Altered Books class this weekend/Sunday Art Faire at the Winery

Greetings Everyone,

Late at the bat here as usual these days. Losing my home has me a little distracted right now. So I appologize. The potential move has made me understand that I do not do well as an artist while my surroundings are in turmoil. I can barely concentrate on art right now to tell you the truth. And having people in your home looking at it while you are not there is not a comfortable feeling.  It's really wierding me out!  I would like to thank all the people that emailed me to show support.  Fully half of those that emailed are in similar situations or have already gone through it.  Not that it makes me feel better about any of our situations but it does make me feel less alone. So Thank you.
Anyway I am now going to try to pull my thoughts together long enough for the weekend announcements.

This Saturday I will be starting my altered book series.  It runs twice per month for 5 sessions.  The cost for new students is discounted at $140.00 for all 5 classes.  If you have already taken this class and would like to participate again the cost is $50.00/5 classes just to cover my supplies.  Also the previous students can also attend any class they missed the first time around for the original price of $35.00. But please email me a week in advance so that I can get your materials together.  Here are the details as well as some class samples.

Saturday July 23rd

Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Altered Books (series of 5 classes)
Description: Have you ever heard the quotation “so many books so little time”? It’s never truer than when talking altered books! So what is an altered book? An altered book is creative reuse at its best. Think of all those unwanted books ready to be thrown away. Why waste them when you can turn them into works of art!
In this first class in the altered book series we will focus on what book to choose and where to find it, content, how to prepare and strengthen pages, what materials can be used and finally a full collage spread.
In this series of classes students will gradually build up an altered books “kit” of favorite supplies that will be handy for use at any time. This “kit” should be brought to every class.
Items to bring: First kit items to bring: Paint brushes, scissors and gel medium if you have it.
Time: 10:30 to 2:00
Fee: 140.00 for the 5 class series
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com



On Sunday The Colony of Coastside Artists will again be at the La Nebbia Winery Art Faire.  La Nebbia Winery is located right on 12341 San Mateo Rd. just off of HIghway 92 in Half Moon Bay.  There will be wine, music, food and of course one of a kind shopping!  The event starts at about 11:00-12:00 until 5:00pm. Come on by and say hello and take a gander at some of the best art on the coast.  Here's a sampling of some of the items I will have for sale.

Collage

Mermaids under Glass

Bottled spirits and more!

Well I guess that its for now folks!  So as Spock used to say:



July calendar-finally!

Greetings everyone!
Yes I am finally posting after a two week hiatus.  What have I been doing the last two week you might ask?
I have been cleaning and packing up my house preparing to put it on the market for sale.  Yes I am one more California soon to be homeless in our "summer of recovery". 
Eventhough I might not have a home I am determined to keep the studio.  So I am finally posting the July schedule.  I must appologize to all my blog readers and the others instructors at the studio for not posting earlier but I have found the last two weeks a little daunting. 

So here is the Studio schedule minus a couple of weeks . And again I appologize.

Saturday July 16th

Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Altered Cabinet Cards
Description: Don’t you love all those old cabinet card photos?
Using Collage, Rubberstamping, acrylic paints and various embellishments we will give discarded photos from 1800’s and 1900’s a second chance to be loved.
Items to bring: Please bring paintbrushes and scissors. Feel free to also bring any special charms, found objects or decorative rubber stamps and dye inks that you might be dying to use.
Time: 10:30 to 2:00
Fee: $45.00
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com


Sunday July 17th
Open studio
11:00 to 5:00
$10.00


Wednesday July 20th
Altered Books Club
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Fee: $10.00 per person

Saturday July 23rd
Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Altered Books (series of 5 classes)
Description: Have you ever heard the quotation “so many books so little time”? It’s never truer than when talking altered books! So what is an altered book? An altered book is creative reuse at its best. Think of all those unwanted books ready to be thrown away. Why waste them when you can turn them into works of art!
In this first class in the altered book series we will focus on what book to choose and where to find it, content, how to prepare and strengthen pages, what materials can be used and finally a full collage spread.
In this series of classes students will gradually build up an altered books “kit” of favorite supplies that will be handy for use at any time. This “kit” should be brought to every class.
Items to bring: First kit items to bring: Paint brushes, scissors and gel medium.
Time: 10:30 to 2:00
Fee: 140.00 for the 5 class series
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com

Sunday July 24th
Instructor: Ingrid Pomeroy
Class: Pearl Girlz
Description: Back by popular demand! I am teaching my “Pearl Girlz” class. So, if you missed last summer’s class, here’s your chance! We will be decorating oyster shells with vintage images of bathing beauties, lots of beautiful shells, beads, moss, sand, and more. What a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon!
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Class Fee: $65.00 (Includes some yummy sweets!)
To sign up for this class please email Ingrid at ipomeroy@peoplepc.com



Thursday July 28th
Instructor: Cindy McCool
Class: Birthday/all occasion cards
Description: When you need it do you have the right card or do you have to make a quick trip to the store and spend upwards of $5.00 to get one that says the right thing for the right occasion? If so then this class is for you. This month you will complete 3 to 5 cards for all occasions. Let's face it, your friends want to hear from you and a special handmade card received in the mail will always brighten their day.
Items to bring: basic tool kit, scissors, adhesives and a journaling pen all other materials will be provided.
Time: 6:00 to 9:00pm
Fee: $25.00
To sign up for this class please email Cindy at cindy@mccoolmgt.com.


Saturday July 30th
Open studio
11:00 to 5:00
$10.00 per person


Sunday July 31st
Instructor: Gayton Arrigotti
Class: Cold Connections
Description: Learn how to make rivets and join multi layered mixed metals! Riveting is a cold joining method, no heat is applied during the process. This is a useful skill for many jewelry makers, whether hobbyists or professionals because it is inexpensive and a relatively easy technique which provides a method of creating jewelry pieces with multiple dimensions without soldering. The design can be your own or a project piece for the purpose of learning the skills taught.
Time: 9:30 to 3:00
Fee: $105.00 + $25.00 materials fee.
To sign up for this class please email Gayton at: wishing@comcast.net



Also offered at the studio

Private studio time– This is for artists and art groups looking to rent studio space to work or to get together during the week-the times and fees are to be arranged on an individual basis. If you are interested in private studio time please email me at connie@isbjorn.com.

Private Lessons: If you are interested in private lessons I am available on Wednesday, Thursday during the week. Also I am available to teach make up classes and private classes on Saturdays when there are no classes in the studio. Please email me at connie@isbjorn.com to discuss.

Studio Membership- Want to come to all the open studios and Altered Books club? Why not pay for a monthly membership? Monthly membership is only $30.00 per month. For this price you will be able to go to any open studio (at least 4 per month) and altered book Club. This is a savings of at least $20.00 to $50.00 per month! Studio membership must be paid by the second Friday of the month.

Open Studio- This is studio time open to everyone for only $10.00 per day. Open studios is available most Fridays and on the weekends when no classes are being offered. Please note that to use the studio you must arrange this with me in advance. Just email me at connie@isbjorn.com and let me know you would like to use it. Open studio for the month of July will be on the following dates: July1st, July 8th, July 15th, July 17th,July 22nd, July 29th, July 30th .


C.Andrews studio is located at 103-1 Harvard st. Princeton-by-the-sea. Please email me at connie@isbjorn.com if you need directions.

Art Faire this Sunday!

Greetings Everyone! 
This sunday I will be participating in my first Art Faire here on the coast.  The art faire will be at La Nebbia winery off of highway 92 from Noon to 5:00.  I know right now you are saying to yourself " just one more Art faire-so what-big deal. First of all there will be at least 15 different artists from the Colony of Coastside Artists participating.  We will be offering some of the best art on the coast ranging from collage, assemblage,jewelry,watercolors, fiber arts, photography,succulent designs,glass and more.  Second at the winery you can also sample the latest vintages from La Nebbia, stroll the gardens, play bocce ball, eat and shop all while accompied to music  This sunday Stan Erhart will be playing the sounds of blues rock and soul.  So you see there will be something there for everyone!
You've  been working hard all week why not come to La Nebbia? It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy the world around you.

La Nebbia is located at 12341 San mateo Rd off of Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay.  You will find  plenty of parking around the back of the winery!

Amazing Mermaids under Glass

Greetings Everyone,

On Saturday most of the students that attended  Mermaids Under Glass chose to finish their pieces.  I just had to show everyone.  Their work is stunning and the pieces are truly amazing. Just click on each image if you want a close up.   Above you can see Jolene's piece.  I love the Blue and purple center surrounded by Crimson and Nickel Azo Gold. Its positively yummy.

Here you can see a close up of the interior

This is Cindy's piece.  Again I love the pink center.  Also take a look at the shell the coloring and the wire work is absolutely beautiful.  I thought that Cindy used the shape of the silver dish to maximum advantage in this piece.  It all works together beautifully.

Here's a close up of the beautiful pink center and the shell work.

Here is Maureen's piece.  Again I love the teal and turquoise centers.  They really show off the images to the max.  This triple decker piece is an amazing show piece.  I love the use of the beaded wire to pull the separate pieces together.  In fact I think its stunning.

Here is a close up of the top piece.  Maureen has added little seed pearls.  They look like seafoam to me. Just beautiful.

This is Lisa's work.  Look closely at the intricate and incredible shell work on this piece.  Lisa is a master at small detail work.  Again I really love the center image set off with the nickel azo gold and crimson color. The intricacy of this piece reminds me of a Roman Mosaic.  I also love the addition of the mermaid bronze piece at the top.

You've got to check out a close up of Lisa's incredible shell work.

More amazing works of art from some very talented artists!

Altoid Tin shrines

Greetings everyone!
I had a wonderful group of students on Saturday for my Altoid tin shrine class and I just had to show you all some of their work. You can see one of the covers above with a dainty beautiful dancer.  She is very concerned about aggressive females.

This fairy tin is incredible!   Its a whole little world.  I love the fairy on the bottom of the top tin gazing into the water in tin below.  This is an incredibly creative use of the spaces inside the tin!

And here's a close up of the fairies.  Click on the picture to see a larger version.

And look at the beautiful mermaids.  Who can resist them?

Aren't these tins incredible? 

Putting bad Art night to rest/Sizzlin Sunday tomorrow at La Nebbia

Greetings everyone!

I haven't posted this week because I wanted to give those that wanted to a chance to comment on my Bad Art night thoughts. Thank you all of you for weighing in on this subject-I really appreciate it.  You must understand I am not against kindred spirits getting together, experimenting, sharing ideas and having fun.  I'm all for that.  Its the best way to learn  and to move forward in your art.   I only dislike the 'bad " connotation. One person commented that it was only a word.  I respectfully disagree.  Words matter.  They mean something.  And whether you know it or not the word bad in association with the art created affects the artist.  I know this is true because I see this all the time in my classes as I struggle to help my students declare that they are good artists and that their work has worth. A comment was made that it seemed to help the people that come to bad art night.  Seemed?  will these people sell their bad art?  Will they give their bad art to family or friends?  Its not the bad art that is helping them it the experimentation and the exchange of ideas. As long as these people think of the products of their experimentation as not mattering because they only created this at bad art night then how can they gain the confidence in themselves as artists.  As an art teacher of almost 10 years the most important thing to me is that my students gain the confidence and knowledge to walk up to me and say " I am an artist and my work is good.  I am an artist and my work has worth. " 
And Michelle I too wish that you lived closer so that you could take my classes.

But enough for now about Bad art.  I am pleased to announce that tomorrow will be another Sizzlin Sunday at La Nebbia Winery.  What is Sizzlin Sunday you ask?  Every 2nd and 4th Sunday until the end of September La Nebbia will be hosting wine tasting, live music and some very Good Art from the Colony of Coastside Artists.  There is going to be some fantastic art tomorrow so why not come down and show your support.  You never know what incredible treasure is just waiting for you! Its the perfect place to find that special gift for a loved one.

La Nebbia Winery on your at 12341 San Mateo Rd just off of Highway 92 as you are coming into Half Moon Bay.  It starts at 11:00 tomorrow. 

Bad Art Night-Some thoughts

Greetings everyone,

Since I'm going to have a little extra time this summer-I will not be traveling to teach.  I thought that I would share a few thoughts about Art and other sundries from time to time.  Some of what I am going to say will most likely not win me friends.  Many will not really read what I have to say they will just "assume". I most likely will get the title of negative, snob or uptight.  My opinions might even lose me some students.  So be it. It is time for me to speak up about some things I see and a few thoughts I have.
This is my blog and these are my opinions only.  You of course are entitled to you own.

Last year I joined a local group of artists. This is a wonderful group of people, friendly and very talented.  Several of the members have gone to the latest Art fad "Bad Art Night".  I have heard about this before from other friends and students of mine that have participated.  When I first heard the name "Bad Art Night" it has truly bothered me-but I couldn't put a finger on why. Yesterday the reasons finally dawned on me.

Yes I have to admit that it bothers me that people are going to someones house to create bad art instead of supporting my small studio to create good art.  That is rather a depressing idea.  And my small studio cannot compete in terms of space or money.  So I must let this disappointment go.  When I push past my petty hurts and see through to what really bothers me it's the concept of BAD ART.

When did deliberately trying to create something bad become a good thing?  Don't we already experience enough bad things in life? Bad politics, bad economy, bad education, services completed poorly, bad products and bad people that want to harm you and on, and on and on.  Deliberately creating bad art does not "free" you-it locks you into the idea of creating something that you and everyone around you considers substandard.  It locks you into all the negative connotations that are associated with the word "BAD". Its a cheapening of your art and Art in general. You say Bad is just a word and what we are really trying to do is play with new ideas and new techniques.  Yes Bad is just a word but words matter. Would you let your children do bad work in school?  Would you want a roofer to give you a bad roof? Is it ok for your vital computer services to be bad? 
Yes you should play in your art.  Experiment with new concepts, new techniques, new forms of art.  As we all know this is not easy.  But the ability and permission to play comes from within. It takes time. It takes effort. It takes confidence. You cannot become self confident by creating something you consider bad or substandard. One of the things we consistently do in my studio and classes is to work on giving ourselves permission to play.  I take pride in the fact that I have many students that I have helped to find the "play" within.  I take pride in the fact that I can now sometimes find the play within myself. 
The concept of Bad Art is very subjective.  Just because you are experimenting with something new it doesn't mean that the result is Bad.  Mistakes usually end up being very good art because you've finally gotten out of your own way and  let a tiny piece of your heart and soul show to the world.
Guys-Art is not mainstream. By allowing yourself to create "Bad" art you are cheapening your talent, bringing it down to an everyday level. There will always be people in the world that consider Art unimportant.  It is the artists job to educate these people. To make them see and understand your art.  How can you do this if you are creating art you do not think of as good?   You've been given the gift of art.  Revel in it!  Art is love, hate, joy.  Be joyful and create your good art.
One last point: Bad Art night is not Art,  its a social gathering.  What's wrong with a social gathering?  Nothing.  But why not gather in the name of good art or Heart and Soul night or something with positive overtones?

There is one thing that I can assure you of.  At my studio and classes we will never ever strive to create bad art. We will always strive to create good art through shared ideas, friendship, fun, laughter, chocolate, new techniques, play, self awareness, and sometimes a little wine.

 And that's my opinion- for what its worth.