Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Happy Solstice!

Happy Solstice everyone!  I hope this blog finds you well, warm and loved.

New work completed!  Already in a new home, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience!


"Go with the Flow"
Acrylic, ink on linen.

Also, I found a great home for a piece that I've had for a while.  So happy!  It's such an odd experience to have something I've created with me for several years, then to sell it.  It's kind of like sending kids to college, or something?



Anyhow, life is busy and always changing , as it should be.  

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Astoria!  

A.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Long overdue!










It's been a few months since my show at Old Town Framing in Astoria, Oregon. Thought I'd better get some photos up!  I've been so busy with school and moving, everything else has been pushed aside a bit.  I love my new little place, I have a great view and I am rocking my courses this quarter.  All in all, life is going well.

-Amy

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Happy Autumn

"All Apologies"
Acrylic, Spray Paint, Rice Paper, Ink, Gesso and Embroidery Thread on Linen.
24x24

My my, how summer just slipped on by. Where was I? Oh yeah, in my studio. It's been far too long since I've updated. I have great excuses, too!
My latest show "Nurture Your Nature" went up smoothly, and the opening reception went well. Ann Tierney played a lovely set, despite being sick. I had no idea she was ill until days later. That woman sings so beautifully... great person, to boot!
I'd like to thank Old Town Framing Company and Dulcye Taylor for all of their help with setting everything up. As well as Anna who made delish goodies and Deb from Coffee Girl who also made some delightful morsels.
Feedback on the show has been interesting, to say the least. I left an interpretation box, but no one really quite "got" it, minus a few daring folk.
I haven't checked on it since the show, and I hope that more comments or questions are asked, but if not... it has been fun hearing from people in person.
One person commented on the fact that he couldn't pick out my "style". His example was "let's say you were in a museum... I wouldn't know what was yours based on style." I thought that was mighty interesting. Also interesting is that most comments were about how my style could be seen in all facets of my work. Just goes to show how interpretation of work plays a huge part in the whole experience.
Being that the show was a mixed-media show, I can understand how one might not be able to see my style. But honestly, regardless of what I am working with, my style is mine and comes from me. I have questioned myself regarding mixed media shows being too overwhelming to the viewer. I personally feel that art is dynamic. People are dynamic and emotions are dynamic and overwhelming at times. Messages, images, moments, memories... our lives are constantly moving forward. So why not show all of it? Why limit myself to one style of work? There are pros and cons to this thought, and none of them matter because I'll probably keep doing what I do until I naturally do something else.
Lot's of self exploration this month! Love the feedback, it's been making my cogs and gears churn.
The show will be up until the second Friday in October.

In the meantime, school has started up for me again. I'm taking 4 classes through PCC. I'm also going to be teaching art classes at the Alabaster Jar in Astoria a few times a month. Details on that soon. I've started curating a wall at Coffee Girl, hoping to pull a few local artists out of hiding and help other artists gain exposure. So far the responses to my call for art has been wonderful I can't wait to get that rollin.

A few photos from my current show will be added to my blog via Flickr soon.

Be well.
A.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

On the way...




Working on my "Interpretation Box" for my upcoming show. It's exactly what it sounds like, this show is focused on individual interpretation of childhood memories while being a "grown up". I'll have my interpretations of nature, the destruction of nature, the hunter and the hunted, and being female during the clock-ticking years. What we wanted to be when we "grew up" and what we are in the "now" and how that effects the world around us.
Nurturing our Nature:A Mixed Media show:September 11th:at Old Town Framing Company.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Idaho

So after 3 years of being in the great Northwest, I am Boise bound for a vacation with family and friends. I am so thrilled! I've been needing some "home" time and finally have the opportunity to go. When I come back, I'll have 3 weeks to tie up loose ends before my show at Old Town Framing in Astoria.
"Nurturing Our Nature" is the theme. I'll leave that open to interpretation for now.



Speaking of "home" and "nurturing", my tattoo work is almost done.
The idea for the tattoo is from a quilt by my grandmother. I have 3 birds holding the quilt up. A cardinal, a bluebird and a canary. My grandmother used to have stacks of bird books. It's a fond memory to have... weekends with grandma, looking at her bird books and eating grapefruit out of a very cool set of china. I have that set now, and love it! My grandmother was and will always be a source of positivity in my life.

I'm rambling, a combination of too much to do, a serious americano crash and new ink buzz. So on that note, happy summer and be well!

Amy

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

new work


new work, originally uploaded by AmyMarieWillis.

Work in Progress

Will be showing in September
More information soon!

unicorn


unicorn, originally uploaded by AmyMarieWillis.

Work in Progress

Will be showing in September
More information soon!

All Apologies WIP


Intuition (Oil) WIP, originally uploaded by AmyMarieWillis.

Work in Progress

Will be showing in September
More information soon!

Rollercoaster3


Rollercoaster3, originally uploaded by AmyMarieWillis.

Work in Progress

Will be showing in September
More information soon!

Jazz Lady


Jazz Lady, originally uploaded by AmyMarieWillis.

Jazz Lady is currently hanging at Coffee Girl in Astoria, Oregon.
She's been purchased and will be given as a birthday gift to someone just as sassy as "Jazz Lady" is.
I love knowing where my work lives.

Hold Fast Art Show


My show at Hold Fast Tattoo and Gallery in Seaside, Oregon. Some of these will not be coming back with me, as they've found new homes.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Show at Hold Fast Tattoo and Gallery


June is fantastic! School is almost done and I have a show up at Hold Fast Tattoo and Gallery in Seaside, Oregon. I am super honored and so very flattered to be a part of their grand opening.
I have 11 pieces up and with one weeks notice, was able to pull together a pretty little show full of color in a great space. this is the first time I have hung work from my sketchbook. I've also got a little mixed media piece on wood that I love love love called "Ergonomics Gone Awry". I am sharing the walls with 2 other artists and I will have more information and photos as soon as the opening arrives, which is June 5th.
I will also have some work hanging at Coffee Girl, in Pier 39, in Astoria! All of this show stuff happened within the last couple of weeks, and I am thrilled to be ending Spring and entering Summer hanging work and pumping out more work and getting prints available. Yeah!
September is around the corner, and I have a show lined up at Old Town Framing, in downtown Astoria. More info on the theme and dates as it gets a bit closer.

Be well and be safe this Memorial weekend.

A.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Space Camp


Space Camp, originally uploaded by AmyMarieWillis.

My first painted vinyl. What do you think?