been madly working and completed my series on Unreal for a juried show. Anyone wishing to participate in the opening public portion of the jury process may view the works submitted at www.projekt30.com. This is the show titled Unreal.
Here is an example of one of my pieces. Most I submitted are encaustic works. I love this medium! It is so interesting to see where the hot wax takes you.
So far I have managed to complete quite a few pieces without actually burning myself!
Wish I could say the same when I cook. LOL
Enjoy your day, hug those your love and add some peace to our world.

Continuing in Wax

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:43:00 +0000

Seeing as how I am really liking this new medium, I decided to skip the middle sizes and go straight to larger. This piece is about 12" x 15". It has many, many layers of wax to complete the process. I am quite pleased with the results. Manipulating the wax to form the eyes was tedious but worth it. I hope that the U.S. art collectors become interested in this "lost" medium and realize the time, talent and patience required to handle this technique. Seems this is a popular form in Europe and especially the United Kingdom, but just starting to be noticed a bit more in the States. By the way, I call this piece "Swimming in Thought".
Hope you are all enjoying your day. The weather is perfect here. I can hear the geese flying by honking away!

Playing with Hot Wax!!!!!!!!!

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Okay, I have to admit my dangerous side loves the idea of molten wax sliding around on a page before me. I am experimenting right now and having a blast doing it. Anyone interested in learning more about this medium and technique, contact www.encausticrocks.com. While you are there, say hello to Steve, co-owner of the site ... very knowledgeable, helpful and just an all around nice guy! Their prices are competitive, service is impeccable and I love doing business with people I actually like! And if you decide you really want to learn more, purchase a video. Worth every penny with detailed instruction as you watch an actual work created from start to finish.
So that is my commercial for the day! Back to my studio! Peace to all...

Yahoo ! I am finished!

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:05:00 +0000

It has been a while to get there but totally worth all the effort to rearrange and organize my studio. I actually can find things when I want them now. That is a new concept! I was so excited to be done that I just had to play with my encaustic technique a little bit. Here is my first one completed. I call it Quantum Joy.
Have an inspirational day!

Another tip-in

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:24:00 +0000

Jeri's theme was women with umbrellas. I had literally printed these beach beauties out several years ago hoping I would need them. I am actually surprised that I found them!

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:18:00 +0000

Greetings All,
I joined a new group on ZNE which focuses on Altered Books. Something new for me to learn and the first thing was a swap. This is called a tip-in which measured 10x 7, folded to make two 5 x 7 pages. Each person chose their wanted theme and one was Marie Antoinette. This is my tip-in for that theme. They were fun to make.
I received my first one of the swap from Patti and it is beautiful. I am going to make a small altered book to put all my received pages into.
My studio reorganization is coming along nicely albeit slow. I can finally see the twin guest bed in the corner again! LOL Progress means I can actually find supplies instead of wasting time looking for what I know I already have.
Hope your weather is as fabulous as the Atlanta area. It truly feels like spring is almost here. Peace to all.....

A melancholy Thursday

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:43:00 +0000

While the year started out with a bang and many high hopes, it seems that as one gets older the inevitable happens more often. We just returned from New Jersey to bury a dear family member, Rosemary. She left a most wonderful legacy of teaching and coaching basketball to many generations of women. It was glorious to see all the lives she touched. What a gift it was to know her.

Now back to the real world again. I did manage to complete a project with a serious deadline and actually get it there in time! So here is my picture of the completed work. It is a fabric quilt honoring Elvis Presley and his song Blue Suede Shoes.
I can't even count the hours in this piece. I know I stared at it a lot to figure out the layering, sewing, gluing, etc. Then in the middle of a Georgia thunderstorm, I ran out of peach thread! Oh No!!!! Not to worry, dear Joyster across the street came to my rescue and even matched the thread! Gotta love a woman who has 6 shades of peach thread available. LOL

So on to the next project....life is like a box of .......... Hmmmm, surely I can come up with something.

Peace to all and tell those you love that you appreciate them.

Where does the time go?

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Okay, it has been a while since I have written so I am overdue. Hubby dear and myself just returned from the 2009 Simple Man Cruise. Wow!!! So much music, food and friendly people. I had the pleasure to meet Doug Gray from the Marshall Tucker Band as well as the whole Molly Hatchet crew. Any one who thinks musicians have it made in the shade should watch all these guys work to get ready for their concerts. It made things interesting to see the behind the scenes action in person. The trip was more than a dream come true for us. And beautiful weather, too which made some glorious photographs. We met the cutest couple from New Hampshire who absolutely made the trip for us. Always nice to make new friends!
So now being refreshed and spoiled on the cruise, it is time to get with the '09 program. If all goes as planned in my little pea brain, this will be a break out year! Peace to all.

Christmas Week

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:28:00 +0000

Boy, it seems that Christmas comes quicker every year. We did manage to get the tree and lights up the middle of last week. Hubby dear is a light freak so we look like a calmer version of a disco! LOL
Just a note to remember that this time of year, many desperate people do stupid things and innocents are affected. Watch yourself out in public and at home, too. A dear friend of ours who lives in our condos was robbed at her doorway yesterday at gun point. Mind you, we are the quietest of communities with the most excitement usually being a car towed from a private parking spot. It truly frightened her and she readily gave up her purse. Smart gal!
On a happier note, I finished a portrait last evening of a dear friend's little girl, Alex. Alex is a happy go lucky cutie pie who recently decided to devour a bright blue permanent marker! Wonder if her lips are still blue? Oh My!!! So here is my version of Sweet Alex.
May all your hopes and dreams come true in the coming New Year. Peace to all.

Wonderful Holiday Giveaway

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:46:00 +0000

Greets,
As the holidays approach I am so grateful for all the friends, support and familiy I enjoy in my life. Thank you all!

In my Etsy shop, I am offering FREE U.S. shipping on any item purchased by 12/19/08.
My little way of giving back for all the kindness given to me this year.

On the Giveaway note, talented artist and very sweet lady, Lani Kent, is doing a giveaway on her blog. Here is the web address for her giveaway where you can get the details.
Http://artistlanikent.blogspot.com

Enjoy your Holidays!

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:19:00 +0000

Greetings all!
I got my Thanksgiving Swap ATC in the mail today from Deb Bohm. Oh my, it is SO me!
I truly got a grand laugh out of this. Many thanks, Deb. Patti K. had hosted a swap and I had never done an ATC swap before. What a wonderful experience. I hope Deb likes the ATC I made for her as much as I love mine!

Remember to tell those you love that you do! Peace.

Thanksgiving Wishes

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:33:00 +0000

With the Holiday season upon us, I just want to take a moment to thank all my friends, family and colleagues who has truly inspired me to reach for the stars this year. It is a wonderful feeling to know I have so many kind and talented people in my corner.
My Thanksgiving prayer for all of you is that you find your happy spot in life.

I am so thrilled with the opening of my FineArtAmerica shop. I have personally ordered two prints of different types to insure that the printing is of a quality that is what I want to sell. Will keep you updated on that.

Finally on a more personal note....To Stacey, Gordon, Bernice, Barbara and Mollye...
Your emails, encouragement and just plain friendship mean so much to me. Where would I be without all of you making me laugh, sharing your worlds and just being yourselves>
Thank you all for being such a grand part of my life.

Remember during this Holiday season, kindness is free....give it away!
Peace

New Site for Me

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:44:00 +0000

I have jumped out again and added a new website to my selling links. Anyone wanting to find local artists who are selling in their area, this is the site to go to. It features a biography as well as items for sale.

I have included a link to my page at the right. Now off to upload more images.

Monday's Musings

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:37:00 +0000

Okay, it is Monday and my pea brain is whirling as usual. I belong to an art book club where we create pieces to coincide with the book we are using that month. So this is one of my pieces. My thought process in this respect is how is it determined whether a piece is an assemblage or a sculpture? This is made with 100% recycled items excluding the paint. So is it an assemblage or a sculpture?

I will be interested to see the vote on this! Have a creative day filled with love.
Peace.....

I have been tagged!!!

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:08:00 +0000

All righty now, the blog tagger has struck again. Time to play! I am supposed to tell 6 things about myself. Hmmm......

1. I wanted to be a ballerina, but alas, too bow-legged ( Yikes!)
2. I actually like brussel sprouts.
3. I collect angel art and Asian antiques.
4. I am a Taurus and can be fiercely loyal when cornered. (Don't make me angry!)
5. I have a commercial drivers license and can drive the big buses!
6. I can still do complicated math in my head. The calculator baffles me. LOL

So now off to tag the next 6 victims! Watch out. Have a glorious day!
Peace....

Grand Entrance

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:30:00 +0000

I have been playing around with different mediums lately and this piece kind of evolved from that. She is painted but with the additions of handmade paper hair, feathers ( gluing feathers is NOT fun!), button baubles, ribbon and fabric. Mixed media is a lot of fun to tackle. Deciding what to use, where it will go, etc. If you have not tried this type of creating, give it a go.
Have a grand weekend. I am off to my little studio to play.
Peace.

Finding the "lost" time

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:26:00 +0000

My sweet buddy, Stacey (ArtSnark) brought up a very valid point in this busy day and time. Where does the time go each day? How do people with large families find time to get everything done? In this techno oriented world, it seems I sign on to my computer and 4 hours later I am still there catching up on emails, answering questions regarding my art, paying bills, networking, marketing and it never ends!
So that "lost" time takes away from creative projects. I am curious if any of you have a tried and true tip to find that time. Any time saver would be appreciated.
I know personally we are blessed to be old enough to be empty nesters but other things take the place of daily caring for children.....ill friends, keeping up with the kids and older relatives by phone, the dog (who is mortally spoiled!), dentist visits, doctor visits, housework, keeping up with finances, bills, etc. Granted, some of these things are joyful but they still take a chunk of time out of the day.
I am so thankful that we have our health....even though it seems I move a little slower than 10 years ago. LOL
So any of you go-getters who would like to respond, I am all ears!
Have a peaceful weekend.

Wow!

fncminerva@aol.com (MinervasMadness) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:57:00 +0000

Well, here it is Monday again. Guess that is always a good thing as it means time is marching on. I received two wonderful emails today requesting more link exchanges. One from a dear sweet friend with a new site and one out of the blue from an unknown now new friend! WOW!
Check out their links to the right of this post. I think you will enjoy perusing their sites.
Peace, Cath