Tuesday, April 20, 2010

If The Table Is Covered.....



.....it must mean art is happening!
After all the to-do about getting the studio cleaned, I discovered the very sad truth:
I cannot work when it is sterile and spotless. My creativity is shut off and since I lassoed that blasted muse and brought it back kicking and screaming, it was time to get going.
And I think by the photos above, it is obvious something is happening!
I have had, for a long time, a desire to work with some old drug store pharmacy labels and Rx's that were written when the dosage was scribed by the doctor. It really was a *recipe* for the medication being prescribed. So after purchasing a bunch (read that way too many!) I scanned them and printed them out onto tracing paper, along with some other anatomical things, then pulled some pieces from an old PDR and a medical dictionary.

This was the direction I was going, but decided the center of the canvas really needed a focal point and thus began a computer search for either a caduceus or staff of Asclepius.
(a short aside: the U.S. Army of 1902 is partially to blame for the current use of the caduceus as a medical emblem, when in reality, it is the staff of Asclepius that should be portrayed. The caduceus was the staff of Hermes, god of trade, money, trickster, and known to deliver death upon occasion. Asclepius was the half son of Apollo and was known for healing with his staff with the single serpent. Someone in the Army didn't do their homework........)
Obviously Anne spent a little too much time doing research, but you know....I do get a bit, ummmm, anal about these things!
Moving on......I finally find what I want for the center, and all the paper pieces I had laid on for consideration go off and the staff is carefully cut out and placed over a base of heavy gel medium. I applied it with a disposable icing bag, which was perfect to keep the gel within the guidelines and not have too much going everywhere.

This is how the over all piece looked after cleaning the edges of the gel......


And a close up to show the texture from the background gesso and the depth of the staff.
And yes, all good serpents of the healing variety have their encounters with the beauty salon...

.....or in other words, when I am in a hurry, I have no hesitation about shoving things under the hair dryer on low heat. It speeds along the drying without affecting the gel's stability. (never do this with a crackling medium, it only works for gels.)
So now, I have a central focus, lot of pieces and spent the day figuring things out.
And that is where I sign off this post.
More photos tomorrow, be they good or bad! Occasionally I get in too much of a hurry, things get glued on that don't really work and then I have to sit and look, or go mow grass and let my grey matter wander.
While this is not everyone's cup of tea, y'all that know me know my love of all things anatomical and medical, thus, my creation......
Stay tuned; more body parts to come!  ;-)

Pax.

46 comments:

Janet Ghio said...

I think your cadceus (I know I didn't spell that right) turned out good and I like the start of your canvas. It will be interesting to see it to conclusion.

yoborobo said...

I love it! Love, love, l-o-v-e. And how funny is this, Anne - I just bought a Gray's Anatomy from a thrift store. It's a pb copy and pretty beat up. I was so happy! All those muscles and bones! Great minds. :) Have a very creative day, my friend. xoxoxo Pam

Robbie said...

How very cool!! I'm SO anxious to get back to my art work!!! Looks like you're doing enough for two people (as usual!).

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi JAnet!

Yes, every time I went to spell "caduceus" I had to google it to be sure I wasn't spelling something else entirely....and one would think BY NOW, I would know how to spell it! LOL!!!
I am very happy with that part; more work today hopefully!

XXOO!!
Anne

Unknown said...

I'm seriously thinking I need to give this multi-media thing a try. Looks totally fun and might let the mind go a little Right Brain, which in my case is a good thing.

Stay Creative Today,
Kate

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Pam,

I still do not have a Greys Anatomy. I have wanted one since high school....guess mother figured there might be a stray penis in ther and put the nix on it......oy......So YAY on YOU!!!
I think I'll check Alibris and see if I can find a hard cover that is used (well used) to cut up.... :)

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Robbie!

Well, FINALLY I am.....I went through a very long drought, but I am starting to get back into the swing of things.
I feel the mess itself it a work of art....SNARF!!!
Glad you're back safely and you'll be busy in no time.

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Kate,

You really should. The beauty of mixed media is it can be very simple or complex----whatever the artist feels like working with. There are so many wonderful blogs/sites with demos, etc.
I strongly urge you to do it.....especially with some of those beautiful pics you take? Those are just the perfect base for a mixed media piece!

XXOO!!
Anne

Linda and Michelle said...

This looks to be the beginnings of a great piece! I need to get back to the blogosphere more regularly...life is super busy and I'm trying to meet a deadline of Sunday with piece that's half-quilted. Love your table - lots of things I've never used before...hmmm...could get into more trouble!!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oooooo Linda,

You'd LOVE playing at my worktable! I am sure you could find other uses for all that STUFF of mine!
Yesterday was wonderful, having the whole day to work and seeing the project evolve in my head. Today may be slower, as I am to the critical placing and thinking point. (and we all know how well I think! HA!)
If you ever want info one what I use...... :)

XXOO!!
Anne

marianne said...

darlin, your idea of a messy table made me laugh! but i am glad to know things aren't always spotless and incredibly organized your way... love the start, love the idea of the gel & disposable icing bag- my brain is already working. can't wait to see the progress.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Marianne.....

That pic was at the BEGINNING of the day....LOL!!!
I can't find the table now and was spending most of the afternoon pushing and shoving things to get room for what needed paint and what needed to dry and what just needed a spot of it's own for WHATEVER!
It's worse, and will get worse....HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anonymous said...

Gad Zooks....I have seen so much of the inside of doctors offices etc. I feel like this is home away from home ........
Have a Wonderful Day!
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo
p.s. I need a very well organized area to be creative in!!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh MArilyn....I know I shouldn't be laughing (as I sit like a fool laughing.....)

I should have hurried by your blog to put up a *parts warning*....sorry!!! <:)

And I completely understand.

XXOO!!
Anne

Deborah said...

OOooooo more body parts tomorrow! It's good to have something to look forward to. I like to watch Grey's anatomy. One night I made a typo in messaging a friend and said I was leaving to watch Gary's anatomy. Yep, getting the book out and making sure everything is in place. **kisskiss** Deb

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

LOL!!!!
Was that *MY* Gary's anatomy you were watching???? (I'll tell him another blonde has an eye on him....)
I am having a ball with this piece. Go figure.
I think I missed my calling, though I'm not sure what is might be..... :D

XXOO!!
Anne

Silke Powers said...

Oh, Anne, I WANT your studio! It looks so big and so tidy! Is it really?!? ;-) I tidy up between projects and then get all messy again. I think it's part of that non-linear creative process... At least so I tell myself! Love how your new piece is looking. I never thought of raising something off the page with gel medium!! Hmmmm... something new to think about!

My art is jealous after looking at your post. It wants to go to the beauty salon, too, now. See what you have done?!? : ) Love, Silke

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Silke!

LOL!!!
First, I do have a good sized studio, but it is PACKED with junk I cannot bear to be rid of. Pitiful......
And second, it is not clean---I just shove things out of the way to work.
Now, between big projects, then I really clen up because I have to, but when painting, well, things usually pile until something falls off the table or into what I'm working on......
And my art beauty salon is open anytime I don't have MY head in the theng! HAHAHAHA!!! I am a mess... ;)

XXOO!!
Anne

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Anne,
That's a lot of research for one piece of art. lol
I like what I see and looking forward to seeing what's next on your canvas.
Happy creating,
Hugs,
Anna

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Anna,

Unfortunately, I always seem to do that with some of my pieces. I just get going and love the tidbits of info...I don't know when to stop.
It is coming along good and I am pretty happy with it....the real work begins now of tying it all together as a composition and visually.
But I am enjoying the process, no matter what!

XXOO!!
Anne

Tristan Robin said...

I have a little problem getting started when the studio is totally clean - I dread the idea of messing it up again LOL.

Although I love what you're doing (I just skeleton stuff!), I'm most impressed that you have a full head hairdryer! Do you fit under it with your hair rolled around orange juice cans?

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Tristan....ROFLMAO!!! And cook my *naturally blonde hair* on a juice can???? (I never could get that to work anyway.....)
I have that because my hair is so fine it gets in knots with a blowdryer. It's just easier....and so many uses too! :D
Yeah, I think I am a MESS person. So much easier to make more mess and not feel bad about leaving it.
This thing is coming along good---hope I don't screw it up! HA!

XXOO!!
Anne

Ces Adorio said...

Just let me deal with this one problem at the moment then everything will be back to normal. I promise.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

As you wish dear one.....
I shall try and behave.
(I hear everybody laughing.....)

XXOO!!
Anne

Leslie said...

Sterile and spotless means having to remember where you put something, ask me how I know...

Vicki~TheMiddleSister said...

LOL...Anne spend too much time doing medical research! Anxious to see the complete project.

Elena said...

Oh am I pathetic or what?! As your post loaded I saw the pics of your studio space and felt a little thrill. Kinda like a kid entering a toy store. I wanna come over and play with all that stuff. Or just sit and watch you create magic with all those really cool medical things. Great, now I'll be raiding the docs office. Can't wait to see. Oh and congrats on capturing that wayward muse.

kj said...

jeez, i go off to work and meanwhile 27 comments grow up and around.

you mother did not want you to find a stray penis, anne? hahhaha! how about a penis with a good sense of direction. (hmmpj, ahaha, forgive me, i can't help it...)

this is one of my first introductions to your art. how fun. you would clearly enjoy browsing for old medical books and pictorials. if i come across one one of these days, i will snatch it for you.

:)

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey leslie,

Yep.....kind of had that experience a few times with this after the great cleaning.
It's just not worth it!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Vicki----you know me waaaay too well, don't you????
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Elena,

Yes, this is much like a toy store!!! I have a slew of stuff....plenty for pilfering and nosing through. It is a long accumulation, I can tell you!
You're welcome to play....and yes, always look when at the doctors for interesting leaflets, phamplets, etc. I don't hesitate to ask for something if it is an item I am sure the drug reps have left...... ;)

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey kj--

AH-HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! I don't think there are any with good direction....SNARF!!! WOOT!!!
Oh, that was funny! (mom was such a prude...I mean, it was pitiful. And then there is *ME*.....)
You need to click the photo in the upper right hand corner (see my mixed media art) of the blog and you'll see some of my other artwork.
I've waited a long time and gathered for a while on this medical piece...which might produce a series if there is enough to tie a few pieces together. It's difficult to find good work to use. I know what I want to portray in this one; doing others would have to have a reason or fit.
This makes no sense other than to me so I'll shut up! HAHAHA!

XXOO!!
Anne

Karen S said...

Your work table looks pretty clean to me! I love all the colors of paints together -- and I honestly believe that a little mess is good for the soul. Scientific studies show that too clean an environment keeps children from developing a working immune system.

That's my story anyway...

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Karen,

I'll go with that theory!
The table has degenerated as I have worked.....
Next post will show it more as it usually *is*. Nothing happens when I have it clean! The brain shuts off moreso than normal! LOL!!

XXOO!!
Anne

audrey said...

Anne,
This piece is SO cool. I love seeing what you've conjured up to create. I must say the comments on here are hysterical. You always manage to come up with some topic that brings out the "mischief" in people... LOL!!!
♥ audrey

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Well Audrey, that is just my JOB in life....to make sure everyone gets a chance to cut loose!!! LOL!!! (I need to reread them...I've slept since yesterday...LOL!!!)
I'm loving the piece---I just hope I don't screw it up!

XXOO!!
Anne

Marie S said...

Oh Anne, I want to come play at your house!! How fun. I love what you are doing right now.
You are so talented and these look wonderful and I can see them hanging in a doctors office. How perfect that you would do these, eh??
Love and hugs, dear one!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Everyone is welcome to come play, but you have to BYOB!!!! (wine, preferrably! LOL!!!)
I think these would be super in a Drs office, although they always seem to have those lame prints---*decorator* prints. I would much rather look at an anatomical chart!
Yes, I'm odd.......
You knew that......

XXOO!!
Anne

Snowbrush said...

You have a very attractive blog, and I envy you your art.

I too am a fan of Vincent Price.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Snowbrush!

Thanks for the blog-praise; much appreciated.
Yes, Vincent Price was by far one of my favorite actors. He had elegance, humor, could ham it up and play to the camera (from days on stage, no doubt) and was a delicious villian when necessary!
I think I shall always remember his fraility in Edward Scissorhands....he looked like a ghost of himself due to illness, but the consumate actor remained to the end.
Thanks for dropping by!

XXOO!!
Anne

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

You never fail to amaze me with your energetic approach to experiencing creativity. I love your work table...the gallery director is coming over on Friday so I will have to put mine into some kind of order. Enjoy! Enjoy! and Play! Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Mary Helen!

I don't know what's worse....those moments of joy when it's all clean and nothing is happening or trying to get things *presentable* and then get back to work.
I'm guessing the latter.....
I just spent over an HOUR getting tomorrows post in the can. The Blogger Demons are at it again.
GEEZ!
I do love y'all..... ;)

XXOO!!
Anne

P.S. Good luck with the director!!!!

*Ulrike* said...

Is that a hair dryer? I mean a real hair dryer?! Don't see many of those anymore, but maybe they will come back in style for what you are using it for! This should be a really interesting piece of work, can't wait to see the next photos!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Yep Ulrike,

That is the real deal! USually I can find them around Christams. Otherwise, they are hard to find. I use it on myself too----it's a lot easier on my *naturally blonde* hair than a blow dryer, which just tangles things up!
Maybe I need to submit the tip to some magazine....that ought to get hardbonnet sales up! :)

XXOO!!
Anne

Unknown said...

oh so cool to see the progress...and how cool to use that hair dryer!!!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Diana,

LUV my hairdryer!!
For many purposes!!! :)

XXOO!!Anne

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