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Tiny Treasures XV

11/30/2020

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detail, Gwenhwyfar
9.5" x 4.75" figurative sculpture
stone clay, mixed-media. 2020
Long before she appeared as a Queen, in the Arthurian legends, Gwenhwyfar, Guinevere, Ginevra, or even Jennifer was revered by the Celts, as a Goddess.  Her roles as assorted as the variations on her name, she has served as guardian of the passage between worlds, and guide of souls who travel from this world to the next. She has been Goddess of fertility and of the earth, with strong parallels to Persephone.  She has been a Goddess of sovereignty and authority; even today, there are those who summon Her assistance, for answers and direction, especially in times of a need for leadership.  I could not help but be struck by the significance of that, as I was creating this work in 2020.  

Gwenhwyfar is also referred to as the ‘Virginal’ Goddess, though today we often mistake that meaning; ‘virginal’ in this case translates as “complete, in and of herself.”  As a queen, Gwenhwyfar is the eternal feminine principle of strength and peace in the universe:  She is powerful and influential without requiring a pairing or a partner --in other words, she doesn’t need a man.  But he needs her:  In the older stories, it was Gwenwhyfar who gave the legendary King of Camelot his right to rule, simply because they were together.  Ancient Celtic tradition says that for a man to be King, he must be paired with the Goddess:  Her role was to mix the King’s energy with the earth’s energy, in harmony.  Arthur pursued her, then, not for love, but because without her he could not be King.  In fact, in the Welsh Mabinogion called Culhwch and Olwen (circa 1100) she is listed among the weapons of another world, which Arthur received as a gift, suggesting her divine origin and reinforcing her power and sovereignty.  

That’s a far cry from some of the more modern takes on Guinevere, depicted primarily in many of today’s stories as a secondary character --as the wife of a king-- or reduced to a plot device --as the love interest of a knight.  Gwenhwyfar isn’t here to play scenery, or serve as anyone’s plot device, and she’s definitely not here to smile for you.

If you would like to add this work to your collection, please visit my page with
Cactus Gallery, online!
Two tiny works accompany this sculpture in this year's Tiny Treasures XV with Cactus Gallery; Culhwch (green) and Olwen (lavender) are each 3"x3" and can be found on my Cactus Gallery page
Gwenhwyfar's staff 9” Requires two CR2032 batteries, please keep batteries away from pets and children, as they could be dangerous if swallowed. This is my first attempt at wiring battery operated lighting; Gwenhwyfar’s staff is idiosyncratic, lighting up when it pleases her, or not.  Battery pack is hidden beneath the skirt and attaches to the base with a rare earth magnet. 
Studio Cat photobombs the portfolio shoot.
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The Patient-Artist Experience

8/26/2019

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I've been invited to join a group exhibit with the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery, Misericordia University, Pennsylvania.  Co-Curated with Ted Meyer, 'The Patient-Artist Experience' is on exhibit now, in the Trocaire Building.  
Exhibit runs August 26 2019 - May 31, 2020

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Created in 2014, 'The Lines Unread' is a mixed-media work in ink and acrylic, layered over one of my own original poems.  The original work is 14"x'11" on canvas; a print of this work has been sent to Pennsylvania for the exhibit.  The original work appeared  in Los Angeles, as part of my solo exhibit with the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, 'Forward Motion.'

This work is part of an ongoing series, titled 'Silence.'  See more photos in my gallery.
 

This body of work examines the ongoing transformations in my life, and my work, as a result of living with Lupus and Fibromyalgia.

The works in this series are all mixed-media; inclusions of graphite and ink are particular allusions to loss of function in my hands:  Before my illness, pencil and pen were my tools of choice; as my illness progressed, use of such fine instruments became more difficult and painful.  At that time, I let go of keeping a daily sketchbook and handwritten journal, and turned instead to more abbreviated art forms, which required less strain on my hands --abstract sketches in crayon, and poetry.  As I regained some function in my hands, I re-learned to paint, and re-worked many of the early crayon sketches into paintings, on canvas.  Several works in this series have my poetry from that time, written in pencil, ink, or both, beneath or between the layers of acrylic gesso and paint. 

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The Bee Keepers: Clothed in Blue

2/27/2016

 
'Borderline'
Direction; Design; Backdrops; Wardrobe; Body Art Jen Raven
Photography; Lighting; Body Art; Editing Todd Powers
Makeup Design; Hair Styling Ande Castaneda
Concepts Model Aileth Bran

"The Bee Keepers" Project; Venetus Series
Collaborative Concept Photography



We share our planet with nearly 20,000 known species of bees.  Study of these creatures continues to reveal further connections between bees and people;  Humanity does not stand apart from these petite wonders of our natural world. We rise and fall, together.  

Partnerships between humans and bees attest to this reality.  Our symbiotic relationships with the bees has evolved over thousands of years, and it is commonly stated; if they go, we go.  As pollinators, bees are vital in our massive efforts toward food production, a fact we understand only too well, in California’s Central Valley.  Habitat loss, rising temperatures, varroa mites, neonicotinoids and other pesticides --such combined factors threaten the stability of bee populations, increasing likelihood of Colony Collapse Disorder, and thus threatening food production --threatening our own populations, in turn.  

We seek to highlight the connections between humans and bees, through this collection of fanciful chimeras, hybrid bee-human inceptions incorporating visual elements which speak to the intimacy of humankind’s relationships with, and within, our natural world. 

'Glitch'
Direction; Design; Backdrops Jen Raven
Photography; Lighting; Body Art; Editing Todd Powers
Concepts Model April Musick

"The Bee Keepers" Project; Venetus Series
Collaborative Concept Photography


Our 'Glitch' set is a focus on our damaged ecosystems, and the resultant experimentation with mechanized pollinators, which we might need to fill the gap created by bee colony collapse.  Todd and I had a lot of fun playing with the visual elements; tilted, separated canvases to suggest a break in our ecosystems; heavy contrast paired with bleaching of colors, suggestive of interference/static; gear and circuit board body art for the robo-bees we may come to depend on, in the future. 


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'Regina' Set, March 2016
Direction; Design; Backdrop; Wardrobe; Body Art Jen Raven
Photography; Lighting; Body Art; Editing Todd Powers
Makeup Design; Hair Styling Ande Castaneda
Concepts Model Jessica Bertrand
"The Bee Keepers" Project; Venetus Series


So many test shoots in such a short time:  Our team has made a real effort, over these last nine months, to learn new techniques and test new ideas with each shoot.  We've come a long way!  In order to further raise awareness about CCD, our team made the decision to show all of our in-progress work on social media; even when our tests didn't turn out as planned.

Behind-the-Scenes: Test Shoot 'Blue Bee Four'
with Todd Powers, Ande Castaneda, Jen Raven, Aileth Bran



Blue Bee Test: December 2015
Photographer Todd Powers
Body Art Todd Powers, Jen Raven
Backdrop Jen Raven
Model Aileth Bran
MUAH Ande Castaneda



The Bee Keepers: An ongoing collaborative project in conceptual photography
Series One: Venetus (“clothed in blue.”)

Contributing Artists:

  Jen Raven (Direction; Design; Backdrops; Wardrobe; Body Art) is an artist in acrylics, assemblage, and the performance arts.  She holds a degree in English Literature; her awards include an Arts in the Community Grant from the Arts Council of Kern, and three consecutive Empty Space Awards for Best Gallery Exhibit.  Raven has most recently exhibited with Bunny Gunner Gallery, Claremont; The Gallery at the LRC, UCLA Geffen School of Medicine; and Cactus Gallery, Los Angeles. http://www.jenraven.com

 Todd Powers
(Photography; Lighting; Body Art; Editing) is a concepts photographer with a fine arts background.  He studied printmaking, figure-drawing, painting and sculpture at Bakersfield College.  Powers has exhibited his photography with Loft Beats, Pomona; Erns Lab, Upland; and with The Gallery at the LRC, UCLA Geffen School of Medicine.  His work has been published in Bakotopia Magazine, The Bakersfield Californian, and Fashion Bombshell.  http://toddpowersphotography.weebly.com/

 Ande Castaneda (Makeup Design; Hair Styling) is a Bakersfield native, working in Southern California. A self taught makeup artist and formally trained photographer, she also holds four various certifications, two Associate's degrees, and is working toward her first Bachelor's degree in English, as well as her Cosmetology license.  Her work can be seen in music videos, blogs, movies, and magazines internationally. http://www.andecastaneda.com/

  Jessica Alicia Bertrand (Model) lives and works in Southern California.  She is best known for her work as a Tattoo Model, though she is adept in various genres, including Art, Nude, and High Fashion. Jessica's recent publications include Tattoo Erotica (International) Magazine, and a book, "The World's Best Tattoo Models" (Akos Banfalvi). Her performance works include The Rendezvous event, several music videos, and a short fan film, "Camp Crystal Lake," Directed by Rickey Bird.  Quality time with family is a priority in Jessica's life.  In addition to modeling and family, Jessica works full time as a Neuro Rehab Specialist.
To book Jessica for modeling, film, or event: email jessica_b1988@live.com
Jessica on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessicaaliciabertrand.


 Aileth Bran (Model) is a Art/Alternative model living in Bakersfield CA, where she collaborates with many locally-known fine artists, including Todd Powers, Alex Castaneda, Jen Raven and Crysco Nabisco.  Her most recent public appearances include the HeArts and Hair for Down Syndrome Runway Show with Atomic Kitten Salon at The Nile, Bakersfield, Oct. 2015.  Her work has been published in Project OH! and in Surreal Beauty, Magazines. In addition to modeling, Aileth is an emerging fine artist in acrylics, a four-time participant in the Mental Health Art Show, Bakersfield, and she is currently seeking her tattoo apprenticeship. 
Aileth's Modeling Portfolio: http://thegirlwiththewhitehair.tumblr.com/
Fine Art Portfolio: https://www.facebook.com/AilethBran/.

 April Musick (Model) is a fine arts model living and working in the Central Valley.  She works as a figure model through Project OH! Magazine, in addition to interning for the publication at their local office.  April collaborates routinely with many locally-known fine artists, including Todd Powers, Alex Castaneda, and Rusty Hatfield, whose work can be seen from Las Vegas to Dubai, UAE.   When April isn't modeling, she enjoys spending time with animals, gardening, and practicing yoga.  You can see her collaborative work with other artists at behance.net/rustyhatfield 

 'Bloom'
Direction; Design; Backdrop; Wardrobe; Body Art Jen Raven
Photography; Lighting; Body Art; Editing Todd Powers
Makeup Design; Hair Styling Ande Castaneda
Concepts Model Jessica Bertrand

"The Bee Keepers" Project; Venetus Series
Collaborative Concept Photography

Our first series in this project, Venetus, is so named for “The color of our planet from far, far away,” to borrow from Regina Spektor.  ‘Blue Lips’ was playing, as I was in studio one evening, sketching bees.  “Blue.  The Most Human Color” stuck in my mind like a mantra, and continued to persist as the project took shape.  Our creative team began lighting tests on various body art concepts, late summer 2015, and the project began to evolve from there. 

Blue Bee Test: December 2015
Photographer Todd Powers
Body Art Todd Powers, Jen Raven
Backdrop Jen Raven
Model April Musick


Chimara Test: September 2015
Photographer Todd Powers
Body Art Todd Powers, Jen Raven
Model April Musick


It's been especially fun working with model Jessica Bertrand, who discovered she was pregnant, only weeks into the project!  Jessica cheerfully agreed to continue working with us, and allow us to capture her gradual transformation, which is wonderful visually and works so well with our project's theme.  More sets with Jessica will be released as the project continues. 

Safe With Me Test: October 2015
Photographer Todd Powers
Body Art Todd Powers
Wardrobe Jen Raven
MUAH Ande Castaneda
Model Jessica Bertrand


Dressed in Yellow Test: September 2015
Photographer Todd Powers
Body Art Todd Powers
Wardrobe Jen Raven
MUAH Ande Castaneda
Model Jessica Bertrand


Most of my individual work in body painting has lately been themed upon bees, as well.  I'm hoping to incorporate some of my traditional brushwork into a future set, in our Bee Keepers series.  Stay tuned!

Thank you, Bee Keepers test models:  Lucy Cruz; Brenda Lucero; Jessica Franco; Solstice Henna; Jasmine Cervantes; Kaitlin Elisabeth; Theresia Amber; Aileth Bran.  Photos by Todd Powers.

Pas de Berlin: A Year in Photos 

11/7/2014

 
'Pas de Berlin' is a unique collection of concept photography, captured by photographer Todd Powers.  Spanning twelve months of work themed on tragedy, courage, and recovery, this body of work creates for the viewer a stunning visual narrative, following the progress of a young woman, Berlin. 

As she dances her way through a series of eight different landscapes, each representing a new stage in her journey, Berlin boldly takes on the grieving process, and breaks it down into visual elements, determined not only to heal herself, but also, hopefully, to help others who are grieving find peace, as well. 

This innovative team is rounded out by makeup and hair artist Ande Castaneda, with concept direction provided throughout by Jen Raven.  Together, they have created a body of work which chronicles twelve months of collective curative exploration.
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For more information about this series, including behind-the-scenes photos:

Epaulement and Avant Sets
Danseuse Set
Joyeux Set 
Coda Set
Behind the Scenes

'Pas de Berlin' exhibit photography by Todd Powers
Model Berlin - MUAH Ande Castaneda - Concept Direction provided by Jen Raven

Artist Bios:

Jen Raven i
s an artist in acrylics, assemblage, and the performance arts.  She holds a degree in English Literature; her awards include an Arts in the Community Grant from the Arts Council of Kern, and three consecutive Empty Space Awards for Best Gallery Exhibit.  Raven has most recently exhibited with Bunny Gunner Gallery in Claremont, Loft Beats Gallery in Pomona, and The Gallery at the LRC, UCLA Geffen School of Medicine.

Todd Powers  is a concepts photographer with a fine arts background.  He studied printmaking, figure-drawing, painting and sculpture at Bakersfield College.  Powers has exhibited his photography with Loft Beats, Pomona Arts Colony, and with The Gallery at the LRC, UCLA Geffen School of Medicine.  His work has been published in Bakotopia Magazine, The Bakersfield Californian, and Fashion Bombshell.

Berlin is
a dancer, model, and Biology major at San Diego City College, studying toward becoming an Emergency Room Physician.  She has had over eight years of formal dance training in various styles, with a focus on ballet and lyrical. Berlin has appeared in several publications, including ICING Magazine, and continues to work as a model throughout Southern California.

Ande Castaneda is a Bakersfield native, working in Southern California. A self taught makeup artist and formally trained photographer, she also holds four various certifications, two Associate's degrees, and is working toward her first Bachelor's degree in English (with Single Subject Prep), as well as her Cosmetology license.  Her work can be seen in music videos, blogs, movies, and magazines internationally.

Lovely Behind-the-Scenes video footage captured and edited by Ande Castaneda:

November 7, 2014: The Empty Space Gallery will open an exhibition to the public featuring The transformative photography of Todd Powers.

'Pas de Berlin' is a unique collection of concept photography, spanning twelve months of work themed on tragedy, courage, and recovery.  This body of work creates for the viewer a stunning visual narrative, following the progress of a young woman, Berlin, as she dances her way through a series of eight different landscapes, each representing a new stage in her journey.

A local photographer, who studied Art at Bakersfield College, Powers says he prefers concepts to any other form of photography; "I find concepts to be creatively satisfying, and enjoy the challenge of communicating ideas visually --allowing elements within the photo tell a story, through sets, costumes, lighting, and body language."  In this, Powers says he is fortunate to be working with model Berlin, whose skills as a dancer  (trained in ballet and lyrical styles) lend extra dimension to her performance as a model.  Says Powers, "She knows how to translate her strong emotions into movements.  That's a valuable skill for a concept model."

In creating this body of work, Powers also collaborated with makeup artist Ande Castaneda, who cleverly combined both traditional beauty, and high concept looks, to stunning effect on model Berlin.  "I had been looking for an opportunity to color outside the lines a bit," Castaneda jokes.  The fourth and final artist to take part in this project, Jen Raven, expressed gratitude for this opportunity to work with such a dynamic team.  In addition to providing concept direction throughout, Raven created many of the costumes, accessories, and properties for the shoots --some of which will be on display in the gallery.

Exhibit runs November 7th through the 29th, 2014.

Please join us in celebration of 'Pas de Berlin' at our artist reception on Saturday, November 15, from 2-5pm. There will be music, refreshments, and a short video segment of one of the shoots, created by Ande Castaneda.

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One

1/6/2014

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Update!  Photos from my collaboration work "One" with Todd Powers and Alala Archer have joined a new group arts exhibit, "PAIN" at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, in the Gallery at the LRC .

Chickens appear often in my work.

Born with wings, but rarely given the chance to fly, they represent deep, often unsatisfied longing, for that which cannot be --for paths not taken; for unrealized dreams; for unrequited love.
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I've recently had the opportunity to play with my theme of chickens in a new medium: Concept Photography. 

I've been working with Todd (my husband) on his photography projects for many years, as a set dresser, designer, and manager, as a body painter and costumer. 
I enjoy this work; it provides opportunities to stretch my creative muscles, and think outside the bounds of my usual mediums, the canvas or mixed media.   

This was to be my first photo shoot as director.  I pitched my concept to Todd, and to model Alala Archer; we all agreed on a test of the concept, to get our minds working. 

I collected my supplies and grew the necessary properties for my concept:
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For several weeks, lemon seedlings adorned my windowsill.

The day of the test shoot arrived.  The "test" however, produced such lovely results --too lovely not to publish.  We decided to properly edit this set, and release it:
I have titled this set "One," with a nod to the old axiom:

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket." 

'One'
Concept Photography
Photographer:  Todd Powers
Model and MUA: Alala Archer
Concept, Direction, and Properties:  Jen Raven


With this shoot, I was hoping to do more than continue my theme of broken dreams (represented through chicken imagery); I was also exploring the unexpected opportunities which often arise out of thwarted plans, if one is present enough to be able to see them.  As the saying goes; every cloud has a silver lining.  In this way, my 'One' series is also a bridge to my 'Dine-In, Take-Out' series:

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'Once Removed'

10/23/2012

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Todd and I had the privilege of working with Actress/MUA Jaden Snow on a very special concepts collaboration; together, we came up with a creative project that would help her process her experiences while surviving (and beating!) thyroid cancer.

Working with a resourceful thespian has it's advantages: Jaden created the horror makeup appliance used in this shoot.  She came up with the idea for me to paint tiny fangs beneath her new scar.  She also provided the antique sewing machine, the photo from her surgery, and the hospital gown. 

"Working with Jen Raven and Todd Powers was cathartic and helped me process what I was going through. Despite not having any control over my health or body, I was able to find my own autonomy through this artistic outlet, and for that, I'm grateful."
~Jaden Snow


 'Once Removed'  2012
Photographer Todd Powers
Model/Wardrobe/MUA Jaden Snow
Concept/Body Art Jen Raven Properties Jaden Snow and Jen Raven
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a whole new form of take-out

10/7/2012

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"Every act of creation is first of all an act of destruction."  
~Pablo Picasso

It began with a wall. 

A creative wall, that is, and one that I was eager to break through.  I've been longing to finish up my current series, and move on to new things; but for one reason or another, I've been stuck --both on, and off, the canvas.

The take-out box has been for what you take with you, from your experiences in life.  Dine In, Take Out.  I've enjoyed playing with that idea.

The TV has been for the deliberate numbing, or drowning out, of that which you've taken, but you aren't ready to 'digest.'  But lately, the TV has come to represent more of a cycle, for me; I worked on these same three pieces all summer, and I'd paint in the figures, only to paint them out, over and over again.  I began to see the absurd in my creating, only to destroy, these three paintings ... I wasn't really getting anywhere.

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The layers of gesso are really starting to pile up on these guys.

Whenever it goes thus for too long, I put aside my painting, and play with assemblage instead.  Todd knows how much I love random found objects, and that's why he surprised me with the forks, which of course I loved, and put to good use:

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These tiny silver forks are begging to become wearable art.

I'm a great believer in Serendipity, and this instance is no exception.  The fork is an excellent visual representation for being 'Done!' -and I've really enjoyed playing with this whole new form of take-out; I feel that it mirrors my own situation perfectly.  The time has come, it says, to clear your plate, so that you may be excused from the table.  Release what is no longer necessary, and make room for new adventures.

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Time to take this show on the road!

I've really let myself enjoy the forks, and I'm happy to say they've worked their way into my acrylics, as well.

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The time has come, to push back from the table and say "No more Jell-O for me, Ma!"

I was ready to let the forks carry me to the finish line in 2012.  What I wasn't prepared for, was the way other people would respond to the forks, and embrace the idea of being Done:

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It seems I'm not the only one who's had a transformational year --I'm in good company, with folks who are ready to clean their plates and ask for dessert.  They are quitting old  jobs and finding new careers; they are finishing up college degrees or taking classes for the first time; they are putting aside old heartaches and beginning new relationships. 

They are saying 'Done' to the old, and making room for the new.  Just being in their company has been energizing.  I'm now feeling ready to tackle my studio full of half-finished paintings, and get some things Done, myself. 

It ended with a wall:

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We gathered for one last shot in front of the yellow wall, on the corner of 19th and Eye, to say "Stick a fork in me; I'm DONE!" What are you done with, as 2012 begins to wind down?  What new adventures are you ready to make room for, in your life?

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This photo above: David Karnowski Photography
All other photos: Todd Powers Photography

"Shiva is that aspect of the divine which is both creation and destruction -- the cosmic dancer who dances the universe into existence and non-existence at the same time, and outside of time." ~Sheila Chandra
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Finished at last!  'Holding Pattern' 2012 triptych, acrylic on canvas 12x14" x3

'Stick a fork in me, I'm done!'
Special thanks to: Todd Powers, Poet Bakersfield, David Karnowski, Lavinia Marigold, Zack Forker, Devin Riane, Sarah Purdy, Robin Jonesensteinowitz, Katie Campbell, Jesse Arenas, Lisa Klassen-Barnes and Brenden Barnes, Allyce Owens, Lisa Bell, Natalie Ray, Fortino Alvarez, Lucy Cruz, Tsunami McCorvey, Jessica Franco, Christinev Bayb, Baby Lilli, Tabitha Paige Bruner, Brenda Saucedo.
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