the work of Jen Raven
  • home
  • gallery
  • vitae
  • contact
  • nest

Pain2 Exhibit, USC Keck School of Medicine

8/26/2017

0 Comments

 
In September, I will be joining an encore 'Pain' themed exhibit, hosted by the USC Keck School of Medicine. The original 'Pain' themed exhibit, in 2014, was hosted by The Gallery at the LRC, the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. 

This is a mail-in exhibit, so we don't get the artwork back when it comes down. Inexpensive creation is key: I re-purposed a cereal box to create a fold-up mailer, which will protect my work on it's way to USC Keck School of Medicine. 

A little packing tape; a little gesso; we're in business.


'Fly Away Home' is an ongoing collaboration that I've been creating with model Brenda Lucero.  We began this project in 2016; this project is dedicated to the memory of Brenda's little brother, Johnny.  I am grateful to Brenda for her friendship, her talent, and her courage in sharing this personal pain with the world, through our art. 


'Fly Away Home' ongoing series, beginning December 2016
Photographers Jen Raven and Todd Powers * Model Brenda Lucero
Body Art, Backdrop Art Jen Raven * Rain Backdrop Todd Powers
Wardrobe/MUA Brenda Lucero * Editing Jen Raven and Todd Powers

More information about 'Pain2' on Facebook
'Pain2' exhibit runs Sept. 1 through Oct. 27.

There are more dandelion-themed body-art works
and dandelion-themed paintings in my galleries.

Update!  Photos are coming in from the exhibit, at Keck School of Medicine USC!

Video on Facebook


0 Comments

Pinocchio's Follies

7/21/2017

0 Comments

 
In August, Cactus Gallery will open for 'Pinocchio's Follies' a group show featuring the work of artist  Joe Alvarez.  Exhibit runs August 12 - September 2.

I've created a small painting for this Pinocchio-themed show. 'Heading' is 4x4" acrylic on a .5" artist-wrapped canvas, and features the character of the Fairy's pet Snail. 

For pre-sale information on this work, contact Sandra Mastroianni at  sandra@cactusgalleryla.com


'Heading'
4x4" acrylic on .5" artist-wrapped canvas
Varnished; sawtooth on back


Carlo Collodi intended the story 'Pinocchio' to be a tragedy. In the original version (1881), Pinocchio dies a gruesome death: hanged for his innumerable faults.  At the request of his editor, Collodi added chapters 16–36, in which the Fairy with Turquoise Hair rescues Pinocchio, and eventually transforms him into a real boy --when he acquires a deeper understanding of himself.*

I can't help but see, in the Pinocchio story, a metaphor --for the situation humanity currently inhabits:  Despite innumerable warnings, from countless scientists, over multiple decades, we continue to rush headlong toward a global catastrophe that we ourselves have created. Within this metaphor; I clearly see the ugly side of humanity represented in the foolish, selfish character of Pinocchio, while science and scientists are embodied in the prudent,  generous Fairy with the Turquoise Hair --a character who repeatedly counsels Pinocchio to improve his ways, providing him with guidance, as well as assistance, on numerous occasions throughout the story.  Humanity may very well have doomed itself, through the ongoing abuse of our planet.  Science may yet provide us with opportunities for a second chance --a chance we may not deserve, any more than Pinocchio did.

In the story; a Snail character provides Pinocchio with opportunities for a second chance, and later in the story, for a chance to give back, to the Fairy who has given him so much.  Pinocchio's acceptance of these opportunities, to make a change for the better, is what ultimately leads him to become 'a real boy' with a better understanding of himself and his place in the world.  I'd like to think that humanity could be like Pinocchio in this sense; I'd like to think that we have the capacity to change, and to take advantage of the opportunities provided us --while there is still time.

*Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Adventures_of_Pinocchio


Picture
0 Comments

The Love You Make

7/8/2017

0 Comments

 
"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


Picture
0 Comments

Places to Bee on June 10th

6/1/2017

0 Comments

 

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.

Picture

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.

0 Comments

Selkie Woman

4/11/2017

 
Picture
Selkie Woman
2017acrylic on canvas, varnished 36x24"
View this work in Cactus Gallery's online shop

View other works in this ongoing series

The Selkie is a creature of Scottish and Irish folklore.  Selkies live as seals, in the sea, but may take human form when they come ashore.  Should a man happen upon a female Selkie; if he can steal her seal skin and hide it from her, she will make him an excellent, if wistful, wife.  But should she ever find and reclaim her seal skin; the Selkie will return at once to the sea, her true home, leaving him to languish and die of heartbreak.

In my favorite Selkie legend; a young man happens upon a lovely Selkie, dancing on the beach.  He steals her skin, hiding it away from her.  And so, she becomes his wife; she bears him many fine children, and brings him great good fortune.  He becomes increasingly wealthy as the years pass; he moves his family repeatedly, to larger and grander houses.  But on their final move; his wife discovers an unfamiliar box hidden among his things.  She opens the box, discovers her stolen seal skin, and returns immediately to the sea.  The man’s luck is broken, as is his heart; he dies pining for her.  As this legend comes to a close; the Selkie is said to be seen often near the shore, playing with her children in the waves. 


This work is the newest addition to my ongoing series, 'Reaching' and it will exhibit with Cactus Gallery, Los Angeles, in 'Bad Girls and Outcasts'  opening April 22, 2017.  Visit Cactus online to see the show before it opens!

Picture

In 2006 I wrote a poem inspired by the Selkie Legend.  I've been meaning to create a painting to go with it, ever since.  The theme of this exhibit, "the witchy, wicked, wanton, and weird women of fairie tales, myths and legends" is a nice match  for my Selkie Woman. It feels good to finish this project. 
Can't wait for the next one!



Selkie Woman


awash in the surf
I sing content
but for your shadow
on the beach.

enamored of you
I slip my skin
you take it willing
you hide it well.

now wretched am I
upon the sand!
keening, keening
for my freedom!

and rest you smug
in my defeat.
but be aware,
oh mortal one:

the longer
you hold me
the worse off
will you be

when I return
to the ocean's embrace.

~Jen Raven 2.06



Picture

¡Loteria! 

2/25/2017

 
I've been invited to participate in Cactus Gallery's annual '¡Loteria!' exhibit, in which artists are assigned cards from the Loteria deck as inspiration for original artwork.  I've been given card #31 'Las Jaras' (the arrows) and also, from the older, lesser-known deck, card #87, 'La Plancha' (the iron). 
My work for 'La Plancha' is a nod to activism on behalf of women's rights, and includes a quote often associated with the women's movements in the 1960's; "The personal is the political."  The iron is a tool easily associated with the kinds of work society usually assigns to women --the work that is 'never done' while also largely unrecognized and usually unpaid. 
'La Plancha' is 5x3" watercolor and archival ink on watercolor paper.  The frame I built for this work is permanently attached to the painting, hardware on back.

While sketching out my ideas for 'Las Jaras' I was mindful of a Mexican proverb;
"They tried to bury us.  They did no know we were seeds." 
'Las Jaras' is 12x9" acrylic on composite board (a clip-board with the clip removed), hardware on back. 
'¡Loteria! iii' opens March 11, 2017 with Cactus Gallery, Los Angeles.. 
Shop Cactus Gallery online

Picture

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.
Picture

'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

0 Comments

An Ever-Fixéd Mark

8/4/2016

0 Comments

 
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:

Picture

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."
Picture
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


0 Comments

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"


Picture

'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

Picture

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
Picture
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.

Picture

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

Picture

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. 


Picture
'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.

Tiny Treasures X

11/5/2015

0 Comments

 

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.

Picture

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!  

Picture

"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!)."

Picture

"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:

Picture


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:

Picture
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. 

Picture
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.

0 Comments

An afternoon in Upland

8/21/2015

 

Selections from our concept photo series Pas de Berlin are now on exhibit with Erns Lab, a new arts space in Upland!  Also on exhibit are several of my recent acrylic works, and my creepy creatures in cages.

Erns Lab, the latest brainchild of artist Erns Valdez, is an eclectic creative environment, offering a photography studio, equipment rental, and studio space.  The Lab will also be hosting classes, workshops and small private shows and events.

The Captain. The Bat.  The Lab. 
Artists Erns Valdez and Todd Powers


Erns, an award winning gallery director (and producer of the Mindclouder Music Festival) has recently relocated his arts business from Pomona to Upland.  His last arts space, Loft Beats, was voted 'Best Gallery in the I.E.' two years running by Inland Empire Weekly.  We loved working with Loft Beats in Pomona, and we believe Erns Lab will prove an equally rewarding experience. 

This exhibit will run now through September 24, and every Thursday Erns Lab is open for the Farmer's Market in Historic Downtown Upland, so if you're in the area, be sure to check it out!

Stay tuned for more on our collaborations with Erns; we've got big plans for the future!


Forward Motion

2/21/2015

 
On February 20th, as part of my exhibit with UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, I gave a talk to the students, in the Gallery at the Learning Resource Center.  Below, are some of the notes from my talk, re-worked into a blog.  Photos of the talk, portfolio photos of my artwork, and work from our Pas de Berlin series are courtesy of Todd Powers. 
My name is Jen, I am a professional artist, and I live with Lupus and Fibromyalgia.  
I became symptomatic at age sixteen; I was diagnosed at twenty-seven, and I have since spent the last ten years learning how to navigate a relationship with my illness.  

That it
is a relationship, or that it can be seen in that light, is a fairly new concept for me; in the early years following diagnosis, I approached Lupus more as a battle to be fought, and initially this was helpful to me (it’s far better to fight, than it is to simply give up).  But recently, I’ve been learning how to engage this facet of my life in a more productive manner.

I continue to be surprised at how helpful it actually is --helpful for me and for those around me-- to actively engage this subject: It is helpful to paint about my illness, write about it, talk about it, create conversations about all the ways this illness influences my life and my choices on every level. 
For too many years, I’d deliberately avoided doing any of that --Lupus was already taking so much of my time, and I resented it.  Lupus had already stolen so much of what used to be my life, and I was angry about it.  I wasn’t willing to give her anything she wasn’t already taking from me, by force.  I didn’t even want to talk about it. 

It took me a long time to see the extent to which my relationships with my illness reflected my relationships with myself, right down to the avoidance, the anger, and the resentment.  I realized then, that I had a lot more to work on than just the physical aspects of chronic illness:  I needed to do more work on myself, as a person --and along the way I discovered that doing this kind of work, to better myself emotionally, resulted in my doing better, physically.  Intrigued, I continued along these lines, and have since continued to improve.  

Through my work (painting, writing, assemblage, and collaborations), I began to explore the ways my illness was re-shaping, and forcing me to more closely examine, all of my relationships --with my body, within my mind, and also, my relationships with others. 

Picture

My relationship with my body

‘The Lines Unread’ belongs to my Silence series.  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 use of my hands --abstract sketches in crayon, and spoken word  --performance poetry.  

In addition to the figurative sketches in ink and pencil, many of the works in this series have my poetry written in pencil, ink, or both, beneath or between the layers of acrylic gesso and paint.  ‘The Lines Unread’ is the title of my poem, within the painting, bearing the same name. 

My relationship with my mind

'‘To Anger’ is part of my Dine-in,Take-out series. The origins of this series reside in a loose collection of abstract crayon sketches, created in 2004 and 05 --the time when my function was most impaired, and sketching often required controlling a single crayon with both hands.  Economy of line was critical,
Picture
requiring me to work in more direct, less detailed, techniques.  Such blunt visual communications left me little space to equivocate, and forced me to terms with emotions long interred, and issues which I had been previously unable to tackle with any honesty.  

Lupus and Fibromyalgia forced me to stop --physically and mentally-- for the first time, in my life.  Before chronic illness, I had not realized the extent to which I was being driven, by my own pain, anger, and avoidance.  The crayon sketches helped me to work through some of that.  In 2011, recreating the crayon sketches into paintings helped me to work through a bit more.  Writing about this series, at the present, I find myself doing that work, yet again. 

Picture

My relationships with others

‘The Fruits of Self-Compassion’ belongs to my ongoing narrative series, Reaching.  Unlike the works of previous series, which look to the past, Reaching is firmly established in the present, with an eye to the future.  The characters in this series express forward motion --reaching for that which is higher, within themselves and in their environments. 

As visual elements, the exaggerated shapes and sizes of the hands in these works communicate the complicated relationship I have with my own hands: I no longer take my hands for granted.

I am keenly aware, day-to-day, of what my hands can do --I find myself carefully planning each day’s activities, and routinely mapping out entire
weeks or even months in advance; I do this not only to make the best use of my hands, but also to allow for energy levels, mental acuity, and pain management.

There was a time when I didn’t think I’d ever regain function, especially not to this extent.  I am deeply grateful for this, and always mindful of what it means, to
have hands, and to be able to use them.

Also present in this series are themes of growth, from within.  Each of the works in Reaching is inspired, in part, by a particular relationship in my life, which has endured and grown stronger in spite of, or because of, my illness.  Life with chronic illness has taught me many valuable lessons, including who my true friends are, and what my true priorities have become.  I have also learned how to ask for help; that has never been easy for me.  More importantly, I've learned how to receive help --not the same thing.

Forward Motion


In addition to my ongoing solo projects in acrylics and assemblage, I've begun a series of collaborative concept photography projects, with fellow artists in various fields who also seek to tackle painful personal issues through their work.


These collaborations have been highly rewarding:  Through these projects, we seek to encourage a determination, within ourselves as well as others, toward courage, healing, and forward motion.
Picture
Photos on exhibit with Forward Motion include selections from Pas de Berlin, a series in concept photography, spanning twelve months of collaborative work themed on a seven stage model of the grief and healing process.

The full series guides our viewers through eight different landscapes, breaking down the various stages of grief into visual elements, and creating a narrative of courageous recovery.

Currently on exhibit, are photographs from two of our eight separate sets:  Efface, a dance terminology ('shadowed'), describes the frightening pain and guilt often referred to as the second stage of seven; Epaulement ('shouldering') explores the fourth stage --heavy feelings of sad reflection, isolation, and depression.
Pas de Berlin Contributing Artists:

Jen Raven ~ Creative Direction, Concept Artist, Costumes, Properties
Todd Powers ~ Photography and Editing
Ande Castaneda ~ Makeup and Hair Artist
Berlin ~ Dancer / Model

Special thanks to Ted Meyer, Artist in Residence at UCLA Geffen School of Medicine; and to LuAnn WIlkerson, Assistant Dean of Education, UCLA Geffen School of Medicine.

Picture
Artist Jen Raven, and LuAnn WIlkerson, Assistant Dean of Education, UCLA Geffen School of Medicine.

Epaulement and Avant 

12/29/2014

2 Comments

 
More photos from our 'Pas de Berlin' collaboration project, including the creation of Berlin's custom choker, cuff, and 'wings' which followed her through all three looks:

'Epaulement' set, 'Pas de Berlin' series 2014
model Berlin * photographer Todd Powers * MUAH Ande Castaneda
costumes, properties, accessories  Jen Raven * concept direction provided by Jen Raven

Creating the choker and cuff accessories for Berlin's costumes:

'Avant' set, 'Pas de Berlin' series 2014
model Berlin * photographer Todd Powers * MUAH Ande Castaneda
costumes, properties, accessories  Jen Raven * concept direction provided by Jen Raven

We shot all three of these looks, on two different locations, in one day ~in truth, it was a very long day.  To compliment the costume changes, MUA Ande Castaneda also created beautiful, unique concept makeups for each of the three separate looks:

As always, I had plenty of assistance from the Studio Cats:

Follow the links to see more photos from our 2014 'Pas de Berlin' collaboration:
'Danseuse' set
'Joyeux' set
'Coda' set
Behind the Scenes, 'Pas de Berlin'
About the Artists:  'Pas de Berlin'
2 Comments

Evolution of a dress

12/13/2014

1 Comment

 
'Danseuse' set, 'Pas de Berlin' series 2014
model Berlin * photographer Todd Powers * MUAH Ande Castaneda
armor by Todd Powers * dress and shoes Jen Raven * concept direction provided by Jen Raven

Preparation for the 'Danseuse' set of our 'Pas de Berlin' series began several months in advance of the shoot itself.  One of my greater concerns was safety: I wanted Berlin to pose en pointe for at least part of this set, which was to be shot outdoors --not an easy task, on its own.  To avoid possible injury to Berlin, we decided to lighten the weight of the dress, and shorten the hems (of all seven skirts) by seven or eight inches.  It killed me, the thought of cutting up such a lovely dress! 
Model Berlin tries the dress with the pointe shoes for the first time.  We all agree; the dress is too long and heavy for pointe work, especially outdoors, on uneven ground.  The hems must be sheared. 

Flashback:  Todd and I discovered this dress at a local Goodwill in 2007, and it's been a useful addition to the costume closet ever since --from the Kern River to the cover of Bakotopia Magazine, this dress has been there, done that. 
photos by Todd Powers
models Jen Raven, Devin Riane, Jaden Snow



I was loath to cut up such a pretty dress, and wanted to pull a few more great shoots out of it, before getting out the scissors.  We asked model Lucy Cruz to do a final shoot with Todd, and I also asked Ande Castaneda to get a shoot in, with model Berlin.
Kern River Shoot
photographer Todd Powers
model Lucy Cruz


After Lucy and Todd were done with the Kern River shoot, the dress was beyond filthy.  We gave it a hot shower, then soaked it in the tub with boiling water, laundry detergent, and oxy-clean.  After repeated rinses, we wrangled the soaking dress onto a custom Berlin-shaped dress form, to dry.  We had created the custom form a few weeks prior:
For our purposes, we made some changes to the recommendations given in this Threads tutorial.  We used crumpled newsprint instead of poly-fill, for example.  And we fitted a length of PVC pipe in the center, before closing it up at the base. 

After the dress dried on the form, it was sparkly-white and fit Berlin's waist like a glove.  One more shoot with the pretty dress, as-is, before the alterations:
Thank you, Ande!
Chaise Lounge Shoot
Photographer and MUAH Ande Castaneda
Model Berlin


A lot of work went into the alterations.  Close to ten inches came off the hems (all seven hems), and even more came out of the front left side.  I airbrushed the dress using fabric paints, and sewed nearly a dozen silk flowers just above the cut.  We decided to paint the pointe shoes white, so that they would show up better on camera.  After some experimenting with different paints on an older pair, I decided on Wolfe FX body paint in white; it performed the best out of all the paints I had to hand.

Day of shoot:  Todd and Berlin nailed it.  Our months of preparation totally paid off, and I was doing a happy dance behind the scenes.

'Danseuse' set, 'Pas de Berlin' series 2014
model Berlin * photographer Todd Powers * MUAH Ande Castaneda
armor by Todd Powers * dress and shoes Jen Raven * concept direction provided by Jen Raven

Behind-the-Scenes video of model Berlin, directed and produced by Ande Castaneda

Just before the opening for 'Pas de Berlin' at the TES Gallery, Todd further altered the dress and armor, to fit Lucy Cruz, who modeled the costume at the reception.  He added black fabric paint to the dress, and new armor fittings. 
Pas de Berlin Reception Shoot
Photographer Todd Powers
Model Lucy Cruz
Armor by Todd Powers


1 Comment

Evolution of a skirt

11/28/2014

0 Comments

 
Leading up to our shoot in Cambria, I had been working on this skirt, on and off, for over a year.  And what a fantastic end result! With the right model, MUA, and photographer, a year of piecing and sewing is made well worth the effort. 
'Joyeux' set, 'Pas de Berlin' Series 2014
model Berlin * photographer Todd Powers * MUAH Ande Castaneda
scale mail Todd Powers * skirt Jen Raven * concept direction provided by Jen Raven


But long before the construction of this skirt began, the fabric itself was being weathered for me by an unsuspecting army of models; the yardage for both underskirt and over-skirt have provided background,

property, and costume elements for dozens of Todd's photo shoots over the last seven years.  This yardage has been through every kind of shoot, from studio to location; this fabric has been dragged through the dirt, drowned in the Kern River, wrapped around models, tacked against two-by-fours, and hung from the rafters. 

I often prefer that my costume fabrics be properly worn and weathered before I begin construction; I like the way they drape, and move, after they've experienced the world a bit and have developed some character of their own.  There are ways to speed up the weathering process in the shop or studio, but given how much shooting Todd does, it's easier for me to toss my yardage into his props bins, and let the Todd and the models take it from there. 
After removing areas that were a bit over-worn, or torn, and cutting out the largest pieces for the two main sections of the over skirt:  The smaller and connecting portions of the over skirt were pieced together using scraps culled from the remaining lace yardage.  Over sixty different bits of lace were pieced together, to create the entire over skirt, which also has ribbon channels sewn into the front and back, so that it may be ruched higher for a different look.  The three-tiered tail addition to the skirt, which is detachable, required an additional two dozen pieces of lace yardage for it's overlay.  All of the trim was sewn on by hand.  A black cotton underskirt, beneath the blue polyester skirt, provides stability and comfort for the entire garment --three skirts in all. 

Of course, Studio Cat had her part to play, in this costume's construction:
I set out to create an elaborate costume piece that would adjust, to fit many different sizes; the side laces can be drawn tight or let out, and the box pleats in back can easily be let out or taken in; the waist in the cotton underskirt is quilted, partly due to the piecing of the lace yardage on top; this waist is strong, and holds basting stitches easily, so there is no damage to the outer skirts.  Also, for the purposes of this shoot, the hem of the skirt was raised a full six inches --again, easily done thanks to the cotton underskirt, and no damage done to the delicate, weathered polyester.  This skirt stood up to a romp in the ocean and the climb of a massive boulder, on location:
BTS:  'Pas de Berlin' team on location in Cambria, Ca 2014
photographer Todd Powers * model Berlin * MUAH Ande Castaneda
scale mail Todd Powers * skirt and accessories Jen Raven
concept direction provided by Jen Raven


'Joyeux' set edits, 'Pas de Berlin' series 2014. photos and editing by Todd Powers

Want more?  Full collection of BTS photos from 'Pas de Berlin' here!
Read more about this year-long project here and here!

Todd creating the scale mail top for our 'Joyeux' set
0 Comments

Eye Spy . . .

11/24/2014

4 Comments

 
'Coda' was the final segment in our 'Pas de Berlin' series, and my preparation for this shoot began months in advance.  A backdrop canvas had to be painted; set and costume pieces had to be built, schedules had to be coordinated.  After the shoot, the set and costume lilies were dis-assembled and re-made, into individual works of art, for the gallery exhibit.

Portfolio shots of my Lily creations by Todd Powers:

Lilies on display in the gallery, with the artwork:
In-studio creation of the lily vines; individual elements are altered, painted, assembled, and then re-assembled:


On set, day of shoot:  Backdrop and props are set up, just before Model Berlin arrives in makeup, courtesy of our skilled makeup artist, Ande Castaneda.  Berlin has to be further altered with body paint, moss, costume vines and lilies, before the shoot begins:

'Coda' was shot in three separate segments:  First, Berlin becomes acquainted with Lily, representative of her hard-fought, and hard-sought, transformation (she is 'seeing' her pain, recognizing and accepting it).  Next, we remove the Lily prop as Berlin dances, embodying the Lily spirit (relying on dance, she works her way though the pain).  Finally, Berlin is re-created; now a fierce, powerful Lily, she is stronger for having embraced and accepted all parts of herself -both light, and dark (by taking ownership of her pain and grief, she also gains control over these strong energies; she now has the skills to bend those strong energies to her own will, use them as she sees fit). 
'Coda' Set, 'Pas de Berlin' series 2014 *model Berlin * photographer Todd Powers * MUAH Ande Castaneda
costume, accessories, properties by Jen Raven * concept direction provided by Jen Raven


"I found I was able to be comfortable using the movements of my dancing experience to draw emotion into my modeling. It was rather healing. I took a step back and realized in some aspect this (modeling) is like dancing. In ballet or lyrical, whether I was having a good day or bad, I would portray that into my choreography, and how ever you may have danced that day, your raw emotions poured out for everyone to see, who understood. In some shoots I found myself crying or tearing up after, it was like a performance I poured my heart into, a performance that was rather healing for me. This was the right way to heal, the method I’d been searching for. I began to eat right, exercise, travel, I met some amazing people (from the art community) who continue to stay by my side, and most of all I began to heal, to sleep again at night, to forgive myself, to just. be. happy. for myself. I genuinely still am.  I didn’t realize how dead I was as a person until I met the right people who set me down a better path. I am forever grateful. Art does save.
"

~excerpt from 'A Broken Recovery' by Berlin


We named the final shot of the final set 'Coda' and it was used in creating the event graphics for advertizing the exhibit:

I am so very grateful that I had the opportunity, to experience this marvelous, year-long collaboration.  What an amazing team.  What an uplifting experience it has all been!
Picture
See  more behind-the-scenes photos and video from this collaboration here!
4 Comments

Pas de Berlin: Behind the Scenes

11/9/2014

 
Our exhibit opens this weekend at The Empty Space Gallery, and we can finally share all of our behind-the-scenes photos, collected over the last twelve months! 
This has been an incredible adventure.  I love these people, I've loved working with them, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with them on this project.
 
Behind-the-Scenes photos from location shoots two, three, and four,
Hart Park, CA. April 2014:



BTS photos from location shoots seven and eight,
Cambria, CA.  September 2014:


BTS photos from in-studio shoots one, five, six, and nine,
The Raven's nest, CA.  Nov. '13 - Oct. '14:


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


'Pas de Berlin' Photography Exhibit
Photographer: Todd Powers
Model: Berlin
Makeup and Hair Artist: Ande Castaneda
Concept Direction, Costume and Set Design:  Jen Raven

Read more about this exhibit here!

Picture

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.
Picture


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.

Picture

Dia de los Muertos 2014

11/1/2014

 
Picture
Photos above:  Dia de los Muertos 2014
Photographers Todd Powers and Ande Castaneda
Models Berlin and Lucy Cruz
Hair Styles by Jen Raven and Ande Castaneda
Makeup Artist Ande Castaneda
Body Art and Hair Accessories by Jen Raven
Wardrobe by Jen Raven and Lucy Cruz
Special thanks to Fortino Alvarez

Photo left: BTS with artist Jen Raven and model Lucy Cruz
Photo below:  BTS with Fortino Alvzrez, Todd Powers,
Jen Raven, Ande Castaneda, Berlin, Lucy Cruz


I love the shoots that Ande has dubbed "Play Dates," when we get together as a group, create and learn with one another, and have a lot of fun along the way!  Many thanks to Todd, Ande, Berlin, Lucy, and Fortino.
Picture

the lines unread

7/6/2014

0 Comments

 
I've started working on a new series, in ink and acrylic on canvas.  Each piece begins with a rough figurative sketch over written lines of prose or poetry, and then layers of acrylic gesso, paint and more sketch are build up on top of the words. 

the lines unread 14x11" acrylic on canvas 2014
Picture


For the base of this work, I chose one of my own poems, 'blanks' (written in 2006).  The title of this painting, 'the lines unread' is borrowed from the poem:

blanks


sometimes it's good
to let the silence be.

to leave the lines
unread

to let the words
go

unsaid.

sometimes it's best
to leave the rest

to the imagination
the rumination

participation
abounds
in the blanks
we leave for others to fill

or not

inaccessible
is right where
I want to be

safe
in anonymity

reaching so much more
with less ...

answers
in the emptiness.

fill in the blanks
with the secrets
of your own heart

dear heart;

and learn to read

yourself
between the lines
she leaves out.

~ jenraven 11.06


More works in this series, to follow. 

Stay tuned!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Costume armor collaboration

6/23/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Over the last six months, Todd has been teaching himself the art of crafting costume armor pieces out of foam.  He's starting to get pretty good at it, and he's just received his first commission request. 

I am collaborating with Todd on this project; we discussed what our client requested, and I drafted a master pattern for the arm guards, which I then copied onto a square of canvas, to create a sturdy template. 

Todd will use the template to cut and mold foam pieces for the arm guards; he will do the majority of the work on them, from here. 

                  Progress photos, drafting the pattern:

Todd is nearly finished with the arm guards.  His progress:
The arm-guards are nearly finished. 
Picture
Picture
It's time for me to step in again, and help complete the guards.  Studio Cat is on hand, to supervise. 

Before I stitch the pleather trim together to form straps, I'm sure to wipe a bit of silicone spray
over the top of the trim, so that the pleather doesn't catch on the presser foot and wreck the tensions --and break my machine.  I learned that lesson the hard way, a few years back!

After the pleather becomes straps, I sew on the buckles, then we sew and epoxy the straps to the guards.  We add grommets to the straps, Todd pops in the LED lights, and Studio Cat gives her final approval.  The project is complete and the client is ready for Labyrinth Masquerade! 

More progress photos: 

Rawr!  Client Claire Rock is ready for the Labyrinth Masquerade. 
Picture
Follow Todd on Facebook, to see more costume armor and other projects. 

Follow my Facebook page, to see more of Studio Cat. 
pay attention to me! sized on Make A Gif
make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif
"I'm so much cuter than that costume armor.  Pay attention to ME."
0 Comments

Please keep off the grass

6/22/2014

0 Comments

 
'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

Picture
0 Comments

'PAIN' Group Exhibit

6/22/2014

0 Comments

 
Picturedropping my work at the P.O. in April
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: 

Picture
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.
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Archives

    July 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    August 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    March 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    February 2016
    November 2015
    August 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    October 2010

    Welcome to
    the raven's nest!
    -- if you like
    arts-related
    mischief, this
    blog is for you.

    Categories

    All
    Accessories
    Animal Rescue
    Artist Bios
    Artist Statements
    Assemblage
    Bees
    Body Art
    BTS
    Bunny Gunner Gallery
    Cactus Gallery
    Cats
    Chickens
    Collaborations
    Commissions
    Concepts Photography
    Costume College
    Costuming
    Creature Creation
    Dandelions
    Dia De Los Muertos
    DIY
    Featured Artist
    First Friday Artwalk
    Forks
    Gallery Exhibitions
    Lupus And Fibromyalgia
    Military
    Misericordia University
    Mixed Media
    Monica Brown
    Myth And Legend
    On Location
    Painting
    Pas De Berlin
    Pauly Friedman Art Gallery
    Pennsylvania
    Poetry
    Puppet
    Reaching Series
    Roller Derby
    Sculpture
    Selkie
    Snail
    Studio Cat
    Studio Survival
    Surgery
    The Foundary
    UCLA
    USC Keck School Of Medicine
    Video
    Wearable Artwork

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.