Kolams of Pondicherry

The Kolam practice as an ephemeral art form in public space.
A video by Kaaren Beckhof

I found this wonderful video about an ancient ritual performed by the women of Tamil Nadu in the mystical hour before dawn. They use rice powder to create geometrical patterns on the thresholds of their homes. "In olden days, kolams used to be drawn in coarse rice flour, so that the ants don't have to work so hard for a meal. The rice powder is said to invite birds and other small critters to eat it, thus inviting other beings into one's home and everyday life: a daily tribute to harmonious co-existence. It is a sign of invitation to welcome all into the home, not the least of whom is Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity"  via utsavastu
You can read more here.

Birds and Eggs

  

 

 New York City is a place where I've always felt the energy, even as a little kid, and even before I got "sensitive" to that kind of thing. Whenever I'm there, ordinary things appear extraordinary to me--like birds hanging out at a construction site.

I've been appreciating street inspiration more than visits to galleries or museums on recent trips.

  I was drawn to these egg installations on Fifth Avenue.

 

And there's nothing like the gritty and derelict to jumpstart your creative mojo.

It's a city where you can be anything or anyone you want!

Quick Update

 

New creations have taken a back seat this busy month, but things are winding down, I hope. 

 Impressive fruit and cheese platters, along with minimally installed art.

My opening at Skyy Blue Gallery went really well--it was fun, with a Virginia wine tasting and around 65 people checking out my work. And there were sales! Several. With all the mingling I completely forgot to take pictures, but I did take some of the gallery before everyone arrived. And I'm expecting more photos taken by a photographer who was there, so I'll update soon. Now to finish preparing for that workshop I teach next Saturday...

June Recap, Upcoming Show

 Marsh Spirit, acrylic diptych on canvas, 20" x 32"© Deborah Jaouen

Forgive me Blogger, it has been 3 weeks since my last confession/ post. I have
-suffered through a broken air conditioner in the sultry South for a month,
-gone to a cosmetic trade show in New York City,
-had two college age children home for a month so far,
-taken them to several doctors and done many loads of laundry,
-dealt with an Amazon rip off artist in my other business,
-prepared for a sweet solo show of my work--"Collage Infusion", the inaugural exhibition!--opening next week in a new cafe/gallery nearby,
-gotten ready to go to a food trade show (yum),
-put all the good people who actually want to hear about my upcoming exhibitions into a "real" database.

And now, just maybe I can even post this while I wait for Mail Chimp to upload my email list--it's free but it takes forever. And I still have to send out invitations tonight. How was your month?

First Attempt with Natural Dye

  

Pomegranates are used extensively in India and the Middle East to obtain rich yellows, oranges and browns when dying textiles.  Here some rinds are soaking overnight.  I then strained and boiled the water in an aluminum pot for 45 minutes--I didn't have any alum mordant lying around and apparently the metal of the pot (copper or tin are used to create other colors) can do the trick. This was supposed to make yellow dye.

The results were interesting. On the left is wool, which is the easiest natural fiber to dye--this was white when I started. Cotton takes natural dye with difficulty and the lace in the middle, which is cotton, only got a slight distressed look.  There are two other types of lace that appear a little darker but the dying wasn't very successful on them either. On the far right is silk, which as an animal fiber takes natural dyes well. It went from almost white to champagne.

All in all, if I do this again, I'll have to invest in more paraphenalia for better results!

Meet Henry Murger

Ever wonder who started the concept of a profession where it is seen as normal, even obligatory, to suffer/ be deprived of basic necessities/ and even to starve--all to fit society’s view of who you are? 

 Poverty stricken Vincent Van Gogh's simple digs

 Henri Murger, drawing from his experience as a struggling writer living in an attic in 1840’s Paris came up with what was to become one of the most pervasive themes of all time—the starving artist. Later made into the iconic opera La Bohème, it has been the basis of Rent and Moulin Rouge as well as various versions of La Vie de Bohème, the original work by Murger.

 

So the next time you mention that you’re an artist and someone says “oh, a starving artist”, practically thinking they’re complimenting you—don’t hate them, just blame Murger!

Pillow Love and Adding to the Fabric Collection

Lately I've been embroidering and making fiber collages on some pillows I've made using "new" condition vintage handkerchiefs. They're fun and airy and have a really summery feel-- there are more in the works and they'll go in the new Etsy shop which I will be opening sometime over the next month or so. Details soon to come! There's a 20% off sale in my shop now, 'til June 7.

Black corduroy, fringed linen, crewel upholstery fabric, brushed cotton, polished cotton, 

vintage eyelet pettticoat

 Beat up Battenburg lace tablecloth--the stuff of dreams!

Must take advantage of yard sales before it gets too hot around here to even venture outdoors after 10 am. My daughter picked out some great Motown and jazz records at one, and I scored all the sewing goodness including fabrics and trims above at another for $1!! Makes up for the overpriced local estate sale/auction companies who will remain nameless here.

Hope your thrifting adventures have been wonderful this weekend. Check out Her Library Adventures for more inspiration!