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| 1. Contado 12" x 16" acrylic/painted paper on wc paper |
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| 2. Dream State 12" x 16" acrylic/painted paper on wc paper |
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| 3. Altered State 12" x 16" acrylic/painted paper on wc paper |
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| 4. Round The Clock 12" x 16" acrylic/painted paper on wc paper |
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| 5. Growing Season 12" x 16" acrylic/painted paper on wc paper |
New Work: November
1. Contado: The title of this piece comes from Gray Brechin's Book: Imperial San Francisco. The term "contado" describes a specific area such as a town and the other areas surrounding it, most often smaller towns or villages. It's a very old term and concept of how people and resources are linked together; a symbiotic and at times, destructive relationship. For my piece, I had the two halves of California in mind. I chose colors and shapes that to me, represent the dividing of our state over the issue of water.
2. Dream State: Exploring the similar ideas as in the first piece mentioned above, I drew on images that I felt represented the flow of both money and water in California. The promise of unlimited water in an arid western land was used to draw people to California as the state was being settled. The California "dream" was and still is a major attraction for many people. This piece helped me to explore that idea.
3. Altered State: Each state shapes its own landscape based on the resources that it can procure. Much of the reading I did this month relates to how California has been altered by its people and practices. This particular piece helped me to explore the idea of water distribution in our state; how that has altered our landscape.
4. Round The Clock: October and November were walnut harvesting season here in California. Lots and lots of activity! For this idea, I drew on some of the imagery that I frequently see: orchards, ladders and fields. Agriculture is such an important part of our state year round.
5. Growing Season: If I can, I try to pick titles for my pieces that have two meanings. Growing Season refers not only to a specific time of the agricultural calendar but also overall to the growth "season" that CA has undergone in the last several decades.
Available Work: Calaveras Arts Council
I am participating in the Affordable Gifts of Arts show at the Calaveras Arts Council. The above 3 pieces are framed and available. They are each 8" x 8" and matted in a 12" x 12" black frame. They are wonderful on their own or would make a nice trio. Please contact the Arts Council or email me directly for purchase: libby fife@ymail.com
Fun Recommendation:
December is busy for many people but if there is extra time, can I recommend a visit to Sacramento? It's our state capital and there is lots there to see and to do. I visited the California State Railroad Museum earlier in November and I had a great time. The exhibits are entertaining, informative and up-to-date. There are full size trains on display as well as a very fun model train exhibit. There is a lot of history for adults to learn about but there are also fun things to see if you are younger. It's a very accessible building-easy to get to and parking was simple. All in all a great trip.
I hope December is a wonderful month for everyone. As always, I thank you for taking the time to read my newsletters. Being supported in my efforts is an important part of what I enjoy doing. Please feel free to send me comments about any of the above. Thank you again and happy holidays!
Libby
Hi Libby, what a great series. I enjoyed looking at each one and finding the story. I think when you can get someone involved in your art on the level of not only the visual, but also with the content, you are really successful. Bravo on all of these works.
ReplyDeletePublic radio recently had a program where they stated water is the number one looming crisis in the world. You are fortunate to live in a state which understands that and is doing something about it. It makes your art even more profound.
Julie,
DeleteThanks so much for the kind words. Each of the pieces involved a lot of thought and I sure like to share that. If people can pick out bits and pieces that may be of interest then I think that is great. And if the subject matter isn't their cup of tea, then I hope the designs are interesting enough. I at least feel good about learning something with each piece that I do.
Water is a real problem worldwide isn't it? I am not sure that even with any kind of foresight people could have predicted the extent of our population explosion and how that would be supported. I honestly don't know what will happen in the future.
Thanks as always for your visit and comments. Hope that your Monday gets off to a good start.
Libby
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DeleteDear Libby I know I have seen each of these but seeing them altogether is extremely impressive. They are all superb but my favorite is "Round the Clock" . I guess coming from being a farm girl I understand about the need to work all hours to get things done. Also enjoyed seeing the three pieces at the end that are at the art council.
ReplyDeleteThanks Libby for sharing. Will be looking forward to Dec. work. Have a super day.
Debbie,
DeleteSo, I love knowing that the one painting appeals to your Farm Girl memories! That just makes me very happy:)
Hope that your weather isn't too bad now and that the week is off to a good start. As always, I appreciate your visit and comments:) Nice warm hugs to you!
Libby
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DeleteThese are really excellent pieces Libby!
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