QUIRKY B'S <> Pop Art for this Millennium

How's the Science Project Coming Along?

2012-02-12T22:18:00.000-05:00

Glad you asked. Word on the street says that Lee Valley Tools here in Ottawa have the cat's meow when it comes time to ice candle makers. But no matter how little their item costs, what we're talking about here is freezing water with an indentation. How difficult can this be?

I think it's the weighing down of the insert that's befuddling me. However, hit on a solution when ML suggested using a metal container/cup to hold the spot. Using a glass bottle was unsafe and the plastic ones melted when boiling water was used to extricate them. And they have indentations on their bottoms that grab the ice. Not really useable.

Fortunately, I had a stainless steel cup and filling it with glass pieces, one could use stones or pieces of metal, something/anything to hold it down, the water freezes around it and if water is then poured into the metal cup, whatever the weights are, thaws, can then be emptied out and boiling water added. The cup comes out easily. And it's deep enough. Too shallow an indentation has been a concern.

These contraptions are needed for Tuesday eve so I should get a few more fashioned. There's probably ten done now.

Crazy, really, when you think about it.

The I LOVE YOU Vernissage

2012-02-11T20:39:00.004-05:00

Patrons of the arts, I LOVE You, February 2/12. Thank-you, all, who came.

Wasim

Mathieu Laca, Jack Stekelenburg, art patroness and Driftin' Doug

Lubna Karim and Wasim

Adam Davidson in front of his art.

Catherine

Tick Tock Tom, right


Crowd scene at front door.

Photos/Notes from Last Week's Vernissage

2012-02-10T23:51:00.000-05:00

The I Love You opening on Thursday, Feb. 2/12 was spectacular with two floors of more than 300 paintings, sculptures and assorted items.

The highlight of the evening was Robin Lynch's performance art piece which held spectators riveted for the entire show; something they won't forget soon.

Putting up Quirky B's at Bruce House

2012-02-09T12:48:00.001-05:00

Patrick and I gathered more art and delivered it to Bruce House this morning. He donated two more large panels with the word LOVE embedded. About a week ago, we brought a van-load of art to the administrative offices of Bruce House and transformed that area.

It is an amazing gift that the gallery and artists have given, one that shall live on, a tribute from each individual artist and gallery to people who are living compromised lives.

Laughing in the Face of Trouble

2012-02-08T23:31:00.001-05:00

Trawling along Bank St. this morn, there was this very unlikely "person" standing in a sunny window. Really enchanted me.

On the other side of the street, there was a store window that had numerous manikins, some in a state of undress, all in dishabille. This store, Gardenia, has closed, leaving the detritus of dreams and unrequited business success.

Meanwhile, the Tims Board continues to undergo changes. The doughnut has moved closer, obscuring the very stiff letters I had spelling out TIMS.
Added a small wallet with a Tim card coming out of it and a Senator card on top.

Doesn't look too busy, does it?

2012-02-07T23:39:00.001-05:00

Looks like a science project on my back porch as I continue to make ice candles for the Love Art Party at Patrick John Mills Gallery on February 14/12. The weather was too warm to make as many as I wanted for the vernissage but I've got a good crop growing at present, pressing buckets and metal flower pots into action.

A candle lit to show you the effect.


An assortment of containers filled with water, creating receptacles for candles. The counter-sunk bottles form the indentations for the candles to sit in.

Too Late?

2012-02-07T00:00:00.002-05:00

Did I make the deadline? I just noticed it's midnight.
Not that I had anything special to convey this eve.
But hate to miss a day.

Giving

2012-02-05T23:41:00.000-05:00

Thought to note that I'll be giving five Quirky B's to Patrick John Mills Gallery for the annual donation known as, The Art of Giving. I am taking five of the boards from the Marilyn Suite and donating them. Here are three of the boards that will shortly be hanging beside Patrick's large LOVE canvas at the offices of Bruce House on Bank Street i n Ottawa.

Patterns

2012-02-04T23:23:00.003-05:00

And if you can tell me where you think I'm going with this, I'll take you for coffee next week!

Of Tim Hortons and Valentine Cards

2012-02-03T21:21:00.004-05:00

I was at Tim Hortons this eve and could not resist trying out the poster.I tried to take down one of the ones they had up but they are nailed to the wall.

More valentine card ideas.

At the opening at Patrick John Mills Gallery last eve, there were some outtakes, that is, cards which had curled or in some way, were not saleable they were a big hit with several people who wanted one-of-each.

Poster Looks Good and the Vernissage

2012-02-02T23:22:00.000-05:00

I set up the poster outside and the natural lighting really makes a difference. I still want to change the lettering and rearrange the coffee cards. Otherwise, I like it.

The Vernissage for I Love You at Patrick John Mills was this evening. I got two photos taken, one of Patrick's I Love You canvas that is hanging over his kitchen table and the other, next to it by Juan Manuel Vasquez. And then my camera died. I went on to use Patrick's and took scores of photos including some of the revealing and raw performance art piece by Robin Lynch. The transfixed looks on the audiences faces as she spent 15 minutes covering herself in scarlet paint were part of the revealing part of the piece.

Tims Board Coming Along

2012-02-01T23:13:00.004-05:00

Really coming along. I made my first test poster 20" x 30" today and it turned out not badly. I think the board can be smaller and the lettering has to be italic to match the script on the cups. I think the cards need to be in a different pose. They don't look as if they are standing up...which they are.

I was asked this eve, after going on about creating the doughnut, why didn't I simply buy a doughnut and use it since I am now going for a photo rather than an installation piece. I think one thing is that I am loathe to use food as decoration and another is, wherefore is art if all one is going to do is pose stuff?

Drying the doughnut on the bathroom radiator.

Board with removal of bagel and
one of the cardboard coffee cups.

What the photo looked like that I enlarged.

A dark photo of it as a framed poster. Non-matte glass makes it difficult to photo with a flash. You get the idea.

Tims Board to be Revamped

2012-01-31T22:38:00.000-05:00

Going to be adding the plastic Tims cards and folder, plus got a Latte cup this eve so will substitute it for one of the existent ones. Also, where the attachment is, just below the cards, I plan on adding a miniature hockey stick, homage to the Canadian hockey player who started the franchise. And that middle bagel, it'll become a doughnut.

Born in 1930, Tim Horton, not his birth name, played defence. He died in 1974 in a car crash in Toronto, ON.

Welsh Ephemera

2012-01-30T22:36:00.000-05:00

Poetry, mainly, not art but isn't writing poetry an art?

These garment catalogues, dating from the early 1900's were turned into scrap books, probably by a teenager, a teen living in Utica, NY. I believe that it may have been a young girl who compiled many newspaper clippings from the '20's, much of it poetry copied from Welsh language newspapers which were prevalent in the northern United States at this time. Chicago had a large Welsh population as did many smaller centres in the northern region of New York State. Utica was one, Clayton, another.

I made a pilgrimage this eve to a meeting of the Welsh Society of Ottawa, taking with me these catalogues for members' perusal. I should like someone working in Welsh, perhaps a graduate student in linguistics or Anthropology or cultural whatever to make use of these books in their studies. Or perhaps a welsh society or Taffia as some are rather affectionately called, to translate the poetry.

Who knows, perhaps the poetry within is by a poet as yet to be discovered by Wales.

Good Style

2012-01-29T23:10:00.002-05:00

Style Magazine, a quarterly insert in the Ottawa Citizen, interviewed me as one of four artists who use recycled material in their art. They asked me to send several photos showing examples of my work. I sent these four, The Information Highway Crashes and Burns, Wired, The Tims (sic) Board, and The Pink Collar Jungle.

An upcoming plan is for me to turn photos of the Quirky B's into large framed posters. I hope to start experimenting with this later in the week.

Here Kitty, Kitty

2012-01-28T23:07:00.003-05:00

You are probably wondering what the little valentine-starring kitty is doing included in this particular blog.

The other two photos were taken today through the speckled window at After Stonewall. I dropped by with a generous selection of cards and they are now in the window. This may change if the owner wants to feature other cards but I supposed the main thing is getting people into the store and if they are drawn by these unique postcard-type valentines, that so be it.

I want to tell a bit of a story how I was at a goodwill store in the province of Quebec and pawing through a box of old cameras when I came across a digital camera. An older model, only four mega pixels and an unknown brand, Centrio, and no batteries so it would not fire-up. However, it did have a memory card in it, albeit only 256 MB. Still, being in desperate need of another memory card, I thought the $2.99 asking price for the camera was reasonable. If it didn't work, I would at least have the card.

There is something voyeuristic about buying a used book and finding a personal letter in it or buying a cassette tape of mixed music someone else has put together so that it's their taste and significant music, not yours. And with this memory card from the discarded camera, I was uncertain what I might find.

Fortunately, I was able to download the card, with 92 photos, from my Kodak digital. I have no idea how I would have downloaded the photos directly from the Centrio.

I was not disappointed. The photos were of a family undertaking various events: camping, bicycling, swimming, mugging for the camera. I hope they had copies of these as I erased them.

The camera itself does not work properly. It takes a photo and then seizes and has to be restarted. It burns through batteries. The photo of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, aka, Blackie, was taken with it.

Hearts

2012-01-27T23:38:00.000-05:00

The text is never quite consistent.

Gallery Owner to Speak at Unitarian Church ARTS NIGHT

2012-01-26T10:34:00.003-05:00

Wishing you had something interesting to do tomorrow evening in Ottawa? Why not come to the Arts Night at the Unitarian Church. It's a beautiful setting and the evenings I've attended have been remarkable. Each one features someone from the literary world and from the visual and musical arts field. This Friday, Patrick John Mills will anchor the visual arts discussion.

Time:

07:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Location:

First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa
30 Cleary Ave.
Ottawa, ON K2H 7A9
(View the map for this location)

Description:

Held the last Friday night of every month September to June except for December. Three invited guest artists from the literary, visual and musical arts speak & demonstrate or perform for about 20 minutes each. There is time for audience participation, discussion with guest artists and socializing.

A Departure from Valentine Cards

2012-01-25T17:05:00.002-05:00

Bit of painting au plein air, or in this case, al fresco, major al fresco. This is the third time artists have gathered to paint outside. The first time, there were four of us, the second, last week, only Patrick. But this time, seven people came, including two new people, Edward and Zander. Half the people who indicated on Facebook that they'd participate didn't show but 50% did and this is superb.

Will in foreground, Patrick John and Patrick G.

Patrick G. surveys the view. To the right, Edward's work.

This adventure painting outside in the winter is not for the faint of heart. People had their easels set before 9:00 am and did not pull up stakes until mid-afternoon. By this time, the sun had shifted to where we were at Laurier L'esplanade but the temperature had also dropped and I was glad of the snow pants I was wearing and two pairs of gloves. A chair would have been good as standing for hours in the cold is tiring.

Carmela, Will and Zander in deep concentration.

Again, one of the benefits of painting in the cold is that the paint does not run or drip. And it stays on one's brush or palette knife very well, almost too well. It doesn't want to let go! And somewhat amusing, when one puts down a brush, to change colour or to sip coffee, it freezes to the palette board, or, in my case, the piece of coroplast I was using as a flat surface upon which to place bottles of paint and rags.

Several people chose to sit or kneel on the cement, no doubt wishing they had an easel or other means of holding their canvas. I have an ancient bundle-buggy to which I tape or clothes pin the coroplast. I use a bungie cord and cloth strip to further stabilize my "canvas."

Will started this work fresh today.

This is one of the works Will started last time we painted outside.

Patrick G's implements of art.

I made a sign promoting the I LOVE YOU art show vernissage next Thursday.

Cute

2012-01-24T23:34:00.000-05:00

A few more designs. The lettering is bigger in the actual card.

Made 100 more this eve in prep for the frenzy of loving we call Valentine's Day. Hope to get another store on Bank St. to handle these.

Could be tomorrow's project.

Patrick John Mills is calling for artists to join him painting al fresco tomorrow. Thank goodness we are in a thaw situation. Think I'll make a sign tomorrow.

No words as not sure what to do with this one.

A Cornucopia of Valentines

2012-01-23T23:50:00.003-05:00

So little time before the actual day on February 14. I hope to bag another store shortly. You can buy these cards at Wilde's, at After Stonewall and at Gypsy & Co. in Ottawa. Or you can order them directly. Drop me a line.

shannon@slmannion.com

Meanwhile, all quiet on the western front.

A Birthday Present Unlike None Other

2012-01-22T23:47:00.000-05:00

Raced to create a birthday present today. The word was to bring something magical. What could be more magical than original valentine cards framed.

I forgot to take a photo of the actual gift but laid-out six cards in an unopened frame (still in the package) so that you get the idea...more or less.

Some Art from the I LOVE YOU Show

2012-01-21T21:23:00.004-05:00

Tick Tock Tom

Laca

Pacheco

Leger

Taylor

Mannion

Le Courtois

Chainey

Mills

Davidson

Marrese

Reading the REBUS

2012-01-21T20:22:00.001-05:00

It's up. Not perfect, window needs cleaning, background is inappropriate, yellow ground, ugh.
Red shoes are a nice touch, however.

This After Stonewall window is directly in front of a bus stop so there will be no end of gawkers trying to decipher what's going on.

I have no doubt that this is one of the more original windows in Ottawa done up for Valentine's Day which is in three and a half weeks. My cards are in three stores with more to come.

For more than one reason, the red-letter day is becoming a red-letter life.

Vernissage is Feb 2/12

2012-01-20T19:36:00.000-05:00

Expect the unexpected.

Midnight Came and Went

2012-01-20T01:14:00.001-05:00

Missed the midnight deadline this eve as I was at the gallery and then Patrick and I went out and put up over 100 posters in downtown Ottawa. Boy, was I glad of the survival clothing in my van. It started out relatively balmy but then a snow squall came up and the temperature dropped.

It was a marathon-of-a-night.

Art Card Valentines Available at Three Stores in Ottawa

2012-01-18T23:32:00.003-05:00

Made the rounds today and two more stores are now handling Paper Bag Creations. You can purchase several different designs, although none of the ones below as these were just created today. My presentation has changed to a beribboned clear bag and I have added a sticker for securing the brown paper envelope and am stamping the envelopes and the backs of the cards with a heart motif. Added a new backing, too.

You can pick up your Valentine Cards at Wilde's on Bank at Gilmour and at After Stonewall across the street from Wilde's. Additionally, cards are available at Gypsy and Company a few steps in from Elgin St. on Gilmour.

There are more designs to come! Click on any card below to enlarge it.

Get Your Red-Hot Valentine Cards

2012-01-17T22:43:00.002-05:00

Cards drying on guillotine.

Shoe bag turned into a holder of cards.

Great news! The Paper Bag Creations, Valentines for this millennium, are available at three stores: Wilde's and After Stonewall on Bank and at Gypsy and Co. on Gilmour at Elgin. This is in Ottawa.

I have got the backing problem solved by using blank 4 x 6 computer photo paper and gluing it in place. Smooth and white!

Wire mesh container for holding the cards at point-of-purchase. I have some in black, others in silver. A perfect size. I added some light-weight hearts to the sides. A romantic touch.

Discovered a perfect stamp today for the backs of envelopes.

Mike, the Angel, He Knew

2012-01-16T22:48:00.004-05:00

A bit more selection. I made 100 photos this evening and am casting about for the self-adhesive backing that will turn them instantly into postcards.

Otherwise, I'll be fashioning envelopes out of paper bags until March!

The CAT SERIES Valentine Cards

2012-01-15T21:16:00.003-05:00

Is there anything that people like more than cats on the Internet? YouTube entries with cute kittens get gazillions of hits. And nothing says love more than a comely kitten or puppy.

A baby salamander probably wouldn't do it.

Glorious Supplies

2012-01-14T22:48:00.001-05:00

I picked up some supplies for the next group of valentine cards. The hearts below, to the left, have a 3D effect while the felines on the right flank a small bag that spells out LOVE.

The sign, Danger Zone is bright and startling, useful in all sorts of card ideas.
And the final photo is of clear plastic bags which might take the place of Zip-Loc bags as protection for the cards when they are at various stores.

Proceeding Fast and Furious

2012-01-13T22:16:00.003-05:00

Valentine cards are now available at Wilde's store at Bank St. and Gilmour and will shortly be available at two other stores. You can see what the display looks like on the left. It's on the counter next to the cash. They are $3.00 each and they are signed. Since they are handmade, they are by no means perfect...but then, what valentine is?

Below are several photos of cards I made at the photo kiosk this evening. Different words and positioning.

The cards are now in a zip-lock bag but this might change into a simple clear bag tied with a ribbon.

Presentation is everything.

Valentine Cards for Sale: Variety Pack #1

2012-01-12T13:59:00.006-05:00

Bit of a business experiment here. A Valentine's cash-cow, as it were.

I'm going to post a variety of Valentine Cards. These are reproductions of the Pop Art Valentine Card display currently at the Patrick John Mills Gallery in Ottawa, Canada. I will discretely sign the back of each card.

There will be eight different cards and you can choose the variety pack, or a combination (for instance, three of one style, three of another and two singles, or any permutation thereof), or all of one type as long as you come up with eight cards in total.

Cards will have a hand-written: To and From on the back and you can write an additional message as there is lots of space.

Cards are 4" x 6", the size of a standard photo.

Eight cards are $25.00 per pack for Canadian orders or $30.00 per pack for anywhere else in the world. Please send Canadian or American dollars. Euros are fine, too. The amount includes postage. Please find me on Facebook and send me an email should you like me to send you some cards.

I plan to have others available within the next few days so please come back and see what comes up. And don't forget to send my blog URL to family and friends who might be interested.www.quirkybs.blogspot.com
I'd appreciate it!

If you send me your order today and I will include this very original BONUS card:

Here are the cards that are in the Variety Pack #1. Click on each one to see larger size.

Thank-you very much.
Happy Valentine's Day!

I LOVE YOU Vernissage is Feb. 2/12

2012-01-11T23:13:00.005-05:00

I've been misleading people that it's on Jan. 19/12. The show indeed is up and running by that date but the actual meet the artists and have a beverage while exploring the two floors of the gallery, that isn't until Thursday, February 2/12, corresponding with the Art Walk which also includes The Cube Gallery and Orange Gallery.

It was a scramble to get everything ready to bring in this afternoon. I did change the flowered sign where I made a mistake in the lyrics to the Beatles' song, Michelle. The last line now reads, "This is what I want you to know." I had it totally wrong. Looks better now that the spacing is improved.

Shannon Lee Mannion

Patrick John Mills

Art being delivered.

Art was being delivered over the past three days and some was already in place today.

New work by Patrick John Mills was up and Tick Tock Tom's amazing metal sculpture was in the front room. Natural light from the bank of windows looking out onto Hinchey Street illuminate the metal man in a wonderful way. And there are smaller sculptures on the wall I hadn't seen before. Mathieu Laca had made the trip from Montreal with his art earlier in the week and some is hanging while other canvasses awaited hanging.

Tick Tock Tom


Tick Tock and Patrick John Mills

Mathieu Laca

Art is Ready for Tomorrow

2012-01-10T23:23:00.003-05:00

A marathon day of getting art ready to bring to the gallery tomorrow.

Several about-faces. When the show name changed from Love Art Party to I Love You, this changed my focus but it had already resulted in several false starts. All grist....

Not certain where the vintage valentine idea came from. Early morning brainstorm, perhaps. But I believe that it's a good one.

Above are 4" x 6" photos laid on the adhesive side of backing paper. I cut them out using scissors. This gives the photos some weight, provides a writing surface and negates the annoying Kodak name and numbers on the back of each photo.

To the right, is the sign I started weeks ago. I doubt if this will withstand the cold so it might be best positioned in the window. We'll see.(I think I'll fix that, "I think you ought to know." I thought it was just, "I think you know."

Below, left, are framed photos of a selection of cards and to the right, is an 11" x 14" photo that will form the anchor of the show.

Fits in with the Pop Art genre quite well, don't you think?

Success!

2012-01-09T22:49:00.027-05:00

This is so good! The cards reproduce perfectly! It's time-consuming but gratifying.

Day of Reckoning Tomorrow

2012-01-08T23:24:00.000-05:00

I completed some more ideas for possible Valentine Cards and will be seeing how they reproduce at the photo kiosk tomorrow. The high contrast might not work. In that case, it'll be back to the drawing board.

Another Brainstorm

2012-01-07T22:59:00.001-05:00

Dashed a note to myself last eve to make a book of valentine cards and then take orders. Sell them by the tens to people for a buck or two each. Better than the dollar store items, cheaper than Hallmark. All original. Romantic or racy, the buyer's choice.

A friend was on the same wave-length and emailed me this eve suggesting the same thing.

Could be lucking into something here.

What do you think?

You've Been Carded!

2012-01-06T23:46:00.006-05:00

Continued working on more ideas for ways people might say, I Love You, using valentine cards updated from sixty or seventy years ago. Some of the execution and captions on those cards were no better or worse than the ones below. Our sensibilities are different today so we read more into words, especially since political correctness ruined all our fun.

Wonderful and More Wonderful

2012-01-05T23:14:00.003-05:00

Using children's valentine cards from the1950's and '60's for inspiration, I am creating what "I Love You" looks like a la pop art in this millennium.To read the captions clearly, simply click on each individual photo.

A Brainstorm

2012-01-04T22:17:00.003-05:00

I have a new idea for what to present at the I Love You show that starts later this month.

And one that won't be immediately obvious from what is in these photos. And it's not something that I can explain as I am uncertain of what it is called that I am about to create.

All I can tell you is that I have been looking at old Valentine's Day cards and thinking about how to make manifest some of the concepts used to express love that were popular some six or more decades ago so stay tuned to see some really interesting art.

Call for Artists for the I Love You Show

2012-01-03T21:42:00.000-05:00

Under the Watchful Eye(s)

2012-01-03T21:12:00.007-05:00

As You You, the Adorable looked on from his vantage on a comfortable pink blanket by the radiator, the day was spent in experimentation. With a new show, I Love You, starting at the Patrick John Mills Gallery shortly, the push is on to create art to this theme.

This week and the next will be spent in playing with ideas that bounce colour, texture and design until something jells.

One experiment today involved in taking apart a keyboard to see what might be done to prevent epoxy from slipping into the tray below the keys. In the keyboard I used, there will be no problem for as soon as the top was removed from the bottom, the keys lost their spring and simply rested in place thereby forming a relatively tight seal. Since the epoxy is thicker than water, it should hold in place. I tested with water and it is slow to drain through to the back.

In the first of the examples below, I am trying to form a heart around a shiny red bauble-of-a-heart using pried-up keys, some of which had been painted for other uses, some, just plain black or beige. The concept works but now how to secure the keys. And the backing, a mini-satellite dish, probably should be painted a bleeding shade of red.

In the other case, my attempt at replicating a crossword puzzle

using words synonymous with Love, in this case Give, Eros, Lust and I wanted to add Care and Hope but doubt if they'll fit in, needs more back-at-the-blackboard-planning.

A New Year and Art is Out and About

2012-01-02T23:50:00.001-05:00

Shannon, artist, and Jerry, musician.
Photo by GioVanni

Storefront at After Stonewall. Love and Trust, eternally together.

Joy and Love, sometimes but not always, together.

A new year and many, many plans. Word-Signs are up at After Stonewall on Bank St. at Gilmour. More signs going up shortly.

In this case, camp does not mean tents and outdoor cooking.

Working at Dawn

2011-12-30T06:29:00.000-05:00

One can accomplish a great deal at 4:00 am. Hadn't posted the new, improved PLAY board with the brightened background. More play-like now.

And the sign is for After Stonewall where there are five Quirky B. Word-Boards on display in the storefront window. However, there is also an illegible sign on Bristol board leaning up against the glass and, perish the thought, it is obscuring the QB's!

Best to take things in hand and so I created a smaller sign and one that can be read from the bus as it travels by.

I wonder if there is a market for spur-of-the-moment signs. A store-owner could call in with what is needed, suggest what colours they'd like and, assuming I'm home to receive the call and have a couple hours free, I could create and deliver to them what they want by lunch or by the end of the day. It's a thought.

It's a Thought

2011-12-25T17:13:00.001-05:00

Well, it is Christmas, after all.
Ya gotta wonder who put the jagged scar on the hair dresser's doll-head.

The Night Before and All is Quiet

2011-12-24T16:27:00.001-05:00

Yes, it's a hair clip I created from some pried-up computer keys. Doubt if it'll revolutionize gift-giving, at least , not for this year, being such a new item, but it's a start on associated Quirky B. items which may be available someday now that I am about to enter the Year of International Marketing.

Stay tuned, folks, it's gonna be a wild ride!

Best wishes to everyone for a healthy and happy new year.

Painting in the Cold with Robert Genn

2011-12-16T09:50:00.001-05:00

In his twice-weekly newsletter, The Painter's Keys, Robert Genn writes a practical and humourous response to one of his readers queries about art in the great outdoors...when it's cold enough to see your breath and your fingertips turn blue.

Shades of what artists from Patrick John Mills Gallery went through earlier this week.

Here are Robert Genn's comments:

Yesterday, Richard Woods of Sparks, Nevada wrote, "I'm just heading out painting at a location where snow is a good possibility. The forecast calls for a high of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Painting in cold weather is a pain for me. I see pictures of you working while sitting in snow banks and at high elevations with snow coming down. How do you do it?"

Thanks, Richard. With forethought. The main problems are wind, precipitation, and the temperature of things.

Wind: You may need to sacrifice a really good view to put your back to the wind. I often paint in a folding chair, so an extra chunk of foam on the chair-back is useful. Also, one of those fur-lined helmets with the flaps helps prevent an early loss of ears. Parkas or hoodies tend to interfere with head movements and the business of looking over your shoulder for bears. Fur-lined hiking boots are a must. "There is no bad weather for painting en plein air," says Barbara Jablonski, "only bad painting clothes."

Teach yourself to paint using leather or wool gloves. I used to cut the fingertips off, but it's only necessary if you're doing finicky work. Regular gloves or even mitts can help make your stroke broader and fresher.

Precipitation: Whether straight down or sideways, snow, sleet or rain are fun-spoilers. Wet snow falling and puddling on acrylic or watercolour has only limited creative value. Oil and water, of course, don't mix. "Best Brellas" are simply brilliant on calm, sunny days--but in a gale they can move you and your work a mile down the valley.

Warmth: "Scottish antifreeze" from a small flask is best. Cocoa from a thermos works but is less fun. Some ladies of my acquaintance put chemical warmers called "Heatmax Hot Hands" and "Heatmax Toasti Toes" into needy areas. I like to point out that Scotch taken orally in moderation warms all over.

Some painters report the main benefit of sub-zero painting is the achievement of speed. But there's also a wonderful feeling of smugness that slips over you like a soft woollen blanket. Whether an island unto yourself or together with a gaggle of good companions, you're adrift and apart from a madding world and in soft communion with wonder.

Best regards,

Robert

PS: "Working outdoors puts you in direct contact with the life force, not just the light and the landscape, but also the vitality of the world." (George Carlson)

Esoterica: Acrylics and watercolours freeze easily and take on an unpleasant granular texture which stays on after they thaw. Keep all your paints, including oils, in a warm part of the car and don't leave them in a car overnight. Liquids like acrylic medium and linseed oil should be near to room temperature for best viscosity. The Russians have pioneered thinning watercolours with vodka. When ice begins to form on the palette it may seem like the time to reconsider chartered accountancy, but really it's just time for the lodge. Tomorrow will be another day.

http://clicks.robertgenn.com/cold.php

Painting en Plein Air

2011-12-14T21:53:00.001-05:00

Remember, it's the middle of December and even though we have no snow, it's not exactly unseasonably warm out there.

Bit of a publicity thing today in the run-up to Saturday's Elemental Art Party at Patrick John Mills Gallery in Hintonburg.
It appears to be the way to go as so many people stopped to find out what we were doing and they took our gallery flyer with them so that they can check the website.

There's something about painting with frozen paint. Sticks better, doesn't run, doesn't smear. Brushes get a bit stiff but all in all, works out just fine.

We plan to do a few more of these au plein air escapades at Laurier and Bank over the next couple of weeks. Start praying that it doesn't snow.

Signs

2011-12-14T21:50:00.003-05:00

Working on the Loblaws file to encourage Loblaws' employees to rise up and defend themselves against bad union and management calls.

Word-Boards are a Hit on Bank St.

2011-12-05T20:47:00.001-05:00

Delivered five Word-Boards to After Stonewall on Bank St. for their festive December window. Not optimally positioned in the window but done.

Twas the Night Before...

2011-12-01T01:16:00.001-05:00

The opening of The Art of Giving at Patrick John Mills Gallery.

Get ready for some .....................................

The Art of Giving Opens on Thursday

2011-11-29T23:21:00.000-05:00

The Art of Giving Show opens at Patrick John Mills Gallery on Thursday, December 1/11.

Several Word-Boards were scheduled and these made it, although I have no idea where Play has got to.

Given gracious help to make a frame and grid, The Marilyn Suite is on display and since there was a strip up the left that seemed to beg for decoration, six more boards were hung

The art is different for this show, not just mine, but there are artists showing who've never participated before. And then there are the regular artists, some of whom are in evidence while others are AWOL for this show, perhaps one of the most important ones of the year because it is for this month alone that the gallery owner, John Patrick Mills, says thank-you to his artists by giving to them, 100% of the payment for any art that sells.

The grid made upon which to hang The Marilyns

Final display

Bringing you Wish

2011-11-28T22:47:00.000-05:00

Introducing Joy and Fun

2011-11-27T21:15:00.000-05:00

The Art of Giving show starts on December 1/11 and some festive Quirky B's are in order. So joining
Faith, Hope and Love are Joy and Fun.

Working on Wish. Thinking about Dance, Adore and Enjoy.

Welcome Back!

2011-11-20T23:45:00.000-05:00

With December upon us and festive art expected, Faith and Hope were ready but Love was gone, donated to a good cause last year.

Made Love today.

Photos from Solo Show at Patrick John Mills Gallery

2011-11-03T22:52:00.000-04:00

Photos of the vernissage this evening of Patrick's solo show.

Two floors of art, 2,900 sq. ft. of gallery space.

Patrick on the right.

A Busy but Artless Day

2011-11-02T22:16:00.001-04:00

Was expecting to dash about collecting the SCULZ from various storefronts. Did remove the ones from Patrick John Mills as the opening of Patrick's solo show is tomorrow and everything needs to be just-so.

But perhaps tomorrow, I'll recover the SCULZ.

Helped organize the gallery today. Space is about to double and there was much work to do to get ready for tomorrow's opening.

Photos coming of the new space and Patrick's work tomorrow.

Patrick and I had a chat today and he offered me a room in May to display just my work, Quirky B's and possibly SCULZ and whatever else I get up to in the next six months. This is fabulous news! I've always thought that seeing 100 keyboards is the way to appreciate the B's.

In the meantime, I need to think about what's upcoming so until I get a handle on what's next, I may take a breather from the blog for a couple of weeks.

Yes, I need to think.

Renos at JPM Continue and New Sculpture Arrives

2011-11-01T21:21:00.003-04:00

The gallery is about to double in size. There are amazing renos ongoing. Come on Thursday, Nov. 3/11 to the opening of Patrick John Mill's first solo show in more than a year and a half. Catered food and libation!

Meanwhile a new sculptor, Jack Stekelenburg, has gleefully joined the cadre of sculptors who give their creations a home at Patrick John Mills.

Jack calls his metal fabrication, Speak No Evil. He brought one I loved, a skeleton of a small dinosaur, looking all the world like a beagle with no skin or flesh, and it had a huge chain leading to a stake. It'll be on-hand for The Art of Giving, PJMG's December show. He calls it Dino. You an see a photo of it here.

https://picasaweb.google.com/109140703936344995588/WaldenThreeStudioAndArtGallery#5575394450692776002

SCULZ at Patrick John Mills Gallery

2011-10-31T21:05:00.000-04:00

Completed two SCULZ last evening and perched them on the window ledge at Patrick John Mills Gallery this morning.

These join the skull and crossbones, to the far right below, which I put there yesterday.

All SCULZ are Out in the Community

2011-10-30T21:28:00.001-04:00

A red-letter week for the SCULZ as they got put on display in four locations.

Currently, they can be seen in the window at After Stonewall on Bank St. across from where they were at Wilde's for most of last week.

There are six or so at Gypsy&Co. and they will be there for the next couple of days.

And there are four SCULZ highlighted in the front window of La Petite Mort Gallery on Cumberland St. in the Byward Market in Ottawa's downtown. These will remain there for several days and then be held in the archives in case someone might be keen to buy them.

There is a skull and crossbones in the window at Patrick John Mills Gallery and two more going up tomorrow.

And that'll be all of them, what with the one in Kingston, another in Brighton, UK and two being used as props for Halloween.

A perfect thing to do with a SCULZ.

SCULZ at After Stonewall

2011-10-29T22:57:00.001-04:00

SCULZ installed on Ottawa's main drag at After Stonewall book store.

Upcoming Displays

2011-10-28T23:16:00.001-04:00

Fresh from Wilde's today, the Devil SCULZ and friends will be attended La Petite Mort tomorrow morning for a window seat looking out onto Dalhousie Street in Ottawa's Byward Market.

Wilde's friends from across the street, After Stonewall, were so impressed, they asked if there were any SCULZ not spoken for that could grace their front window over the weekend leading up to Halloween.

There were some made, of course, and some in the offing. It meant a hustle this eve to complete more. The Aunt Edna one, top left with the fabulous hair, is finally done, lips and earrings glued in place.

What to do with mouths is still a concern but eyes are getting better.

A red SCULZ became an Indian with headband and feather and, speaking of feathers, there is now a SCULZ encased in feathers. I am still considering the mouth on this one.

Updates on the Updates

2011-10-27T23:09:00.001-04:00

Finished this one this morn. Made entirely of coloured sand and various glues. Stunning in photos.

Below, sort of finished this last evening but the mouth I'd glued on was inappropriate so I tore it off. Nothing really works on this one but the hair's glorious.

Hate to Miss a Deadline...

2011-10-26T23:51:00.000-04:00

so putting this up with no explanation.

On a Walkabout

2011-10-25T15:22:00.004-04:00

Doing a circle of the neighbourhood, I caught the SCULZ silhouetted in the window at Wilde's and then reacquainted myself with the SCULZ by the name of, I Should Have Been a Tap Dancer, at Gypsy&Co.

There's a hairy-scary Halloween cocktail party at Gypsy's on Thursday evening, 8:00 pm to midnight. Come in costume!

Then around the block to see how Lucy is doing. The portrait is still up but the sign I appended below it in answer to the question, Who is Lucy, is still gone. Not everyone is an art lover with a sense of humour.

SCULZ Go Gay at Wilde's

2011-10-24T20:48:00.003-04:00

Wilde's,an adult male emporium of all things gay, graciously accepted two self-supporting in-SCULZ-ations today.

They will be in place until store closing on Thursday evening at which time the store window will be given over to another display.

In the meantime, you can stroll along Bank Street in Ottawa, the three hundred block, and in between Aziz Importers and the Cupcake Shop, you'll find the SCULZ in all their edifying glory.

Who Is Lucy?

2011-10-23T21:17:00.009-04:00

Who _Is_ Lucy? Or it is Lucie?

Odd to see a painting attached to a telephone on a busy street in downtown Ottawa but there it was this afternoon and again, when I returned five hours later, still there.

I, of course, had to answer the question, Who is Lucy?, the only way a child of the sixties could.

When I went to take a look on the afternoon of October 24, someone had removed my addition of the hand-lettered sign.

An art critic, perhaps or someone so young, they did not understand the allusion.

See SCULZ at Gypsy&Co.

2011-10-23T21:11:00.000-04:00

These SCULZ, or ones like them, will be on display this coming week at Gypsy&Co. located at 209 Gilmour St. at Elgin. This is a vintage clothing and accessories boutique and cafe that specializes in vegan treats. They are open from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm. Please call 613 565-0564 if you have any questions.

If you are interested in having some SCULZ on display at your store or office, please let me know. Also, I can make you your own personalized SCULZ if you give me four day's lead-time. Prices are negotiable.

Happy Autumn

2011-10-23T15:57:00.000-04:00

What could be better than a Fall display of seasonal flowers, a pot of brilliant yellow Chrysanthemums, and a wouldbe SCULZ painted flat white. I am trying to rid the original of the black contrast bits.The flower pot holds the plastic stick, shoved into the soil, that the skull sits on...so that it dries uniformly.

Meanwhile, completion of other SCULZ is underway and ideas are burgeoning.

Have a wonderful day, everyone.

Best wishes, Shannon

Family Tableau

2011-10-22T21:17:00.000-04:00

Bit of tomfoolery with the beaded dream-boat.

Six or seven SCULZ were delivered to Gypsy&Co. this afternoon and should be on display after Monday. They'll be in situ until after Halloween.

Meanwhile, the Bang Bang SCULZ is done. I ended up removing the large circle which was supposed to be a startled mouth and instead, there are authentic-looking yellowed teeth. Fraid these and the eyes give this poor bastard a rather comical look, as if he doesn't realize how serious it is to be shot, point-blank, in the head.

OUCH!

2011-10-21T23:37:00.002-04:00

Much being accomplished. This Bang Bang SCULZ should be ready for tomorrow. Have added eyes and rotten teeth and the large black O for a mouth. I think I'll write the word, OUCH on it.

The two below are ready, just need either to be mounted or twine attached so that it/they hang.

Can't get enough of these two and the one below, it's going to be remarkable. It's amazing what one can do when one pays attention.

Head Full of Pearls

2011-10-20T23:44:00.000-04:00

What can I say? It's a look.

With display-day a day away, there are SCULZ in varying degrees of completion, most needing just a touch more of this or that.

I believe I should have three new ones completed by Saturday, in addition to the 10 already done. Not all will go to Gypsy&Co. I am hoping to disperse others about town.

New Eye Balls

2011-10-19T23:51:00.005-04:00

What a difference striated circles around the chrome ball bearings makes! Finishes it off nicely.

Below, this is what happens when one backs their vehicle over one of the brethren. Not as pronounced an effect as I'd like. He bounced back, somehow.

SCULZ-bulous!

2011-10-18T23:55:00.002-04:00

With the new arrivals, time for experimentation. Doing odd things with one of the eyes and something different with the mouth. Whole SCULZ is painted white. Nose will change by tomorrow.

In photo at right, arranged a stand for display. Not sure how many but at least three or more SCULZ will be delivered to Gypsy&Co Vintage Boutique and Cafe located at 209 Gilmour St. at Elgin in Ottawa on Saturday.

I plan to have SCULZ in other locations around Ottawa. If you are interested in presenting a display to heighten your Halloween celebrations, please contact me.

Yet Another Eclectic Post

2011-10-17T23:16:00.002-04:00

Not electric post, eclectic. The photo on the left shows the lengths to which I go to get things done. The SCULZ is held down by a weight and the gun, propped up with Popsicle sticks and a Q-tip so that it glues at the correct angle. There is work to do on the other side, photo on the right, and I wanted to do something different with the eyes and mouth but now that it's been glued to the plinth, not sure.

And below, the brethren have arrived from Kingston. Imports!

In the dish are six mushroom-type things. This is a guessing game no one will get, guaranteed. They could be tiny penises with golden tops...but aren't. They could be stylized bullets...but aren't.

My, my, what could they be.

Prototype for Bang Bang SCULZ

2011-10-16T22:54:00.001-04:00

Not quite complete but you get the idea. As yet, the eyes and mouth need work. Maybe even a combover.

Cutting Rods for the SCULZ

2011-10-15T23:15:00.000-04:00

A regular Mr. Fix-It day. Found the hacksaw and some drop forged pliers from off the Ark, and sawed up the curtain rods into 12" pieces. These rods are the perfect length upon which to sit a SCULZ.

Also applied protective covering to two SCULZ. I'm out of raw materials so am biding my time with what I have, perfecting, if you will.

I have a new idea for a SCULZ guitar. Stay tuned for this.

Bang Bang SCULZ Almost Done

2011-10-14T21:12:00.000-04:00

Pretty well have the bullet holes in place. Entry one is good; the other, lots of tissue damage.

2011-10-13T19:31:00.002-04:00

Trying to create a head wound that looks real. Started with fake entry and exit rubber wound which were glued to opposite sides of the head. Am half way done as the bright pink area on the left and the lighter pink area on the right is a plasticine-type material which was smoothed along edges of wound to provide a seamless look. This will settle and then I'll cover the wound part and spray the discoloured areas the same shade as the skull.

The bones have nothing to do with this particular SCULZ. Just random props in these photos.

Latest SCULZ Work

2011-10-12T22:49:00.001-04:00

Latest SCULZ work. The one on the right and bottom left was complete except for the addition of colourful eyelashes, a whole new look.

Call for Art Submissions Considered

2011-10-11T23:40:00.000-04:00

If there are going to be children at this three-day art show in Kanata, two of these three won't fly.

Everyone's a Critic

2011-10-11T23:35:00.000-04:00

Ain't it just the way.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-10-10T23:52:00.002-04:00

With unseasonably warm weather and a harvest moon above, it seemed fitting that Thanksgiving be held al fresco. The table and chairs I've been refinishing for the past two months were already outside. The fact that I could not bring the table upstairs by myself and had no one to help, unless my dinner guests were to be pressed into action, had only a passing effect on my decision to hold an extemporaneous Thanksgiving picnic in the garage.

And not my garage. My neighbour's. Fortunately, I have the keys to her car and there was room to park it beside mine behind the house.

So six of us dined on the new table replete with candle light and wine.

A superb time was had by all.

Table Art

2011-10-09T19:57:00.001-04:00

With Thanksgiving here and company for supper scheduled for tomorrow and only a card table in the kitchen, it is incumbent to get it refinished and in place. Mind you, the card table has been very handy for holding keyboards and SCULZ. This is a job which started at the end of July and now, a month and a half later, it is almost done. There is trim to affix to the sides and ends and perhaps a clear coat and then installation in my kitchen takes place and the card table returns to its spot in the basement.

What a boon it's been having this table in the garage. I worked on The Marilyn Suite and completed it on this table. The only thing this table hasn't had is a meal on it. This will happen tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Plinths

2011-10-08T23:25:00.001-04:00

Several wooden boxes which were originally going to be stained oak and used as natural wood got spray painted black today. Less distraction. There are three done. Difficult to take a photo of black objects.

The yellow SCULZ is a work-in-progress.

2011-10-07T23:30:00.002-04:00

New thing with the SCULZ are the golden rods upon which they sit. Much better than the black, unstable plastic and more glamourous than wooden dowels.

Fashioned a birthday card for a friend today
using a photo I created to send to La Petite Mort
asking if there'll be room for a few SCULZ at the end of the month.

Look at these marvelous posters created to announce last evening's vernissage at Patrick John Mills Gallery.

Talk about wonderful!

Ottawans woke up Thursday morning to find 800 of these festooning every pole in the business district.

How colourful is that!

As Seen at This Evening's Vernissage at Patrick John Mills Gallery

2011-10-06T22:27:00.004-04:00

Patrons enjoying the I Killed the Group of Seven Show

Hope by Ted Zuber

Summer Series by Patrick John Mills

Salvador Dali by Mathieu Laca

By Don Monet

On Guard by Graeme Welch

Mobile by Shannon Lee Mannion

SCULZ and Munch

2011-10-05T23:50:00.001-04:00

The SCULZ sure look good in front of Munch's Anxiety. Some of these apparitions are complete and will be dispersed to a variety of locations. Gypsy & Co, for instance, said they'd like some and I thought I'd mount three on a portable plinth and take it to La Petite Mort, leave it and take back a couple of Quirky B's that have been there for several months. I had always meant to rotate the art at that gallery leading up to my One Night Stand in March, but the summer, somehow, escaped, read, I have been remiss.

I think in the time between the current show, I Killed the Group of Seven, and Patrick John Mills' solo show at his eponymous gallery, there might be a spot for a few SCULZ over Halloween. Maybe in a window overlooking the street.

To the left is our newest little helper, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, aka, Blackie, and above, what the kitchen table looks like in mid-SCULZ creation.

No Turning in Without a SCULZ

2011-10-04T23:37:00.001-04:00

A night without Sculz is a night without Sculz. You didn't think I'd like you down, did you?

Now I know that this looks like the Sculz is either flipping the bird or becoming a unicornSculz. There's something about it that reminds me of a birthday cake, too.

None of these could be further from the truth. After adding a charming row of gold-capped teeth, I thought I'd add devilish horns. This is one, set in place and weighted down by two rings. Once dry, the other will be affixed. The horns are actually long fake rubber fingertips and nails. Quite charming, really.

Call for Art Work

2011-10-04T23:31:00.001-04:00

There is a call for art work by a local art society, a three-day show in a resource centre in Ottawa's west end. No details on the poster, you have to phone for info. See below.

So November's the month devoted to abused women and children? I was asleep at the switch when this went through.

I said I would submit some art and I may. I am a little concerned that they may not get what I do. If children are to be present, they certainly will not want what I do.

Sculzzzzzz

2011-10-03T23:14:00.002-04:00

Anyone bored, yet?

Sculz Coming and Going

2011-10-02T22:39:00.000-04:00

New teeth

Gone to live in Brighton, UK

Moved to Kingston, ON today

A call for art for Abused Women's Month and I am suggesting this board along with Pink Collar Jungle and several others. This is a two-day show in Ottawa's west end running from November 15 to November 17.

Charmers

2011-10-01T22:28:00.000-04:00

Lots of room for interpretation here.None of these are complete, simply works in progress.

Faces Only a Mother Could Love

2011-09-30T23:34:00.000-04:00

Coming along. New raw materials needed, to wit, skulls. The search begins tomorrow. Unbeknownst to me, there is not an endless supply of plastic skulls. What I have are left-over from last year's Halloween, discarded items. There are smaller skulls available but one loses the impact.

Sculling Along

2011-09-29T19:57:00.001-04:00