http://supriasdesigns-encausticmusings.blogspot.com

Navigating Heart - New Encaustic Mixed Media & Collage Work

2012-01-11T23:13:00.000-05:00

"Navigating Heart", Encaustic Mixed Media & Collage, 24 x 24 x 3, 2012

"Navigating Heart", Encaustic Mixed Media & Collage, 24 x 24 x 3 - Detail of heart

Here is the first piece for 2012 and one that will be my title piece for the new exhibit at Homer Watson Gallery, Kitchener, "Navigating Heart" will open March 25th, 2- 4 p.m.

A lot went into this piece, I sculpted my heart, left it open intentionally, and placed within it old love letters, a past story, and left room for new stories to unfold...The heart is layered with paper collage, maps, bengali letters/script, handmade paper. Maps will be a common element in this new exhibit.

Navigating Heart Series - New Exhibit Opens March 25th at the Homer Watson Gallery in Kitchener, Ontario

2012-01-10T13:21:00.000-05:00

Above is the armature of my heart I have been creating with a metal mesh armature, plaster cloth and some layers of encaustic gesso from

R & F encaustics.

Here above, is the first layers of collage and encaustic on my heart sculpture, use of maps and Bengali letters.

Backside of my heart, encaustic and paper collage.....

Close up of the heart thus far, first layers of wax, more to come...maps included Spain, where most definitely a piece of heart resides...where I felt love...and a new chapter, a map of Cape Cod, the Bay, Provincetown and Truro...a place I am of to this summer, where the encaustic medium continues to hold my heart and passion....at the Encaustic Conference in MA, USA

Full piece with finished layering photos to come in another post soon.

These works in progress are for an upcoming exhibit at the Homer Watson Gallery, Kitchener, Ontario.

Opening Reception is March 25th 2 - 4 p.m. hope you will mark the date in your calendar, I would love to meet you there.

Also, here are the names of the winners for the LIKE and SHARE campaign that I hosted on my Facebook page....From the LIKES - Lindsay Le Clair is the winner of an original piece of work and from the SHARE pool Tammy Good Kukac, also wins an original piece of art work.... CONGRATS! Thanks to all who continue to share and support my growth as an artist. Happy New Year greetings to all.

8 Days left when the LIKE and SHARE campaign closes on my Facebook Page - Enter for a chance to win

2011-12-23T09:36:00.000-05:00

8 days left for the LIKE and Share campaign on my FACEBOOK page to close..if you haven't shared or liked this page yet to win an original piece of art work (two pieces are being given away),
do so today.... : ))

The announcement will be made on January 1st 2012 on my FACEBOOK PAGE...as a way to ring in the new year and to show my gratitude to so many of you who have supported my business....Also as an additional bonus for the remaining days of December, if you register and pay in full for an upcoming class, 20% will be taken off your registration fee... Some spots remain in the following:

Sat. Jan. 14th Beginners - Level 1 Encaustic 10- 4
Sat. Jan. 21st Beyond Collage - Level 2 Encaustic 10- 4
Sat. Jan. 29th Texture Galore - Level 3 Encaustic 10- 4

Take advantage of this year end offer of 20% off registration fees.

Thank you for your blessings and support, with gratitude, Supria

Winter Greetings Newsletter, UpTown Sparkle and Shine Opening this Friday November 25th 6:30 - 8:30 and 'the hive' Winter Solstice all encaustic exhibit

2011-11-22T23:04:00.002-05:00

Uptown Gallery's new show, "Sparkle and Shine", opens Friday November 25th p.m. come out to meet the artists and see the great work there. I will be one of the featured artists for this show.

Another great place to visit, please join us for: The Winter Solstice Encaustic Show at 'the hive'!

What: an exhibit of small, exquisite encaustic paintings by: Daniel Beirne, Andrea Bird, Supria Karmakar, Jane Longman, Elsa Mann and Tania Wycherley

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 26th, from 1 - 4pm - join us for refreshements and to meet the artists - demonstrations of this ancient painting medium will be taking place during this time!

When: Saturday, November 26th until Sunday, December 18th

Where: Alton Mill Creative Centre, 'the hive' - Studio 201, 1402 Queen Street West, Alton, ON www.altonmill.ca

Hours: November 26, 27: 10am - 5pm, December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18th: 10am - 5pm or by appointment/chance. Call 519-323-3437 to arrange an alternate time.

Just south of Orangeville, nestled in the Caledon Hills, the Alton Mill is a wonderful destination for a day or half-day trip ... a great place to enjoy the treats at Shaw's Creek Cafe, go for a hike on the trails, and/or do some holiday shopping. We hope to see you there!

My Studio will be open for vistors Sat. Dec. 3rd and Sunday Dec. 4th 10- 4, come for refreshments, and see what's new. For directions or map check out: http://www.elorafergusstudiotour.com/index.cfm?page=mixed_media

Call for Submissions - THE WAX BOOK: Altered, Repurposed, Remade...An exhibit that will take place at the Sixth International Encaustic Conference on the Cape Cod

2011-11-03T21:26:00.001-04:00

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The Wax Book: Altered, Repurposed, Remade
To take place at the Sixth International Encaustic Conference

The purpose of the exhibit is to highlight the book as a container, of ideas, thoughts, culture and narratives—especially now, as we are living in the ever growing digital culture and the reliance on communication devices such as the iPad, Kindle and iPhones. This exhibit will take place from Thursday May 31st to Friday June 8, 2012, at Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill in Truro, Massachusetts as part of the Sixth International Encaustic Conference on Cape Cod. The exhibit will bring focus on the history of the book as the original container of ideas and information, highlighting the tactile nature of books, their text, script, pages, paper, spine, cover, and the dimensional qualities of the book.

These artworks could be open or closed books, two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional constructs, with a sculptural or assemblage quality, highlighting text or not. Mediums to be included will be encaustic and book parts with the optional inclusion of mixed media and found objects. The interpretation will be left with the artist. The parameters of the artwork are to be an approximate size of 9 x 11 inches plus depth; works may be constructed to hang on the wall and/or rest on a pedestal or shelf.

DEADLINE: Wednesday February 1st, 2012, (post-marked by midnight)
FEE: There is no fee to enter

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

You must be registered for The Conference by the entry deadline
You may send via E-Mail: 3-5 Images, 300 dpi, jpeg, maximum 1.8 MB each
Or via snail mail: 3-5 images, 300 dpi, jpeg, maximum 1.8 MB each, on a CD mailed to: Supria Karmakar, 501 St. Andrew Street East, Fergus, ON. N1M 1R7, Canada. Marked Attention: "The Wax Book, Altered, Repurposed, Remade"; your CD will not be returned
An image list with title, medium, size (height, width, & depth)
Please label your images in the following manner: number- title – name of artist. i.e.: 01-waxbook-SammyD.jpg
A brief paragraph of your background and experience related to art (short bio.)
Include contact info: Name, mailing address, email, website, and phone number(s)
Questions? Contact Supria Karmakar at info@supriasdesigns.com

ABOUT THE CURATOR:
Supria Karmakar is a visual artist who uses encaustic mixed media and altered book mediums within her artwork. She will demonstrate techniques for making altered books at the 6th International Encaustic Conference on June 3, and will teach a two-day Post-Conference workshop on June 6 and 7. Additional info about the conference: www.encausticconference.blogspot.com

BOOKS-BOOKS-BOOKS ...for the love of books....

2011-10-27T09:56:00.000-04:00

Found this great site today.....check it out..if you love books, you have found a slice of heaven here....
http://fuckyeahbookarts.tumblr.com/

Books are on the brain...I am excited about teaching "The Altered Book" at the 6th International Encaustic Conference in Provincetown, MA, in June 2012....

Details about this session: The Altered Book

This session will demonstrate how to create a work of art out of an old book, using including encaustic medium, pigment sticks, and a variety of collage elements, such as Japanese papers, found objects, mixed media and organics. Specifically discussed will be the types of books that can be altered, what to consider when choosing books, the binding, spine applications and the types of papers within the books. Many examples of finished altered books will be shared and examples of books that are problematic from a technical standpoint will also be shared with the audience. Supria will also show you her personal favorite: how to use mica as a window within the book cover.

Supria will offer a two-day Post-Con on the same topic

Here is some more great information on this need to attend event - registration is open now... THE ENCAUSTIC CONFERENCE

Joanne Mattera founder & Director of the International Encaustic Conference & Cherie Mittenthal executive Director of Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill are please to announce that Registration is now open.

THE SIXTH INTERNATIONAL ENCAUSTIC CONFERENCE

Number Six!

Welcome to the Sixth International Encaustic Conference. This is a conference of firsts: the first annual event devoted to the serious study of encaustic; the first international event, drawing artists from the U.S. and Canada, plus Mexico, Latin America, Scandinavia, Europe, Australia, Norway and New Zealand; and the first event of its kind anywhere to place encaustic within the context of contemporary art. It’s also the largest encaustic conference anywhere. Allow us to kvell for a moment when we say that it draws the best teachers, the most talented artists, and nicest group of folks you’ll ever meet. And it has a Vendor Room that’s as close to heaven as you’ll find on earth.

The Conference, in co-production with Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill, now makes its home in one of the most beautiful locations on earth—Provincetown, at the tip of the great arm of Massachusetts. Opportunities for learning, sharing, networking, creative collaboration and entrepreneurship have grown each year. This year there are more talks and demos; an earlier start time; another Friday afternoon extravaganza—this year, Print-a-Palooza; an expanded Sunday morning Hotel Fair; and three days of Pre-Conference workshops in addition to the five days of Post-Con. The workshops will take place at Castle Hill in Truro.

Provincetown is a gallery town—it’s the oldest continuous art colony in the United States—and we expect to have an expanded range of exhibition opportunities. A number of galleries, excited by our presence last year, are eager to be part of the excitement. We’ll have our juried show at Kobalt Gallery again this year. And at Castle Hill we’ll have two invitational exhibitions: Cherie is curating an show of encaustic work on paper, while artist and teacher Supria Karmaker is organizing a small show of artists’ books.

So the short of it is that there’s much to learn, to do, to see, to experience. Pray for sun, but know that whatever the weather, this Conference promises to a bright spot in your art year.

-- Joanne Mattera, founder and director

-- Cherie Mittenthal, director, Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill

Here are some much better photographs of these pieces...and a new piece Silver Essence, 36 x 36

2011-10-05T00:21:00.000-04:00

"Silver Essence", Encaustic Mixed Media, 36 x 36, 2011

"Wide Open", Encaustic Mixed Media, 6 x 12, 2011

"Listening to Heart's Whispers", Encaustic Mixed Media, 6 x 12, 2011

"A Different Journey Knocking on My Heart", Encaustic Mixed Media, 6 x 12, 2011

"Roots of Change Bloom", Encaustic Mixed Media, 6 x 12, 2011

A new series my heart is creating.......Heart Mapping Series

2011-09-28T07:31:00.000-04:00

New Heart and Mapping Series, Encaustic Mixed Media, Sept. 2011

"Listening to My Heart's Whispers", Encaustic Mixed Media, 6 x 12, 2011

"Roots of Change Bloom", Encaustic Mixed Media, 6 x 12, 2011

"Wide Open", Encaustic Mixed Media, 6 x 12, 2011

"A different journey knocking on my heart", Encaustic Mixed Media, 6x 12, 2011

"Heart Dream #5", Encaustic Mixed Media, 6 x 6, 2011

"Golden Autumn", Encaustic Mixed Media, 8 x 8, 2011

New pedestals for the studio, tops made by Livio Finora...Thank you!

Another view from the side of the studio

These photos above are a glimpse of my new work....I showed them at the Studio Tour this past weekend...they are sold, however, the customer, kindly agreed to let me get a professional shot of them...so I can get them back on loan for a day or two next week...I often acknowledge in myself the process of creativity..this being one of creating within one's own psyche first, journalling, reflecting on the journey, then creating hands on, showing and selling (as I make a living doing this)...and on occasion if I haven't lived with work long enough, I find I might long or miss the pieces for a while...

It feels like this for these new heart and mapping pieces....a sense of attachment has developed...Could be that it is new work and I didn't get to live with them long enough, or that I haven't yet gotten them professionally photographed...the good news is the person who bought them, lives here locally, and has offered to let me have them back for the day to photograph them,...and I know I have more within me, to create more with this new heart & mapping series....

I wonder how other artists manage this process of letting go of their art work?

Elora-Fergus Studio Tour in Full Swing.....two weekends to visit...

2011-09-26T08:13:00.000-04:00

The Elora-Fergus Studio Tour is in full swing, started this weekend, September 24th and 25th, 10-5...it was a great weekend, with lots of visitors, returning customers and wonderful friends and family to chat and mingle with...thanks for coming out this weekend. The feedback was heart warming and really fosters my continued practice and growth in my art career...I am deeply appreciative of the support and positive feedback to my work.

Next weekend we do it all over again, it really is a great year to visit, it is the 25th Silver Anniversary of the Elora-Fergus Studio tour...and there are many great artists to visit...get inspired by and take home a treasure or two or more ......hope to see you this upcoming weekend ...same place and time, Sat. and Sunday 10- 5 at the studio. Studio tour maps can be downloaded from the website or they can be found at the Elora Centre for the Arts and various locations in and around town, and the Toronto area.....

Look for these signs to know where there is a studio to pop into.....

Blaze of Colour opens at the UpTown Gallery today - 6-8 p.m.

2011-09-16T06:38:00.000-04:00

Blaze of Colour exhibit opens at the UpTown Gallery today 6-8 p.m.

UpTown Gallery, Waterloo Town Square, 75 King Street South, Waterloo, ON

Blaze of Colour features the works of artists Diane Eastham, Elaine Cowan, and Louise Marée as they celebrate the vibrancy of colour in different media.

Opening Reception is Friday, September 16th, from 6 to 8 pm Show runs from Friday, September 16th to Saturday, November 12th, 2011

Please come visit our lovely new space, meet the great artists and enjoy the show.....

Studio Tour Time - Come for a Visit..My Studio is Open to you, demos, refreshments, and lots more to savour.....

2011-09-12T18:27:00.003-04:00

The Elora-Fergus Studio Tour is on again, this time we are celebrating the 25th Silver Anniversary of the Studio Tour...I will have my studio open each weekend of Sat & Sun. Sept. 24th and 25th and Sat. & Sun. Oct. 1st and 2nd, from 10- 5 open for you to visit, have some cider, refreshments, demonstrations in encaustics, collage and see some of my new work for show and sale.

Would love for you to pop in and stay a while ...... Supria's Designs Studio

The Group Show of all the artist's work is this Thurs. Sept. 15th at the Minarovich Gallery, Elora Centre for the Arts, 7:30 p.m. Meet all the artists and see a lovely diverse selection of the work available to view in and around Elora, Fergus, Salem, Alma and more....

How do you know when a piece of artwork is complete? ......

2011-08-31T16:14:00.000-04:00

"Contemplating Toscana", Encaustic Mixed Media, 18 x 18 Framed, 2011

How do you know when a piece of art work is done? What are some things you do to know..?

I know sometimes I live with the work for a while, keep it somewhere I can view it often, and sometimes it becomes obvious what might be missing, or what might be needed...

Other times just putting it away and then coming back to it with 'fresh' eyes helps...

I would love to hear back from other artists on how they decide when a work is done or not....

This piece currently on exhibition at the Whitestone Gallery, Guelph, ON.

New Fall Workshop Dates & Events

2011-08-23T12:45:00.000-04:00

Interpid Flight, Encaustic Mixed Media & Collage, 34x 18, 2011

Soul Collage Workshop on Sat. September 17th, 2011, 10 to 4 p.m. with Heather Smeding. INTRODUCTORY SOULCOLLAGE®

WORKSHOP

Creative, Nurturing & Fun!

Use magazine images to make small 5” X 7” cards that represent parts of your Self and speak to you [in sometimes surprising ways] from your own quiet wisdom. SoulCollage® is a powerful, intuitive collage/journaling process that you can continue to practice by yourself or in community as a way to help you answer life’s questions by accessing your inner ‘knowing’.

Heather Smeding is a trained SoulCollage® Facilitator and has been making her own cards since 2003. The book [‘A Hârmunee of Parts’] she created for the Orillia International Women’s Day Art Show is based on some of the 100+ SoulCollage® cards in her personal deck.

‘Each time I do SoulCollage®

I find more of me to bring to my marriage, my parenting, my community, my life.....’

DATES: One-Day Encaustic Workshops - 10 to 4 p.m. (Choose one of these dates and topics)

1.Sat. Sept. 10th The Encaustic - ‘Beginner’ (Level 1) 10-4 - Fergus

2.Sun. Sept. 18th The Encaustic -‘Beyond Collage’ (Level 2) 10- 4 Fergus

3.Sat. Oct. 15th The Encaustic - ‘Beginner’s’ (Level 1) 10-4 - Fergus

4.Sun. Oct. 16th The Encaustic - ‘Beyond Collage’ (Level 2) 10-4 Fergus
5.Sat. November 12th The Encaustic - ‘Texture Galore’ (Level 3) 10- 4 Fergus
6.Sun. November 13th The Encaustic - ‘Pushing the Boundaries’(Level 4) 10-4 Fergus
7.Sat. Dec. 3rd The Encaustic - ‘Beyond Collage’ (Level 2) 10-4 Fergus
8.Sun. Dec. 4th The Encaustic - ‘Texture Galore’ (Level 3) 10 - 4 Fergus
9.Sat. Dec. 10th The Encaustic - ‘Beginner’ (Level 1) 10-4 Fergus

DATES: Half -Day Encaustic Card Making Workshop

1.Sat. November 5th 10- 2 p.m. Encaustic Card making
2.Sat. November 26th 1- 5 p.m. Encaustic Card making

5-week In-Depth Encaustic Course Weds. Oct. 19th to November 16th 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. in Fergus Studio

Detailed Descriptions of the Encaustic Play Shop Classes (one day format):

The Encaustic ‘Beginner’s’ (formally called Level 1 ) will cover an introduction to encaustic, basic fusing techniques, safety issues, use of collage materials, using various papers, handmade, heavier papers, archival tissue, layering and making your own encaustic medium.

The Encaustic ‘Beyond Collage’ (formally Level 2 ) will cover the use of photocopy image transfers (black and white & colour), rub-ons, charcoal, oil pastels, wax pastels, using gold/copper/aluminum leaf, use of oil sticks, the encaustic iron and other hot tools.

The Encaustic ‘Texture Galore’ (formally Level 3 ) will cover masking off areas, building raised areas with encaustics, building texture using dry brushing, stencils, use of stamps (wood and rubber), adding a crack technique, dry wall plaster, and other found objects to create more texture.

The Encaustic ‘Pushing the boundaries’ (Level 4) will cover using alcohol inks, water colour, indian inks, mica, glass and textiles and using drywall plaster into encaustics.

The Encaustic ‘Mono Printing’ (Level 5 )will cover Mono-printing on various japanese papers, using a hot-box and mono-printing with these papers and then including these mono-prints on wood substrates. Then adding various textures on top to complete a two dimensional piece or to incorporate the encaustic papers into a book. Mono-printing kit available for sale: includes an anodized aluminum plate (19 x 10 inches)& bamboo baren.

For more information on dates and fees visit : www.supriasdesigns.com

Random Joy and Inspiration....Taking oneself on an artist date....

2011-08-18T11:40:00.000-04:00

Some images that inspire, bring random joy in the moment and feeds the artistic soul...... An old faded bicycle basket, my favourite horizon blue colour, like the sky and a nice rusty colour bike.....

Shadows and light.. I love how they play with each other to create magical patterns....

Old narly roots, beautiful like wrinkles ......love them.....

Who says weeds aren't beautiful....they are to me....

Maps and journey which inspire the soul....I love using maps in my work....

Also inspiring is going to the a gallery and taking yourself out on an artist date, which I did recently to see the AGO Exhibit, on Abstract Expressionist New York, Masterpieces from The Museum of Modern Art, New York..highly encourage seeing this exhibit...only on until September 4th, 2011

A group photo of most of the masters...some of the women in the exhibit are not in this photo....it was great to see the women masters and their work...

Enjoy the exhibit if you get to go .....

What Happens to Art once it is sold...stories about the journey which keeps unfolding ....

2011-08-09T11:11:00.000-04:00

"Window to the Soul" - Book Art, Encaustic and Mixed Media, 2009

"Window to the Soul" - Inside, Book Art, Encaustic and Mixed Media, 2009

Well, a funny thing happened to me a few weeks ago....I was preparing for the "Beyond the Cover", Beeswax meets Mica, Altered book, Encaustic Assemblage, a 3-day long summer art playshop....and I decided to stop into one of my favourite antique shops in Guelph, Chat Noir.....

I had to come back several times, as it wasn't opening until 11 am, and it was only 10 a.m...so I did some errands, came back but it still wasn't open....Yet something kept pulling me to wait..and not dash back home, which was a half an hour north,...I needed to get into the store....For some reason there was a VERY STRONG pull to wait.....I thought it was for some delicious finds for new work....antique finds or so I thought....So I went off to do some more errands..then came back....

Finally at 12:30 the store opened...I asked the owner if I could come in though he was still setting up as I had to be back and had been waiting to get in...found some really cool things for my mixed media art work...but along with the finds I also found "Window to the Soul" my very own art work (above images)....At first I was taken back...as I had sold this work back in 2009 at a collective gallery I belong to....it was odd to see it here...and even more odd was the gamut of emotions I was feeling....

I went home after this, reflecting at what the Universe was telling me...and discovered a few interesting messages. First that our work after it leaves us has a journey to take and stories to unfold, sometimes or always, way beyond our control....It was interesting that this book was calling me back...and this preceded by a few days the of teaching a great summer intensive on making encaustic mixed media books to a great group of students....I decided I needed to buy it back.....

So I went back two days later and bought it to keep it with me a little longer...and it was great to share with the students.

The second message I got from this, was to not 'hold so precious' our work, to value and respect it yes, to share it and trust the unfolding journey it will have...it will find its way to others sharing its message and beauty wherever it goes...and this one needed to be seen again by the Chat Noir's customers and to find me again. I have decided I will hold onto it for a while and see what else and other wise things I might get from this book and the story that needs to unfold....

And once again it will find its way to someone else that needs to have it....

Interesting to me is how art resonates and shares even years after their birthing.....

Two great guest artists teaching at Supria's Designs in the Fall - Learn more here

2011-08-03T08:11:00.000-04:00

"Bee-Long", 2010, Encaustic, Image Transfer, Leaves, Seeds, Tea, 12 x 12

Tania Wycherley's art work above and below, encaustic mixed media using large image transfer techniques.

"Eagle Lake 1", 2010 Encaustic, image transfer, leaves, seeds, tea, 24 x 30

" Shirakaba", 2010 Encaustic, Image Transfer, Leaves, Seeds, Tea, glass beads, 18 x 24

For the longest time I have admired Tania's tree pieces..she has been one of the first people I know to use these tree images in a beautiful poetic manner and captures the light behind the trees and the magic of the forest. I remember first setting my eyes on her beautiful work in 2007, and was so pleased when she wanted to do a trade with me for my work too.
She has only grown even better in doing what she does, fine tuning the 'image transfer process' using her own photographs and working large. The image transfers she works on is larger than the 'standard' print size of 11 x 17. She has demonstrated this technique at the Fifth International Encaustic Conference this year, 2011 and will be turning this great demo into a full blown day long hands on class at Supria's Designs, on Sat. Oct. 22nd. For more on Tania Wycherley and her work visit her website.

Tania will be teaching the following class on Sat. Oct. 22nd 10- 4, space is limited, small class size to enhance the learning experience, creativity and fun - description below, to register or for more info.
email : info@supriasdesigns.com

Advanced Image Transfer in Encaustic: Going Large with Tania Wycherley

This session will demonstrate how to transfer toner images that exceed the 11x17 inch paper size barrier. We will discuss computer software to help with sizing as well as printing options. Burnishing techniques to create near-seamless image connections as well as tools and tricks to blend any resulting lines will be demonstrated. Participants will then be guided through the steps in completing their own enlarged image on either an 18x14 or 16x16 sized panel.

Date: Sat. Oct. 22nd, 10 - 4 Fergus

Cost: $180/person all supplies provided including large birch panel

Another great opportunity arrives Sat.Sept. 17th, 10- 4 ...Heather Smeding, will be teaching "Soul Collage"

Introductory SoulCollage Workshop - Creative, Nurturing &

Fun!

Saturday September 17th, 10 - 4 at Supria’s Designs Studio in Fergus. $65/person, Email for more information and to register

‘Each time I do SoulCollage® I find more of me to bring to my marriage,

my parenting, my community, my life.....

Cultivating - Wakefulness

2011-06-29T17:44:00.000-04:00

"Cultivating", Encaustic Mixed Media, 12 x 12, 2011

Detail below. On exhibit at the Whitestone Gallery, Guelph, ON.

"Everything supports wakefulness if you are willing to let yourself be awakened by tenderly yet consistently connecting through your senses. Everything. But it requires a brave heart, and a mind that sees the folly in clinging...to anything."

Recently, I lost my father, quite suddenly and unexpectedly, it has been a very surreal journey since that day...I never really know what the day will bring...There are ebbs and flows of emotions, and some days for sure are harder than others, for really no apparent reason...it isn't an anniversary, it isn't even a grey and gloomy day...but today of all days the sun is shining..yet cheer is vacant...

I do know even this is impermanent..and another day will bring another set of emotions..So today, I chose to write another story for myself, one of gentleness, non-expectation to create..."those burdening thoughts of I have to create, I have deadlines to meet"...I chose instead to putter, to be easy, share an ice cream with my daughter after school, walk by the river, look over some books, and I found a lovely gift....

A book called .... "The Heart and the Bottle" by Oliver Jeffers...it is a children's book about a little girl who marvelled at the wonders of the world, the night sky, the curiosities of the world...until one day she was faced with something that took the wonder away...so she chose to bottle up her heart, to protect it from the pains....until one day she realized she needed her heart...and another little girl younger than her was able to help her find it again...it reminds me of this piece I created recently during this time...called "Cultivating"..it has within it bottles that contain some magical wonders of the universe..a glittery butterfly wing, seed pods that give life, sparkle beads, ancient hindu text, all of which remind me of my ancestors...All of which I chose to capture in a moment, in this time ....for me it is like holding onto the treasures of our good memories....but knowing I still have to let my heart feel all of it...vs. clinging to it

I loved this book of 'hope' and human resiliency.

Art in the Yard 2011 - I will be there...come in for a visit and a chance to win something ....

2011-06-24T11:18:00.000-04:00

I continue to really enjoy being part of Art in the Yard, Summer Art Show and Sale, Sat & Sunday July 9th and 10th....10 to 5 p.m. I love the atmosphere, the music, the ice cream and other food treats, the kids activities are really wonderful and all the magnificent art too....
I will be there and would love to chat; this year I plan on doing demonstrations and will have lots to offer in terms of teaching classes, summer programs and a draw for the weekend...come out to visit me and fill in a ballot for draw to win a prize.

Hope to see you soon!

I am really excited about offering a week long encaustic intensive in the summer, August 22nd to August 26th, daily from 10:30 to 4:30 p.m. If you ever wanted to learn all the encaustic techniques from beginner techniques to the more advanced techniques..I have the program for you...more information on my website

A Glimpse of the "Changing Surfaces" exhibit at the Carnegie Gallery, Runs Until June 26th

2011-06-09T17:25:00.001-04:00

"The Collector", Encaustic Mixed Media, 12 x 24, 2011

"Intuitively Guided", Encaustic Mixed Media, 18 x 34, 2011

"Darling Yellow", Encaustic Mixed Media, 8 x8 , 2011

"Writing a New Chapter", Encaustic Mixed Media, 12 x 24, 2011

Here is a glimpse of the work at the show "Changing Surfaces", at the Carnegie Gallery. The opening was a huge success, lots of people, the atmosphere was celebratory, as the gallery was opening it's newly renovated space. The four artists showing are: Maureen Steuart, Wayne Allan, Marilyn Clarke and myself, Supria Karmakar. The Hamilton Spectator's review is here. The exhibit is up until June 26th, 2011.

Time is a ticking.....Changing Surfaces, A New Two Person Art Exhibit at Carnegie Gallery, Dundas will open June 3- 26th

2011-05-01T21:33:00.000-04:00

Image above from left to right, detail image of

"You Inspire", Encaustic Mixed Media by Supria Karmakar and

"Yellow Roses for Mary" Textile Art by Marilyn Clarke

Changing Surfaces

– An Art Exhibition

Textile and

Encaustic Mixed Media

Marilyn Clarke and

Supria Karmakar

Carnegie Gallery

10 King Street West

Dundas, Ontario

June 3-June 26, 2011

Opening Reception

Friday June 3, 7-9:30 pm

Supria and Marilyn share an approach that involves the layering of materials and colour, resulting in rich textured, vibrant and translucent surfaces.

Intersections can be seen in themes unearthing personal and universal narratives. Throughout archetypal and representational forms are employed using detailed and often elaborate approaches to surface manipulation. Supria and Marilyn invite the viewer to go beyond what is on the surface-to see delicacy, strength, and

fragility, colliding within the surface

frames.

For More Information Contact:

905-627-4265 or carnegie@carnegiegallery.org

www.guelphstudiotour.ca

www.supriasdesigns.com

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Ontario Arts Council

Taking Time to Listen, New Newsletter and Current Workshop Dates .....

2011-04-25T09:02:00.000-04:00

Zen teacher Susuki Roshi said, “We don’t need to learn how to let go. We need to recognize what’s already gone.” We tell stories so we can recognize what is gone. It takes time. My friends listen patiently. ~ Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Taking Time to Listen

It has been a while since I put out my last newsletter, which was in February.
I had decided to spend the month of March in artistic seclusion, and I have to say it was, for the most part, full of many joyous moments in solitude and creativity. I must admit that I do relish my time alone. I do realize that my happiness rests in having time to be quiet, time to really listen to that deeper place of knowing and in being alone.
That doesn't mean that I do not also enjoy finding balance in my life, by welcoming time with friends and family. So it was fantastic to begin again offering studio share times with warm and loving creative friends. I have thoroughly enjoyed offering studio share over the last year, and in reflecting on this offering, I have found it has brought me tremendous joy over the last year, bringing companionship and creativity time with others, where I grow often...I have loved seeing creativity take part in many of these individual's lives. Where it has filled them with joy, healing and direction.

I have also begun an Insight meditation program with Jill Davey, at her beautiful yurt in Fergus, and it has brought ebbs and flow of many more emotions. Questions and ponderings about life, some of which I am only getting to hear, they are like soft whispers, and I definitely do not have the answers, that may come, who knows..... It is amazing how long it takes to just slow down enough to really hear our deeper self, our deeper knowing. It has been four weeks and I still feel like I am on the edge of a beginning. It is funny, as I know it is all about beginnings, and I also know when I do cross the threshold, it will change yet again...and I will still be at another beginning, and still won't know the answers to these questions that would have surfaced...So instead, I am working at understanding and really trying to just live in this current moment and time. I am grateful for her sharing and teachings.
Life is truly too short to not stop and listen to this very moment.
To really feel alive I need to hear what my heart is calling me to recognize, my own story; sometimes that means taking roads that might not always be easy.

I am setting this intention, to live in the moment, recognizing our stories, yours and mine, and heart's calling. With much love and gratitude for stopping to hear and read my stories, and honouring my sharing, this bit at this moment with you. In creativity and love, Supria!

Creativity Retreats at Supria’s Designs Studio

Encaustic Mixed Media and Altered Book Workshops

Day long or 3 – day summer retreat format

What is encaustic?

The word “encaustic” comes from the Greek, meaning “to burn in".  Encaustic painting is the art of painting with pigmented, molten wax. In encaustic painting, a medium is created from a mixture of waxes and resins, melted and pigmented with oil paints. Each layer of encaustic is fused with a heat source.

CLASS TOPICS & TECHNIQUES:

The Encaustic ‘Beginner’s’ (Level 1) is an introduction to encaustic, basic fusing techniques, safety issues, use of collage materials. Sat. June 4th, 10 - 4 in Fergus

The Encaustic ‘Beyond Collage’ (Level 2) will cover the use of photocopy image transfers (black and white & colour), rub-ons, charcoal, oil & wax pastels, using metal leaf, use of oil sticks and hot tools. Sat. May 7th 10-4 in Toronto OR Sat. June 25th, 10-4 in Fergus

The Encaustic ‘Texture Galore’ (Level 3) will cover masking off areas, building raised areas with encaustics, building texture using dry brushing, stencils, use of stamps, adding a crack technique, dry wall plaster, and other found objects. Sat. May 14th, 10-4 in Fergus OR Sat. June 18th, 10- 4 in Fergus

The Encaustic ‘Pushing the boundaries’ (Level 4) will cover using alcohol inks, water colour, Indian inks, mica, glass and textiles and using drywall plaster into encaustics. Sunday May 29th, 10- 4 in Fergus Or Sun. June 26th, 10- 4 in Fergus.

The Encaustic ‘Mono Printing’ (Level 5) will explore creating mono prints with encaustic medium on various Japanese papers, using a hot-box and then adding these mono-prints on wooden substrates to complete a two dimensional piece or to incorporate the encaustic papers into a book. Mono-printing kit available for sale: includes an anodized aluminum plate (19 x 10 inches)& bamboo baren. Sun. June 12th, 10 - 4 in Fergus.

The Encaustic ‘Wax Book’ - Beyond the Cover – beeswax meets mica in an altered book assemblage encaustic summer intensive play shop, a 3-day retreat in July. Register before April 30^th for savings.

Session 1: Thurs. July 21st, 2 p.m. to Sunday July 24th, Noon

Session 2: Monday July 25th, 2 pm. to Thurs. July 28th, Noon

For more information on dates, cost and locations, or for a complete brochure to be mailed to you

E-mail: info@supriasdesigns.com  or visit: www.supriasdesigns.com

"Poetic Whimsy", Encaustic Mixed Media, 18 x 34, 2011

"Challenge and Novelty are Key Elements to Happiness".....from the Happiness Project...

2011-04-22T11:15:00.000-04:00

There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy.”

~Robert Louis Stevenson

Months ago I saw a book on the shelves at Chapters that made me initially go....hmmm....interesting...I didn't pick it up...I hesitated....for a few reasons, but it did arouse my interest. A few months later, when I was back at Chapters, it still caught my eye and heart, so I decided I would pick it up this time and give it a shot......as I read the initial pages, I thought this might be an interesting challenge. The book is "The Happiness Project", by Gretchen Rubin....I hadn't heard from anyone else that they were reading this book yet, even though it has been out since 2009 and has become a #1 International Best Seller...

http://www.happiness-project.com/

Since, I began reading it...and I have to admit I am LOVING IT...I have casually mentioned the book to a few people and a couple have said enthusiastically, "Yeah, I am reading that too..." and another has just sort of looked at me wondering what it might all be about...

Somehow, seeking 'happiness' can conjure up visions of being an unhappy person, but on the contrary...I think for me it is about as Gretchen said, getting to be 'happier'... to spending life with mindful attention on being as happy as you can be in every moment of your life...and by conscientiously thinking about it, acting happier, being happier, and in turn creating a happier atmosphere in your life and in turn impacting the lives of those in your circle.

Some of the nuggets that I am getting from the book at this moment, are:

"Challenge and novelty are key elements to happiness"....It reminds me to embrace challenging times; Gretchen writes "One reason that challenge brings happiness is that it allows you to expand your self-definition. You become larger. Suddenly you can do yoga or make homemade beer or speak a decent amount of Spanish. Research shows that the more elements make up your identity, the less threatening it is when any one element is threatened. Losing your job might be a blow to your self-esteem, but the fact that you lead your local alumni association gives you a comforting source of self-respect. Also, a new identity brings you into contact with new people and new experiences, which are also powerful sources of happiness." pg. 78 March: Aim Higher

This resonated for me as a truth in my adulthood knowing...Recently I have embarked on Insight Meditation with Jill Davey, this has been a challenge to myself, allowed me to stretch. It has been a good thing for me, not only do I get to learn something new, I have been growing into being more insightful, mindful in my day to day moments of living, it has given me the opportunity to find a new circle of friends/community....it is evolving anyway...

Also, of significance to me, was when I read, "Pushing myself, I knew, would cause me serious discomfort. It's a Secret of Adulthood: Happiness doesn't always make you feel happy.".....hmmmm....

But doing it anyway, challenging ourselves anyway for me is important...trying it even if it means failure...

Some of the ways I have chosen to expand the elements of my self-identity are:

to reunite with some old friends, one from High School, another from my working days at Peel Health, and to spend time with them, or to nurture the reconnection...to maintain current friendships, and family times, going with my mum to "Canada Blooms" and spending time with her in something she loves, the gardening world, learning more about gardening myself, ....to try something new and challenging, like meditating..and working larger in my artistic practice...Working larger has been physically challenging and emotionally so too....but it created such joy for me when I completed the first large piece (for me anyway), called "Enigma" 38 x 38 (below)...and I am happy to report it felt or resonated joy for someone else too and it sold last week at my new art exhibit at Arts On King, in Toronto..... Next, I am thinking I might enrol in taking some Italian language classes...as I really want to go to Italy for an artistic retreat.....

"Enigma", Encaustic Mixed Media, 38 x 38, 2011

Greten's happiness formula is, "being happier requires you to thinking about feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right, in an atmosphere of growth.

To feel happy, it’s not enough to have fun with your friends, and not feel guilty about yelling all the time, and feel like you’re working in the right job; you also need to feel growth—a sense of learning, of betterment, of advancement, of contributing to the growth of others. "

Opening reception at Figment, Flight and Fancy, brought many gifts.....

2011-04-19T23:11:00.000-04:00

Rita Vindedzis and I at Figment, Flight & Fancy, Arts on King, Toronto

Back in 2008 I met Rita via the online world, first through Visual Arts Ontario business and then through the Inner Works collaborative , a round robin altered book project. This project was a great meeting of creative hearts, three artists from the United States and three from Canada...Seth Apter (New York, Mixed Media artist), Jill Zaheer (Mixed Media artist from New York also), Roxanne Evans - Stout ( Artist, writer and teacher from Oregon), Veronica Funk (Artist from Alberta), Rita Vindedzis (Artist from Toronto) and myself. We all met online and embarked on a year long round robin altered book project...the process was delightful, the outcome of each page by each artist in our books was magnificent..to see a review of the year long project visit: http://innerworkscollaborative.blogspot.com/. I still treasure my book and Rita's pages in my book were delightful, they were full of texture, I could enjoy with my fingertips as Helen Keller would have.

To finally meet Rita after so long, in person, was such a gift...Thank you Rita for your visit ....Rita will be showing a new series of work in June at Arts on King herself. Rita's work can also be visited online . She has been represented by Arts on King and Arts on Queen for a long time now.

Here are some photos of my show, Figment, Flight & Fancy, an exhibit of encaustic works, which is still up for the rest of April..so if you didn't get out to see the show yet,...there is still a couple of weeks to view the works. These two images are courtesy of Debra MacMillian, a dear friend of mine, from those lovely highschool days. Thanks Debra.

Studio Share Bliss....

2011-04-18T09:34:00.000-04:00

"New Moon Offerings", Encaustic Mixed Media, 18 x 18 Framed

"Nest Song", 6 x 6, Encaustic Mixed Media

Last week I shared a glorious day with friends, other fabulously creative womyn in the studio...

It started with a heart to heart connection over coffee with a dear friend and then a day long creative day in the studio with five other womyn....

Days like this feel full and magical, for all sorts of reasons...

As I reflect on the day together, the main reasons this was a truly blessed day, is because I am reminded that in these womyn friendships, there are layers of complexities....richness, and sometimes even challenges...however, when we embrace each other with our truth, genuine love, care and compassion, magic is created with each other...this is what I feel in the presence of these wonderful womyn friends. We share in each other our gifts of self and wisdom, we laugh, create, and commiserate
when needed ...
I am reminded that though I love my 'alone' time, I do find perspective and understanding about life in companionship with others...and my womyn friends are the best.....

Thank you for sharing the space with me...and sharing creativity and joy.....

A Glimpse of Some New Work - New Show, Figment, Flight & Fancy, April 2011 at Arts on King in Toronto

2011-03-28T22:13:00.001-04:00

Enigma, Encaustic Mixed Media, 36 x 36

Poetic Whimsy, Encaustic Mixed Media, 18 x 34

Here is a glimpse of some of the new work that is going up at Arts on King, in April 2011. You are invited to the opening on Saturday April 16th 1- 4 p.m. 165 King Street East, Toronto. Telephone: 416-777-9701

Teaching Joys - At Wise Daughters in Toronto

2011-03-21T08:34:00.001-04:00

Photos courtesy of Debra MacMillian

I had such a great time teaching a lovely group of women this past Sunday at Wise Daughter's in Toronto.....and the icing on top of the cake was having a dear highschool friend in the mix....I haven't seen Debra for a very long time, but it is so great to be reunited with her.
Here is her blog and her creativity is wonderful....she was always an awesome art student at J A Turner, our highschool in Brampton.

Teaching at Wise Daugther's again in May, on Sat. May 7th 10- 4 Beyond Collage (formally known as level 2)...if you are interested...we will be covering image transfers, both black & white, colour, rub-on transfers, use of charcoal, graphite transfers/paper, metal leafs, pastels, oil and wax, gouging and filling in the gouges using pigment sticks and /or encaustic medium. To sign up contact Wise Daughter's directly. Some encaustic experience is necessary for this class....but no need to be a pro at it..come with the spirit of play and creativity....and you will be sure to have a wonderful time. Spots are limited.

One of Debra's lovely pieces....to see more of her work and creativity, check out: http://myimmaculateconvection.blogspot.com

Figment, Flight & Fancy, Encaustic Mixed Media Exhibit April 1- 30th at Arts on King, Toronto

2011-02-28T16:54:00.000-05:00

Returning, Encaustic Mixed Media, 18 x 34

Figment, Flight & Fancy, Encaustic Mixed Media works by Supria Karmakar, is opening at Arts on King, 165 King St East, Toronto, ON. M5A 1J4 (Corner of King & Jarvis - a block north of the St. Lawrence Market); 416-777-9701; Email: artsonkingandqueen@rogers.com

Exhibit opens April 1st to April 30th, 2011.

Life of an artist, wears many hats ......

2011-02-23T08:19:00.001-05:00

Encaustic mixed media, 2010

I have been really contemplating and actively working towards expanding my career as an artist.
This entails wearing many hats, ones which fit more comfortably than others, but I am approaching each one with love and grace, which is easing the process of wearing those hats that don't feel so comfortable.

I have been wanting to revamp my website for a while, and I have finally begun the process. I am much happier with it, I know it still needs tweaking here and there. I would love to hear your feedback if you so choose to share it...

The process for me first began with thinking about my goals for 2011 (and beyond), and what I would like to happen within the year in my art career. I knew I wanted to expand, make some forward movements with gallery representation and some great new exhibits at new galleries and collaborations. As well, I wanted to make solid commitments to my existing collectives, galleries and retail spaces, these have been so imperative in my art career and I am so grateful for the opportunities to show at Whitestone Gallery, UpTown Gallery, Barber Gallery, the Harris Collective..and the start of it all was the fabulous Elora-Fergus Studio tour.

Well I am happy to say that the envisioning process was magnificent. I have a new collaborative exhibit with Marilyn Clarke, a wonderful artist that works in textile; she and I are exhibiting "Changing Surfaces" at the Carnegie Gallery, Dundas, Ontario in June. Opening reception is Friday June 3rd, 2011. More details will follow.

Also, I knew I had a blast with the group encaustic exhibit in September, The Whole Ball of Wax, curated by Andrea Bird and Lisa-Beth Glassman in Toronto; so I thought it would be great to find another venue in Toronto. Hence, I am busy working on an April showing at Arts on King, Toronto, Ontario. This exhibit opens April 1st to April 30th, 2011. Working title for this show is, "Figment, Fancy & Flight", I am very excited about both shows and actively working on new work. So here is where the balancing of many hats, or rather eggs, (more fitting for me), comes in. Between, making sure all your marketing tools are ship shape, website, facebook, blog(s), artist statement, cv, bio, photographing your images, or making space and time to get them professionally photographed, connecting with the venues, or those you are collaborating with, it feels like the space to create can get squished in...well for me this didn't seem acceptable or the fit didn't feel balanced....So I have decided, I would tackle the website, blog, cv/bio/statement during off hours (really are there any 'off' hours ??? - maybe those wee hours of sleep/dream time) and the creating of new art work during the day in the studio.

On top of this I love teaching and make sure I am able to offer classes on a regular basis. Teaching time, provides the much needed people contact, I absolutely love how energized I become in seeing other people feel the magic of the encaustic and collage medium, art and creativity,...seeing others soar creatively is such a high for me.....it has become a bit of a mission in my business model. It is also how I bring a regular income to my life, which is also part of the balance. So I am constantly thinking of new ways to make my classes exciting, fun and new techniques to share. So I have made an effort to keep these classes fresh and exciting, and I am thrilled about offering new ways to be working with encaustic, in the Spring and Summer seasons, these skills and techniques are ones that I have learnt from the Encaustic Conference in Mass., US. Founder/ and Director, Joanne Mattera.

So last year, during my attendance at the Encaustic Conference, I began to think about the need to get a career consultation, and I have begun this process with Joanne Mattera, it was very eye opening. It has helped me begin to take a long hard look at my business model, from the name, "Supria's Designs", to my website, cv, bio and the ever elusive artist statement. I highly recommend getting a consultation....it got my butt moving....

But still that time to create new art work, consistently and well, is a big priority and commitment in my life...so hence I have decided during the month of March, I am carving out time, time to be secluded in my studio to create, this means saying no to other things, and being very disciplined...getting into the studio even when it is frigid outside, when the sun isn't shining, when I am tired or feeling uninspired...I find just getting into the studio creates space and invitation to creativity, which is thrilling and brings me rejuvenation, meaning and connection. So hear is to an up coming month of seclusion and continuing to expand the business of being an artist. I would love to hear what has worked for you in balancing those many eggs in your own artist career.

"The Egg", Encaustic Mixed Media, 2010

Etsy Listings back up - 6 new encaustic mixed media pieces for sale

2011-02-01T08:45:00.002-05:00

Feather, Encaustic Mixed Media, 5 x 5 on Etsy

New listings on Etsy for Feb. 1st, 2011. Original encaustic mixed media work available for sale.

Welcome to my online store.

Love is being Alert....New exciting news about a summer program on encaustic books....

2011-01-30T19:01:00.005-05:00

" It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." ~Mother Teresa

"Love is being Alert.."

A wonderful friend of mine, gave me this great book...and today I found a nugget of joy I would like to share with you..
"You have to be alert to feel love of everything around you. You have to be aware of everything that's around you to love, otherwise you will miss things. You have to be alert to see the things that you love. You have to be alert to hear the sounds that you love. You have to be alert to catch the beautiful smells of flowers as you walk past them. You have to be alert to really taste the food you're eating and feel the fullness of the flavours......" By Rhonda Byrne from "the Power"
Here's to being alert in every moment..

On another very exciting note, I would like to announce a great new summer intensive program that a colleague and I have created ...

"Beyond the Cover: Beeswax Meets Mica, An Altered Book Assemblage"

An encaustic intensive class

Session 1: Thurs. July 21st, 2 p.m. to Sunday July 24th, Noon

Session 2: Monday July 25th, 2 pm. to Thurs. July 28th, Noon

Using the luminous elements of beeswax, the organic shimmery properties of mica and the vintage layers of a book, a new structure is birthed in a unique personal assemblage.

Together, Patrice Baker and Supria Karmakar will be altering books with you to create a unique piece of personal art. We will build spaces in the book to fill with your treasures and trinkets. We will also use transparent mica to create a window in the front cover as well as a page within the book. You will be able to layer ephemera between the sheets of mica for a fascinating effect. Pulling the whole book together with the luscious quality of encaustic. No experience is necessary.
$320 for 3 days of hands on fun, $75 supply fee; includes 2 Vegetarian lunches and 2 Vegetarian dinners by the fabulously talented, Resa Lent, chef and owner of Desert Rose in Elora.
Give yourself a creative retreat for three whole days - limited spots. To save your spot in this exciting summer creative session, or for a complete brochure for more information email: info@supriasdesigns.com

What makes your heart sing?

2011-01-28T21:53:00.000-05:00

My Heart Sings II - encaustic mixed media, 5 x 5, 2011

What makes your heart sing....?

Mine is the sound of a chickadee on a winter day

The glistening of the snow in the sun

A spot of red from a cardinal flitting by

Music, red wine and dancing while painting in the studio

The sound of my daughter's laughter

Ymmm... a Soy Cafe Latte especially with a friend

A silent morning with my journal on hand

A great book and a warm blanket

New art supplies and paper ...wonderful handmade papers

A nice refreshing invigorating walk

The magic of trees reminding us about the magnificence of life, the air and our universe

The opportunity to make a choice, each day a new fresh perspective

The ability to choose love over anything else

And to celebrate the small things and feeling the gratitude in my heart for all these moments, great and small

thank you....

Rouge - Heating things up at the Whitestone Gallery

2011-01-27T09:51:00.000-05:00

The Whitestone Gallery, at 80 Norfolk St. Guelph, ON. is heating things up with ROUGE..their new group show, opening Sat. Feb. 4th from 2 - 4 p.m.
Come out of the cold and heat up with "Rouge"

The Art of Collaboration - Welcome 2011

2011-01-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

" Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead

"Through the Cracks of Time", Encaustic Mixed Media, 2010, 14 x 18

This above quote by Margaret Mead has always been an important one in my life...and it resonates today as much as it did in my past social service days. During the time I was a community development worker, social worker and coordinator, which I did for 16 years before following my heart and dreams to become a full time artist and facilitator, I found that the best and most successful projects and programs were always the ones where the group worked as a unit without one clear leader.. In fact we were all leaders, each one of us brought our gifts and leadership to the task at hand....

Lives got changed for the better, always as a team....this is what this quote reminds me of each time I read it or remember it....I love my life, where today as an artist and facilitator, I can work with like minded individuals, who lead by example, teach and share our gifts without holding ownership to it and see that we are all teachers and students...it reminds me to keep fresh thinking alive, have a beginner's mind always, to honour and cherish the spirit in all of us, with love and kindness, I am reminded that we all have a lot to share and teach each other....

So today I want to thank those I have collaborated with in the past, Seth Apter, Jill Zaheer, Roxanne Evans - Stout, Veronica Funk, Rita Vindedzis, from the Inner Works Project....though this project was done a while ago, I still marvel at the beauty of these individuals and their work and our collaboration...the sharing was done freely and the project was so successful because we each embraced our gifts...it was a true full circle project.

This year I look forward to more collaborative projects...they are in the works and I am excited to keep you in the loop through this blog .... I look so forward to growing new collaborations this year ....

My first collaborative takes off now with Marilyn Clarke, a fabulous fiber artist, the two of us will be exhibiting our collaborative show in June at the Carnegie Gallery, in Dundas, ON. Canada. The opening is scheduled for June 3rd, 2011. The show is called, "Changing Surfaces"...Marilyn's work is vibrant, luscious and the surface changes as she works her magic into it..just as the encaustic surface changes with each fusing and layering...I am excited about show casing our fiber and encaustic works together in June.

I am also excited about offering a new upcoming intensive art week in July with the encaustic wax book medium with other artists...there will be lots to enjoy, retreat together and rejuvenate in the lucious encaustic and book art format.....more news to follow....very soon.

Great things happen as a team, where there is equality, equity and trust in our gifts that we each bring to the circle....Thank you for celebrating the wisdom of the circle with me and joining in my collaborations.

Wishing you all a successful collaborative year....

Celebration Time - Also Time on Envision, Dream, Fly and Sing the new year in, 2011 welcome...

2010-12-30T20:58:00.002-05:00

Celebration Time - FLY, encaustic mixed media collage, 5 x5

Time to celebrate, celebrate the year we have had, all the blessings, gifts, memories, and the time that is turning...2011 is upon us and it is now time to envision, your life as you would like it to be in 2011...as the year is about to turn I think about doing another vision board and D-R-e-a-M .....

D-R-e-a-M, encaustic mixed media collage, 5 x5

Sing, encaustic mixed media collage, 5 x 5

Finding new memories to sing about and cherish, to focus on happy thoughts, love, and gratitude...

And with these thoughts I send all of you wishes for joy, love and blessings for 2011..thank you for continuing to visit me here and keeping me company in my artistic adventures....

I am excited about the new year, all the POSSIBILITIES, and happy times...and with those moments of contrast..which are part of life...I wish to seek courage, strength and more character ....to emerge like a butterfly or bird singing.....embracing the 'moment'

With love - wishing you all a happy NEW YEAR....

Also don't forget the great workshop line up coming up starting in January...
Starting with the Level 1 encaustic workshop Jan. 16th and 23rd Sunday, 10 - 4 and the encaustic card making workshop Jan. 22nd Sat. and February 6th 1- 430 p.m.
Level 3 almost full on Sunday Jan. 30th. 10 - 4
Also five week formats starting end of January, for more information visit: http://supriasdesigns.com/Site/Workshops.html

Register here: info@supriasdesigns.com

Taking one's own path....

2010-12-15T09:59:00.000-05:00

Jester's Chasing Fancy, Encaustic Mixed Media Collage, 6 x 6, 2010

Wonder, Encaustic Mixed Media Collage, 6 x 6, 2010

" There are hundreds of paths up the mountain, all leading in the same direction, so it doesn't matter which path you take.
The only one wasting time is the one who runs around and around the mountain, telling everyone that his or her path is wrong." ~ Hindu Teaching

Taking your Own Path

Our realities differ from one another, therefore, our perceptions can be different too. This reminds me then, that there is no wrong vs. right way of doing things, only that the choices we make can lead to different paths, there are a variety of perspectives that can enrich our lives and each other. So instead, I am choosing to really listen to your perspectives, to respect them, to understand and to accept the diversity in our human experience. Essentially, I wish this for us over the seasons festivities, an embracing of our diversity, our lives, our choices and that LOVE is the sole unifier. Wishing you all love, joy and peace. I am grateful for my blessings and wish many blessings in your life too.
Here's to a new paths in 2011 one full of adventure, love, magic, joy and abundance.

Here is a listing of my Winter Offerings for creativity:

Some Winter Fun Filled Art Programs for your ‘soul rejuvenation’

A Special half-day Encaustic Card Making Workshop

A great way to spend time with a friend, or family members creating one of a kind encaustic cards/miniatures.
Saturday Jan. 22nd OR
Sunday February 6th, 1 - 4:30
$85/person at the Fergus studio. These can be framed and enjoyed for a long time.

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE - give the gift of art. Certificates can be for product or services such as art workshops.

One-Day Encaustic Workshops:
Level 1 January 16th 10 - 4
Level 1 January 23rd 10- 4
Level 3 January 30th 10 - 4 (few spots left)
Fergus Location

Five - Week Program Format:

Fridays January 28th to Feb. 25th 10 - 1 p.m. Fergus Studio

Thursday January 27th 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. to Feb. 24th, Fergus Studio

* 5-week intensive program fee is $280/all supplies provided. 1 day workshop fee is $160/all supplies provided

Returning students receive a 10% discount on their registration fee

OR Register with another person receive a 10% discount

OR Register for both Level 1& 2 receive 20% off total registration fee
Studio Share dates will continue to run in 2011 for Fridays 1:30 - 5p.m. Let me know if you are interested.

For More Details Check www.supriasdesigns.com

Or ask me about a custom art and creative workshop!

Celebrating the Magic in You - Telling Your Stories

2010-11-22T18:26:00.000-05:00

" A story is a medicine that greases and hoists the pulleys, shows us the way out, down, in and around, cuts for us fine wide doors in previously blank walls, doors which lead us to our own knowing." ~ Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Celebrating the Magic in You - Telling Your Stories

"Birthing New Dreams", Encaustic Mixed Media, 10 x 10, 2010

We tell each other stories, of our lives, the joys, the comical moments, the heartaches, our dreams and our challenges. This art of story telling often starts when we are little.
I see this in my little girl's life, as I watch her grow, I am reminded vividly of my own memories. I hear how during a sleep over with another little girl friend, they giggle well into the nite..Until one of them drifts off to sleep. The giggles are a result, I am sure of stories they tell each other, of something big or of something nothing at all but frivolous fun. This is how we grow, encouraging each other to sit, walk, and laugh with each other telling our stories about our lives, our loves, our discoveries, challenges, heartaches and dreams.

As Sark said in her wonderful book " "Succulent Wild Woman - Dancing With Your Wonder-Full Self", " Stories are our way to illuminate the path and find common ground. Our illusions of separation disappear when we hear stories of another's struggles or discoveries. We hear ourselves say, " I can relate to that! ... The tiniest story in your life can deeply touch another. You cannot know the effect your story might have. Please let your stories be heard."

This excerpt from Sark's book reminds be about connection with friends. And it also encourages me to keep going on with my artwork, telling stories within the paintings. I hope it encourages you too to find ways to tell your story, within your lives, in whatever way you find that works for you.

I wanted to take the time to thank all those that came to my solo exhibit at Whitestone Gallery, "Waxing & Waning". The show is still on for another week until November 26th, 80 Norfolk Street, Guelph, ON. Gallery hours are Friday to Sat. 11- 5 and Sunday 12 - 4.

Some other wonderful things taking place that I would like to invite you too are:
My own open studio days during December, Sat. Dec. 4th, 11th and 18th from 10- 4 my studio will be open to you for some time to celebrate the season with art work for sale and show. I would love to see you and share some festive cider, treats and 'stories'. The Harris Collective in the Elora Centre for the Arts is also having their holiday art show and sale starting weekend of December 4th and 5th. The Whitestone Gallery is having their $100 and Under sale, where 14 artists will be selling their work, so a nice variety to choose from. And the UpTown Gallery, in Waterloo is currently having their Art Works - Small Works show.

There is a lot to enjoy and take in. I look forward to sharing more of my art work with you, with each piece, there is a story.

"Flower Fields 5", 7 x 7 , 2010 Encaustic Mixed Media

Studio Open House - An Art & Heart Filled Holiday Show and Sale

2010-11-15T18:15:00.004-05:00

Every Saturday in December, I will be opening my studio space for an art show and sale...There will be yummy waxy art for sale, from delightful miniatures, like the one shown here, encaustic art cards, and other larger pieces too will be available, all one of a kind. And for those who still feel they want something different or would like to give the gift of art choosing to their friend, family and loved ones, I will have gift certificates for that special occasion. Come for a visit, Dec. 4th, 11th and/or 18th 10 - 4 pm - Supria's Designs Art Studio - 501 St. Andrew Street East, Fergus, ON.

For those also wanting to know more about some other great events in town, here are some things to keep an eye out for:

My solo show is still on until November 26th, 2010 at the Whitestone Gallery- 80 Norfolk Street in Guelph. Gallery hours are Friday to Saturday 11- 5 and Sunday 12 - 4 p.m. After November 26th, the Whitestone Gallery will be hosting a fabulous art show and sale, all $100 and Under sale, it is an annual event that many of you look forward to...check it out again this year...there will be 14 different artists showcasing their work; you are sure to find that special gift ..Opening evening reception will be December 4th at the Whitestone Gallery.

Also the UpTown Gallery will be beginning their Small Works - Art Works Show and Sale November 18th until January - UpTown Gallery is at the Waterloo Town Square, 75 King St. South, Waterloo, open every day 11- 6 except Sunday.

Another great Holiday Season Art show and sale to check out is at the Harris Collective - Elora Centre for the Arts, it too begins December 4th and 5th weekend, 10 - 5 p.m.

Heartfelt Gratitude for your support in my opening of my solo exhibit - Waxing and Waning

2010-11-08T07:30:00.003-05:00

Window Vinyl Letter by Scutts in Guelph- above and below

View of the Whitestone Gallery Front gallery space

My friend Elysia, who made these yummy treats for the guests...moon shaped cookies, very lovely..thank you so much.

A great jazz duo, Ernie Kalwa and Chris

I wanted to share some opening reception photos with you..the opening went well and I am thankful for your support, feedback and coming out.

Maya, my 10 year old said she lost count at 68 guests, the food was great and music fantastic...

If you didn't get a chance to visit during the opening, the exhibit is up until Nov. 26th at the Whitestone Gallery, 80 Norfolk St. Guelph, ON.

Waxing and Waning - New Encaustic Works Showing at Whitestone Gallery, Opening Reception Sat. November 6th, 7 - 9 p.m.

2010-10-19T16:24:00.000-04:00

Detail of "Moon Dance" from above, new encaustic works

The Call, 24 x 24, Encaustic Mixed Media

This new encaustic mixed media body of work is a whimsical & narrative exploration of the notion of cycles, patterns & time via the moon’s waxing and waning phases.

The work encourages rumination on the ebb and flow of life, the less vs. more, and the slowing of pace, softly exploring these concepts.

The use of texture vs. smoothness with the medium and the symbolic imagery tells tales about the magical power and energy of the moon on our lives as she cycles through ‘waxing and waning’.

The symbolic imagery of the various modes of vehicles in flight, ladders, wings, birds & owls, lotuses, clock faces, travel, and flying trees with roots all in relation to the moon, depict for me the various symbols of time and cycles.

“The moving moon went up the sky.

And nowhere did abide;

Softly she was going up,

And a star or two beside”

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Waxing & Waning
Join me for the opening reception on
Saturday Nov. 6th, 7 to 9 p.m.
Whitestone Gallery
80 Norfolk Street, Guelph, ON.
N1H 4J2
(free parking by the Stone House lot on the Northside of the gallery)
Gallery hours: Fri. to Sat. 11 - 5 and
Sun. 12- 4
Or for more hours between Monday to Thursday call first at:
519-836-4243
www.supriasdesigns.com
http://whitestonegallery.wordpress.com

Sponsored by

A Time of Gratitude today and daily.....

2010-10-03T08:26:00.000-04:00

"Against All Odds"

Encaustic Mixed Media Collage, 10 1/4 x 18

Gratitude fills my heart today and daily for the blessings that fill my life. This is the last day of the Elora-Fergus Studio Tour, and it has been a full and busy one..with many lovely friends visiting, family love, and new friends met too....I am grateful for these visits, for the chance to share my new life's journey as an artist with the community. Thank you for your support, feedback and appreciation of the arts.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, you can't help but feel or reflect on those blessings that fill your life...and it is daily as I go to sleep or wake that I try to remember to live with a grateful heart.

This piece above is also a piece about gratitude..to the 'bees' who grace us with bounty and life. This piece is about their preservation 'against all odds'....

Grateful for the opportunity to share this, for your readership and for your offerings to the world.

Elora-Fergus Studio Tour - Free Encaustic Demos all weekend, both weekends - come and check it out!

2010-09-23T07:27:00.000-04:00

Demonstation on using the Encaustic Iron

Demonstration of Image Transfer technique !

The Elora-Fergus Studio Tour opens this weekend Sat. Sept. 25 & Sun. Sept. 26th, from 10 - 5 and next weekend too, Sat. Oct. 2nd and Sun. Oct. 3rd, same times, 10 - 5...I will be demonstrating all weekend for both weekends, the encaustic mixed media collage method...Come to this fabulous free event ...for more information on all the wonderful artists show casing their work in their studios visit: http://www.elorafergusstudiotour.ca/

Elora -Fergus Studio Tour opens next weekend and UpTown Gallery opens new Portal Show, Waterloo, ON.

2010-09-15T22:23:00.000-04:00

Group Show for the Elora - Fergus Studio Tour opens tomorrow, Thursday September 16th 7 p.m. at the Elora Centre for the Arts. This year, the studio tour includes 33 local artists, all opening their studio spaces to the public. This is a free event and starts the weekend of September 25th and 26th and ends the second weekend Oct. 2nd and 3rd, 10- 5 each day, Saturday and Sunday. Starting at the Elora Centre for the Arts gives you a full sampling of the local talent in the area.

Also, I am involved with the UpTown Gallery in Waterloo, and a new show opens called Portals - Enter another place, time and dimension. Opening reception is September 23rd, 6 - 8 p.m. Love to see you out to meet the local UpTown Gallery Artists. UpTown Gallery, Waterloo Town Square, 75 King St. S. Waterloo, ON, Canada. N2J 1P2

Some more new work - Flying Series

2010-09-07T21:58:00.000-04:00

"Birthing New Dreams" Encaustic Mixed Media, 10 x 10, 2010

"Flight of the Flying Fish", Encaustic Mixed Media, 16 x 16, 2010

"Wonderous Flight", Encaustic Mixed Media, 16 x 16, 2010

"Hare of Time", Encaustic Mixed Media, 10 x 10 , 2010

This new body of work is a whimsical exploration of the notion of time & travel through flight. It is about the possibilities that could be, if we choose to step out of our comfort zones, to discover new lands, create new stories and embrace fresh new ways of being.

The imagery of the various modes of vehicles in flight, ladders, wings, lotuses, houses, clock faces and flying trees with roots depict for me the various portals to time & travel. I specifically use the opposing textured and smooth areas of encaustic medium to further explore the sense of change that comes from taking steps outside of one’s everyday routine.

The Whole Ball of Wax, All Encaustic Show, Opens Sat. Sept. 4th...the Buzz is Alive and Well...

2010-08-27T16:10:00.000-04:00

Through the Cracks of Time, Encaustic Mixed Media Collage, 14 x 18, 2010

"Step Out on Faith", Encaustic Mixed Media, 24 x 24, 2010

I am getting really excited about " The Whole Ball of Wax", all encaustic show, at the Propeller Gallery, in Toronto, 984 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON. 416-504-7142. Featuring 12 Encaustic Artists...Hope you get to come out for a peak...Some of you have asked for a sneak peak of the work I will be showing..hear are two images for you above...

Opening Sat. Sept. 4th 12 - 6. Open Weds. to Sunday 12 - 6 p.m. See you there!

An Awe Inspiring Journey in the Magnificent Canadian Rockies, Alberta....An artist's haven.....

2010-08-17T11:26:00.000-04:00

Jasper, Alberta - Canadian Rockies

Magnificent Jasper Trees

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canadian Rockies

Pristine Blue Lake Louise, Alberta, Canadian Rockies

Banff Provincial Park, Alberta

Lake Morraine, Alberta

Maya at Lake Morraine, Alberta...look at this magnificent blue water....

Canmore Grotto, Alberta

Saskatchewan, Land of the Living Skies...

I have to admit that Western Canada is awe inspiring, magnificent place, the landscape is an artist's haven...I have so much to be inspired by here from the billowing clouds and vast expansive sky, to the rocky mountains....the pristine lakes, a deep blue that seems quite surreal...What a wonderful country we live in and what wonderous magic we have all around us...Feeling full and blessed....

Whole Ball of Wax - Really big ENCAUSTIC exhibit opening Sept. 4th, Propeller Gallery in Toronto - Save the Date!

2010-07-30T08:06:00.000-04:00

Twelve encaustic artists will be exhibiting their work at the Propeller Gallery in Toronto, On. Canada...984 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON. Gallery hours are: Wed- Sun. 12 - 6 p.m. 416-504-7142
Opening reception Sat. Sept. 4th 12 - 6p.m. Demonstrations of encaustic painting will take place...meet the artists, come see this really BIG SHOW..... Runs from September 1st to September 12th!

Artists taking part: Pieter Bakker, Daniel Beirne, Andrea Bird, Andrew Csafordi, Lisa-Beth Glassman, Supria Karmakar, Tanya Kirouac, Jane Longman, Maura Joy Lustig, Georgina Rodrigues, Michelle Salter, Tania Wycherley

With gratitude to The Ontario Arts Council.

Full Moon Energy Blessings, Winner of Birthday Draw and Summer Newsletter

2010-07-26T11:45:00.001-04:00

With the energy of the full moon today, I thought I would do my birthday give away today...So with a heart full of gratitude for my friends, family and artistic life supporters, followers/fans...I am offering this blessing bowl of many of the things I treasure.....with all of your names, handwritten and cut out from some special paper I used for my wedding programs, a special handmade paper with lovely organic inclusions...and within this lovely 'blessing bowl' I have placed the following elements in offering to you and to the our lovely mother earth:

Some organics, such as, lavender, bee balm, a coreopsis flower, lamb's ear leaf (not sure of the proper latin name for this lovely soft plant), a poppy dried and given to me by my dear friend Leigh, a heart rock with spiral shells, a blue jay feather found in the garden, yarrow, hydrangea, beautiful pottery affirmation pebbles and pottery blessing bowl made by the wonderful local Guelph potter, Goldie Sherman of Vessels Studio; surrounded by all your lovely names....

Thank you for your support, readership and lovely comments...the winner for the birthday draw is:

Wendy.... congrats...

please send me an email so I may make arrangements to send you your gift...thanks...!

Enjoy the full moon tonight...create magic, love often and the best gift we can give each other is rapt attention to each other's existence (Helen Keller)

thank you for your thoughts, comments and sharing.

Also for anyone interested here is my latest newsletter....

July Show opens at the UpTown Gallery in Waterloo, Check out the great new show!

2010-07-22T06:48:00.000-04:00

What wonderful new work is being exhibited at the UpTown Gallery in Waterloo for the rest of July, over August until mid-September. Come and check it out....open Monday to Sat. 11 - 6 p.m. everyday.

UpTown Gallery, Waterloo Town Square, 75 King St. S. Waterloo, ON, Canada. N2J 1P2

Don't forget to post a comment on my blog post "Birthday Giveaway For you!" it ends tomorrow...drop me a short comment...here!

Birthday Giveaway for you!

2010-07-18T07:33:00.000-04:00

"Tissue Paper Poppies" 4 x 6 Encaustic Mixed Media

2010

Photo Courtesy of Janet Smit, thank you!

Photo courtesy of Janet Smit, thank you!

Well, some years ago..during the beginning of my social work days, I met and worked with a wonderful polish woman, Bozena...and she taught me a lovely polish tradition her family practiced that I never ever forgot....that on your birthday you are the one bearing gifts and cake etc.

So for my upcoming birthday, I am doing a giveaway for you....Leave me a comment, a quote, a tid bit, a hello, any words would be grand, by Friday July 23rd..and I will enter your name into a draw for a give away of encaustic mixed media work.

From me to you!

Happy Birthday to me : )

Tissue Paper Poppies and Playing with texture pieces

2010-07-07T00:07:00.001-04:00

"Magical Journey" 12 x 12, 2010

Using Tissue Paper Drawings - See previous post to see how my drawing started .....here is the finished piece.

"Magical Journey" Detail

"Tissue Paper Poppies" 4 x 6, 2010

Playing with textures.....

I have been loving working with some textures and tissue paper inlays, after writing, or drawing on the tissue..it just disappears leaving a lovely translucent layer of drawings and / or writing.

Been keeping a disciplined practice of 6 - 12 Noon studio time this week while it is cooler working on new work for the upcoming Art In the Yard Show and Sale, at the Elora Centre for the Arts, this weekend...Sat. July 10th to Sunday July 11th, 10 - 5 p.m. Come for a visit, I am at BOOTH number 7!

Stretching my wings....getting ready to fly....

2010-06-24T20:12:00.000-04:00

First step, "Poppies on tissue" - archival tissue paper, pen and 'caran d'ache' watersoluble wax pastels..these are so yummy and smooth to use....

I remember the days when I drew incessantly...those were the highschool days, when I dreamed of being a full time artist, going to college, doing my art degree etc...and then something changed....and I pursued another path...but after 16 years of that other social work path, I am back, stretching my artistic wings again and enjoying every minute of it...it has been three years as a full-time artist & facilitator... and now I am feeling another wave of change coming on...pushing my comfort zone to try and incorporate a few more of my own drawings into the work I do...so here is the first attempt....

I have found other forms of art since, that has given space for joy, creative outlet in collage ...but I haven't drawn a lot since then...I am now about to try and change that...one baby step at a time.

I found this great acid free archival tissue paper in the states when I was there for the Encaustic Painting Conference...and for a while now I have been dreaming of getting my pen and pencils out and to start doodling and drawing again...so that I can incorporate these images into my encaustic pieces...so here is the first..a poppy design I drew which I would like to embed into an encaustic piece...layered with other yummy images, patterns, texture etc.

I will keep a blog post going on the development of this piece ..here is the first step to the whole process... The magic of tissue is that it just melts away or disappears into the piece leaving your work, writing etc. vibrant...

Encaustic Painting Conference at Montserrat College

2010-06-21T09:43:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Linda Womack, http://embracingencaustic.wordpress.com/

Fourth Annual Encaustic Painting Conference - Best Ever ......Lots of links to check out below and some new collage works

2010-06-21T09:20:00.000-04:00

"Lotus Dreams" 8 x 11, matted to 11 x 14

Collage Mixed Media, 2010

" My Flying Heart", 8 x 11, matted to 11 x 14

Collage Mixed Media, 2010

Well I am back from the fourth annual Encaustic Painting Conference at Montserrat College of Art, it always takes me about a week to wind down and get back into the swing of things....

This time around I spent a whole week there and I have to say it was the best ever yet conference for me after going for three years in a row...From the free workshops on Friday, to the Keynote address, to the Panel on Sat. morning..all the demonstrations and talks I attended were top notch, the vendors and selection increased, the many art exhibits were fabulous, the lunches, the people I met ....I could go on..the BBQ at Julie Shaw Lutts was a great way to end the week long adventure...and my hands on workshop with Catherine Nash was mind blowing for me.....I can't go on enough..Joanne Mattera, you and the college folks really out did yourselves...THANK YOU; THANK YOU, & THANK YOU : )! I am so eager to try more of the MONO PRINTS in the book art format....can't wait to play more..

The conference blog highlights the conference in details with many links to explore of other artist's blogs, and free handouts for those of you eager to learn hands on techniques with the encaustic medium..check it out! Really think about attending next year .....

Linda Womack's blog has a really great video clip of the conference, where you can here the buzz of our ever growing hive...

This year I was so engrossed in the activity and learning,....that I didn't take a whole lot of photos..but there are many other great blogs to check out photos ....so please go on a lovely blog journey...enjoy! Truly food for the soul....

Abundance is everywhere, and all around...taking time for creativity...

2010-06-07T00:18:00.000-04:00

"You Inspire" Encaustic Mixed Media, 2010, 18 x 34

Recently I re-read this section of "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron and thought I would share it here...

"Making art begins with making hay while the sun shines. It begins with getting into the now and enjoying your day. It begins with giving yourself small treats and breaks."

It reminds us to be generous to ourselves in all ways. That art requires us to empower ourselves with choice. Which at the most basic level, this means choosing to do self-care. Giving yourself time to enjoy art and creativity. Giving yourself the small gifts that life has to offer, smelling the peonies in bloom, picking fresh raspberries, enjoying a fruit smoothie, going for a long fresh walk, dancing more, listening to music, basking in the sun....
Creative living requires the luxury of time and space, which we can only carve out for ourselves. In return we are able to give even more of ourselves back to our commitments and responsibilities in life.

See current newsletter, June news, for more info, and some workshops to take time to do some creativity over the summer.

Who Does She Think She Is? TRAILER

2010-06-02T07:04:00.000-04:00

Who Does She Think She Is? TRAILER

2010-06-02T07:02:00.001-04:00

Recently I attended a fantastic workshop called "Money is my friend" hosted by this Shaman, Moon Dancer...and I have to say she was fantastic..of course I went in with some preconceived ideas, judgements and she was able to hit some things right on the 'money' that I had to do a double take...and I have been thinking of the bits she has shared for a very long time all week actually....the first session was about "Choice and Change" and it was really wonderful to reaffirm the choices we have around abundance, and to see money as a friend, that it is our perspectives that change -- which we can choose, ....there were many other ahhaas that nite...and one of them was her guidance to this wonderful movie for me, called:

"Who Does She Think She is? " Directed by Pamela Tanner Boll, co-directed edited by Nancy C. Kennedy. Check out the website too: www.whodoesshethinksheis.net See above You Tube Trailer..thanks Moon Dancer for the recommendation.

Sark's Magical Soothing Words - "How We Stop Ourselves" - We do don't we?! & May Intention Collage

2010-05-26T07:29:00.002-04:00

This morning I was drawn to the book shelf and I took out Sark's "Succulent Wild Woman - Dancing with your wonder.full self!"...and I opened it up to this page...how interesting this was for me...sharing it with you and my May intention collage below,

"How We Stop Ourselves"

I am always "turning away from the ecstasy". There are things I know I love doing, yet I stop. Why? Everytime I meditate, there is a benefit. Still, I stop myself all the time from doing it. My mind is filled with fresh and realistic reasons about "why it's not time to meditate. "exercise creates more oxygen and a "new mind", but I am almost frantic to postpone it. eating well provides an almost instant reward. yet I run to empty foods from childhood that used to comfort me, and now are sedating.

I'm often seduced by struggle.

It's as though it's painful to feel "too good". I'm used to the effort, and sometimes confused by the joy.

I am familiar with rejecting pleasure, and with a low-grade, almost constant feeling of despair. There are many companions for this journey, even though it makes no sense, I find myself clinging to sadness to avoid feeling my emptiness, or even happiness!

I think it is easy to stop ourselves from being too bright, too happy, too successful. conformity also soothes us. we can predict it, and there is the illusion of control.

Unfortunately, we also stop ourselves from being too visible, unusual or vivid.

"I am not eccentric! It's just that I am more alive than most people. I am an unpopular electric eel, set in a pond of goldfish! "Dame Edith Sitwell

We stop ourselves from being too loud, too different, or too much.

Yet we crave our individuality, our wild special selves. We want to live our adventures, and be seen for our essences.

Who are you after the guests have gone home? Who are you after you take your makeup and clothes off? What do you dream about? Who are you reading? How do you stop yourself? Who are you?

I found this a powerful excerpt to read this morning..and I ask myself these questions and most of all encourage myself and all of us to really live loud, your wild selves and enjoy being all that you are ....wonder.full.

This is my May Intention Collage I did for the "creative awakenings" process - Side 1 above and Side 2 below...

During this May Creative Awakenings Envisioning Process...This came out...The lotus imagery is coming out loudly for me in my work..I think it symbolizes the awakening time coming out of this dark and drudgery time...where things were murky, unclear..and yet out of this time comes such a beautiful blossoming, like the lotus...So for May, my intention was to Let Go and blossom anyway, relinguish control...love, art, grow, creatively....

I am finally sharing this now...but I did this a while back..it will soon be time to do the June Envisioning process..highly recommend this process...Check out Sheri Gaynor's Creative Awakenings book and site etc.

Technically speaking, this collage was so great to do also, I have been really pushing myself to use different materials, techniques, glazes, etc. I did this in preparation for my May 11th teaching Collage and Mixed Media Workshop at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery..it was a ball of fun too....

Revived Newsletter

2010-05-19T07:38:00.002-04:00

I have decided to revive the newsletter...thought it would be a great way to let everyone know info. and business news from a one pager, which I can send out regularly...
In doing so I got to thinking what do people like to see in a newsletter....tips and tricks, techniques, news about workshops and classes, shows and events etc...if you have any thoughts would love to hear back from you..
If you want you can also subscribe to this newsletter..so that I can make sure you are on the list...

Here is the first issue for this year....

Vision Board Play with Wellington Holistic Network

2010-05-16T19:39:00.000-04:00

I am a member of the Wellington Holistic Network (WHN) and recently I facilitated a vision board play session with the membership...it is always a great idea to do a bit of visioning, focusing on intent, whether it is for your life in general, a part of you life, like your passion, career, family, spiritual life, health etc. Here are some shots from that session..thanks for the invitation to lead this fun session with you all...

The Wellington Holistic Network (WHN) will be hosting an event on June 2nd..."Raise Your Vibration, Transform Your Life! With Dawn James, author of book of same title...Join us as Dawn introduces us to the laws of vibration and how to use them to de-stress, increase vitality, and live life with grace and ease. Ancient teachings and scientific studies show that we have the ability to increase the rate of electric flow (vibration) within our physical & subtle bodies, and that there is a direct correlation between raising our vibration and our health & well-being. Pre-registration strongly encouraged...contact: info@wellingtonholisticnetwork.com

Spring Globe Studio Show and Sale - Friday April 30th to Sunday May 2nd, 2010...come out to visit...

2010-04-26T20:00:00.001-04:00

This weekend the Globe Studios, an artist run centre is hosting their semi-annual Open House and Sale. Join in on Friday night 6 - 8 p.m. and Sat. May 1st 10 - 5 and Sunday May 2nd 12- 5 p.m.
This time they are hosting the graduating class of Glenview Park Collegiate and MacGregor Public School in our Gallery. The other guest artists and Globe artists are putting out the welcome mat.
I will be there with my work too, so come and say 'hi' if you can.

Friendship - My friend Leigh...

2010-04-23T17:36:00.002-04:00

My friend Leigh's birthday was Monday...and I had a great get together with her last friday.....I have been meaning to blog about her and how special she is in my life..all week...but alas...here it is finally,

Things I adore about Leigh:

Her quirky sense of humour, her funny sayings...."Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy",

Her acceptance of all, her non-judgemental presence in the world,

Her love of animals of all kinds, cats, dogs, bunnies, etc......She will go to great lengths to meet dogs that are being walked in and around the neighbourhood, her ability to listen, and empathize, be wacky and wild, serious and frivolous..her creativity and flare....

Leigh is a blessing in my life...and I cherish her dearly...and most of all I celebrate her each day

Thank you Leigh for your love and support..from one Frida freak to another..happy belated birthday...

Here is the Frida piece I created for her ....

Spring Perspectives - Changes and Fresh New Beginnings

2010-04-13T08:39:00.001-04:00

Here are some new pieces I've completed -- they continue the theme of seeds, pods, blooms, fresh beginnings, growth. These panels were a delight to work with, I used Rodney Thompson custom birch bark panels , which were purchased last June at the Encaustic Painting Conference in Beverley, Mass.

I love them and can't wait to buy a few more...

What's on the Horizon - Changes, Growth and Possibilities

2010-04-09T08:00:00.002-04:00

"Just Arrived", 2010 Encaustic Mixed Media Collage 7 1/4 x 7 1/4

Well, lots of changes are on the horizon....I guess that is what is to be expected with the changing of seasons...much like spring, I am choosing to view these family changes as possibilities to open new doors, for growth...like seeds for new life, new beginnings...

Perhaps that is why a lot of my new work is depicting seeds...seedpods, bulbs, tulips, birds etc. All of which symbolize birth, growth, and the ever changing of life like the seasons.

After a year long search for a new job, Jeff, my husband/life partner has found work..What a relief..but the bittersweet thing is that it is FAR...and it means a real look at where this will take us as a family....one moment at a time is the mantra I repeat in my mind, spirit and heart...perhaps this will open new doors, new adventures...we will see....

Other things on the horizon are: new teaching schedule, for spring and summer anyway...New dates are posted on my website...As usual I am excited about teaching and look forward to the spring and summer sessions...the one addition this year is a WEEK LONG Altered BOOKS program I am offering in the Summer in July...can't wait..students have already signed up but there are a few spots left.

The altered books format with encaustics is really beckoning me..and I am happy to announce that I have been accepted to show a piece of work at the second WAX LIBRIS II exhibit at the Fourth Annual Encaustic Painting Conference at the Montserrat College of Art in Beverley,Mass. this June..the piece is called "Ponder"...it too has seeds, pods, and organics symbolizing birth, growth, possibilities.....take a look....

"Ponder", Encaustic Mixed Media Collage Book Structure, 2010, 10 x 12 x 2 (closed)

Detail of bottles in "Ponder", 2010 Encaustic Mixed Media Collage Book Structure

Some Glimpses of the Spring One of Kind Show and Sale - Toronto, Artists of Elora-Fergus Booth I 34

2010-04-06T00:51:00.011-04:00

Another Group Shot with the lovely Deb Dalziel, from Centre Wellington Tourism, who was the one that organized and birthed this project.

Artists of Elora-Fergus Studio Tour: Katherine McManus, Supria Karmakar, Mandy Deskur,

Jerre Davidson and Barry McCarthy

Missing is the lovely Deb Dalziel of Centre Wellington Tourism

Right side of our 10 x 30 ft. booth

Left Side of our 10 x 30 ft booth

Six Elora-Fergus Artists showcased there work at the One of A Kind Show and Sale in Toronto these past five days, from March 31st to April 4th. It was a great way to promote the area and let people know about what great things are happening in our region, Elora and Fergus. Barry McCarthy, Oil and Watercolour Landscape Painter, Jerre Davidson, Kiln Formed Glass artist, Mandy Deskur, Jewellery Artist, Tim & Katherine McManus, Blown Glass Artists and Supria Karmakar, Encaustic Mixed Media Collage Artist. We had a great time building our gallery style white walled booth, we got lots of great feedback and hope to see many wonderful people out to our area for the studio tour which opens in Sept-Oct. this year.

10 Days until Spring One of Kind Show Opens - Come visit me at booth I34

2010-03-20T09:13:00.003-04:00

Well the time is quickly slipping away....10 more days until the Spring One of a Kind Show Opens...I will be there with the Artists of Elora-Fergus at Booth I 34...This was the vision brainchild of Deb Dalziel, who works for Centre Wellington Tourism...Thanks you to Deb for such a great project idea...

5 artists got juried into the show by One of a Kind: Barry McCarthy, Jerre Davidson, Mandy Deskur, Tim/Katherine McManus and Myself, Supria Karmakar..we will be representing the Elora-Fergus Artists and Centre Wellington booth.

It has been exciting..as a group we have been busy designing, building and creating our booth walls and working on product for the show.

If you plan to visit use the code on the flyer to enter when ordering your discounted tickets!

International Women's Day - Blessings to all of you!

2010-03-09T08:08:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was International Womyn's Day...I hope you had a wonderful day of celebration of self and had a cheer, toast and / or some other merriment with womyn or for womyn in your lives....

I had a great weekend opening "Woman's House" at Wise Daughters...the exhibit will be there until May 1st..so check it out if you are in Toronto sometime soon. It was a great opening, and I thank all my lovely friends and family that took the time to come out and support me on this day in this opening.

Sunday, I hosted my very first Womyn's Day Festival. It was successful for the first year..and it was great to see the womyn who came out and who believed in the cause enough to set up their tables and share what they do for a living and for their passion...thank you for attending this first year and it will get bigger and better with each year I am sure.

Wishing you all blessings...a day late...sorry.

I was so exhausted with a full weekend of activities..sitting at the computer to blog about it had to wait..that is the rest I took on IWD day.

Woman's House - Encaustic Mixed Media Collage Exhibit opens on Sat. March 6th

2010-02-27T00:04:00.004-05:00

Opens Sat. March 6th, 4 - 6 pm with a reception celebrating International Women's Day, and featuring a belly dance performance by Souhaer Zarik of Hip Kik. Free, light refreshments will be provided.

Woman's House runs through May 1, 2010. This exhibit will feature a variety of encaustic mixed media collage works related to womanhood. Narrative works portraying women's journey, as related to mind, body and spirit.

Wise Daughters Craft Market, 3079B Dundas St. West (at Quebec); 416-761-1555. 10 % of the sales from Woman's House will go to Nellie's Women's Shelter.