So Po Art Studios: A Dream Come True!

The life of an artist can be a solitary endeavor, so I'm always on the lookout for ways to build community. One of my favorites is an awesome group of women artists! We get together once a month to support each other, swap ideas and give (and get) feedback on everything from shows to marketing to manifesting our dreams for the future. Susan, Laurie, Kendra, Lisa, Claudia and Maggie have been a great support and comfort to me! Lucky me!

Last week, two members of this group, Laurie Spugnardi and Maggie Bokor, took the big step of partnering to create a new small business: So Po Art Studios. Laurie is a tile painter and ceramic surface designer, and Maggie is a jeweler and painter. They hope to create art, community and a living in their new business home at 855 Sawyer Road in South Portland, Maine.. Congratulations Ladies!

You can get more info about this new business at their Facebook Business Page. If you would like to find out more about each of them check out their websites: Spugnardi Design and Maggie Bokor.

A great example of dreams really coming true!

Next Step: Painting with Dyes

There are two ways to color your fabric: Paint the dye on or dip the the fabric in a vat (bucket) of dye.
Today's post features painting on the dye.

Here is the waxed fabric before I start to paint.





I have started to paint with yellow paint that I will mix with some blue to create green.







Adding some green paint now to fill in the leaves.









Now I am painting the back ground with the bright blue paint.









Here is a close up of the finished piece of fabric. After drying for 24 hours I will rinse it out with hot water to remove the soy wax and excess dye.










The finished fabric.

Next post -Vat Dyeing!

The Batik Process- Waxing

The most common question I am asked is, "Exactly what is batik?" So, over the next few posts, I thought it would be fun to do a virtual demo of the batik process, complete with photos of each step. Ready?

What is batik?....Batik, an Indonesian word meaning, “wax writing,” is a process in which an artist “writes” or paints on fabric or paper. The wax prevents the dye from being absorbed by the fabric when it is either immersed in or painted with the dyes. A new waxing and dying process must be repeated for each color and layer of the design.

Here is my work station: tools, melted wax and cotton fabric.



Getting ready to paint with the melted wax.






Here I am painting the fabric with a sumi brush and the melted wax.











More progress.











This piece of cotton is ready for dye!








Tomorrow...painting with the dyes.

Also check out my new business page on Facebook!

Art Escape March 19, 20 & 21

Like the idea of immersing yourself in art for three days? The weekend of March 19-21, I am very excited to be teaching a Silk and Dye Painting Intensive at Artascope Studios in South Portland. We will spend 3 days (Fri. 6-9, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-2) creating beautiful fabric projects with wax and dye paint.

Here is the description : "In this class you’ll use traditional and non traditional dyeing techniques to create multi-layered, one-of-a-kind art fabrics. Learn about wax resist techniques, while choosing from a gorgeous palette of paintable dyes. You’ll develop color palettes and use patterning to create fabrics that can be used to make a statement in any project from home decor to clothing." The weekend is designed to be fun and give participants a chance to really explore and learn the process of painting with wax and dyes.

If you would like to see the process check out my blog entrys from last spring.

For more information check out at the art escape web site.

See you on the 19th!

Unexpected Focus

Just a year ago, I started writing this blog, entering a whole new world of “social marketing.” A year later, I’m not sure about the “marketing” part, but have found it a great tool for creating focus. Fridays have become my “blogging day” and it seems today my blog is helping me get focused on how to help others.

Today my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and I can see on the news and Facebook that I am not alone! A cash donation to a relief organization on the ground – done. Researching a group that is organizing a fundraiser to which I can donate a piece of art work - working on it. The needs are overwhelming. How else to help?

I sometimes struggle with how can I make a difference. Some of the survival stories I have heard today remind me that many small acts of kindness can add up to make a huge difference. It can happen in so many ways...thanking a friend for their help, checking in with a family member who is having a hard time, volunteering, recycling, donating money when you can. So my focus this week and in 2010 is to find simple ways to help create a better world.

An organization that has already been working in Haiti to improve the health care system in the northern part of the country is Konbit Sante. They have just established an earthquake relief fund and will be working to help with the long-term recovery of the country. To learn more about them or
to donate go to www.konbitsante.org.

Life can be unpredictable, so I will try to remember to hug my children, tell those I love how I feel and take time everyday, even on my hardest days, to give thanks for an act of kindness that came my way!

On to 2010!

We are one week into 2010 and, like many of you, I am taking time to reflect on the past year!

What a year this has been for me, both personally and professionally! I have learned so much and am exceptionally grateful for that knowledge. The show season was good and, especially given the challenges of the economy, I am pleased and encouraged about what lies ahead for 2010.

And I feel so grateful for all the blessings that came my way this year! …The support of my family and friends, the encouraging words and purchases of my customers, the opportunity to teach on a regular basis, the lessons learned from unexpected challenges, and the laughter and smiles from so many places. These are the experiences that make life sweet!

Hoping that 2010 brings you love, happiness, lots of laughter and some wonderful surprises!

Upcoming Hoilday Shows

Here is what is coming up next for me. Two great shows!

December 12 (Sat) Designing Women Woodfords Congregational Church, Woodford St., Portland 9am-4pm

December 10th - 30th Holiday Sale at Artascope Studios 352 Cottage Road, South Portland, Opening Sunday, December 13th Daily 9am-7pm

Also, my etsy shop is always open. Go to www.suzannedrown.com for more info.