Goals: 2011

PEJNOLAN Studio Goals for 2011

FAMILY:

• Set aside Sundays for family time
• Go to church every week
• Save for a car
• Reduce extraneous demands on time by learning to say, "No."
  

ARTISTIC:

• All day Saturday 8 am - 10 pm will be designated studio time.
• Produce one LARGE format, multiblock Moku Hanga print.
• Create at least one completed, editioned print per month
  
• Show at 2 outdoor art shows
  
• Continue with Art of the Land
• Enter 4 regional or national printmaking/art exhibits
• Challenge myself technically and with creating compositions.

BUSINESS:

• Wednesday evenings after dinner, 7pm - 9pm will be set aside for paying bills/accounting/taxes.
• Get back into selling on Etsy.com!! I'm missing the support, camaraderie, and sales.
• Start a savings account under the business name.
• Obtain commercial insurance for the business to protect the investment I've made in my artwork, supplies, etc.
• Create and maintain a log of individual prints within an edition, where they are, which ones have been purchased, etc.

EDUCATION:

• Attend a class on Moku Hanga. If anyone knows where I can take a class, please message me.
• Begin a library of relief printmaking techniques
  

MARKETING:

• Resize images at www.erinknolan.com to make the site load faster.
• Create a calendar solely for the business so I don't over-extend myself and double-book.
• Create a mailing list to invite people to shows.
• Create a certificate of authenticity for each print purchased which states the title, ink type, paper type, date of printing, artist name, back story of the piece, etc.
• Build the professional relationship with Chad Luberger at Plum Bottom Pottery by attending as many of his open houses as possible in Egg Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin.

2010 - Documented

2010
JANUARY
• showed at Rockford Midwestern Biennial
• finally found the Great Horned Owl nest at the NIU lagoon
• created “Dragonfly: A Reason to Believe” print
• interviewed with Huckleberry Bumpkin blog

FEBRUARY
• created “Blue Heron” print
• felt an earthquake in Illinois!
• created “Bird in Berry Tree” print
• gave lecture and demonstration at the Oak Crest Retirement home
• story in Resource Magazine about Al & I as printmakers

MARCH
• KVAL exhibits at the Next Picture Show in Dixon, IL
• PEJNOLAN Studios was official started!
• Interviewed on Mary Richmond Design blog
• showed at Art Woman national show in Woodstock, IL

APRIL
• created “Spring Cherry Blossoms”
• showed at Venus Envy in Davenport, IA, was in their TV and radio ads, and was
the highest scored entry

MAY
• created “Lady’s Slipper from the Ridges” print
• Interviewed by Epheriell Designs
• Northern Illinois Art Show in Sycamore, IL

JUNE
• created “Mr. Anderson’s Magnolia” print
• solo show - “Naturescapes” at Bliss Beads in DeKalb
• Won “Bacon Hiaku” context on 6 degrees of Etsy
• created “Snail After the Rain” print
• Interviewed for story with the DeKalb Daily Chronicle
• Joined the DeKalb Area Outdoor and Social Activities Meetup Group
• created “Japanese Beetle” print
• became president of the Kishwaukee Valley Art League

JULY
• on the cover of KNOCK Magazine: Door County’s Literary Arts Magazine
• Ellwood House Art Show in DeKalb, IL
• Midwest Museum of Natural History Art Fair

AUGUST
• canoed the Fox River
• Vacation in Door County
• Received Gallery Representation with Plum Bottom Pottery
• created “Ecosystem of a Log” print

SEPTEMBER
• delivered framed prints to Plum Bottom Pottery
• participated in Art Walk in Sycamore, IL
• participated in Art of the Land - a benefit for The Land Conservancy

OCTOBER
• created “Forest Floor” print
• created “What a Tangled Web We Weave” print
• created “Birch Forest in Autumn” print
• participated in the KVAL Border’s Art Show

NOVEMBER
• joint show “cricket & sparrow” at Kishwaukee College
• showing prints at the Midwest Museum of Natural History
• Resource Bank pen and ink commission
• went to Chicago to see the SOFA and INTUIT shows at Navy Pier

DECEMBER
• KVAL Show at the Egyptian Theatre
• Selling holiday artwork at Bliss Beads
• created “Year of the Rabbit”
• created “Ginger Root”
• created “Fir Boughs”
• created “Partridge in a Pear”

2009 - Documented

2009
JANUARY
• got new glasses
• tried fused glass
• created “Raccoons Dancing on my Roof” print

FEBRUARY
• created “Earth Goddess” print
• created “Periodical” print
• pig’s feet in the tree mystery
• sneaked into Blackhawk State Park while it was closed
• created “Thistle and Bumblebee” print

MARCH
• KVAL exhibits at the Next Picture Show in Dixon, IL
• Accepted into the Venus Envy Show in Davenport, IA
• created “Twin Lamb” print
• created “Raven” mini print
• created my first Etsy treasury
• received commission from Fox Valley Fire & Safety in Elgin, IL
• created “Oak Leaf” prints

APRIL
• went to the Kathe Kollwitz show at Northern Illinois University
• created “Boppy” print

MAY
• Venus Envy Show, featured artist
• tried belly dancing
• walked through the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, IA
• went to the Rock Island Botanical Garden in Rock Is., IL
• Kishwaukee Valley Art League Demonstrator
• created “Singing Frog” print
• created “Turtle on a Log” print
• Paul’s 50th birthday

JUNE
• Northern Illinois Art Show (KVAL) booth Sycamore, IL
• hosted linocut workshop for KVAL members
• created “Coy Pond” print
• created “Surface Tension” print
• created “Squirrel” print
• watched KVAL booth at Greek Fest in DeKalb, IL

JULY
• participated in the Printsy art exchange
• Dick Blick Show in Chicago
• Ellwood House Art Show - Honorable Mention!

AUGUST
• Door County tuip
• Grandpa Dieter passed away

SEPTEMBER
• Woodburn project for spinning wheel completed
• “Walk With Me” solo show at Bliss Beads
• Honey Hill Orchard trip
• Windmill farm goes up in DeKalb County
• created “Hive Mind: US Politics” print
• created “Cave Point Park II” print

OCTOBER
• Rocky Horror Picture Show with Al & El
• Chaparone for the DHS photography tour of Chicago
• visited National Museum of Mexican Art with Maria
• participated in the KVAL Border’s Art Show
• created “Winter Cardinal” print
• took a wheel thrown pottery class at Kishwaukee College

NOVEMBER
• Schmap used my photo of Buckingham Fountain
• Caran D’Ache workshop with KVAL
• Jake receveived his driver’s license
• showed prints at the DeKalb Clinic

DECEMBER
• started commission of mural for Christ Community Church
• Blog giveaway on pejnolan.blogspot.com
• showed at the KVAL Egyptian Show
• Boppy passed away

After Christmas Hike 2010

Evergreens and icicles, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Winter is terrible and beautiful. Today I went for a walk at Afton Prairie Park. The sun was warm as it shone low in the sky. After all, it was 4:00 pm and almost time for the sun to set. A few other people were there, but luckily for me we were on opposite ends of the preserve.

Grace ran like a wild dog racing up and down the snow on paths made by snow skiers. She barked at the snow clumps then bit them and threw them high into the air, catching them as they came down. I noticed Gracie's fur was indirectly reflecting a golden hue onto the snow as she ran.

It was so good to get outside and walk on this gloriously bright day. The shadows were painted with beautiful blues and violets and the prairie grass was a brilliant ochre. While walking I found a single, tiny crimson feather and wondered if it belonged to a cardinal.



Amazing views and small details were all around me.

The ride home brought to the forefront the starkness of winter in Illinois. Flat fields become simmering diamonds reflecting the sun unchanging all the way to the horizon.

Now that we are back at home, all warm, Gracie is sleeping -kicking her legs as she dreams. Dinner was red pepper, green onion and flank steak stir fry in a marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar and garlic. I also made hummus with tahini for a snack later in the evening. Back to work tomorrow...

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

[moves toward the center of the stage]

Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.

[a spotlight shines on Linus]

Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.'

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]

Linus Van Pelt: That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.


I really do love giving gifts more than receiving. I feel almost embarrassed when receiving a gift. I'm uncomfortable with the idea of someone - anyone - giving me something. Bu,t GIVING in another thing altogether.

I am so excited to see if it was the right present. I like to see the recipient's eyes sparkle. It is the anticipation that is so wondrous to me. That anticipation, to me, is what Christmas is all about.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites prayed with anticipation of the coming of the Savior. Now that the Son of Man has come, died for our sins, risen, and ascended into heaven; we anticipate his glorious return. Meanwhile, we do the best we can to live a life to be worthy of his sacrifice. We can do our best to bring his love and joy to others as we come in contact with them.

Christmas is about that feeling. Christmas is Christ's mass.

It's 12:00 Midnight: Merry Christmas!

Illustration made the cover

My illustration was chosen to grace the cover of Your Resource for Living magazine as well as the table of contents. You can view the original black and white illustrations here. The drawings were scanned in, the background removed and replaced with a parchment look. The linework's coloration was changed to a sepia and the iStock photo of an old pen and ink bottler were added. I especially like how the drawing is shown under the glasses. Nice touch!

Plum Bottom Pottery's Holiday Open House

Plum Bottom Pottery's Holiday Open House, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Has it been a week ago already? The Holiday Open House was so wonderful! I met some truly remarkable people: remarkable for their talent and down-to-earth friendliness.

On my way out of town I stopped by the Midwest Museum of Natural History to drop off some prints with Molly. Thanks Molly!!

I drove up to Door County on Friday. I actually made it through Milwaukee without getting lost—that was a real achievement! I stayed at the Newport Resort in Egg Harbor. This was my first time there and I would highly recommend them for your next Door County visit. The rooms are impeccably clean and nicely decorated. There is a full kitchen, so there is no need to go out for meals unless you want to. The Main Street Market is just down the road and has everything you might need for groceries and then some!

I unpacked and went to Hands-On Art Studio on Peninsula Players Road for their Friday Adult Night. There was only one other couple there besides me, but I enjoyed chatting and getting to know the workers there. I made a bee vase and a silver necklace out of PMC on a leather cord with a symbol for courage for Jake for Christmas.

The best part of the night was meeting Hazel, the pot-bellied pig. She kept crying for someone to pick her up. When I completed my projects, I sat on the floor cross legged and she came right into my lap. She rooted her nose down my coat sleeve to get warm and promptly fell asleep. She was full of personality and just adorable!

Saturday, I went over the Plum Bottom Pottery first thing when they opened at 10am. I had heard on the news the previous night that there was supposed to be a lot of snow–some predictions were 16-18 inches! So, that was a main theme of conversation for the day.



I was saying before that I met some great people. Most were local people and many were artists themselves. It is always good to speak with people to explain what it is I do and demonstrate how I do it. It is easier for me to talk with people when the subject is my art and not myself.

Later in the day, the most adorable pair of sisters and their cousin stopped by. Perhaps I shouldn't have, but I let them make prints of there own from some of my blocks. I pretended to show them how to ink the block. Actually I was inking the block, so they wouldn't have to try so hard. Next, I "showed" them how to use the baren while actually I was creating the print. Then I gave the baren for them to try. Those girls were so wonderful. I let them make two prints each before it was over. Then they went outside in the woods to explore. It brought back fond memories of me walking through my woods at Hawthorne Lane as a young girl. I was happy that they would have the same type of happy memory I have.

The result of the show was that 5 pieces sold! I want to thank everyone for their purchase. It does my heart well to know that others enjoy my artwork and that it will share a piece of their life.

Around 4pm, I was offered a room at a local home to bed down for the storm. I was told I would be staying in a garage. What it actually turned out to be was a luxury suite that was larger than my entire house at home! This was the coolest part: there was a button to press near the bed that would warm the sheets before you climbed in! I am so very thankful for the generosity and hospitality of that person who I will keep anonymous due to their privacy.

The snow blew many stories into the air! It looked like a herd of ghost-white horses charging past, churning up the dust as they went by, except they didn't pass-they just keep coming. And the sound! Sometimes it sounded like a wildcat howling. Other times it sound like the low rumble of a train as it rattled the windows and the house timbers creaked. I am so thankful to have been in a warm, sound home. Imagine what it would be like if it was the 1800's and living in a cabin waiting out a storm like this!

I ended up staying an additional day (Monday) due to the weather. I had to be plowed out because there were drifts about 6 feet tall right in front of the garage door! That additional day was spent reading Door County Magazines. Many of the artists I had met the previous day were in articles within the pages of Door County magazine. I felt rather silly for not having recognized them, but was also honored that they would come out the Plum Bottom Pottery and meet with me and the other Plum Bottom artists!

I'm not much of a reader, but I also read a book entitled Love Comes Softly. The characters tended to not mention anything that went wrong or caused conflict and instead found something kind to say–or said nothing at all. It was about tending to people's needs out of duty, then having that develop over time to caring for people out of mutual goals and finally feeling genuine love. It softened this bitter heart of mine.

The ride home was tentative. The two lanes were completely snow covered and the four lanes were down to just one lane each direction until south of Milwaukee. The trip which should have taken 5 hours took about 7. I stopped to help a mailman whose car had broken down on County Road G. He could only go backwards, so I helped him along for a few miles until he reached a friend's house. He didn't have a warm coat or gloves, but he promised me that help was on the way in the form of a new vehicle, so I left him warm inside his car. I hope he was ok. I'm sure he was, but I still worry.

Also, before I left the Peninsula, I picked up the things I had made at Hands-on. The drifts were so high, but the lane had been plowed out. Cy came out rather upset that I had driven in. I think he thought I wanted to use the creative facilities. I explained that I just stopped to see if I could pick up the items, and that if we couldn't get to the shed, it was no problem at all. He told me, still a bit upset, about people trying to drive through 5 ft drifts in tiny cars the night before. As I walked through the main barn, I saw his rooster inside in a cage on a table. The poor thing had one foot raised–not a good sign for a bird, so I asked about it. Cy had found the poor thing laying on his side in the animal shed. He had brought the bird in to warm. I hope it felt better the next morning.

It felt good to get home, but work was put off for a day. I was supposed to get the magazine sent to the printer's Monday, but couldn't due to the blizzard. The entire week was busy! Saturday I cleaned all day long. The house was a wreck! Today I updated my finances and then Paul & I went Christmas shopping for Jacob. I made the dough for gingerbread men to bake later in the week. Supper was hot chili and biscuits. That felt good on such a cold day.

So, the end result of all that is that this is the first chance I have had to post. As usual, there has been an abundance of business. That is going to one of my goals for 2011: to slow down the pace of my life. I can't enjoy the beauty around me if it goes past as a blur in motion.

Art, Artists & Gnosh

Gnosh, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Last week was very busy! There was the Kishwaukee Valley Art League's Artist reception for the Egyptian Theatre Show from 1-3pm. This event brought forth the highest traffic I've ever seen at a KVAL reception. Everyone brought such yummy treats, too!

At the same time as the reception in the upper level of the theater there was an art show downstairs including artists such as Julie Kiefer-Bell, paintings; Melanie Diedrich, Jeweler; Jay Bell, paintings; Mike Montavon, metalwork; Doug Jeppesen, ceramics; Michael Barnes, printmaker; and others! It was really lovely to see quality work. I even purchased two of Michael Barnes' prints. He told me they were created while doing work in the Amish area of Iowa and that the prints were made using the same press that Grant Wood had used! Cool beans!

That same evening was the Handmade Art Market reception at Bliss Beads Studio and Gallery. Allison outdid herself. I always have to talk about the food... smoked white cheddar, brie, and a type of blue cheese with honey was set off nicely by white grapes and blackberries. Hummus was provided along with a white bean dip and red and white wines. (I even had a glass!)

It was neat to speak with the other artists and just talk about family, life, and art. I felt so comfortable and at ease.

This coming Saturday I'll be up at Plum Bottom Pottery in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin for their Holiday Open House. If you are in the area, I'd sure like to meet you and show you what I do.

I love productive days!

Year of the Rabbit transferred to the woodblock, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

So much to do! Today was spend entirely in the studio. I cut out my submission for the "Year of the Rabbit," drew a ginger root for the Baren Forum #47 print exchange and transferred it to the woodblock, and worked on a couple pieces for Bliss Bead's Holiday Art Show.

Tomorrow, I'll be documenting, packaging and pricing my most recent works. Hopefully there will be enough time left over to cut the the ginger root block. I also would really like to get at least one small holiday piece into my Etsy store.

A framed"Ellison Bay Bluff" print sold at Plum Bottom and that is a very good thing! Thank you so much! I'm running low on nori paste and papers. I have been wanting to get some Aquacolor inks and bake brushes, too! The purchase of the print will go a long way to purchasing some needed supplies!

Al mentioned today that the Sandhill Cranes are back at Afton—just passing through while migrating. It was very cold and I had too much work to do in the studio, but it did my heart some good to know that they were there.

Elinor was kind enough to share her delicious homemade three layer chocolate cake with me while I was on break from carving. So yummy(!) with boiled frosting and a tall cold glass of soy milk. That really hit the spot!

This is my son

J., originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I love him. He is growing into quite a man, but how can it be that I have a young man as a son? The core of me, the soul of me, feels no older than he is.

When I was 17, I saw the world very much in black and white. The older I get the more gray I am able to view and to incorporate into my thinking. Exceptionally few issues in the world remain the simple black and white of my youth.

As a teenager I wrote in my journal that God gives everyone a glimpse of certainty when they are young. Adults seem to think of this as a negative because they will say, "That kid thinks they know everything. Wait until they get older."

I say God gives us this sense of clarity to fuel us with a passion for the rest of our lives. We form the deepest parts of who we are when we start making our own choices as teens. Real choices, not because someone has taught us to think this way or that, but choices made through our own judgment and critical thinking.

I see the choices that Jacob is making and he is making some good moves towards the path to adulthood. Part of me wants to hold him back. I miss my little blond-haired boy. More than I miss that small little guy, though, I am looking forward to meeting him as an adult. He is compassionate, thoughtful, intelligent, and handsome. (He would say that I HAVE to say that because I'm his mom.) A mom couldn't ask for much more.

Photography by Chrissy Demming.

Commissioned Pen & Ink

Commissed Pen & Ink, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday I did these pen and inks for a corporate commission. I'm very happy with the results, but saddened that one of my last Rapidiograph pens went kaput. It may come back to life with some cleaning, though.

Drawing marathons are fun despite the fact that I can't feel the tip of my thumb and my old college callous has returned. I carry those injuries proudly like they are war medals. It means I have done something well (and on time).

I haven't entered any shows for next year as of yet. I've been lazy in that area and need to get back into it. The "Year of the Rabbit" show and exchange is coming up. I've been researching different types and positions of rabbits and hope to enter this one. Last year for "Year of the Tiger" I didn't get my act together. Rabbits seem more natural to me though. I don't generally see real tigers living in the rural Midwest, rabbits are more plentiful out this way.

"The Best Job in the World"

Interior Design Graphics, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I've long stated that my current employer has given me "the best job in the world." I've worked with them since August, 2006 and they have allowed me the opportunity to use my graphic design, Illustration, and organizational skills to their fullest. It has always been challenging and very rewarding.

Along the way, my boss would bring in donuts and treats, plus buy us pizza every so often. The people make up more than 50% of my job satisfaction rating. I work with some great people.

The economy has forced a reorganization or sorts starting in December. Ahh, thanks for the memories.

cricket & sparrow show

cricket & sparrow show, Kishwaukee College Gallery, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

After all the hard work and all the worry, the cricket and sparrow show is up and running. Gallery director, Michelle Erickson-Goettel and her assistant, Ronna did a fantastic job setting up the show. The lighting and placement of the pieces was just right.

As always there are things I will do differently next time around. I am so very glad to have had this opportunity to learn more about marketing and the display of artwork in a gallery setting.

That is one of the most difficult parts about being an artist. I'm not just creating art, I am a business person, accountant, advertiser, marketer, promoter, etc. All that other stuff takes me away from the artwork itself. I have to be extremely focused and targeted about what it is I'm trying to achieve because I only have a limited amount of time with which to do it.

Many years ago when I was a student, I naively thought that it would be easier to be an artist because that is all I would do. Instead you have even more work with tighter deadlines and more of the un-art activities to accomplish. That is just talking about the art side of my life. My husband does A LOT of housework, he spends A LOT of time alone and home-cooked meals are disappearing fast. I regret parts of this new set-up. Luckily he understands how important this is to me.

That is a good thing in the long run. Every time I push myself to do something new, I am learning and building the groundwork that will lift me to the next level. I have been very blessed.

I'll continue to do the best I personally can; hopefully growing as a person and an artist along the way. Years ago it was all about balance: juggling family, home, art, day-job. I'm thinking now that if I want something, I have to go after it.

I no longer subscribe to the idea that balance is possible. Balance to me equals not being particularly good at anything, just so-so at a myriad of things. I've done that and felt like a failure because I could not do EVERYTHING well. God gave me a mind and a talent and I want to use them. If that idea is selfish, so be it.

I have lived 40 years, I may have 40 left. I have to ask myself if I want to spend the next half of my life the same as the first. No. No I don't. So, I have to at least try. If I fail, then ok. I will at least have the knowledge that I didn't go down quietly. It's the trying that counts.