weathered silo

celebrating Addie's day

2012-02-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight we spent the evening making and wrapping 35 or so heart-shaped rice crispy treats to hand out to Addie's classmates for Valentine's Day tomorrow. Nearly eight years ago Addie joined our family...traveling from a "little" coastal town in the Fujian Province of China. They tell us she was born on Valentine's Day. To us, this holiday will forever be Addie's Day.

shorpy finds: Merchants' Dispatch Transportation Co.

2012-02-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

Blacksmith shop, Merchants' Dispatch Transportation Co. - (circa 1904)

What's not to love about this snapshot? Those bricks. Those mustaches. The hand-forged metalwork. Sigh. Have I mentioned how much I respect artisan work? If you click on the image you can zoom in on all the gorgeous details. Cheers!

2011 was a rewarding art year for me

2012-01-02T23:57:00.000-08:00

2011 was a very fulfilling year for me art wise and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunities to create.

My family supported my time spent in the studio so that I could finish my Dust Bowl Glimpses paintings (a year-long + project in the making). My daughters and I embarked on a clay project, "Tiny Rabbits". I stretched and gesso(ed) a stash of organic fabric that I later adhered to salvaged Mexican Chechen hardwood to make eco-canvases for my oil paintings. I met some incredible artists and artisans through my participation in several Poppytalk Handmade markets and through members of the Etsy Folk Reveries Team and Etsy -- you are such an inspiration! I also deepened relationships with dear, dear friends from within my art circle-- you are my heroes! And, I had a guest art tutorial published on the AMAZING design blog, Poppytalk: "Drink up these these kitchen colorants".

It couldn't get better than that, right? Well, I've just learned that my art tutorial has been chosen as one of Poppytalk's "10 Most Popular DIY's for 2011" as well as included in Poppytalk's "10 Gorgeous Wall Art DIYs". I'm speechless...it's truly an honor to be included here. Thank you Jan + Earl for promoting the handmade movement, indie artists/artisans, emerging designers, and trends -- you make our lives more beautiful!

Here's to a fruitful 2012 for all of us. Cheers!

shorpy finds: metropolitan museum of art

2011-12-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (circa 1902)

Someday I swear I'll take my daughters to this place. For now, this photo will do the trick.

One of my goals for 2012 is to visit as many local art museums as I can -- thankfully there are plenty to choose from here in the Pacific NW.

Cheers + Happy New Years!
Mandy

taking the mother road -- the first story

2011-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

NOTE: This post was originally published on August 29, 2011.

"Taking the Mother Road" - limited edition giclée print

Please allow me to share a story for each of the six paintings from my Dust Bowl Glimpses series, my first in some years now. They are dedicated to the impoverished people who, despite hardship, extended a hand to help strangers because it was the humane thing to do.

The first, "Taking the Mother Road", sets the stage for the remaining five:

They didn’t want to leave but they had no choice. Drought, dying livestock, foreclosures, and acres of topsoil blown into their homes and lungs drove them away from the only life they knew. California offered promises of steady work and fertile ground—a fresh start. They were taking the mother road.

"Taking the Mother Road" - 8"x8" acrylic on cradled wood panel

The colors are intentionally-muted. The landscape appropriately desolate. "Taking the Mother Road" attempts to capture the constant migration of families.

One by one, impoverished families of the Dust Bowl (1930s America) crawled onto Route 66, the mother road, in search of a better living out West. While some families stayed put, most could no longer endure the merciless conditions created by what would become a record-breaking 10-year drought, uncultivable land, and devastating winds that blew an estimated 100 million acres of topsoil across the region into homes, schools, and townships. One storm no dust bowler ever forgot was “Black Sunday”, a debilitating dust storm on April 14, 1935, that rolled across Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas.

My research on this project involved:

Reading John Steinbeck's Pulitzer-prize winning novel The Grapes of Wrath
Listening to my mom share stories of our ancestors who homesteaded on the prairies of Kansas and Colorado during the 1930s
Viewing PBS' American Experience (love their whole body of work) Surviving the Dust Bowl
Viewing the government-sponsored documentary released in 1936 The Plow that Broke the Plains
Visiting a variety of online sites

For those of you interested in learning more on the subject, I highly recommend watching the aforementioned videos. Interestingly, I chose not to watch the 20th Century Fox movie version of The Grapes of Wrath for fear of being influenced by the images. Not sure why I thought that, but I did. The Oscar-winning movie is now in my Netflix queue.

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Click here to read the stories on the remaining five DUST BOWL GLIMPSES paintings. Galleries have also been added to my Web site: www.weatheredsilo.com.

inspiration: p.e. guerin

2011-12-07T22:16:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite sources for inspiring artisans is the anthropologist via anthropologie.

They profiled P.E. Guerin, the nation's oldest decorative hardware firm. Today artisans craft intricate metalwork just as they did when the company was founded in 1857. I can definitely see myself working for this business -- oh to be lost in the process.

Enjoy.

inspiration: forever roam

2011-12-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

I can't remember exactly how I came across this blog yesterday, but the title is apropos! FOREVER ROAM is curated by two designers "on a mission to inspire people through art, music, fashion and life." Enjoy!

our eco/vintage art bucket

2011-12-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

A couple of summers ago while vacationing with my dear friend Julie and her family, I picked up a few antiques, including a weathered bucket. To corral the myriad of art supplies on our family craft table, I got the idea to place recycled tin cans inside the bucket to organize supplies by type. I'm pretty smitten with the end result. What do you think?

holiday traditions

2011-11-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

For the first time in as long as I can remember, our holiday decorations went up the day after Thanksgiving. Of course, we had to include my mom's handmade bear ornaments. I love how my youngest daughter decided to line them up across the front of the tree. I don't think they've ever made that formation before -- I love it!

My daughters are seen here decorating our fresh Noble Fir. They decided to start their own tradition of decorating a small tree to keep in their bedroom. They made one from tree bough cuttings and a trunk stump. I think they did a splendid job. What do you think?

Cheers!

my black friday thru cyber monday promotion

2011-11-22T11:58:00.000-08:00

Random Berries No. 2 - Original drawing - pencil+ink boxwood leaves on coffee-stained
watercolor paper with wine-stained berries

To celebrate the season I'm offering a special promotion that runs Black Friday through Cyber Monday - FREE Worldwide Standard Shipping on all items in the shop. Enter "BUYHANDMADE" at checkout to receive this discount.

Choose from original art and handcrafted eco-textiles:

Original Paintings here:

Limited Edition Giclée Prints here:

Original Drawings here:

ECO Ornaments + Pincushions here:

Please be sure to check out these amazing deals from other participating Poppytalk Handmade vendors here. Thank you for considering handmade gifts this holiday season.

Cheers, Mandy

inspiration: mary's granddaughter + Cindy Steiler

2011-11-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

butterflies II - embroidered diorama - by Cindy Steiler

"butterflies II is embroidered with soy silk,wool and cotton floss on antique homespun linen. The porcelain doll arm is from Germany and was dug from the earth from the grounds of an old doll factory that operated between 1890-1910. Small wooden laser cut butterflies fly out of the woman's stomach. It is framed in a reclaimed barn wood frame made for me by Jim who runs the Etsy shop barnwood4u. It is backed in antique, hand dyed linen and rayon/wool blend felt. The piece measures 8 inches x 8 inches by 3 1/2 inches deep. It can be hung on the wall or can sit on a table or shelf."

Since debuting my Dust Bowl Glimpses paintings in August and participating in a few Poppytalk Handmade online markets, I've had the pleasure of making meaningful connections with some incredibly talented and supportive artists.

you reap what you sew no. 1 - by Cindy Steiler

One such lady is Cindy Steiler who keeps an inspiring blog, Mary's Granddaughter, and creates original fiber art using antique reclaimed materials available here.

Cindy and her work are well known in the artist and handmade communities. She is also an incredible storyteller. I admire her talents AND her approach to making art. Her work is pure genius!

Cindy is currently working on the following projects, Documenting the Past: Two New Projects, and is looking for artist submissions. I'm honored that she asked me to share a bit about my mom, Relda Jane (who just so happens to be celebrating her birthday today - happy birthday mom!), and my great-grandmothers, Relda and Velda.

Rather than accidentally leaving out critical details, I will let Cindy tell you about them in her own words. Enjoy!

I Learned From My Mother Who Learned From Her Mother

My favorite childhood memories center on spending time with my great-grandmother, Mary Steiler. She taught me to sew, quilt, crochet and embroider, all while sharing amazing stories about her life. What she passed to me had been passed to her along a long line of women, inspiring in me a lifelong passion for creating.

Through my work I hope to capture the essence of my relationship with my grandmother while exploring and celebrating all women and girls; our relationships, our daily lives, and our traditions. I want to use my work to preserve and continue the traditions of both craft and story in a way that honors these lineages, but is decidedly modern; that is intensely personal, but accessible to all.

This winter I am starting a new project called 'I Learned from My Mother, Who Learned from Her Mother'. Through this project I plan to explore and document traditions and traditional craft passed from generation to generation within families through storytelling and art. This will be achieved through a mix of traditional needlecraft and sculpture and will also employ my background as a set designer to create small installations. The images of the pieces and stories will be assembled into limited edition hand bound books.

The Grandmother Project

The 'Grandmother Project' has grown out of the 'I Learned Form My Mother Project'. Many of the submissions I have been receiving have included beautiful stories of the tellers' amazing grandmothers and I feel compelled to celebrate these women. My aim is to document the lives and unique beauty of our grandmothers through storytelling and art. This will be accomplished through a mix of traditional needlecraft, sculpture and installations. The images and stories will also be hand bound into book form.

I would love to include your stories in my project! If you'd like to share please email me at info@cindysteiler.com. I have questions prepared to help guide you in your story telling for both projects. To thank those generous enough to share I will be conducting a big giveaway. Details will be posted soon. Everyone who has submitted thus far will automatically be entered.

All the best,
cindy

salute to my grandfather and his China connection

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

My grandparents, Viola and Emery Fossett

I'm incredibly proud to share my grandfather's story on this Veterans Day. Emery Fossett served our country in World War II. He finished with the title of corporal in the US Army Air Force, medical division. He served in India, Burma and China during WWII.

My grandfather took this photograph of the Burma Road which he helped build.

My mom (the oldest of his four children) tells me that my grandfather helped build the infamous Burma Road, a vital supply route for military and supplies for the people of China as they bravely fought the Japanese invasion. Much of the building was done by hand.

My grandfather took this spectacular photo of the Golden Horse Archway in Kunming (circa 1943)

While stationed in Kunming, China, my grandfather managed to capture some incredible images of the people and city on film, including the legendary Jinma Chinese and Biji Chinese Archways. My grandfather loved horses so it is not a surprise to learn that he took this photograph of the Golden Horse Archway.

The archways of Golden Horse and Green Rooster have long been the symbol of Kunming. People refer to Yunnan as the homeland of Golden Horse and Jade Cock, which are the pattern for the city emblem. On the eastern bank of Dianchi Lake stands the Jinma (Golden Horse) Hill; and on the lake's western bank stands the Biji (Green Rooster) Hill. The two hills form a pass of strategic importance in the city. In remote antiquity, a golden horse ran out of the sun while a green rooster flew out of the moon. Wherever the horse and rooster appeared, trees grew luxuriantly and flowers bloomed, signaling prosperity. They eventually settled on the banks of Dianchi Lake and protected the people of Kunming.

Golden Horse Archway - Kunming China (present day)

I am overcome with emotion every time I think about my grandfather being in China, helping the people of Kunming, and knowing that his future great-granddaughters would be adopted from China (Sichuan and Fujian Provinces). When I share his story with my daughters they are equally touched by the China connection. I miss you dearly Grandpa, Love Mandy

'tis the season....choose handmade

2011-11-07T17:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas Dinner for Horses - Washington DC (circa 1918)
(click link to view all the beautiful details in the photo)

The holidays are my favorite time of year. There are traditions old and new, visits with family and friends, and plenty of excuses for eating all those decadent treats. As you celebrate this gift-giving season, please consider gifting handmade treasures. I for one enjoy receiving a gift knowing that it was brought to life by an artist or craftsman who is passionate about their trade.

Last year I blogged about the wonderful conversation that Jan and Earl of Poppytalk began in 2008 about buying handmade. Those reasons still hold true today.

Perhaps you'd like to get a jump start on your shopping. Check out these amazing finds over at Poppytalk Handmade's Pre-Holiday Market.

Cheers!
Mandy

poppytalk's indie love lookbook

2011-10-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

It's truly an honor to be amongst the talented artists featured here: Poppytalk Handmade's "Indie Love" Lookbook. The presentation is equally beautiful. Enjoy!

Open publication - Free publishing - More art

keeping a promise to myself

2011-10-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

This week I kept a promise to myself: I made time to work on my "Art is My Compass" project. It wasn't easy given my chaotic parenting and volunteering schedule, but, like I've said before, without art I am lost.

I've experimented with staining art papers with coffee, tea, and wine. I'm most happy with the uneven edges of the stain and I'm really digging the use of pencil and ink. I like to think that my great-grandmothers would approve of the use of natural colorants to create my art -- I've heard stories they, too, used coffee to dye fabric.

I've added a number of photos to my new flickr account. You are more than welcome to take a peek. Cheers, Mandy

inspiration: Patty Haller

2011-10-13T12:16:00.001-07:00

"Dawn Salutation" - by Seattle artist Patty Haller - casein and oil on birch wood panel

As some of you know, my daughters have been studying Kenpo Karate at Alpha Martial Arts for the past four years and both are on track to earn their Junior Black Belts within six months -- we're so proud!

Over the years, my family and I have had the pleasure of developing rich friendships with fellow karate parents and students. One such parent is Patty Haller, mother of three and graduate of the 2009 Gage Academy Landscape Atelier.

Patty is one of the sweetest, most caring people I've ever met and she only recently let on that she is an award-winning landscape artist. Her work is spectacular and I feel a connection to her artist statement:

"Nature to me is a rich perceptual experience, where the whole seems ordered but the details are wild. I want both in my art. And so I establish parameters, lightly imposing systems of visual organization which allow my imagined spaces to breathe and hold life. I aim to create a visual experience which reflects how we actually see the natural world, as we survey the land, move around and focus on the elements around us." - Patty Haller

"Una Foresta in Prospettiva" - oil on canvas 30"x51" overall - 2009 by Patty Haller

I invite you to browse her galleries of work here -- enjoy!

making connections through Poppytalk Handmade

2011-10-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled once again to be participating in a Poppytalk Handmade online street market! The best part about participating is making connections with incredibly talented artists who share my passion and value for art, craftsmanship, and living sustainably. Thank you so much Poppytalk!

The Indie Love market starts today and celebrates, "Everything handmade, indie and things we love! -- co-founders, Jan and Earl". I invite you to check out all the AMAZING works of art, each handcrafted and one-of-a-kind.

Poppytalk Handmade is also celebrating FIVE hugely successful years of bringing emerging artists together with buyers, all in an online environment -- Jan and Earl are true pioneers! Congratulations for following your passions. Cheers, Mandy

my morning walks

2011-10-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

I thought you might enjoy these images I captured on my morning walk to my youngest daughter's school for volunteering. I've really been enjoying my time helping out in her Japanese-immersion classroom--they are a lovely class and it's been a privilege to see them mature over the years.

Someday I swear I'll grow my own Chinese Lanterns. Aren't they beautiful?

shorpy find - Cleon Throckmorton

2011-09-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

Renowned artist Cleon "Throck" Throckmorton at work at Krazy Kat (circa 1921)

The weekend is finally here and I'm ready to rejuvenate! I trust I'll find time to escape to my tiny art studio to finish work on a few of my "art is my compass" drawings.

To jump start my creativity, I turned to one of my all-time favorite sources of inspiration: Shorpy, a vintage photo blog featuring thousands of high-definition images from the 1850s to 1950s. I've blogged about my Shorpy crush here, here, here, and here.

Well, this morning I hit the jackpot! I found this incredible image of artist Cleon Throckmorton on the terrace of Krazy Kat painting a lovely lady rumored to be his wife. What's not to LOVE about this photograph?

Click on the photo above to view a high-res image and soak up all the beauty. Be sure to check out the blog's comments that tell more of the story behind "Throck" and the bohemians who frequented Krazy Kat. Enjoy!

the Mix Tape Lookbook is here!

2011-09-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

The lookbook for Poppytalk Handmade's Mix Tape marketplace is here and it's a page turner! I highly recommend setting aside some time to check out all the incredible artists featured on these pages. Cheers, Mandy

Open publication - Free publishing

winter wheat no. 1 + no. 2

2011-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

I've added two new original acrylic paintings to my Etsy shop. Both remind me of the vivid ochres and rich caramel colors of wheat fields under the Colorado Summer skies. What added to the love affair was knowing that all those wheat stalks were once just seeds in the cold slumber of Winter.

"Winter Wheat No. 1" - 5"x5" acrylic on cradled wood panel

"Winter Wheat No. 2" - 5"x5" acrylic on cradled wood panel

Thank you for stopping by. Cheers, Mandy

Yale database of Depression-era photographs

2011-09-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

"Taking the Mother Road" - DUST BOWL GLIMPSES series

Today I learned something that literally gave me goosebumps! Thanks to a $50,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grant, Yale Professor Laura Wexler and her team will "construct an innovative online archive of government-owned photographs taken during the Great Depression....with server capacity to support the 160,000 images in the archive of the United States Office of Digital Humanities." Simply extraordinary!

"The website will eventually benefit researchers, historians and students as young as middle-schoolers, Wexler said. The digital humanities widen what were previously areas of rarified scholarship, she said — rather than simply providing academics and students the raw photographs, tools such as the geographic overlay and corresponding census data kick-start engagement with the material."

As you know, this subject is near and dear to my heart. I spent the past year researching and working on my new Dust Bowl Glimpses paintings, scouring library shelves, Web sites, and more. My daughters joined me on this journey, and to think they will have access to an even-richer historical experience brings me great joy--I cannot wait.

For more on the Yale project, please follow this link to Eliza Brooke's story in today's Yale Daily News, Government Photos Take New Form Online .

poppytalk handmade Mix Tape + new oil paintings

2011-09-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

I'm thrilled to be a participating artist in Poppytalk Handmade's Mix Tape curated marketplace that starts today. Poppytalk co-founders, Jan and Earl, quip, "Mix Tape is a compilation of all things handmade (and vintage). Like a mix tape of your favourite music, this is a mix tape of our favourite handmade goods." I'm honored to be included in this group of talented artists and collectors.

At my table you'll see original paintings and limited edition giclée prints from my DUST BOWL GLIMPSES series....and....NEW oil paintings on handcrafted eco-canvases (see below). They are a bit unconventional in that they are made from salvaged Mexican Chechen hardwood and eco-friendly textiles.

"Spring Snow, Melting" is an original oil painting of the tranquility following a surprise Spring snowstorm on the Colorado prairies. Having once lived there, I could always count on the warmth and light of the sun to restore harmony.

"Spring Snow, Melting" - original oil painting

Following traditional oil painting techniques, I sized, stretched, and gesso(ed) my organic fabric using museum-quality materials. I then used archival adhesive to adhere the fabric to exotic hardwood salvaged from a local furniture maker. I intentionally frayed the edges of the fabric to create a contrasting, unexpected frame for the painting -- I'm really pleased with the outcome. Lastly, I finished the wood with 100% natural tung oil for protection.

Both oil paintings weigh about a pound and can stand upright on any surface for easy displaying on a mantel, book shelf, or table -- I do hope you like -- thanks for looking!

"Midday Wheat" is an original oil painting that reminds me of the spectacular panoramic views of the Colorado wheat fields at midday...when the sun is high and the clouds lazily cross the sky.

"Midday Wheat" -- original oil painting

faded clover - the sixth story

2011-09-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

"Faded Clover" - 8"x8" acrylic on cradled wood panel

She never knew the likes of a store-bought dress. Neither did her three older sisters. Each migrant daughter wore clothes hand sewn by their mother, often times made from grain sacks. Her favorite was this clover-patterned number.

My mom's mom, Viola Davis, was born in 1926 in Hoxie, Kansas. Grandma was one of five children growing up in a small town on the northeastern plains Kansas during the Great Depression. She, like her siblings and so many children of that time, wore clothes beautifully hand sewn from flour and grain sacks--the inspiration for my painting.

Mom tells me how much my grandma adored the flour sack dresses her mom made. The clover-patterned number in my painting was a pattern I fell in love with during my research on the history of flour sack dresses. I like to believe that my grandma would approve of this painting.

Here is a photograph of my grandma, Viola Davis, in the early 1930s alongside two schoolmates. She is wearing one of the flour-sack dresses her mom made. I think she looks absolutely beautiful!

My grandma, Viola Davis, and schoolmates in the early 1930s - Hoxie, KS

"Faded Clover" - limited edition giclée print

Thank you for allowing me to share stories about my Dust Bowl Glimpses paintings. Working on this collection has truly been a labor of love.

Cheers, Mandy

ruthie's red -- the fifth story

2011-09-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

"Ruthie's Red" - limited edition giclée print

The colors of young Ruthie Joad’s world ranged from faded denims and soiled flesh to endless hues of brown. But that all changed when the rains finally came. The landscape was now littered with lush greens and vivid wildflowers. Ruthie grew particularly fond of red geraniums. They were now known as "Ruthie’s Red".

The moment I read how Ruthie Joad from The Grapes of Wrath stuck a petal from a "scraggly geranium gone wild" to her forehead because it resembled a heart, I knew I had to try and capture her euphoria on canvas. To me, this moment was not just a reprieve but also an escape to absolute normalcy for a child her age.

"Ruthie's Red" - 8"x8" acrylic on cradled wood panel

Tomorrow I will share a story of "Faded Clover", my sixth and final painting in my Dust Bowl Glimpses series. In case you missed them, here are stories one, two, three, and four. As always, thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Mandy

fryin' pone -- the fourth story

2011-09-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Fyin' Pone" -- limited edition giclée print

This morning brought a welcome respite. The family awoke to the clattering of pans and the comforting aroma of ma’s homemade corn pone. Were they still dreaming, they wondered. Yesterday the men earned nearly a dollar pickin’ so ma could splurge on cornmeal and bacon at the camp store. Fryin’ pone made her feel decent again.

"Fyin' Pone" -- 8"x8" acrylic on cradled wood panel

Packing up and leaving everything you know must have been petrifying for so many families on the road, especially the parents. Just imagine the strength it took to for mothers to carry on as if everything was going to be fine when in fact the future was uncertain. Thankfully there were moments where life resembled a time before the dust storms came. Moments like this where a mother could provide for her family. A moment when she could feel useful once again.

Thank you for following along as I share stories of my Dust Bowl Glimpses paintings. Here are links to stories one, two, and three of six.

And, before I forget, I wanted to make special mention of the stunning frame pictured with my giclées. It is beautifully handcrafted from olde growth pine by Margaux + Walter Kent of Peg+Awl. I couldn't imagine a more perfect pairing.

Cheers, Mandy

worldly possessions -- the third story

2011-08-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Worldly Possessions" - Limited Edition Giclée Print

A mattress, some dishes, a stove if you were lucky enough to own one, definitely the tarpaulins, and maybe a chair or two. That was all they had room for on the truck besides the family. When you are a migrant family, these become your worldly possessions.

"Worldly Possessions" - 8" x 8" acrylic on cradled wood panel

I knew almost immediately that I wanted to paint this image. To me, the sheer lack of belongings depicted in photograph after photograph of makeshift roadside camps spoke volumes about the plight of the migrant families. I hope you find beauty in the simplicity as much as I do.

Here are stories one and two of my Dust Bowl Glimpses paintings. As always, thank you for stopping by.

Mandy

waiting -- the second story

2011-08-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

"Waiting" - 8" x 8" acrylic on cradled wood panel

They’d driven as far as a dollar of gas could take them. Now they waited. Waited under the merciless sun with hungry bellies and soiled clothing. They waited for news of work in the fields as promised on government handbills distributed just weeks prior. They waited for a time when they were migrants no longer. Waiting was all they could do.

As a mother, I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been to raise a family under such dire conditions -- it certainly makes me appreciate the community, family, and home that I have today.

Part of my research for this painting involved tracking down the goods originally shipped in the cardboard box that Florence Owens Thompson sat on in Dorothea Lange's iconic Great Depression photograph, "Migrant Mother". Taking what little print I could see on the box, I finally tracked down this June 21, 1919 price list from Swift & Co. of their canned fish offerings (below). Don't you just love it?!

"Waiting" -- Limited Edition Giclée Print

In case you missed it, here is the story of my first Dust Bowl Glimpses painting, "Taking the Mother Road". As always, thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Mandy

Dust Bowl Glimpses revealed

2011-08-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

"Taking the Mother Road" - acrylic on cradled wood panel

I am beyond thrilled to finally be revealing my Dust Bowl Glimpses series of original paintings and limited edition giclée prints. I've only been working on this labor of love now for 12 months!!

"Waiting" - acrylic on cradled wood panel

"Worldly Possessions" - acrylic on cradled wood panel

The idea for this series, my first in some years now, came to me last summer after reading John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer-prize winning novel, The Grapes of Wrath, and helping my mother digitize a photo collection of her ancestors who homesteaded on the prairies of Kansas and Colorado in the early 1900s. I came away from both experiences with a much greater understanding of the human condition during the Great Depression, specifically of those families displaced by the Dust Bowl.

"Fryin' Pone" - acrylic on cradled wood panel

"Ruthie's Red" - acrylic on cradled wood panel

My paintings are dedicated to the impoverished people who, despite hardship, extended a hand to help strangers because it was the human thing to do.

"Faded Clover" - acrylic on cradled wood panel

Over the next few days I will be blogging about the stories behind each of the six original acrylic paintings on cradled birch wood panels as well as details about my professionally-printed fine art giclées.

But for now, given how late it is on a Friday afternoon, I simply invite you to visit my Etsy shop to browse the entire collection. Perhaps you'll fancy something for yourself or a loved one.

Thank you...and special thanks to each and every one of you who supported me during this journey -- I am forever grateful for your inspiration and guidance.

Cheers, Mandy

scumbling along

2011-08-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year when I became too impatient for my oil paints to dry, I opted for acrylics (a medium I didn't have much experience with) to create my new Dust Bowl Glimpses paintings. And while I enjoyed how fast I was able to transfer my ideas to canvas using the acrylics, I was frustrated at how fast they dried.

I realize that there are products that can be mixed with acrylics to lengthen their drying times, but I wasn't interested in that option. So I began experimenting with acrylics and stumbled upon a painting technique called "scumbling".

What is scumbling? It involves applying a thin layer of opaque or semi-opaque paint over a layer of different color of paint. Scumbling may be achieved by scraping, scrubbing or dragging a layer of paint over a dark underpainting, resulting in a hazy, opalescent effect. Scumbling allows artists to create smooth transitions from light to dark and to modify the original color of the overlaid area without completely concealing it.

Here I'm dragging a rather thick layer of raw sienna acrylic paint over a dried layer of paint.

Here is the result. I LOVE it!

Here's a sneak peek at how I used scumbling on my "Fryin' Pone" painting that will be available for sale in my Etsy shop later this week alongside five other Dust Bowl Glimpses paintings. I'm thrilled to have turned a frustration into an opportunity. Cheers!

Here I've scumbled a darker gray acrylic over a lighter gray to create depth on the metal spoon in my "Fryin' Pone" Dust Bowl Glimpses painting. I also scumbled a layer of deeper yellow ochre atop a dried lighter shade.

Full view of "Fryin' Pone".

sustainable living: urnatur

2011-08-05T23:38:00.001-07:00

I have an affinity for sustainable living. So do forester Håkan Strotz and his wife, biologist and designer Ulrika Krynitz. Together they've hand built a wooded retreat in Sweden named urnatur or "ancient nature."

This beautiful video, and others, can be found on the ANTHROPOLOGIST. Perhaps you, too, find the beauty in this video or the message they share.

My favorite quote from their story: "You can do it wherever. This is not a special forest. Go home and find your way to do it."

a recent discovery: the studio visit

2011-08-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

The Studio Visit is a fantastic escape for those of us who enjoy discovering under exposed artists and how they produce their work. The site's Archives page is brilliantly designed: you can search work by artist, medium and region.

From their site:

"TheStudioVisit (TSV) introduces professional artists at work in their studios speaking directly to their work through a dialogue with the writer. This intimate first-person view into artistic process cultivates familiarity and appreciation of the intellectual and technical processes of contemporary art making. TheStudioVisit serves its audience as a welcoming place in which to discover newer or under exposed artists as well as artists who are crossing new thresholds in their work. It strives to engender nationwide networking among area artists as well as wider ranging art communities, connecting creators, curators, writers and patrons."

After viewing a few artist's videos, I'm already feeling a bit of validation that I can do this. As many of you know, I am a stay-at-home parent to two elementary-age daughters and I've only recently set up a studio in my home to resume painting and drawing following a lengthy hiatus. Clearly the responsibilities that come with the family and household take priority over studio time, however, seeing how other artists are able to "carve" out studio time in their daily lives is encouraging.

Here's Lily's studio visit. I love gaining the meaning behind an artist's body of work.

Lily Cox-Richard (M.S.) from Isabel Manalo on Vimeo.

studio update

2011-08-02T01:20:00.000-07:00

The week of August 22nd promises to be a big week for me. That's when I plan to offer all new art for sale in my shop.

For starters, I will unveil my very first series of paintings, Dust Bowl Glimpses, since opening my Weathered Silo studio in January 2010. It's been a rewarding (and excruciatingly slow) journey. I plan to sell my original paintings (acrylic on birch panels) as well as limited-edition giclees (professionally printed locally).

Additionally, I'll be selling a handful of original pencil+ink drawings that incorporate natural colorants such as coffee, tea, and wine. They are part of my Art is My Compass series. Stay tuned for more details.

And last but not least, I will be offering the first of several oil paintings I've completed on pieces on handcrafted canvases made in my studio using salvaged exotic hardwoods + eco-textile remnants from previous studio work (hemp/organic cotton). I can't wait for the reveal -- they are paintings you won't need to frame!

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In the coming days I plan to finalize all the administrative work associated with updating my Etsy shop and other online marketplaces (a task I do NOT favor...especially when it comes to matching screen colors to artwork -- sigh!).

I will also be taking a much-needed family vacation August 7-14th in Eastern Washington with dear, dear friends. Thankfully we can count on sunshine and heat during these trips...something we haven't seen much of at all this year in Seattle. ;-)

Thank you to everyone who has given me support and advice along the way. I am grateful to have you in my life!

sneak preview no. 3

2011-07-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

I think I'm finally ready to share my Dustbowl series of paintings. For some pieces I knew they were complete while others I'm still fussing over whether or not to add more details. Am I the only artist who struggles with this? I know I just need to put them out there.

Next up: fine tuning some photographs taken this weekend. Cheers, Mandy

alice neel

2011-06-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago I sat painting in my tiny corner-of-the-bedroom studio and managed to also watch a few documentaries on American artists (thank you Netflix!). One such film I highly recommend watching is "Alice Neel" (SeeThink Productions - 2007) directed by Alice's grandson Andrew Neel.

This award-winning film chronicles Alice's life and body of work, and easily demonstrates why she is considered to be one of America's premier portrait artists of the 20th century. According to Andrew, "the film is an investigation of the sacrifices she made in order to live and paint the way she wanted." Personally, I was captivated by her life story and equally mesmerized by her body of work that spanned 64 years, specifically the 1970s and 80s. You can find a wealth of information about the film here.

Alice Neel with painting of her daughter in-law via

Alice Neel, 1980 - Self Portrait via

These two quotes from Alice were taken from the documentary and will stay with me forever:

“It’s a privilege to paint. It takes up a lot of time. It means a lot of things you don’t do. Painting has always been more than just a profession. It’s always been an obsession. I had to paint.”
"Man is a measure of all things. You can do anything you will to do. If you’re sufficiently tenacious and interested you can accomplish what you want to accomplish in this world."

Time visiting these Web sites would be time well spent:

The Official Alice Neel Website

The Alice Neel Documentary Film Web site (includes a trailer for the movie, film facts, and audio clips of Alice commenting on select paintings)

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Alice -- simply leave me a comment.

calling cards in the making

2011-06-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

my first batch of handmade calling cards

Part of getting ready to sell my paintings and drawings involves having business cards on hand.

Rather than order professionally-printed calling cards, I've decided to handcraft a batch using various index and note cards which may or may not have had a previous life, my "weathered silo" rubber stamp, and brewed coffee. I may also include a tiny doodle or two from time to time.

each note card is laid out to dry after being dipped in a pie pan of coffee

I'm loving how each dried note card is not perfectly flat

I can't help but think my great-grandmothers Relda and Velda would approve of this. I also suspect they too would look for ways to use leftover coffee for projects around their homes.

the sketchbooks are coming!

2011-06-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

Remember that sketchbook project I participated in last year? Well, the National Tour of Art House Co-op's 2011 Sketchbook Project is underway and it is making its way toward Seattle this weekend. I am beyond excited!

My sketchbook will be among the thousands of sketchbooks on display June 10th-12th at the Form/Space Atelier Gallery. I will have the golden opportunity to hold and view countless art journals from fellow participants. Maybe I'll even be lucky enough to stumble upon the journal submitted by the lovely and talented artist Rikkianne Van Kirk. I do promise to snap a few photos and blog about the experience next week.

Oh, and before I go, you should know that I loved participating in this project so much so that I've already signed up for the 2012 World Tour and chosen the "Forks and Spoons" theme. Won't you join me?

EVENT DETAILS:

Form/Space Atelier Gallery

2407 1st Ave.

Seattle, WA

June 10, 11 and 12
Open to the public 12:00 - 4:00 pm daily
Admission is FREE

dabbling with natural colorants from my kitchen

2011-06-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

I'm loving how these natural colorants are working as watercolor washes on my "art is my compass" drawings/paintings.

Last Friday I found myself raiding my cupboards and refrigerator in search of potential washes.

I started with coffee (a columbia supremo blend) and moved quickly to a red wine (cabernet sauvignon), green tea, earl grey tea, vanilla flavoring, and ended with balsamic vinegar. I know, the vinegar most likely won't make the final cut, but I couldn't not try it. I think they're all pretty, but my preferences are the coffee, wine, and earl grey tea colorants.

I'm loving the end result of multiple washes on each sheet. Take for example the photos below of a few wine washes. I LOVE the imperfection of the edges. Don't you?

My pieces will be 8"x10" sheets with a smaller washed image with pencil and ink sketches/drawing. They will have a white border approximately 1/2" wide on all sides for framing. Of course, each piece will be hand drawn by me, so no two will be alike. Stay tuned!

prairie inspiration

2011-06-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

Three trips in one year to the prairies of Colorado have influenced the work I'm currently working on in the studio. With my digital camera in hand, I set out on foot to tour my family's farm on five sections of land (that's a lot of ground to cover!) as well as the rural town of Deer Trail where my husband grew up. The aerial shots were taken two days ago on our return flight to Seattle following a graduation weekend and running my first 10k (BolderBoulder) with my family, girls included!

Behrens homestead

Behrens homestead - just one of many spectacular outbuildings

a nearly dead cottonwood tree

eastern Colorado farmland - ground level

eastern Colorado farmland - aerial view

simply a stunning view

sneak preview no. 2

2011-06-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

June is shaping up to be an exciting month for me. Here are just a few more images of what's to come later this month from my art studio. Have I mentioned my obsession with natural colorants and dyes? Cheers!

canson cold-press 140 lb watercolor french paper I stained with my morning coffee for my "art is my compass" original art prints

birch wood plank I stained with the same mug of coffee for my equine art contest entry

some of my colorado prairie landscape oil paintings on salvaged mexican hardwoods

tiny rabbits - no. 12

2011-05-27T13:03:00.001-07:00

tiny rabbit no. 12 dons a cranberry-colored rain slicker in preparation for the forecasted rains over Memorial Day Weekend. I realize that the weather has been far worse in other parts of the country, but folks up here in the Pacific Northwest (myself included) are pretty cranky with the long run on gray skies and cool weather since late summer of last year. Ugh!

In happier news, I've been busy at work in the studio:

Finishing up a few of my "dustbowl" paintings + prints
Working on a painting for an upcoming equine art show alongside my girls
Drawing a handful of original pen + ink "art is my compass" prints
And, last but not least, making progress on my oil paintings.

Stay tuned for more shop updates. My goal is to list new items by mid-June.

Thank you for all your support!

Cheers, Mandy

sneak preview

2011-05-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

my dustbowl series

pencil and ink sketches; coffee + tea stained papers

salvaged wood for a future canvas

Here's a sampling of the art I've been working on and plan to officially unveil next month once school is out for both daughters. Sketching, painting, natural dyes/colorants....each have brought me happiness.