This little 5″ x 5″ hand-pulled print is a derivative of a watercolor I did when on the road in New Mexico several years back. One of a series painted on location, the image remains a favorite. While recently rummaging through the archives, I fell upon the original color transparency and found myself wondering how it might work as an etching. Using Photoshop, I created a black and white positive which I then burned in to a photo-sensitive plate and…voilá!

Sunflower at midnight is one of 20+ pieces that will be on display at the Hyde Park Free Library beginning May 14th. Located in the S. June Keyes Memorial Annex, A Printmaker’s Perspective spans a decade of work, exploring a variety of techniques and approaches I’ve played with, mastered, or simply enjoyed the most in my career as a visual artist and educator.

Join me for an opening reception on:

Thursday, May 17th, from 5 – 7 pm

Click here to receive more info on the following upcoming and related events:

Opening Reception (May 17th)

Artist Talk (tentatively June 26th)

Studio Demo (looking good for June 28th)

SEE YOU THERE!

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center in Poughkeepsie, NY, has the work of 20 local women artists on display through the month of March. As part of this exhibit, there is an Artists’ Panel discussion and closing celebration on Tuesday evening, March 27th, at 7 pm. Come join us and gain insight on our work…

As Night Falls on Almena

My largest mixed media collage makes use of “photo transfers” and represents a broad time dimension, incorporating several events from my family background. I grew up in what was called a “Sears house” on Almena Avenue (depicted in the top right corner). The plot had a steep rolling front lawn. My process allows for textural layers and structural shapes to intuitively take form. I believe it is my Great Grandmother holding my Grandfather placed in the door-like space towards the bottom of the composition. My Great Grandfather exists higher up in the image, but remains buried and practically invisible to the viewer’s eye. My late brother composed the letter at the bottom right as a child. And lastly, the inclusion of a few ordinary items enhance the earthy and organic feel of the work.

Rwanda

This 16 “ x 20” piece portrays Marcia, my 23 year old sponsored “sister” from Rwanda. In 2007 she enrolled in a rights awareness and job skills training program offered by Women for Women International. Upon graduation, her last correspondence expressed concern for me, as she had not received any letter from my side. I was heartbroken, as I had been writing for months. This is in her honor, conveying both my sadness and her courage as she sought to survive a war-torn environment and better the lives of those around her.

View these and four more mixed media pieces at MHHC through March 28th. : )

Happy New Year, Everyone! One of my focuses this year will be to share more about my process and the journey it takes me on. I thought, what better way to start than with a design that is “hot off the press”…

My digital imagery almost always begins with an actual photograph taken in my travels. Above you see a landscape shot near Leesport, PA months ago. I found myself drawn in by the varying textural qualities in the green field and felt compelled to capture the single tree along the horizon. Nature, again, was presenting me with one of her grand metaphors. I saw the tree as portraying endurance and solitude; the field, abundance.

I don’t have a set routine when working digitally. Nor do I necessarily have an end product in mind, as it all seems to be about the process. Though I may begin with a certain format, the shape and concept always remain open to change along the way.

After cropping the above landscape to create a square, I began to play. And simply going with the flow,  a transition gradually took place. I guess you might say I surrender and let the universe do its thing.

I am forever amazed at what evolves when I am able to step out of my own way long enough…now to live my life the way I live my art…

Thank you for your support throughout 2011.

Warm New Year Wishes,

Roxie♡

LAST MINUTE GIFTS & STOCKING STUFFERS

Here’s a selection of affordable yet classy little items that I came up with.

See something you like? Contact me here.

"Shine on..." / Double mat / 10 1/2" x 8 1/2" Black wood frame / $19.95

"Spirit" / 8 1/4" x 6 1/4" White wood frame / $14.95

Black & Whites are back! / $1.95 ea. / Set of 8 for $11.95

"Passion" / 6 1/4" x 8 1/4" White wood frame / $14.95

"Promise" / 6 1/4" sq. white wood frame / $12.95

Blank notecards w/floating inserts / 3.95 ea. / set of 8 for $24.95 / sampler set of 7 for $22.95

Personalized gift certificates starting at $25 / Use towards cards, artwork, or private instruction with me!