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

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.

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

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

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

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.....

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

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....

New Fall Workshop Dates & Events

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

DATES: Half -Day Encaustic Card Making Workshop 

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

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

"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.....

Cultivating - Wakefulness

"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 ....

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

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

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

" 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

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

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....

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!

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

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.