class

35:365

photo by Elaine A. Russell


Last night I was digging through some of my photos... and I came across this one. I took this back in 1990. I had just finished up my photography classes, and had gotten my diploma through the NYI. I had an old Nikon 35mm camera with a single lens; which I adored. We happened to be living in Biloxi, MS where my hubby was stationed with the USAF. At that time, I was shooting primarily with infrared black and white film, and was doing all my own processing and developing... and then I was hand coloring my photos for a unique look.

And here I am ... some 20 years later ... still in love with photography.

Tonight was my last night of classes with Cynthia Cook at the Harwood Art Center. It has been a wonderful ride. I have met some truly wonderful people; who also happen to be very talented artists... and I have really enjoyed the camaraderie. Cynthia is a fabulous teacher, and I hope to take one of her classes again in the future.

More than anything else; I think this class has taught me to trust my inner voice (at least when it comes to making my own art). No one can decide (better than me)... the paths I want to venture down as an artist. What I make may not be the most market-able, the most sell-able, the most appealing to the masses.... but it's mine. I make art because I cannot NOT make art. I take photos and make jewelry because I have to. It is in my soul. It is an essential part of my being. And I love what I do.

21:365

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell


Today was very much of a "life gave me lemons" ... kind of day... so... that was my inspiration for my photo of the day as well.
On the plus side... I am really enjoying my class with artist Cynthia Cook at the Harwood Art Center. It is truly an eye-opening and mind expanding experience ... both in terms of freedom of self expression ... and in the liberating use of various materials in our projects.

Art should be fun. Sometimes, we as artists; tend to get bogged down in the "business" side of making art. We worry about saleability, cost effectiveness, making things as pleasing to the largest number of people as possible ... to make things as marketable as we can. However; we (I), also need to occasionally be reminded that it is my art after all ... and that no one can really tell me what my aesthetic is. No one can direct my course of action ... better than me.

I am also in the enviable position of not really having to rely on the proceeds of my art to completely pay for my living expenses. As such ... I need to allow myself the luxury of really expanding my horizons and being adventurous with my art.

I am so grateful for the group of artists taking this class with me ... they are strong men & women with definite ideas about art ... and it is really inspiring me to be bolder and more confident.
I think this is something I really need to learn more; and incorporate more into my being.

Here are some samples of some of the art these artists are producing in the class....





14:365


Windows of opportunity often come disguised. More often than not; for me; it comes in the form of endings that I am usually quite distraught over. It's not that I am adverse to change; quite the contrary. But I do find comfort in the known, the comfortable... the predictable.

"It is often hard to distinguish between the hard knocks of life, and those of opportunity"...Frederick Phillips



Sometimes I have a tendency to get stuck in a rut... to park (so to speak) ... and get a little too lackadaisical in my approach... sometimes I need to just "mix it up" ... and try something completely new in order to open my mind and horizons.



I am starting a new class at the Harwood Art Center. It is going to be 4 classes over the course of the next month in various techniques primarily used in mixed media art. I have done some mixed media projects, and I have enjoyed doing them. However, I don't think it is my "main focus" when it comes to artistic endeavors. I do hope, however, to learn some interesting techniques to incorporate into my jewelry making and fabrication. It will be really interesting.. and even if I don't come away with something I can personally use in my day to day art, it will no doubt open my mind to a whole new world... and that is fabulous.


**all photos by Elaine A. Russell

last night at the Harwood

This is a self portrait done by Cynthia when she was attending UNM


Last night, I had the opportunity to attend a class at the Harwood Art Center by Cynthia Cook.
I have posted on Cynthia before (/moongipsies/2009/11/baubles-bits-and-bites.html) and (/moongipsies/2009/12/abc-wednesday_08.html).
And, I have met her in person... at her show reception at Mariposa Gallery earlier this month, and at the Recycle Santa Fe Show (/moongipsies/2009/11/recycle-show-part-1.html).
But, that pales in comparison to actually being able to take one of her classes.
Ms. Cook is sort of an inigma. If you search for information on-line about her; she is essentially non-existant. Yet, she is an icon in the mixed media world.... and greatly sought after for classes and such.

So... about her class. This was a basic introduction to the wonderful world of collage/decoupage/ assemblage... mixed media. With a background that includes jewelry arts and metal-working.. I was hooked. Never mind that her talk focused on glues, tools, techniques.. and the chance to actually MAKE something .. coolness!

Anyway--- here are some photos from the class.

Thank you!!! to the folks at Harwood for providing such an awesome event.

a portion of one of her recent works showing at the Mariposa Gallery



an example of another one of her art pieces



giving a demonstration




working on a project during the class



**all photographs but the self portrait photo at the top, are by Elaine A. Russell

another busy day

photo taken by Elaine A. Russell at the We Art the People Show


In the past 48hrs, I have sold almost all my camera equipment. Now, before you all despair.. there is a method to my madness. It was on it's last leg... and the lenses were not good. With the proceeds from selling my stuff, I hope to get a very affordable ($100 range) digital camera. Not the best of equipment I know. Especially for professional shoots. However... if I am worth my grain as a photographer at all ... I should still be able to take reasonably good shots no matter the camera... right ?
I am viewing it as a challenge. Sort of .. a poor man's answer to the on-going debate: is it the camera or the photographer ? !!


AND -- I am finally taking the plunge and taking jewelry fabrication classes/ metal-working/ soldering... etc. I have been making jewelry for over 15yrs.. and this is the next logical step to becoming the jewelry artist that I hope to be someday.


So -- bring it on :)