Finding inspiration where you are

I went out in search of some visual inspiration the other day to help me get started on a Moroccan themed collection. Fortunately I didn't have to go very far because I live just a mile from a very beautiful place-it's called the Country Club Plaza. It's a Spanish/Moorish/Moroccan style shopping area here in KC and although I pass these buildings almost daily, I never stop to take photos of them. I thought you might find them interesting and inspiring as well! Is there somewhere near you that's also inspiring or different? If so I'd love to see it.

New Work-Fall 2011

The Illusionist

The Control Freak

Pacing The Cage

The Tightly Wound Woman

Bed Of Nails 2

The Invisible Woman

The Imposter

I've been AWOL for a long time I know, but I have several new pieces to show for it! I did these pieces in preparation for the Plaza Art Fair, held here in KC Sept.23-25. This time the theme I focused on was sideshow freaks, but not the type you usually think of--instead I wanted to show how we all have idiosyncrasies that make us each freaks in our own way. In fact I feel like I have been each of these people at various times in my life! The show went well for me and I want to thank everyone who came by. I always love doing the PAF because it's one of the few times I get to see old friends who I used to work with and also make some new ones. Below are most of my pieces from the show. I also have smaller pieces that aren't shown here so be sure to visit my etsy shop to see them all. I'll be putting those that didn't sell at the fair on my website and etsy shop later today. Please click on the title of the piece to go to those links.

BOCONW-(big ol chunk of new work)

Well I'm almost done with a whole new group of work and I have all the photos on facebook (link to the right) but I'll post a bunch here also since I know everyone doesn't subscribe. I've been doing a series of "circus freaks" except these have their own individual twists. In The Transparent Man and Woman shown below, their tattoos appear from the inside out, revealing their deepest thoughts and feelings (can you imagine?) I've also included The Disappearing Lady, who "always feels as if something is missing" and The Escapologist, who "lives in a prison of his own making." They will be for sale at the upcoming Plaza Art Fair on Sept. 24-26 here in KC or afterwards on my website.

Plaza Art Fair Photos and News

Last weekend's Plaza Art Fair was great-we were so lucky-the weather was fantastic and there were a TON of people there. Also, I was fortunate enough to win a Shared Top Award for 3D Mixed Media!! All in all, it was a great experience and I will definitely be there next year! Here's some shots of the way my booth turned out-so glad we set it up 3 times before the actual event.

New Work for the Plaza Art Fair

Large Light with Ferris Wheel-3' tall by 18" wide

Hanging Circus Light w/ Striped Curtain-18"tall by 14" wide

Hanging Light w/ Circus Wagon-18" tall by 15" wide

Hanging Light w/ Rollercoaster-16" tall by 15" wide

Large Helter Skelter Hanging Light-32" tall by 16" wide

Large Hanging Light 1-34" tall by 18" wide

Ferris Wheel on Wood Base-16" tall by 9" wide

I've been working long days and quite a few nights getting ready for the upcoming Plaza Art Fair, held here in KC from Sept. 25-27. Here's some of my new pieces for the show-I find I really love making the lamps so I've made some new hanging ones that are larger, three of them are almost 3 feet in height and the smaller ones are about 18 inches tall. I've also made a new, smaller ferris wheel with a curtain backdrop. Can't wait for the show!

Happy Dance!!!

I just found out that I was accepted into this year's Plaza Art Fair, which I've had my fingers crossed for for what seems like ages! It's held here in KCMO, it's listed as one of the top 5 Art Fairs in the nation and it's right down the hill from where I live-another big plus.

Great news on a Friday before a holiday weekend--everyone have a safe and blissful holiday!