4/29/09 - Recent Concentration Work

Below are the first two finished (?) pieces from a new collection of work I've been doing about value (monetary and intrinsic) and action. It isn't terribly focused yet, but I've been making good progress. The following are acrylic and air-dry clay on wood and gesso board.

Objects from top to bottom: Sparkplug, Red Beetle, Souvenir Spoon, Monogram "R" Charm, Small Bird Skull, Blue Weevill Type Beetle, Gold Button.



Objects from top to bottom: 1955 Packard Emblem, Oil Palm Fruit, Pearl Drop Earrings.

My next pieces will be on much larger coated masonite, 4 by 2 feet to be precise; an interesting challenge for the current visual themes.

And the verdict was...

J.F. Rey model 1121 in tortoise and white won my heart at my local optical center. According to the assistant, the spendiest pair in the store (insurance is SO USEFUL). Perhaps not too evident in my quicky photo, a slight cat eye rise and diagonal white banding on the interior. All handmade somewhere in France.
http://jfrey.fr/

Blackstrap Project Complete

The final product for my Blackstrap Tea Co. project. Might possibly hit Etsy, may not. I formulated three blends: The Raj, Mistisa, and Absinthe.

The Raj
An alluring blend of organic darjeeling, heady lapsang souchong, ginger, cardamom, allspice, crushed cloves, cinnamon, anise, orange rind, and the warmth of tellicherry peppercorn.

Mistisa
A charming bouquet of fragrant jasmine green tea, rich allspice, crushed cloves, and whole rose blossoms. Aromatic notes of rum and vanilla.

Absinthe
Using original period recipes, an addictive assortment of spritely peppermint, gunpowder green tea, anise, cardamom, fennel, and sweet licorice root.

The product labels are an original design (notice my blog banner?) adapted for black tea tins using a toothed khaki cardstock with custom made "B" monogram wax seals.

Last Night

I was accepted into the Art Deparment at Western Washington University.

I also cannot decide on a pair of new frames.





Potentially wonderful tortoise Versace pair...



Gucci with gold monogram siding...






Or a spendy pair of Jean Francois Reys..from France,even!