Mollie January 26th, 2008 Mixed Media , Show Comments(2)

Below I have pictures of the finished Marti Gras Centerpiece along with one of the concept sketches that I did. When doing a concept sketch it’s generally more of a diagram with text and notes than a sketch. The real purpose is to get some ideas on paper before I forget, and since there isn’t really a client involved I don’t have to worry too much about rendering it completely.

Mollie January 25th, 2008 Uncategorized Comments(0)

The Marti Gras Centerpiece is complete, I hope to have some information and concept sketches up by the end of the weekend. However, right now I want to share some of my ideas for a new project I’m going to work on for a Show/Benefit that was introduced to me at a meeting at Framations Gallery (where my work is currently on display).

Several pieces from a show from Pennsylvania called “Puppies are Biodegradable” (www.puppiesarebiodegradable.com/) will be coming to St. Louis to stop for a week before moving on to Jefferson City where it will be show for Humane Day at the Capitol. While the exhibit is in St. Louis there will be a juried show where local artists can display some of their pieces; and some will be chosen to go with, and be exhibited alongside the original show from Pennsylvania.

The show itself has been very controversial in nature, as its purpose is to help raise awareness of the evils of Puppy Mills (more specifics to come). I confess that my first response was to try and deny that such things even happen, but the more I heard the more sick I became, and it wasn’t long before I decided to join in.

It was heartbreaking doing the research for this piece, I had to stop and start several times because the imagery and information out there is beyond words. I haven’t really done a lot of controversial pieces in the past, but I feel that some shock value graphics might be necessary this time.

Concepts

St. Bernard the Rescue Dog: He’s equipped with more than just brandy, he has surgical equipment in his keg to help his fellow dogs.

Puppies Don’t Grow on Trees: Puppies literally growing on trees.

What’s a Puppy Mill?: Image of a scenic Grain Mill contrasted by the horrors of an actual Puppy Mill scene.

Triptych: Left side-Cute puppy in a pet shop window. Middle-Emaciated Dog nursing her young. Right-Greedy Mill owner receiving his reward.

Mollie January 16th, 2008 Business , Mixed Media , Show Comments(0)

I have the concept and most of the materials needed to complete the base and surround for my centerpiece (see below inspiration). Now I need to narrow the ideas for the arm and hand.

My ideas
All Seeing Eye with palmistry symbols: I love this idea, but I’ve had a hard time finding the right materials to complete it.

Harlequin diamonds: Simple and elegant, the contrast of the bright colors against the black & white centerpiece would stand out nicely.

Inspiration found at www.viewimages.com

Mollie January 9th, 2008 Mixed Media , Show Comments(0)

I just received my first check for “Symbols of Christmas” sold at Framtions! Hopefully it will be the first of many to come.

Conception Process for Charity Centerpiece:
First: Research Marti Gras and all things New Orleans. Look up images associated with the subject for reference and ideas.

Then come up with areas of interest: Beads, Feathers, Anonymous, Purple Gold Green, King Cake, Parades, Doubloons, Comedy and Drama, Fleur de Lis, Jesters, Jazz, Mystic, etc.

Now I need to narrow that list to a few that go well together. I’ve written the list down and done some word associating to get a feel for what I might do with each idea and how it might be used.

I’m still working on the last step, but I took a trip to Hobby Lobby to see if I could get more inspiration looking at possible materials. I’ve found one piece that I think is absolutely perfect and some side items that might give me a start.

More to come.