Spirits of Christmas Past

I am thankful for and amazed by my considerate folk art collectors who have sent me Christmas cards over the years. Not only do they send a card, often with a handwritten note, but some have included photos of the pieces I've made.

collector's photo (detail) of my work in their home

It's such a wonderful present. I love seeing these pieces in their settings - looking so much more 'at home.'
And often I had neglected to take a picture before sending them on their merry way.
How thoughtful these art collectors are to think of me at this busy time! So nice for me to see them once again!

For me, I'm lucky if I get my decorations up. I should start earlier. After languishing on the dining room table for far too long, my cat Callie reassigned the front door wreath to become her nest.

Callie warming her nest.

Toy Land

I can recall favorite childhood Christmas presents: my cat (an impulse adoption from the church basement where my uncle was the minister), a recumbent-peddled metal hook & ladder fire engine, a large wooden rocking horse called 'Big Red' floating on spring supports, natural maple (?) wood blocks that fit perfectly in its cardboard box, and my cobbler's bench. I never was much for dolls or girly things.

Sensory satisfaction of wood on wood. 

Playing with the wooden blocks and cobbler's bench continue in my assemblage artwork as an adult child. I don't have the originals anymore.
(Here's one like mine, left, sold as a Vintage Playskool Cobbler's Bench.)
However the satisfaction of pounding dowels, or building block sculptures has never left.
Many days remind me of those play times when I'm creating art in the shop.

Holiday Artwork

In many ways, it seems like the right time of year to turn inward and reflect. The tragic events in Connecticut urge me to be even more pensive. I've already caught myself silently singing 'I Wonder As I Wander' more than a few times recently. 

 'The Care and Feeding of Birds' wood assemblage
 ©robinrkent

I suppose it's the natural balance to the high times of summer with its rush of outward activity. 

This is a piece I made for my local library's Christmas auction a while ago. I only donate originals to a few organizations, the library being one.

I try to make artwork for them that includes a book. It's hard to see the cardinal on St. Francis's finger due to the beautiful wreath behind it. Birds are good at camouflage, you know. I posted this version because it showed the holiday greenery on location at the library, and hopefully the holiday spirit as well.  

Although it is a solitary time of year, helping others, animals included, in various ways seems even more essential. 

Folk Art Diary: Noticing how you see

'Winter solstice' acrylic on canvas       ©robinrkent

Reading books (or art) in the western world moves left to right. Then down to left again. A 'Z' motion. (or a 'Zorro' swash to me.) 'Reading' art is faster, but takes time to process. It being a more interactive endeavor.
The Z can make art move like a fast-paced action thriller. The blog header ski art (above) uses the diagonal to infer motion. Diagonals keep you off balance, an innate sense exploited by artists. And directs your eye. Notice how Kandinsky uses it to add dynamic motion in his work listed here: 'Top 10 Modern Artists'. (He's  #2.)
The tilt of the fellow (above), fall of the hill, and angle in the sky was to show some depth. Not a downhill slide on skis, just a creep.