Mothership Calling Me Home
6.5" x 3.5" x 3.5" mixed-media assemblage sculpture 2019
LED requires three LR41 watch cells, included
shown light on; light off
available through Cactus Gallery
portfolio photography by Todd Powers

LED Light Detail:  Mothership Calling Me Home
6.5" x 3.5" x 3.5" mixed-media assemblage sculpture 2019
LED requires three LR41 watch cells, included
shown: light on; light off
available through Cactus Gallery

WIP and portfolio videos of this work can be found on the playlist,
"Mothership Calling Me Home" on my YouTube Channel: 
www.youtube.com/user/gessochick

At one of my first exhibits with Cactus Gallery, 2015; I remarked to a new friend that I'd never before felt so comfortable in a gallery space.  Puns on space immediately followed, and I quipped that Cactus Gallery felt, to me, like the mothership calling me home.  I was making a joke, but the sentiment was heartfelt, and when Cactus Gallery announced a show themed on the idea of "Homes" I knew it was time to pull this idea from the pile, and bring it to life.

Sculpting with Worbla occasionally results in burnt fingers, but it is so much lighter and sturdier than clay.  I have plenty of good-sized scraps to work with, left over from larger projects we work at The Raven's Nest; thermoplastic scraps never go to waste.

I positioned the tiny LED instrument in such a way that the switch can be removed, and the batteries can be replaced. 

The tiny jet-pack was left over from an old model kit, and there was only one.  We created a silicone mold, to cast replicas for more space chickens.  After a few trials, it was ultimately a success.  My chicken space-helmet ideas, not so much.  Every attempted helmet design so far has been chucked.  Most of the hours I put into new assemblage works are invested in trial and error; emphasis on error.  Still; working out helmet ideas for future sculptures. But this particular chicken would have to go without --my deadline was fast approaching and I needed to finish the work. 

Scrapping the helmet was a letdown for me, but painting is my strong area so that lifted my spirits considerably.  Painting the ChickenShip began with a layer of textured spray paint over the worbla, followed by an under-painting of metallic silver oil-based spray paint, detailed with copper.  A bit of acrylic gesso was added to the areas I wanted to finish in acrylic, so that the acrylic details would not peel up over the oil base.

When I went to add a plastic window to the ship's port hole, I discovered that I'd neglected to level the rim, and the window would not fit, flush. I'd already painted it so I could not just zap it with the heat gun, to re-shape.  Frustration.  Then I came down with a cold and found myself sick in bed; I missed my show deadline as a result, but I also continued to work the problem in my head.  Perhaps influenced by the heavy cold and flu medications, I hatched a potentially crazy idea; a ceramic plate, slow heat, and carefully timed application of pressure might re-shape the thermoplastic without warping the oil-based paint.  It was a risk but I decided to try it.

It worked.  And Todd got to joke that Raven finally learned how to do something right in the kitchen.  Ba-dum-ching.

Originally, the port-hole window was going to be a repurposed plastic spice lid; but when I turned on the light inside, it showed scratches on the lid I had not seen before, so I switched to a reclaimed plastic pocket watch crystal, affixed with 5-minute epoxy resin. 

I worked my signature into a rusty design on the back of one fin:

This work is now available through Cactus Gallery. Shop Cactus, online at cactusgalleryla.com.
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NEW photos from the opening reception! Full slideshow at the end of this post. 

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

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:

'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

'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

'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

'Going' 2017
3x5" mixed-media assemblage
available

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

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!

"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

'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

'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

Update!  Only two of these works remain available!  Shop Cactus Gallery online at:  https://cactusgalleryla.com/collections/water-group-show/jen-raven

The Chickens are back ... and setting sail for Cactus Gallery in August!  --As part of a 'Water' themed group exhibit, in conjunction with the 10th Annual Frogtown Art Walk:

My collection of paper fortunes has given sails to a fleet of tiny fortune-cookie ships:

I've named this set of Chicken Adventures 'An Ever Fixéd Mark,' from a line in Shakespeare's Sonnet 116:

"... it is an ever-fixéd mark,
That looks on tempests, and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken."

Take A Chance
8x6x 2 .5"
Shop online with Cactus Gallery
More photos of this work in my gallery

This mixed-media/assemblage project included more work with thermoplastics:  Worbla turned out to be the perfect material for these little wandering barks (their worth's, as-yet, unknown). 

You can see these tiny sailors in person at Cactus Gallery;
'Water' runs August 13 through September 1, 2016.
Or visit Cactus Gallery online at cactusgalleryla.com

Delightful Mysteries
8x6x 2 .5"
Shop online with Cactus Gallery
More photos of this work in my gallery

" ... Love is not love / Which alters when it alteration finds, / Or bends with the remover to remove: / O no! it is an ever-fixéd mark / That looks on tempests and is never shaken; / It is the star to every wandering bark, / Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken."

Detail of 'Eyes Open'
8x6x 2 .5"
Shop online with Cactus Gallery

Update:  'Delightful Mysteries' and 'Take a Chance' have sold! 

"Arrange for death to find you in the midst of a great love affair with life; with words and notes; with the dog down on the floor or the rose garden down the street; with the glorious revelation great art leads us to expect. Die in a state of wonder at all there is and all that you didn't manage to get to. It is so gloriously exhausting to live, and I wasted so many opportunities. I want to be in love with things when the tide rolls out." ~Tennessee Williams

So many good things in progress right now --Yay!

It's been an especially busy week at The Raven's Nest; we continue to work through photo tests of body painting and costumes for our ongoing project, The Bee Keepers.  In addition to this, I am delighted to report that I will be joining Cactus Gallery's annual tiny works exhibit, "Tiny Treasures X." Exhibit runs November 14 through December 23.

For this exhibit, I've created a new body of tiny works, titled "In Life."  I've borrowed this title from the quote, "In life, we are in death;" I am always appreciative of this reminder to live each day to the fullest.  These are functional artworks --wearable hair and clothing accessories which have bar pins and/or alligator clips on back. 

Also for this exhibit at Cactus Gallery, I've added three new tiny works to my ongoing series, "Flight."

I am a lifelong fan of the works of Roald Dahl.  My tiny work  "A Golden Phizzwizard" is a nod to Dahl's "The BFG."  If you have not read about The Big Friendly Giant, pick up a copy and read it with your kids; it's terrific fun!  

"A Golden Phizzwizard" measures 3x3" and has a sawtooth hanger on back.

Also for "Tiny Treasures X" are works "We Get By (with a little help from our friends)" and also "Guess What (chicken butt!)."

"We Get By (with a little help from our friends)" measures 4.5x3.5" and has a sawtooth hanger on back.  "Guess What (chicken butt!) measures 2.5x3" and also has a sawtooth hanger:

Included, in this busy week; Todd and I have been working with our neighbor, Terri, and with model Aileth Bran, to find homes for two scrappy little survivors we've dubbed Zack and Dragon:

Above:  Model Aileth Bran wearing a creation by Jen Raven, and posing with kittens Dragon (orange, left) and Zack (brown, right).

Their mother was a feral; the litter was abandoned; a stray dog attacked the litter:  Only two of the five kittens survived the attack --somehow they managed to escape unscathed, and Terri eventually found them, hiding in her grapevines.  Terri is fostering them and providing for their Veterinary care; Todd and I have given them Dawn dish soap flea baths, as they were too young for flea medication; and we are now working with Terri to find forever homes for these adorable little fuzzbutts.  Model Aileth Bran volunteered to pose with them, this week, in order to help us get the word out. 

Model Aileth Bran wearing creations by Jen Raven, posing with kitten, Zack.

Both of these adorable kittens are five weeks old, male, and have had their first Vet visit and first shots.  They are free of worms and fleas; their current foster, Terri, has pledged to pay for additional anti-parasite treatments AND will pay to have them neutered, when they are old enough.  If you would like to meet one of these little cuties, and perhaps give him a forever home, please contact Terri at 661. 833. 2675.  Thank you!

Below:  Aileth Bran models "In Life" pieces, created by Jen Raven.

'Please Keep Off The Grass' is my tongue-in-cheek response to the ongoing debates concerning marijuana and its legalization. 

This work is 14x11" acrylic on artist-wrapped canvas.  It has wire hanging hardware on back, and is available for purchase. 

Below: Work in-progress shots of 'Please Keep Off The Grass' from completed line work to finished painting.

'Please Keep Off The Grass' 2014
14x11" acrylic on artist-wrapped canvas
available

Portfolio Photography by Todd Powers

My first Los Angeles exhibit -and I'm so excited!  This is a mail-in exhibit, with participants sending in work from around the world --Asia, Europe, South America, as well as all over the USA and Canada. 

'PAIN' group exhibit, curated by Ted Meyer, is hosted by The Gallery at the LRC, the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA.  In the slide show; my shown works are #90 and #91.

In April, I had postcards created through my PIXELS page, of a few paintings that fit this theme, and I also printed two photos from my first concept shoot as director, which also fit the theme.  Below, a slideshow of how I prepared a few of my works for mailing, and another from the day of the exhibit opening: 

I also created some new work to wear, for the opening reception.  "We get by with a little help from our friends" seemed appropriate, given the overall theme of the exhibit.

"PAIN"runs May 7 through August 30th, 2014, at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA.

'PAIN' group exhibit was also covered by U Magazine, UCLA.

For more information on this exhibit, please visit The Gallery at the LRC.

These last few weeks have been all about the chickens. 

... And also, about paints, fabrics, wires, clock parts ... and plenty of five minute epoxy.

I've been creating a new collection of work, especially for Bunny Gunner Gallery's 'All U Can Eat' small works group exhibit, opening in Claremont CA this weekend, 4.4.14. 

The title of this collection is 'We get by with a little help from our friends,' and each work tells a different set of stories within that theme.

I don't know where I would be, if not for all the help and support I've been fortunate enough to receive, over the years; teachers and mentors, colleagues and patrons, family and friends --these fine people make all the difference.  And I am so grateful. 

My husband makes costume armor out of foam sheets, and the scraps from his work come in handy (or, help me get by! ) when small, delicate pieces like these are ready to ship:  Each one will travel securely within it's own custom-built case, inside the box. 

'All U Can Eat' is a popular exhibit, and many pieces had already flown off the wall by the time we got there ... including a few of my own works!  

Sales had been made, all over the gallery --and with good reason!  The work in this exhibit is consistently excellent, year after year.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be included in an exhibit like this, with so many skilled and talented artists. 

Another of my pieces sold, while we were at the exhibit!

Evidence of sales was present all over the gallery, in the form of lovely little red sale stickers, and holes in the neat lines of beautiful artworks, still available for sale. 

"One of the great grounds of study for all of the arts is friendship.  Arrive daily without expectation of your friends, only gratitude and understanding." ~John Gielgud