Curious Feet Seek Frisky Felines

Say "Hello" to my new favorite spandex!

Last night I made some Gator-Bait Gaiters out of this cute kitty print. While I was at it,  I made a few headbands, too. 

I'm experimenting with adding reflective ribbon tape to the top part of the gaiter, as well as by the toe clip. 

These will hit the Esty Shop next week.  

 

Can you say "MEOW!?"

DC No. 136: Memory

"Nevermore"

vine charcoal and pastel on paper

8 x 10 inches

A nod to Edgar Allen Poe's poem, I drew a Raven perched on the still life in my drawing studio.  In the actual drawing process, I reflect a fading memory, to which I refer as "history." What was once there, since erased, leaves a trace. 

 detail

This week's Drawing Challenge is hosted by my friend Kristen. See links to more artists who explored this theme at her blog here.

My Duchamp Outside the Drawing Studio

Dear Viewer,  You see the problem was—well it wasn't a problem at all— I carry a black marker and there was an old cracked toilet in front a building. I could not resist. Yours,  R. Mutt 2014

Thoughts on Hair of the Dog

 Utilizing the wall space for display of scarves and tea towels

Last Friday at 5:15 pm I set up (in a bit of a frenzy, as usual) for the 6 pm opening of the 10th Hair of the Dog Wine Tasting & Art Exhibit. I tend to under estimate the traffic time and this year was no different! 

My spot by the window was especially beautiful during the early evening. At night it was a bit dark but an extra lamp helped brighten the corner. The event was split between two floors of the building and I was upstairs in the formal Essex Art Center galleries among other artisans and great friends.

I managed to sell a fair amount, too, and raise some money for the MSPCA/Nevins Farm. I adopted my cat, the Wookiee, from Nevins Farm and feel deep gratitude to the organization.

The Wookiee inspecting some of my hand printed linen.

DAZE, Mural, and Going Big

Today Chris DAZE Ellis gave a public talk on his work before a full auditorium. Afterwards we headed to the Addison Gallery for the opening of their spring exhibits. What a blast!

Autographed DAZE exhibition flyer

Before his talk DAZE said to me "I see your students are working a lot larger." Yes! A lot larger. This is thanks to their group mural project with him. Working with DAZE was exceptional; He embodies collaboration. I believe his time with my painting students blew open their ideas about painting and stretched their imaginations. Not only are they working larger, they are working faster and more intuitively. What a gift. Thank YOU for everything, DAZE.

 

Detail of Mural 

Here is a time lapse GO Pro video of the mural in the Elson Art Center just outside of the Addison Gallery Museum Learning Center at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass. (by Neil Evans).

Porcupine and Witch Hazel (Big A 50K Trail Race)

This morning we headed up to Mount Agamenticus. 

My friend Jeanne talks about this mountain and various trail events there with great fondness. So when I got the wake up call (actually a peck on the cheek) I decided to accompanying the BF. Why not? I could go for a little loop and call it a day. In short, that's just what I did. 

 The Big A 50k.

I have no place attempting a 50k —without any training—or a "clear-to-run" voucher from the doctor.  But there I was relaxed, having some fun with friends, and hoping to make it one full loop.

When I met up with (the great white-bearded) Craig W. I casually mentioned that "I shouldn't be doing this..." (because of the hip). He responded, "well, that speaks to about 98% of the folks out here." I chuckled and we carried on for a bit and he was off. About 20 minutes into the first loop, I came up behind Peter, which was a treat because even if he tried to drop me, I would stick to him like a black fly to tape. It's rare that I can stay with him but in all fairness I think he decided to stay with me. Ann A. joined up with us, too. The three of us got really lost exploring some orange blazes through the woods that were technically conservation area markings and not the Mt. Aggie race course.

Porcupine and Witch Hazel 

two of my favorite trail names on Mt. Aggie. 

 Above image From Here.

After the first 3-mile loop we headed into the second side, a 7 mile jaunt, which is where we found the extra-credit miles. Following my "seriously, this can't be right" mutterings...we returned to start/finish,  grabbed a map and headed BACK out for another loop. This time we had a personal guide! Cindy lead us over Second hill and up Third. How lucky because she lives next to the mountain and these trails are her stomping grounds. 
 
When I pointed out to Cindy the general area where we went off course, she said in a matter-or-fact tone, "But that is not a trail." I found this funny because when Peter, Ann and I bushwhacked up the side of Mt. Aggie—through the woods— I thought how Mainers sure have a funny sense of trail race humor. Orienteering gone wild.

witch hazel

Besides losing the trail, we found two miles of extra distance and some decent added elevation. I also found my 6-mile limit when my hip starts to ache. I found my fitness ledge. I found a second wind. I found "Yes" and then, "No." I found renewed love of beech trees, moss and lichen. I found the best part of the day was hiking with Peter.  And getting to know Ann.   

The trails are as beautiful as Jeanne mentioned and this is a wonderful laid back event. I imagine it's like what Fat Ass events used to be like in the 1970's.  Still, while it felt low-key, I know a lot of time went into marking the course, buying food for grilling, permits at the park, etc. Many Thanks to Bob Najar, Rich, and Crew!

A Little Hanky Panky (gnuck gnuck)

Today in advanced painting, I illustrated to my students that a painting need not be created with paint to be considered a Painting.

Like working with acrylics or oils and one's subject matter,  

a series of choices must occur —

selection of color, character, and composition, 

to name a few. This doesn't change with the materials.

Emily Trespas

"Hanky Panky Painting"

up-cycled, re-purposed, and vintage hankies

12 x 16 oval canvas

May 1, 2014

The concept of painting is plastic. A small collection of dainty, tatted and crochet detailed squares are elevated from stuck-in-the purse-or-pocket swaths of cloth to another level: A Painting.

Tomorrow I donate this piece for the Essex Art Center "$25 wall"

 to raise money for the EAC at the Hair of the Dog.

  

 Details, Details:

Thoughts of Summer and Sea Stones

Sea Stones Summer Scarf (Blue)

20 x 72 inches

 

Rain for the last week. The silver lining to gray days is it's perfect weather for sewing. My choice to couple my blue sea stones voile print with an extra soft fabric proved successful. 

I love the light breezy feeling and drape.

  

Tomorrow evening is the 10th annual Hair of the Dog fundraiser where many new prints and styles will be for sale to help raise money for the MSPCA. 10% of sales are donated to the MSPCA.

Later next week I will list some scarves 

and connect with my shops about spring and summer stock.  

 My favorite studio photo of the week:

Hope to see you at the Hair of the Dog.