Dusting off the keyboard...

Yes, I am still alive. 

Yes, I am still "doing art". 

Yes, I have actually been very busy. (Thanks for asking.)

Other things have just taken priority... updating the blog wasn't on the list.

But... I will earnestly try to do better. To keep this from taking too long to post and my internal-perfectionist-editor from squashing the whole thing, I will leave you with a Q&A I recently answered. It is for a local arts magazine to be published at a later date. They are asking questions about my art, so I thought it relevant to post and kickoff my blog-renewal. Enjoy!

Smiles and Blessings to you all!

- Shannon

What is your attraction to working with wax as a medium? What does it enable you to do that other media does not?

Encaustics are so sensual, earthy, and luminous. Working with wax seems to have something for all of the senses. (I love how the smell of melted wax makes the studio smell like a honeycomb...)  Artists have been using wax as a natural medium as early as the 5th century BC, so there's a definite sense of connecting with the past and with nature. It's easy to be enthralled and allow yourself to get lost in it all. And as the encaustic layers are applied, the art seems to glow and become alive...you just can't get that anywhere else.

Describe your mental process when planning a piece or series, then describe some of the physical aspects of working in encaustic.

Encaustic art is very much a process of recipes, steps, and layering. Each layer needs to be fused to the previous layer and so on. When I have an idea for a piece, I'll break it down into layers in my head and work backwards. I try to "troubleshoot" and "problem-solve" prior to even prepping the board. I like to have everything ready to go when I start. Every piece is different and things change. At some point, I just let the art come into its own. That's what keeps it interesting and new every time.  

 

What tips do you have to offer to artists who would like to begin working in wax?

Research the steps and learn how different materials work together. Experiment, be creative, and have fun with it. But most important is knowing the rules for safety. Encaustics and wax can become very toxic at certain temperatures and very harmful if inhaled. Plus, anytime you are working with high heat or open flames it can be dangerous. Safety is a must.

Where do you draw your inspiration?

I am inspired by life. Little things that catch my attention. Children inspire me, especially my own. I like having them tell me what they see in any work of art, what they find interesting, and what they think. It's often the most honest and pure response you'll hear. 

Where can the public view your work?

I currently have works on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Mackenzie River Pottery.

 
What projects do you currently have in the works?

I am working on a series that explores concepts of "Contrast, Chaos, and Control". Plus, a few other interesting ideas..

Washington Fine Arts Festival tweaks the details

Here is where I'll be this weekend!!! Come and see me at the Festival, booth 12!
Washington Fine Arts Festival tweaks the details

Closeups as requested...

Hello again...
Per the request of a few who have not been able to see some of my newer pieces up-close and personal, I am posting a handful of close-up shots along with the name of the piece. Enjoy and feel free to let me know what you think.

(Above left) Looking for Answers - Mixed Media, 30"x40"

(Above right) Ignorance and Bliss - Mixed Media, 30"x40"

(Above left) Contraband - Mixed Media, 30"x40"

(Above right) Badge of Healing - Mixed Media, 30"x40"

(Above left) Barrier 1 - Mixed Media and Gold Leaf, 12"x12"

(Above right) Exploration 1 - Encaustic on Wood, 12"x12" (sold)

Peace be with you.

- Shannon

Update from the April show...

What an amazing show! Seeing all of those people and my work...I can't explain how wonderful it was to have all of my pieces from the past few years in one place (and yes, my first solo show.) It was very moving and quite emotional for me. And what a joy it was to observe others as they viewed the paintings, their reponses and reactions, and to be able to really talk with viewers about my work. It was an experience I will not forget.

This show's theme was based around my journey with Celiac Disease and the pieces I have created since my diagnosis. I put together narratives for each of these works in an effort to show exactly what I was thinking and feeling when I made the piece. It was an incredible platform to just talk about Celiac Disease and help some people have a better understanding and awareness. 30% of the sales of my show went to National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. They were great to work with and sent a tremendous amount of literature to aid in discussions. The opening was catered "gluten free" and Apple's Bakery (a local gluten-free bakery) donated muffins and cookies... it was fantastic! I hope to do more along these lines and use this body of work to spread awareness of Celiac Disease.

I am working on putting together my narratives along with pictures of my pieces in a handy format. I'll post it when its done. I've got a handful of my paintings at Bella Grove Originals in Peoria Heights as well, if you're in town be sure to check them out. Meanwhile, much to be done in preparation for the festival in August.... amongst other cool things happening.

Smiles and Blessings -

Shannon

Festival was a success! Plus, pics of new art!

"We made it!!!"

The Washington Fine Arts Festival was this past weekend (August 15 and 16). It was alot of work, but it was nothing short of wonderful!!! Saturday was hot, busy, and a big whirlwind. Sunday was... well Sunday was windy and ended with a downpour. All in all though, I thought it was success and have no complaints. (And the fact that none of my paintings were damaged in the rain makes me happy, too.)

For the past few weeks I've been promising photos of some of the new pieces I've been working on. I had started work on about 12 paintings in hopes to have them all done by the Festival (I had to have a goal.) Only 5 made it to the "done" point and actually went to the Festival though. The others will have to wait a little longer for the next show. For those familiar with some of my past work, I think you'll see that this year's is a bit different. And if you can't tell already, I'm very excited about it all.

Here are shots I took at the Festival, along with some background on the work. I'll be posting better quality pics on the website gallery soon. Enjoy!

Dead of Winter - Mixed Media on Canvas - 30" x 40"


This painting is the first one I started in my mixed media group. As I mentioned before, I have really felt the need to "feel" when I paint. I like the tactile quality that comes out when I use other items along with the paint. This time it was burlap and twine. Titled "Dead of Winter", I got the idea for it a short time after my Celiac Disease diagnosis. I was feeling a bit on the cold and desolate side, if you can't tell. Its an interesting contrast for me looking back, because I usually have painting visions of colorful blossom trees or vibrant colors on a hillside. At the time all I felt had no color. I'll make a point to add some close-ups and side shots of this later. It actually comes an inch or two off of the canvas. Makes you want to touch it!







Ignorance and Bliss - Mixed Media on Canvas - 30" x 40"
This was an interesting piece for me to do. It is made up of coffee bean bags from South America, hence the bits of text you see on the bags. I cut several bags into pieces and painted each separately before I secured them to the support. I could see the finished work in my head and it took a long time to create it. And despite the time it took for the size of the piece, I found the whole process to be very therapeutic and healing for me. I was able to just work and let my mind wander. The name came from the the bits of burlap representing a floating blissful state... a kind of portal you could almost swim into. The black bands are for me representing ingnorance. In a way barring you from reaching the into the window of bliss. The saying is usually said "ignorance is bliss". For me it is quite the opposite. I kept thinking to myself 'now that I know what the problem is (Celiac Disease), I can get myself better'. And I also thought of how bad I would feel and how my symptoms would grow worse if I didn't know what was wrong. So you see for me, ignorance is not bliss.



The Inside - Mixed Media on Canvas - 30" x 40"

This was an exciting piece to work on. I combined several kinds of paint and medium. Plus I also used paper layers and mica (metal) powder. I was trying to put into one visual image how I felt. So there are several different ways to read this, and I think its interesting to hear people's responses. (By the way, that is what I LOVE, LOVE about abstract art... it can mean so many things to different people. Like a universal language without words. Isn't art amazing!!!) For me I felt a nashing, clenching feeling. Frustration and tension mixed with waves of anger and disappointment. The "why me" factor all rolled into one. If you could see the painting up close, you would see the layers of paper and where they have been scraped and scratched away with steel brushes and paint knives. At some points I just used my fingernails. I think the viewer would have had a pretty good idea of how I was feeling if they had watched me creating this piece. What a release of emotion! I highly recommend it to anyone needing to deal with their emotions creatively. So the name of this work comes from how I feel or felt on "The Inside". I think this has become one of my personal favorites.


Longing - Mixed Media on Canvas - Triptych, (3) 24" x 48" panels, total 72" x 48"




This piece is unique in that changed names throughout its creation as well as changing its meaning a bit. That's kind of strange for me, because I usually hold on to a concept or feeling long enough to paint it out. As I started feeling better with my disease and had learned to change the way I live (gluten-free life is still hard, don't get me wrong, but I am handling it better) , I guess I just felt less and less resentful. It became more of a statement of feeling and less of a raw emotion. I actually started feeling fortunate that it wasn't something worse and that I only had to change my diet to control my health. No drugs, just food. And I have a load of cool options... but I digress. And while I still have viable and yummy food choices. There are days when I just CRAVE a crusty baguette. Or a true french pastry. And I am well aware that my dream of traveling the world, free to eat whatever I want is no longer possible. So yes, I long for those days. That's where the title of this comes from. I long for golden fields and golden "dreams" that I can't have. So the metallic gold paints (and some with metal powder which adds a cool effect) represent that ideal and those golden days. The black "bars" between me (or the viewer) and the gold are pretty self explanitory I think. The organic shapes are representing the feeling like a heart throbbing and yearning. You put it all together and you get "Longing". Longing for the gold you can't reach. But the beauty of abstract art is that it can mean anything you want it to. And like several people have already told me... they just like the way the burlap, the twine, and the gold paint look. "Wow, that looks really cool!" And that's fine with me, too.


Ode to Zee - Mixed Media on Canvas - 30" x 40"

And now, with this piece, we get a bit closer to what you'll begin to see more of (and back to brighter colors too maybe). I guess it didn't take too long to move on from the "Diagnosis Reaction" period. Remind me to use that in my auto-biography. Anyway, this painting has been in my sketchbook for a few years actually and it was going to be all in textured paint... but when I saw the burlap pieces, it just came together. Let me explain the title "Ode to Zee". Zee refers to the photographer, Allan Bruce Zee, I had the pleasure of meeting and working with in Portland, Oregon. I was doing interior design work and had the difficult job of having to choose from all of his wonderful art, which ones we would show in the stores. I had my own favorites and he has a series he calls "Rustscapes". He takes incredible close-ups of common everyday items that are rusted... and the results are just fantastic. He also shows with each work, the object it was taken from. Very cool! It was after seeing this and talking with him about it I became facinated with this type of abstract. I looked around me and so many things and pictures began to jump out. But for me it was a painting, I just can't seem to get good photos. I would stop on a set of metal stairs to stare at the rust accumulating in the corner. And I am getting to where I prefer the look of peeling layers of paint to a smooth finish. One of Allan's photos that has stuck with me for these past years is called "NASA's Deception" and while my painting doesn't look like it, it has something of the same colors. Check out his website and you'll see where it came from, the red with the teal blue. Go to: www.allanbrucezee.com and look at the abstracts and rustscapes. I just love it.

So, that should bring everyone up to speed. I'm taking a little break from painting to see my family in Arkanses, but I have to admit, I can't wait to get back to work on my paintings again. It seems like talking about art and getting excited about art, just makes me want to do more art!!!

Blessings to you all!

Getting Closer...

Wow! Its less than 2 weeks until the Washington Fine Arts Festival next weekend. Why is this so important? Well, its my Society that's putting it together and I know every bit of sweat that's gone into the planning. (There's a huge difference between throwing a huge party and just going to a huge party.) And, oh yes, its a huge party. Well over 90+ artists! How cool is that?!?!

So now to the art. My art. Alot has happened around here since last year and my art has reflected that a bit. While I have always used my paintings as a way of expressing myself, my emotions have played a bigger part now, as well as my need to really kick up the tactile aspect. Texture and mixed media have played an even larger role. So stay tuned for the finished pics I'll make a point to post later.

And for added fun, I took an hour or so out of my schedule and entered the "Art Calendar" Studio Makeover Contest. Lord knows I could use some better equipment, although in many ways I have it better than most. A table, some cabinets, a computer, and a few easels... what more do I need right? I love my home studio. Always there when I'm ready to make some art. And you can't beat the short trip down the stairs for a commute! So for your added visual this evening, I'll post the picture of my studio that I submitted. It was kind of a fun project as I've never used the "panoramic-paste" option on the camera. I felt one standard photo just didn't tell the whole story. So I got creative... and what better way than in a contest for artists! Here's the pic and let the countdown to the Festival begin (again)!!!

Look what I found

Hello again. Bon Soiree!

I am super excited about the art ideas screaming around in my head. There are a actually a handful that are making it to the canvas, too. I'm loving the way they are turning out!! This year's theme seems to be abstracts with loads of texture. I am enjoying acrylics and mixed media... and burlap. There is something so earthy and raw about burlap. ... so keep an eye out for my burlap pieces.

I also wanted to add a pic I found of one of my favorite local galleries, Venue... coincidentally they are less than a mile from me, so it would be so easy to go there very often. My only hiccup at the moment with that plan is babysitter availability. Needless to say they have a very cool atmosphere and bring a style to the Square that's different. And the reason why I'm adding the pic is that it is coincidentally includes one of my paintings. I like the way it looks in that place.

So now with that, I say goodnight (bon soir) and Smiles and Blessings to everyone.

- Shannon

Crazy days are here again

Hello again. We're back.

Okay, I promise I haven't been just sitting around filing my nails. I really have been busy and I'm definitely practicing prioritization for sure!!

So for an update...

Washington Fine Arts Society has a new home. A generous member of the community is allowing us to use part of his building for a small fee. We would not be moving forward so quickly without this...

Then we received our papers from the IRS that we are now officially NON-PROFIT baby!!!! We did it!!! (And now we need to figure out how to pay for it.)

Plans for the Fine Arts Festival are well under way and there is always more to do. I've never been a part of a project that wasn't somehow feeling behind schedule or over-budget. But mark your calendars for August 15 and 16.

In addition to that we've got classes to plan (Park District wants to put us in their fall class schedule... good stuff, but a little earlier than we were ready for.)and I think I'm going to teach a few classes too. Now I just need to figure out what I want to teach. And the time, oh where is the time?!?

Also taking a short break from writing our society newsletter, reviewing insurance quotes, putting together "lease agreement" letter... oh yeah and don't forget budgets and status. Ecetera ecetera ecetera...

And then there's art... No, I haven't forgotten.

My latest inspirations have been all about textures and I've been drawn to exploring multi-media. I love the look and depth of encaustics... plus the tactile qualities of deep texture. I have researched and tested some recipes for 'acrylic encaustics'. That is probably where I'll focus for my pieces for this years work. I'll post some pics when I get a few further along. (Still sketching around on my Nelly-Doll series and have more bits on my "bird-in-a-cage" vision.) We'll see what idea is ready and with me when the brush is wet with paint.

So for now that is where I am... and did I mention that I have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. That's been part of the adventure, too. A gluten-free adventure. I started a separate blog for thoughts on that... "Gluten Free Looks Good."

Peace and Blessings to you all -
Shannon

Hello hello...
It's been a while since I've written, I know. I'm afraid I've been pulled from the studio to work on things of a business nature. Yes, I'm referring to tax filing. But most important is I've been working to file the paperwork to get our Washington Fine Arts Society tax exempt non-profit status. Which in essence means a whole lot of paperwork... and for every one page there are several more you need to "attach detail". So that has been where the bulk of my energy has been.
I'm excited because we're almost there and I'm excited because it will be such a positive thing. The status, while just a status, means that we are validated as a legitimate society as well as being able to apply for grants. Plus, any monies kindly donated to us are tax-deductible to our patrons. Why do we need money?
Well our goal is to one day have a place to meet regularly (maybe rent/lease/let/borrow), that may also serve as a place to hold workshops, studios, classes, and maybe also serve as a gallery space. Every little bit helps and it will take alot I feel. This will definitely be a step in the right direction. Art - its creation, education regarding, and its appreciation - are such an important part of a healthy happy community. And this is where we (my family) plan to stay... so I feel I'm working to help our community move forward, too.

Now, let me just say that my creative brain has not been dead... just on the back burner. My sketchbook is still being tended to and I'm already looking to decide which ideas are worth developing and putting on canvas. Stay tuned.... this should be an exciting year!!

2nd Post

The last few weeks have been kind and inspiring. On a personal note my daughter's biopsy came back clean and we're all breathing easier. Now on to other things with her. She is (and so are her brother and I) happy and excited about Christmas decorations and snow. Growing up in the South I did not have "White Christmases"... it really sets the mood for the season.

I find myself looking out of the windows alot and looking at the way the light reflects off of the snow. And oh how the Christmas lights look yellow against the blue glow of the snow. The Impressionists loved the snow. And while I don't claim to be an Impressionistic painter... I can see where the attraction lies.

I'll attach one of my favorite paintings I actually did a over a year ago. The title is "Snow on Holland", but for a time I kept calling it the "Holland in Blue" piece and you can see why. As the snow falls this season, I am trying to keep an eye on the weather (as well my sketchbook and camera within reach...).

I have a showing of some (10) of my paintings at a wonderful local coffee shop, "The Blend". The two lovely women that own and run it are very supportive of local artists and have been even more supportive of our Washington Fine Arts Society. Oh and I should mention the coffee is very tasty too!!! I'll try to get a few pictures of it for the blog... until then "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!!"

Enjoy the weather, the colors, and the blessings of this season!

- Shannon

First time blog

After alot of planning and adjusting my "5-year plan" to accomodate all of the events of the past year, my website (www.scalig.com) is almost here. Taking the first step to lay out a vision of what you want to do (and then of course the paying for it) is part of the big plan. And I'm right on track.
While my website should present a good picture of who I am as an artist, I want to include a blog spot to journal and talk about things that inspire me, new ideas, and studio work, etc..
Kind of a behind the scenes look into my head and art.
So here it goes.... my first post.
Peace and Blessings.
- Shannon