Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentine's Day by beths822 featuring heart rings

A ribbon wrapped around a bomb

I've been thinking a lot about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo lately. It began when a friend suggested I watch the movie Frida with Salma Hayek. That led to my getting a book of Kahlo's artwork out of the library. And since I've been spending a lot of time on Polyvore lately, it only seemed natural that I create a set (collage) on Polyvore inspired by Frida. I call it A Ribbon Wrapped Around a Bomb. (Blog post continues after the collage; please scroll down.)





A ribbon wrapped around a bomb by beths822 on polyvore.com

"The art of Frida Kahlo is a ribbon around a bomb." Andre Breton

If you're not familiar with Kahlo's life, let's just say it was quite tempestuous. She experienced a lot of pain, both physical and emotional. She said about her art, "My painting carries with it the message of pain."

Frida Kahlo is known for her self-portraits. "I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best," Kahlo explained.

You may want to explore your own library or look online to learn more about this fascinating woman whose strength is apparent in both her work and in the accounts of her life.

I'm looking for the unexpected

I'm looking for the unexpected by beths822 featuring cross jewelry

Postcard Fantasy

First there was Pinterest. Now there is Polyvore. Have you discovered it yet? It's a site where you can make electronic collages, and I've been having a blast with it! Expect to see lots more collages on my blog. But quickly now -- go check it out for yourself! You may just find it addictive!

Postcard Fantasy by beths822 featuring a striped tote

Seaside Saturday: I must go down to the seas again...

Created in Polyvore: I must go down to the seas again... by beths822 on polyvore.com

Martha Streck by Asa Tallgard (Elle Russia)
Patterns
gulls
Hiking on the Southern Mendocino Coast, Bowling Ball Beach, Schooner...

The Biennial at the Portland Museum of Art ~ May 29th

I finally made it to the 2011 biennial show at the Portland Museum of Art the other night. The show includes 65 works of art from 47 artists with ties to Maine. There were some really interesting pieces in the show, and I thought I'd share a few with you. (Please click on each image for a better view.)

This is one of my favorites, an interactive exhibit called Synergy 17.

The globules are each made from 3 lbs. of wax.

I love the colors of this painting, Early Morning Light.

The exhibit made of chairs in the foreground is from artist Lauren O’Neal. It's called The Earnest Contingent.

This huge cut-paper piece is Natasha Bowdoin's Untitled Alice. One blogger described it as "a visual take on Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass."

 

A patron walks by Calvary #2 by Marissa Girard

Below is a view of For The Trees by Avy Claire of Blue Hill, a series of panels of polyester film upon which the artist used a rapidograph to create a forest of ethereal trees from words.

I was impressed by this huge drawing of a barn. I can't imagine how many hours it took artist Carol Rowan to create it.

As someone who loves mixed media, I got a kick out of the fact that artist John Walker used bingo cards as backgrounds for his oil sketches.

And, because it's my blog and I can do what I want, here are 4 photos from this Maine photographer that were submitted to the biennial but not chosen for inclusion in the show:

Sunset Reflected by Elizabeth T. Schoch

Forgotten by Elizabeth T. Schoch

Stacks by Elizabeth T. Schoch

Twilight Silhouette by Elizabeth T. Schoch

I call this series of photographs Looking Up. These photos were created on two evenings in April 2010 as I walked through the section of Portland, Maine, bordered by India Street, Federal Street, Hancock Street, and Commercial Street.

As I walked through the spring evening, I wanted to take a different perspective when shooting. I began shooting up at what was above and around me. With this exercise, a number of questions arose: How often in our busy lives do we take time to truly notice our surroundings? How often do we look above eye level? What are we missing as we move through the world?

What I found when I looked up were colors, textures, shapes, and architectural details that intrigued me.

I hope you've enjoyed this mini art show. There are several articles that have been written about the biennial, so if you'd like to read more and see more photos, view a list of articles here. You can also read about the prize winners here. If you're in the area and haven't seen the show yet, it'll be up through June 5th.



My special birthday present

For my birthday on the 22nd, my good friend Silke generously created a painting for me! How fun is that! I just love it (or "her," which is how I think of this beauty) and have her proudly displayed in my living room.

Silke talks about how she did this painting on her blog, so if you'd like to read all the details, please do visit Metamorphosis.

I've never had anyone paint something for me before, so this is a very special gift. Thank you, Silke! You are a special friend!

Little inspirations

No words this time -- just some photos meant to inspire. Post a comment & let me know what you think!