DeMeng Delivery -- DELIGHTFUL!!!

Yesterday's mail held a delightful package. As I pulled the container out of the mailbox and noticed the return address, I knew immediately what it was and hoped I did not manage to drop it from excitement before returning to the house! It was the prize from the colorwash competition held in Michael deMeng's "ArtLab #1" on line class. (ArtLab #2 is coming soon to a computer near YOU!)
I gently peeled the tape off and nestled inside was this utterly amazing piece of art.....
Let me say this; photography is a wonderful medium and you, my readers, know I love it. But to hold an actual piece of art IN HAND that you have only seen on video, from an artist whose work you have studied in books....well....it is day and night. The attention to tiny details absolutely blows me away.
This close up gives an idea:

The work is 3" x 6" but is so incredibly rich and textured, it visually reads much larger. The eye has much to consider  and soak in; the juxtaposition of delicate and industrial is perfect. That is the part that I find hard to express through photo or word.
It is balanced art in so many ways.
It is a gem in a weathered container.
Tough and delicate, dark and light, heavy and fragile.
Exceptional!
Also enclosed was one of the show announcement cards from the opening of "Strange Angels" and I have to say, I would LOVE to see this one *in the flesh*....or in the assemblage...  ;-)

"metatron: the scribe"

Today I am off to try and finish some art I have percolating, if I can get my attention away from my little shrine. And if I spend time meditating upon it, well, it's all good. I'll consider it "Assemblage Theory 101".
What a cool way to study art!
Thank you Michael!!!




Pax....

A Bit Rusty Around The Edges.....

I will admit it right here---I am a RUST FREAK. I love all things rusty.

I am the odd duck that stops in the middle of a busy street to pick up a rusted bottle cap. I love the patina rust gives to metal, and the instant feel of story and age.
Therefore, I am always on the look-out for easy ways to rust things without getting extremely toxic. I know there are compounds, but I go for the simple things I have at home. Or *close* to home.
Like this:

I have lived on this property almost 20 years and it just hit me the other day that on our southern-most acre there was old, torn up fencing. And that old fence RUSTS. I hot footed it down there with work gloves and tin snips and got myself this lovely lasso! Yes, I have a plan for it. We'll discuss that at a later date....
And then there was a recipe for rust that seemed too good to be true; cheap paper clips, a glass jar, bleach to cover and a piece of rusted metal.

 
This is after almost 24 hours. Two types of clips--one better quality than the other so one is crusty-rusty and the other is rust stained! COOL!

I am ready to dump them all out and sort. I also threw in some metal staples I had been cooking for a while~~their stewing juice was vinegar and salt. Boy, did it kick-start the bleach and metal! Whooo-hooo!!!
I can't wait to try some of these items in an art application.....
One word of caution if you decide to try either recipe; do NOT have where small children or pets can get near, into, or spill the solutions. (or husbands...ya know, just sayin'.....) And take great care in handling. Even though rusted from household products, these liquids can do a number on eyes or skin or even breathing in the fumes.
Is it any wonder I come up with paint combos like Crypt Corrosion???

Time to go knock the rust off the edges of my creativity now that I have corroded goodies to play with!
Have fun.....go make art! (or rust, whichever makes you happy!)


Pax....