Moving Forward While Looking Back

Dia De Los Muertos, or Day Of The Dead celebrations in Mexico can be traced back to a

 pre-Columbian past. This is a time for families to recognize and remember the souls of 

the departed. However this is not a time for mourning - this is a time to enjoy life.

 After all, Life is for the living.

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  Frances Ann Day summarizes the three-day celebration, the Day of the Dead—

“	On October 31, All Hallows Eve, the children make a children's altar to invite the angelitos (spirits of dead children) to come back for a visit. November 1 is All Saints Day, and the adult spirits will come to visit. November 2 is All Souls Day, when families go to the cemetery to decorate the graves and tombs of their relatives. The three-day fiesta filled with marigolds, the flowers of the dead; muertos (the bread of the dead); sugar skulls; cardboard skeletons; tissue paper decorations; fruit and nuts; incense, and other traditional foods and decorations.	”
—Frances Ann Day, Latina and Latino Voices in Literature     ________________________________________________________________________________

I was honored to have my work featured in the 23rd annual Dia De Los Muertos 

celebration at Maude Kerns Art Center.

This is my third year participating in this joyous celebration featuring art, music, 

and some fantastic dancing.

 

I hope these photos help to ignite some bright ideas for celebration with your friends
 and family during this time of the year. I know that it has for me.

For more information visit Maude Kerns Art Center.
 www.mkartcenter.org/dia_website/index.html

A Nice Welcome Home

Usually when I return home from a trip overseas, I am received by mail that leaves little inspiration or excitement. This time was unexpectedly different. I was surprised to find a painting created for an annual art show was featured in the local news paper. 

I have been actively working outside the digital design realm, as another way to process my own grief after the tragic deaths of my family members in 2013. Art has an amazing ability to  help process emotions and thoughts that cannot be otherwise expressed. Many issues in life are too complicated to be simply summed up in words. A picture can whisper a thousand conversations, to those who are willing to listen.

Last year, I was honored to be invited by a panel of international judges to show work at the 21st annual, Dia de los Muertos exhibit at Maude Kerns gallery. The opening of the show was a bright and joyful celebration of life, loss, and love. I dedicated my work that year to the recent death of my little sister and her two children.

http://starbunnystudio.blogspot.com/2014/10/dia-de-los-muertos-day-of-dead.html

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  Frances Ann Day summarizes the three-day celebration, the Day of the Dead—

“	On October 31, All Hallows Eve, the children make a children's altar to invite the angelitos (spirits of dead children) to come back for a visit. November 1 is All Saints Day, and the adult spirits will come to visit. November 2 is All Souls Day, when families go to the cemetery to decorate the graves and tombs of their relatives. The three-day fiesta filled with marigolds, the flowers of the dead; muertos (the bread of the dead); sugar skulls; cardboard skeletons; tissue paper decorations; fruit and nuts; incense, and other traditional foods and decorations.	”
—Frances Ann Day, Latina and Latino Voices in Literature     ________________________________________________________________________________

This year, I had just the piece in mind to be entered for consideration by the Dia de los Muertos art jury. I was beyond thrilled to be invited back for the 22nd annual show. The piece above is one that I created at a live painting event, hosted by The Whiteaker Tattoo Collective last year. Working within the theme of  loss, I created the painting entitled "Death By Flowers". http://starbunnystudio.blogspot.com/2014/10/its-that-time-of-year.html

The style of piece reflects the lively environment that it was created in. The night was just before Halloween, it was a rambunctious gathering fueled by provocative people and locally brewed alcohol. The rain fell non stop however, that was little concern to the party goers. I kept a drop that fell from the sky and ran the paint on the wet canvas, I figured it was meant to be there. Art, just as in life -another thing I had no way of stopping so I worked with it, welcomely embracing what had been offered. 

As this time of year lends its self to mentions of gratitude, I would like to give a special Thank you to Maude Kerns Gallery, The Register-Guard Newspaper, and The Whiteaker Tattoo Collective for all your recognition and support of local artists. A big Thank YOU to the world wide network of readers and visitors to Star Bunny Studio! Wishing you all a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday.

http://www.mkartcenter.org/exhibits/2015/2015%20Dia/2015_Dia.html

http://registerguard.com/rg/life/weekend/33583580-289/walk-to-celebrate-past-lives.html.csp

https://www.facebook.com/WhiteakerTattoo/

Trick Or Treat?

It's that time of year. 

Can you feel the chill in the air?

It is time for the veil between the two worlds to thin.

Are you looking for a way to jumpstart the Halloween celebration? Of course you are! 

Join in on Thursday, October 30th, at Whiteaker Tattoo Collective for an evening of local art 

with a side of sexy.....

Local artists

 - Such As Myself -

Will Be Collaborating Together to bring you a 

One-Of-A-Kind

Halloween bash. 

Local models and burlesque performers will don original fashion from local designers. 

Catch A-Peep at their moves through the windows, 

while you view live art taking place before your eyes, and have your fortune told. 

Enjoy the variety of live performances and stay refreshed, 

with thanks to Ninkasi's Beer Love Program & 2 Towns Ciderhouse. 

Don't forget to dress up! 

Participate in the masquerade theme, or do something unique. 

Just look awesome. There WILL BE a costume contest.

18+ only.

 Free admission. 

Bring Cash for purchases from artists.

Doors Open at 5 p.m. Performances start at 7 p.m. 

After Party moves to Blairally Vintage Arcade at 10 p.m.

Hope To See You There!!