Thursday, April 7, 2011

"Reliquary Memoria"

This is one of those good/bad posts. 
I am delighted I can finally show this piece of art I labored over during the winter on a short deadline (well, short for *me*~~LOL!) but the reason I can now post it is.....it was not chosen to be included in a publication. So you, my gentle Readers, get the unveiling of "Reliquary Memoria". 
The pertinent details follow. 

Sorry for the watermarks..... 
A little more detail....
All the little tidbits....a dry seedpod from a ground cherry, a broken brush and pencil, a shaped penny from NOLA....
Milagros, bottle caps, gold mica gel, my favorite angels.....
Live Oak acorn, split and framing the NOLA Cemetery imprinted on a penny...bone and watch parts.....
"Reliquary Memoria"
17" h. x 10" w.
Materials:

-heavily gessoed cradled wood panel and mini canvas
-metal leaf
-paper
-acrylic paints and mediums
-glass beads, glitter and small vials
-wire
-crushed bottle caps
-milagros
-bone
-pen nibs
-flattened pennies
-plant matter
-mica gels
-paper clay
-crackle medium
-shells
-watch parts
-commercial charms

"Reliquary Memoria" is a repository for many things I have collected, found sacred and held close to my heart. Blue bottles from a Southern heritage of bottle trees, nods to both traditional religion and religions much older and more visceral, the tidbits of nature I collect and hoard in the studio, items either from New Orleans or that represent the unique culture, the passage of time that none can avoid. My love of traditional icons and roadside shrines is evident in the basic shape of this piece. We are defined by simple things in complex variations; the sum of diverse parts that appear to equal nil, yet reflect the core of our soul.


And so it is......


Pax....

43 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yeah! OMG this is a fantastic piece and I am soooo happy for you that it will be published and you deserve it. I love, love, love the meaning you have imbued this piece with and that your heart is there front and center. Kudos. xox Corrine

Cathy Bueti said...

Anne this is amazing! I love this piece! It is so "you"!! So much detail and texture. I love the dangling hearts!! Just beautiful work!! :)

Silke Powers said...

Oh, Anne, I just love this piece - it must have taken you such a long time to complete. All the detail is amazing - and the special items are just gorgeous. I especially like the little bone and the skulls. You have no idea how much I admire the care and attention you give your art! I wouldn't have the patience... Much love, Silke

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

No Corrine, it's NOT being published. If it was, it could not be unveiled until after publication.
But I assure you---I'll be anxious to see what made it in due to at least one well known name being let in well after deadline....
The whole thing is bittersweet for me.
But...that's how it goes!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Cathy...it is *me*......so much so that I think that was why I took this exclusion more personal than other submissions that haven't made it.
I've had the piece in the studio since it was finished in late December....I love it.

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Silke, yes, it did take a LONG time~~there was so much to plan in it and try and get it done under deadline and looking good.
The actual story of the piece is longer but you know...artists statements...LOL!
"Tell about this in 20 words or less...." hahaha!
Me, not being long winded. ;-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Karin Bartimole said...

This is a gorgeous piece Anne - I love all the detail and obvious meaning behind it all. I'm sorry it won't be in that book - I can only imagine that there must have been thousands of submissions and for some reason yours didn't fit a theme, because it's absolutely fabulous! It will find the right place where it will get properly highlighted. Perhaps your own book!! How about an icon series :)
xoxox K
good luck today...

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Karin~~yes, I think I have enough pieces around here that I could, in a year or two, do a photo book of icons and shrines....LOL!!!
And thank you for the words for today---I hope it is a productive day.
And today is much better than yesterday...;-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Lovely! I like the bottle cap work especially.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Debra~~those mashed ones are hard to find---I go for the real deal. Rusted on the ground always looks different from rusted in the studio! ;-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Georgina said...

Oh hell, I can't believe this wasn't chosen for whatever publication you submitted...this is wonderful work, Anne. It's so detailed and obviously, you used material that was close to your heart. Well, their loss, but our gain, your readers. Are you putting up for sale?

I have a couple of dolls I am also holding off for showing because of the same thing. Submitted them back in early March, but I know the process is long, so I'll just have to wait too.

Great work, wonderful alter...keep it up.

Loves ya,
G

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Georgina,

I am not selling this one due to pieces in it I can't replace. But I will say this is one I would do prints of. I think the colors would reproduce fine and make nice cards/prints, etc.....
Hey kiddo, I am always on the short end of the stick! LOL!!! I sit there with my birds! ;-D

XXOO~~
Anne

yoborobo said...

Anne- Let me just say that in the world of publication lots does not make sense! Especially this! (Arrrrrrgh!!!) This is simply stunning, in every sense of the word. Maybe it didn't make it into that publication, but I think you should try another. Lots of Stampington mags will take submissions, even if published on a blog (I know, cuz I asked. :) So you just get your Irish up, my friend. Keep batting! Your work is amazing!!!! xoxo Pam
PS I'm glad you're keeping it. :)

audrey said...

....and so it is.

It is Beautiful. Magical. Spiritual. You.

I would have to say this is one of my favorites, Anne. It pulls me in and I want to look at it for a lengthy time. I want to look at each detail and element and ponder on it. I sincerely hope to see this in person one day.
Outstanding!
♥ audrey

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Pam,

I know you know the ins and outs of the publishing world better than most of us (and you have my sympathy on that too!) so I might have to see if it would fit into any of Stampingtons themes.....

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Audrey!

It is lovely in person---much easier to see all the little tiny things. Overall it photographed well but there were some areas that just were hard to get in regular studio lighting. (like the detail in those pennies)
And they are why I'm keeping it---too many tidbits from our last trip to New Orleans in there!

XXOO~~
Anne

GlorV1 said...

Lots of work Anne, very beautiful work. You have produced a masterpiece, it is awesome. I'm amazed at all the detail you put into your work. You are there in that canvas, soul embedded forever. Much meaning in this piece. EXCELLENT! Congrats!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Yep Gloria, thanks, this piece is me, through and through. Very personal....lots of symbolism.
Now I need to decide:
Studio? or House?

XXOO~~
Anne

Dolly Smith said...

The stuff they choose to publish had better be pretty fricken SPECTACULAR that's all I'm gonna say. Oh, no, it's not. I love, love, love the little dried, what? leek top? at the top- such a delicate touch. This is truly wonderful and you know I don't praise unless I mean it (makes life among the artiste types difficult at times.) So, you have my stamp o' approval on this baby you labored to bring forth :)

Dolly

Julie Zaccone Stiller said...

So completely gorgeous Anne. All that detail, and the color depths you've achieved, just plain wow.
I can't believe it wasn't selected to be published! Their loss IMHO. Now where's it going? Can you put it in a mixed-media show or try for another publication?

Timaree said...

I'm sorry it didn't make it to publication. I really like the mix of metal and nature, the artist tools and seed pods, trash (bottle caps) and special angels. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Anne,
Wow, I sure did drop by your blog at the right time.
I can see a lot of heart and soul in this piece!
Its just wonderful!
I'm not words can explain how you're feeling about this piece.
Thank you for sharing,
Happy creating,
Hugs,
Anna

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Dolly,

That little pod is a ground cherry seed pod. I coated it with numerous coats of acrylic glaze, then added a bit of interference paint....It just sort of *made* the area.
They are much like Chinese Lantern plants but without the color.

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Julie,

Good question---where is it going? My decision was HOUSE or staying in the STUDIO! LOL!!!
I am not sure--I need to regroup and do some research, then go from there.
Thanks for popping by; Pirate Power!!!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Freebird,

I liked the odd combo in it too~~I think it sort of represents an artists life; all over the place, with everything for inspiration! ;-D

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Anna Rosa,

Yes, glad you popped by today!
There was just flat out a lot of thought, planning and WORK in this piece. I could see it in my head, but bringing it to life was difficult.
It has been interesting reexamining it while cropping the photos~~I think it stands on it's own pretty well.

XXOO~~
Anne

Robbie said...

But simple things in life don't always turn out this wonderful!! Congrats..a fantastic piece!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Robbie....

THey are all things dear to me; simple little pieces, brought together in an odd and charming way! ;-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Marcia Beckett said...

Anne, this is dazzling! I'm sorry it won't be published. We probably both submitted to the same book and I was disappointed mine weren't accepted. Anyways, yours is truly stunning and I definitely think you should resubmit to another place. Art is so subjective and maybe another place will be a better fit.

Luthien Thye said...

hey hey :) i'm so sorry this piece wasn't chosen, ... it's a gorgeous piece tho. i love the colors and all the symbolism that went into it. i know you must have poured your heart into this one. you know what ... you should actually write a book ... and then you can include this in your own book :) i'll be waiting for it ... but make sure it comes to Malaysia!!! :)
BIG HUGS my fren ...

Cameron said...

Wow! Incredible! The details are amazing!

...and about the watermarks...it's a necessity...I'm doing it now, too :(

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Marcia,

I have a feeling with the timing of your comment that we did indeed submit to the same.(I just had some things going on here that receiving the notice was really poor timing~~normally I blow it off and move on with little thought)
I appreciate your comments on the piece~~art is subjective......sadly, I see so much that just plain looks alike and I love/lust for variety!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

LOL Luthien!!!

Maybe I could get a book PRINTED in Malaysia and then it wouldn't be such an adventure trying to find out how to get it there via the Post! ;-D
I have thought for a long time collecting enough work for a book, but it seems with the ones I see that they are all technique and not substance---a quick how-to is the current market, from my bleary and uneducated eyes!
I'll just make my own E-Book---that would be available everywhere!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Cameron!

Thanks for the kind comments....and yes, it is sad now that we cannot post work without script all over it.....I don't mind sharing but, then, I don't really want to see tidbits of my art end up *elsewhere*....as you obviously have learned. ;-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Dear Fireflies said...

One of the things I love about your art is that it's so intense, and to think that you create them from the littlest things you found just blows me away.

This piece is pure rustic goodness. :) oxx

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Amalia, that does describe my work---it's intense. I never think of it that way, I guess because I am just balancing and weighing composition, trying to bring it to life.
I just never thought of *intense* but it really is.
Thank you~~my brain is on strike and refuses to work today! :-D

XXOO~~
Anne

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

I love this wonderful reliquary....lush intricate and mysterious images for us to drink in. I hope the doctor's visit went well and you are feeling better. Have a great weekend! Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Anonymous said...

I have abandoned my blog a wee bit, but this caught my eye on my blog roll. You beat me to commenting ;)
Anne, many CONGRATULATIONS on your publication and I really, REALLY love this piece. We have similar tastes and I truly love the collection of memoria. What a special piece and it is priceless! It has a collection of things that interest me so much.
The colours chosen for this piece also attract me very much.
Thank, for sharing,Anne and I admire your talents
xxx

Laura said...

Anne, this is gorgeous, every detail, just beautiful!

studio lolo said...

I have no earthly idea why it wasn't chosen!
This is an amazing piece. I could feel the passion in it through the monitor. Wow Anne!
Your process and passion blows me away every time.

I really hate putting my work out there for judge and jury, But as long as I know I create art for art's sake, then I'm okay with whatever decision is made. I have to be. otherwise I'd feel pretty beat up!

Was it a Somerset publication?

Wishing you a happy Sunday!

~♥Lolo♥~

Bella Sinclair said...

Hello, Anne! Whoa, I could stare at all these little elements all day! I love that you included pencils. A LOT of work went into this piece. What a shame it wasn't chosen! pffffft

Can't wait to see more of your tutorial. I'm NUTS for papers!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey BElla!

I think the paper tute may be good as a jumping off point for ideas for people---it's simple stuff that can be expanded for whatever one wants to use it for.
If Blogger just lets me load photos..... >:-\

XXOO~~
Anne

*Ulrike* said...

Amazing what you do with items!

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