SNIPPETS: Why I'm so happy!

SNIPPETS
news from the art studio 

I dare you to try to wipe that smile off my face!
 
This is the look of an artist who is about to return to her studio full time.  April 1 will be the long-awaited day I step off the 30-year design career, give up the daily grind and get busy making my own art. I couldn't be happier!
 
My objective for the remainder of 2019 will be to create a collection of work in cut paper and charcoal for upcoming shows this fall and in early 2020. This is something like telling the grade-school me, there will be no more math and history classes, they have been replaced with art class and recess. Yahoo!
 
Follow my journey on Facebook and Instagram, I will post behind-the-scenes and finished work there. I'm so happy to have you along for this exciting next chapter of my life.
Cheers!
Wendy
 

 
That Bat in the Belfry
What on Earth inspired this, you ask? When a local gallery curator sent out a call for work suggesting "mechanical" I just went a little bats. The result is this (mostly) paper automaton. I had never before heard of automata, but came across this video and it looked like fun. Working out the mechanics was more challenging than it looks in that cheerful little butterfly video. Next time I might select a tutorial with actual words, not just video. Happily, I got it working in time for the show and learned a lot in process. 
 
Grade-school me says, "OK, enough shop class, let's get back to art and recess!" 
 
The closing reception for 3rd on 3rd Gallery's "Mechanical Circus" was this past Friday. If you didn't get a chance to see it in person, I hope you get a kick out of this gif I made of the automaton in action.

 
No idle hands
The tradition of women creating arts and crafts has been passed down generation to generation in my family. In this piece called "Four Generations", I've replicated in hand-cut and embossed paper mom's quilting, my grandma's and daughter's crochet and my own paper feather. 
 
I'm thrilled to announce this sentimental piece has been accepted into the show "Women Create". A celebration of area women artists, this highly anticipated show will be on display March/April. A public reception will take place March 15th from 6-8PM at 3rd on 3rd Gallery at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts 108 E 3rd St., Jamestown, NY

 
Spring. Yes, please!
I recently saw my first of the year male redwing blackbird which is always a favorite sign of spring. I will leave you with this colored pencil drawing I did many years ago. Winter, I love ya, but I'm so ready for the next season. 
 
My grade-school self is looking forward to spring break!
 
—WB
 
P.S.Thanks so much for reading my Snippets. Please forward this to anyone you think might enjoy my artwork. I would be very grateful for this support of my new venture!