Whispering Angels® Art Studio

About today:

2012-01-19T12:06:00.000-05:00

Trying to clean my house. Feng Sway not right. Keeping the flow of positive energy throughout. Making a peaceful atmosphere. Artistic muses at hand. But the floor is dirty. Well, I could wait until Sat. and have someone else clean it! But I hate giving orders. Even if I ask please. It turns into an order and an upsetting arguement with my teenager. Well Well my dear Teen ager, where do you lie your head at night? Who drives you everywhere hundreds of times a day even if we just back from there because you forgot your cell phone? Please vacume. Finially she will accept my request for help. It doesnt matter. Today is another beautfiful day and I am creating art again and loving it.

January 10th, 2012

2012-01-10T11:11:00.000-05:00

I am wanting to express myself verbally in my blog. As a child I could write and write, and I did write in a journal, a diary for many, many years; 8 years, then another 5. After a house fire I was able to salvage some of my journals which included my teenage, PTSD years. Very troubled young woman I was. Being half autistic, and the other half artistic, and the rest of my psyche traumatized makes for some pretty wild art; Healing art for 10 years.....now my art has changed. Going through menopause puts some changes to my psyche as well; pure spiritual freedom and content at last. But now I must finish what i have started, or do i start again where i finished??? That is my question to myself at hand. I am just going to start using all the found objects and materials I have and start creating my awsome mixed media art; downsize and clean house. At the very least I have it all, however life still interrupts me; interruptions that any woman with 5 grown kids could incur. Grandkids, new babies, old babies still in high school! My My! Burnt out brain from so many drugs that kept me alive as I grew up, yet now, full circle, the therapy of pharmaceutical drugs keeps me sane. I tried everything homeopathy; healing my adrenals, thyroid hormone, dopamine, serotonin, even BHRT for years.
Okay, my point here? Nothing. Just sayin. lol

The Be Good Tanyas - Human Thing [Official Music Video]

2011-07-15T21:26:00.000-04:00

Transforming the form of human

2011-07-06T11:24:00.000-04:00

I see everything evolving, changing, and becoming enlightened. Everything; the universe, humans and their consciousness, animals, nature, old mother earth, and I am learning to be more present in my everyday thoughts and activities. I have so much to learn still. Id like to learn to celebrate more fully each and every moment I own; no matter what is in that moment; taking it and lapping it up like a thirsty puppy! The ever changing consciousnesses that is awakening inside and around me with my thoughts is something I am going to allow to let be....because I just AM. love to all.

Fall in CT

2010-10-23T15:35:00.000-04:00

Fall in CT is mid full swing and will be here untill around Feb. 1st as always with exciting artisitic adventures, exhibitions, and excitement. Even though the economy is still brewing one way or another artists have gotten together in thier usual psychic, karmaic, artistic ways with the energy that always flows when its around; stirring up emotions, creating laughter, making one dance the night away. Even in the most dullest of places you will find us because that is why we are here. Artists make life happen; we stir up the ozone and atoms. We quicken the heart with prickled emotion that stirs the mind that make the body move which will, in turn, create a vibrant flow of souls building positive energies. The creative, collective conscientiousness of artists will in due time help make Connecticut a vibrant place to live and work. Hartford, CT HEART-forwards, Connection City!!!! Bring it on.

2010-07-06T22:49:00.000-04:00

Summer 2010 continued....

2010-07-06T22:46:00.000-04:00

However, Ive been doing other things....besides driving my 14 year old teen, and cooking meals and doing laundry. Ive been investigating old foundations around the state; looking for old metal parts and bottles and broken crocks for when I begin doing my mosaic wall. The metal I use in sculpture. I find old maps for the areas I am interrested in with the old houses, then I match them up with newer maps to make sure I am not digging in someones' back yard. I gather up my equipment; machete, shovel, small hand rake, back pack, bandana, water, battery powered sawzaw, metal detector, and Im off. This past weekend I found some very interresting rock mounds, about 8 random placed piles about body sizes. Im not sure if they were Indian graves or not. Ive had some training with old boundary line evidences and understand how the old farmers used to place their virginia rail fences along wetland areas or hard to dig ledges and such, but these were random and not in that uniform way for these fences. I looked up "stone piles", "Indian graves" and other words and only found "Indian Ceremonial Stones" that somewhat fit this discription. It was an erie feeling being around them, and I wanted to take the stones apart, but decided not to. I will go back and do some investigating in that area again. Only I will look for another type of stone pile where there could be some pottery perhaps. All the foundations I looked around had already been dug up. So, while I am still waiting for my season to create again I am plenty busy doing other things I enjoy. Gardening has become a chore now. While usually spring I am all ready for that because I LOVE my flowers and eating fresh from my vegie gardens. I love to watch things blossom and grow and my best harvest are the smells of my mints, wild geraniams, and lavendars which I dry and use all winter on my woodstove in the pot of water for healing and pleasing art processes. Being an evolving artist is sweet. Understanding the cycles and growth spirts have been hard, but Im starting to understand how they go now. Which means I am finially beginning to understand myself. God its been along time coming.

Summer 2010

2010-07-06T21:25:00.000-04:00

Well, still not created anything too big lately. Moving has taken me quite a while to settle up and get used to things in my new studio. My husband is just now building my blacksmith shop, and I hopefully will soon be pounding away at some of the ideas Ive jotted down, and have in my creative mind. I have an opportunity to put something public on Block Island, RI again! which I would LOVE to do, cuz its such a special place. Im a bit tired these days as family wears me out, and trying to balance everyone is discouraging to my creativeness and getting anything started. Starting a process usually takes me a few days to settle in, and thats where Im having trouble cuz I am constantly inturrepted. But I have to keep my wits about me and not think its the end of the world. Its not....but it sure feels like it. I complain alot too, only to keep me sain. Ill try to post more often.
Karen

Encaustic Painting

2010-04-22T22:41:00.000-04:00

Ive been doing Encaustic paintings and mixed media. Very lovely medium using bees wax, Damar Wax, oil pastel and bronze powers for pigments. Next I am going to learn to archival way of adhearing the waxes to board or canvas so it will last a thousand years or more. Encaustic is very smooth, yet you have to work fast. It layers on and makes your work seem 3d all most. I love it. I shave the bees wax and melt it while it is on my wood stove to about 200 Then I crush the Damar wax and slowly add it until throughly melted. Thats when you actually have an "encaustic" medium. I pour that into little 6 oz plastic cups and allow it to set so the bark from the Damar wax settles to the bottom. After it has set, I place it in the freezer a while so it will POP out of the plastic container without destroying the container. Then I take my exacto knif and scrape off the bark so i start with a clean bill of wax. I put that back in the pot that goes on the fire, melt and begin to add pigments for color.
I use a pancake griddle for a palate. Temp at 220. Mixing just like I would oil paints and start painting. I have got to next create a rabbit hide glue gesso for my next process of artwork and my self taught encaustic process will be complete. Im soo proud of myself being able to do all these neat artistic things. Cant wait to start up my steel forge though. Been waiting all year for that. Moving has set me back a little while, however, two steps back, 4 steps forward!! HECK YA!

Spring 2010

2010-04-22T22:29:00.000-04:00

This spring is coming along slow but beautifully steady. Cooler nights, with warm days. But not as much sun as I would like. Ive been gardening and yard clean up. Entered a few art shows, but mostly getting ready to head to Alabama to help my daughter who is pregnant put her first baby's room together. Baby is due June12 or so....

Being a Grandmother is exciting too. All my children are patient and good to put up with my wild, carefree artful self. The spirit is theirs.

Coming OUT of the fog!

2010-04-12T21:51:00.000-04:00

This is all very good....As borderline as I think I may or may not be. I am choosing NOT to be. Ive been going to psychotherapy to a woman who is very intuitive, a healer, and very loving. She has given me light for my future, and I am thinking this move is what actually threw me off balance. However "grounded" I was before the move, which wasnt very much so because of all the toxic energies surrounding that place, moving definitely made things worse for me. And not creating art for 6 months while remodeling my house was even worse with someone here each day and all that. Now, I am JUST beginning to get out of the fog. Spring is here, I started my welder up today WHICH IS HUGE! I LOVE, LOVE encaustic painting. I will never give that up for sure.
I am choosing to be a healthy person, and loving it.

Facebook | Cathleen MclainJewelry

2010-02-24T13:51:00.000-05:00

Facebook | Cathleen MclainJewelry

Encaustic Painting

2010-02-17T15:14:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I started Encaustic Painting. I bought the bees wax from a local distributor, and ordered some Damar Wax from a place in Upstate NY. I found a couple of flat irons at the flea market, and bought a hot plate at Sears for 24.99. I went to the public library for books about encaustic painting techniques but they had NONE!
I think for the North Eastern part of the US this painting technique is not as popular right now as to why I am doing it. I love doing things most other artists are not doing so I feel like I have an edge to my unique creating.
I dont take classes usually, however, I did take classes for welding and metalsmithing mainly to learn the saftey of it, and some other key things.... but im not doing that right now. The library did find some books in Greenwich CT that they are bringing to their library for me to research. I love experimental work, and using the natural waxes gives me a sense of wholeness rather than poisionous smelling sealers. I also love the translucence of it with the ability to layer quickly as to not disrupt my process. Not ever attending painting classes has been a down fall for me however, because using color is key I know. I tend to make my paintings very busy, and usually too dark. I noticed that using oil paint under the waxes as a background is not necessarily a good way to go unless your paint is COMPLETELY dry. So, I had some smearing going on after I heated it. One thing I dont like about this technique is while heating it your painted wax moves around. I tried using both torch and heat gun and it did it with both. I put some papers down into the heated wax and that works very well. So layering with papers can be a fun thing. Melting and mixing the waxes was easy.
And today I used my woodstove top to keep my pot of clear wax melted for use when I needed it. I have

a bit of a problem with ventilation... as the Damar smells alittle chemically, so I opened a door and put a fan to move it outside. That worked. I dont have the powder color to color the waxes yet, so I took some of my good pastels and crushed them up. That worked perfectly fine. I think they are oil pastells, but not sure. They did crush nicely and disolve with the wax with a good consistancy. At any rate, I am happy with this medium and will be experimenting and learning more about it.

The Moving ARtist

2009-12-01T12:21:00.000-05:00

After years of complaints to my hubby that I needed to move out from where we were in the middle of a small city with noisy neighboors, and small art quarters, we finially moved. And the place is a picture of heaven for me with a 4000sf barn where I can weld my larger sculpture inside, and paint and create as much art as I want too in a country setting with a beautiful brook to listen to. The serienity is perfectly balanced with natures best creatures as well; dragonflies, hawks, birds, deer, and numerious interesting bugs, frogs, and varments. But the torchurous, exausting move was something I hope every artist can prepare themself for unlike I did. I wasnt prepared to make this move. Particually all the junk I had stored up for "future art projects". And the inability to create art with a process which was a life matter for me is the most depressing thing that can happen to an artist such as myself. I need to create everyday. But we had to remodel the old 1850 house we bought with the barn. And in order for it to get done under a budget I had to be the helper. It isnt so bad at first, but after a few months of living in a small quarters with limited cooking and laundry facilities it gets tiresome. And without going into too much detail, my emotional stress factors are not very healthy either.
I mean organizing and setting up an art space I never worked in before is sorta hard. Everything is a process for me. It took me 10 years to create the old studio. I knew where everything was, every tool, ever stick of glue, every bottle of paint, everything. Now, all over the place. Ive been told that it is to be something new, and different now, which means what? New and different art? I mean my process is lost right now, still remodeling, yet dreaming of what to create each day. My fellow friend artist tells me that while all these creations are being bottled up inside, once I DO start the process again It will flow like a river. I certainly hope so. I feel lost most of these remodeling days. Its like I lost myself almost. Im not a quitter, but I do feel like giving up alot lately. I used to be securely happy in my studio creating everyday, but now, I dont feel apart of anymore. Im sure Ill be fine once everything is in place again and I am working, but how long will that be.
If I take it one day at a time and stay in the moment, well, Im not creating, so, there ya go. If I could remodel the house the way "I" want it, then that could be an outlet for me, but I have to do it the way the bread winner, and non artist husband wants things. Thats what really blows. Im one of these artists who just needs a barn with a bed and a sink to live each day. Maybe im blowing off steam, perhaps so, but moving really sucks!
Its the worst thing an artist can do for sure.

2009-10-12T10:18:00.001-04:00

HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST OPEN 2009

Welcome to participate in the Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest 2009, sponsored by Karen J Wassmer, and Whispering Angels® Art Studio. This contest is for any participating participant who carves their own pumpkin THIS YEAR! Our family has done this in years past, and I am expanding this traditional event this year to provide myself with a reason to create something new and unusual....."A TRICK OR TREAT????!"
The winner will get that piece of artwork I create. There are 3 judges. (I need 2 more judges, Linda preferably and another artist on facebook.) Each participant should register as a friend of mine or new friend with the words "I want to WIN" in the freindship request quotation part that is furnished here on facebook. If you are already my friend, then just mention it to me in a message so I can write your name on my list I will keep here at my computer. YOU CANNOT PARTICIPATE UNLESS YOU ASK ME TO PUT YOUR NAME ON THIS LIST SO I CAN FOLLOW YOUR PROGRESS!. Next, you have to buy your own pumpkin and take pictures of you next to this pumpkin, and then another picture of yourself carving the thing. Then you take a picture next to the finished, lit, pumpkin. The judges will judge your pumpkin by your carving methods, the idea which you carved, and the finished installation or piece. (what it looks like all dun and lit up!) So, the simplified rules follows:
1.) Sign up with me, Karen Harper Wassmer Bestartistever, as a friend, new or old, by stating in a private message to me, "I WANT TO WIN". At which point I will put your name on my list by my computer here.
2.)Go by the pumpkin you will carve; take a picture of it and upload it to MY profile page. (No title necessary at this time.) If you dont know how to post a picture on someone elses profile.... LEARN.
3.)Start carving and creating. Anything you want. Abstract, spooky, contemporary, traditional, all apply. (MY PREFERENCE is ABSTRACT!) :> After you have gotten about half way through carving, post another picture of your self carving the pumpkin on my profile page. (looks better than farmville posts!!)
4.)After you finish the work of pumpkin art, you post it again with yourself next to it. There will be points added for the finished presentation of YOU! with your pumpkin. So, be creative with your pumpkin. Put it on your head and light a candle in your mouth. Put your pumpkin in a tree and hang down the limb like a monkey! (alright, not that farout.) But yea, just do something really cool.
The winner will be notified on my profile page as well as on their private messages by me. At which time I can collect the $2,000 winners fee...... just kidding. I will get your address and ship you the artwork.
Good luck!! and have fun.

2009-09-13T23:49:00.003-04:00

Living in a dream, falling apart at the seams!
just playing a part of the scene.

I managed before.

2009-09-12T00:47:00.002-04:00

2009-09-12T00:46:00.002-04:00

Something about this one makes me want to sing.

2009-09-12T00:41:00.003-04:00

Life has been upside down lately. We moved into a great, quiet, artistically enhanced house with a huge barn for my sculpture creations, and the move has been torchbearer, yet rewarding. I am still organizing things, but I want to forge some steel lately and cannot, so I draw these ridculous things. So, just how I am. And life is good and
all that stuff. No great words of wisdom, just
art.

New SpringWidget

2009-05-03T23:24:00.001-04:00

Get this widget!

Something Funny

Press Release

2009-03-25T12:18:00.001-04:00

For Immediate Release:
100 PEARL STREET GALLERY TO SHOWCASE LOCAL ‘TV STAR’ ARTISTS
Dateline: Hartford Connecticut, March 24, 2009
On Thursday April 30, the Gallery at 100 Pearl Street will host a reception, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM, marking the opening of a new VIP Group Show featuring an unique cluster of Connecticut artists.
The works on exhibit shall incorporate an unconventional variety of materials; carved brick, sequined plaster, feathers under glass. But they all share a rare distinction: recent exposure on a nationally syndicated TV series. Specifically, on HGTV’s 'That's Clever!', which profiles outstanding crafters from every part of the United States. Each artist’s ‘star’ project will be on display, along with other works in their medium of expertise. Streaming videos of their ‘That’s Clever!’ episodes, demonstrating how each artwork was made, will be available for viewing. The exhibit is scheduled to run from April 2 to May 29. Gallery Hours are from 8am - 5pm Monday through Friday. There are limited weekend hours, so please call 860-293-3374 before visiting on Saturday and Sunday.
Additional receptions and opportunities to meet the artists and view their inspiring work will be held on "First Thursdays" , including Thursday April 2, and Thursday, May 7, both evenings are from 5pm to 7pm.
The April 30 artists reception will be the finale event for Arts Week at 100 Pearl, a building-wide campaign in support of the Greater Hartford Arts Council's annual United Arts Campaign that is a vital source of funding to more than 150 community arts and heritage organizations, arts education programs, community events, and individual artists throughout the Greater Hartford region.
Judy Weinstein, Workplace Giving Director for the Greater Hartford Arts Council, had this to say about the show: “For a community our size, the Greater Hartford region has an extraordinary cultural community with not only institutions, their performances, and their arts education programs, but wonderful individual artists as well. What perfect timing, that Karen Rossi and 20 other talented Connecticut artists will have their work on display in a convenient downtown location, just as the warming weather invites us to take a break from our desks and do something to reduce stress and put smiles on our faces!” Karen's star project, one of her well known whimsical kitchen witch portraits, sported a basket of eggs and a
wine opener. The feature shows Karen creating the piece from a blank sheet of metal to handpainting and attaching the charms in 6 quick minutes of fame.
Elizabeth Marsh, the concierge at 100 Pearl who is employed by The Silverman Group- the building owner- says, ”We are excited to be able to offer this viewing opportunity to Hartford residents; to make them aware of the talent that exists in our own state, and to promote the arts in this region.”
The Home and Garden Network, America's leader in Home and Lifestyle programming, is one of cable’s top-rated networks. A premier showcase for programs focusing on home acquisition & improvement, tours of distinctive dwellings, and general creativity, HGTV is distributed to over 89 million U.S. households. ‘That’s Clever!’- formerly titled ‘Crafters Coast To Coast’- has run nearly 500 episodes (and counting!), spotlighted real-life artisans and their creations. This informative series can be viewed Monday through Friday, at 8:00 AM.
Karen Rossi is the founder and owner of Rossi Studios in Meriden , CT. She is recognized worldwide for her charming, highly original portraits and metal sculptures of people, places, and lifestyles. Recently unveiled have been several large-scale commissions. In November, a 24-foot weathervane sculpture was installed at Evergreen Walk, a specialty mall in South Windsor , CT. In addition, South Windsor Library became home to two large, whimsical flying characters. Most recently, Karen has been working on a wall sculpture commission for the neonatal unit of Saint Francis Hospital , along with murals for the Children’s Hospital of Boston . Her work is represented internationally in many public and private collections.
For further information, contact:
Karen Wassmer, Whispering Angels® Art Studio, Wallingford, Ct has been creating and selling art and fine craft for 10 years in New England and NYC. As a crafter she was in fine arts and crafts shows throughout
Connecticut. In NY sold her art at Crafts on Columbus, and Lincolon Center American Crafts Festival. Her award winning unique, one-of-a-kind sculptures have now been featured on HGTV's "Thats Clever" to air April 6th at 8am. She is currently creating larger, public art, for numerous venues including Downtown Stamford, Long Branch, NJ, Block Island, RI, and now for the summer her "Seal" will be on exhibit in Terminal A, Bradley International Airport with "The Art of Oil" exhibition.
Karen J Wassmer
Whispering Angels® Art Studio
Wallingford CT
203-265-1040
http://www.whisperingangelsart.com
w.angel@snet.net
Judy Weinstein at the Greater Hartford Arts Council
Hartford, CT
860-525-8629 ext. 225
judywsings@aol.com
Elizabeth Marsh, Concierge at 100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT
860-293-3374

HGTV "Thats Clever" IM ON IT!

2009-03-18T08:50:00.001-04:00

APRIL 6th, 8AM. Watch me with a double segment on "That's Clever". It'll be a HOOT.

The Government Wants US to SPEND!

2009-03-18T08:37:00.002-04:00

What a joke. First off, to buy WHAT? The crap they have left over for us to buy in stores that are made in China, Japan, Honduras, and where ever else but US? I dont think so. The stock market is the thing that has made us Global. The high hoggers who wanted their goods to go sky high in stock market prices so they would benefit. They dont care if their crap falls apart, or is tainted with posion, or filled with led and God knows what else to slowly kill us. Its true! I say PUT SOME good ole American Crafted handi wares out there and Ill spend my money. As it stands right now I buy all my goods at the flea market. I mean if its anything tangable. But even food these days, which is grown local, is sold at the flea markets because the stores dont wanna pay for local or deal with locally grown food distributors. I dont know for sure, but I do know Im NOT, NOT, NOT, shopping at WAL FUCKING MART. I hate that place. I dont like the way they run their stores, or the way they treat their employees. I have a friend who has been tormented to the hilt working at walmart because she is older and they are trying to get her to quit. The only people who shop at our Walmart are all the Mexicans who migrated up here. And thats because they dont know any better. Americans have to pull together and start demanding on American made products. I think if we dont when it comes time to start cracking down because of world war III, guess who's gonna be stuck with no machinery? US! Oh yea, I see it now, we go to war with China because someone picked their nose wrong in front of their ambassator and WAM! Who will make our Goods then? Our factories are going bye bye, all the equipment is going bye bye, and the trade itself with all its know how and skilled people is going bye bye.
Ask any student how to even use a hammer, or a screw gun, or any metal working tool? Zilch.
Build, TRAIN, and sell. Then I will buy.

Slap my FACE!

2009-03-09T13:54:00.002-04:00

Look. I buy American Made. I have been faithful to the Chevy and Ford folks and look. They just
beg, and beg, and then get all two faced. Do you think this is real? Im not even sure. Are they actually merging into one company? We own 4 chevy vans and 4 ford vans. So, damn.

Astrology Charts

2009-03-04T18:45:00.003-05:00

Yep, the old astrology thing. Some say its voo doo, some think its hog wash, some say it is even a sin, but I say it is something to go by epically when you are dealing with personality struggles, (or EGO struggles.) If anybody gets "Newsweek Mag" and actually reads it, this week there is an article about Obama and the speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, and their head banging ego trips with thier positions and all. First thing I said was, "What are their astrological signs". Well, it turns out Obama is a LEO, and Nancy is an ARIES! I knew it. Well, not what their signs were, but that it was probablly something to do with their birthcharts. I looked them up. And it looks to me like there are some squares going on. Im not a specialist in reading charts by no means, but I do know when an Aries and Leo dont mix because I am an Aries and my husband is a Leo. The REAL funny thing here is that in almost every astrology book Aries and Leo are supposed to be perfect matches. Unless, of course, some of their "houses" are squared out. Which means trouble. This is why when you get into a realationship ALWAYS get the person you are dating's TIME and DATE of BIRTH, so you can run to the computer and look up thier birth charts. Then look up yours and see how they match up. You can spend a few dollars and get the reading compairsion done for you as well. Its all about personality shifts and the way the planets of our universe push and pull on our energy. Which in turn effects your moods. I am extreemly intense during a full moon, or some kind of venus this or that. Even sudden weather changes create mood swings for us who are TUNED into ourselves. The SUN plays a super dooper important role in my life too. I have to use a sun lamp in the winter to prevent depression. And in the spring time, my birthday time, April, I am running like a pro and at my very best. Anyhow,
Here is a picture of both Obama's and Nancy's charts. Figure it out for your self.

MADE IN THE USA

2009-03-03T17:45:00.002-05:00

Where can we find things still made in our good ole USA? Right here. We should try to start buying form local farms, factories, and home town hidden manufacturers that we probably don't even know exist. I wonder how many of us RUN to Walmart every chance we get for any little thing?
Yea, I know its cheap, but you end up buying two or three of the same thing which is the same cost as a really good USA one anyhow. Even the clothes shrink and tear apart before a year is up.
I am not being ugly about this. I want and demand quality. The kind of quality we used to get when things were made around here. Old leather shoes, real jeans that you could wear for years. And
tools that did not break after only one or two uses. I used 8 drill bits last week drilling holes in my sheet metal sculpture. I finially said forget this. I went to a flea market and found some old drill bits that were made in Chicago, and I only used 2 after that. I drilled over 500 holes with them!
MADE IN THE USA!!!!

2009-03-03T12:34:00.002-05:00

Lets Build America Back

Not just everything that feels wrong about America, but the hearts seem sluggish to move along. Or is it just how the Government has made everything seem so bleek and broken. Maybe we are in a process and life cycle, and we are right where we are supposed to be. I tend to get sucked into all the media hoop la. Some of it is true. I think the worst thing is giving out the loans to folks who did not have a clue as to what they were getting into. I slap myself silly now because I nagged my husband for years about not being able to buy a HUGE fancy home like everybody else was doing. And even though he was not sure why we should not, he knew that something was not right. Plus, he said I would have to go back to work full time which I just was NOT going to do. To be honest, I would not work full time unless I absolutly had to. Guess I am just a survivalist. But that is sometimes not good enough. Maybe I owe the world much more than just "surviving". Being an artist is a gift from God. I dont make much money, but I do share it and create it and help people to smile. Thats all.

OIL DRM ART EXPO

2009-03-01T11:50:00.002-05:00

“The Balance”
by: Karen J Wassmer

America needs to take a serious stand on developing a hypothesis for
the balance of Environment, Energy, and Travel. The balance is essential
and therefore will take experimental risks in developing a working system
that will not only sustain our environment and eco systems, but also will
not deplete our energy resources. Developing new technologies are key
to this balance as well. As mainly a found object artist my artistic eye
uses familiar objects in new and different ways. I take risks with each
piece of artwork I create, and focus on my outcome as a whole. When
something does not work, I try again, but the parts are always
recognizable, and the ending result is usually what I intended. Sometimes
the ending result is a surprise because what we dont always know
how the unrelated parts can balance themselves out, and become a
whole working system on their own. This work of art is for this
visualization;
“The Balance” of our Energy crisis, the need for travel, and our
environment. Pushing the idea to the limits while preserving the parts
it is made from, and not giving up. We all need to think “out of the box”.
Or in this instance, out of the drum.

China's Goods

2009-02-19T23:57:00.003-05:00

I was all gun ho on supporting America and all its hardships, but after today trying to shop for tools and could not find a single American Made Tool I am back to feeling like nobody cares about
the fact that we are owned by China and everyother country that creates our goods. The tools are CRAP. And it frustrates me to think that perhaps there are behind closed door deals that involve our borrowing money if we sell their goods. Why are we not biting the bullet and not buying all the cheap products. Because if you wait and buy what you need because if it costs alittle more right now, we can start to see a shift in things and the prices will go down. You will end up buying more than one crappy tool or item which would cost you about the same of just one, really well made, American tool or item. Here is place on the web to look for American making Companies. If you own your own business and manufacter here in the US, please join up to this site. It is free.

Another item on my mind is allowing to let the media in the airport when our Dead Soldiers come home from wherever they are killed in duty. This was an article in Newsweek this week. Read it if you can. Let them be in Peace. At least untill they are released from the Military. Dead or Alive our Military still has authority over the soldiers. There are rules and regulations specifing the way to conduct themselves with a soldier who has lost their life. Deep respect I must say. Just read the article.

2009-02-19T00:53:00.002-05:00

2009-02-19T00:52:00.002-05:00

I love America

2009-02-19T00:39:00.002-05:00

If you read Newsweek this week, you would see what I mean. All the articles are about different countries and their economy. Perhaps intentional, but that does not matter; anything to get us going again is fine with me as long as it is truthful. We are all smart enough, I HOPE, to see when we are being toyed with by the media. Unlike China where they have been raised to believe that their country is the best in the world, so all the people believe it so. We know our circumstances around here. I do have faith in true Americans. The ones who were raised with our 10 commandments, Bible, and the Constitution. If things were to REALLY get bad, we would stand to fight for the right way to get ourselves out of this mess, but we pay taxes to fight for the messes THEY create. The "THEY" are the one ones who made the brave decisions to export our industrial revolution to other countries and bring about a trade that forever or NOT take our economic into custody. I know our people will make the right decisions. It all seems like it is the Government is at fault here. Perhaps so, but we are still on top. We are still the leading Nation, for whatever reason it tis so, we ARE NUMBER ONE. This year is going to be great. Change is here, yes, but I feel that the next couple of years will prove us to be the Nation that stands the truest to everything. It is a good thing. Just keep thinking positive, keep up the good work, because I know folks that read this blog are working, and if they are not, then they are standing still for a reason that only they know and will grow more from it. We stand great. We really do.

Stressful Thinking

2009-02-15T17:33:00.002-05:00

Lately Ive bee behind the wheel, trying to balance things out in my life between creating the artwork I need to and family. It has always been a challenging situation for me. I know it is because my artwork consumes my thinking and it then it takes my being in the right frame of mind with the proper stressless aura in order to begin a process in what ever I am going to create at that time. Sometimes it is like work though. For example, the sculpture I am creating is a matter of driving 30 min. to the garage and going to work at it; grinding, pounding, cutting, welding. It
is a lot, but I can only do THAT for about 4 hours straight then I am done. But my point is dealing with stressful days; being able to know where your stress levels are and how to control them.
If I am feeling stressed I used to push harder thinking if I did more I would not be getting stressed out. But now I realize if I stop a little bit and exercise in someway I tend to figure out what foot needs to go first in completing everything that needs to be done. Sometimes walking or hiking gives my mind the freedom it needs to unclutter itself. The Ego LOVES to be all cluttered up, making things a mess. Im realizing the difference in thinking in terms of EGO self and God self. If I am stressed out I am not living or operating with my God self. If it feels good and I am smiling then I am running my life the way it should be run. Much more rewarding. Peace be still.
I could say meditation can be a way to un stress myself, but when I am stressed the LAST thing I want to do is sit still and meditate somewhere, so if I am moving with excersize I am actually meditating in a way that usually ends up in a form of prayer or quiet mediation. Good. All is good.

Busy! Busy! Busy!

2009-02-12T23:37:00.000-05:00

Im finally starting to feel the winter lack of sunlight starting to shift into spring. Being an Aries, and born in April, I really get gun hoe in the spring time. I have managed to make a little money this week too. Almost $500 between my artwork selling at It's Only Natural restaurant, and Ebay.
I had picked up some tin, hand made cookie cutters a few years back at a tag sale in the Poconos somewhere for only 20. Ive been selling them off in lots of 5-8 on ebay. Today a lot sold for $129!!
Sweet!. But busy is the word. The tool sale gave me a beautiful 500 lb. steel welding table, a die punch with about 700 worth of dies to cut metal. Now I can punch out my tin or silver or whatever metals for jewelry production. Or just punch holes for screws. Anyhow, They dropped that table off. Ill have to start taking pictures. But I created these flowers out of vintage tin cans, screen, and nice vintage broaches to sell. The price is cheaper than what I want because they get 30%, however, it is what sells right now. People do have money, but they are not being frivolous with it right now. I do have pictures of the flowers. I havent been able to work on my metal seal because they wanted stuff at the resturant. I need workers! I could easily start an art factory. Which brings me to the important part of this days blogging. Should we buy products that are not made in America? How strongly do people feel about this outsourcing which has caused this mess? Or should we just stop buying and develope our own goods again? My first thoughts were to tax highly the companies that left sell back in America. But I think peoples' choice should be just to stop buying. Walmart is HUGE for selling crap made in other countries. All we have to do is start a bill. Does anybody know how to start a bill?

Buying Tools

2009-02-11T12:12:00.000-05:00

Im so happy today. There is a tag sale going on this weekend that I read about on Craigslist.
It is down the street from me, and also where I have been getting free woods to build with and burn for kindling when I need it. Accolade Furniture LLC‎. Tim, the owner is an expert in all design and metal work for his custom made furnature. He uses very fine quality exotic woods and finishes. He is clearing out a huge space in his workshop; getting rid of "twos" that he has accumulated . All metal working tools. I bought me a very nice welding table, a metal punch with all the die cuts for it, a bender, some forging dollies, all kinds of great tools. I am also going to get a planishing hammer so I can mold my copper with. All great prices too. He has a huge amount of metals, including bronze sheet for sculpture or whatever. I tell you for me to be setting up shop I hit the gold mind. Next will be some kind of shop to put this stuff in. Everything works out like it is supposed to if we keep a positive outlook and tell ourselves we do deserve the things we yearn for in life. Yearning is from the heart, it is the thing our mind and soul calls out for us to do. At least that is the way I look at it. Right now, with the economy so bad, at least that is what they say, it is also a perfect time to cash in on some of these things people are selling, such as tools. But perhaps not for reselling. I found Ebay selling is going down as well. But for buying up things you can efford to buy extra of now is a great time. Buy! Espically if it is something I can use later in life. Almost like investment tools. What I will do with my money is not stock market, but investing in tools, jewels, actual things I can TOUCH.

Stimulus package. What a joke!

2009-02-09T18:18:00.001-05:00

Alright, the stimulus package is getting critiqued, and everybody is waiting and wondering if anything will work, well I have a good suggestion. And that is to
make interest illegal. I mean to keep us on our own two feet, we should have a country that sustains itself completely. Our country has given away its own bread and butter. The outsourcing has been the biggest reason for our dependency upon credit cards. And the stock market has caused a HUGE amount of problems with the way money stands on its own. Not so much money standing on its own, but the everyday plumber Joe is so in debt that he cannot even begin to say what rock is really his. We have become completely dependant upon an interest run economy. USURY should be abandoned from our society at all costs. Make people accountable for what they own, eat and wear. But first we have to get our factories back, and all the means of supporting ourselves locally. I mean for God's sake people, China runs this nation as far as Im concerned. Our Government has hood winked us and we dont even see it.
I wont buy ANYTHING from other countries now. And I eat all organic food as locally as I can get it. This summer I plan on growing my own food and canning if I can. I look on the internet to see who sells what I am looking to buy locally or made in the USA. Even if it costs more. Is it possible for things to turn around? If everyone starts doing one or two things towards buying local that would help. Soon we would appreciate the fact that we NEED, new, simple, factories that create our life sustaining articles. We, the people, are just zombies now. Nobody even knows how to take a stand I dont think. Who would boycott Walmart? Who would go to their Senator and say, "Bring our Work BACK?" The Stimulus package should be about giving each state money to build factories that will create items we need, and wont HAVE to buy from around the world. Did you realize there is only ONE shoe factory left in the USA.

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Trying To Figure The Blog Thing Out

2009-02-09T17:20:00.000-05:00

I used to be good at figuring out the internet lingo, when things were soo simple here. Remember when we had the first free website "Geocities"? I was all about creating that website. But years have brought me to bloggs, lightening fast connections and lots of things to make folks logged on and tuned in. I did not learn too much HTML, as I went into my art studio and created art instead of keeping myself tied to the computer. But now I wanna learn how to "Get Connected" again. I hear there is money to be made blogging. I think if you get some "jobs" from some of these sites that have the advertizers available to read what you post, and then if they like you they contact you to write about their product or something. Still not sure about that. I did just sign up to "bloggerwave" for that reason. My grammer stinks, and I have to look up every word that is more than a four letter word, but with time I should be alright describing different things. And whats with the words that have the pop ups to them. I think that is a money thing too, but before I get into any opinions about worldly issues and family stuff I want to get this figured out. Any helpers?? Please let me know. If anybody knows, let me know. Thanks.

2009-02-08T22:36:00.000-05:00

This is a very unique print created in photoshop. I love the idea of textures with empty spaces, and lines that connect to themselves then going over others. After the picture is sorta finished I crop out a part of the painting while I cut and paste it back in, hence the little one on the right corner. It just seems so friendly, but excited and fashionable.

Movie 2012

2009-02-08T21:37:00.000-05:00

I had a great idea for a movie. And it would be about the newest prediction and scar tactics coming, 2012. The exact date of Dec 21, 2012? Perhaps, but it would be like the National Treasure movie in that it would have historical facts pertaining to the actual event of 2012, and how all the famous predictors such as Nostradamus, Bible, and folks who were featured on the Armageddon week from the History Channel were predicting the 2012 events would occur. Such as the Inca Calender ending etc.. But the movie would focus on 5 characters who are the ancestors of these certain predictors that end up with this huge task of fulfilling their ancestors' wishes, or wills, that takes them all to the very same place in the US. They all have certain instructions to build an industrial space which would provide the end all of all end means of survival and continuance of humanity. 2 women, 2 men and one boy, who breaks into their data base blog by accident and while reading everything being prepared for the event is snobbed by all his friends and he begins to doubt what he is reading, only to find that after his parents divorce and his father sends him money to fly out west, flys to where the factories are just before the big "tilt" of the earths' axis. Then, while banging on one of shielded doors ends up "texting" the dude who was the blogger database guy and he lets him in.
Pretty realistic weather events would be part of the movie. Drama and suspense would
accompany through out the movie with some unexpected twists and outcomes. Lots of history events, including some court scenes for emmonent domanin of property to be aquired by all 4 of the people building their futureistic factories. However, the coolest thing is that they all end up in the same quadrant of the US, but 4 different states. Sounds good? It will have some humor in it with a love affair or two. ( I mean the human race does have to continue, right?)
I have already given this idea to a movie company in Rocky Hill, CT. But nothing permanent YET! Gotta work on my writting skills alittle more.
Have at it.
ME

2008-12-27T19:50:00.000-05:00

Trying to focus on getting ONE project done. Thats all. Just ONE. Any ONE of my Manymanymany would be great. No more starters, only finishes now. Thats it.

2008-12-19T15:38:00.000-05:00

Artist

2008-12-04T00:14:00.000-05:00

If I were not such an artist I guess I would not be obsessed and so selfish about my time creating my artwork. Its so hard being being a parent, and living in an urban area and having this deep
emotional drive to create...........quietly...................and uninterrupted, but such is life right?
I have been focusing on my life the way it is and using a "course in miracles" to get me through it.
I have been able to lighten my negitivity alittle bit, but spirts come and go as I tend to be pulled here and there; unable to meet some important dead lines. However, Its all good. Tis the only way I can think about it. It is all I have right now. Thats it.

Im going to create some OIL DRUM art for a competition in Hartford. first prize is $4,000. Then this show will be juried by Bradley Airport officials and they will pick out a piece to buy and put in their permant collection, so who knows. Sounds like fun too.

I came back from Tennessee yesterday for the Thanksgiving holiday. My sister had a hysterectomy, and is doing good. My parents are older; in their seventies. My Mom teaches
line dancing and my dad golfs. We fished oneday and caught 11 bluegill! Mostly watched movies and played cards though. Shopping was horendious!!! People are sooooooo.........
well, I wont go into it. Tired now.
K

New Day

2008-11-21T18:50:00.000-05:00

Well, not just a new day, but a new light as well. Which is better than a new day for sure.
However, the art world still seems to slip and slide in my head. I mean I just dont have the drive to GET OUT there and push myself, nor my artwork. I will just continue to create and then when the time is right Ill try to market what I am doing. Seems like now I hear people are doing what I have done in the past for certain creations and uses of materials, so I will remain anonymously quiet
with what processes I am doing and for the most part keep to myself with my special artworks and series. People just cannot come up with their own ideas it seems.
EGO art. That is what we all do anyhow.
Here is a photoshop picture I quickly drempt up. Its about a combination of things that happened today. I cant stand handicapped drivers, and someone is painting some Angel faces for me so I can finish up some work for "Its Only Natural" in Middletown. Great resturant with all organic, vegan cooking and whines.

2008-11-09T18:53:00.000-05:00

When your hard drive gets some kind of a blue screen virus and you did not back your work up!
Oh well. Life goes on. So, Ive been loading drivers and tweeking my computer from something that happened to it that would not allow it to boot up. It was right after I got an email from my sister
on Facebook, and when I went to go there some game came up and wam! things started getting alittle weard. Even though my McAfee caught it, at least I thought it did, it must not have. But also, the last thing I did was click YES to "install updates and shut down" to windows that night as well.
Ive had trouble with Service pack 3 too. On one of my work computers. I had to uninstall it.
Well, I think I will wait a while and get vista after all the hoop la tweeks are finished. However, It may mean I have to get different drivers to programs and things. I run Autocad at work, vers. 2006. And the learning curve for the newest version can run on vista, but there are some memory problems there as well. Also, I would be the only one running the newest Cad. At home I use Adobe Production studio CS2. Which costs quite a bit of money to run out and upgrade as well. I mean software, GOOD STUFF that works, costs soooo much money and they keep upgrading and upgrading. Silicon Valley!! HA!! They should name it silicon Earth by now.
I think once you buy one whole package of any good software you should get a better deal for upgrading. Im just a little guy too. Ive bought some software using my sons student ID, but
only a couple of things. My consceince wont let me cheat that much, but he uses it, soo.
My beautiful drawings are gone!! And all my pics from Colorado too. Plus some music I was mixing. My own music of course. Here is the link to some of it.
Its getting better!!
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=249951520
Just go to Myspace Music and look for "MEME and the GRAVERS!"
OH! all my great photoshop brushes are gone too now.
I cant think about it.
bye.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=249951520

I Just make Art

2008-11-05T22:03:00.000-05:00

Well, It gets tiring trying to figure a way to get people to buy your artwork. I dont like marketing anyhow, and then to trying to be all up and up about your artwork seems so fake too. I just make art. That is all I do. Its not that I dont care anymore, but submitting time and time to galleries that refuse your work is a waist. Espically when you have to send THEM money to jury your work.
Ridiculous, so I wont do it anymore. Also, finding the right gallery for your work is important. And lots of times I find my work out of most catagories, and with no real name for itself, so, Im just going to keep making art and someday someone might discover me. Most likey piled under it somewhere because with no where for it to go things get pretty cluttered and tight.
No more complaining today. Im almost finished with several sculptures, a woodblock cut or two I need to print and my days are mostly filled with dreaming about a huge place to build larger steel artworks. But winter is ahead, and so everything will have to go inside, so I must focus on another medium. Painting, drawings and smaller pieces.
Good day.
k

The wars

2008-10-28T21:10:00.000-04:00

Oh goodness. Will we just COME home from all these wars if Obama is elected?
Well, we will all see. Good luck America. We sure need it.

2008-10-27T22:40:00.000-04:00

Now THIS is good for sure. Even fits!!
GO GIT ER DONE boys and girls!

Just Being ME

2008-10-25T00:52:00.000-04:00

Oh how can this be! Just being ME. Something so polished, yet nothing is real. Some say they do and some say they dont, but just being me is nothing to boast. Getting in all the outs and processing the fee. Going yonder here and over yonder there. Makes no bones about it and everything free from the gloring and fieing and sits in a tree. Getting it done OH!! and done right. For there is nothing but nothing about just being me.

Content Fall

2008-10-20T23:46:00.000-04:00

Today was a very productive day for me finially. I got back into my studio, and started making lots
of little sculptures. I sold quite a few things at ION, Its Only Natural Restaurant in Middletown.
Im glad to be selling again for sure. My house was getting way too full of artwork. It always is
no matter what. I had to let everyone know I was not going to be doing anything for them this week so I could feel free enough to start something. I am always being inturepted one way or another and it is not good for me when it comes to staying in my process while I create.
Wood stoves are warming things up now.
And so, it is time to sleep.
k

Point Judith, RI from Ferry to BLock Island

2008-10-16T22:48:00.000-04:00

Tormented Eye

2008-10-16T22:38:00.000-04:00

The eye of the storm is over. I picked up my sculpture yesterday from Block Island, RI.
What a beautiful day and the sunset which was so pastel just took me into a trance of soft emotions. I loved the day; salty air, salty art, and salty, artistic men with good conversations. Its amazing how like minds are, well, sorta alike.
The show is put together by Eric and Derek. Well, Eric started it all. I happened upon his call for artists in the Sculptures.net website. His site is http://www.suburbanartists.com website. The show is now taking a liking from the tourist. 3 sculptures sold which is great! for a new show. Derek offers his property
up for us to use. And we all just sorta collaborate on when to get there and install in the spring, then take down in fall. This time we cooked hamburgers and then went to the beach and collected rocks. I took a very few pictures. But there was one big
dead sea turtle, oozing smelly stuff that could have been a cool picture if I could have stand ed to be so near it from the stench. But I love the ocean. And the mountains.
Is there ocean and mountains anywhere in this country? Maybe California I dont know.
My sculpture had fallen over because it unscrewed itself because when I installed it
the weld broke when my hubby slammed it with a sledge. Why do men think they can do things when they cannot just becuase they are men. I know he did not intentionally do it, but holy shit!

DRILL BABY! DRILL!

2008-10-11T22:06:00.000-04:00

So, do you think if we drill for oil in Colorado it will hurt the environment?
I often wonder if they fill up the holes where they drill with something or do they leave some big cavity so our earth just goes hollow? I believe all that oil for the earths' subsurfaceis is like what
glucosamine is to our joints. And, depending what they fill it with, could make a difference too. Anyhow, I am just all for taking care of America, Americans, and IN AMERICA! Not all this farmed out factory stuff to China, and other worldy matters.
Why cant we just stay right here and take care of ourselves. I mean our country is a mess. We are broke, and pretty soon we will be at other countries mercies. The countries that hate us. Do you think ANY other country will fight as hard as we do for other countries? We dont even have an army now it seems. What if we have to pump out a few thousand helicopters and tanks? Can we do it again? I guess the Mexicans will do it for us. They are our main laborers these days. I mean who works in manufacturing anymore? Who knows how? Can your son or daughter weld, make electronic devices, or even pour concrete for pity sakes? OH! But they can shop, shop and talk on their cell phones. AND! They can run computers. But can they dig a hole with a shovel, or work on a car? How about sew some clothes and bake some food! OH! thats right the Japanese do that for us. And we eat out all the time because the moms'
all work for that mortgage they were handed down from the devastating banks we now have in America. All because of Corporate Government. Im sick of it all. I said it before the stock market crashed this time that something was going to happen. And it did. Now, well, Thanks Connecticut for legalizing GAY marriage. One more state to
corrupt our MOrbidality in America. Can I marry an animal? How about having marriage with a pet? There we go!
God help us all!

Another Day

2008-10-09T21:10:00.000-04:00

Everyday is another day. Do I need to put a preface on it.
My topic today is acceptance. With this terrible economy, or so they say, and actually I have not witnessed any people jumping out of windows, or living in boxes in the streets yet as the news claims. Just the stock market numbers diving into hell then out again each day. I mean nothing has changed here on my front porch. Why does the energy in this nation have to be so erratic? Im all for a small yoga dance, nice chi tea, and then on to some laundry before hitting the outside art studio. Of course this is after 2 hours of cooking breakfast and shuffling the children off to school. But the time is welcoming for sure until the phone rings and someone NEEDS something. Im trying to ward off all visitors so I can sink into my process like a nice river ride and a flow of creativity. I hate living in the urban city, and Yes, someday I will vanish right out of here, but not this week, now this year, but someday.
However, a few paint strokes, nails, screws, and a little time to listen to the crickets through the fire engines, trains, plans, automobiles and mexican music is about all I got done today! OH, I did make a bunch of phone calls for my neighboor
who needs a American person to help her nap a job, and drove to IkEA to buy some cheap frames for my prints. Then it was soccer practice, dinner, vollyball practice,
arguing teenagers and the visa versa during the pick-up drive. Thats it folks.
Sarah Palin, I dont see how you can do it! (Oh, I forget, you dont, your husband does.)

New Stat Counter

2008-10-08T22:24:00.000-04:00

I just put a new invisible stat counter on this blog. Even though I dont get any
comments, maybe I get people just passing by. Probablly not. However, I am going to try and change this some how. I mean how exactally interesting does one need to be here on this world wide web in order for someone to comment.
Today I put my prehistoric bird together, and my wild duck together. I decided I REALLY needed to get into my work lately.
Ive been stuck for so long on ugly stuff, that it was not appealing to me at all, but my therapist has been working with me on some issues and it seems to be helping me
by clearing out my head a bit. I love the feeling of getting work done in the studio, and having ideas again. Its like coming home after a long long trip. Good.
Soon you will see new, fresh works.
karen

Bloody Sunday

2008-10-06T10:02:00.000-04:00

Could have been blood. But not. How can anybody survive with so much concrete around them; constant noisy traffic, and people? So many people all wall to wall with brick buildings. Going to New Jersey yesterday to confiscate my 2 sculptures from Long Branch was a 10 hour ordeal. Starting out Rain in Conn with 3 major accidents on the Merritt. Then a goofy wrong turn on my part put me way the hell out Long Island looking for 278. Its not like Ive never done this before either. Ive done it lots of times, but yesterday the stars were not with me, nor my energy.
We did stop in the big cometary where I needed badly to pee, but I realized the ernials were not urinals. However, they did have a lovely OPEN Jewish bathroom at one of the many gates for me to use. Mortuary central. Everybody slept. By the time we got to New Jersey it was sunny and beautiful. 30 min. both sculptures were dismantled, and a wonderful walk on the beach made for the afternoon. But just as we began our journey home I make a quick call letting hubby know I was on my way back and BAMMM! Cops all over me like flies. Just for one stinking phone call on a deserted 2 lane street on the beach with NO traffic. Harassment if I ever experienced it. $85 bucks for my out of state SUMMONS. So, you know Ill pay it. I have to. If I had not of given him my license, he could not have summons me. The question is "how the hell was I supposed to know their laws?" Does a person have to make sure and read all the laws before they enter a state now? Sucks. Souvern citizens should be able to avoid such harassment!! OH! not to mention on the way back I accidentally went into the fly-pass booth instead of the cash booth at the toll booth and talked my way out of a summons there too. The police should be reminded they are just that. Peace keepers, not constantly threatening innocent folks like me who dont drive through there each and every day. Now I can have my sculpture garden right here at home.
k

Death Cab for Cutie.

2008-10-04T23:03:00.001-04:00

Death Cab for Cutie. Who saw it? Well, Ive never seen such a dead audience. Not that the group was dead either. The band was GREAT! I danced all night. But people are not learning to LET GO these days it seems. There is NO enthusiasm.

I have to get my sculpture from New Jersey tomorrow.
Then my yard will look like a sculpture yard for sure.

Karen

MOre Stock market pics.

2008-10-02T10:21:00.000-04:00

These are images I created a while back. As the market went up and down and
back and forth. Why couldnt we have a visionary here and UP THERE in that
high and mighty government of ours who can foresee these crashes? Sureley,
someone should have caught this. I would REALLY like to know.
My husband and I used to drive around and look at the HUGE fancy houses people where buying for 500,000. We would think we were poor. Even though he makes a huge amount with his
PREMIER Surveying and Civil Engineering company, Connecticut Civil Group! We could not understand how people payed for these homes. Now we know why. They could NOT.
Who ever gave these banks false visions of lending should be jailed. CLINTON administration did it to make the economy look great. But it all back fired didnt it? Democrats sometimes are stupid, real stupid. And the Republicans are totally selfish. How to make a middle party?
Does everything have to be an emergency in order to meet in the middle? Guess so.
So, DRAMA on America, DRAMA ON.

2008-10-02T10:05:00.000-04:00

This one is called " ARE YOU COVERED". By the umbrella that is? Maybe I should put little
US symbolls on here to show that we have to have insurance in our money in the banks, and everywhere else now it seems. But Does it mean we are becoming a socialist country if we let the government bail us out? Why does this frighten some folks? Its sorta a trick I think to get some leaders to pass a bill that has all these GOLDEN things to it. I need to read this document they pass. Why cant we read it? Where is it? Where is the proposed bill on this internet for us regular folks to read? Anyhow, ChOW.

New World DISSORDER?

2008-10-02T09:47:00.000-04:00

We hear all this stuff about "New World Order" and the Bush administration, but the fact of the matter is..... A new World "Dissorder". Or is it? I loved India's response to our stock market crash per say. That they would not allow themselves to be effected by what goes on in our Stock market exchange. So, they traded as usual. The thing that bothers me the most is how we, the American people, are so dumbfounded by all this. I mean I really DONT know the facts about why our government is spending 700 billion of our money to BAIL OUT the banks. I guess it is a
nice gesture. I dont see any reason why our economy is so weak that banks need bailing out in the first place. Espically after the Clinton administration claiming we had a ZERO defficate once before and how GREAT our economy is. Even with a war in Iraq our economy should be able to handle such a thing money wize. I wish I knew EXACTALLY why the man who stepped down from handling our money did. Yes, Bush could be up to some sneaky stuff. He and Clinton were in this Secret society at Yale I hear. Proof of everything is hard to prove for someone like me, and one could certainly put a puzzle together that looks like a world holicostic evangelical end, but I cannot, so what do I do? Watch the news and believe what they say? Feel nothing and just go about my own business? What about voting for president? Who shall I vote for and who do I believe? My gut feelings tell me the white house is going to USE Sarah Palin and her state to
gane control over all oil, but is that such a BAD thing when Alaska is not a forigen country, but indeed, one of our own. ( I want to buy land in Colorado!) I want to settle there and look at the mountains and create art and forget all this shit about world affairs, and even US affairs.
The only thing I could do is BE APART of it all; an insider to it all, and I am not that.
Now, lets say it starts effecting my job. Well, it has. Nobody buys anything anymore it seems.
Nobody enjoys just living. Its WORK WORK WORK to just pay a small mortage, or a large one for some. Will America's government PROVE to be a failure? Are are we going to pull out of this
in fame and fortune. What is the outcome of a government that cannot stay the course you might say with constant flip flopping of Democratic views, and Rep. views? Life is strange and stranger still. Each day is like a miraculous movie with all the players playing and all the actors acting.
If I look at my life in that general since and say to myself that this is just a short little stop for my spiritual self, I can roll with it; trying to create an atmosphere of good health, prosperity, positive emotional energy for the universe, then, perhaps, my soul will be gravitated towards HEAVEN once it leaves this physical body. And being honest, hopeful, loving, and kind to myself and others is about the only way I will create this lifestyle. NOt living the FAST PACED crazy life alot of us do with cell phone in one hand, lap top in the other, and a huge amount of stress constant on my sholders will keep this aura nicely generated as well. LIfe. Quality of life. Connected to nature, to my roots, to God.

No need for Panic

2008-09-24T22:43:00.000-04:00

http://www.carlpetersononline.com/site/1515517/page/658325

Okay, so I panicked yesterday alittle bit. I almost convinced my husband we should move to
Washington state where we could live on our own, sustained living that is, and stay alive during the great "POLAR SHIFT". If it happens, there will be one hell of a ride for everybody!!
Should we begin to prepare. OH YEA!

As far as banks, money, and all that, well, Ill just stop paying taxes. I wont vote and just stay
put as the Cherokee Indian blood in me says, "you were born here anyhow, this is your land".
Sovereign citizen.
karen

What to DO

2008-09-23T22:07:00.000-04:00

I am starting to feel like I did about this world just before 9/11. Scary for sure. I mean look at this nation. We are falling apart. The candidates we have for Presidential election all suck totally. I am certainly NOT capable of being THAT servant of American citizens. But certainly as our Constitution is blessed by our laws, HA, SOMEONE could step up to the plate and at least try to be voted in. Im so sick of how corrupt our government is and more than that how WE THE FUCKING PEOPLE of this nation just sit by and let it all happen. Are we ignorant, or too ingaged to do anything about it. Step up folks. It is time to take the charge we always had and never utilized in this country before our next attack. I mean who the hell will defend us????????????????
Certainly not the National Guard? It will be our sons. It will be our young men at age 28 getting drafted into war forcefully because we have every other army, navy, and marine over in Iraq, or Japan, or whereever. We have not EVEN captured "Osama Bin and still IS" yet. WHY? And will
we gain anthing by making Iraq a Democrcy? Why gain anyhow? Why cant we just stay here and start focusing on our homeland and get our resources in order and our food supplies in order and our health care and education of our next generation in order. FOCUS people FOCUS! Look what we are doing? We have been hood winked by our own government who we hire. NObody cares anymore except for themselves and their freeking stock market gains.
I dont want to see this country fail. NONONONO. I feel it. I dont like it either. Something bad is going to happen again real soon. And it wont be good at all. Think about it.
Iran, China, Mexico so weakly governed. They could come over through Mexico, start taking over like we do everywhere else instead of staying in their own countries. We fucked folks if we dont get back home and start strenghening our own body again. God help us all, and please
bless this country somehow.
karen

WE ARE NOT REALLY FREE

2008-09-05T18:50:00.000-04:00

http://www.iacprx.org/site/PageServer?pagename=P2C2

This is sooooo important people! I have been an organic vitamin taker and a homeopath for many, many years and have always swore by it. As I got older and more tuned into the political parts of this country I learned that we really are NOT free. There are these organizations that sneek their way into society and tell us we NEED to adhere to certain things such as the FDA. Yes, it has had its fame for certain things and it does keep us pretty
safe from things like "MAD COW Desiese", but , LIKE the Police in our country, they have gone tOO far with
trying to control or smash good things for us for market PROFITS! IM REALLY SICK OF THIS STOCK MARKET RUNNING OUR COUNTRY NOW. You see the facts are that pharmasuiticals can not patent anything ALL Natural so the FDA makes it impossible when something is selling and they are not getting a piece of the pie.
Now it is bioidentical hormone replacement theropy. What a freeking scam. Not the hormones or the compounding pharmacies, but the FDA and their trying to control the whole thing. You know women are not stupid, we will go for what makes us healthy and feel good. Now they want control over that.
I have been on BHRT for almost alittle over a year and I am REALLY feeling healthy and well on them.
I dont NEED anymore stress in my life, and if they take my hormones away I shall surely die.
Im serious. Ladies please speak out for yourselves. Im moving to Canada. Im really starting to hate America.

House Remodeling

2008-09-03T20:04:00.000-04:00

Yea, trying to do alittle remodeling today now. Wallpapering the ceiling in my living room with this paper that looks like old copper patterns. It is a troubled ceiling. However, I want to be creating sculpture, so I will be doing some of that as well. Still not quite settled in back here yet from my trip to Colorado. I miss it out there. But I have timed things perfectly in that I have experienced hardly any humid hot weather this summer. My goodness we have so many plants and trees around here. Like a jungle. We can grow any crop too, just do not have the land for it like the midwesterners do. I have a feeling this is going to be an interesting winter as well. The weather patterns are extreem and rain fall has been much too over here.
Guess well see.
me

2008-08-28T21:10:00.001-04:00

The Water Issue

2008-08-25T13:32:00.000-04:00

I brought home a "High Plains View" (and Rancher News) from Colorado. People suit others for water rights. Colorado is the only state that has a law stating you cannot collect ANY rain water
from your property for your personal use because it is a state that feeds several other states
with its watershed. The snows from the mountains, and usually daily rains that swelter the rivers that run south, east and west bring drinking water and water for vegetation to all the southern states below it; New Mexico, Texas, Utah. Very different than around here where we take water for granted. No wonder my Mexican neighboor hauls buckets of water to her tomato plants and shrubs (mostly roses). And I gallantly swing my hose around like it is a water park! After living there for just 2 months I have gained quite an appreciation for drinking water and water shed areas. Someday we may be faced with this delimia, and we should start now to learn what it will take to survive if we do have problems. Too many people drink around here. (water that is).
Anyhow, gotta go shopping now.

2008-08-24T22:55:00.000-04:00

from the continental divide
at 13,000ft/ wolf creek pass,
san juan mountains, CO.
I am back from Colorado. Heaven on earth to me for sure. Quiet, peaceful, easy, and no traffic, and lots of friendly people. Not much water though for sure. We are very fortunate to not have to deal with the lack of water thoese people have. Many go to "watering holes" and fill up their tanks once a week or so. The roads are dirty and dusty, but the air is so clean it does not matter.
The sun is bright, and the sky is BLUE. The stars twinkle at night, and the moon makes night look like day when it is full. Nature is abundant and the ecosystem is balanced and secure for now.
People try to move out there, but once experienced the winter, they move away, so things are hard to keep consistant when it comes to businesses and such. Hardly anybody has television, and not many have a computer worth turning on. But everyobdy who lives out there is like a softly aged
tortoise; sorta mosey along, smiling and living their lives, doing their thing. Lots of famous people out there hidden amongst the trees as well. Scientists, musicians, and artists who need that quiet time to keep thier brains and creativity in order. Like me. I painted and sang and wrote music while I was away. Very peaceful. I worked on some surveying out there to make some money to help pay for the trip. I rode horseback through the wilderness to do GPS surveying.
It was quite amazing. I cant return for good yet, I have a few other things to take care of here first. Like family and children. But someday I hope to return there for good. I was in a culture shock coming back east. Too noisy, busy, and people are often angry. It is just the emotional energy of not being in touch with nature I believe. So everyone is hostile trying to fill that void.

peace.

Heading WEST

2008-06-16T10:04:00.000-04:00

It is time for me to head west. Ive been waiting for this moment all year, and finially it has come.
I will share with you whatever I can whenever I get to it. (Does that statement tell you the frame of mind I am in?) I also have another blog on Xanga. Whisperingangelsart I believe. You'll find me if you want to.
SEE YA!!

ERRE She BLOWS.

2008-06-13T16:18:00.000-04:00

On Block Island that is. I put 3 sculptures up this week there off Spring Street past the famous Spring House hotel just before you go up to the light house on the East side of the island.
Twas a beautiful day. The ocean was pristine and a blue to bluegreen. Very strong gravitational pull as well out there. I could certainly feel it.
My next piece is the tree of Knowledge. It is a mixed painting with some chalk and pen.
Sort of a different thing for me to do at this time of year.

EYE of the STorm

2008-06-05T11:56:00.000-04:00

Well, this isnt the eye, but
she does have one for sure.
And a good one at that.

Very nice little creature.steel with my new plasma cutter.

THIS is the eye.

Big spinning eye.
Here you see my bicycle
sprocket which is crooked
and did not work.

I had to cut it out and actually tried several times to make something fit and work.
Finially I got some car bearings that will hold the wieght, and I went to Logans
Steel and found some little pipe doo dads that made like alittle "kit" to put the bearings into.
Here is the results of this.

NOW! to paint or NOT to paint.
Should I paint the eye? I love the rusty steel,
So perhaps a sealer as as is. I think the pole
will be painted like a red and white barber pole.
Or candy cane. This piece goes on Block Island USA for Suburbanartists show called "eye of the storm". Several artists are putting their work up there this summer. So, if you are out there and you drive around the island and come to the east side where there is a huge yellow hotel, then just around that bend is where the sculpture will be standing. So, go by and take a look at the show. Buy some art, or not. But mostly enjoy.

Successful Day

2008-06-04T22:11:00.000-04:00

Days are getting more and more successful, and in more than just artwork and business.
My moods are fabulous, and my life seems to have suddenly spirialed upward for personal reasons I dont want to go into detail here about. There is a very special art show going on this weekend for outsider art collectors and I am in it! My butterfly will hopefully sell, which will give me well enough money to travel to Pagosa Springs, CO. to do an art show for 3 days. I will also attend a concert and visit friends in Taos, NM! Oh what fun life is now. The journey for me has only just begun. And a positive one it shall be for sure.
I have to get my camera OUT of my van in order to do the picture uploading and posting. Please be patient as it will probablly be untill tomorrow or the next. I am BUSY!
K

Comming Along

2008-06-02T22:20:00.001-04:00

I have been busy trying something new with kinetic art. "BEARINGS". Im finially settling with car bearings for my "Eye of the Storm" sculpture for Block Island. It will go up either next week or the next for sure, as I will be leaving for my heavenly home of CO! I sorta hate leaving in such a great time for me here. The weather is beautiful, and Im on a definate roll of creation right now too. I have people interested in me and my artwork as well because I have 2 press releases coming out, that I did not write, but other reporters are writing about me and my artwork. Pretty exciting.
But I did manange to get a show in Pagosa Springs while I am away, so carrying my work across the eastern half of the US will be exciting for me. Life is good. Artwork is even better. I LOVE my plasma cutter. As dangerous as the thing is it is a saving piece of equipment. I need a shop sooooo badly though. Once I get cranking on the sculptures, it takes me an hour and lots of energy to set up everything and be safe with it all out; trying not to trip on cords etc.... I have my show tent set up, so if the wind blows too high I end up taking that down which is a chore as well. I want to be able to just walk into a room and pick up a torch or a welding stick and go at it with my whimsy.
It wears me out trying to set up each day. Maybe if I make enough money this year I can build a REAL garage. Hoepfully soon. No pictures, too tired.
sleep is welcome now.

2008-05-22T12:49:00.000-04:00

This is wired fred.
He is a nice guy.
Just wired alittle differently
so I can relate!

2008-05-22T12:39:00.000-04:00

I've been looking for industrial space so I can keep my welder, forge, and plasma cutter plugged in and ready to make artwork anytime Im ready. Not to mention my wood cutting tools, paints, and other tools I use to create artwork with. Im really cramped and with out the space to work it limits me to what I can do. I have sculpture to make, but no where to make it while the weather is bad.
Very frustrating for an artist to be this way. I need investors to help me get started somewhere.
I would produce a product of quality that can be sold to unique shopps around the US. Im not interested in selling to other countries. At least not right now.
Im going to Colorado and taking sculpture with me in hopes of showing or selling as I go.
One never knows. I have a job when I get out there, so I will be staying for a little while. It is something I've had a calling to do. My daughter lives in Pagosa Springs in southern Co. and the area is just absolutly fabulous. I cant wait to drive out. Anyhow, here are a few drawings Ive done lately waiting for the weather to clear up so I can cut some metal.
Karen

This Email I got............

2008-05-17T00:50:00.001-04:00

Read this. It's a Big surprise! Jay Leno on President Bush

> No matter what your political convictions are this is eye

> opener.

> What a thankless people we are!!!

> Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often

> see....

> As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have

> I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as

> Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.

> <>

> 'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came

> across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It

> must be true given the source, right?

> The Newsweek poll alleges
that 67 percent of Americans are

> unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69

> percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of

> the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't

> happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am,

> I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?''

> A.. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24

> hours a day, 7 Days a week?

> B.. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning

> in the summer and heating in the wi!
nter?

> C.. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks

> have a job?

> D.. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at

> any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen

> in the last year?

> E.. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks> from the Pacific Oc!
ean to t
he Atlantic Ocean without having
> to present identification papers as we move through each
> state?
> 
> 
> 
> F.. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we
> would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
> 
> 
> 
> G.. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying
> cuisine from around the world is just not good enough
> either.
> 
> 
>  > H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency
> workers show up and provide services to help all and even
> send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
> 
> 
> 
>
I.. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who
> own a home.
> 
> 
> 
> J.. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate
> case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear
> in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the
> flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
> 
> 
> 
> K.. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat
> screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer
> equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to
> defend you and your family !
against
attack or loss.
> 
> 
> 
> L.. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs
> or militias raping and pillaging the residents.
> Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and
> computers.
> 
> 
> 
> M.. How about the complete religious, social and political
> freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the
> world?
> 
> 
> 
> Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.
> 
> 
> 
> Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled
> brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the
> U. S. , yet ha
s a great disdain for its citizens. They see
> us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who
> do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what
> we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord
> we live here.
> 
> 
> 
> I know, I know. What about the president who took us into
> war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a
> measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same
> president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11?
> The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of
> recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called
> every name in the boo!
k for su
cceeding in keeping all the
> spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The
> commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out
> there defending you and me?
> 
> 
> 
> Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk<>
> show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy
> you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the
> good things and be glad? Think about it...... are you upset
> at the President because he actually caused you personal
> pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to
> kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake
> about it.
> 
> 
> 
> The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve
> , and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is
> currently no draft in this country.
They didn't have to go.
> They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a
> ''general'' discharge, an 'other than
honorable'' discharge
> or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge
after
> a few days in the brig.
> 
< style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">> 
> 
> So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69
> percent of Americans?
> 
> 
> 
> Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds
>
it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will
> watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch
> kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this
> and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer
> what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions
> by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why
> they tried to allow a murderer lik
e O. J. Simpson to write a
> book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he
> would have done it this way...... Insane!
> 
> 
> 
> Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times
> for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful
> for all we have as country. There is exponentially more good
> than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and
> should thank God several times a day, or at least be
> thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados,
> fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe
> thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another
> , and with the th!
reat of
bird flu and terrorist attacks,
> 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the
> Pledge of Allegiance?'
> 
> 
> 
> Jay Leno
> 
>
> 
> Please keep this in circulation. There are so many people
> who need to read this and grasp the truth of it all.

More sculpture coming soon!

2008-05-14T22:13:00.000-04:00

Hard to see her. But she is great I think.

Tomorrow my plasma cutter comes in! Great. Now I will be able to cut steel like butter.
I will be able to DRAW with steel. I am planning on first cutting my bigger "Eye of the Storm" sculpture, and completing it for Block Island, Suburban Artists exhibition. Then I want to start
some new experiments with steel and forging limbs, and roots to create some furnature with wood.
Exotic woods, and steel and stone, and GLASS! What a great combination. But for now I have this.
My little rooted darling. She is fabulous I think and that is all that matters.
She is rooted to the earth and connected to the universe; stars and sun as well. I am working on meditations that allow me to pull the energy up and down from both directions to heal and encompass my heart and then bring that back to their homes again. Bringing forth goodness and joy and happiness as I live each day. What a great intention.
This spring has been on the cooler side, as I still am tempted to light a fire in the box to keep the chill down. Like tomorrow perhaps.

drawings on the bus

2008-05-07T20:32:00.000-04:00

Whitney Museum of American Art

2008-05-07T19:23:00.000-04:00

Today I went to my very first experience in a NYC Art Museum. It was rather interesting.
I was a chaperon for my son's art class, and I got to be with the 7 most obnoxious boys according to the teacher. We had a great time. The boys were fabulous, they were interested and intrigued.
4 of the 40 students had never even been to NYC before ever. We took a coach bus, which had a mic for talking about things, and being my experience as a tour guide in Nashville TN at one crazy point in my life I picked right up on it. The art teachers that were in charge were 1st year teachers.
It was fun. I dont know too much about what to say about all the artwork, but boy, I feel like I should be in there somewhere. But the ego always gets me in trouble so Ill stay shy of that.
However, Alexander Calder's' wire work was impressive. The installations were pretty unique, but what do you say about it all? Only makes me want to create more of my own work. So, off I go into the wonder world of free and celebrated virginity of the unknowing; the "I wont pretend to know" and the very novice in all aspects of this mysterious universe once I step into my studio! Art.
I love it. All of it. Even the bad art I love. Because it took someone to create it, express it. It took somebody to be just alittle bit closer to the realness of absolute nothingness and the unknowingly expression from their own experienced process. I am learning the less I know the better.
The less I pretend to understand the closer I am to my own inner truth, and I will never claim to know any truth. I want to be able to wonder, to imagine, and to keep an innocence about me
that can become a very reality through what I create as my artwork. Anything goes for me.
I dont care what the teachers say about anything to do with art. (of course I did not say that to these teachers today.) They only teach how to do things anyhow. Not much about meaning.
So, off I go now.
bye bye, Oh I did draw some pictures on the way.
One was my inturpretation of a New York Maypole!!

My eye

2008-05-04T22:03:00.000-04:00

My steel eye should be about 3' square, but I need a plazma cutter. I cut this with my torch cutter, and it uses up alot of oxygen, but my torch is small anyhow. It will spin to make only one eye in the event we have a storm on Block Island which is where this will go. "EYE OF THE STORM".

Another Angel

2008-04-30T10:38:00.000-04:00

Or is it just the same one. The one that the universe always brings me with a message attached.
Like a sorta dropped package sometimes with lots of little notes, or one big envelope; usually something I need to sign with heart and soul too. I guess this is why the post office has that eagle
emblem, flying our mail back and forth. I gotta get the word out because I think the post office
is getting alittle too fat on our messaging sometimes. We need more mail to God in the form of prayer, chants, and actions. Positive emotional behavior is like a positive message to God as well.
While we may all experience different emotions, how many of us actually jump for joy when we feel it? AAH, but we will surely flip that middle finger when it hits the old salt grain. What is it with human brains that we jump for reaction instead of pure emotion. Stressful lifestyles, junk food embeded bodies, abusive upbringings? I think it is lack of guidence and training of how to express ourselves in a positive healthy way while we are yet children and young. We have gotten so far away from the nature of our purpose and connection the the earth that we can only train our children how to "have, get,and fill ourselves up with materialistic things" and superficial relationships that the pure realness of the human exsistance get squashed and we dont play anymore or laugh too much without drinks or drugs. Where is the song? The expressed love that involves tears as well as laughter?

Every single place on earth has its source of worship to God. It is all the same God you know. Espically if it is of a positive belief system. If we are act out in a hurtful way we produce toxic posion that infilters the universe with neg. ions and energy that makes cancer and deadly wave patterns that can actually disrupt the very delicate growth of a tiny insect, or little plant life, or even worse a newborn infant child. Yes. It is true. And while we continually pass all our neg. energy around to others and down to generation after generation of other humans who keep producing the same neg. engergy, what are we doing?
Humans create emotional energy that comes out in our everyday actions and thoughts, which go back into the universe and ultimatly back to the very light that feeds us the energy that creates the emotion thus the emotional resposes and the cycle starts all over again. No wonder we have such a MELTING POT out there. Our greedy, selfish, monsterous actions around here are melting the ice bergs, and killing the fish, and eating the trees all up!! Im going to help change this by being a nicer, more real, more loving, and more helpful person on this earth. I will spread goodness and love to all I am put in front of each day from now on.
Anybody who reads this and agrees. just agree and try to do the same. Soon the Americas might be considered a holy and great place with friendly people and honest business and laws that help the people and a government that is not corrupt and loves its people instead of themselves.
Good day.

The City

2008-04-27T22:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I did it; went to NJ and set up my 2 sculptures. Drove the way everybody told me NOT to go and got there in no time. That was across the Verrazano bridge, across Staten Island, turn left on 440
to RT 35 in NJ.
Right onto the beach. It was windy and cold. My friend Eric met us there and helped me with my spot and set up too. So, I did not have to suffer too much. My husband and daughter came along
and we were all prepared for the worst, so all went very well.
We ate an expensive lunch on the beach in one of the newly erected restaurants then drove back home in time for me to plant my tomato plants and broccoli before the "no rain" we were supposed to get today. Things are getting rather dry around here. The city was terrible. It made me feel
grogged down and stressed out. It was like a night mare and Ive been trying to wake up and cannot. I want nature, lots of it, all around me. Of course the ocean is always a blessing. The salty air is just refreshing no matter how it comes. I truly love the beach as well. Today was a daffodil field with a lake and a small little daffodil island! My daughter had been trying to find it
for 2 years, so this time she takes me along to help her find this place that is only known about by word of mouth. It is in Litchfield, CT. Created by some Narcissus foundation, it is a planted wooded, fielded property that the public can walk around. WAY to many people for me as well.
But more relaxing than the city was for sure.
Next, my other art shows I must get ready for.
good day.

The exciting Life

2008-04-25T22:01:00.000-04:00

Each and everyday now I am pleasently surprised at how much Ive been smiling. Not because
of anything special, but because I am learning to embrace this life day by day, minute by minute,
nothing more nothing less, but everything and anything all together wrapped up with the sunshine and fresher air for the spring. Someone asked me once why such a great spirit, but such an
ugly picture I draw? Well, I can not tell you, but you see, I think my drawing is beautiful. Perhaps because ugliness is something I have lived with all my life, and I think when I draw it, unintentionally of course, I am seeing a butterfly beginning to form or a princess, or just mean
ole regularness that everybody has inside them. Im sure every single person has just perfect
whole secure beauty inside them, or are they always balancing things out too. Their life that is, or their emotions. Im positive every single person on earth is constantly balancing their life in one form or another trying to get that high in the day, or catch a smile from themself. Wanting to feel "good" all the time, and usually not for one silly reason or another. And if someone is constantly perfectly happy all the time, well they are stupid and unwise. Because it takes pain to grow and learn and appreciate the very few seconds in a day we actually feel "GOOD".
Just my opinion.
I am content these days. Nothing makes me feel better than completeing a large sculpture, and delivering it, which I do tomorrow in Long Branch, NJ. Ill spend the day there with some other sculptor buddies of mine as well. I love my sculpture friends. We encourage one another and bring out ideas, and talk about all the things visionary artsy fartsy folks talk about. Even politics.
Can you believe we actually VOTE!!!? Oh yea. Who are you voting for?

Balance is Finished finially

2008-04-20T20:31:00.000-04:00

This was a rather difficult one with lots of twists and turns to be figured out and competed, but done! And it looks pretty good I must say. I will probablly be adding a small steel bar that attaches
across two fish on opposite sides for more stability, but my picture looks better without it.
Hope you enjoy this New Jersey!
Karen

The Beach

2008-04-18T21:31:00.000-04:00

Today was a very beautiful day. The beach was great. Cool, but great for tanning and just reading a good book. The waves were quiet soothing as usual, and the salty air and sand gave me the grounding I have needed for a while now. I should move either to the beach or to the mountains.
Both would suit me fine. Ive never been in the middle about anything in my life, and I dont like it when things get me in a predicerment to be either. But, yes, today was wonderful.

2008-04-17T21:46:00.000-04:00

Love and Freedom
What is it worth, Love to Freedom and Freedom to Love.
What is Freedom without love?

Unchained Spirit

Exile
Where is my Home?
Wings of love
No rest
my prision here
so i must fly on and on
but where too?
Without freedom I cannot love
and without love i have no freedom for they are one and the same
fly away on and on as without my home there is no
love
without my love there is no home or freedom
i need love first then freedom will come naturally
and there will be my home.

2008-04-17T21:37:00.000-04:00

Fiberglass! Well, sanding it is horrible. I had to patch it somemore. Once it dries it is very prickery.
just painted it, and it looks pretty crappy. All patched looking for sure. Well, create and learn.
I will have to make due and my DUE date is up. The fish look great, the diamond pendulum made from sheet metal did look good, but I tried some fiberglass on that, thinking it will eliveate the rough edges, but now I have fiberglass edges instead. Saftey for public is a must. So, tomorrow Im going to the beach! Im tired. Pooped. Ready for play now.
Good day.

2008-04-16T12:58:00.001-04:00

Time is ticking by as I want to get this finished and the picture of it sent to the New Jersey Arts with my bio and information to sell it possibly. Working with fiberglass is smelly, sticky, ridiculously gross, and smelly again. Prickery afterwords, and makes me sick! But it will light enough for me to manuvour and set up by myself if necessary, but I will have helpers for sure. I have one volunteer, my friend Ryk, he also helped me with the design of the fish. He is a very good artist as well. Perhaps I should put some of his artwork up here. Rather shy I must say, so he does not put his art "
out there" you might say; retired vet from the Marines during the Vietnam era.

No time for fishing now.

2008-04-10T20:54:00.002-04:00

Today was quite a busy one. I am exausted, and my mouth tastes like metal as all I did was weld, sand and grind all day. My friend stopped by and convinced me to change a few things as he felt
a copper pipe would not hold up to wind velocity on the shore, and I agreed, however I had to go get the steel rod that would hold up and weld that onto the base. Welding with a stick welder, Miller, and if the juice aint comming in the rods stick, stick, stick. Which is good practice for me anyhow. Then I had to use my torch to heat and bend my connectors. I tried drilling these big holes, but the plate was solid, hard steel for a disk on a tractor. The torch worked wonders for blowing out those holes instead. Much faster. So, cutting parts, bending, heating, welding.
The bath is the best tonight for sure! Tomorrow, before it rains, I hope to get alot more done. As this weekend I have a concert to attend, "Collective Soul". I have front row seats. OH YEA.

No time for fishing now.

2008-04-10T20:54:00.001-04:00

2008-04-09T20:52:00.001-04:00

Save the Fish!

2008-04-09T20:38:00.000-04:00

Alright, Im having fun with this one now. Lots of ideas, however pulling it off to look like something from a water world episode is what I want the thing to

The sphere will attach to this rod.

look like; with an old anchiant looking
texture and rustic, faded colors. And I want to paint fish onto the stand. But these fish are going to not look like a Disney world advertisement, but something from an old National Geographic magazine or something like that. So, this should be interesting.
Structurally I think it will be fine with the solid fiberglass ball. Inside the ball will be welded to a
copper pipe that fits through and attaches to the base. I will hopefully fit a ballbearing insert into the top of the pipe, weld that and then put the rod into it that has the steel arrow in it for a weather vane effect. Everything is planned, but not built yet. So, like the concrete, and it ending up too heavy for this venture, one never knows untill the experience is done. This is all new for me, and I am loving every step. Someday I hope to have a big factory where everything is in place;
hooks, wenches, lifts, scafoding, to manuvour heavy artwork. Then the lift on the back of a big truck would be nice too. However, if I get a big place to work and I have commissions for big
sculpture, I should be able to afford to have the pieces shipped or something. The owner can pay! As nice as this little sphere looks as is, it will be en capsuled with chicken wire and fiberglass, and painted.

Productive day

2008-04-07T21:49:00.001-04:00

Doing spring clean up, and sculpture! Making room for bigger and better things to come.
Ill cut my grape vines back this year and create an area to put my hoist so I can lift the metal
or concrete or whatever I make with it. Helps with the ole back-a-roo! Today I put the big ladder
over the sphere, and lifted the piece with the hoist to turn it to put more crete onto it. It wasnt that heavy actually, but it will be after I complete it. Tomorrow another beautiful day for sure!
No pics today. My daughter was accepted into a talent agency. We audition this weekend!
Karen

Cold and Overcast

2008-04-06T22:38:00.000-04:00

Much more than that as well. I should try to
give myself the freedom to explore new territory
and get away from this stale place if I can this week.
Everything stops when the weather is cold and damp for me.
I did draw this today, which turns me to the inside.
I need to be outside in the sunshine working. Winters here in
New England are just too long it seems. I already use
a light to help me stay cheerful. Today was not cheerful by all
means. Tomorrow I shall pick up and go again with a new attitude
and artful way. I will be glad and thankful for everything I
have, and not complain.

2008-04-05T19:01:00.001-04:00

Continued process

2008-04-05T18:46:00.000-04:00

This is perfect for me to be working on something challenging and big. I've had a lot of stressful
things going on in my life lately and I am trying to gain some serenity. Art has always played a huge part in fulfilling me when I need something to keep my head clear and focused.
Now more so than ever. I am blessed to be an artist for sure. However, using big chainsaws, and churning up hundreds of pounds of concrete can also be very tiring and back breaking. I need some cranes for sure. And a huge warehouse or something to work from. My welder is all hooked up now so I can weld big steel for study sculptures. My smaller welder was just not cutting the cake.
I love cake!! And speaking of cake, my birthday was yesterday and I went to my party that I did not know was going to happen and ate some delicious cake my daughter made me.
LOVED it. Thanks Linda! Okay. back to work. Here I am cutting the legs to this sculpture out using a chainsaw. It was fast and easy too. Then I took a sander grinder and worked the edges smooth for the paint and fiberglass. Im thinking about perhaps making these into fish. What a cool sculpture this is going to be. You will not realize I used plywood unless you saw this blog.
Which not too many people have. But they will because I am going to email everybody I can and tell them about it. I have been playing guitar at an open mic here in town and someone told me I should make a CD! So, perhaps I will, after, of course, I finish this sculpture.
Karen the smartest artist. And getting wiser too in my older ages.

continued process

2008-04-03T22:12:00.000-04:00

Today I bought more plywood. My money is running short, but soon I should be getting more to buy supplies with. The piece is a challange for me. Espically the concrete part now. I know it will be much more weight than anticipated. I should have figured the volume out first, but I did not.
This will weigh about 250 lbs when completed. I got half poured today. Tomorrow rain, but it should sit a few days before I attempt to move it anyways. so, I covered it with plastic to keep it dry. I need to design the legs. Here is my progress. As you can see my access hole is on the up side. I dont know WHAT I was thinking because now when I go to turn the piece over, I will not have an access. SO! I will turn it slightly and work my way up and around. Once dried I can smooth it with some special stuff I get from the concrete store. It is a finished crete espically for thin areas of verticalness. Great expensive stuff. I still have some from my last concrete sculpture. which weighted about 2 tons!!
I hope this one wont be too hard to maneuver accept with a couple guys.
Windy and cooler today however. April. AAAh. My 50th birthday tomorrow folks.
I need to drive people here to read my blog. how can I do that?
K

The Process

2008-04-02T19:29:00.001-04:00

Today I started to put my bigger sculpture together for Long Branch, New Jersey, Shore Institute of Contemporary Art. I have two that will go there, one is already completed. There is not any stipend money involved, but I need to create big now, as I am in my springtime energy mode, and I have lots of energy. I need sunlight in my eyes as well. It is really great to finially be able to go outside and actually spend the day out in the sunlight. However, tonight the temps go back down to 19 ! Anyhow. My process for this big guy called "Balance which is made from steel,
concrete and wood with fiberglass finish, and some stainless steel, is quiet fascinating. This is going to determine how well concrete holds up in a larger form, only hollow inside. The weight is critical as I will have to be able to lift it onto the sculpture by hand, or hands as it will be from my van. So, careful planning is made to have just the right amount of concrete , and places to hold the thing to move it.
19 degrees is too cold to mix concrete and cure properly too, so now this is going to hold me back some. I have untill May 1st to complete it, May 2nd, is my deadline. Anyhow. Here are a few pictures to show you what I am doing. (The 36" Dia, 18" deep hole is for the mold to fit into to pour the concrete and form it up and around the inside of my frame. I will put plastic down in the hole once I am ready. You need something to push the concrete onto with the wire mesh and steel frame on the inside of it. Nobody had this large size mold that I could find, and this will work fine as I have done this before.
This is the steel frame which is just tied together with rebar ties.

This is the cage with the chicken wire wrapped and tied.
I believe I will add a few more steel frame pieces in a horizontal
position to help keep the concrete from having weak spots.

I also have two 3/4" pressure treated 4'x8' pieces of plywood glued and screwed and drying as well. I will cut the legs of this sculpture out of that.

The idea here is to place the globe in the hole I dug, I will
concrete half of the sphere, then once it is set pretty well, about 1.5 days I will turn it over and concrete and secure the rest of it. I will leave a hole to do this as the top will not leave me access, then I will have formed a little trap door that I can pull from inside once I am finished the other half and tie it and complete my globe!! Wont this be soooo cool?
I love it. Perhaps I should make it a time capsule and put something special in side the globe incase anybody ever breaks it open. Yea! I think I will.
Tomorrow
Karen

थे प्रोसेस

2008-04-02T19:20:00.000-04:00

वही इस एवेर्य्थिंग इन सोम वेअर्द फॉण्ट.

2008-03-28T21:52:00.001-04:00

Aries
Full
Moon

2008-03-28T21:50:00.001-04:00

This is a spot I hiked to
a week ago or so when we still
had snow on the ground.
It has all melted now, and some
flowers are popping up.

2008-03-28T21:47:00.001-04:00

This is a 40"x40" mixed media
painting.
The faces were a woodblock print
and the outfits were cut papers,
with Acrylic paint. looks much
better in person.