Fabric, Fabric, Fabric

Mechanical, yes, but I like it too! Lately I've been painting less and working more with fabric. As some of you may know I'm a retired tattoo artist, and I have always enjoyed the actual process of art. In tattooing I loved the machines, the needles, the grips; everything mechanical about the application of the tattoo. So someone gave me a sewing machine and I've been poking holes in fabric instead of skin! I made myself a couple of gaiters for winter, only because I lost my favorite one, and then started looking at what I could make and produce to sell at some of the shows that I do, along with my painted art. I made a few cloth wallets, which were satisfying in the whole idea of following a pattern, and rather complex, but they were not items that garnered any attention. Next I moved on to oven mitts. Of course I am limited to the fabrics I find, but I did discover some pretty neat fabrics in my travels and dove in headfirst. I researched the heat insulation, and decided I would make oven mitts that not only looked great, but that you would NEVER burn yourself in a million years with. I use a metal strip insulated batting (you can hear it crinkle), that is natural fiber and not bleached along with another natural fiber that is super soft. I enjoy making these pieces and am getting pretty good at making them! In that same span of time I also started wood block printing and silkscreening scarves that I hand dyed myself. These are creative for me in a different way. I get to splash things all over the place, get messy and go back to my printmaking roots. Here are some photos of what I've been up to!

Work up in Glen Ridge Starbucks AND Etsy!

For the remainder of June I will have these 14 paintings up at the Starbucks in Glen Ridge, NJ. They've got a nice art wall there, and the staff was super. Check it out if you're in the area: 710 Bloomfield Ave., Glen Ridge NJ..

Besides that, I've launched my ETSY store! Here is the link as well as a couple of items that are there. https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpenClothesOriginals   At the moment it features my hand printed scarves and handmade oven mitts. Paintings are available by inquiry here or on my full site:  http://openclothesoriginals.com

The Mark Of Zorro, or zipping into spring!

Some thoughts on Spring. First of all, is it really here?? This winter was so brutal, I'm tired of complaining about it. Lovely colors coming out, nice weather becoming the usual, not the exception. Here's a springy piece for you all!

The Mark Of Zorro - Watercolor

Ah, water and color! This is titled The Mark Of Zorro, and it's a little spring, a little pizazz, and it sure feels like it's what I need right now! Fire away, bring on spring and get zippy outside!

Artwork Up In Jersey City this month!!!

I’ve got 6 paintings up in CITY HALL in Jersey City – in celebration of Women’s History Month. It’s a great show with some wonderful artists and works. City Hall is open until 5pm M-F and there are weekend hours, but I’m not sure what they are. Please check it out. Pieces are on the 2nd floor rotunda, a beautiful space. If the Main Session room is open (the heavy wooden doors in the center), try to check it out, there are wonderful stained glass windows and a full stained glass DOME in there that are just breathtaking! Here is the postcard for the show! The address is 280 Grove St., Jersey City NJ! 

The Barn Theatre In Montville, NJ!

I have a few of my paintings hanging in the beautiful lobby at The Barn Theatre in Montville NJ! Thanks to Antionette, Lillian and Sal for connecting the dots! This is a wonderful theatre and kind of out of the way; I don't know if I ever would have found it on my own! The play they are presenting currently is The Master Class.  Here is a piece called SOLID THOUGHTS. I am incorporating some stamping as well as watercolor and enjoying the effects; I hope you do too!! In the meantime, check out the Barn Theatre's website for their upcoming plays; they are at 32 Skyline Drive in Montville!