Monthly Archives: February 2011

ken edwards: a modern twist on phoenix rising?

Sign up here to receive the DAM newsletter.

When Ken Edwards retired after 30 years as a firefighter he began to experiment with making art – sculpture, furniture and paintings.

Large Cultivator
found object, poplar, acrylic, 32″ x 16″ x 2.5″

There is something poetic about Edwards’ path: From a lifetime of working to stop the chaos and damage of raging, uncontrolled flames, where he likely saw much sorrow and destruction, to a more sedate environment where he controls the materials in a manner that brings beauty into the world.


Pick
found object, poplar, acrylic, 26″ x 25″ x 3″

The self-taught artist now splits his time between painting and creating sculpture with wood, acrylic paint and found objects.

Pick No. 4
found object, poplar, acrylic, 18″ x 12″ x 3″

Pick No. 2
found object, poplar, acrylic, 26″ x 22″ x 3″

“My work is nonobjective – a combination of shapes, marks, colors, textures and happy accidents. My passion for this work has grown steadily and I look forward to doing it for a long time to come.” Ken Edwards

Hammer
found object, poplar, acrylic, 11″ x 5″ x 2″

“Being largely self taught allows a certain freedom to explore the use of materials, but creates difficulty in discussing what I do in art-speak.” Ken Edwards

get your art online

paper doll necklace

Sign up here to receive the DAM newsletter.

get your art online

tamara laird’s paisley monuments

Sign up here to receive the DAM newsletter.

I wanted to post this slide show last night, but we had a sushi-making dinner party here and by the time it was over I was too tired to post! However, it looks like you enjoyed Sunday’s bonus post – thank you for such uplifting comments and feedback – humbling indeed.

Image via The Georgetowner

As part of my internship at Flux Studios, Novie Trump took me on a field trip to Georgetown see a solo show featuring friend and fellow ceramic artist Tamara Laird at Cross Mackenzie Ceramic Arts. The large sculptures, some with metallic glazes that looked like metal, fed my incessant need for swirls, and curves.

{NOTE: Watch the slideshow in full screen mode for the best effect – and to see the captions.}

I don’t know which was more delightful, the whimsical forms or getting to know Tamara over lunch. The sculptures seemed to be gesturing to us sweetly in some unfamiliar language. Full of people personality, I was waiting for them to jump off their pedestals and dance me around the room.

Read a very informative article about the artist, her worldwide travels and how living abroad for several years continues to impact her work today.

Image via The Georgetowner

Tamara’s website is under construction, but she assures me it will be up soon. When it is live, do check it – not only for her sculpture – but for her ceramic pod jewelry as well. I saw the pods and they are spectacular. Coming soon. . .

Thanks Novie and Tamara – it was a great day!

get your art online

one hour of one day in dc

Sign up here to receive the DAM newsletter.

One day last week I rode the Metro for an hour, getting off every couple of stops to take pictures in the surrounding neighborhoods. Here are a few of my photos from the streets of DC – hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed my experiment.

This slide show is best viewed in full screen mode. I’ll be back this evening with another slide show – have a great day!

get your art online

christina bothwell explores below the surface

Sign up here to receive the DAM newsletter.

Christina Bothwell successfully uses a variety of materials to convey the narrative of her sculptures, but it is the cast glass elements that pull me in and leave me wanting to know more of the story.

Twins
cast glass, raku fired clay, oil paints, wood
24″ x 15″ x 11″

Phoenix
cast glass, raku fired clay, oil paints, wood
60″ x 33″ x 21″

What lies below the surface fascinates me and I try to capture the qualities of the “unseen” that express the sense of wonder that I feel in my daily existence. Christina Bothwell

Although Bothwell’s sculpture might be categorized by some as dark or somber, I see it as work that redefines beauty and perfection. Her figures feel familiar to me, maybe because the underbelly she shares is a place I know well and don’t fear. Bothwell is drawn to the cycle of birth, death and renewal. She asks us to go deeper, to go under the surface in our interactions, relationships and connections. Underneath the neat and tidy surface, where fears, flaws, decline and decay reside – this is often where you find the real treasure if you are brave enough to navigate the territory.

Past Lives
cast aluminum, ceramics, oil paints, window glass
34″ x 20″ x 12″

I am attracted to glass because it can do everything that other sculptural media can; in addition, it offers an inner space and transmits light. Christina Bothwell

Everything Hidden is Revealed
cast glass, raku fired clay, oil paints, wood
47 x 18 x 10

Tree
cast glass, raku fired clay, oil paints
44″ x 17″ x 13″

I think of these pieces as souls, each being pregnant with their own potential, giving birth to new, improved versions of themselves. Christina Bothwell

Bonus Post & Weekend Recycled Glass Class

There is still room in the recycled glass class this weekend at Washington Glass Studio led by renowned Eco Artist Erwin Timmers – I’ll be there for some of it – will you?

Erwin Timmers, What We Leave Behind

Check back over the weekend – I’m also working on several slide shows of images from the apprenticeship project and I will post at least one on Saturday or Sunday.

get your art online