it is sunday... right?

photo by Elaine A. Russell




it's been an odd day. One of those days that kind of blends in with the others and leaves you wondering what day is it really??? So much (last minute) prep for the holidays.. and now it's mostly over. Time to rest. Time to enjoy the winter. Time to have fires in the fireplace and warm tea whilst watching movies. Time to snuggle with a happy puppy.

Today we ordered pizza. Yes, really. The leftovers are mostly gone.. and tomorrow I will be roasting a nice winter ham. So-- pizza sounded good.... it's green chile and chicken; in case you are wondering :)

We didn't mail holiday cards this year (* or last year, or the year before...) somehow we got out of the habit. I am thinking that maybe I will start a new tradition.... the Epiphany card....just in time for the Magi to visit... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi)... and to celebrate what "epiphany experiences" (Epiphany (feeling), the sudden realization or comprehension of the essence or meaning of something) ....we have had over the course of the past year. .... plus, it gives me until January 6th to mail the buggers ---always a *bonus*

I have enjoyed getting notes from you all...some have offered some great suggestions for my blogsite...and lots of you have inquired about me starting a website... which I hope to do in the year 2010.
And I reminder for those who haven't yet... just send me an email before Jan 9th at 9am... and you will be entered in a fabulous give-away ---> (moongipsies@msn.com)

In the meantime... sit back, relax, put on some great music or a wonderful old movie... and enjoy the evening.....

time, time, time...........


photo by Elaine A. Russell


Where has the time gone? Exactly one year ago today, I started this blog. I have posted every single day since. Wow. 365 posts. And pics on every one!!!

When I first started this blog, my goal was to get some of my photography out there in cyber space so that people could see it... and hopefully enjoy it.
The response has been fabulous. Beyond my expectations for this humble little site. At one point; I was getting over 800 hits a day....I have since stopped looking. I figured I would either get discouraged by the drop-off, or anxious as to how to keep hits up.

It has been a very interesting year. One full of enlightenment, fulfillment, joys and wonders.
I hope that you will stay with me over the course of this next year... who knows what will happen?
OR where this journey will take us.

In celebration of my blog anniversary... I am going to be giving away 9 gifts to 9 lucky winners. ( in honor of this year 2009). All you have to do... to be entered in the "running"... is to send me a note at moongipsies@msn.com.
Let me know what you like/ don't like about my blog... things I could do to make it better, etc
Oh! and let me know if you have a preference on any particular gift you may get :)
Prizes may include: a handmade scarf, an OOAK art piece, a fine art photograph, a handmade piece of jewelry, a stash of supplies for crafts.... who knows....

(winners will be notified on January 9th. Submissions for the give-aways...must be in by January 9th at 9am).

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas

photos by Elaine A. Russell


It's a wonderful time of year... and Santa has been spotted at various locals here in ABQ...

Time to get the tree trimmed...the wreathe on the door.... the lights in the windows....ham in the oven... music playing.... fire in the fireplace..... stockings hung with care.... lists made and checked twice (have you been naughty or nice?).....cookies baked....loved ones loved... and a chill is in the air...maybe some snow? .... or a little Ho Ho Ho.....











(WONDERFUL WISHINGS for ABC Wednesday )

Feliz Navidad


photo by Elaine A. Russell


...working on the garage today... gathered a bunch of stuff to put on freecycle, and stuff to give to the contractor when he comes tomorrow to haul extra supplies .... and stuff to take photos of to list on craigslist....

...it is amazing... I can actually hang up all the tools on the wall... and stuff is back (mostly) where it belongs...


...and now I get to organize my studio better. This is awesome. I have been able to work on things... but it will be so much better when everything has a place and is in it..




tis the season

photo by Elaine A. Russell

Over the next few days I am going to try to post some holiday inspired photos... I took this one at Home Depot here in ABQ *(where else would you find poinsettias next to the cacti ?!).
This weekend has been a little busy... unloading dishes, washing stuff and putting it away...cleaning.. usual stuff. Today we got groceries and did some last minute holiday shopping. Saw Santa at the Mall.. when the hubby went to get his hair cut. ...the mall was crazy busy....
We also went to a local glass mosaic artist's house and got some wonderful equipment that I can't wait to play with... all in all... an excellent day.



transitions

photo by Elaine A. Russell

well. The biggest part of the remodel is done. This weekend I am re-stocking stuff back to where they were... cleaning, sorting, organizing, and giving stuff away. The hubby and I have spent the last couple of years downsizing and re-organizing our lifestyle.. and it's not stopping now. Our house is about 1350 square feet. And, in reality... when the kids move out... it will be way to big for just us. In anticipation of that... we have been getting rid of extraneous stuff. The kids are saving some of it for their future homes.... and that is cool.
As an example, all of our Christmas holiday decorations (ornaments and everything) all fit into one rubbermaid container... and this year we decided to get rid of about half of that. We just don't need it. Now.. books are a whole 'nuther country... we have tons. And craft stuff (eeks).... and apparently ( whilst unloading boxes from the kitchen) .. dishes. So. I am filling a HUGE box with household stuff to list on Craigslist. I am also filling another HUGE box with re-model stuff.... piping, caulk, screws, plaster mix, whatever... to give away.
I have always been an avid recycle type person. We have recycle bins for plastics, glass, metals, and papers... which we take to the centers weekly. When we approached doing this remodel... we wondered if we could potentially recycle everything. The contractors probably thought we were nuts. BUT... we have managed to recycle about 90% of it. The cupboards, mirrors, lighting, doors, etc.. went to a guy who takes things to Mexico for rehabbing homes. All the cardboard and packing stuff was recyclable. Same with the wood and glass. In fact, the only things so far that we haven't been able to recycle was some plaster and some grout that was leftover... but already mixed up. It's pretty amazing. So... we have one more pile of stuff to go through for recycling... and then everything will be hauled off on Monday.
It's been a huge learning experience... and very rewarding. Recycle, re-use, re-purpose...awesome...

♥♥♥...time for a song from one of my most FAV singers .... ♥♥♥



pipe dreams

photo by Elaine A. Russell


So when we started the "remodel project" .. it was back in September. We had a new front door installed and new french doors to replace the sliding doors to the back yard and patio. Then we had a new sink, mirror, tub/shower unit installed in the hallway bathroom. Then a shower stall in the master bathroom. As of today we now have a new cabinet and sink in the master bathroom.
We also got new lights in the hallway and entryway.

Then the kitchen was basically gutted, a door moved, cabinets removed and new ones installed with a new configuration. New counter tops, new dishwasher, new garbage disposal, and an over the stove microwave. As of today we now also have a new kitchen sink and running water.

We now have to wait until after the holidays to get our reverse osmosis system hooked back up. However, today was the major PLUMBING day.. with most everything water related getting done.

After weeks of not really being able to use the kitchen, I am not sure how to behave... but I'm sure I will figure it out.
There are still alot of projects that need done around the house...but this was the BIG one.
Painting everywhere, yardwork, some little odds and ends... it will all get done.
Time for some celebrations :)

crystal windows

photo by Elaine A. Russell


so very, very tired today.


Have the final class tonight with Cynthia Cook at the Harwood Art Center... which will no doubt be awesome. Am really looking forward to it.


Construction is still going.... slowly....ever so slowly.....
but we finally have kitchen cabinets and hope to have a sink, a dishwasher and lighting soon.
Still waiting on the cabinet and sink in the bathroom... and then... saving up for massive painting everywhere inside.


..and I hear a wonderful rumor that the weekend is coming :)

an interesting view

.....................................photo by Elaine A. Russell


everything often boils down to a matter of perspective... how we; as individuals, actually see things. how we perceive things to have transpired.... how our past experiences alter things and how we remember them on a daily basis.



photographing the railyards on Saturday was an awesome experience. What some people would see as urban decay in it's most unpleasant forms.... most of us there viewed with awe and wonder. The beauty of the architecture. The sun streaming through the windows... the light shadows on the wood brick floors....the graffiti ( which I personally LOVED)... the puddles and feathers and signs of time passing.. .weather beating down... people wandering through in the middle of the night....



So much of life is like that. You hear: "... don't move there.. the neighborhood is bad".... or ..." it's nothing but a slum in that section...don't go there..." Some of the best places I have lived have been in areas where people warned us not to go. Traveling is like that as well... people will recommend certain sites to visit... not realizing how much they are missing by not exploring and discovering neat little places on your own.



Sometimes it's a matter of clearing your mind of all previous expectations and perceptions to really really see what's in front of you... what's down that winding dirt road... what's off the beaten path. ...but it's worth it.



ABC Wednesday

photos by Elaine A. Russell

ABC Wednesday is a blog posting with a twist. The host (Mrs. Nesbitt) hails from Great Britain... and there are participants from all over the world. Each week, people focus their post on a letter of the alphabet. They started with the letter "A" --and each week you post something in regards to the next letter of the alphabet. It is a fun, imaginative exercise... and it is great to see what everyone comes up with. This week's letter is, "V".

I have chosen to "focus" on the word Vision. The word Vision, is both a noun and a verb.

Function: noun
Meanings:
1. a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality
2. a series of often striking pictures created by the imagination during sleep
3. the ability to see
4. the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people


Function: verb
Meaning: to form a mental picture of


I have always had issues with my vision. I started wearing glasses in 3rd grade because my teacher pointed out to my parents that even though I was in the front row of the class; that I could not see the chalkboards. Over the years, it progressed to the point where --for years now, I have been considered legally blind, with a fairly pronounced astigmatism.
Back in October, I went to my local eye doctor's... who told me that my eyesight was at the point where they could no longer give me an accurate prescription. So, I went to an eye surgeon. He clarified things for me. My prescription is such that I can no longer wear lightweight lens... which means coke bottle glass lenses. And... I am at the point where I probably would benefit from wearing trifocals. eesh.
But... my other choice... is eye surgery. Not Lasik ( my eyes wouldn't benefit from that particular surgery).. but another laser surgical procedure. With that surgery, my eyesight may not be perfect... but I would be able to see my clock when I wake up at night... which I have NEVER been able to do.
The catch? It's not a procedure covered by insurance, and I would have to come up with the money myself. The really good news?? Payment plans.
So... after the first of the year.. I will be making an appointment to see about having the surgery.
I mention this all.. not just because it's a perfect word for ABC Wednesday... but because I am an artist, photographer and jewelry maker. My vision (being able to see) is essential to my work. But also my vision (images created by the imagination) is foremost in my thoughts as I create pieces of art. Both have been a bit lacking lately... and it is my hope that with the new year coming.... this will be my new "focus."



resting and waiting

photo by Elaine A. Russell


If you ever get the opportunity to see the inside of the ATSF Rail Yards here in ABQ, I highly encourage you to go. It is the epitome of urban decay.... but it's grandeur and architecture will absolutely blow you away.
And while I am 57 shades of sore today.... it was well worth it.

99.9% of the time, the rail yards is closed to the public. It is intended to be the future home of the Wheels Museum; but for now... it sits silently... waiting... hoping..


And today... I too am taking a little break. The remodel is not moving along much at all; and it is beginning to get a little frustrating. But... we are all safe, and warm, and have a roof over our heads... so in the whole scheme of things... it is all good. Resting... waiting .. .and hoping here as well :)

floored





**all photos by Elaine A. Russell



Those of you who know me really well; know that I run, run, run and then am down, down, down. Mostly, due to the Lupus. Well; I have been busy for several days now... coupled with still getting over the flu... and yesterday I was on a photo excursion for about 8hrs.. standing or walking in the cold...
Today I am down. Floored. Exhausted. .... but very happy.

I love being able to do my art on a regular basis. And being able to do photography ALL DAY was fabulous. I do try to take time to photograph every single day... but rarely, is it an all-day event. I also had the wonderful opportunity to try first-hand some of the coolest equipment that Nikon has to offer.

This late-afternoon/ early evening... the hubby and I are doing our weekly "date" of going to get a salad or soup or something lite for supper... and then going to Barnes and Noble for a Scrabble game and coffee. It is a wonderful ritual... and it makes me happy.

*photos are from yesterday's FlickR photo meet at the ABQ Railyards

FlickR meet

photos by Elaine A. Russell



Lots going on these past few days. ... Today there was a FlickR photo meet at the Railyards. I have only been to the ABQ railyards once previously, and it was awesome. Today, the group had reserved this historical site for the entire day; so there was more time to leisurely stroll around.

Needless to say, I took a ton of photos. I took most all of them on my little Kodak... but then one of the other photographers graciously loaned me his Nikon D300 to try out. This is my "if I had enough money" dream camera ... and it was awesome to be able to play with it.

Most of the photographers had also arranged and hired models who came for specific shoots... this was not something I normally would photograph. I have done weddings, portraits and such before...but it's just not my thing. That said... I did take a bunch today because I had the opportunity to play around with some very cool equipment which included flashes and lights and such. So -- now I have photos of bikers, babes and more...Not sure what I will do with those...but it was alot of fun.
And now I am off to bed... what a great day....




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

love it... live it

panoramic photo by Elaine A. Russell (click on photo to see it enlarged)




It is interesting being a relative newbie to the art scene. You get such a wide variety of opinions on everything from how to market your art, to where to market your art, to pricing.. and more. In the past couple of years it has been the topic of many conversations amongst artists that I have met, books that I have read, seminars and such that I have been too.

I have always done art... but never really pursued it as a "business" until this past few months/year. I have had a store on Ebay since 98, but it was mostly used for selling items out of my house that I was getting rid of. I did mix in art and craft items here and there... but have never made enough to sustain a living off of.
I have had a freelance photography business since 1986, but here again... not enough to survive on if I had too. Part of the advantage is; that I have never had to rely on selling my art to make a living... and this is an important distinction. I'm not sure what I would have done all these years if I had been in a position where I had to earn enough to survive -- with my art.

This past year, I have been researching more into the business of selling your own art.... Different things you can do to increase your productivity, increase your visibility to the public, and maximize your earning potential. It is a complex, yet interesting thing.

There are soooo many different schools of thought on what a person should do to be successful. What seems to be left out of alot of the information out there though... is the importance of discovering for yourself.. .what exactly "success" means to you as an individual. Is it selling in galleries... is it make X amount of money a month... is it being published ?
Conversely, it is also interesting to me how people can get so wrapped up in the "making money" end of things... that they lose sight of why they are doing art in the first place. Then there is the whole school of thought on the power of intention (Dream it .. believe it.. it will come to pass.)... as well as any number other "how to" business models.
Do I have any answers? No.....Wish I did. Or do I?


I think that ultimately, you have to do what makes you happiest. Yes, it is awesome to be able to pay your bills and live in a manner that is comfortable for you. However... and maybe I am too naive... but I think it is much more important to be living a life that is fulfilling and nurturing to your spirit. The kind of life that makes you excited to wake up each and every day.

((And ultimately; ideally; hopefully; you will find yourself in a position where you can pay your bills and enjoy your life))

And so --- I am reflecting these days on what truly is my passion (or passions). Not what other people/ books/ seminars......think I should do... or perhaps even... what would be the most financially advantageous for me to do... but what do I really love....


cool nights on the west mesa


**photos by Elaine A. Russell


Today has been an interesting day. I have been sick for a couple weeks with what I thought were allergy symptoms, and now I'm thinking that maybe it has been the flu all along. Who knows. Either way, I was very happy that the re-model crew decided to take the day off and allow me to sleep. And sleep I did. Awesome.
Then I got a bunch of calls from people I don't know.. and a bunch from people I do know... but my phone was on vibrate.. and I missed them all. eeks.
I got a call from the Harwood Art Center to see if I wanted to attend a class (tomorrow!) as someone cancelled... ummmm.. YES!> So I went down to pay for my class. While I was there.. I got to see the 12x12 show (again). It is soooooooooo good. And there are actually a few art pieces yet that haven't sold!!!
Then the daughter and I went to Elephant Bar Restaurant. I have never been there.. and WOW was it good. A bit pricey... but worth it. $62 got us 2 drinks, an appetizer, 2 entrees and a dessert to share. I had macadamia encrusted Mahi-Mahi...talk about fabulous.
Then we went to Trader Joe's in Uptown. (I didn't know there was one there). We found the most beautiful wreathe for $12, and got some snacks and fruit, cheese and treats....always fun.
And now I am home ... a fire in the fireplace, and warm tea.... a perfect end to a great day.
See you all tomorrow!


ABC Wednesday

ABC Wednesday is a blog posting with a twist. The host (Mrs. Nesbitt) hails from Great Britain... and there are participants from all over the world. Each week, people focus their post on a letter of the alphabet. They started with the letter "A" --and each week you post something in regards to the next letter of the alphabet. It is a fun, imaginative exercise... and it is great to see what everyone comes up with. This week's letter is, "U".


For this week's post... I went with UNIQUE UNIVERSE.

What a wonderful wonderful world we live in. Everyday I am amazed and in awe at the stunning array of wonders around me. I love to go to art shows and events... and this too, brings about feelings of joy and fulfillment as I see all the creations people come up with.

Today's photos... are of some really unique pieces of art that I saw on my last round of gallery visits this past Friday. I have included links to the galleries they are shown in.




artwork by Robert Redus

DreamScapes Gallery (http://www.artscrawlabq.org/html/dreamscape_gallery_on_fifth.html)



artwork by Nick Harmon

Chroma Studios (http://chromastudios.wordpress.com/)



Harwood Art Center (http://harwoodartcenter.org/ss/)





artwork by Susan Reid
The Matrix Fine Art Gallery (http://www.matrixfineart.com/)




artwork by Dennis Larkin
5G Gallery at the Factory on 5th (http://www.rcnaso.com/gallery/albuquerque.htm)




artwork by Wes Pullka

Quilt by Jane Lueras

N4th Gallery at VSA (http://www.vsartsnm.org/ )




artwork by Cynthia Cook

Mariposa (http://www.mariposa-gallery.com/)