Meet the artist - Michelle Morey

Ladybug by Michelle Morey 

This month we are featuring interviews with the artists who are part of our upcoming art show - sight/unseen - at The Artist's Den in Concord, May 21-26, 2016.

This is Michelle Morey - what do you like most about living in Concord?

I have been in the Bay Area for almost 30 years and I feel blessed to be surrounded by such amazing creative energy and beauty. 

Having worked in Concord less than a year, I am new to the area and quite impressed by how open and supportive the community of artists here have been. 

I manage The Artist's Den, a gallery and studio for adults with developmental disabilities. We opened in June of last year and have been well-received by the community. 

The comment I hear from most artists who stop by is, "This is wonderful, but we need more gallery space!"

What mediums or techniques will you be using for your piece?

I will be working with both old and trusted mediums and trying some new things. This project is a challenge on several levels. I have spent years dedicating my energies to supporting others in their creative endeavors while setting mine aside, but also my vision is changing and I am coming to terms with the real possibility of losing my vision. I am exploring the impact this is having on my life and my art. I love to paint, but I need to let go of the fine detail work I enjoy and am now leaning more towards texture and color. I have a sense of where I would like for this piece to go, but it feels very organic. Giving up control, learning to do things differently and acceptance seem to be the lessons here.

Lonnie Carter with work he created at The Artist's Den

Lindsay Worthington with her art

How long have you been creating art?

I have been playing with art all of my life. My mother was a very creative person and if Barbie needed clothes or a home, we made it. We were always making things - painting, refinishing, sewing and sanding.

What's the best advice you've received as an artist?

My mom was never afraid of making mistakes or making a mess, which is what she taught me. She also taught me not to worry too much about following the rules or directions, which can still get me into trouble. I feel pretty lucky to have grown up with that kind of freedom, because it kept my creative spirit alive and I have never been afraid of getting my hands dirty. My boss doesn't always love me, though.

Meet the artist - Sylvia Nuzzo Philis

Not Just Another Day by Sylvia Nuzzo Philis - photography

This month we are featuring interviews with the artists who are in our upcoming art show - sight/unseen - at The Artist's Den in Concord, May 21-26, 2016.

This is Sylvia Nuzzo Philis - what do you like most about living in Concord?

I’ve lived in Concord nearly 10 years, and in nearby Walnut Creek for 5 years prior to that. At that time, 15 years ago, I had just ‘landed’ in the East Bay after making the move from western Canada. I find there are so many ways to enjoy the area, mainly through nature and being outdoors. The mild/warm weather, Mt. Diablo, walking/cycling trails, proximity to ocean and mountains - this is all very valuable for me as an artist. The more I become involved in the community, particularly the arts community, the more likable Concord is to live in.

What medium(s) do you plan to use for your piece in the show?

I generally use photography in some way for my art, although it’s not always in the traditional form. If there are ways I can distort a view or put a twist on a process or technique, that's when it becomes most interesting for me, so I’m always willing to change things up. 

However, in realistic photography, I am very drawn to a photojournalistic style. Here again, I like to make visible what is perhaps not usually always seen or obvious.

Any new techniques or materials you've learned about recently?

My approach to art-making often falls towards finding a solution to a problem, or an answer to a question. My attention lately has been less focused on my particular art-making skills or art practice, but more about my practice of community-building through the arts. Much like any creative practice I have, I am constantly thinking about it, I take some action every day in order to make progress, and consider the progress made as somehow making a difference in the world. Although making a difference in the world is a bigger responsibility when provoking and supporting community art as I have been doing lately. Not only does it have to make a difference for myself on a personal level, but when you engage at a broader level you want it to have a positive effect and outcome for the parties involved and the public at-large.

Yes, I'm Listening by Sylvia Nuzzo Philis - photography

How long have you been making art?

I’ve been an artist since I can remember. For many years it was performing arts that consumed me: music, theater, dance…and when I began to take dance seriously, I found that it was choreography that I became most engaged in; the making of dances, the elements of composition, the use of space, and the message or form that was conveyed. This turns out to be the same priorities for my visual artwork. 

What's the best advice you've received as an artist?

My training has been eclectic and therefore I consider much of my mentorship to be somewhat non-traditional as well. I hesitate to name names for fear of neglecting to mention someone totally obvious, but if I were to mention one person, it would be the late, great David Adams, who was the first principal danseur for the National Ballet of Canada back in the day. I had the honor of having him as a teacher for 3 years while I was studying dance at the college level. He was so wise and so subtle in his ways of making us dance beyond what we imagined our abilities to be. He was a very gifted dance artist and uniquely generous in sharing his artistry with his students.

What advice do you have for new artists?

There is no shortage of advise for art students…I keep the same approach for my artwork as I do for most things, but it’s even more critical for artists…simply, if it’s important to you, then make it a priority.

Meet the artist - Sharon Petersen

Blowin' in the Wind by Sharon Petersen - watercolor

This month we are featuring interviews with the artists who are in our upcoming art show - sight/unseen - at The Artist's Den in Concord, May 21-26, 2016.

This is Sharon Petersen - what do you like most about living in Concord?

It was early 1980 when I moved to Clayton from Chicago and I immediately felt “at home,” and each subsequent year has only solidified that feeling. 

From the oak-covered emerald green winter and spring hills to the clear blue summer skies leading to our long glorious fall, there is no better place to live or to be inspired to create art based on nature. 

The only challenge I've experienced is the extreme heat in summer which makes it difficult to paint en plein air. 

What medium(s) do you plan to use for your piece in this show?

As a professional landscape designer, I had always worked with graphite, markers and colored pencils. After I retired three years ago, I tried watercolor painting for the first time, as I had always promised myself I would do. I fell in love and haven't tried anything else since. There is so much to learn in this medium and I know that I haven't scratched the surface yet. I'm content to stay with my watercolor practice, but I may surprise myself and add another media. My vision seems to be begging for additional texture of some kind.

Any new techniques or materials you've learned about recently?

I learned about using watercolor ground on stretched artist canvas, then painting over it in watercolor. This excited me as it opened new avenues for textural experimentation. The work also needn't be framed using this method.

Waiting for You by Sharon Petersen - watercolor

How long have you been making art?

I always felt the need to be creative no matter what direction my work took me, from the fiber arts to black and white photography and dark room work to landscape design. It wasn't until I studied with architect Christopher Grampp that I learned that “everyone can learn how to draw.” Eventually I came to believe that. 

What's the best piece of advice you've received as an artist?

Grampp also taught me that the only way to improve is by practicing every day. This has been true for me in pencil sketching and watercolor painting - I now strongly believe this!

What advice do you have for a new artist?

Use good materials and practice every day. Accept from the start that most of your work won't be a masterpiece and you won't be disappointed.

Meet the artist - Laurie Mansur

Poppies by Laurie Mansur - pastel

This month we are featuring interviews with the artists who are in our upcoming art show - sight/unseen - at The Artist's Den in Concord, May 21-26, 2016.

This is Laurie Mansur - what do you like most about living in Concord?

I love living in Concord because it provides the best of many worlds. It's a small town in the midst of a major metropolitan area, so we get to have the quiet, slower pace, open space and access to nature, but also we have many influences of the cities of Oakland and San Francisco, like a rich cultural and economic diversity.

What medium(s) do you plan to use in your piece for this show?

This piece will be something new for me, and it has been both exciting and terrifying. I typically paint in oils or pastels, but this project is going to be a bit more mixed media. So I'm exploring both internally and with the media. I am totally out of my comfort zone, which is a really good thing. I'm not sure where it's going to end up to be honest, but I like where it's going so far.

Any new techniques or materials you've learned about recently?

When I started using pastels about a year ago, it was very freeing. I was looking for ways to keep my strokes loose, so I learned to paint with pastels without smudging or blending them, just layering. In this way, every stroke is important and choosing the correct color is also important with each stroke. I have to really analyze what I see and get it right the first time, otherwise it's easy to make a muddy mess.

Hollyhocks by Laurie Mansur - pastel

How long have you been making art?

I have been making art since I was little. Drawing, crafting, painting...those were all favorite pastimes growing up. I studied art history in college, and so I learned about world history, politics and religion through its art. 

What has been the best advice you've received as an artist?

I really started growing as an artist when I met Patsy Taylor. She is a local Concord artist and also a wonderful teacher. The most important thing she taught me was to keep trying - that art is like other activities, in that there are basics you must learn in order to be successful, and that anyone who wants to make art CAN learn to do it. We so often associate art with talent and assume that artists are born being able to draw or paint or sculpt, but the truth is we have just spent probably more time learning and practicing than the average person.

What is your best advice for a new artist?

I would say two things - first is to learn about the business side of art when you are starting out. Realize that if you are an artist, you will likely also be an entrepreneur, so what does that mean in terms of making a living? What will your options be? It's important to remember that in order to do what you love you have to be able to support yourself (unless you are lucky!). And the second thing is don't give up. If you want to be an artist, do it and don't let people talk you in to a more "practical" career. There are so many options, but you really have to be an advocate for yourself and your future.

Meet the artist - Kim Lawson

Art journal by Kim Lawson - pen and ink

This month we are featuring interviews with the artists who are in our upcoming art show - sight/unseen - at The Artist's Den in Concord, May 21-26, 2016.

This is Kim Lawson - what do you like most about living in Concord?

I have lived in Concord since 1992. Although it's the largest city in Contra Costa County, there's still a small town vibe here. I like its proximity to San Francisco and other great locales in the Bay Area. I feel lucky to be able to hop in the car for a quick road trip to the many wonderful places within California. 

Concord has been a great place to raise my family – we have lovely neighbors and have made many lifelong friends here. As an artist, there are numerous parks and places to sit and observe life - sketch, paint, photograph and ponder my favorite quote by Emily Dickinson...“I dwell in possibility.” 

I recently began teaching art journaling and general craft classes through the City of Concord’s Park and Recreation Department. I'm a member of the Concord Community of Artists and the Concord Art Association - two inspirational groups that I'm proud to be a part of. There are many talented artists living here - I would love the City of Concord to better promote and have more outlets for art and artists!

What medium(s) do you plan to use in your piece for this show?

Generally my work has focused on photography, acrylic and watercolor painting, as well as various forms of mixed media and crafts. For the sight/unseen show, I plan to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new. Yikes! What I envision in my mind does not always present itself in the final stage, but I like to push my boundaries and see what happens. Sometimes the result is better than I anticipated! I will be creating a 3D piece exemplifying my heritage and its influence and translation to my artwork.

Are there exciting mediums or techniques you've learned about recently?

Last year I began art journaling – a place for me to experiment and practice ideas. Whoa! I fell in love with this creative outlet so much, that I now teach this art form to others. I carry a small journal and pens with me at all times because inspiration can happen at any time. I have a large journal that I play in every day. Sleeping is difficult sometimes when ideas keep knocking on my brain!

How long have you been creating art?

I like to think that I was born an artist. It's strange for me to consider myself as an artist because I’m no Picasso...I just make what I think is fun and whatever comes naturally to me. Technically speaking, I have been labeling myself as a self-taught artist for ten years. Additionally, I think I am misplaced royalty – probably 201st in line for the English crown. I have no formal art education, but being Queen won’t require that. But I have always drawn and sketched - it's a great way to stay focused during boring class lectures and business meetings! I also adore creative writing, papercrafts, repurposing things, and using weird collections of objects I find to enhance my projects. I find inspiration from master artists, fellow artists, and a wealth of museums, nature, and friends whose style I admire.

What advice would you give a new artist?

The best advice I have for budding artists is to give into the passion and desire to create, don't give in to the fear of failure. You can always paint over it! 

“What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?" - Robert H. Schuller

Meet the artist - Catherine Hensiek

Untitled by Catherine Hensiek - acrylic

This month we are featuring interviews with the artists who are in our upcoming art show - sight/unseen - at The Artist's Den in Concord, May 21-26, 2016.

This is Catherine Hensiek - what do you like most about living in Concord?

I like that my neighborhood in Concord is surrounded by numerous trails that criss-cross the foothills of Mt. Diablo. Driving east on Ygnacio Valley Road and gazing on our beautiful mountain and the surrounding hillsides allows me to mentally escape the congestion of the rest of Central County. 

I love that downtown Concord is centered on a historic square that provides a focal point for music, art and food. I enjoy the diversity in our community that provides us with festivals and world cuisine. We moved here in 1985 and the small town we first considered a way station on our journey to a big city has become our hometown. The natural beauty of our area is a constant inspiration for my art. Every morning I look out at Mt. Diablo and marvel at the ever-changing vista. The challenge I find is to take full advantage of all the activities that our town offers.

What medium do you plan to use in your art for the sight/unseen show?

For the piece I am doing for sight/unseen, I will be using mixed media techniques including acrylic paint, collage, ink, gouache and some three-dimensional aspects. Some of this is familiar, but with a twist for this piece. I enjoy learning new techniques, which is why I am always taking classes.

Are there any exciting mediums or techniques you've learned about recently?

During the last month I have been learning to make small books, which is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I am very excited about translating some of the book making techniques I have learned into other projects.

How long have you been creating art?

I have been making art most of my life. As a child I was always creating paper dolls of all different historic eras. I took art classes in high school and college even though art was not my major. Although I spent a number of years in the corporate world, I did have an interim career as a designer. Retirement allowed me to jump back into the creative world.

Untitled by Catherine Hensiek - mixed media

What is the best advice you're ever received as an artist?

The person who has been the biggest influence on my art has been my painting teacher, Patsy Taylor. She helped me learn the techniques and principles of acrylic painting including composition, value and color. The best advice Patsy gave me was to draw or paint every day. It does make a difference in that it helps to train both my eyes and my hand!

What advice would you give a new artist?

For anyone wanting to explore becoming an artist, I suggest checking out the large number of classes offered in our area through Walnut Creek Civic Arts, Mt. Diablo Adult Education, Acalanes Adult Education and Concord Parks and Recreation.

Meet the Artist - Marie Gomes

Inspired by Monet by Marie Gomes 

This month we are featuring interviews with the artists who are in our upcoming art show - sight/unseen - at The Artist's Den in Concord, May 21-26, 2016.

This is Marie Gomes - what do you like most about living in Concord?

I like the people in this area. It’s so different than living in Fremont. There are more trees and prettier walks. I have lived here a long time. It has helped me feel calmer and I like to learn new things. Plus the art program at Futures Explored and the Artist’s Den is available here.

What medium do you plan to use in your art for the sight/unseen show?

I used acrylics for this project, but I like trying different things, it’s fun even though it gets messy.

Are there any exciting mediums or techniques you've learned about recently?

I want to learn how to do scratch art.

How long have you been creating art?

When I started going to Futures Explored, so a few years now. At the art program there, they taught me techniques and how to use materials.

What is the best advice you're ever received as an artist?

The best advice has just been encouragement and having a teacher like my work.

What advice would you give a new artist?

If you like art a lot, stick with it!

Sophia by Marie Gomes

Meet the artist - Lisa Fulmer

This month we are featuring interviews with the artists who are in our upcoming art show - sight/unseen - at The Artist's Den in Concord, May 21-26, 2016.

What do you like most about living in Concord?

After living for many years in San Francisco, I landed in Concord about ten years ago because it was in the middle of where my former husband and I each worked at the time, so we could both have reasonable commutes. Now I am self-employed and have been working from home for the last few years. I had decided to stay here mostly because my brother really likes his work and friends here (he has a developmental disability and lives with me). Since putting down the roots, I have really enjoyed meeting and developing wonderful relationships with so many artists and crafters in and around Concord. I also love seeing Mt. Diablo every day! 

Sunrise by Lisa Fulmer - encaustic

What medium do you plan to use in your art for the sight/unseen show?

I am working with a combination of acrylic, markers and collage on canvas. I love mixed media because there are no rules. 

Are there any exciting mediums or techniques you've learned about recently?

Because I work as a designer in the craft industry, I often get wind of new tools and products before they hit the stores. I am looking forward to doing more with gel plate monoprinting, plus I have a hot-wire tool for carving craft foam that is just begging my attention. For this show, I am working more with a palette knife, which is fairly new for me.

Fussing with Reds by Lisa Fulmer - acrylic

How long have you been creating art?

Art and craft have always been part of my life. My mother painted landscapes, my aunt and uncle did beading and lapidary work, and my grandmother sewed and embroidered. I dabbled with all that as a child and teen, but it wasn't until about ten years ago that I dedicated much more time to creating art, designing craft projects and blogging about it all. I love cardmaking and general crafts, as well as fabric art and mixed media.

 What is the best advice you're ever received as an artist?

Every mistake is a design opportunity. There's nothing that can't be altered or covered up - some of my worst uglies have transformed into my favorite work!

What advice would you give a new artist?

With every tutorial I write or class I teach, I tell people to enjoy the journey and don't fret about the destination. In other words, the experience of creating has as much (sometimes more!) value as the end result of your work. Give yourself permission to play and explore!

 Visit Lisa's blog to see more of her work.

Meet the musicians performing at our art show - sight/unseen

We are delighted to welcome these talented musicians who will be performing during our new art show - sight/unseen - at The Artist's Den on Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22.

Kelli Childers was born and raised right here in Concord, where she's now raising her own children with her husband. Her journey with music started with piano lessons at an early age, then once school band became available in fifth grade, she picked up the alto sax. Kelli continued to play in school bands right up through college, where she had a wonderful experience learning from brilliant professors in the DVC music program.

Kelli bought her first guitar when she was 11 years old, after saving up $200 (which her dad matched). That Fender acoustic has traveled everywhere with her - from performing in dive bars as a young adult to later when she discovered her gift for teaching. That's when she knew she'd found her purpose - giving children a positive experience with music.

Kelli is performing on Saturday, May 21 at 12noon and 2:30pm.

Benjamin Ofori is from Sogakope, a small village in the Volta region of Ghana, West Africa. He began performing with his father’s group at an early age and later with his school’s cultural troupe. After graduating with a BA in Theatre Arts/African Drumming, Dance and Song, he formed his own group and has been teaching and performing for more than 20 years. His goal is to preserve the teaching of his elders and pass it along to new generations. 

Ofori is the founder of Bodac Cultural Group, an international African Traditional Drumming, Dance and Performing Arts group that originated in Ghana. The group’s mission is to share the knowledge, gifts, talents and joy of West African art and culture with various communities through vibrant performances and education. Bodac’s music touches lives and transforms audiences to appreciate music like they’ve never experienced it before. Their musical message to people around the world is that culture can’t be forgotten; we are born into our culture and it’s what makes us unique. Sharing art, music and ideas between disparate cultures enriches people, helping us all to grow wiser and more enlightened.

Benjamin is performing on Sunday, May 22 at 3:30pm.

Isaiah Douglass is a musician, artist and writer who has been creating for most of his known life. He started playing guitar and singing at a young age and he was drawing even earlier than that. 

"Inspired by our earth family, the human journey and the mysteries of life, it is by this inspiration that I am propelled to create through many mediums. I am constantly seeking to expand my awareness and to live authentically. I believe the greatest gift we can all give is to be true to ourselves and follow golden thread of inspiration where ever it may takes us. May you always remember the blessings and peace of life."

Isaiah will be performing on Sunday, May 22 at 12noon and 2pm.

Feona Lee Jones makes music that is dreamy, ambient and melancholic, with synth pop, new wave, and punk rock undertones. Feona co-created the band, Telepathic Birds with Tony Cameron in 2013 in Concord. Their music is more moody and heavily layered. 

"We are space explorers who have come here to Earth to bring people together through our mysterious, bird-like, insect, space-y, Persephone-like presence. We have come to be a beacon of light and love to guide others in reconnecting with their essence and stepping fully into peace, love, and vulnerability. Our music is uplifting, bridging the shadow and the light, the underworld and the heavens, bringing light to the darkness and depth to the light, and creating opportunities for worldly beings to “transition” in peace."

Feona will be performing during our artist celebration on Saturday, May 21, 4pm. This is a private RSVP event - email CCofA to inquire about purchasing tickets.

Meet the artist - Mary Frances Crabtree

Mary Frances Crabtree writes eloquently about her artistry and creative experience here in Concord:

"Diversity, affordability, proximity to a cultural center and a sunny suburban refuge from Pacific coast fog—that is what I like about living in the Concord area.

Escaping from the icy grip of a Chicago winter to a warm California welcome fulfilled my original retirement goal, but challenges still remained...is there enough inspiration for artistic growth here? Where would I find the vivid colors I celebrated during the seasonal changes of the Midwest? With family and friends left behind, as well as familiar neighborhoods and a city where education and culture highlighted my life—what did my new life in Concord offer?

By Mary Frances Crabtree - pastel

The answer is light - brilliant light that emerges from shadow to define contours in objects, landscapes and people. The light in Concord’s hills against low, shaded valleys presents an artist with sharp contrasts in light intensity. It can be unforgiving light emerging from a black, shadowy background, or it can be a softly muted light tracing powdery shapes.

As color no longer defined my artistic vision here in Concord, the familiar technique and media—oils and gouache paint that I always used—horrors! It didn’t work! I was forced out of my comfort zone. I needed to express the new reality I saw all around me living in Concord: light and shadow, white pastel on Fabriano deep black paper. 

This is what the viewer will see in my drawings—yes, simple drawings devoid of lines—a technique which I developed inspired by the negative in photography.

By Mary Frances Crabtree - pastel

My advice for a new art student comes from a seminar in painting from an instructor who was tired of hearing— Am I finished? Should I put a dash of cerulean here or more burnt sienna there?  His advice to me was simply to put the paintbrush down."