Life on Mars

11" x 14"
Oil on Canvas

This painting represents something very far away from where I am now...I wanted to use it as an escape for a little while. Listening to Counting Crows in the studio is one of my favorite things to do. I can always draw inspiration from Adam Duritz's haunting voice and introspective lyrics.

"Recovering The Satellites" by Counting Crows
Gonna get back to basics
Guess I'll start it up again
I'm falling' from the ceiling
You're falling from the sky now and then
Maybe you were shot down in pieces
Maybe I slipped in between
But we were gonna be the wildest people they ever hoped to see
Just you and me

So why'd you come home to this sleepless town
It's a lifetime commitment
Recovering the satellites
All anybody really wants to know is...
When you gonna come down

She sees shooting stars and comet tails
She's got heaven in her eyes
She says I don't need to be an angel
But I'm nothing if I'm not this high

But we only stay in orbit
For a moment of time
And then you're everybody's satellite
I wish that you were mine
So why'd you come home to this angels town
It's a lifetime decision
Recovering the satellites
Everybody really knows for sure...
That you're gonna come down

Blessed

That's my studio...where the world ends and creativity begins. :)

Today is a perfect time to reflect on our many blessings. I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends, and for our unborn son who will be joining his big brother and sister in January. I am thankful for my God-given gift of creativity and artistic talent. I am thankful for the opportunity to share this gift with others, through teaching and through showing my art in galleries. I am thankful for my art studio and the solace and happiness it provides. I am thankful that my husband, an adorably anal neat freak, lets me keep it messy, because the organized chaos seems to be the only way I can create freely.

A POEM BY MARY OLIVER

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

titled "The summer day" 1992

Night Cometh

16" x 20"

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

"I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of stars makes me dream." Vincent Van Gogh

That is one of my favorite quotes of all time because it reminds me that the possibilities are limitless. In the face of vastness, life is what we make of it, and what we create is up to us. So inspiring.

This painting is available at Artisan Style Gallery

(Uptown's newest cultural addition!)

2417 Mahon St.

Dallas, TX, 75201

http://www.artisanstyle.net

Lyrical Forest

7" x 15"

(3 canvases, 5" x 7" each)

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

The words of E.E. Cummings speak volumes to me, especially the poems about love an all of its mysteries. Their directness, their play with the concept of oneness, and their emphasis on the linguistic affirmation of "yes" gives them an unrestrained sincerity. I decided to write one down and tucked it in the background layers of these paintings:

it is so long since my heart has been with yours

shut by our mingling arms through

a darkness where new lights begin and

increase,

since your mind has walked into

mykiss as a stranger

into the streets and colours of a town__

that i have perhaps forgotten

how,always(from

these hurrying crudities

of blood and flesh)Love

coins His most gradual gesture,

and whittles life into eternity

--after which our separating selves become museums

filled with skillfully stuffed memories

I can't decide if these pieces work best together as a unit or separately, so I guess that means they can go both ways. I find the small size charming and plan to make more in this series.

This painting is available at Artisan Style Gallery

(Uptown's newest cultural addition!)

2417 Mahon St.

Dallas, TX, 75201

http://www.artisanstyle.net

The Sixties Show at F6 Gallery

Wow, what a party! The F6 Gallery was packed last night for the opening of their "Sixties" show, and I was so excited to be a part of it. They are a great group of people at F6, and the vibe of the show was eclectic, uninhibited, and so much fun. Here's me and my hubby in front of my wall. I had a great spot in the gallery. Getting more and more pregnant with every show, just a few more weeks to go!

The breakdancers were awesome and very entertaining to watch.

The Sixties Show at F6 Gallery

"If being an egomaniac means I believe in what I do and in my art or music, then in that respect you can call me that... I believe in what I do, and I'll say it. "
John Lennon

I just returned from the F6 Gallery where they are setting up for tomorrow night's 60's-themed art show. We were responsible for hanging all of our works and thank goodness Mike, one of the wonderful F6 Staffers, took pity on my eight-months-prego-soul and helped me out. There is nothing pretty about me being on a ladder right now. :)

This is a really cool, indie art gallery that gives a lot back to the local community. Come out tomorrow evening for some great music, FREE cocktails and tons of interesting art. I have 13 pieces in the show and am excited to display my new works!

Release

18.5" x 17.5"

Oil and Mixed Media on Wood Panel

I found two wood panels in the studio and thought this painting was a nice compliment to the one on wood I posted yesterday. I usually work on canvas, so these were a fun experiment. The cellular images represent looking at your feelings under a microscope, examining them, and working through the magnitude of what you find. Releasing your feelings, letting them go, is more beneficial than harboring things inside. For me, art is my release.

"Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at this moment."

Eckhart Tolle

Evolution

18.5" x 17.5"

Oil and Mixed Media on Wood Panel

"In the broadest sense, evolution is merely change, and so is all-pervasive."

- Douglas J. Futuyma in Evolutionary Biology

Evolution generally refers to any process of change over time. Humans, like all living organisms, undergo this change. Our thoughts, our behaviors and emotions, our styles and our preferences are subject to this phenomenon. In this painting I wanted to express my own personal evolution, the gradual processing which I have changed into a different, more complex, and hopefully better form.

I will be featuring this painting among several other new works at FG Gallery in Arlington for the "Sixties" show this Saturday night. Come out for a great opening party, fun music and lots of interesting art!

Paint the Sky with Stars

30" x 40"

Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

"I've loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." -Galileo Galilei

I have been working on this piece for quite some time and it feels rewarding to see it come to fruition. The works of Gustav Klimt were inspirational in the creative process.

There is something serene yet lively about the night sky that fascinates me, and I tried to capture this on the canvas. I love stargazing in the evening with my kids and seeing the wonder on their faces as they try to understand the greatness of the universe.

I will be featuring this painting among several other new works at FG Gallery in Arlington for the "Sixties" show this Saturday night. Come out for a great opening party, fun music and lots of interesting art!

Everything In Time

8" x 10" x 1.5"

Acrylic and Watercolor on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

As I prepare myself for some big changes in the next few months, I wanted this painting to convey a changing of seasons, the passing of time, and this verse came to mind:

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—

A time to give birth and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance.

A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.

A time to search and a time to give up as lost;

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;

A time to be silent and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate;

A time for war and a time for peace.

God has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart.

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift. I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it. That which is has been already and that which will be has already been.Ecclesiastes 3, 1 - 15

COLLISION 3!

Six of my paintings were accepted into this group show at the Rorshcach Gallery. I am excited to show along with some highly recognized artists! Come out to the Bishop Arts District on 12/5 for a fun opening reception. I'm trying to show my work as much as possible before Baby #3 arrives and our world gets topsy-turvy for a while.

"Do the hard jobs first. The easy jobs will take care of themselves. Do the thing you fear to do and keep doing it...that is the quickest and surest way ever yet discovered to conquer fear." -Dale Carnegie

Hide and Seek

16" x 20" x 1.5"

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas

Listening to music can act as a time machine that transports you to where you were when you first heard, or loved, a certain song. I still listen to much of the music I did in my high school art classroom because it was there I met one of the most inspirational people in my life, my teacher for three years, Mr. Walter Linebarger. Wally taught me so much about art, and life, and overcoming obstacles that I am forever grateful. Wonderful music was always playing in the background...Counting Crows, Indigo Girls, Sarah McLachlan...too many to name. In those years I worked under him he truly left footprints on my soul.

I am fortunate enough to still keep in touch with him despite him having moved to Missouri several years ago, and recently asked him what he has been listening to lately. He emailed me a playlist and on it was, "Hide and Seek", by Imogen Heap. I listened to it while I was painting this and felt like he was right next to me again, with his hind softly on my shoulder, guiding me and offering support.

where are we?
what the hell is going on?
the dust has only just begun to form
crop circles in the carpet
sinking feeling

spin me round again
and rub my eyes,
this can't be happening
when busy streets a mess with people
would stop to hold their heads heavy

hide and seek
trains and sewing machines
all those years
they were here first

oily marks appear on walls
where pleasure moments hung before the takeover,
the sweeping insensitivity of this still life

hide and seek
trains and sewing machines (oh, you won't catch me around here)
blood and tears (hearts)
they were here first

Mmmm whatcha say,
Mmm that you only meant well?
well of course you did
Mmmm whatcha say,
Mmmm that it's all for the best?
of course it is
Mmmm whatcha say?
Mmmm that it's just what we need
you decided this
whatcha say?
Mmmm what did she say?

ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut outs
speak no feeling no I don't believe you
you don't care a bit,
you don't care a bit

Expressions 2009

"To show a child what once delighted you, to find the child's delight added to your own- this is happiness." M.T. Pedroche

Last night's opening reception at the Lakewood Library was a fun one, we brought the kids to come see mommy's art show. There I am in front of my three paintings looking very pregnant (9 weeks left!) with one little boy and holding my other one. My daughter was off socializing...she decided to wear her "bee princess" costume to the show and was quite the center of attention. My son thoroughly enjoyed the live guitar music and turned the reception into his own impromptu dance session. :)

It is so important to instill a love of arts in children from a very early age, as my own mother did with me...the possiblities of how it can help shape their budding little minds reach far beyond what they express through their own art. That is why I love teaching art to others and making art with my own children. Luckily, I have been blessed with two kiddos who show interest in what I do and are developing artistic skills and opinions of their own. I wonder what #3 will be like?

Effervescence

8" x 12"

Watercolor and Ink on Paper

"The Struggle is optional. Let it go." Jill Badonsky

I can't seem to get away from my circular shapes. Some call them cells, pebbles, eyes...they always seem to manifest themselves somewhere in my artwork. In this painting they seem to be coexisting peacefully with each other, letting each other rise and fall without hindrance.

I'm trying to remember to breathe calmly in the beauty of each moment, that life is unfolding exactly the way it is supposed to. Letting the struggle go is easier said than done, but I'm making a conscious effort.

Expressions 2009

My show opens tomorrow night! I'm excited about this one because it is a competition and all of the artists had to be juried in to participate. I will have three pieces in the show, one of them, "Faith, Hope and Love", is featured on the show's invitation (in the bottom right corner). The first two will be for sale, but "Faith, Hope and Love" has already sold. Thanks for your support!

There Are Many Paths, None Are Certain

30" x 40"

Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

Prayers for Healing

6" x 12"

Acryilc and Mixed Media on Canvas

Faith, Hope and Love

12" x 12"

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

SOLD

Fine art giclee prints of the original are available. Email me at utopiapkwyarts@yahoo.com

Before I Sleep

18" x 24"

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

These woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Robert Frost

I am working through some rough bouts of pregnancy-induced insomnia. The upside of this is that I have been spending a lot of time in the studio, time that I don't have during normal waking hours because most of that is spent chasing after the kids.

This poem by Robert Frost came to mind, because it feels like this whole pregnancy has been quite a long and difficult journey, such a lovely, dark and deep experience. As I am heading into my eighth month I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but even after our son arrives there will be other obstacles to overcome, and miles to go before I sleep.

This Woman's Work

10" x 24"

(3 panels, 8" x 10" each)

Acrylic, Wire, Ink and Plaster Gauze on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

This triptych piece is a very personal expression of my views of womanhood and motherhood. I was listening to Maxwell's "This Woman's Work" in the studio, hence the title, and I can't help but be overcome with emotion every time I hear this inspirational song. Current condition aside, it always makes me think of that movie "She's Having a Baby" with Kevin Bacon, and more recently the piece that Tyce D'Orio choreographed about battling breast cancer on So You Think You Can Dance. Powerful stuff.

I used wire and plaster gauze to create some wonderful texture on this piece, it is so inviting to the touch. I think each panel is interesting on its own:

"This Woman's Work" Lyrics:

Pray God You Can Cope
I'll Stand Outside
This Woman's Work
This Woman's Worth
Ooh, It's Hard On A Man
Now His Part Is Over
Now Starts The Craft... Of The Father

I Know You've Got A Litte Life In You Yet
I Know You've Got A Lot Of Strength Left
I Know You've Got A Little Life In You Yet
I Know You've Got A Lot Of Strength Left

I Should Be Crying But I Just Can't Let It Show,
I Should Hoping But I Can't Stop Thinking,
All The Things We Should've Said That I Never Said,
All The Things We Should Have Done That We Never Did,
All The Things We Should've Given But I Didn't,
Oh Darling Make It Go,
Make It Go Away...

Give Me These Moments,
Give Them Back To Me,
Give Me A Little Kiss,
Give Me Your Hand Baby

Selling Artwork

As excited as I am to share my art with others, when a painting sells it's sometimes a bittersweet experience to let it go because each work is such a personal expression. It makes me happy when my artwork goes to lovely people, and Roxanne of Dallas was nice enough to share a few words about her experience buying a painting and even send a pic of "Protected in Dormancy", one of the two she purchased, in its new home. Thanks so much for your support, Roxanne!

"Gina was kind enough to let me and my two little ones visit her studio during her personal time. I enjoyed having them with me while choosing art for our home. She is the kind of person that you feel like you have known for "years" and is so very talented. She uses such beautiful colors and I fell in love with the texture of one of her pieces. It was hard to make a decision but we now happily own two of Ms. Dunn's pieces and look forward to purchasing more of her work in the future."
Roxanne Hotchkiss

Protected in Dormancy

16" x 20"

Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Don't forget, fine art velvet giclee prints of all original paintings are available. Please email me at utopiapkwyarts@yahoo.com for more details.

The Soda Gallery "50/50 III" Opening Reception

Thanks to my sweet friends Jaclyn, Danielle, Angee Joe and Arden for coming out to the reception!

7 1/2 months pregnant and still painting like crazy...baby Mack is my inspiration!

The Soda Gallery's "50/50 III" Art Show opened last night. If you aren't familiar with the concept of "50/50″, the idea is to take numerous artists, create small eye-catching works of art, and sell them for only $50.00 each. This show is to encourage the idea that great art doesn't always have to cost a fortune. My paintings are top left, bottom, left, and bottom center...there is another one there too, on a different wall.

This opening coincided with the usual start time for the Bishop Arts District '1st Thursdays', and it was such a fun scene out there. All of the shops and galleries were open late and the weather was perfect to enjoy a stroll around the area. The show runs until 12/1, so come by and check it out if you are in Dallas.

Angels and Strangers

12" x 24"

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

People have been asking me what the birch trees mean, what they represent. The forests are symbolic of a journey to me--one I have yet to finish. I love painting birch trees because they convey a simultaneous strength and frailty that I can identify with...any given day I experience both of these feelings multiple times. It's important to be strong for those who rely on me, yet at the same time it makes me feel very small to know we are at the mercy of powers much greater than us.

My daughter and son were playing outside as I was finishing this painting, a very intricate little pretend game that I could only hear glimpses of as they ran past the studio laughing and imagining. When I asked my daughter what they were playing, she said "Angels and Strangers". I have never heard her mention this game before, but something about the name struck me and at that moment I knew I had a title for this painting.

In a sense, angels and strangers are in my tree paintings. People we know and love, people who protect us, people we have yet to meet on this journey through life linger in the forests. From the mouths of babes...thanks to my lovely daughter for helping me understand the meaning behind the images I can't get out of my head.

Little Forest

8" x 10"

Acrylic and Watercolor on Canvas

**This painting is one of four of my works featured at The Soda Gallery's "50/50 III" Show running Nov. 5 - December 1.**

If you aren't familiar with the concept of "50/50″, the idea is to take numerous artists, create small eye-catching works of art, and sell them for only $50.00 each. This show was created three years ago to encourage the idea that great art doesn't always have to cost a fortune. This event shows art lovers and collectors alike the kinds of art being created around the country and here in Dallas. It also happens to be a great opportunity for you to start an art collection, and a chance to get a very unique gift for that 'special someone' just in time for the holidays.

This exhibit will open on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 7pm, which is the usual start time for the Bishop Arts District '1st Thursday'.

The Soda Gallery is Located at:

408 N. Bishop Ave. Suite 101
Dallas, TX 75208

214.946.1492

I Hope to see you there!!

Emblem of Renewal

12" x 12"

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
SOLD

From "The Celtic Meaning of the Birch Tree":
Listen closely and you will detect whispers of transformation and growth in the midst of the birch groves within your soul.
The birch is highly adaptive and able to sustain harsh conditions with casual indifference. Proof of this adaptability is seen in its easy and eager ability to repopulate areas damaged by forest fires or clearings. Bright and beautiful, the birch is a pioneer,courageously taking root and starting anew to revive the landscape where no other would before.
This is a powerful metaphor for our lives. The birch asks us to philosophically go where no other will go (voluntarily or otherwise). The birch asks us to take root in new soils and light our lives with the majesty of our very presence. The birch sings to us: "Shine, take hold, express your creative expanse, light the way so that others may follow."
Paradoxically, while the birch is a brilliant symbol of renewal, it is also symbolic of stability and structure. Associated with the sun, the birch facilitates passion, energy, as well as growth.
Birch serves as a perfect igniter as it will start to burn even when damp. This makes it a prized fire starter over most other wood types. Here again, this makes for a perfect analogy. The birch asks us to serve our fellow man with a fire in our hearts. In this respect, the birch reminds us that even if our spirits are dampened by the set backs in life, we can always catch fire from the spark of passions that drive us to divinity.

Vivan Los Muertos 2009

I have always been fascinated by the Mexican tradition of Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, and was so pleased to participate in the Latino Cultural Center's 4th Annual Vivan Los Muertos Celebration, featuring a Community Calaverita Exhibit. It was a little like an adult coloring contest: people were invited to work off an existing "calaverita" (little skull) template and decorate it any way they imagined. I painted mine, added a funky do' rag and emblazoned it with the expression "Today is the first day of the rest of your life." It was interesting to see all of the different interpretations and my family enjoyed all the traditional sights and activities at the celebration.