Joyful Purpose

Art and Soul

Well, I leave for Art and Soul Portland this wed. morning.  I said I wasn't going to make any trades but alas I crumbled and felt I had to bring something - so here they are - they were actually fun to make - little tin canisters of chotckes all wrapped up and ready to go.

I am trying to get my stuff together for the trip - little delayed but I trust it will get done in the next two days!  I am taking classes from my darling Nina- 2 days worth and 2 days with the awe inspiring Juliana Coles! Serious business gals!

Paper Post Class 10/21

I will be teaching a class on self portrait journaling this Oct 21 at the Paper Post in Agoura - should be a great class - won't you join me?

see www.paperpost.net

to register by phone

BOOK ARTS: SELF PORTRAIT EXPLORATION NOTEBOOK* with Gina Armfield                                                 $75

Create a mixed media book filled with pockets, treasures, letters and collaged self-portraits.  We will be discovering our artist within while exploring a multitude of techniques for self-expression through art.  Everyone will receive a “squishy bag” filled with papers, ephemera, and fun extras.  Please visit my blog to see more. http://sweetsistergina.typepad.com   Bring several photocopies of photos of yourself as a child, young adult and now.  See class list for materials 10/21

Finding Some Peace in the North Woods

I was lucky enough this weekend to spend a few days up at my father in laws cabin in Priest Lake.  He lives in a log cabin on 60 acres in the North Woods - There is nothing like taking a solitary walk through the woods with camera in hand - you see things differently through a lens.  The beauty seems to pop out at you at every turn - bears can too so you are supposed to be loud once in awhile.  No bears though although evidence could be found lying on the ground that they were recently there as well as moose and deer as well.  These are a few shots that I took on my walk that I hope to turn into a painting in the future.  Looking at them reminds me to breathe...

Friends of a Feather Nest Together

The evening of the gallery opening my darling Judi presented me with a little pale blue box which held this lovely home charm by Sally Jean as a gift ~  last night I used the teachings of my dear Nina to create silver knots along with some luscious butterscotch jade to create a necklace fitting to hold this treasure.  One side says "nest" the other side "home"  Lucky for me my nest has grown to include many like feathered friends.  I am blessed with so many.

Watch the Interview!

A video interview about the ART EXPLOSION show is now up on the Spin Daily website: click here to watch!

Here are some more pics of the event - the gallery, me and my mom, me and Judi and last but not least the most dedicated, sweetest, compassionate, and tireless soul to be packed into one little body - my friend Karrah the exec. director of Free Arts - they are so lucky to have her and I am so lucky to call her my friend.  She truly believes in the work she does with the utmost verve - her passion for children is inspiring.

Art Explosion

ART EXPLOSION (Free Arts 30 Year Anniversary Celebration) was a Huge success - over 375 people attended the evening reception.  This is a painting I did for the event.  Prompted by the  sweetest women  in the world Tracy Park - owner of the  gallery I decided to sell my piece and have the proceeds go to Free Arts - I am  thrilled to report that  the program  will be receiving  $3000.00 for it - whooo hooo!    The following is a virtual exhibit of the  Maryvale girl's exhibition.  I cannot begin to express how proud I am of them - their efforts, their courage and their talent - their fingerprints are forever  embedded on my heart and soul.

* Click on images and text to ENLARGE *

 

 

Your Invited

Open Invitation ~ You are invited!  Well, the gallery show for my work with Free Arts and Maryvale is this coming weekend!  If you are in the area please come.  I would love to see you. I am really excited to see the culmination of this journey - however for me it really is just the beginning.

 

Let's Get Real Shall We?

Are you scared?  You should be ;) - this is my current studio/office state of mind!  I thought to myself let's get real shall we ....  I moved my office into my already PACKED  studio so that my sweet husband could have a room of his own - seems only fair since I had two ;)  So everything is just packed in here - where to begin $%^&^&**  Deep breath .... so here is honestly what it looks like and let me tell you this is neat compared to where it started - slow but sure it will come around to be functional - fact is though I am a nester - I collect and pact in so it will always look like a nest - a bit neater  but a nest all the same - and I am ok with that being the nutty bird that I am :)

  
   

Happy Number 17

Today is my anniversary - 17 years of "Nuptial Bliss" ;) as my husband likes to say with a chuckle.  We celebrated last night with dinner at a wonderful and favorite place - The Saddle Peak Lodge.  It was a wonderful evening and of course a trip to the book store after made it complete - yes I am a self proclaimed and proud NERD.  It is nice to say after 17 years that we are happier than ever.  I feel truly blessed to have such a special man as my partner in life.

A treasure box

My darling Judi surprised me with a very "special" present.  A gift only she would know to give me.  This treasure box once belonged to one of the original Warner Bros. animators to hold his pens, pencils and brushes.  I just love it more than I can say - the story behind it, the way it looks, and especially because my friend knows me so well to give me such a gift.  So I am starting to fill it up - lovingly and with care.