Unfolding the Visual Story

For What its Worth Wednesday

"Unfolding the Visual Story"

"Chic III"

Yesterday I was talking to a gentleman about one of my paintings. He asked if there was a story that accompanied the painting of a small, black-capped chickadee titled “Chic III”. I paused thinking over his seemingly simple question. My paintings do have stories but they unfold in such a dreamy disorganized fashion it is difficult to gather up the visual information to translate it into verbal understanding. To complicate things, my creative response is sometimes inspired by a recent encounter resulting in an immediate documentation. Other times, it is the absence of an experience that inspires the creative response. In this case the visual and emotional information is retrieved to document the importance of the memories. The latter is the case for “Chic III”. This painting is a result of a severely repressed Oregon spring and all the beautiful moments that accompany this greatly anticipated seasonal event.

When reaching back into past experiences, remembrances, and relationships a single painting is not representative of one event or encounter but rather a juxtaposition of those collective memories. I was born and raised in Salem Oregon surrounded by patchwork fields, an abundance of trees and a constant exposure to wildlife. My father was (is) an avid birdwatcher. I too became a birdwatcher but of a different sort. While he was focused on the technical aspects of bird watching, I was consumed by the emotional characteristics of watching birds. I am constantly cataloging and tucking away images into my mind. When I reach back to incorporate them into a painting, the details have become less important to me resulting in an emotional remembrance of the images rather than a technical one. It is this “emotional remembrance” of bold colors and expressive line encapsulated within a familiar image, which reveals the visual story of a painting.

May 4th Artwalk

"The Door Show #5"

May 4th was a fantastic day for a First Wednesday Artwalk Event. I am always a little surprised at what a little sunshine can do for a bunch of vitamin D deficient Oregonians. We were out in the fresh air n' sunshine and happy about it. Excited for the greatly anticipated "Door Show" hosted by the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery.

Mary Lou Zeek's "Door Show #5" was fantastic! Every door was a masterpiece! Mary Lou did a fantastic job at printing off beautifully designed maps to guide viewers around the downtown area revealing a unique and beautiful door in each new location. If you didn't make it down to the "Door Show" this Wednesday, no worries, the show runs May 3rd-28th. Check the Mary Lou Zeek Website for Gallery hours, then stop into the gallery to see the doors on displayed there. Don't forget to pick up your "Door Show" tour map so you can experience this show in its entirety.

Artwalk Map

In addition to the "Door Show", there was a lot happening in connection to the May Artwalk. Unfortunately, many of us were not sure what was happening or where it was happening. Before heading out for the evening, I checked several websites to see if I could find an Artwalk map but failed. Pools of people consulted one another about specific artists and events they were looking for. It was a fun but an ineffective exchange of conversation. I loved everything I saw and everyone I met but still wondered how many exhibits and events I missed this Wednesday. So, in a selfish effort to be in the know of what is happening in the Salem art scene... I created the beginnings of a "First Wednesday Artwalk Map". This map can be viewed on my Website by selecting the "First Wednesday Artwalk" tab.

The information included on this map is incomplete and is in the process of being compiled and organized. If you are performing, exhibiting or hosting an arts event to take place on the First Wednesday in Downtown Salem for the months of May or June and would like to be included on this map please contact me via this website or by leaving me a comment on this post and I will do my best to include you. Please include the following information: Business Name/Location/Web Address, Artist Name/Medium/Web Address, Date of First Wednesday participating in, Artist Reception times/details.

All in all it was a fantastic night and look forward the the next First Wednesday Artwalk event in June!

FRAMING YOUR ARTWORK

"Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart, to give yourself to it" -Buddha

As an artist I spend hours in my studio creating works of art. It is a deeply rewarding process that effects me emotionally, physically and spiritually. When I am finished with a painting I feel a bit protective. It seems that if the artwork were to become scratch or damaged it would never be the same again. The added paint and new brushstrokes that would be required for repair would seem superficial and detached from the rest of the artwork.

Keeping that in mind, now consider the next step in the process for prepare the artwork for sale... picture framing. All picture framers and picture framing companies are NOT created equal. It is vital that when choosing a picture framing shop that they be a reputable establishment with experienced employees offering a service at an affordable price. I have been using Affordable Framing here in Salem Oregon for the past 20 years. It is a natural choice for me as my husband works for this company. However, every working artist from this area that I know and at least one prominent gallery entrust their works of art to this company.

If you don't live in the area and are unable to use Affordable Framing as your picture framing source, you can use them as a model for what should be looking for in a picture framing shop.

Current Customers:
Ask around. Talk to artists, photographers, arts organizations and galleries in your local area and ask them whom they have their framing done by and why. Don't be afraid to ask if they were happy with the finished work, if it was completed on time and if the employees were knowledgeable and easy to work with. Professionals in the arts community frame artwork on a weekly/monthly basis and will be basing their opinions and recommendations not on just one experience but more likely hundreds of finished picture framing projects.

Business & Employee Longevity:
Look for a picture framing business that has passed the "test of time". Check out their websites and look for evidence of longevity. For example, Affordable Framing has been in the framing business for 24 years. Randy their workshop manager (my husband) has been working for Affordable Framing for over 20 years. Tim the South Store Manager has been there almost as long as Randy. Most employees working for Affordable Framing have been employed there for over 10 years. This says a lot about a company. Not only does it reflect the company’s commitment to their employees but also in turn, it benefits the costumers by providing them with experienced and knowledgeable staff.

Affordable Service:
Shop around. Once you have gathered up recommendations from the arts community and determined the experience of the company and staff, it is time to consider picture framing cost. As an artist, I frame a lot of artwork. I not only need a quality but also affordable picture framing service. Affordable Framing promises to "beat any written price quote by 10%" and that their "every day prices are almost always lower that "50% off" sales at other frame stores". In addition, they offer a "satisfaction guarantee". When looking at cost don't forget to consider the quality of materials the store is using. When looking at matt board, look for: Acid Free Crescent Board or Acid Free Bainbridge board. When looking at picture frame profiles, look for names like: Larsen Juhl, Nielson and Roma. Universal and Omega are also reputable and affordable picture framing molding companies.

It is never easy for an art collector or artist to entrust their original artworks or limited edition prints to a stranger. Researching the possibilities in your area should take a minimal amount of time and I believe you will find, it is well worth the effort.

Shop Online at the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery!

Mary Lou Zeek Gallery has a terrific new option for purchasing artwork. In addition to her amazing, newly remodeled gallery in Salem Oregon, you can now view and purchase available artworks via the Mary Lou Zeek website!

I always have several original acrylic paintings available at the gallery but in addition, Mary Lou is currently featuring three of my paintings via her online shop.

Stacking Fields I & II are the first two paintings in a series that feature bold, expressive fields with a semi-abstract feel.

Stacking Fields I (landscape, above/left) measures 8 by 24 inches tall and is a great painting for a narrow wall-space that demands color and attention.

Stacking Fields II (landscpe, above/right) is a small painting from the same series measuring 6 by 6 inches. It is finished with a deep floater frame that allows the painting to be hung on the wall as well as displayed on a shelf, mantel or table.

Out of Line II (urban-scape, lower/right) is the second in a series of original acrylic paintings featuring birds that are in flight within an urban setting. Out of Line II is predominantly sky blue with a dreamy contrast of distant birds, utility wires and pole. It is finished with a deep floater frame that offers many display options.

The Mary Lou Zeek Online Shop is not only a great way to purchase availalbe contemporary artworks from a trusted gallery but also an opportunity to preview the gallery inventory prior to your next upcoming visit. So, if you havn't already, give the Mary Lou Zeek Online Shop a look and check out my featured works at: marylouzeekgalleryshop.bigcartel.com !