Perfect Sunday

Aaahhh...a perfect Sunday. Football on TV, fabric dyeing and used coffee filters drying.

Surface Art Association - "Under The Influence" exhibit





October 12th is turning out to be a busy day for me. Besides the NLAP auction that I mentioned in here, there is the opening reception for Surface Art Association exhibit called "Under the Influence" from 2-4pm. The members were asked to create a piece that represents what influences their art. The size requirement was 15"x34" or a sculpture.

Recently, I have been using nontraditional materials in my art. I decided to create a piece that incorporated used coffee filters. I first blogged about this piece here. This piece has inspired me to create a series using coffee filters.



"Interwoven #1" by Mia Bloom



Each member could also enter an additional piece that would included in the exhibit depending on the space available. Luckily, my additional piece was included. This piece called "Renewal" is part of my series called "Peel Away the Layers". 

"Renewal" by Mia Bloom

 



 

New Life Arts Project - "Waterfall"

A few months ago, Deborah Stanley approached me to participate in a charity auction for the New Life Arts Project (NLAP) for Smart Foundation and VSA California. This organization supplies musical instruments to children in Orange County who wouldn't have access otherwise. The artists are given damaged instruments to turn into artwork.

 

I requested clarinet. I thought the shape lent itself to stand on its own without any support. The clarinet I received had some of the keys were missing so, I decided to remove the remaining ones. I thought it would be interesting to explore the relationship of the hard instrument and softness of fabric. Also, I liked the idea painting the clarinet so, it won't be easily recognizable.

 

The first idea that came to mind was to shibori dye silk organza. The light and airy fabric fit the effect I wanted to achieve. I went back and forth on the color to paint the clarinet but ended up with light blue. The final element was adding a bit of orange that my friend, Madeleine, suggested. I'm happy with the piece and hope that it will bring in a good amount of money for the audition.

 

Side note: I realize that I need to work on photographing sculptures.

 

"Waterfall" by Mia Bloom

 

If you're in the north Orange County area on Saturday, October 12th from 5 - 8pm, come on by and check out the amazing artwork.

 

 

 

Griffiti Inspirations artwork - "Lucky"

Besides this blog, some of you know that I have another blog called Graffiti Inspirations that supports my art bombing project. Recently, Scottish jazz singer Cathie Rae contacted me about using my "Lucky" artwork on her cd cover. I was so excited and honored. As a kid, I always dreamed of designing art for album covers. So, I'm checking that item off my bucket list. 

It's an amazing cd with original songs along with old standards such as "La Vie En Rose". The music is perfect background when I'm creating art.

You can purchase Cathie's cd here.

 

 

"The Serendipity Collection" - Exhibit at Soft Expressions Upstairs Gallery July-August 2013

I have pieces in this exhibit. If you're in the Anaheim area in July or August 2013 stop on by!

On the postcard above, my piece called "What Do You See?" from the "Face Value" theme is in the upper left corner.

Photo Friday

Well, technically it's Photos. I took these random photos while in San Antonio.  I thought it would be an enjoyable way to conclude my posts on the SDA Conference.

Walking under a bridge on the Riverwalk

Artwork hanging under a bridge on the Riverwalk

Unintentional design under a bridge.



Decorative bridge on the way back to the hotel

Brick wall near the Southwest School of Art

Sculpture in the lobby of an office building

And finally, on the way home from an amazing, inspiring conference, artwork in the San Antonio airport.

Jane Dunnewold's "Sacred Planet" series

Lisa Kerpoe's "Now Is The Best Season"

Thank you for joining me this week as I revisited the SDA Conference 2013. Until next time...

Southwest School of Art Sponsored Exhibits

In addition to the galleries we visited on June 6th, there were other amazing exhibits during the SDA Conference. On my last day in San Antonio, I had time to visit the Southwest School of Art sponsored exhibits featuring Michael James "Organizing Nature" and Naomi Wanjiku Gakunga "A Tradition of Strings".

Michael James exhibit references natural forms using digital techniques such as Photoshop and large fabric printer. He was one of the key speakers at the conference. It was interesting to see how his quilts evolved.

Michael James "Organizing Nature" exhibit

In the adjoining gallery was Naomi's exhibit. Her artwork merges African artistic traditions with contemporary concepts. I really felt a connection with Naomi's artwork. I'm so glad I was able to view the exhibit in person.

Naomi Wanjiku Gakunga
"A Tradition of Strings" exhibit

Naomi Wanjiku Gakunga
"A Tradition of Strings" exhibit

Naomi Wanjiku Gakunga
"A Tradition of Strings" exhibit

SDA Conference 2013 Gallery Hop: Part 4

Next up is the exhibit at the University of San Antonio Art Collection Gallery in the Durango Building. There were so many amazing pieces. Here is some of my favorites:

entrance to the exhibit

The Phenomenology of Impairment
by Katherine Hobbs

Close up of
The Phenomenology of Impairment
by Katherine Hobbs

Knebix
by Delaney Smith

Close up of
Knebix
by Delaney Smith

 

The next 3 pieces I couldn't find the artist names or titles in my notes but I thought they were too memorable not to post.

 

 

The final gallery was Say Si Gallery that featured the SDA Member exhibit.



Smadar Knobler in front of her artwork.

Marie-Laure Ilie's artwork

 

"Wanted"
by Diane Sandlin

"May Day 16 Flight"
by Laurie Carlson Steger

"Ode to Marge"
by Marty Jonas

"Functioning System I"
by Mary Giehl

"Duality"
by Naomi Adams

Thank you for stopping by!

SDA Conference 2013 Gallery Hop: Part 3

Onwards to the next gallery. Before we entered the International Center, fiber artist, Julie Kornblum, yarn bombed the metal sign outside the building. Very cool!

The exhibit inside was called "Earth Friendly Alchemy: Explorations in Natural Dying." Here is a sampling of the artwork.

artwork by Joan Morris

artwork by Bhakti Ziek

artwork by Elin Noble

artwork by Valerie D. Walker

artwork by Sara Goodman

artwork by Lisa Grey

artwork by Jay Rich

Check back tomorrow for more gallery photos. Thanks!