October 20, 2008

Photo by Sharon Lee


With a threat of snow (at least in the Northern regions of central Pennsylvania) and clear skies for a good part of the day, I decided to take out my hot air balloon for one more lift this season, cruise to Bethlehem, Pa and visit a wonderful vegan bakery, Vegan Treats. This bakery has nailed vegan baking in fact I would hold any of their baked goods, tiramisu, sticky buns, eclairs, cookies to any other bakery vegan and non vegan alike.

As I gassed up the ballon and headed home I bit into a delicious jelly donut, dripping sweet freshly made strawberry jam onto my jacket while looking at the most spectacular foliage against a blue-grey sky (perfect color for accenting the vivid reds, orange, yellows, browns, purples and greens). Life doesn't get any better than this.

Peace Always

Sharon

P.S. Just kidding I wanted to see if anyone was paying attention

October 19, 2008

Because my art is based on personal experiences, issues or observations with/from friends, family and acquaintances are usually part of a painting. At times, I suppose, this can be uncomfortable for some to be publicly exposed in such a manner. I try to keep this in mind while at the same time not compromise the vision I have and what it is I want to say.

Such is the case with my latest start. Several days of metamorphosing the person who is to be exposed into a bird, toad, then alien I was inspired by an old Mexican woodcarving that I had acquired many years ago. The figure is in a position which speaks to the experience I want to share. Tomorrow I will translate the woodcarving on to paper then transfer to the canvas where I can begin to paint.

Peace Always

Sharon

October 18, 2008

Photo by Sharon Lee

One blog that I subscribe to is one by Alison Bechdel. Originally from central Pennsylvania I first became aware of her work "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic" which is largely based in Beach Creek, Pennsylvania which is down the road and over a mountain from where I live. "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic" is a graphic novel that she both wrote and illustrated about her family of origin in all their dysfunctional glory. I'd say that this book was a page turner except for the fact that the illustrations were wonderful and worth spending extra time viewing.

Alison now has a blog which is updated just short of once a week covering any and all topics that interests here.

Fun read.

Peace Always

Sharon

October 17, 2008

Blah, Blah, Blah
2007
acrylic on hemp and organic cotton
38" x 38"

Yesterday for no apparent reason I decided to write a somewhat scathing comment on another person's blog. This was unprovoked except that when I originally read the post something inside me felt it necessary to share my truth and "set things straight".

In 2007 I painted "Blah, Blah, Blah" which I felt encapsulated how I was relating to the world concerning recently switching over to a vegan lifestyle. Behind the protagonist there are two people-one reacting with their head exploding and the other not reacting (or listening) at all. This is usually the case when someone sermonizes and I expect that the blogger will received my comments in exactly that way.

Peace Always

Sharon

October 15, 2008

Zen Diner
1998
acrylic on metal and mirror
6" x 6"

Down the road a bit from me in front of the "estate" of a local successful contractor is a ginormous McCain and Palin sign. It makes me laugh every time I see it in that the sheer size of the sign in front of the home of an obviously well off family says it all.

Next time you go to an art show take notice of the sizes of art works. It takes space and the means for transportation to paint large. More than once I had to rent vehicles to tote my art work somewhere and it is minor in size compared to Monet's lilies or Rothko's color panels.

Size for painting storage and transportation has kept my pieces in the past few years under 48" x 48" framed. This is the largest I can fit a piece in my Volvo on the diagonal. I also have a roof platform for slightly larger pieces but it is hell driving with a large thing overhead and the flap flap flapping of a tarp to cover it.

Peace Always

Sharon

October 14, 2008

Pulled In All Directions
1999
Acrylic on Belgium linen
24" x 36"

In 1999 I painted "Pulled in All Directions" in response to feeling overwhelmed with day to day responsibilities. Most initial reactions to this painting are more literal thus leading to disgust. As usual with paintings of this time the background scene is based in the kitchen-the heart of the house and the common location of a house slave (wife).

Peace Always

Sharon

October 13, 2008

Photos by Sharon Lee

What can I say more leaf photos. There's a new canvas to be stretched, yoga props to make and a garden that need to be winterized but instead I feel compelled to be outside and stare at the foliage.

Peace Always

Sharon