One of the things really taking off at Artomatic is the FREE beer & wine tasting on Wednesday and Thursdays from 6-7pm, held by the Washington Wine Academy, as well as the professional development series that happen after from 7-9pm. Funny how the word spread about free alcohol and everybody is there now. I had to help pour beer and being a beer connoisseur, more so than wine, I felt right at home. Not to mention the fact that I got to drink any beer left over at the end. This way, like everyone else, I get my drink on for free. Beer at the bar is $4, wine $5, so why not get free tastings, saves a few bucks.
I've met more interesting people at Artomatic and I hope to post their profiles soon. I am very happy to post my first Artomatic Artist Profile of Sarah Chittenden, a local artist and artomatic participant. I met Sarah while doing my volunteer shift during installation. Since then, we have become friends and have hung out at artomatic events. Viewing her work reminds me of the colors in a kaleidoscope and I'm fascinated with the combinations of colors created on the bulb. The way the color is applied gives depth and transparency that's not over bearing.
SARAH CHITTENDEN
25 years ago, I
wrote my first art-related New Year’s resolution: “This year, I will take a
painting class.” The desire was strong, but the fear of failure was stronger. I
did not take a class that year. In fact, every year for the following 19 years,
I made the same New Year's resolution - and did not follow through.
Finally, in January 2007 I signed up for my first painting class, “Abstract Painting and Beyond,” taught by Jim Burford at The Art League in Alexandria. Over the following several years I studied oil, acrylic, and multi-media on canvas, and I took classes in anatomical drawing, charcoal drawing, pottery, metal jewelry, metal sculpture, and stone sculpture. I couldn't get enough, couldn't learn enough. Still can't.
About two years ago, I became fascinated by the prismatic effects of crystal and light, and I created light catchers, chandeliers and candelabras. Next, I created trees made of brass, copper, and steel wire which incorporated crystals of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
Fascinated by the intensely colored reflections and intricate shadows of prisms and crystals, I explored ways to create that same intensity, but on a larger scale, potentially creating a stronger visceral and emotional reaction in the viewer.
Finally, in January 2007 I signed up for my first painting class, “Abstract Painting and Beyond,” taught by Jim Burford at The Art League in Alexandria. Over the following several years I studied oil, acrylic, and multi-media on canvas, and I took classes in anatomical drawing, charcoal drawing, pottery, metal jewelry, metal sculpture, and stone sculpture. I couldn't get enough, couldn't learn enough. Still can't.
About two years ago, I became fascinated by the prismatic effects of crystal and light, and I created light catchers, chandeliers and candelabras. Next, I created trees made of brass, copper, and steel wire which incorporated crystals of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
Fascinated by the intensely colored reflections and intricate shadows of prisms and crystals, I explored ways to create that same intensity, but on a larger scale, potentially creating a stronger visceral and emotional reaction in the viewer.
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| Confessions |
After
much trial and error, I have come to use a heat-resistant paint, applied in
many layers onto a light bulb, and I use the size, shape, and intensity of the
light bulb's filament along with the size and shape of the bulb to create a
feathering, flowing, and folding of color and design. I call it Painted Light.
Painted Light allows—even encourages—the viewer to become an integral component to the art piece itself by interacting with it directly. By rotating the lamp, changing the distance of the bulb from the canvas, or by changing the surface on which, or through which, the bulb is projected, the viewer can continually reinvent the projected image.
Painted Light allows—even encourages—the viewer to become an integral component to the art piece itself by interacting with it directly. By rotating the lamp, changing the distance of the bulb from the canvas, or by changing the surface on which, or through which, the bulb is projected, the viewer can continually reinvent the projected image.
Artomatic represents the fifth time that my art has been seen in a public space, all in the last nine months, and what a pleasure it has been! I recently created an installation for Boundless Yoga, a top-notch yoga studio located at 13th and U, NW. It is comprised of six 8-inch deep wooden window boxes with a stretched semi-transparent white fabric on each side - and a lamp in between - allowing both the yoga students and the outside passersby to enjoy them at night.
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| Jelly Beans |
Most recently,
I've begun designing lamps, shades, and fixtures that could work especially
well with the painted light bulbs. Because of a painted light bulb's portability,
interchangeability, and sheer beauty, I believe lighting projects of this
nature are ideal for creating mood and ambiance in restaurants, bars, spas,
salons, and home spaces, and am actively looking for opportunities for
commissioned projects. The possibilities are endless…and so is the desire.
Sarah's work can be seen at Artomatic. She is on the 11th floor space 122.
I met a very interesting artist names Marie-Dominique Bonet de le Bernardie. Her work is on the 3rd floor space 210. She uses mixed media to tell her story. The glass mosaic tile (shinny objects) attracted me to her work. It reminds me of ancient mosaic tiles and murals that break the timeless boundary appearing relevant and contemporary in today's society. Her use of fabric and elements that seems to speak from a woman's perspective about social status and pride within ones cultural background. Betty Saar comes to mind when looking at her work. A collection of things arranged and manipulated in a way to create a social statement within an environment or setting where each element has meaning and when combined together tell the story.
Exotic and regal scents waft its way through the installation, intentional or not it brings forth an old, wise spirit whose eyes have viewed these objects many times before, but always sees something unique and new within them every time they are seen.
I don't want to misinterpret anyone's work and would rather have her talk about her meaning and intention, but my opinion as stated above is how her work made me feel and think when I saw it. The combination of of the mosaics, paintings and clothing arranged almost like an altar was intriguing. Marie was very friendly and talked with a thick french accent. I did not find out where she is from, so I'm not sure what role her heritage plays in her exhibit.
Yes there will be profiles of male artist, as soon as they send me their information.
Come meet the me and other artist at Meet the Artist Night at Artomatic, Saturday, June 2, 8-10pm I will be there in my space 3rd floor 138. Look for StoneWomynArt. Love to meet and greet with you.
Sunday Funday at Baileys on Crystal Drive at 5pm. Wear your Artomatic bracelet that you get at the door and come to Baileys for happy hour drink prices. A special for Artomatic participants and patrons. 5-10pm. Check my facebook page, I plan to post a notice about it. Put it in your calendar, don't forget.
More profiles and updates coming soon, same blog time, same blog channel!
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