Curiousity House - Books & Art Gallery, Artist of the Month for June 2014

Opening reception:  Saturday June 7th, 4-6pm

Creemore is a lovely place to visit….Come out for a great Saturday excursion.

178 Mill St, Creemore, Ontario.

705 - 466-3400

http://www.curiosityhousebooks.com/category/art-gallery/

May Greetings - Some Great Community Projects to Explore

"Orange Magic", Encaustic Mixed Media, 5 x 7, 2014

"To build community requires vigilant awareness of the work we must continually do to undermine all the socialization that leads us to behave in ways that perpetuate domination." ~ Bell Hooks, Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope

IN THIS MONTH'S NEWSLETTER: I am following up on the topic of taking action with our goals and sharing some very cool community and artistic projects that friends & colleagues have developed…Read on for more juicy links.

With the pending provincial elections on June 12th, it is a perfect time to think about how we as a collective can make a difference, take action, share ideas, and most of all hold a vision for a better and stronger community.   What is your vision for a better and stronger community?

It is my wish to see a community where we share our strengths and celebrate our successes.  Maybe it might be considered idealistic, but I wish for a community where we do away with competitive behaviour, and promote each other's services and gifts.  Holding onto the idea that our own way is THE only way, serves to divide us.  I aim to live in a world where these divisions are no longer part of the way we operate..Instead, let's celebrate our diversity, our differences and find connection within these differences.  This means taking action in promoting each other, even if our business and services are similar, hence leaving behind that competitive nature.  This means believing that there is enough to go around for all of us…We are living in one of the richest continents… And if we can share our resources more we would create a better planet all around.

So in that spirit, I would like to share here today, some great art projects that exist in our community and beyond Centre Wellington.  First many of you might already know lots about the great community project started by the lovely Shelley Carter, The Elora Tarot Project.  However, since I still come across people who haven't heard about it I think it is a good idea to keep promoting the project.

Shelley Carter, coordinator of the Elora Tarot Project, recently presented a paper called The Elora Tarot Project (2013): How the Tarot Stirred a Village at the Association for Popular Culture's Annual Conference, in Chicago. A video called "Elora Tarot Project", also debuted at this conference, and can now be seen on YouTube, featuring several artists from the project. 

The Elora Tarot Deck was for sale at the annual (Tarot) Reader's Studio in New York City, in April.

The deck will be for sale in various venues in Elora this coming summer and can be ordered online too.  

For more information about the Elora Tarot or to purchase a deck, go to eloratarot.com

Beyond the village of Elora, I am excited to share some news about my dear friend & colleague, Julie Shaw Lutts, collage and book artist, who lives in Salem, MASS, US.  Who has created a wonderful art book App, that is available at the Apple App store for free, called The Curious Alphabet.    It is a wonderful way to view the alphabet and a lovely way to think about how you or another artist might get their work out into the world for the benefit of learning, joy and amusement…The app is ideal for both small and big kids a like….take a look.

Also below check out a review Julie received on the new app: 

Kirkus Review: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/julie-shaw-lutts/curious-alphabet/

Finally, Kylie Van Horne and Tim Anderson of Elora, have launched their fundraising SOAR 2014 campaign, raising funds for the Guelph Wellington Children's Foundation, while they also get ready to compete for theSouthern Ontario Amazing Race event.  Help them raise their funds for this great cause….

Now an update on my goal setting and putting them into action, as promised in the last newsletter.   I have found that keeping my goals clear & realistic, with specific action steps helps with getting them accomplished.  However, in life there is always so much to do, on a day to day basis, that it can be easy to get off track and unfocused…And as a result days can go by without realizing you haven't really addressed any of your big goals.  So I have found a few things that have helped me specifically:
1.  Keeping a weekly and daily to do list.  I write my goals for the week on the Monday morning, or sometimes Sunday evening, and the my day to day goals each morning with my coffee.  Always relating them back to the main yearly big business and personal development goals.  I try to keep them simple and realistic, so that there is time to address the day to day living, family and health commitments.  As a matter of fact, I keep those on the list too, so gym dates, my daughter's dance schedule, plus my career business goals all get put onto the plan. I have a formal plan that is written out, this gets done at the beginning of goal setting and can get tweaked from time to time…as LIFE happens, things change.  Each day I consult the day to day list.
2.  I hold myself accountable by having something to look forward to, a treat or a reward, i.e.: a day browsing another gallery, such as an artist date (like a Friday off), or coffee with a friend, or a massage booked a month ahead of time, etc.  In order to afford that massage I have to make money by offering services and doing my work related to the goals.
3. A coach really helps too…So if you can work that into the budget having someone to check in with weekly, bi-weekly on your goals can really keep the momentum moving forward.  Or having a group of friends who are also working towards the same end or similar ends with their careers.  I have different connections for different things.  So I might have a workout buddy, a career coach, an art group to meet with, friends to have some fun with, family to stay connected with and who are supportive.
A diversity of network helps keep things moving along and meaningful.

Most of all, when I don't do what I say I was going to do, I am gentle with myself , and don't beat myself up but just start where I left off.  Not giving up totally.  There is always a new beginning, a new start.
This way I can relax, not judge myself but treat myself with care as we would treat another.  These are all things that help.  But most of all having a plan for the day with to do's and a realistic set of goals to complete….that might be one, two or three things for each day.


SPRING & SUMMER CREATIVITY WORKSHOPS 

UPCOMING STUDIO SHARE DATES:

Sunday May 27th 10-4 or half day options available.  Come work along side me in my studio, bring your own substrates, brushes, personal mementoes, encaustic medium…all else is provided.  Some folks have asked to have these materials provided, so I am now offering that option.  For a spot email: supria@supriakarmakar.com

ENCAUSTIC LEVEL 1 BEGINNER'S MIXED MEDIA WORKSHOP:
Saturday May 31st, 10-4 in Elora
Sunday June 1st 10-4 at the Button Factory in Waterloo call: 519-886-4577 between 10-5pm Monday to Friday and 12-4pm on Saturdays
Saturday June 21st 10-4 in Barrie call Barb at 705-791- 9963 only a few spots left.

ENCAUSTIC LEVEL 2 - BEYOND COLLAGE
Sunday June 15th, 10-4 in Elora
Sunday June 29th, 10-4 in Elora

MULTI-LEVEL ENCAUSTICS at Homer Watson House and Gallery.Combined Level 1 Beginner's and Level 2 Beyond Collage Saturday July 12th OR Saturday August 9th.  Combined Level 3 Texture Galore with Encaustics and Level 4 Pushing the Boundaries with encaustic, Sunday July 13th or Sunday August 10th.  To register call:  519-748-4377 or visit:Homer Watson directly.  

Summer Week Long Encaustic Intensive 
Encaustic Beginner's Level 1 to Encaustic Level 5 Mono Printing with Encaustics 
August 11th to 15th, 10:30 -3:30 daily in Elora.
A great week long retreat to immerse your creative spirit.

Above:  Encaustic Altered Book, created by Linda Lewis.

Beyond the Cover, An Encaustic Altered Book with Mica retreat in Fergus with Patrice Baker and Supria Karmakar.  Thursday July 17th 2pm to Sunday July 20th, 5pm.  

For complete information, with more details on what each workshop covers, please visit:  www.supriakarmakar.com

Testimonial from past student - CT "Supria is an enthusiastic, passionate teacher and artist.  Her Altered Book course gave me the opportunity to explore my interior life, touch the creativity I thought long lost, and play with no expectations.  Supria has the ability to encourage, inspire and support the artistic process in her students.  I'm very much looking forward to my next course with Supria."  by CT

My studio is now located at 50 First Line, Elora, ON. off Hwy 7 and South River Road, if coming from Fergus.  I am incredibly grateful for this space.

Website: www.supriakarmakar.com  designed byTradesmarksDesign  Please check it out and let me know what you think, my new email address is: supria@supriakarmakar.com

Currently my work can be seen at these following locations:

UpTown Gallery in Waterloo, POD in Guelph, 30 Carden St.

www.supriakarmakar.com
http://supriasdesigns-encausticmusings.blogspot.ca
http://beyondthecover-beeswaxmeetsmica.blogspot.ca

New May Art Show and Sale, at the Globe Art Studios, just in time for Mother's Day

Friday May 9th 4-9pm and 

Saturday May 10th, 11 - 4pm 

at the Globe Art Studios

141 Whitney Place, Kitchener, ON. 

Just in time for Mother's Day.   I will be there with new works and many more wonderful artists will be there too.  Love to see you there.

April Showers Brings May Flowers - New Newsletter, Setting Goals…..

Above:  Minutia, Encaustic Mixed Media, 30 x 24, 2014

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT CLARITY

Going with the FLOW is a great way to live for sure…it helps with having an easier life.  However, there is still great benefit to setting goals for oneself, your business, and/or for your life.  I have been realizing that clarity is essential to self growth, to our businesses and to our lives in general.  When I wake up with purpose and know what is on the agenda for the day, there seems to be a flow and then productivity ensues….However, when I flounder, it is either because I am unfocused, going in a 100 directions at one time, and/or uncertain in the heart about what feels right.  More than likely, it means I am not paying attention to those feelings.  I have found that when my heart is clearly speaking, I do not go wrong to listen to it and follow. Good things have come from listening to my heart.  My mind on the other hand can be the trickster.  The mind seems to send me on a wild goose chase.  So this reminds me that getting clear on my goals is essential, this leads to productivity, which leads to feeling great and ultimately brings success.  So even though it might seem like taking the time to set goals is a waste of time and energy, it actually saves time and gives energy to your journey.  

Sometimes fear is also the thing that gets in our way of setting clear goals.  Feeling like we are committing to something that might not work, fail, or not be the right direction is the trickster mind talking.  My mind tricks me, telling me, "Well how do you know this is the right decision?" "There are so many options and choices…why is this the one ?"  Making an intentional decision to commit to yourself and your goals is never a bad choice.  There are no bad choices.  They are just that, choices.   If you discover your goals need to be reformulated and changed a bit, that works, it is all a journey and a process…it is still not a waste of time.   

Without setting a goal, we can find ourselves drifting around aimlessly and in fact we might end up coming back to the same place years later.   So setting goals is better than not at all.  Most of all setting goals that come from your heart space is the most powerful…..Listening carefully to those heart whispers, those twinges that tell you something needs your attention is the best.  

Goals though aren't necessarily airy fairy types of things…. They are specific, clearly defined, measurable and time lined. This is why visioning is important and then turning your vision to clear goals that are specific, time lined and measurable is a key next step.  So hear is to YOU, and your HAPPY GOAL SETTING.  I say dream big and grow into it…Enjoy the process, trust in yourself, your heart and take the leap of faith.  Tweak it as you go along…nothing is a waste, changes are bound to happen but with a clear goal you are moving forward with purpose and this brings joy and success. 

Next newsletter, I will explore thoughts about 'taking action' on these goals we have set….until then, happy spring days ahead to you.

Toronto Artist Project a great success - Sending Gratitude …..And Upcoming Offers

The Toronto Artist Project 2014 was a great success this year…Thank you to all those who visited, purchased my work and shared their feedback.  I was blessed with lots of visitors to my booth, #641 and received wonderful feedback to my art work.   It was inspiring to me, to hear the stories that unfolded in this sharing and connection with each visitor.  Many people took the time to ask and express what they felt in viewing the artwork. This kind of connection is very much appreciated and I feel a heart full of gratitude.

Getting back into the flow of business and routine….I am offering several great upcoming classes in 

March and April:  

March Upcoming Offers:
Sat. March 1st 10-1:30 Studio Share in Elora
Sat. March 8th Encaustic Beginner's Class 10-4 in Elora
Sat. March 22nd - Opening, A Spring Equinox Daylong Retreat at RiverSound Retreat in Fergus - a day of meditation, yoga and vision boards 9:30-5
Sun. March 23rd - Encaustic Beginner's Class 10-4 in Elora

April Upcoming Offers:

And Saturday April 5th Beginner's Encaustic Level One - 10-4 in Kitchener at Homer Watson House and Gallery with Open Studio from 12-4

Saturday April 26th Encaustic Texture Galore and Pushing the Boundaries - 10- 4 in Kitchener at Homer Watson House and Gallery with Open Studio from 12-4

Mid-Winter Newsletter - Toronto Artist Project and Spring Equinox Daylong Retreat News

I am so excited to share some info. on The Artist Project Toronto (TAP) and some exciting new dates for workshops and another lovely day long retreat event, with Jill Davey, here is the link to the new mid-winter newsletter..hope to see you at TAP?…..I will be at booth #641 LINK: http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=e56a79f4a1768e132c577c778&id=91092c41ec&e=%5BUNIQID%5D

How to create an Image Transfer on Encaustic Medium Work

Above:

Palette of encaustic paint colours on the griddle

Thank you to all those that emailed or messaged me with regards to what you would like to see on the blog, re: future posts..Most folks said they would like some of the following:

• How to techniques
• How to access your inner creative soul - new programming being developed for you in this area…keep posted 
• When to decide to stop, when is a piece finished
• Changing up the process
• Colour palette choices
• And more

So to start with I thought I would share "How to do an image transfer on encaustic medium work"

Below is a series of photos to walk you through the steps I take in completing the image transfer on encaustic work.

Step1:  Materials you will need

• Your encaustic painting
• Metal spoon (for burnishing)
• Spray bottle of water
• Laser, or toner based photocopies on lightweight non glossy paper
• Propane torch, heat gun or heat lamp
• Clear encaustic medium and encaustic brush

Above: Step 1 - Setting up for doing an image transfer

Above: Step 2 - Heating the area where the image transfer will be set

Step 2:  Prepare the area where you would like to place your image transfer by applying some heat to the area with the propane torch or heat gun.  The area needs to be warm to touch (not molten liquid) and recently fused with heat within 10 minutes to create the ideal setting for the image transfer.

Above:  Step 3 -  Prepping your image transfer

By stripping away any excess white paper, leaving some paper outside of the image

Above:  Step 4 -  Place image transfer in the area you would like it to appear

Step 4 : Lay the transfer in the area you would like to see it.  Using a clean spoon, burnish the copy in a circular motion for about three minutes.  A good burnish into the wax is important.  You can never burnish too much, or too long.  Make sure no wax gets transferred to the back of the paper.   Also it is important that the encaustic medium is not too soft, if it is, the pressure from burnishing will produce indentations.  So the surface has to be warm to touch but not soft.  

Above:  Step 5 - Spray the image transfer area with plain cold water.

Step 5: Spray the top of the burnished image with water to soak the paper.  With the tips of your fingertips (without the use of your fingernails, avoiding sharp piercing edges) roll off the soaked paper from the surface. The carbon from the photocopy is left burnished onto your encaustic work.  

Above: Step 6 - Pat dry with a lint free cloth

Above:  Step 7 - Gently oscilliate the heat from the heat gun over the dried image transfer.

Step 7:  The carbon that is released onto the work is sitting on the surface at this point and needs to be gently fused to the previous layer of your work.  Using a heat gun, heat the image transfer carbon gently with a circular motion so it fuses to the previous layer.  Be careful not to apply too much heat or get too close to your work with the heat gun or your carbon image might shift or possibly break apart.  This might end up being a happy accident if this were to happen.  So remember to enjoy this process and let go of being attached to the outcome.  

Above: Step 8 - Protecting your image transfer with some encaustic medium

Step 8:  After the image transfer is on the work, and has had a chance to cool slightly, apply a clear layer of encaustic medium over the image.  This will protect your image transfer from being scratched accidentally.  If you decide you want to put a colour encaustic medium over it, translucency will be important so that you can still see the image and it will nicely recede to the background vs. being on the surface.

Above:  Step 9 - Final round of fusing.

Step 9 - Using a circular motion, apply a second heat application with your heat gun, being careful not to get too close to the image transfer.  I find oscillating the heat really helps the image to stay intact.    This final fusing step removes any brush marks left from the protective layer of medium you have just applied.  It creates a nice smooth finish, if that is what you are aiming for. 

Above:  Final Step - Image Transfer is complete

Your Transfer process is now complete.  You could leave it on the surface or bury it into the background by applying more translucent colours over the image.

If you have enjoyed this post, or have any feedback, I would love to hear from you, please leave me a comment on this blog post.  Thank you!  

I teach many encaustic workshops throughout the year, and a complete listing of my class schedule can be found here!

This technique has been published in Seth Apter's new book, "The Mixed Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from over 40 Amazing Artists." 

Seth has done an amazing job of bringing together 40 wonderful artists who share what they LOVE to do….enjoy the book, worth getting it..Roxanne's Reflections in Fergus, ON. has a few copies if you would like to purchase your own book.