Category: Working Table

Jun 30

Working Table

In an ongoing series of photographs where Laura and Tina share their “working table” here is this week’s work in progress:

Tina's Working Table

Tina’s Working Table Notes:

I wanted to highlight this flat file case my Dad, Terry Hirsig, made me many years ago.  I asked for a simple case to hold my art supplies and he surprised me with this beauty!  I have used it for about ten years now and is an indispensable part of my art practice for organizing and keeping my collections, papers, old sketchbooks, and art supplies. I opened one drawer to show you the vintage and ephemeral objects my parents (who are antique dealers) have given me as well as objects I have collected along my travels.  I don’t look forward to moving all these items into my new studio in about a month, but am very fortunate to have this piece of furniture nonetheless!

Laura's Working Table

Laura’s Working Table Notes:

I have been working on and off on this piece for a few weeks now and almost have it figured out. It has been a constant play of getting the collage elements “just so.” I will share the finished piece and the text that goes with the numbers you see later in the week.

  • Share/Bookmark

1
comments

Jun 16

Working Table & Newsletter

Tina's Working Table

Dear Laura & Friends,

My “Working Table” (see the link for a post about what Working Table is) comes from the table in my sunroom instead of my studio.  As I had mentioned last week, I am hanging with the kids this summer and moving much of what I do from my studio to my home.  I am finding pockets of time to draw and collage but mostly giving my time to them.  Keeping the work out and available to look at has been good to keep my mind somewhat in the creative mode.

NOW….I figured out how to put a subscription link for our upcoming newsletter here at our blog.

Look to your right.

There it is!

Just enter your email and whether you want our html (pictures and stuff) or plain text newsletter to arrive in your email box.   We will not send you one unless you sign up (or are on a previous email list saying you want one) since we always want to honor and respect your email box.

We have A LOT of exciting plans brewing right now and want to share them with you.

What to expect from our newsletter

1.  We will write one quarterly- one for each season.

2.  Updates on workshops and travel plans Laura TWO Tina have made (we may come to your town!).

3.  News on where to purchase our artwork (hint: Etsy)

4.  Notes and thoughts about our process working together as collaborative artists (as we wrap up our collaborative book exchange, we are starting our newest collab. project next month)

5.  Good books we have read about collaboration and the life of an artist.

6.  Ideas for bringing more creative action into your own art practice.

7.  more, more, and even more great information about the art of collaboration.

We hope you sign up with us so we can keep you in the loop.  2010 is quickly becoming a very active year for us and we would like to share it with you.

~Tina~  (and Laura who currently has her computer in the shop- sending good thoughts to Laura that her computer comes back with a clean bill of health!)

  • Share/Bookmark

0
comments

Jun 02

Working Table

Laura's Working Table

Laura’s Working Table Notes:

This week I sat in my garden with an ice cold glass of iced tea, my sketchbook and pen in hand. I listened to the birds chirp and was still as I immersed myself in my sketching. Two of my creative goals for the summer are to sketch when I can’t get to the studio and to embrace my garden by tuning into my surroundings and noticing all the delightful changes. This year I decided to not plant too many potted plants (I have an plant addiction!) so I wouldn’t have to spend the summer watering them and I could actually sit and ENJOY my garden. I have been using a simple black pen and doing contour line drawings of whatever happens to be blooming. These simple drawings give me an opportunity to work intuitively with my paint back in my studio. Similar to my meditation series of abstract work these paintings provide me with a time to ponder the larger questions I have as an artist. They are still a bit tender…I hope you will follow me on my journey of reconnection and growth throughout the summer.

Tina's Working Table

Tina’s Working Table Notes:

My working table photo comes from my garden.  I am in transition with my children as they spend their last half days of school so I am spending more time out of my studio and in the spaces around my house.  Their official last day is tomorrow and with that ushers in summer time!  This photo is of our first harvest which we planted months ago.  Blackberries and tomatoes today and hopefully blueberries and cucumbers tomorrow.  Yes, that is my dog thinking about snatching that food right out of the bowl.  We always have to be on our toes with our four legged thief lurking around!

Tina

  • Share/Bookmark

4
comments

May 18

Working Table

Laura's Working Table

Laura’s Working Table Notes:

I have been working on this altered book in preparation for the opening, “What IS an Altered Book?” at the Riverside Gallery this friday. My good friend, Millie has diligently been posting thoughtfully written artists statements on her BLOG, written by the friends who took my last altered book class. I feel privileged to have been a part of such a wonderful community of women with a willingness to share so much of themselves. Their books showcase  each of their individual personalities which are alive with color and life. The cover of my book was looking a little grim so I decided to cut out a niche, similar to the one Tina shared in her Vision for the week. I have been wanting to try this for awhile and thought it was the perfect opportunity to experiment and see how my artwork would look framed within the cover. I am still at the beginning stages, so stay tuned to see how it turns out! If you are in the area stop by the Riverside for the opening reception this friday from 5-8:00 pm for “What IS an Altered Book? You will enjoy laughter, learning, a little vino, treats & FUN!!!

Working Table 5-18-10

Tina’s Working Table Notes:

I am very tired after a productive day in the studio, teaching, and parenting.  This is a simple photo of my process table from this afternoon.  The piece near the bottom of the photo is almost finished.  I will post a picture when I have it all complete.  It felt great to be in the studio today.

Good Night~

  • Share/Bookmark

1
comments

May 11

Working Table

Tina's Working Table 5-11-10

Tina’s Working Table Notes:  Laura and I have talked about how we can bring some small works of art to our home to work on when getting into the studio does not work out.  This is my latest attempt to continue the flow of creativity to my home.  In a box I have brought home bits of papers, wood, and a variety of drawing pencils/erasers.  I have a long range plan for these small drawings, but at this time it is still a new idea and needs some more stewing before I share it with the world.  If this idea comes to fruition, I will definitely share the process and results.  Sometimes you just never know if an idea will work or not and you just have to trust the process (a famous line from Goddard that I know Laura will laugh at right now!)

Laura's Working Table

Laura’s Working Table Notes: Today was a teaching day for me. I had two wonderful lessons teaching watercolor techniques and oil painting. Later in the day I worked on some gelatin prints with two great friends and I am just getting home now (10:30!). It was a most magical day in the studio.

  • Share/Bookmark

0
comments

May 05

Working Table

Tina's Working Table

Tina’s Working Table Notes:  I am holding this new invention I completed (well almost).  I came up with a method to contain epoxy resin in a circle.  It will go in the square piece behind it.  It was a short studio day, but productive.  Nothing like a small window of time to work in a day to really get things done!

L2T Spring Fling artful display

Laura’s Working Table Notes: Today I went and did my first voice over for a video highlighting the Spring Fling! I will share it with you once it is complete. SO FUN! In the meantime here is a sneak peak of the display I created of L2T work for the event, complete with our first ever prints which we will soon have for sale on Etsy!

  • Share/Bookmark

0
comments

Apr 27

Working Table

Tina's Working Table 4-25-10

Tina’s Working Table Notes: Today I confidently used the jigsaw.  I have been kind of dreading using this tool, but finally just put my safety glasses on and went for it.  I figured I could make another box if I messed it up.  I didn’t mess it up and realized how easy this really was.  Maybe it was just a mental shift of confidence.  I cut out the window to this box on the lower left hand corner of the picture.  The cut-out is on a hinged door that the viewer will be able to open and close.  It is a beginning of something good!

Laura’s Working Table Notes: I do not have an image for this week as my working table has been a medley of various tasks as I prepare for the Open Studio this Friday & Saturday. I have been making signs, inventorying my work (and L2T work!!!), packaging mini paintings and sprucing up the joint with LOTS and LOTS of paper cranes, lanterns, flowers and love. You will be WOWED for sure! I am giddy with excitement and anxious to share! Hope to see you there!

  • Share/Bookmark

0
comments

Apr 21

Notes From Tina’s Studio

Principles of Education created by Tina Hirsig

Dear Laura and Friends,

I completed some work this week and wanted to write some notes to y’all about it (I really don’t talk with that southern accent, being from Chicago, but sometimes it just seems to fit right quick-haha! I don’t even think I used that southern phrase correctly).

This triptych came about when my friend Deb gave me a pile of antique books about education.  I have a series of work I have been developing over the years about education (see that HERE) that I am sure someday will amount to a complete series.  Specifically it is about my experiences as an educator in the world of high-stakes standardized testing (that I firmly don’t believe in).   The work is detailed technically and structurally which is the reason for the slow progress.  Every bit of these mixed-media sculptural pieces of art are hand-crafted.  I learned how to use tools I have never used before: table saw, dremmel tool, jigsaw, electric sander, etc.  It has been a delight to step into this art form that I find often belongs to men.  Even my Dad said once “it is strange to be talkin’ about all these saws and tools with my daughter”.   My Dad is an amazing resource, although sometimes old fashioned,  for learning about tools since this is what he does as a living as an antique furniture restorer (along with my Mom who does the staining/varnishing and other small antique collectibles).  Are there other women (and men) out there who yearn to rev up a table saw and feel confident?  I have to say it feels great to accomplish this.  Don’t get me wrong, I am still cautious whenever I start up a power tool.  I don’t think I will ever be stronger or more confident than that 8″ spinning saw blade!  But I digress….

What I want to address in this post is the slowness of creating art.

I think I am a pretty patient person.  But when it comes to producing artwork that I think is fit for the public eye (i.e. I believe it is well-crafted and expresses my thoughts clearly) I am super impatient. I want it done yesterday and I want it exhibited tomorrow.   I suppose this stems mainly from the fact that I am getting my art career off the ground much later than the artists I see working around me.  I DO have time carved into my busy schedule with teaching and raising a family, I am very disciplined, driven, and passionate about what I am doing.  These four main obstacles to giving an art practice momentum (at least for me) have been resolved.  I got it down.  But the work is still slow.

I have heard from many people that how we define success is important.  Maybe this will resolve my impatient feelings.    I feel that this triptych addressing my thoughts on education is successful.  Successful because they implement my found objects, photography, drawing, and collage.  Successful because I learned how to glue and drill a book into a hand-crafted wood box.  Successful because the three-dimensional quality to the work (there is grass nailed to the sides of the boxes) delights me.  Successful because they express one of my main threads about education: finding wisdom by observing nature and the world outside of oneself.  Successful because I learned how to use tack nails and liquid nails glue to suspend the small image transfers of trees within the book’s cover.

I find complete joy in the moment of creation, but still feel the pressure (impatience) to have my work out in the world where it is validated by others.  For now,  I will focus on the validation I feel within and have faith that the outsider’s validation will come.  I wish I could say all I needed was that internal validation but you know…it is nice to have someone else appreciate the work I am so passionate about!

This certainly has been the longest post I have ever written so I will close with asking for some input from you if you have read this far along.  Anyone have tips on how to curb my impatience in the studio?

Tina

  • Share/Bookmark

5
comments

Apr 14

Working Table

Laura's Working Table

Laura’s Working Table notes:

I received a lovely package from Tina with the paintings I started which she collaged with drawings. She also sent along these wonderful wooden boxes for me to cover, along with maps and a few prints of our work. (We are testing out prints for our soon to be open Etsy shop). Today I worked on covering the boxes, preparing them for the artwork which will be mounted on them. It took a lot longer than you may imagine, as I was meticulous at making sure they were perfect and without any bubbles. I love the colors of the maps and how the images look juxtaposed on top of them. What you are seeing are the back of the boxes. They look like little shadow boxes. You can look forward to seeing them finished at the Open Studio in two weeks as well as at our soon to be Etsy shop opening soon-SO PSYCHED!

Tina's Working Table 4-13

Tina’s Working Table Notes:

Since moving my studio to my garage as a temporary spot, I have enjoyed the natural light, fresh air, and sounds of nature in my neighborhood.  It is a very different feel than my current studio in an industrial area.   A lot of work is coming together this month, which is good to feel finally.  The small pieces of art I have been struggling with are finally getting completed, after reinventing them three times, and I actually like them.  The picture on the right is a sneak peek at these which I will be posting on my website soon.

  • Share/Bookmark

0
comments

Apr 06

Working Table

Tina's Working Table

Tina’s Working Table Notes:

This week the boys are on Spring Break so I moved my studio work into my garage.  It is working out very nicely and I think this is good practice for when I do finally move my studio into my home. The photos are a collage of my day.  I worked a bit on my art while the boys played with their friends who came over, planted some veggies (basil in the picture), made some bread, and took more photographs of the pear tree in my yard.  I am really enjoying this break from teaching this week!

Laura's Working Table 4/6/10

Laura’s Working Table Notes:

I have been thinking about ways in which I can incorporate my love of gardening with my artwork and have been playing around with the idea of a “Painting in a pot” for the Open Studio at the end of the month. It has been so much fun experimenting and playing with all kinds of ideas. I delighted in potting the pansies and relishing the lovely, warm spring air. I am still formulating my ideas and will share more as I progress but would love to know what you think of this idea. Would you like to receive a painting in a pot? Let me know…xoL

  • Share/Bookmark

1
comments

Apr 03

Ukrainian Egg Painting

Heating up the wax to draw on the egg

my egg with first wax drawing

drawing with the wax after the first dip in the dye

drawing on wax after second dye bath

dying the eggs

my friend Joy & Priscilla's eggs after the second dye

last covering with wax until the final dipping in black dye

Dear Tina & Friends~

Last week I tried my hand a Ukrainian egg painting known as “Pysanky”. Now mind you this is NOT something I thought I would ever have the patience for, but since my fabulous friend Diana offered her time and patience to teach our sketchjournaling class how to do it, of course I jumped at the opportunity. I always find it rewarding to stretch myself and try something outside my comfort zone and learned that this is QUITE a process!

You start by cleaning the egg with vinegar and then sketch out the design with a hard pencil, careful not to touch the egg with your hands (you wrap it in a paper towel to avoid finger prints in the dying process). The next step is to carefully heat up a kistky over a candle, dip it in beeswax and then draw on over your design. The egg is then dipped into a dye starting from light to dark. You build up your colors by painting over your design with the beeswax and then dipping it into the next color dye. The technique is similar to batik and a little abstract for my brain as I tried to envision what the colors will look like. I soon learned that the “unknown factor” is part of the process and the fun.

The process is a little time consuming but relaxing. I got to chat the afternoon away with friends sharing, creating and content in the moment. I wish I could say I had more to show you but I worked on my egg for 3 1/2 hours and haven’t dyed it yet! Talk about being a slow artist, ha! Diana lent me the tools to finish it and when I do I will be sure to share it. In the meantime you can get a flavor for the process by looking at the images of the group above. It was a magical day of learning, sharing and being a student. I just love these ladies! Have any of you ever tried Ukrainain egg painting or own any of these delicate eggs? If so I would love to hear your stories in the comment section. Feel free to send me a picture if you have one. Cheery Smiles & love, Laura


  • Share/Bookmark

1
comments

Mar 30

Working Table

Laura's working table 3/10/10

Laura’s Working Table Notes:

This weeks working table is my “framing table.” It is interesting thinking about how the many, many jobs I have had throughout my life find there way into my current work. Framing is one of the skills I have learned that I will be forever grateful for. Working at a frame shop gave me an appreciation for how time consuming and labor intensive it is, which is reflected in the price. So, if you have ever had anything custom framed and wondered why it costs so much, now you know. This is something to consider when purchasing art, as the artist must incur this cost. Since framing is as subjective as the artwork itself, I usually frame my work in clean, simple frames meant to enhance the work.

Tina's Working Table 3-30-10

Tina’s Working Table Notes:

I am still working on these small works (third time remaking these), but I am glad to report that they are finally going in the direction I like.  I felt like I moved forward today on this project and I hope I can keep up the momentum to see these to completion.  I will be adding drawings to the white edges of these small wood boxes and assembled/collaged items on the interior.

  • Share/Bookmark

0
comments

Mar 23

Working Table: March 23, 2010

working table Laura’s Working Table Notes: I thought I would share my fun working table from last week. I had the luxury of working on one of my altered books with our friends Marlene & Monique while I was at Holderness. I embraced the one day off I had lounging around at Monique’s cute new house, painting, sharing ideas and loving being with our inspiring Goddard friends. If you look closely you can see a hint of Marlene’s book on the right along with Monique’s glasses. Tina, I wish you were there with us!

Tina's Working Table 3-23=10

Tina's Working Table 3-23=10

Tina’s Working Table Notes:  Today I have multiple projects going on.  I completed our collaborative works, as seen on the left side of the picture.  I will be sending these off to Laura soon for her to complete and put up for sale.  I am also working on a series of small works- the three small box like shapes.  These small works are a challenge for me.  I find larger works easier.  This is the third time reinventing these pieces of art.  I hope I am happy at the end of these.  Time will tell!

  • Share/Bookmark

0
comments

Mar 16

Working Table: Kiki Smith

Dear Friends,

Today we thought we would present a video of Kiki Smith for the Working Table.  This is her, candidly working at home and discussing the nature of being an artist.  We saw her work at the Whitney Museum of Art in 2007 and felt profoundly moved by that large exhibition.  We hope that if this is the first time you have heard of Kiki that you explore her work further at your local library or on the internet.  Enjoy!

Tina & Laura

  • Share/Bookmark

2
comments

Mar 13

Working Table 3-9-10

Laura's Working Table

Laura's Working Table 3/9/10

I am presently in NH teaching an Altered Books Workshop, so my working table looks a little different. This is one of my background pages, along with a little envelope I made from an old book page written in a language I do not know. I just love how the text looked visually on the paper and know I want to include it somewhere within the book.

workingtable3-9-10

Tina's Working Table 3-9-10

Working Table Notes:

Today I went out to a live oak tree named Angel Oak on Johns Island, South Carolina.  I sat and drew for hours taking in this tree.  This tree is believed to be 1,500 years old!  Can you imagine what the land looked like in year 510 when this tree was a sapling?  I am still trying to wrap my mind around that one.  It was a great feeling to have the sunshine on me while I drew outside listening to the birds.

Tina

  • Share/Bookmark

0
comments

Mar 02

Working Table 3-2-10

Laura's working table 3/2/10

Laura's working table 3/2/10

Laura’s Working Table notes:

This week I have been working on some gelatin prints for an upcoming show with the Stonington Printmaker’s Society which opens April 3rd at the Cate Charles Gallery. I worked on some monoprints for the printmaking show I participated in with this wonderful group in January at the Slater Memorial Museum . I have to say, I LOVE the affects I am getting with the gelatin even more. I am actually able to paint and get rich color in a way I wasn’t able to with the plexi glass plate I used for the monoprints. Linda Germain is a fabulous, inspiring artist with a great blog on the process. The possibilities are addicting and endless. I am presently working on a wine series which complements the previous mixed-media wine series I have been working on. I can’t wait to share my prints and progress.

100_9703

Tina's Working Table 3-2-10

Tina’s Working Table Notes:

I am working today on some small pieces of art.  Simply made at a simple cost.  These photos are of the trees I photographed while on the Edisto Nature Trail (also related to our Vision this week).  Each photograph was color copied (at Kinko’s) and transferred onto a wood panel with gel medium (I use Golden with the best results).  This photo was taken right before I turned the tree image over for the transfer. I will remove the transfers tomorrow once it is completely dried.  I also noticed I have my sketchbook open to some of the drawing I did on Monday in my neighborhood.  It was wonderful to take an hour outside (I needed more time and will do that next time) to quietly draw and listen to the birds.  I will post some photos later in the week of the artwork after I remove the transfers.

  • Share/Bookmark

2
comments

Feb 23

Working Table

Laura

Laura's Working Table 2-23-2010 (click to enlarge)

Laura’s studio notes:

It was so gorgeous on Saturday (45 degrees!), I ventured out to the Bluff for a lovely walk with a friend of mine after yoga. After our walk I went out with my camera and captured the ice floating on the river. The textures, energy, light and warmth I felt both in spirit and “in place” are reflected in my pastel sketches which I will expand upon.

Tina's Working Table 2-23-2010

Tina's Working Table 2-23-2010

Tina’s Working Table Notes:

Today was a day of hammers, hinges, and screws.  I came up with the idea to hinge together these paint panels into boxes with doors (the viewer will be able to open and close the mini-doors).  I am very excited about them.  Over this next week I will be developing the objects and images in sketch form so that when I return to my studio I will be ready to start assembling, painting, and drawing.

  • Share/Bookmark

2
comments

Feb 18

Book Exchange-next page completed

*Don’t forget to leave a comment on our post “You Made It! Welcome” to enter our drawing for FREE ART.  Read the details on that February 14th post.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Dear Laura-

I was going to write my post last night, but watching the Olympics was too much of a draw.  Did you see Lindsey Vonn win the gold medal in  womens downhill skiing?  Truly amazing!  And with a bum leg.  That, along with watching Shani Davis win his gold medal (men’s 1000 speedskating) for the second Olymics in a row, was too inspiring to type on the computer.  Their dedication to their passion is definitely something I admire.

SO, I do have good things to share about what I have finished and will be mailing to you shortly.  This is also a follow up to my Working Table post on February 2.  In that post I took a picture of the Book Exchange in progress.  I completed the next page  (please click on Book Exchange on the tab above to get the details of this 2 year and running project…for those of you new to our blog).

When I received the book and you had drawn a nest, I began brainstorming ideas on how to surround this nest in an outward motion.  A friend (thanks Deb!) gave me some antique books, which I proceeded to tear and glue in a circular motion.  With an Exacto knife I cut out tree branches, with handmade paper that looks like wood,  to create the image that the nest was resting in the tree.  I knew it needed one more thing, but wasn’t sure what yet, so it sat around for another week.

Then the waxwings came to town.

Every year Cedar Waxwing birds flock to our trees in the backyard.  Mostly quiet birds you would miss them if you didn’t happen to look out the window. It had just snowed the night before (the first in 20 years) and they were there to eat the fruit off our Bradford Pear tree.  I was lucky enough to get a few pictures of them.

100_9528100_9541

It was at this point I added the drawing of the bird on the book page.  It seemed like a good fit for what what going on in life at the moment.  Look for it in the mail next week.  Don’t scroll down Laura if you want it to be a surprise!

Love, Tina

bookexchange2

  • Share/Bookmark

3
comments

Feb 16

Working Table

Laura's Working Table 2/16/10

Laura's Working Table 2/16/10

Laura's Working Table 2/16/10

Laura's Working Table 2/16/1

*Don’t forget to leave a comment on our post “You Made It! Welcome” to enter our drawing for FREE ART.  Read the details on that February 14th post.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Laura’s Working Table notes:

Holding true to my “Vision” this week I have been sketching my flowers. I don’t think I have ever sketched waxed flowers and I must say I was enchanted with their delicate soft pink petals and tinges of deep pink around the edges. Their name means “riches.” Almost before my eyes the waxy outer coating was popping off (well I actually got a little addicted to pulling them off once noticed them!). They were like little protective pearls. It was a nice to pause on a snowy/rainy New England day…

Tina’s Working Table Notes:

My working table is rarely a table.  It is usually the floor.  As I mentioned last week I had started seven new box constructions which are in the background.  These will all eventually have doors.  I also finished out Book Exchange (which is laying in the middle) and also finished our giveawy (I adhered them to a wood panel that is wrapped in a map- I will complete them by adding a layer of epoxy resin and will photo them later).  I also have many more wood panels ready for some photo transfers. I am still developing that idea so I don’t have much to say on that right now!  Overall, I have a lot cookin’ in the pot.

Tina's Working Table 2/16/10

Tina's Working Table 2/16/10

  • Share/Bookmark

0
comments

Feb 10

Working Table

Working Table, Laura Gaffke

Laura’s Working Table Notes:

Hi Tina,

Yesterday you emailed me and mentioned how excited you were to have a “me” day in the studio to reconnect with your work. So often we as individuals wear so many hats the “me” gets lost. Today I reconnected with my own work by starting this meditative painting. I used the bottle as a way to contain my wandering thoughts. Although still a work in progress it helped center me. Cherrio dah-ling! xoLaura

Tina’s Working Table Notes:

I had the most amazing working table and I forgot my camera!  I will have to tell you about it and post a picture of the progress on our giveaway.  Today I moved forward in a lot of my many studio projects.  I have seven new boxes to dig into next time I am in my studio (I usually work on this many at the same time) and I have about eight small collages in the works.  I will share these ideas once they are developed a bit more.  You know what made a HUGE difference today?  I did not have my computer all day to distract me.  I accidentally forgot my power cord but I think it needs to forever stay at home now that I recognize how distracting that thing is!    Also- I have almost completed my page in our book exchange.  I am seriously on a roll.

On second thought, I was going to post a picture of the giveaway, but the photos are terrible under the lights in my house.  I will take it tomorrow in daylight.  Until then…..

Tina

Related Posts with Thumbnails
  • Share/Bookmark

1
comments