Trend

One of my students at Prairie State has taken on a drawing-a-day project, and one of her friends who I don't know is doing a photo-a-day project:


http://ryanmichele.tumblr.com/

and

http://stephbphoto.tumblr.com/

It is fun to see other artists taking the challenge...

Brush 100

ta da.

Brown Brush Blue Brush 099

It was clear to me that the object to draw today was the paint brush. Two brushes. It was clear because I spent the afternoon at a Spiritual Art Workshop creating a painting and learning about symbols in art. The energy of the group was perfect and for me it was a spiritual experience.

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We were guided through a process by the artist Victoria Martin who has developed a process for participants to choose symbols, colors, and images and then develop a painting that can be read much like the Tarot or I Ching, and interpreted.

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We enjoyed each other's company and at the same time allowed ourselves to be absorbed into the process. Two hours passed so quickly and I felt like we could have stayed there all day. Each person's painting and reading were so unique and particular to their personality and situation. There was also a connection to the universality of life and that we are all one.

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It was a completely enjoyable afternoon that I won't soon forget. So I made a drawing of two brushes today, day 99 of 100, to mark this incredible experience.

Crumbled 098

On the Seat Cusion 097

Candle Holder 096

Stopper 095

Strawberries 094

Pencils 093

Hyacinth 092

Daffodil 091

Blue Line 090

King Craft Tire Guage

Acrylic 088

Sunglasses 087

Glass Stopper 086 April 5, 2010

Top 085 April 4, 2010

Goblet 084 April 3, 2010

Stamp 083 April 2, 2010

Sharpener 082 April 1, 2010

Pruners 081

Stanley 080

Cappuccino 079

OK, so I somehow posted 3 drawings yesterday from my days on the road and neglected to post a drawing for yesterday.

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Tonight was Le Bouchon restaurant for the Monday night special so I did two drawings to set the record straight.

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Le Bouchon 078 (for Sunday March 28, 2010)

Pink Pig 077 (Saturday March 27, 2010)

Nona has a salt and pepper set of little porcelain pigs. The salt is the pink pig, and pepper is a black and white pig. Her Aunt gave them to her an estimated 25 years ago.

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I didn't put the holes in the top of his head. Maybe I should have. He was extra cute without them.

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I'll have to do the pepper pig another time.

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Disposable 076 (Friday March 26, 2010)

I've been thinking alot lately about disposable items because of where they go after we dispose of them.

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The Story of Stuff helps to put it in context.

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In some ways I am trying to use materials and objects that otherwise would be going to the dump and adding to the problem. But on the other hand I know I am also contributing disposable objects and materials every day.

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I also can say that Caribou Coffee has some really great oatmeal - the reason for my disposable container and spoon. Starbucks came out with oatmeal first but Caribou improved on the idea by offering a multi-grain option, more toppings, steamed milk as part of the standard recipe, and it is a great breakfast when you can't eat at home.

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After I was done with it, it went into the trash bag which went into the dumpster, truck, to the dump, land fill? or is it going into garbage that is off-shored?

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Half-eaten 075 (Thursday March 25, 2010)

My 75th day occured while I was away picking up my show in St. Cloud, MN.

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3/4 of the way to the 100 day mark! The drawings have really piled up and the collages will catch up soon.

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The collages will be part of a show at Tall Grass Arts Association in Park Forest April 23 to June 27 "Common Ground, Diverse Approaches" featuring work on paper by regional art faculty.

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Corked Knife 074

1 Tbsp 1 tsp 073

Jeff Stevenson - News - Event List

Click on the image of the news flyer to see a larger version, and use the "back" button to return to the blog.

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I feel so fortunate to have so much good news and exciting events to share.

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1 Tbsp 072

Two Demitasses 071

Since demitasse means half cup, do two demitasses make a whole?

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These were a thrift store find and since it was half price day the total bill for two of them was 38 cents. I like the shape of them. They are white with a pale cream band at the top and some gold paint designs.

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I like that they are silly and frilly in a way because of our world of super-sized everything, these dainty little bits become ridiculous.

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The porcelain that they are made from is pretty thin and lets the light pass through it. In the previous drawing of the single demitasse I was working on capturing the shadow that the design on the outside was creating on the inside of the cup.

Demitasse 070

Mandarines 069

Leash 068

An obvious choice of subject matter since the last few days have been all about the dogs.

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I'm helping to coordinate a video shoot for the South Suburban Humane Societie's fund raising event "Spotlight Fashion Show".

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Chloe is our dog star.

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Chloe has been sick and has brought a new understanding to the phrase "sicker than a dog" - and that is pretty dog-gone sick.

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We went to a really great program tonight about diet and health for pets.

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Timmie is the cat star who is a shelter cat at the moment but with such a great personality, I'm sure he'll be adopted into his forever home soon. This cat is such a super star. He is totally going to steal the show in the video and I can't wait to feature him at the event on April 23rd - MEOW.

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Warm weather means more long walks with the pack - much needed after a long winter.

Cell Phone 067

Key Finder 066

Money 065

Binder Clip 064

Swiss Army Knife 063

Cordials 062

Banded Glass 061

I frequent thrift stores to find objects to populate my mixed media assemblage art pieces. The danger is that I often find things that are really cool to populate other places in my life. Like these low ball glasses that are vintage minty green frosted glass and silver banding. Who can resist such treasures? They feel good in the hand and are a nice size.

Bottle 060

Wackjob 059

I went to a book signing at the NASPA conference today and got to see a presentation by the book's authors. My artwork was used as the cover for the book More Than Listening: A Casebook for Using Counseling Skills in Student Affairs Work

Lunch plans devolved into a visit to Immediate Care (Emergency Room) visit... for medical attention while far away from home. Hope you feel better Nona!

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I skipped lunch to run an errand instead and then just had an early dinner prior to taking the train home at my favorite pizza place, Piece.

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The beverage was named Wackjob. I'm starting a scratch and sniff series apparently - note the greasy finger prints on the left margin.

Roses 058

Rusty Key 057

Bunnies 056

Little porcelain bunnies, old memories, new memories.

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When I was little, I had a few porcelain animal figurines, but these aren't those, they just remind me of them.

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These actually came from a trip Ross and I went on with Thor and Roxanne - accidentally winding up in Ross' pocket as a joke. If we ever go back, we'll totally return them.

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And Emily had a beloved aunt who called her Bunny. That will be my new memory with these particular objects, and with this drawing.

Razor 055

Glass 054

Caster 053