Wednesday, July 7, 2010

ANNIVERSARY SKIMMER


Recently, two major life events happened to my dear friend, Kristi. In addition to celebrating 20 years of marriage, her only child, Katie, graduated from high school. Both events were emotional and markers of life's march through time. What Kristi didn't know is that her husband, Tim, chose to surprise her with one of my skimmers for her anniversary. The real trick was in keeping the secret since Kristi and I are in touch almost every day....and from what I hear, Tim, isn't always the best at keeping secrets either. From another project I already had some wonderful photos of Katie from toddler age up through graduation. These images seemed perfect to me to mark these two occasions and a boat was the natural metaphor for life's journey.


This skimmer is made of beaten copper wire and thin japanese paper (gampi) that has been ink jet printed with archival ink. I love that the paper is thin enough to allow light through it....making it very translucent. Looking into the boat, the backside of the images are almost as clear as the printed side. The overall length of the boat is just over 12 inches and it is about 2.25 inches at it's widest point. Remember that you can click on an image to see it larger.

It means a lot to me that via my art I had a hand in helping mark this place in time for dear friends....their lives shared and the launching of Katie's boat into bigger water.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

2nd ANNUAL STUDIO SALE AT GREYBIRD BARN


SAVE THE DATE!!! June 26th and 27th
Mark your calendar for our 2nd ANNUAL STUDIO SALE AT GREYBIRD BARN in Port Townsend, WA. Five wonderful artists: Diane Gale....Linda Jarvis...Shane Miller...Shirley Moss....and Beverly Saito will be featured in a variety of mediums.


Our good friends at Diana Cronin's Egg & I Pottery Studio in Chimacum, WA will be celebrating their 5th Annual Open Studio & Pottery Sale. Once again GreyBird Barn Studio Sale will coincide with the Egg & I Pottery Sale. Read more info about Egg & I Pottery Sale here.

Bring your friends and come for a delicious day of art and fun.....Port Townsend is beautiful in June.

(remember that you can click on any image to see it larger)

Have questions?...Or would you like to be added to our email list?...
Contact Shane Miller

Friday, May 14, 2010

POND SKIMMER


This is my second attempt to make a boat. This POND SKIMMER measures 15.5 inches overall with the boat opening being about 10 inches. It is made of flattened copper wire and thin japanese paper (Gampi). The image of the lily pads is from a photo that I tweaked a bit in photoshop to make it appear less photographic and more painterly. The stand is made of cherry with copper uprights.


Looking down into the boat.

Is there anything more fun than gazing into a still pond and wondering what lies beneath the murky water....tadpoles....a snapping turtle....someone's lost wrist watch....? I remember lying flat on my stomach at the waters edge and watching water striders...also called jesus bugs because they walk on water. They weigh next to nothing because with no effort at all they seem to skate or glide across the surface. I read recently that they can carry up to 15 times their weight and still stay afloat... they must have a little magic in their pocket. The striders remind me of my POND SKIMMER. It's not actually made to go into water but if it was I'm sure it would ride high and be moved around by the slightest breeze.



Remember that you can see a larger image by clicking on the photo.

SAVE THE DATE

It's getting close to that time of year.... the SECOND ANNUAL SUMMER SOLSTICE ART SALE at GreyBird Barn here in Port Townsend, WA. Mark your calendars for June 26th and 27th. GreyBird Barn will host 5 artists this year: Diane Gale (ceramics)...Linda Jarvis (painting and mixed media assemblages)...Shirley Moss ( jewelry)...Beverly Saito (ceramics and bead work)...and myself, Shane Miller (jewelry and 3D mixed media boxes and boats). If we have half as much fun as we had last year someone will have to tether us to the ground to keep us from floating up into the clouds.

We will be sending out information via our email list and I will post more information on this blog as the date gets a bit closer including maps, times, postcard images, etc. If you would like to be included on our email list or just want more information email me at shane@waypt.com.

Just like last year we are having this sale in conjunction with Egg & I Pottery in Chimacum, WA. There will be 6 wonderful ceramic artists at Egg & I Pottery. We will have maps available at GreyBird Barn if you have never been to Egg & I.

Hope you can come by to see us....and see some great art....stay a while....have some cookies and lemonade.....shane

Saturday, March 27, 2010

PELLUCID SKIMMER


I have always been drawn to boats. Growing up in Arkansas near three lakes, there was always a boat in the backyard.....you see, my dad loved boats, too. There was an aluminum fishing boat with sweeping curved lines and at one time a large wooden boat big enough to sleep several people and later, once the kids were mostly grown and water skiing was out of the question, a party barge or two. I have wonderful memories of fishing for crappie, bass, and bluegill with my dad on Lake Hamilton. If I close my eyes I can still remember the smell of my dad's tackle box and the peculiar odor of the rubber purple worms. He used to tell a story of having me out in the boat with him when I was only 3 or 4 years old. A storm blew in and there was thunder and lightening in the distance. He said every time it lightened my fine red hair would stand straight up from static electricity. My dad kept trying to smooth my hair down afraid that I would draw the lightening to us. Needless to say, we did make it off the lake unscathed.

When I was about 12 years old I wanted a kayak so bad. Mom and dad bought me a kit for my birthday and dad and I worked on the wooden kayak with a cloth skin for months in the unfinished living room addition of our house. We had a pulley system rigged so that at night, or if company came, we could pull the boat up out of the way. Later in life I worked as a kayak guide in Baja...again being drawn to the pod like shape of kayaks.

Maybe it's all this early boat memory in my cells that joined forces a few days ago and led me to make a small sculpture of a boat. I'm calling this style boat a SKIMMER (thanks to my dear friend, Kristi, for helping me come up with this name.) To me a SKIMMER denotes light weight and a hull that barely touches the water. PELLUCID is a word that means translucent. A PELLUCID SKIMMER is the perfect description of this style boat.


The frame of my first skimmer is made of copper wire and just like the skin boats of early arctic people, it, too, has a skin. A very thin Japanese paper (gampi) that has been printed with vintage imagery covers the boat. I purposely chose imagery from old photographs that showed people enjoying the beach or water in general. I glue the paper on while it is damp and as it dries it shrinks slightly and really does resemble a stretched skin.


On this particular boat I used waxed linen thread to attach the ribs. The linen thread reminds me of sinew that was used in traditional skin boats. Eventually this 7 inch skimmer will have a stand. Next I want to try a slightly larger skimmer....maybe 12 inches....and then maybe 20 inches.....stay tuned!!

Remember that you can click on a photo to see an enlarged version.


I really love this organic shape that is both pod and boat at the same time. There is a beautiful translucency when the SKIMMER is slightly backlit.




This photo is looking down into the SKIMMER.

Friday, March 26, 2010

AT DUSK


AT DUSK is the second box that was made for the exhibition ART COUTURE...HATS AND SHOES showing at Bainbridge Arts and Crafts through the end of March. Like the first box, this one is wired for a small light. When the light is off only part of the story is revealed but when the light is on, all is revealed.


I enjoy writing a haiku from time to time. This is one of mine etched in nickel on the right side of the box.


AT DUSK measures 10 inches wide...9 inches tall....and 3 inches deep. The box is made of cherry, photo-etched red brass and nickel, glass, a vintage photo on paper and electrical components.

Enjoy these images and remember that you can see a larger image by clicking on the photo.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

A DREAM REMEMBERED


This is one of the boxes I created for the exhibition ART COUTURE...HATS AND SHOES at Bainbridge Arts and Crafts. I've been making my boxes for a couple of years now and for nearly all that time I have wanted to illuminate one. At first I really wanted to figure out how to make the light be powered by a battery because I didn't want a cord showing....thinking that it might be distracting. A battery operated box is tricky. In a gallery setting with the light left on for long periods many batteries would have to be replaced. Then I discovered new vintage reproduction cloth electric cords. Since my boxes have a vintage feel to them this discovery helped me embrace the cord and let it be an integral part of the box.

The fun part for me in making this box is that when the light is off you only see part of the story but when the box is illuminated, all is revealed. A metaphor for life really. Also, I am attracted to layering and the slow reveal. On prior boxes this was accomplished through the use of doors. You had to be patient and discover the layers. In these newest boxes the secret is discovered through the twist of a light switch. When I had the idea to try this kind of layering of imagery I was reminded of reading children's books to my niece and nephews. Just as the story got good there would be the anticipation of "and then what happened" before the page was turned. Flipping the light switch is the same kind of anticipation for me. Also, when I etch metal I am always working from a transparency of the image. Sometimes in looking through my transparencies two non-related images may be stacked together. I love looking at the image on the top transparency and also seeing the image on the transparency behind it and then making up a story.

A DREAM REMEMBERED is made of cherry, etched nickel and red brass, glass, a vintage photo on paper and electrical components. It measures 14 inches tall...6 inches wide...and 3 inches deep.

Enjoy these images and remember that you can see a larger image by clicking on the photo.




ART COUTURE...HATS AND SHOES

ART COUTURE....HATS AND SHOES is the title for the March exhibition at Bainbridge Arts and Crafts on Bainbridge Island. The show runs from March 5-30th.

BAC says about their show, "The clothes we wear are close to our heart – and also close to our heads, hands, and feet. For Art Couture, artists have provided us with great design, amusing stories, and unexpected poetry. When BAC invites artists to participate in a group show, we give them a specific theme or premise of the show. What they do with these broad guidelines is always impossible to predict."

I am excited to have two of my boxes in the show. I went to the opening this past Friday...it was well attended and a lot of fun to see old friends and get to hear reactions to all the art.

I tried something different this time and electrified my boxes with small lights. Check in on the next couple of posts to see the results of my efforts.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Collective Visions Gallery

Just a note to say that THE YOUNG ENTOMOLOGIST (you can see this box in the previous post) was selected to be part of the CVG show (Collective Visions Gallery) in Bremerton, WA for the month of February. Only 128 entries were selected out of almost 800. Two friends from Port Townsend, Linda Jarvis and Diane Gale, also had pieces chosen to be part of this show. If you are in the area think about stopping by to view some wonderful art.

Monday, November 30, 2009

THE YOUNG ENTOMOLOGIST

This is my most recent box called THE YOUNG ENTOMOLOGIST. I have always loved bugs, insects and especially beetles. I think they are so architecturally perfect for what they do.


CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO SEE IT LARGER

On the exterior of the box is a luna moth photo-etched in nickel. The moth stands off the background, which is photo-etched red brass, by just enough that the wing becomes the handle for opening the door. The leaf finial on the top is etched copper with one section scolloped where some insect had a meal.


CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO SEE IT LARGER

There are some surprises on the inside of the box. The young girl, etched in nickel, is from a turn of the century vintage photograph. I chose her because she looks a little tomboy-ish and not afraid of bugs. She reminds me of myself....quick to dissect a wasps nest....nimble at capturing fireflies (or lightning bugs as we called them in the south)....and fascinated by dung beetles. Behind the young girl and etched in red brass are the orders of the insects. I was a biologist long before I became an artist and scientific names are familiar and important to me. On the shelves to the right are a microscope....some specimen bottles with collected insects....and a wasps nest behind a magnifying glass. The body of the box is cherry and is intended to be wall hung by the connected Japanese yen coins. So far, this is one of my more complex boxes and I'm excited to try some more.

This limited edition box measures 12" wide x 12.25" tall x 1.75" deep when closed. When open the width is 26 inches.

Once while I was living in Arkansas I witnessed an owl sitting on a post near an outside porch light. The owl would fly away and in minutes come back with a luna moth. It would hold the moth in it's talon and strip the wings off with it's beak letting them flutter to the ground before eating the body of the moth...I was reminded of peel 'em and eat 'em shrimp. I will never forget those wings fluttering down like little ghosts. The owl repeated this ritual over and over again. The next morning there was a pile of large greenish moth wings...so beautiful and a little heartbreaking at the same time. How could I not love insects....

Sunday, November 22, 2009

5 MONTHS LATER

Being 5 months behind just about sums up my life. I am just astonished when I look at the date of my last post. I'm going to try to do better.

Here is a brief summary of the last 5 months. First of all the Art Sale at GreyBird Barn did happen and was a tremendous success. We had about 300 people come through the barn in two days. I had a lot of help from my friends to pull the whole event off. Here are a few photos of the event and of my barn shining brightly. I love that barn....and it has proved itself as a great spot to showcase art!








The rest of my summer was filled with art fairs and much anticipation mixed with a little expectation. In late July I participated in the Bellevue Museum Art Fair....In August I found myself in Sun Valley for an art fair....and in September I was part of Art In The Pearl in Portland. It was a bit of a challenging summer. There were lower than expected crowds at Bellevue and maybe people were feeling the economic crunch a little, although I had friends who had a great show. At every art show someone is having their best show ever and someone else is having their worst show ever. I usually fall somewhere right in the middle. At the other two shows all the artists were challenged with a lot of rain and wind and exceptionally cool weather. The defining moment for me was when my booth blew down at Art In The Pearl on the second day. Luckily for me, I didn't have significant damage but it woke me up. I'm determined now to try another route....to let go of outdoor shows all together and instead look for more galleries or the higher end indoor shows. I'll write more about this is a future post.

In October, along with 3 other artist, I was part of the 11th annual Port Townsend Studio Tour. There were 47 different studios open to the public and again GreyBird Barn turned out to be a perfect venue. Although I have lived in Port Townsend many years, this was my first year to be part of the tour. The weather was beautiful....fall was so in the air....my King apple tree was heavy with fruit (15 apples down one slender branch)...hot apple cider and pumpkin bars....good sales...and again a large crowd...about 265 people. We couldn't have been more pleased and plan to do both barn sales again next year around the same dates. Here are a few images from the Fall Studio Tour.










From left to right: Shane Miller, Wendy Jarvis, Linda Jarvis, Diane Gale and Dianna Cronin.

And last but not least I just have to show a photo of my 1952 dodge truck, Baladeuse, and my 1952 Farmall Tractor, Bliss. They definitely offered a little farm ambience to the barn sales. Remember you can click on any image to see it larger.



Wednesday, June 17, 2009

BARN STUDIO SALE





My whole life I've wanted a barn....actually I would love to live in a barn. Several years ago I had one built on my property. Over time it became a big storage container for all my tools and anything else I didn't have room for in my house. That was never my dream for such a wonderful space. So a couple of months ago the topic came up in my art group about having a studio sale out of the barn. The kind of thing where one could have it year after year on the same weekend and create a following. After a lot of organizing and a lot of work pulling it all together the sale will happen this weekend. A wonderful group of artists will be gathered at GreyBird Barn.

Many friends have helped make this possible... unexpected gravel shoveled into the ruts in my driveway...homemade cookies and lemonade for the duration of the sale...help with chainsawing up a bunch of logs that were in the way...and many hands helping make my property look presentable. Also, all the participating artists have contributed hugely...creating the postcard....making the sandwich boards...distributing flyers...etc. My heartfelt thanks to everyone.

If you are in the neighborhood stop by for some cookies and lemonade and a chance to see some exceptional art.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

TOO FAR FROM WATER


TOO FAR FROM WATER is the second box that was created for the show entitled ROADS at Bainbridge Arts and Crafts on Bainbridge Island, WA. I'm pleased to say that this piece sold on the opening night to a significant collector of art in the area. It is a limited edition piece with a total of 25 in the edition.

The copper doors and nickel background are all photo-etched. The finial on this piece is a vintage level vial from Scotland. It symbolizes balance and water. The box itself is cherry with splined corners. The image of the boys in the sail wagon is from a turn of the century photo taken in a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. You can tell that it was a cold and damp day...I love the reflection of the wheels in the pavement...but not too cold for a little sailing adventure...even with no water.


The copper doors on the outside of this box depict a stylized wave pattern....the inside of the doors show day and night tide tables. This is the first box I have made with copper doors and I am very pleased with the result. I cut the sail wagon out and have it standing off the back wall by about 1/8th inch so that I could rig the mast with waxed linen cord.


Here is a detail of the etched nickel sail wagon. This box measures 12 3/4" tall by 9 1/2" wide with the doors shut (approximately 19 1/4" with the doors open) by 1 3/4" deep. You can click on any image to see it larger.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

WALKING AGNES


Last Friday, March 6th, Bainbridge Arts and Crafts (Bainbridge Island, WA) had an opening for the group show titled ROADS. This box WALKING AGNES was part of that show along with two other boxes that I created.

WALKING AGNES is photo-etched from vintage imagery onto red brass, nickel and copper. The box is made of cherry and the ostrich leash is made of waxed linen. This box measures 11" H x 12" W x 1.75" D. Click on the box to see an enlargement.

I was particularly drawn to the tree lined dirt lane receding into the distance when I first saw it. I knew that this photograph would be perfect for the ROAD show. I added the woman and ostrich from other sources. They are etched in nickel and stand off the background. There seems to be some question as to who is walking who. The woman seems to be going in one direction and the ostrich in another. Actually, we don't even know which one is Agnes???

Over the next couple of weeks, I will post the other two boxes.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

DAEDALUS ABBREVIATION


This image of DAEDALUS AS A BOY is one of my favorites. I have used this image as a piece of jewelry (a neckpiece that you can see in an earlier post) and will soon be using it in one of my narrative boxes. Last year I began making what I call abbreviations....these are smaller abbreviated versions of my larger boxes. This one is 4.5" x 6"x 1.25" and is photo-etched nickel. The frame work is cherry. The plate of nickel is held to the cherry using small round headed brass nails. It is made to be wall mounted.

I am drawn to images that depict flight....both personal and metaphorical...where wings are tried on for size and fit. The vintage image of this young boy, taken at the turn of the century just when man was beginning to challenge gravity, is a reminder of everything I love about flight...the magic...the courage...the freedom...the breaking of one's ties to the earth...the need to rise above it all. Daedalus, in mythology, was the father of Icarus, the boy who flew too close to the sun.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

TIME FLIES



Wow...I'm amazed at how quickly time passes these days. My intention was to just take a little break from the blog but the little break turned into several months. It doesn't take long to get out of the habit of doing something....such as posting. With a fresh year ahead of me I hope to re-find my habit and become a blogger once again. Thanks for your patience....don't give up on me.

A lot has happened in my art world....and in my personal world ....these last few months. For starters, I was accepted into 3 late summer and early fall shows. The SUN VALLEY ARTS FESTIVAL was the first. It was my very first time to show the boxes in the category of 3-D mixed media and I was surprised and thrilled to receive the award in that category. For me it is an affirmation that I am on the right track and that I have to just keep moving forward. My good friend, Helga Winter, also received an award in her category...Wood. We traveled to and from the show together and so it was wonderful getting to share our good fortunes with each other. Because we won our respective awards, we will both be invited back next year.

The next show was ART IN THE HIGH DESERT in Bend, OR. I was accepted in both 3-D mixed media and jewelry. This is a brand new show...beautifully organized...wonderful location...high quality art. I think we overwhelmed Bend with the quality of the show. Hopefully this next year the public will be more prepared for us.

Last, but certainly not least, was ART IN THE PEARL. This is such a great show and not an easy one to get accepted in. I applied in both jewelry and 3-D mixed media (boxes) and was accepted in 3-D mixed media only. I have applied for 12 years and have been accepted twice. This is a show you can never take for granted. I was fortunate to be approached by two different galleries... Beet Gallery in Portland and Mary Lou Zeek Gallery in Salem. Both galleries and the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland are interested in representing my boxes. It's going to be a busy winter building inventory for these and other galleries and feeling prepared for summer shows.

I made a couple of unexpected trips back to Arkansas in October and December. In October I spent 2 weeks with my 89 year old father. He was in failing health and I am so pleased that we got to spend that quality time together. We didn't do a lot...4 days in the hospital....watched a lot of CNN and the weather channel (his favorite)....talked a lot about remember when...but it was all time spent that is so precious to me now. My dad passed away in December. It's odd having been on one side of the river with parents that hung the moon and now being on the other side of the river with none. I'm still processing a lot of my feelings about being an orphan. I'm sure some of that processing will show up in my artwork. It can't be helped If there is little distinction between one's art and one's life.

Since my last post there were many days spent with dear friends. Some are artists...some are cheerleaders for us artists...all are sweet to the core and so dear to my heart. I am wealthy beyond words when it comes to my friends.

It's going to be a good year. I'm feeling creative and inspired regardless of the slump in the economy. I'm excited about looking forward. My intention is to nurture the creative idea in my head....let it circle my heart and pass through my hands. If I can do that, all will be well.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

OPENING AT KOBO


The opening for the group show, 3 ARTISTS, 3 WOMEN, 3 FRIENDS, was Saturday night June 21st at KOBO Gallery in Seattle. There was much visiting with old friends, lots of laughter and a general feeling of celebration. It also happened to be my birthday and we...Linda, Helga, Kristi and I... celebrated by eating dinner at Greenleaf...my favorite restaurant. My sweet friend, Kristi, took this picture of the three artists. That's me on the left, Helga Winter in the middle and Linda Jarvis on the right.

Not only was it the longest day of the year, summer solstice, but it was a long day. We arrived at KOBO early to set up and left late to catch the ferry back to Port Townsend. The evening light was absolutely beautiful looking back at the city from the ferry.

Monday, June 9, 2008

THREE ARTISTS...THREE WOMEN...THREE FRIENDS


CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGE TO ENLARGE

L I N D A J A R V I S

Studies in commercial art, design and illustration at the Burnley School of Professional Art in Seattle have provided me with a broad background in various disciplines and media. Working in mixed media and giving new life to reusable objects, has offered endless influence for exploration and experimentation for creative expression. My studio sits within wooded acreage on a hilltop in Chimacum, Washington where observations of the natural world and my own sense of wonder therein are ingredients for my inspirations in constructing sculptures and assemblages. Usually initiated by an image, thought or title idea, my work then evolves spontaneously unveiling a story or vignette often augmented by my illustrations and paintings of wildlife. My intent is to depict an aliveness, often times with humor, while balancing realism with fantasy.

S H A N E M I L L E R

From my studio in Port Townsend, WA, I create jewelry and narrative art boxes using a photo-etching technique. With the exception of a single etching workshop, I am self taught. For twelve years I was a sculptor and printmaker. My current body of work is an offspring of those two art forms. Each piece feels like a small sculpture and the etched surface is a direct product of printmaking. Pattern and texture become my palette more than color. I am also drawn to words and narrative and a good story. While choosing imagery for a piece of jewelry or one of my boxes, I have the privilege of beginning a story that someone else gets to finish. My jewelry might not be considered precious due to a lack of gems and gold but when a favorite piece is found at the back of the sock drawer three years lost, my hope is that the finder will feel as though they have discovered a treasure. The narrative art boxes, like the jewelry, are heirloom pieces made to be passed on through generations.

H E L G A W I N T E R

I hand turn unseasoned, salvaged, local Pacific Madrone (arbutus menziesii) on a wood lathe. Green Madrone, a wood that is unpredictable, is my favorite turning wood.
The drying process is delicate, referring to a sense of mystery, balance, the fragility of life and a sense of movement. I attempt to create objects that are pleasant to be with, invite to be touched, held and inquired. The process of my work is a self-discovery. The pieces are felt and become known to me only to be discovered anew through the beholder’s imagination that decides and investigates the function of the piece. Using dyes and patterns are inviting a closer look and investigation: Is it glass? Is it a gourd? Is it wood? What does the spheroid look like inside – is it smooth, rough, natural, dyed or even patterned – what creates the sound it makes? Vessel and spheroid, when given a new appearance, allow a quiet conversation to take place. Who am I really? How does my appearance, my attitude effect my inner being? Do they enhance the self or cover it up?Through these processes I strive to show the pureness of the wood – the essence of being.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

GROUP SHOW ENDS

The group show STORIES MYTHS AND LEGENDS just ended at Childhood's End Gallery in Olympia, WA. It was a well attended show with a nice range of beautiful work. Here are some images of my work (from left to right): AFTER THE HONEYMOON, LONG NOSE GAR, TIME TRAVELER, REMEMBERING THE NIGHT GARDEN and WATCHING FOR SIGNS OF SPRING.




My good friends and art buddies Linda Jarvis and Helga Winter also participated in the show. These delightful mixed media house sculptures are an example of Linda's work and the turned bowl and spheroid is an example of Helga's work. I am delighted that the three of us will be exhibiting together at KOBO Gallery in Seattle on the 21st of this month. I will post more information about this in a few days.