Patricia M. Heimerl - Blog

It seems that I'm always in recovery mode these days. I have tendonitis in my right elbow (I'm right-handed), which is really cramping my style! I can't do much of anything for very long, and art making is a lot of repetitive movement, so only exacerbates the problem. I spend a lot of  time "in my head" planning and mulling over future projects, which leads to more frustration. Maybe it's time to figure out how to bring in an assistant to do the execution for me.

On the other hand, now is a good time to be out and about looking at artwork by other artists. Maybe the break from my own work is a good thing in disguise. Viewing the work of others gets me motivated and inspired and enables me to bring a fresh eye and mind to my own work. Not to mention the pleasure I get from the imagery and content of all art. It's always fun, and important, I think, to interact with other creatives. To learn about their processes, ideology, and the connection to their creations. I'll focus on that and keep a positive outlook.

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Yesterday I participated in the Meet the Artists event at the Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery. It was fun to engage with the other artists (there were 4 of us) and visitors about my work, as well as art in general. I surprised myself by actually wanting to give a little presentation to the group. I have terrible stage fright, but the crowd was truly interested and that made me feel more comfortable. This is a regular happening this year on the last or 4th Saturday of the month, 12:00-3:00, except for months with a major show.

Because all of the work I showed at the event is now at the Rental Sales Gallery for rental or purchase, my inventory now includes abstract paintings in addition to my photographs. I hope you'll stop by to see this other side of me.

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I seem to spend a lot of time just thinking these days and doing more writing. I used to fret over not feeling motivated to be creating something, but then someone suggested that I probably am creating but just don't know it. We all need down time to regroup, gather new energy, and sometimes go through an attitude adjustment. Whatever the reason, our subconscious is still  in the creative mode, churning out ideas that will eventually percolate up to the surface. So now, whenever I find myself in this frame of mind, I tell myself that I'm in percolation mode. It's not time wasted, but time well-spent. Of course, if I have an impending deadline and find myself in this place, that's avoidance and I need to get my rear in gear. But that's another topic, altogether.

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I've been working in my garage studio, which is just fine until afternoon, when the heat has built to an uncomfortable level. I'll have to come up with a fix for that, but in the meantime, it's good motivation to get up and moving in the mornings.

My current project is the model for a carousel book based on my travels in France. I learned this structure about a week ago at the Focus on Book Arts Conference in Forest Grove, OR. The book will have 5 scenes, depicted in 3-layer 3-D, with images from the hilltop town of Beynac, in the Dordogne. I started with this particular place because of the strong and happy memories I have of the few days I spent there.

An early morning walk up to the Chateau was the perfect way to start the day. Only the animals were out, going through their own morning rituals. A dog was taking in the gorgeous view of the river from outside his master's art gallery. Another dozed in a doorway, all white fluff and black nose. The sound of the camera's shutter disturbed him and he staggered to his feet. Leaning against the door frame, he watched me bleerily as I continued on my course. Around a bend, a terrier was most accommodating in posing for me, standing erect while gazing off into the distance; well-practiced from all the tourists, no doubt. The bracing air of a late-September morning and smell of fresh coffee and baked goods hurried me along to the first open cafe I could find. Some of my best memories are of the early morning rituals I adopt for myself in places far from home.

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Just got back from Forest Grove and the 2011 FOBA conference. The Pacific University campus is just beautiful, and the weather couldn't have been better. I took 2 workshops: tunnel book from Carol Barton and carousel structures from Ann Kronenberg. With each class I take, I discover more about my learning style and how it has changed over time. It takes me a lot longer to digest verbal instructions than it used to, so it seems I'm always a step behind. Makes for some pretty stressful moments, but the bonus is that I'm learning acceptance. And, in the end, I'm always happy that I pushed myself and learned another skill. I'll post photos as soon as I finish my project models.

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I've been hard at work preparing for a show that opens Nov. 15 at the Red Fox Bakery here in McMinnville. I had vowed to only show things that are already framed, but I just can't help myself. Since we're entering the holiday season, I decided to have my own "Little Things" show so that I could keep the prices down to a reasonable level. So far, so good. Actually, working smaller has been a really great experience. I'm less likely to get stuck on a piece and it's a great morale booster to have so many finished artworks to keep me company. They each have their own energy going, which makes it a pleasure to walk into the studio each morning. It's a good thing there's a deadline, since I could easily get lost in this new way of working.

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Taking time away from my normal routine and location does wonders for my creative spirit. Last week, I went to Sitka Center for Art and Ecology on the Oregon coast for a 4-day abstract painting workshop with Marlana Stoddard-Hayes. A very full and wonderful week of art making. The weather was beautiful, the setting gorgeous, and the instructor and fellow artists inspiring. I can't wait to get into the studio to continue working on my pieces!

If you'd like to see some of the finished work, I've posted it on my Art Gallery, Mixed Media Painting page.

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Last Saturday's Artist Reception at the Ford Street Studio was phenomenal!! One of the best I've ever had. Thanks to Renee Lorenze and her family for making it a roaring success. People really respond to photos of foreign places, and it was such a joy to share my adventures. It opened a dialogue about places traveled to and the longing for future travel. If you missed out on that event, and/or would like to join in on more conversation about my images of travel, watch my Calendar page for details on the upcoming "Tea and Conversation with the Artist". It'll be happening on either Oct. 7 or Oct. 8.

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Just when I thought I had things under control, I got a call that one of my deadlines is much sooner than I thought. So, my bragging about not having to rush to Pacific Frame at the last minute came back and bit me. At least I had the work printed already, and so it'll all work out just fine. Oops, I'd better be careful I don't jinx myself again...

I'm really looking forward to the end of the month when I go to Sitka for an abstract painting workshop with Marlana Stoddard-Hayes. It'll be so great to spend time in such a beautiful place, surrounded by creative people, and sharing a house on the beach with a couple of friends. Sounds like heaven to me!

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Good news! Pacific Frame and Gallery has become the newest venue to carry my blank note cards. Thank you, Leigh Ann! They are one of the great businesses here that support local artists.

Life has become a whirlwind of preparing work for 3 upcoming shows. I'm printing, matting and framing photos of my travels to Greece, Turkey, France and Puerto Rico for my show on Sat., 9/18, at Ford Street Studio. Renee talked me into making up some magnets, which has turned out to be more work than I had imagined. However, the photos look great in such a small format. We'll see how many I find time to make up, as they will be free to visitors while supplies last.

The other show, "Amazing Lace" fundraiser for the Give a Little Foundation, is on Sat. 9/18 (preview only) with the auction on Sun., 9/19. It makes it interesting to be working on such diverse themes for shows on the same weekend. I'll print the "Amazing Lace" images today and get them matted and ready for framing this weekend. Seems that I'm doing better with my time management skills, as I won't be rushing to Pacific Frame & Gallery with only 2 days to spare - for a change.

I'd best get back to it!

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