Rain, Rain, Go Away!

It has been raining for 40 days and 40 nights, and luckily my boss is a skilled woodworker and is building an ark. Anyone with animals is urged to contact us right away. Ok so maybe it's not THAT bad, but I might have forgotten what the sun looks like. Evidently it's the worst flood Rhode Island has seen in hundreds of years. The basement got a bit puddled, and closed roads made it a terrible trek home, but other than that we got away pretty easily. At least it forced me to clean out the garage (which was getting a little out of hand) and was also housing all my artwork. Fortunately, it all seemed to avoid getting wet.

On a happier note, here is my latest piece. This is Trinity church in Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard. You will see this and much more of my work at Gallery X on April 17. Opening reception is from 7-9, so come on by and drink some wine and see some fabulous artwork by me, and the rest of the Southern New England Artist Community (SNAC). See you there!

Women With Car

I've finished a few more pieces for my upcoming show on April 17th at Gallery X in New Bedford. This one is from another old family photo and is burned on 10"x 8" baltic birch. The last few pieces have been just as small, (including another one I haven't posted yet) so my next piece is going to be a bit bigger.

I've been working on some new kitchen cabinets for work, and this past week I've been taking off the old ones. I snagged a few that have a nice decorative arch on them that I think will make for the perfect burning. I think doing some pieces on some cool found objects (wooden of course, such as the cabinets) will really liven things up for a while. Maybe an old violin or guitar will be next? Who knows...feel free to send me any old items you may have up in the attic that would make for a great woodburning masterpiece...

My New Venture in Furniture Making...

The past few months I've been working with a cabinet maker and learning all about furniture making. It's a great step forward for me, and I'm really enjoying it. I still feel very new at it and am facing new challenges every day, but I'm quite determined to become great at it. I'm looking forward to the day when I have the skill set to go in the shop and make my own furniture from beginning to end. You'll recognize them from the beautiful woodburnings that will decorate them. I still have a ways to go. But until then, here are some pictures of some pieces we've been working on.

This is a gorgeous mantlepiece that has been one of our main projects for the past few months. The installation took about two weeks and was a huge eye opener for me, as I was still very new to the whole process. I think it came out amazing, and am very proud to have been a part of it.

This corner cabinet was strategically designed to hide the part of the mantlepiece that protruded from the other side of the wall from the living room into the dining area. It has a distressed finish that we created by...well, that's a secret. You might recognize this look on the frames I made for my artwork. The antique style compliments the woodburnings perfectly, as well as this corner cabinet.

Finally we have this cherry vanity. I think the finish on this came out absolutely gorgeous- it's hard to tell from the photo, but it is so shiny and smooth, it's almost like glass. So as you can see, I've been a little busy. More woodburning artwork coming soon!

Woman In Garden

Here is my next woodburning from the same series (see below). I love her pose, the shape of her body made for a great composition and flow of the piece. I'm not exactly sure who this is, there was no info written on the back of the photo. Maybe a great aunt? If this doesn't top the Mona Lisa, I don't know what will!

Old Family Photo Album

Come on now, who doesn't love puppies? I recently came across some old family photos dating from over a hundred years ago. I've always loved old fashioned photos, and judging from their remarkably good condition, these albums must have been tucked away for quite some time. Girl with Puppy is part of a woodburning series from the family album. More coming soon! Be sure to come check out these new pieces at the Viking Hotel's Christmas Craft and Artisan show on Saturday, November 28th!
1 Bellevue Ave. Newport, RI 10am to 5pm. See you there!

Portsmouth, RI

A quaint little windmill in Portsmouth, RI. The water was a bit of a challenge for me, but I think it panned out alright. Thanks to family friend, John Hopf for letting me use his photography for inspiration. Happy Birthday to John, who turned 90 this week. (Or 89...he's not really sure.)
Hand woodburned on 12"x12" baltic birch.

Newport Sculpture By The Water

Here is my next piece from Newport. It was a beautiful, sunny day outside so I dragged Steve with me once again to go take some more photographs. The weather is definitely starting to get cooler, so I'm trying to take advantage of these nice days we've been having. Soon all the flowers and leaves will be all gone- but pumpkins are starting to pop up, so I'm thinking of doing some fall inspired burnings in October. Look for this and my other work at the Scituate Art Festival coming up in just a few weeks!
Woodburning on Baltic Birch, 13"x10"