"Tree of Life"

In my quest for creating myself through my art, I have decided to try nature (not really the first time I thought of that!)  instead of people.  This is what I came up with in this format.  I like the simplicity of it and yet I wonder is it too simple?  Everything I have done in the past has been so complicated and so it's almost difficult for me to be more simplistic.  That's not to say that I did not put a great deal of effort into it just an observation really of how I work.

So, what do you think?  Was I successful in my quest?
Does anyone else struggle with this issue?
How do you handle it?

Thanks to everyone who reads and comments!  It means a great deal to me!

Reprint from Old Blog... "My Resin Jewelry"

These resin pins and pendants are a part of my collection of handcrafted jewelry.  I make mini collages with vintage button backgrounds or other and dye the resin to give it a vintage or old look.  Each pin or pendant is made with parts and pieces of a huge collection of my Grandmother's old costume jewelry and other fabulous finds that I usually find at the flea market or 2nd hand shops.
Hunting for these finds is half the fun and putting them together the other half!

I hope you like them.  They will be for sale on my etsy site soon!


Stay tuned!!

"Gloria"

"Gloria" is the second piece that I made while in KC Willis' Studio Retreat in Longmont, CO.  This elegant lady, (my mother in law!), shows us how to pose for a photograph and still look like a lady!

The fact that I made a second piece in a 3 day retreat absolutely amazes me.  I have taken many workshops previously and I usually am not able to finish one!  So, you can imagine my happiness and satisfaction  for not having to add another workshop piece to the UFO pile.  (Unfinished Objects!)

Yet another testimony to the great time I had at KC's!!!

"Gloria II"

In order to get my "art mojo"  back for creating a specific kind of art rather than 20 different styles, I am taking the wise advise of 2 special people: Georgia O'keefe and KC Willis who told me about Georgia's stint with charcoal drawings.

 Georgia decided in order to get out of the rut she was in, (predictably all artists go through this!), she would draw only with charcoal till she could draw no more and certainly she would find a direction!  Well, she found her direction alright and what a direction it was.  Her paintings of the Santa Fe landscapes and her famous flowers flowed out of this exercise in discipline.

So, that is what I am doing. I am concentrating on one type of art with one type of style till I can do no more of it and see what happens!

Wish me luck, I'll need it!

This is called, "Shanghie'd".  It's about a woman spy in a  "Charlie Chan" movie who steals riches from the men she pretends to love!  She covets money, jade, pearls and silks from far away lands and she always gets what she wants!
Oh what a story! I listened to this picture and heard espionage and intrigue from the woman behind the frame.
What fun it is to create a story that says something to those who look at it closely enough or maybe only to you  or me alone.  Hmmm!

"I keep my lipstick in the Fridgedaire for a reason!"

O.K.  This is the first piece that I made at KC Willis' Studio Retreats in Longmont, CO.  I had such a wonderful time.   Probably one of the best I've ever had at a workshop.  Made some good friends and lasting connections and some great art!  KC is a wonderful teacher and mentor and really shares herself and her art as well as cares about each person in her workshops.  If you have the chance check out her website:  www.lipstickranch.com
She offers one on one workshops as well as 2,3 & 5 day workshops.  I think you'll find that they are very worthwhile!

This piece is of my Grandmother who always kept her lipstick in the "Fridgedaire" to keep the shape just right.  It kind of explains a lot about her obsessive personality and her need to be perfect.  It shares a lesson for us all about perfectionism that sometimes the we shouldn't sweat the small stuff because it really doesn't matter anyway!  
Enjoy!~

"Dragon Lady"

www.jacquieschicago.com

"Dragon Lady" is a piece that I did after having a glorious 5 day workshop with KC Willis in Colorado last week!  I was very concerned when I made this as to whether it depicted my own work or whether it seemed too much like KC's.  I found myself wondering, "what does my own work look like?"  because as you will see in the coming weeks as I reprint some of my old blog posts on my new blogger blog that I have done MANY different types of art work, some abstract, some not so abstract.  Well, being the incredibly honest, open and caring artist / person that I have ever met, KC assured me that,  "This song was sung in your exceptionally special voice and it's beautiful."  Wow !!  was my reaction and how sweet of her to say that!  Between KC's approval and all the other positive feedback that I've received so far, I was given a new burst of confidence that I needed to get out of the slump I have been in for the past month!  It's nice to know that other artists and others in general can share their opinions and give their encouragement to other artists.  I think as artists we all need that from time to time!  Thank you to all!

Jacquie's Chicago: The Art of Jacquie Stone: My Blogger blog is new!

Jacquie's Chicago: The Art of Jacquie Stone: My Blogger blog is new!

My Blogger blog is new!

I have a blog and have had it for 2 years now but this one is a new one for me.  I will be transferring all my other posts to this site so bear with me if you have already seen a post or two!
My old blog was called, "Jacquie Stone:  My Art...My Life..."  But, I had too many problems so the old one will be up till further notice and this one will begin a new life.
As a mixed media, fiber and collage artist, I know the importance of getting out there so for all the people I haven't reached yet and to all my loyal fans, I hope you like my work and will consider following me on Blogger!  Bear with me as I learn this new site and hey, have a great day!!