Mark Your Calendar

You want to be a good gift give-r. Something unique. Memorable. Personal. 

Nothing quite fits the bill for such an occasion as a piece of original artwork.  Purchasing a piece of art with a story all its own is only the beginning. The legacy continues when you weave that piece into your own life and the lives of others.

Your support of the arts through thoughtful gift-giving means so much.  I am excited to have three paintings in this fun, holiday- inspired show at RISING Gallery that will help you pick up some artwork from several prominent local Artists at quite a steal, which may even leave you with enough cha-ching to treat yourself, too. 

The best part is the majority of proceeds from this sale will go directly to benefit the Museum of Biblical Art.  I hope to see you at the opening reception tomorrow night, but if you can't make it, the show will hang until 12/20.

moderndallas.net  & Texas Sculpture Association  (at RISING Gallery)   presents:         MOTA 8x8 - 2011    A Holiday Art Exhibit benefiting MUSEUM OF BIBLICAL ART    december 1 // 6-9pm         40+ unique works of 8" x 8" art by prominent local artists. each piece available for purchase at $250.  (a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Museum of Biblical Art) Thanks to all the artists for participating: Scott Armstrong, Jan Ayers, Jim Bowman, Diana Chase, Marvin Crow, Kiki Curry,  Leigh Harrison, Robert Hold, Sonali Khatti, Chris Lattanzio,  Bonny Leibowitz, Christian MilletDiana Morrison, Nan Phillips,  Joel Sampson, Shelley Smith, Nancy Uline, James Welsh, Linda Ford, Dana S. Whitney, Morton Rachofsky, Jamie Pink, George Tobolowsky, Christina Neuser, Marilyn Biles, Linda Chidsey,Teri Lueders, Vet Vet, John Borys, Luis Fernando Camacho, Susan Sponsler-Carstarphen, Gina Marie Dunn, Jeanne C. Neal. and the kids from Yavneh Academy. Rising Gallery, at 800 Jackson in Downtown Dallas, will host the event on December 1, 2011, from 6 to 9 p.m.  Afterward, the art may be viewed and purchased as available through December 20, 2011 during normal gallery hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday , 11a.m.-4p.m.  And by appointment.        for more information visit: www.moderndallas.net or www.txsculpture.com     800 Jackson (lower level)   .    Dallas, TX 75202                   214.559.4158    .    RISINGgallery.com              Gallery Hours Tuesday-Friday 10a-5:30p Saturday 11a-4p and by appointment

Somewhere Near Water Valley, TX

Just returned from five days in West Texas, a Thanksgiving tradition that we look forward to every year.  

Completely unplugged. Closest neighbor lives 30 minutes away. Roasting marshmallows, riding in the pickup, telling and retelling stories, chasing wildlife and rainbows, enjoying the comforts of family, a fiery hearth and a loving home. On a clear day you can see forever. Grateful.

The Space Between: New Painting

8" x 8" x 1.5"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas
Available for purchase via Etsy

I was playing in the studio on some small canvases, painting and printing with different colors and textures. The two human-like forms on this one emerged completely by accident. What is even more surprising is that the cross formation between these did as well. 


God leaves us spaces in which to create, and it is by this grace that I carve out the time in my day to paint and create. He manifests when we least expect, reminding us that there is something more than us. This is such a comforting sentiment as I often feel like the space between my husband and I grows vast as we both manage busy careers and life with three children. But it is in that space where there is a bond to which we can always return. 





The Space Between lyrics
Songwriters: Matthews, David J; Ballard, Glen;

You cannot quit me so quickly
Is no hope in you for me
No corner you could squeeze me
But I got all the time for you, love

The space between the tears we cry
Is the laughter keeps us coming back for more
The space between the wicked lies we tell
And hope to keep safe from the pain

But will I hold you again?

These fickle, fuddled words confuse me
Like, will it rain today?
Waste the hours with talking, talking
These twisted games we're playing

We're strange allies with warring hearts
What a wild-eyed beast you'll be
The space between the wicked lies we tell
And hope to keep safe from the pain

But will I hold you again?
Will I hold?

But the space between where you're smilin' high
Is where you'll find me if I get to go
The space between the bullets in our firefight
Is where I'll be hiding, waiting for you

The rain that falls splash in your heart
Ran like sadness down the window into your room
The space between our wicked lies
Is where we hope to keep safe from pain

Take my hand 'cause we're walking out of here
Oh, right out of here, love is all we need, dear

The space between what's wrong and right
Is where you'll find me hiding, waiting for you
The space between your heart and mine
Is the space we'll fill with time

10 Things Artist Should Be Thankful for

Indian corn paper sculptures created by my 5-6 y/o Art Stop students.
Seasonal art at its finest!

“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind. ”  

Lionel Hampton

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Sylvia White shares her list on Art Propelled of the 10 things artists should be thankful for.  I have this list tacked up my studio and have been looking at it when I reach stopping points.  As Artists, we are often focused in the future, on our next project, our next show, our next opportunity...focusing on this list helps bring me back to the present moment and the fulfillment that this God-given talent brings. 



1. I am thankful that I am not one of the majority of people in this world that
wakes up every morning, goes to a job they hate, just to come home and do it all
over again.

2. I am thankful that when I am away from my studio, my ideas come with me, they
keep me company everywhere I go.

3. I am thankful for this passion that gives me so much joy (and angst) but mostly
joy.

4. I am thankful that when I have left this earth, I will leave something meaningful
behind.

5. I am thankful that I have a mind that can not sleep, I will never be bored.

6. I am thankful that there is a part of my life that nobody can control, except
me.

7. I am thankful that no one in the world can ever take this gift from me.

8. I am thankful that I am brave, it takes courage to pursue my gift.

9. I am thankful that I am never satisfied, it forces me to move forward and grow.

10. I am thankful I discovered this list!


Please share this list with the other creative souls who have touched your life.  Happy Thanksgiving! 

Inside his head

A 'starving artist' during his abbreviated life, selling just one painting before his life abruptly ended in his early thirties, Van Gogh's paintings would posthumously realize the highest price ever paid for a work of art.

How is that possible? I speculate because he painted with such passion and purity and fervor, not because he wanted to make money, but because he wanted to make art. It was in him to create. Whether his talent was recognized during his life or post-humously was of no matter to him because he simply could not NOT paint. 


Painting was the one medium by which he was able to express himself to the fullest. Though he suffered greatly, Van Gogh used his art as a channel to reach inner peace, to quiet the whirling of his mind.  It came from a genuine, authentic, place.


Below are a few photos of the homage to "Starry Starry Night" mural that my mom and I painted in the nursery that once belonged to each of my three children. Viewing these and thinking of the dawn of each of my children's lives fills my heart with longing and hope. 


I hope that gazing on this wall as they lay in their cribs all bundled and safe helped them soak up in their bones the message to follow their dreams and lead a life full of passion and love. In doing so, they will find their Truth.

Newly Commissioned Painting, "Creating a Sacred Space"

25" x 58"

Acrylic and mixed Media on Canvas

Private Collection of Nancy Rabe

Fine Art Giclee Prints available here

When Nancy came to the art studio to pick up this painting, she jokingly said, "Thank you for my baby!", but she actually hit the nail on the head with her remark.  Parting with my pieces reminds me of the feeling of giving birth, in a sense that you are sending a piece of you out into the world, off to live a life of its own after you have so lovingly worked on its development.  But it is absolutely a labor of love. 

A shot of the painting in progress, which I stretched on the wall of my art studio. 

The title of this painting comes from an infusion of a few elements that came together.  When Nancy approached me to create a piece, she was looking for something to fit the entryway of her newly built home, one she and her husband had designed and watched go up over the past year. Nancy already had an image in mind of this beautiful landscape, majestic in its serenity. As I explained my process to her and in an attempt to make the painting more personable and meaningful, I asked her to provide me with building plans of the house, which I made multiple copies of and used in the background to build depth and texture.  The plans are almost completely covered up, but there are places in which these are barely visible, like on the tree trunks toward the center/right here:

In addition to being a woman who is dedicated to her family and career, Nancy is an advanced yoga practitioner and teacher who I have had the pleasure of getting to know at Exhale through our mutual love of yoga. In fact, we both realized we were twins in class one day when we showed up wearing the same pink t-shirt that said the words, "sacred space" on them. Our friendship has unfolded into a beautiful and natural appreciation and respect for one another and the joy that comes from our spirited family of yoga practitioners. 


The notion of a sacred space is complex, encompassing a range of aspects: architecture, geography, core beliefs, community stories, and not least of all the receptivity of one’s soul. When several of these elements come together, the results are breathtaking. I felt that through the loving and thoughtful construction of their home, Nancy was creating this space, a sacred space, for her family and the legacy they will leave.


Sacred truths require faith. G. K. Chesterton has described the phenomenon of faith as being like the sun: one cannot look at it directly, but everything else is seen more clearly because of it. And it is in this domain of knowing and yet not knowing, of understanding more than we can explain, of mystery, that sacredness resides.

The Omni Hotel Grand Opening Showcases Local Artists

Who's attending the "DEFINITELY DALLAS" ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel today? Over 7,000 sculptures, paintings, and drawings grace the hotel -- all by local artists. This project was spearheaded by Creative Directors/Artists Frankie Garcia and Jeremy McKane, of FGIII Art and McKane Consulting. Due to their efforts to launch this massive project off the ground that began over a year ago, the new Omni Hotel will feature original work by local artists instead of typical "hotel-art" which often is synonymous with bland and unmemorable cookie-cutter prints. This effort is going to give a heart and soul, to the Omni one with a palpable beat of Dallas Culture.


Several local artists were commissioned to create all of the artwork in the new Omni Hotel and I am humbled to have my paintings featured among such a wonderful group of talent! Here is a sneak peek of some of my 25 paintings to be featured.

It's going to be so exciting to see the artwork unveiled today. See you later!


The Omni Hotel Convention Center

555 South Lamar Street Dallas, TX 75202
Friday, November 11, 2011 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (CT)

Other Creative Souls: Dallas' Bonny Leibowitz

The Deep 24x24 encaustic wax, monotype on kozo and photography

I have been following the artwork of Bonny Leibowitz for over a year now, and every time I see one of her ethereal pieces, my heart sings.  Check out her latest body of work at Rising Gallery's Grand Re-Opening tomorrow evening from 6:30 - 9.   

Here is Bonny's story.  

Describe your work in one sentence. 

I am interested in creating visually seductive works that speak to the organic quality of relationships both interpersonally and in nature utilizing a variety of materials and techniques including monotypes, photography and encaustic wax. 

What's your normal day like?

 I have two teaching studios, The Bonny Studio; teaching oil and acrylic painting and The Encaustic Center teaching painting with wax. I keep super busy assisting students with technique and concept, organizing classes, workshops and shows. I fit in as much creative “me” time as possible in-between my commitments here and ideally, that amount of time would be more abundant. 

What are your passions? 

Streaming Consciousness 30x30 photography,
monotype and encaustic wax

My passion is art, creating it, looking at it and learning all I can. I am constantly refining and evolving concept and technique. Through the process of creating, ideas emerge and I make every effort to push further especially when that means purchasing lots of new supplies; another passion. My recent work involves monotypes which I have done in several mediums but have recently purchased a “HOTbox” to create these with. This new piece of equipment allows for large works to be pulled on fabulous Japanese handmade papers.  In addition, I am working with photography, large images I incorporate into the work on a thin, fine paper which becomes somewhat transparent. In my latest body of work I’m exploring elements in nature; trees, fur, mountains and water, to name a few, taking on new shapes as they interact and procreate.

What are your goals? 

 I am most interested in seeing where the work will go visually and how far I can push the compositions and concepts to become more dynamic and alluring. I look forward to spending more time creating and hope to make new connections for the work to be seen.

Who are your creative influences?

I spend lots of time looking, finding qualities I feel an attachment to and then allow those influences to emerge in a natural manner without forcing the issue. I’ve always loved Cy Twombly, Anselm Kiefer and Judy Pfaff, to name a few. Lately I’ve been enjoying the compositions of Albert Oehlen.

Are there any other relevant experiences that shaped who you are today and what you do?

If I could think of times that have affected my work the most, they would be the challenging times, times of personal struggle where I allowed the emotions to emerge in the work taking particular shapes and colors; the consequence of those actions becoming an important turning point to build on.

What's your working style? 

Often times I find late night painting the best, no interruptions with time to create and think things through. I can work many hours straight through when all is right in my world.

What are your websites/social networking links?

www.bonnyleibowitz.com

bonny@bonnyleibowitz.com

www.thebonnystudio.com

www.theencausticcenter.com

http://facebook.com/bonny.leibowitz

Newly Commissioned Painting, "Root Your Feet in the Ground; Scatter Your thoughts in the Wild Air""

52" x 52"

Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

Private Collection of Melissa and Mark Margolin, Dallas TX

"The creative mind plays with the objects it loves."

Carl Jung

I was commissioned to do this piece for a couple who was drawn to my painting, below, after seeing it in Origin Magazine's September/October issue: 

They needed more earthy tones and wanted a large square size to compliment the color scheme in their entryway and this piece was born.  

The title comes loosely from something my yoga teacher emphasizes frequently. It is so beautiful to realize how much the physical practice of the asanas, or poses, translates to life off the mat.

PROGRESSIONS: A Collaboration of ART and HEALTH

Thanks to all who cam out on Saturday night for the opening of our group art show and the debut of the collaborative art effort known as The Seven Project.  Friendships were forged, relationships created, consciousness was raised through the support of the Irma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School and art was enjoyed (and purchased!) by many. Here's a shot of the group who made it all happen:

Photo courtesy of Liz London

We had an awesome turnout and the energy of the event was palpable.  A few of our collaborative pieces our still available for purchase, such as this one:

Multifaceted Spirit
Mixed Media on 140lb watercolor paper (framed)
18 x 24
$400

As well as some of our individual artwork, including a piece of mine, below:

A Platform for Consciousness
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
24"x 28"
$895

As well as this lovely assemblage by Artist Liz London:

I Surrender to the Pattern

Mixed Media Collage on Board

8" x 10"

$350.00

Art Directors Christian Millet and Nix Johnson are already planning the next event. If you are a Dallas area artist that would be interested in participating, shoot an email w/ a few samples of your artwork and any relevant info to nixjohnson@gmail.com. If you know of any artists that might be interested, please forward or repost this.

In the meantime, our works will be on display through this week and possibly next.
Please visit Classic Pilates to check them out, and, if you're feeling adventurous, take a ride on one of those crazy reformer machines. :)
Classic Pilates is located at
3303 Lee Parkway
Dallas, TX 75219

SoCal: San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar

Spent an amazing long weekend in Southern California 

with Mr. D. 

Old friends, new babies, memorable meals, romantic sunsets, art and museums that redefined light and space, yoga that challenged and renewed...

Every time I leave California I feel a palpable longing for the ocean. I can't wait to go back. 

Soaked it all in my bones and returned home relaxed and inspired, full of gratitude for my beautiful children and the life I love.