New Project: Used Coffee Filters

Yes, you read correctly. I'm taking a slight detour from using teabag paper in my art. I wanted to find a slightly heavier material...coffee filters. 

The prep is about the same. I let the filters dry with the coffee grounds on top to stain the filters. After the filters dried, I brush off the coffee grounds and put a light coat of soft matte medium on one side.

Once the medium dried, I trimmed each filter to a 5 1/2" square. I, also, used soft matte medium to attach the filters to each other. The size of the "fabric" is 15 3/4" x 36 1/4". I'm planning entering this piece in a group show that has a size limitation of 15"x34" so at some point I will need to trim it.

used coffee filter "fabric"

My plan is to weave strips of dyed fabric into this "fabric". I wanted to try different colors than I normally use so, I ordered 9 Procion dye from Dharma Trading. I'm still deciding on which colored fabric I will use on this piece.

The color names from left to right:
Amber Waves, Terracotta, Chocolate Brown, Rust Brown, Dutch Chocolate, Tea Leaves, Wasabi, Celadon and Garibaldi.

To be continued...

Update From My Studio

This weekend I finished the fourth piece for my "Peel Away The Layers" series. I decided to call it "Renewal". The color palette reminds me of Spring, hence the title. The total size is 20"x20" with the main mosaic area is approximately16"x16". I blogged about the work in progress here.


Renewal by Mia Bloom


The other pieces in the series are "Peel Away The Layers II" (which was purchased), "Peel Away The Layers" and "Torn".

Photo Friday

Most mornings when I drive to my day job I'm on autopilot. Recently, I noticed this "Teach Art" billboard on top of a vacant building. It's at the corner of Magnolia Blvd. and Hollywood Way in Burbank, CA. I couldn't find any information regarding it. So, my guess it's an example of Art Bombing.

"Delphinium Field" Exhibit

Last year, I started a piece for Artistic Expressions' "Delphinium Fields" exhibit. I blogged about it here. This exhibit will be on displayed at all 7 of the Mancuso Shows starting in May 2013 in Denver, CO. To see all of the pieces in this exhibit, please visit the Artistic Expressions blog.



"Aged Beauty" by Mia Bloom


My piece was inspired by the natural aging that every living things goes through. I made this piece using raw edge applique so, it will age and wear as it travels the 7 Mancuso shows.

"Definitions" Exhibit

I'm excited to announce that "Peel Away The Layers" and "Torn" will be part of the San Fernando Valley Arts Council and Valley Arts Alliance exhibit called "Definitions: An Artist's Relationship to Techniques + Medium".

"Peel Away The Layers" by Mia Bloom

"Torn" by Mia Bloom

The call for entry wanted artwork that showed the techniques and mediums that have made a lasting impact on the artist and their art.

I thought about my "Peel Away The Layers" series that incorporated used tea bag papers. I've been so inspired by using this material. This technique is being used as a metaphor for growth/aging.  As we get older or grow, the layers are peeled away to reveal the person we have become.

The exhibit is being shown at the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center, 7222 Remmet Avenue, Canoga Park, CA 91303. It runs from Monday, March 4th to Saturday, March 16th. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, March 9th 6pm-9pm. I will be at the opening reception and hope to see some friendly faces.

Face Value

It's time for another trade for Serendipity Art Group. The theme is "Face Value". I decided to stretch the definition to fit my style. My piece is called "What Do You See?"

Definition of Face Value: To accept something exactly the way it appears to be.

My artist statement: Abstract art can be left to the viewer to interpret. This piece should be viewed at face value. It's a black and white piece with a red cross.

Artist Interview Series 2013

I'm so excited to share some news! Recently, I was interviewed by my dear friend and amazing artist, Deborah Stanley for her blog's Featured Artist Series 2013 section. She, also, posted the interview on her Patch online newspapers blog in Southern and Northern California editions at: The Patch Southern California and The Patch Northern California.
 

Photo Friday

 

 

I drove by this artwork on the way to work. It helped to put my life into perspective this morning.



More ice cube dyeing

Recently, I blogged about ice cube dyeing fabric. Well, I'm at it again. This time I only used one dye color - Gun Metal from iDye. The results were similar to my previous attempt. I really love the effect of one dye color as oppose to multiple dye colors.

The shirt dyed a bit lighter than the fabric but I am happy with both of them.



close up of shirt

close up of shirt

close up of fabric

close up of fabric

Mini Art

Happy New Year!

I'm not one to make resolutions but I do set goals for myself. One of my goals for the new year is to participate in more ClothPaperScissors Reader Challenges. The recent challenge that caught my eye is "Make Mine Mini". It was a fun challenge because I normally don't make mini art. I brought three 4"x4" stretch canvases and went to work.

I thought incorporating the simple designs from my guerrilla art project, Graffiti Inspirations, would work in a smaller format. The artwork is uploaded to the Reader Challenge gallery and emailed to the magazine. Wow! It feels great to hit the ground running with my 2013 goals. I hope to keep the momentum going.

Mini Flowers

Mini Fun

Mini BWP