A Little Halloween Art

Holidays inspire us in one way or another.  Artists adapt themselves to have fun with their creativity.  Enjoy and maybe next year you too will unleash your creativity on a poor unsuspecting pumpkin!

ART AND DISASTER

Turner                                                              English Painter                                      google image

Artists can put into painting what a thousand words cannot say.  J.M. Turner was a master painter of storms and the sea. I love his work.  It is impressionist, but at times almost abstract, but always felt with deep emotion.  
I dedicate this post to the North East United States that was hit by the most devastating storm they have ever had. It is horrific in scale and the damage almost unimaginable.  There are thousand still stranded as we speak waiting for rescue.  
May people start speaking the truth and face up to the fact global warming is a reality and this is it...this is our new future coping with extreme weather and rising seas. 

Storms/Our thoughts to those in harms way

Bakhuizen                      1600's            google image

Yesterday a wonderful boat named the HMS Bounty was lost to the sea during hurricane Sandy off the East coast of the United States.  She was a three masted ship that was built for a movie.  She had been docked in St. Pete, Florida.  I had been aboard her twice.  She was a magnificent ship.   Her captain and another crewman is missing.  The rest of the crew was saved in a dramatic high seas rescue.  We honor the HMS Bounty today on Rabbit''s Moon Studio.  May her bones rest easy. Bakhulsen painted in the 1600's.  This painting shows how powerful Mother Nature can be.  Man often thinks he conquers all, but nature always reminds us who really is in control.

President John Kennedy on the Importance of the Arts

John Kennedy                 google image

"If more politicians knew poetry, and more poets knew politics, I am convinced the world would be a little better place in which to live." Address at Harvard University, June 14, 1956 

"There is a connection, hard to explain logically but easy to feel, between achievement in public life and progress in the arts. The age of Pericles was also the age of Phidias. The age of Lorenzo de Medici was also the age of Leonardo da Vinci. The age Elizabeth also the age of Shakespeare. And the New Frontier for which I campaign in public life, can also be a New Frontier for American art." (Response to letter sent by Miss Theodate Johnson, Publisher of Musical America to the two presidential candidates requesting their views on music in relation to the Federal Government and domestic world affairs. Answer from then Senator John Kennedy was dated September 13, 1960.) 

"...I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit." Closed-circuit television broadcast on behalf of the National Cultural Center from the National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C., November 29, 1962 

"To further the appreciation of culture among all the people, to increase respect for the creative individual, to widen participation by all the processes and fulfillments of art - this is one of the fascinating challenges of these days." Magazine article "The Arts in America" printed in the December 8, 1962 issue of Look. (This was part of a special adaptation of Creative America The Ridge Press, Inc., 1962.) 

"Too often in the past, we have thought of the artist as an idler and dilettante and of the lover of arts as somehow sissy and effete. We have done both an injustice. The life of the artist is, in relation to his work, stern and lonely. He has labored hard, often amid deprivation, to perfect his skill. He has turned aside from quick success in order to strip his vision of everything secondary or cheapening. His working life is marked by intense application and intense discipline." "The Arts in America," 1962 article by John F. Kennedy 

The Kennedy Center for the Arts         google image

"We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth." Amherst College, 10/26/63 

"I look forward to an America which will not be afraid of grace and beauty...an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft." Remarks at Amherst College, 1963 

"In serving his vision of the truth, the artist best serves his nation." Remarks at Amherst College, 1963 

"It may be different elsewhere. But democratic society- in it, the highest duty of the writer, the composer, the artist is to remain true to himself and to let the chips fall where they may." Amherst College, 10/26/63 

"I look forward to an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft." Amherst College, 10/26/63 

"The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of a nation, is very close to the center of a nation's purpose...and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Statement prepared for Creative America, 1963 (Inscribed at the Kennedy Center for the performing Arts)

ART IS ESSENTIAL DURING THE WORST AND BEST OF TIMES!

Art is fundamental, unique to each of us…Even in difficult economic times - especially in difficult economic times - the arts are essential.

– Maria Shriver



During the Great Depression of the 1930's in the USA, 

artists were hired by the government to decorate 

government buildings, do advertising,  and all kinds of art 

throughout the country.  It was the worst economic time

this country has known and it was essential to helping to

restore the country!

Google image

A New Record for Rabbit's Moon Studio!!!! Whahooo!

Thank you all for you readership and helping this blog that just started a year and half ago to reach 
40,131 Visits as of today!!!! It is just amazing and we owe it all to art lovers all over the world.  We are deeply appreciative!

from google image

On the Street of Asheville/Solitary Man

photo by elizabeth gordon

photo by elizabeth gordon

A Study of Shadows

I think sometimes if you can forget what the name of what you are looking at is, you can learn to see things anew.  Our minds are conditioned from when we are young to identify a concept with an image, a sound and written text, but if we can just let go of that for a while and see differently then the world takes on a new view.  Artists are trained to see shapes, line, texture, volume, and color.  When I am working on a particular art piece and I step out in the world...that is all I see everywhere.  When I was teaching small children about art elements we would often start with shapes.  We would look around the room and identify all the shapes things were made of, from the tables to the ceiling tiles.  It was amazing to see their eyes light up and see the world as if for the first time.  I taught them to draw that way as well...if you can see the shape you can draw it.

Door with mirrored Image  by  elizabeth gordon

When I go out in a city my eye is caught by interesting details.  I love the contrast of shadows and light on a fall day.   In Asheville there are many old buildings that dot the downtown.  When these shadows caught my eye, I saw them only as art elements of line and shape and texture with contrast.  I did not think door or sign.  Try going out one day in your neighborhood or city and just think about simple shapes, texture, and line...try not to think what the name is of the item that catches gets your attention.  I think you too will be amazed at how you can learn to see your world a bit differently!   

Square on Brick      by             elizabeth gordon

I Love Cows

Cow in Black and White with Curves                                                                                photo by elizabeth gordon

My Grandmother had a dairy which she built to take care of her four kids and a disabled husband during the great depression.  She named her cows Susie...all her cows were named Susie.  My Mother told  me when I was five I would beg to stop whenever I saw a cow.  I loved their big soft kind eyes, their slow moving grace, and  a kind of ageless presence.  Cows are beautiful and they are one of everyones favorite animals.  We see them in paintings and pastoral scenes throughout the ages.
I loved this photo.  I took it on the way to buy milk ironically. I stopped in the middle of the road, not so safely I might add, but I did get the shot.  Her head is low, her gaze is steady, her mood is ever peaceful.  

SPINNERS

A

A spinner and a knitter at the Southern Highlands Art Show in Asheville     photo by elizabeth gordon

from you tube

There are so many craftsmen and women in the highlands of the Southeast, it is quite amazing.  I took this photo for a friend in Tampa who is a spinner. She even uses her pet rabbits' fur. Some people use sheep's wool, others raise Llama or Alpaca.  Behind these ladies were bags of raw wool for sale as well.  There is something to love about a skill and art being passed from generation to generation!

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BUY ORIGINAL ART

What do you see when you look at this picture?
If you look at this closely at this photo you see an artist, a craftswoman, and a centered person who dedicates herself to the skill of making handmade art. I met Kathy Kline this week walking through an outdoor craft show in downtown Asheville.  I have done outdoor shows and I know what is required of the artist. It is not an elegant job, it requires work and patience and a thick skin. People will say anything within your hearing range without thinking.  One has to learn to consider the source and not everything appeals to everyone.  It actually builds character, but it doesn't feel like it at first.
Kathy makes her own glazes and they have the sensitivity of Japanese pottery that I love.  So it was no surprise to me to learn that she is a student of Ikebana. We bought two of the coffee mugs you see in the background to add to our collection.  I started a collection of handmade mugs years ago when I was a young adult. My friend Ann, who is a potter, went to North Carolina every summer with her family.  Each year she brought me back an artist made cup, so started a lifelong collection.  I relish adding to it and getting to know each artisan that contributes.  
Stores where everything is mass made and sold cheap have no value or lure for me.  A part of the artist passes to you with their art work, mass made and cheap things have no soul.  
I encourage you to get to know kathy, look up her website.  Check out Robert's turned wood and support art made by human hands....it is like a handshake...it is personal...you can feel life...and warmth...and you make a  connection.  Buy Original Art-You will be richer and better for it!

Kathie Kline                  Asheville Potter

photo by elizabeth Gordon                                                                          Asheville Fall Outdoor Craft Show

  You can see Katny and Roberts' work at www.centerpointstudios.net.

WHAT A DAY SO FAR!!!! TAKE A PEAK AT A SLICE OF TIME AS THE WORLD LOOKS AT US, MINUTE BY MINUTE.  WE ARE CLOSING IN ON 40,000 HITS...AT 39,320 AT PRESENT.  WOW!

These are counts that are done at least hourly or less per country.  It is so nice to have you world!

United States

56

India

9

Russia

7

Germany

5

New Zealand

4

Ukraine

4

Iraq

3

United Arab Emirates

2

Australia

2

Bahrain

River Arts District Artist                         Asheville

2

Asheville in the Fall

photo by elizabeth gordon

The fall is beautiful many places, but in the Blue Ridge Mountains it is especially pretty.  Today was a wonderful day, the city was buzzing with crowds of people and art shows. The Southern Highlands Crafts Fair filled the Asheville Convention Center.  The art show has some of the very finest craftsmen in the Southern Highlands.  

artisan made fine crafted chairs

Iron work demonstrations outside the civic center

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

photo by elizabeth gordon    

The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious-the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science.  
Albert Einstein

Julia Cameron on Attention and Creativity

Julia Cameron on Creativity and artists blocks

photo by elizabeth gordon

photo by elizabeth gordon

photo by elizabeth gordon

photo by elizabeth gordon

 "People frequently believe the creative life is grounded in fantasy.  The more difficult truth is creativity is grounded in reality, in particular the focused, the well observed, or the specifically imagined.  Very often a creative block manifest itself as an addiction to fantasy or to "worry".  Rather than working or living in the now, we spin our wheels and indulge of could have.  One of the greatest misconceptions of the artist life is that involves great swathes of aimlessness of attention.  Attention is a way to connect and heal.  ...More than anything attention is an act of connection.  Our focused attention is critical to filling the well.  We need to encounter our life experience, not ignore them. "
I could quote her whole book on Inspirations from the Artists Way, but lets start with these thoughts.  
I watched this little wren build her nest with such skill and determination I could not but help admire her work.  This sign Scriptura is in a shopping strip mall in Metairie/New Orleans area this summer.  She collected bits of brightly colored string and mardi gras beads and sticks and leaves....neatly tucking them around and into the giant advertising lettering above the store.  She was relentless, trip after trip until she had a work of art.  Her attention was direct and clear...she had a purpose to achieve with skill and love...simple, direct, and an act of complete attention to a simple act.  I watched for a hour or so with great amazement.  If we were to learn to do this in our lives and art...what peace, what love, what success we would have.

Food and Art, Art and Food, Life is Art, Art is Life

FOOD  ART  LIFE  FOOD  ART LIFE  FOOD

Chestnuts on a Japanese Farm           google image

Variety of Japanese Dishes       google image

Japanese Pottery                        google image             

Japanese Eggplant Dish                  google image

Nancy and Taakaki  Hachisu      google image

Nancy cooking at Hachisu     google  image

I remember reading a book about Zen and how attention to one thing completely can be an art in itself...I think the example was sweeping a floor and how rapt attention to the act of doing something can make that one act be one of great beauty.  I have always been enamored with the Japanese culture and arts.  When I saw the blog on Japanese farm food(click), I thought about how the attention of Nancy and Taadaki to the act of growing and cooking food was an art. Nancy loved Japanese food and went to Japan to love for a year, then she met Taadaki.  They had common interest and married.  Nancy now lives permanently in Japan with Taadaki on their farm and lovely home. I think you will find her blog as interesting as did. She has also published a cookbook I intend to buy on Japanese Farm Food.
   I think that it is our intention as individuals to be creative in our lives and our expression of that intention that makes us artists-in one way or another. 
My nephew Aaron and his wife Susan have turned their yard in a suburban Greenville, South Carolina neighborhood into a sustainable garden. They grow all kinds of amazing edible things.  I think you may enjoy their blog as well.  It is TyrantfarmS.  Check it out and let them know Rabbit's Moon Studio sent you there.

38,000 hits as of today! This little blog that could. We are closing in on 40,000 since August a year ago.  Simply amazing!  Thank you Readers as always you make this blog a success.

Rabbit Moon Studio Success ala Japan                                      from google image

Red Neck Art

For a bit of fun, I thought we would look at this you tube video of doing art with food.  Nothing is more appealing than playing with your food.  Here is the Mountains of North Carolina and near the foothills of South Carolina and Georgia one is never far away from  two things....Red Necks and BBQ!  For those of you not from the USA you may not know the term, red neck.  It literally means a red neck from someone who works a labor type job and get a red neck from the sun.  But it has come to mean much more.  Click on the word RED NECK for a more in depth explanation.  Enjoy!

SERIOUS ART IS BORN FROM SERIOUS PLAY 

Julia Cameron/The Artists Way

Photo by Elizabeth Gordon/New Orleans 

A Site You Will Love As Artists and Art Lovers
Look up any artist anytime, pull up visuals of Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Pollack and thousands more....
Arts On Line(click)

“Everything you can imagine is real.” 

― Pablo Picasso

Blue Ridge Mountains                                                                                     Unaltered Photograph/ Elizabeth Gordon

A Cloud Came to Visit and Stayed all Day!

In the mountain studio the elevation is about 2,500 feet. I walked out on the deck early one day this past week and it was quite magical.   Some mornings a cloud settles on top of the mountain and envelops us  in a womb-like environment.  Every thing feels close and soft.  There was a silence that was present also, almost like whispers of tree spirits in the air. When one cannot see far away, then it is easier to look closely and within.  When I took the pictures I looked for different views out various windows ...then I thought about how would it would be to  look  through the screen adding a grid and texture to the photo.  I also let the window frame the view and offer an intense contrast in another shot.  It is interesting to think about how we look at things and question our perceptions.  How do our emotions play into to what we experience and what we see?  I read not to long ago about how a person born in the 1800's and person born today would see the same scene very differently.  It is colored by what they know and  believe to be true or possible.  So think about how you see your world now and how someone in the future or past may see the same scene.  Here I can imagine the past easily, these mountains are still rooted to the past closely.  It is not difficult to think of the native Cherokee walking through the midst hunting for deer or turkey, nor is it hard to think of the first white settlers clinging to careening wagons too close to mountain edges, or the sound of a model T black ford filled with Revenuers rounding the corner looking for a hidden still cooking sour mash illegal whisky. 

Rabbit Moon Studio Asheville 

A Cloud Settles on the House early in the Morning

The Cloud Creeps in Closer and Closer as the Morning Progresses

Looking at soft versus hard, dark versus light,  geometrical versus  

When I look at a grid, I think of how artists transpose pictures to a larger scale

Chronolgical Birth of a Sunset Over the Blue Ridge

Natures' installation: Sunset

Ever Changing Daily Event!

Sunset starts around 6pm, with everyday becoming earlier as the days become shorter as the season changes. It is an awesome event,  every night is different, the clouds, the angle of the sun, the colors, the contrast of sky and land, the final glow of the sunsets last glimpse....all changes, a new show each night to behold with wonder.  One feels honored just to be present amid such beauty and artistry...nature and the spirit of the oldest mountains in the world resonate deeply in ones soul!

There has been no photo shop alteration of these photos, colors are as the camera took them...no enhancement..just as nature intended.

Photo's by Elizabeth Gordon