"Newbie Not Novice" Show

I've been invited to participate in the "Newbie not Novice" Show at Spudnik Press at located at 1821 W. Hubbard Street, Suite 302 in Chicago, Illinois. Opening Reception is October 14, 6-10 pm and the show is up through November 4, 2011.

I will be showing the print "Cave Point Park" that I created in their Moku Hanga Class as well as the print "ImaBridge Africa."

A Sneak Peek at "Crow's Claw"

This will be my effort toward the 50th international print exchange by Barenforum.org

• Medium: Woodblock print (I'll be using shina wood and watercolor on washi)
• Theme: Open-Celebrate the 50th Baren Exchange with whatever image you choose to create!
• Paper: 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches (This is a standard artist trading card size)
• Paper type: No restriction (I'll be using Kozoshi)

The Baren Forum is a place where anyone with an interest in the fascinating world of woodblock printmaking is welcome. Its main purpose is to encourage a flow of information among printmakers, to allow them to share their knowledge and experience, and to provide a place where they can get to know each other.

Think of [Baren] as being a 'convention of woodblock printmakers–but a convention with a difference: held in cyberspace and thus easily accessible to all, and with never a closing speech to signify that it is time for all the participants to end the discussions and go home.

Come join us! 

Rejection, Acceptance, and Equilibrium

Common Yellow Swallowtail Butterfly, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Bad news first: I did not receive the Fall 2011 artist residency at Spudnik Press in Chicago.

The good news: the Spudnik board graciously critiqued my application. They gave three points to work on and three points that were strengths.

They suggested that I work on the originality of my concept and wanted to see completed work which shows the proposed concept. This was an eye opener because I naively thought that the proposed idea was supposed to be a new series. Apparently it should be a continuation of previous themed work. The originality of concept was a bit of a surprise. Perhaps I needed to communicate the idea more fully. The final point was that they were not sure how I would be able to form a professional relationship at Spudnik since I live so far away. They want someone who lives in Chicago and who can spend a great deal of time in the Spudnik Studios. Fair enough. I don't have the same opportunities because I live in a rural Midwestern town. I'll just have to work harder to form these relationships despite the distance. I consider it a challenge, not a negative.

Abandoned nest at Afton Forest Preserve.

The praise went to quality of technique, strength of images, and quality of documentation. Those attributes make me feel better!

Black block for Crow's Foot print

In the meantime, I've started printing all 100 of the 2.5" x 3.5" prints for the 50th Barenforum exchange. It isn't due for awhile, but since I have the time now I didn't want to wait. It is of a crow's claw.

I was walking Gracie and came across just the one foot of a crow. My guess is that an owl had a tasty meal the night before in Mr. Mustari's old pine tree and dropped the foot. It was kind of creepy. Images of voodoo and hexes came to mind. It created an interesting, dark composition.

I'm also working on a new benefit project. A fellow artist and parishioner emailed me asking if I could donate work to ImaBridge Africa for their September 11 fundraiser. They will be trying to raise monies to build a well. The communities they assist will have fresh drinking water for the first time. If you would like to donate please visit ImaBridge Africa.

"ImaBridge Africa is a faith-based charity dedicated to building transformational relationships between people from dissimilar communities, the privileged and the underprivileged. We are called to aid the rural poor in developing skills, knowledge, attitudes and experience for self-reliance and the capacity to work together to solve their problems. Guided by the worldwide 2015 UN Millennium Development Goals, our mission is to provide financial and human resources to empower the poor to eradicate extreme poverty, promote gender equity, reduce child and maternal mortality, and ensure environmental sustainability."

I am very honored to be a small part of both this and the Barenforum's Inspired by Japan project to help those affected by the tsunami and earthquake.

What type of butterfly is this?

Art for social change! Helping others through art is my "little thing."

"It is not the magnitude of our actions that matters, but the love that we put into them, and that our successes do not depend on doing great things, but in doing little things with great love"
- Mother Teresa

Cicada newly emerged from it's shell.

My car is still broken, so I haven't been able to get out and walk the forest preserves. This weekend was an exception. I had so much untapped anxious energy that I asked my husband to drive me out to Afton. We walked and walked. Gradually that stress lessened and I was able to see the world around me with new eyes… just like the newly emerged cicada. I need to take these breathers more often to maintain my equilibrium.

The Saga of the Akua Kolor Escapades

I was so excited yesterday when I unpackaged my iMcClain's order containing my new earthtone Aukua Kolor inks and mediums. Bake (pronounced: bah-kay) brushes arrived, too, so I could apply the colors.

I've been wanting to learn traditional Japanese Moku Hanga techniques and have read many books about it. They all suggested using Japanese washi with just the right amount of moisture level, mixing exactly the right amount of watercolor, hide glue and nori for the inks, etc. How could I know what the correct proportions of these things would be? Practice, practice, practice.

Then I am introduced to the idea of Aqua Kolor inks, they can be used dry paper although using damp paper will provide for a more even application on large areas of color. They can be mixed with mediums that will thicken, loosen, blend, extend, retard, or lift the ink offering far more control than the traditional hide glue-watercolor-nori paste mixture. The Akua Kolors can be brushed on or rolled on depending on the consistency of the ink.

I was forced to wait 24-hours before I could try it out. If you know me, you know that is an extremely difficult task. The brushes had to be prepared. Bake brushes need the hairs split to soften them. Traditionally, dried shark skin was used, but a type of heavy duty sandpaper called dragon skin is sold for the purpose today. I had neither, so I used my kitchen grater–the side that that will zest a lemon (don't tell my husband. lol) Then the bristles had to be soaked to tighten them within their wooden base. This way hairs do not fall out and end up embedded in the print.

I made my own registration board and with tremendous thanks to Bette Norcross-Wappner for showing her method of using foam tape to assist lining up the paper properly, my registration was significantly improved!

Priming the Block, originally uploaded by pejnolan.
I had read to use just a few drops of ink when preparing the block to print. So I added three drops and used the bake brush. It immediately was pulled into the board. Again and again and again! I kept trying to add more without going overboard. Finally after about the 13th practice print the board could not take in any more and the ink finally was transferring to the paper sufficiently. So, rule #1 prime the block using newsprint before even thinking about printing on nice paper. (David Bull's e-book "Your First Print" states this very clearly and convincingly; however, being the person I am, I have to learn by actually doing. Do yourself a favor and listen to David!)

I printed quite a few practice pieces as I tried to educate myself how the ink worked. There is more than a little wrong with each of the ones I printed. It is definitely a work in progress. Tomorrow I'm buying more paper: newsprint as well as fine washi. I MUST have at least five these completed and sent to Canada by the 20th of January. So, I'd better learn quickly! After tonight, I think I'll be ok.I can't wait to get back to it!

Tomorrow morning –first thing–I'm going to make corrections to the blocks and tackle printing again tomorrow night. I like to softness of the colors, the visible brushstrokes, the watercolor effect. I'm still excited about the Akua Kolors–to me that is a very good sign! I think this is the start of a beautiful relationship!

Dick Blick Artist of the Month January, 2011

Yay! I can't even believe it! I was chosen for Dick Blick's Artist of the Month for January, 2011! What a fantastic way to start out the year! The $75 gift certificate will definitely be put to good use! A BIG thank you to Dick Blick! I am honored!

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.

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.

A sneak peek

a sneak peek, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Last weekend was the printmaking marathon. Saturday was spent getting all the materials organized, the frames ordered and paper purchased while Sunday I started printing at 7am and went to 10pm that night.

Towards the end of the night I was hand painting and signing the editions. I could tell I had stayed up too late and had begun to make some poor color choices, so I ended up going home rather than ruin any more prints.

Now, the weekend is here once again! (Well, almost.) This is the last weekend I'll have before the "cricket and sparrow" show at Kishwaukee College. Tomorrow night there are plans to go out to dinner and Sunday is the famous Steciak Chili cook-off, so Saturday will be another marathon of printmaking activities! YAY!

The photo above is a new print entitled "What A Tangled Web We Weave." It shows in perspective the branches of a tree as you look up from below. It is about how when I look to my future, trying to make it through seems impossible because of the shear mass. How on earth can I do all of this? I become overwhelmed.

However, if I just choose a path, am careful, and take it one step at a time; I am able to climb those branches right in front of me. By doing so, I come to realize over time that even those thin, far away branches will be there for me if I just keep climbing. I just need to work in the now and keep everything in perspective.

Nature teaches me quite a lot through simple observation.

This photo shows another print developing under the baren…

When the "cricket & sparrow" show begins, I'll post more photos of the new blocks!

Artwork now at Plum Bottom Gallery!

"First, the work looks great in the gallery– even our colors seem to compliment each other. Also I sold your dragonfly woodblock today–so congratulations!"

Hearing those words from Chad at Plum Bottom Pottery just made my day! I enjoy how he arranged the color scheme of the ceramics, jewelry and prints to agree with one another. I'll be able to go back up there in December for Plum Bottom Pottery's Holiday Reception and I can't wait to see the arrangements in person.



There hasn't been a lot of posts about my work because I'm keeping everything under wraps until after the "cricket & sparrow" show opens the first of November. I have 7 new blocks carved, but not yet printed. This week I'll be printing and then framing the following week. These pieces are even more about the texture and patterns found in nature and some are almost abstract. I can't wait to hear your reactions when I finally reveal them.

Kishwaukee Valley Art League–October

4 color print by al stark, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I am the president of the local Kishwaukee Valley Art League. It is a large group - about 50 - for our size town. In addition to that office I also am the Demonstration Coordinator. Funny, I just happen to know this really cool woodblock artist named Al Stark. Al was our presenter for our October meeting. He demonstrated his Moku Hanga technique by printing the 4-color chicken above. He also was kind enough to donate a framed print of his waxwings for the league's raffle - a $200 value!

After his awesome demonstration, he allowed members to pull a print off of one of his blocks. In the photo above Mr. Toth is learning how to print using a baren. It is really wonderful to watch Al work. His eyes light up and he is full of life cracking jokes and completely at ease when the focus is on his art.

He will be having a show with me in November entitled "cricket and sparrow" at the Kishwaukee College Art Gallery with a reception on November 3rd, 5-7pm. If you want to view more of our work, please stop by!

Art of the Land

Starline Gallery & Studios, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I was invited to the "Art of the Land" show by Mary at the Old Courthouse Gallery in Woodstock, Illinois after showing at their "Woman's Works" show. I have to thank her so much for introducing me to this benefit for The Land Concervancy of McHenry County (TLC). It is so cool to know that sales of my artwork will be going toward saving lands that future generations will be able to admire, walk, and hike in.

This past weekend at the "Art of the Land" benefit was just wonderful. I want to thank the patrons who generously purchased my work. I would be interested to hear from you!

1. Mr. Anderson's Magnolia: SOLD
2. Surface Tension: SOLD
3. Eaeth Goddess: SOLD
4. Blue Heron: SOLD
5. Blue Heron: SOLD
6. Dragonfly (unframed): SOLD

The food, the wine, the people and conversations made the evening memorable. I met so many other wonderful artists such as photographer Angela Swan, intuitive painter Laura Brown, a freaking awesome jeweley artits Leanne and Ivan at Triskele Moon Studios ...seriously, check them out!Another artist who uses lost wax casting of natural items such as dragonfly and cicada wings, burr oak leaves, etc. His name is Paul DeMuth and works under the name of Silver Cloud (silvercloud.net).

The bar's name for the evening was "The Green Bastards Bar." I guess one of the members of The Land Conservancy was at a board meeting objecting to a change of land use and the opposing side said, "Sure, let those "green" bastards have their way." So, that is now the name of the wine bar. It cracked me up. Having a great sense of humor can go a lot farther in furthering an agenda than fighting anger with anger. That was awesome!

I can't wait for next year! Thanks to Cheryl Perrone and all the organizers–you did one fantastic job organizing this event. Thank you for your hospitality.

The space at the Starline Gallery is top notch. I highly recommend it. The building's 100 year old history includes housing a manufacturer of toy bicycles and a farm implements manufacturer. The building itself takes up three blocks and the interior is an expanse of thick wood timbers reminiscent of a forrest, old brick and stone. Despite it's age, or maybe because of it, the space has a warm and inviting, yet modern clean feel. All the modern conveniences have been added as well. Plus, it is right on the Metra line for convenience.

Paul and Al & Elinor and I found the old boiler room. It is the largest boiler in McHenry County and was one of the old "twin sisters" boilers. Now it has been retrofitted into an awesome greenhouse space with patio furniture and a golden chandelier!

We were looking at one of the old photos which was mounted on the wall outside the boiler room. It showed someone working a monstrous machine which bent huge thick pieces of metal. The man sitting before it didn't have any safety equipment around him. Paul, my husband, came up and said "Oh, that's ol' 'Bendy' he was a great guy, but had only three fingers on one hand." We all laughed and talked about doing EVP work with ol' Bendy. I guess we have a sick sense of humor.

I felt so good when I came back home, that I went right to the studio finishing up a block I've been working on and drawing another that I had time to glue onto the block with nori paste.

Next stop... Sycamore's Art Walk: a benefit for the Art Attack School of Art in Sycamore, Illinois on Saturday, October 2, 2010 from1–7 pm. I'll be at the Taxco Restaurant right downtown.

Mr. Anderson's Magnolia

Mr. Anderson's Magnolia, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

So, this is the first pull from my first 4-color woodblock print. I'm liking the way it is coming along, but I see everything that needs to be fixed as well.

As carefully as I tried to ensure there would be no extraneous cut marks that received ink, it still managed to be full of them - especially the pink block.

Also, I had ordered white ink from Graphic Chemical, but they canceled my order stating that they had no more in stock and they didn't know when or if they would have any more. So I used white acrylic paint with the red water-based ink because it was the only thing I had on hand. I do not like the color. I want a true pink, not a salmon. I'll have to try something else.

I used goyu washi for this first test. I think kitakata would work better. It gives a more crisp print and I think the ivory / off-white tone would work better as branches.

Epheriell Designs: PEJNOLAN interview

Epheriell Designs: PEJNOLAN interview, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Check out the full interview here.




.
It says I live in a farmhouse. That's not altogether true. It is an old house, but not a farmhouse. :-)

So much has happened!

Blue Heron, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

We had an earthquake last week here in Illinois! I woke up at about 4am. Normally I am a very heavy sleeper and to wake up in the middle of the night is very unusual for me. The entire house was shaking. The objects on my dresser were rattling. Then I heard the very low rumble. I kept trying to think of what it might be. A passing train? No. A snow plow? No. Then I heard a loud, but muffled BOOM! I thought a snow plow had hit the curb or something. Then in my sleepy state I thought, "I wonder if this is what an earthquake would feel like? Maybe I should do something..." Zonk... just like that I went back to sleep. I didn't find out it actually was an earthquake until the next morning when it was on the news.

The Blue Heron print was created by request specifically for fellow Etsy shop owner KimWheatonCeramics as a trade. She wanted a heron print for her husband's birthday. I traded for a beautiful small pottery pitcher. So cool.

My "Earth Goddess" print was accepted into the "Art Woman" national show in Woodstock, IL and I sold "Coy Pond" from the showing at the Rockford Midwestern at the Rockford Art Museum.

My computer died and so my family was off the internet for a week - AH!!!! I had no idea how this tool has become interwoven into our everyday lives. I couldn't balance my checkbook, I couldn't pay bills, I couldn't communicate with my friends or run my Etsy shop. It was horrible! But we ended up buying a Dell quad processor, one terabyte computer and are live. YAY!

Finally, I completed the monochromatic portion of the UCC church painting and started placing colored glazes. I'm really liking the progress being made on that painting. It will be something I am very proud of for a long time!

My Interview with Huckelberrybumpkin

My Interview with Huckelberrybumpkin, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I am very excited to be interviewed by Trina with The Bumpkin Blog where it's always folksy! They are based in Idaho. If you have a moment, please take a peek! I think she did an excellent job. A Big Thank you to Trina!

Prints by pejnolan at the DeKalb Clinic

Prints by pejnolan at the DeKalb Clinic, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

My prints are now being shown at the DeKalb Clinic's Dermatology Department thanks to the Kishwaukee Valley Art League Traveling Exhibit.

Honey Bees

Honey Bees, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Well, here is the very first multi-color print. As of right now I officially hate it. I have no color control, it is just so flat. Using blocks like this gives me harsh, vivid colors with stark contrasts - NOT what I want at all.

I think I will try three things: #1 changing the red to a sepia, #2 just printing the yellow and black blocks, or #3 using the same blocks but with watercolor and Nori paste on damp paperfor a softer look.

I'm torn between adding this as one of the entries to the Rockford Midwestern (due this Friday) or not. I've spent so much time and effort into getting this prepared as an entry, but I just absolutely hate it. It doesn't reflect what I am trying to say. Dang it! I feel like I've wasted my time, my money on materials, and my effort. This is very disappointing.

"Walk With Me"

"Walk With Me", originally uploaded by pejnolan.

You (yes, YOU!) are cordially invited to view the "Walk With Me" show featuring relief prints by Erin Nolan at Bliss Bead Studio and Gallery located at 161 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, Illinois.

The show runs from Monday, September 21 thru Saturday October 10, 2009 with an artist reception on Thursday, September 24th from six to eight in the evening. Hope to see you there!