September 7, 2008

Lavender Clematis
photo by Sharon Lee

As I was painting today I was thinking about the contrast of my work as seen by a gallery viewer and my work as seen by me in my studio. When I paint I rarely consider the audience as for me painting is an expression of whatever is on my mind at the time. For instance I have a dream; the dream shows up in a painting soon after, I have issues with a friend or family member; that issue is somehow created visually for me to think through and work out.

When my art is in a gallery it is in a clean uncluttered space with good light. My studio is rather small (9' x 10'). All the light comes from five windows (facing West and North) and the shop light I've installed. Although I store my paintings in my studio they are stacked vertically and are covered with a dust cloth so I really only see one painting at a time.

For only brief moments do I ever view my art in its entirely. Generally this is with the initial drawing. The final few days and for a day or two when it's completed. The painting then is sent of to be recorded and framed then stored until needed.

Peace always
Sharon

September 6, 2008

Yesterday was the opening reception for my participation in a two person show at the Fein Art Gallery in Pittsburgh, PA. The Fein Art Gallery is a beautiful space in an eclectic neighborhood in the North side of Pittsburgh. I shared the space with a well known Pittsburgh artist Kathleen Zimbicki. Kathleen and I share similar color palettes. Her work has a beautiful flow and I was honored to share space with her.

This was the first of several things for me including: a non-group show in Pittsburgh and seeing 25 pieces of mine spread out side by side in one space. My relationship with my art work is mostly from only 12" away. It is exhausting to be part of a show where more of you and more of your work is needed. The opening was four hours and for the majority of that time I was being introduced to people who had come out for the expressive purpose of seeing Kathleen and my pieces. There are many introductions made at these types of events. I struggle to retain the names but more often than not do not succeed.

The "Friendly Funk" show at the Fein Art Gallery continues until mid October 15, 2008.

For more information call the Fein Art Gallery at 412-321-6816.

September 4, 2008

Last night (actually early this morning) I had a dream that two of my close friends were taking a bath together. This caused quite a disturbance for everyone involved. I wasn't sure what to do with this information-it would be weird for both of the friends to know that I had pictured them in the tub together. Instead I decided to paint a scene from this dream in one of the circles in the painting I am currently working on.

Here are two interpretations I found in an online dream dictionary:

Friend
To see your friends in your dream, signifies aspects of your personality that you have rejected, but are ready to integrate these rejected part of yourself. The relationships you have with those around you are important in learning about yourself.

Bathtubs
To see or be in a bathtub in your dream, suggests a need for self-renewal and escape from everyday problems. You need to rid yourself of the burdens that you have been carrying. Alternatively, it indicates your mood for love and pursuit of pleasure and relaxation.

Bath
To dream that you are taking a bath, signifies a cleansing of your outer and inner self and a washing away of difficult times. This dream may also be symbolic of ridding yourself of old ideas, notions, opinions, and other negativities. Your dream may be pointing toward forgiveness and letting go.

Peace Always

Sharon

September 3, 2008

Just Another Fact of Life
2005
acrylic on wood
20" x 22"


Yesterday was spent driving to Pittsburgh to deliver 25 pieces of art work for the show at the Fein Art Gallery. The space is very nice in a section of Pittsburgh that has a mix of old architecture with new restortations. Driving a 10' U Haul was a bit of a challenge on the road to Pittsburgh as there is construction most of the way so you are continually dealing with no shoulder, orange construction barrels and temporary cement walls. With day light the drive was considerably easier but once it got dark I had some issues that made the drive seem more frightening for my passenger as well as myself.

Although my mission was simply to drop off artwork I never miss a chance to explore and re-explore Pittsburgh and had a delightful day at Construction Junction (building salvage), East End Co-op (so much like the coops of the 70s), a great meal at my favorite Ethipoian restaurant (Abay) and a look see at one of the most enjoyable consigment shops Avalon. Even found a vegan cupcake at a Dozen Cupcakes in Squirrell Hill (Yummy).

Today I spend several hours making a detailed instruction/catalog for the gallery reiterating anything that important for hanging my work including thumbnails of each piece so it is easy to label for the show. Painted for about an hour today but weariness took over and I had a nice long nap in front of the fan on a hot summer day. Very relaxing. If only my brain would forgive those days that I need to take off and not beat me up too much for skipping walking in the woods and doing yoga. Too hot to garden. Did manage to make some more yoga props and wrap a yoga chair, two blocks and an eyebag to be shipped out.

Peace Always

Sharon

September 1, 2008

Rabbit (An ex friend's family says "Rabbit" on the first of each month for good luck). Sort of adopted it.

Painted a bit today although the beautiful weather outdoors was calling and calling. Started the next to last circle. It's meaning comes from: strong locally brewed beer, B & B and a dish of fresh pineapples.

You all can do the math.

Early morning tomorrow as I have to pick up a U Haul first thing, fourth set of headphones. Both the Menstruation Theater and "The Making of the Wall" have audio that has been split for two people to listen to the audio tracks simultaneously. Then off to Pittsburgh to deliver art work and accessories for the show.

Peace Always

Sharon

August 31, 2008

Besides getting ready for the show at the Fein Art Gallery in Pittsburgh, I have two pieces (framed and ready to go) for the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Biennial, and a small solo show at a local coffee shop, Websters on Aaron in State College during the month of December. The space at Websters is fairly small and I'm planning on making at least a couple of paintings site specific (one of the line at the coffee counter and something reflective of life in State College, PA). I also would like to show some of my photographs, most of which are nature photographs taken either at the local state game lands or in one of my backyard's gardens. My plan is to have 10-15 photos double matted at the frame show and then find simple pre-made frames that will suit the photographs. Because the space is small I also would like to paint a few "tiny" photographs. The photo at top is the size and simplicity of the statement the paintings that I see myself doing for this show. Today I had some editing experience as I selected music for the background of "The Making of the Wall" DVD that I am showing at the Fein Art Gallery. There were about 100 options in the library music I was looking through. At first it seemed slightly overwhelming and then I began to get a feel for what was needed and I choose pieces that felt right to the scenes the music will serve.

August 30, 2008

Final few crunch days before pieces have to be delivered for show at Fein Art Gallery in Pittsburgh. I dug out an antique ipod to load on the sound track for the Menstruation Theater, purchased a portable dvd player to present "The making of the "Wall". I went back and forth with whether or not to show this dvd as there will be no monetary transaction for either me or the gallery as the actual piece is unable to be shown. Finally decided it could offer a painting break should someone need to divert their attention a bit.

Tomorrow I need to chose some music from a music library to play softly underneath the original soundtrack which is talking and tool noises. Also an audio transfer from cassette to cd will be made. My final chore of today is to recheck my list of things to bring to painting drop off including: artwork, staple gun, dvd player, ipod, headphones, tape, epoxy and directions.