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Tiny Treasures XII and Things with Wings!

10/13/2017

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NEW photos from the opening reception! Full slideshow at the end of this post. 

"Art flies around the truth, but with the definite intention of not getting burnt.
Its capacity lies in finding in the dark void a place where the beam of light can be intensely caught, without this having been perceptible before."


For many years, I've left this quote in various places where I'm sure to stumble over it, throughout my studio:  Taped to a book cover.  Captured on a faded post-it note. Scrawled on the back of a sketchbook. 

All of my winged works, in one way or another, lead back to the ideas captured in these words by Franz Kafka:  I want to tell the truth, as I know it, without getting burnt, or burning others, in the process.


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My winged works have been given a featured spot in the upcoming "Tiny Treasures XII" with Cactus Gallery, Los Angeles. 

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In addition to a new collection of whimsical chickens, I have created for this installation a mini-series of quixotic creatures, inspired by a work I was commissioned to create, over the summer.  Fellow artist Liz Jimenez asked me to create a set of hybrid bee-and-butterfly wings, in memory of her brother, Cody:


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'Polymorph'
2017 24x"72 diptych acrylic on canvas
commissioned

Through my work with Liz, I was inspired to fuse the morphology of the two pollinators further, into a new series of flying sculptures --part bee, part butterfly.  They will be on exhibit part of my  'Things with Wings' installation, at Cactus Gallery.  I named my first hybrid creation 'Chimera' and she's a colorful creature:

'Chimera'
2017 10x10x15.5" mixed-media flying sculpture
w/18"h stand & 20" adjustable chain.
available

This candy-colored creation is whimsical in appearance but serious in subject:  Our planet's pollinators are in serious jeopardy and we must start taking better care of them --and ourselves, and this world that we all share --while we still have time. 

Less colorful but equally cute:  'ButterBee!'

'ButterBee' 2017
flying bee-butterfly hybrid sculpture  10x10x18"
w/ 18"h stand & 20" adjustable/detachable chain
available

For those who have a sweet tooth; this one will send you into 'Sugar Shock!'

Sugar Shock!'  2017
11x11x18"  flying bee-butterfly hybrid sculpture
w/ 18"h stand & 20" adjustable/detachable chain
available


And, because all you need is Love; and Love Wins:


'Love Wins' 2017
10x10x15" flying bee-butterfly hybrid sculpture
w/ 18"h stand & 20" adjustable/detachable chain
available


'Shy Violet'  2017
10"x10x16”  mixed-media flying sculpture 
w/ 18"h stand & 20" adjustable/detachable chain
available

Also along the lines of things with wings; there will be new chickens on exhibit with 'Tiny Treasures XII' tiny works exhibit:
'Letters Home' 2017
assemblage sculpture shadowbox 5x5.5"
sold

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'Something in the Air'  2017
set of three mixed-media assemblage sculptures, each 5.5 x4.5"
shown above:  One and Two
available
'Something in the Air' One 2017
mixed-media assemblage sculpture 5.5 x4.5"
available
'Something in the Air' Two 2017
mixed-media assemblage sculpture 5.5 x4.5"
available
'Something in the Air' Three 2017
mixed-media assemblage sculpture 5.5 x4.5"
available

'Unrequited' 2017
5x3" mixed-media assemblage
sold

'Process' 2017
4x5" mixed-media assemblage
sold

'Glass Houses' 2017
3x4" mixed-media assemblage
available


'Bloom'  2017
5x5.5" mixed-media assemblage
sold

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'Let's Go Where the WiFi is Weak' 2017
tiny triptych mixed-media assemblage sculpture
largest to smallest3x3" (2.5" deep);  2.5x2.5" (1"deep); and 1x1" (1" deep) 
sold
'Let's Go Where the WiFi is Weak' detail 2017
tiny triptych mixed-media assemblage sculpture
largest to smallest3x3" (2.5" deep);  2.5x2.5" (1"deep); and 1x1" (1" deep) 
sold


A flock of flying fuzzbutts will be joining the bees and chickens, at the opening reception of 'Tiny Treasures.'  These 'Things with Wings' each have marabou bodies, washi paper wings, an a 5" chain with a lobster clasp at the end. 

'Flying FuzzButts' series 2017
5x8.5" mixed-media flying sculptures

several of these little cuties have already been adopted; shop Cactus online to catch them before they are all gone! 


Also on exhibit; two new tiny winged shadow boxes, titled 'Coming' and 'Going,' which join previously created works 'Forward' and 'Backward.' 
'Coming' 2017
3x5" mixed-media assemblage
sold
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'Going' 2017
3x5" mixed-media assemblage
available

'Tiny Treasures XII' opens November 18th, 6-9pm, Cactus Gallery, Los Angeles. 

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Opening Reception for 'Things with Wings' and 'Tiny Treasures XII'

All of my beautiful portfolio photography is the work of Todd Powers.  Thank you, Todd!
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The Love You Make

7/8/2017

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"The Love You Make," A Beatles inspired group show will run: July 22 - August 5, 2017 RECEPTION: Saturday, July 22 * 6p-9p Cactus Gallery, Los Angeles

For this exhibit, artists created works interpreting characters from Beatles songs.  I created three new tiny works, featuring my flying chickens, for 'Across the Universe,' 'Honey Pie' and 'I Get By,' my favorite Beatles song.  For pre-sale information on this work, contact Sandra Mastroianni at  sandra@cactusgalleryla.com



Across the Universe
3.5x3.5" mixed-media 2017



To Bee Where You Belong
4x4" & 4x4" diptych mixed-media 2017

I Get By (with a little help from my friends)
3.25x4.5" mixed-media 2017


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Places to Bee on June 10th

6/1/2017

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My work will be making appearances in two exhibits this month, and both are opening on June 10th.  Bee there, or bee square!

'Bee Squared' and 'Euglossa' will be in Los Angeles, for 'Something Wild in My Garden' and both are available now with Cactus Gallery.   See more photos in the online shop.

'bee squared' 2017
4x4" acrylic on 1" deep artist-wrapped canvas

'Euglossa' 2017
mixed-media sculpture 10”L x 10”H x 17”W

See more works like this one in my gallery.
Stand: 9.5”W x 6.5”L x 20”H

Work-in-progress video of 'Euglossa' creation: 

More videos of Euglossa in-progress can be viewed on my Youtube channel.


Euglossa is a genus of Orchid Bees, or Euglossini.   Euglossa occurs naturally in the Neotropics, from Mexico to Paraguay, also Argentina, Brazil, and Jamaica. 

110 species within genus Euglossa have so far been identified, including Euglossa dilemma.  They are typically bright metallic blue, green, coppery, or golden.

A native of Central America (Costa Rica to Mexico), Euglossa dilemma was first detected in Florida in 2003.  Euglossa dilemma have since been found in Texas as well. 

It is thought that Euglossa dilemma was introduced to the US by accident; perhaps a nest was transported north in a wooden structure such as a pallet. 

Euglossa dilemma are specialized to visit particular species of neotropical orchid; the male uses the fragrances during courtship.  In Florida, Euglossa dilemma have successfully adapted to breed with the presence of any orchid.
(Source Material: Wikipedia)


'Something Wild in My Garden' opens June 10 with Cactus Gallery, Los Angeles and runs through July 15, 2017. 

Exploring the plight of urban wildlife: Many of our furry and feathered friends have been evicted from their habitat by an exploding human population.  In our search for progress, we are destroying their natural environment. In turn wildlife are forced into our residential areas, in order to find food for survival.

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Also this month:  My 'In Life' wearable art series will be joining 'All U Can Eat' in Pomona, CA. 

'All U Can Eat' is a curated small-works exhibit, hosted by Bunny Gunnery Gallery. 
Opening with the Second Saturday Art Walk, it will appear at two locations: La Bomba Vintage (195 W. 2nd St.) and DPOA's Metro Gallery (119 W. 2nd St.).  Exhibit runs  June 10 through July 1, 2017.

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To the Moon, Alice!

11/12/2016

0 Comments

 
'Tiny Treasures X' was my first exhibit with Cactus Gallery, in 2015.  This year's tiny works exhibit will mark my one-year anniversary with the gallery.  Yay! 
Detail, 'Fly Me Away Home'
6x 2.5" mixed media

2016 has been a real roller-coaster of a year, as rewarding as it has been challenging.  I didn't get to do everything I had planned, but I did get to do a lot of other things, that I never would have planned --and I made a lot of new friends along the way. 

The tiny rubber chickens have returned for 'Tiny Treasures XI' --some of them with their own small fleet of hot air balloons.  Also included in this body of work are new additions to my ongoing bee-themed series.    Find all of them at Cactus Gallery Online.
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'To the Moon, Alice!'
6x3" mixed media

'There's No Place Like Home'
5x2.5" mixed media

'Off to See the Wizard'
6x3" mixed media

'... And the Bees'
3x2" mixed media


'The Bee Keepers'
3x4" mixed media

'Backward'
3x6" mixed media

'Forward'
3x6" mixed media

'Holiday Heck' One
3x6" mixed media

'Holiday Heck' Two
3x6" mixed media

'Break these Chains'
4x3" mixed media

'To the Rescue'
3x4" mixed media

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Blue Monday

6/5/2016

 

Another bee has landed, just in time for 'Symphony of Wings'
group arts exhibit, with Cactus Gallery, Los Angeles.
Featured on beautiful.bizarre.net

'Blue Monday' 2016
Mixed-Media flying sculpture 15x10x10"


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'Symphony of Wings' runs June 11 through July 2, 2016

'Blue Monday' in-progress, supervised by Studio Cat.

Custom hanging base measures 7x9x23"
This work can fly from a ceiling hook, curtain rod,
wall bracket, or provided sculpture base.
Decorative chain is removable.

Included in this project; my first attempt at layering airbrush colors over faux-fur. 

View 'Blue Monday' at cactusgalleryla.com, or at Pinterest. 
See more of my bee artworks here and here
Read more about 'Symphony of 'Wings' at Beautiful Bizarre
Portfolio photographs of my work by Todd Powers

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Beastly Beings

5/8/2016

 

This month, I exhibit with 'Beastly Beings' group show at Cactus Gallery, Los Angeles!

In keeping with my recent trend of bee-themed works, I've created a Beastly Bee:

'A Fluid Phenomenon'
2016 mixed media 16x10, 11h"


'Beastly Beings' opens May 14 and runs through June 4, 2016
Cactus Gallery 3001 N. Coolidge Avenue Los Angeles
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For this exhibit, participating artists were challenged to focus on "the powerful yet beautiful connectedness of animals, the outside world, and the harsh realities that are the core of human nature." Around that time, I happened to be reading David Whyte, and also some Anaïs Nin; both have written excellent insights into the "struggle between one's longing to be whole, and the acceptance of one's self as a fluid phenomenon" (David Whyte).  Such ongoing conflicts, and their resolutions, are definitely a harsh reality concerning my own human nature.

This Bee, herself, was very much a fluid phenomenon.  I am no stranger to creature construction, but this was my first experience using a thermoplastic called worbla. I had
I am a series of moods
and sensations.
~Anaïs Nin

been meaning to learn worbla for some time, and this was the perfect opportunity; I wanted Bee to 'fly' and so needed her to be light as well as strong. 

Learning a new material on a deadline can be challenging, in more ways than one; 
I was in for a considerable learning experience, and I got to spend some quality time with certain other 'harsh realities' of my own human nature, in the process.  The irony! 
After much trial and error, and several burnt fingers, Bee finally came to life.  She is a mixed-media work including worbla, faux fur, Lutrador paper-fabric, acrylic matte medium, gesso, paint, tulle, embroidery floss, and multiple gauges of wire.

'A Fluid Phenomenon' shown with her included
hanging-sculpture base, which measures 9.5x13, 23h"

Working details on this piece:  Display chain is removable and adjustable.  Hanging ring is hinged, for removal/replacement.  Bee can fly from this base, or may be displayed from a wall bracket, ceiling hook, or curtain rod.

View 'A Fluid Phenomenon' on Pinterest or at Cactus Gallery.
Photos by Todd Powers.
Photobombs courtesy of Studio Cat.

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UPDATE!  Bee has sold, and now has a home with the
Buena Vista Branch Library in Burbank, CA.  Yay! Thank you, CR!

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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.

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