driffe.blogspot.com

Terrence Chouinard: The Ink Dial (TM)

2011-11-16T16:35:00.000-08:00

My friend Terrence Chouinard is a professor, typecaster, designer and fine arts book printer extraordinaire.

Yes, a Renaissance man.

Check out this link and spend a minute or so viewing Terry's project: The Ink Dial (TM).

If you like what you see, please show your support and make a pledge to back his project.

Kentuck 2011 Award of Distinction

2011-10-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

Jan Pruitt, Executive Director of the Kentuck Museum Association and Festival of the Arts, presents me with an Award of Distinction.

This year the Kentuck Festival located in Northport, Alabama celebrated it's 40th year anniversary. I was one of 250+ artists who participated in the art festival. Successfully juried three years in a row, I am an invited artist to the annual event. Last year, I received a Merit Award. yaaaay!

2011 festival judges were Susan Mitchell, curator of folk art at the High Museum in Atlanta, and Carol Sauvion, creator, executive director, and executive producer of Craft in America the award-wining PBS series on craft.

2011 KENTUCK Festival of the Arts

2011-10-14T20:15:00.001-07:00

Reverend Fred ShuttlesworthMarch 18, 1922-October 5, 2011

2011-10-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

Bluff Part Art Festival 2011

2011-09-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

Best of Show! Art on the Square (Athens, AL)

2011-09-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

Pictured (left to right): Vickie Camp, Treasurer of Art On the Square; Diane Lehr, Vice President of Art On The Square; Debra Riffe, Best of Show Winner, AOTS-2011; and Lisa Milby, President of AOTS.

Photo credit: AOTS

Art on the Square (Athens, AL)

2011-09-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 10, 2011
10:00AM - 4:00 PM
See you there!!

Reduction Printing

2011-08-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

I'm teaching myself how to create reduction lino prints. First and foremost, I never ever think about printing in multiple colors. Secondly, to cut a lino block knowing that it'll be gradually destroyed in the process is mind numbing. Hmm, so that's why it's called a suicide print. Thinking about the process and actually executing it has been a challenge.

I probably should have started with fewer colors, but I didn't. The first pass was a breeze. I had carved out significant areas to remain the "color" of the white paper and the print immediately took shape. I knew that I was in trouble as soon as I laid down my second color: black. Light to dark, right? I should have printed black last. Lesson learned.

Instead of giving up, I decided to keep going. The third color was orange and had I printed it as a second pass it would've been fine. However, because it was overlaid on black it was awful. The next color was deep gold and -yuck- it looked as bad as the orange. I continued printing. My last color was a waste of time. Geez. Okay, I blew it. But . . . my registration was perfect! I followed every protocol to make sure that each sheet that I laid on top of the block was positioned accurately. And it was.

Okay, it's back to the drawing board to cut a new design. I'll rework my system for mixing and laying down colors. Right now I'm using basic water soluble ink. Once my process is perfected I'll use oil based ink. Maybe, I'll have an image to post next time.

We'll see.

Interview: NEOTERIC ART

2011-07-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

http://neotericart.com/2011/06/23/interview-with-debra-riffe/

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

2011-05-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Alabama Book Festival 2011

2011-04-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

I drove to Montgomery, Alabama yesterday to spend the day at the Alabama Book Festival.

Two of my favorite authors, Sonia Sanchez and Wayne Greenhaw, were presenting. I love this photo that I took of Sista Sonia as she was autographing her book shake loose my skin. The inscription reads: To Sister Debra- Walk your intelligence and beauty across this country, my dear sister. I've read the poetry of Sonia Sanchez since my undergrad days at Howard University. Gosh, how long ago was that? Sonia Sanchez is a treasure.

There were a few other names on the list of presenters who I wanted to hear: Rick Bragg, Natalie Chanin and Marc Smirnoff. Marc is the founder and editor of the Oxford American magazine. I was commissioned to create a linoleum block relief print for the December 2010 publication -12th Annual Southern Music Issue. Before Marc spoke, I was able to hand him a Sista Gertrude print; the impression that I made to accompany the December article written by Nicholas Rombes.

I'll close this entry with apk jr's striking red, white and blue posters. Genius.

Gordo, Alabama

2011-04-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

"Come to Gordo," he said. And, I did.

A couple of weeks ago, I was delighted to have received a personal invite from Amos to visit his letterpress shop. So last Sunday, around 8am, I filled up the gas tank grabbed a mug of caffeine and headed west to Gordo. Anyone and everyone interested in letterpress printing, relief printmaking or book arts can tell you that spending time in Amos' shop is something that you MUST experience at some point in your art career. You can find plenty of stories and blogs on the internet about Amos and his letterpress shop. Do so at your leisure. Fun stuff.

Gordo, is a dusty little town 26 miles west of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and 37 miles east of Columbus, Mississippi. I've been there several times but this was my first trip this year.

It was a day of meeting new faces and socializing with old friends. I had a bite to eat with Kathy Fetters and Glenn House, Sr. Sat with them at their kitchen table and enjoyed a cornucopia of delicious vegetables that Glenn had cooked. My Mississippi country girl persona came out because I immediately plated up the rutabagas and cabbage. I could have sat there all afternoon eating veggies but I was polite and limited my serving. Sopped up a bit of the pot likka' with a corner of skillet cornbread and washed it all down with a glass of sweet tea. It was sooo good. All of us took a slow stroll back to the shop where Amos was working with a technician on a new press. Later, he too cooked up a delicious meal for those of us in attendance. Yes, Amos can cook. I decided to create a special print for my friend; just a small token of appreciation for a really great day. It took about five days to cut, print and ship.

The linoleum impression is printed on chipboard. It's approximately 12 x 18 inches; black relief ink, colored pencil and the words are lettercut by hand. The print will never be offered for sale but I think I nailed the image, don't you?? The title reads: "tribute for my friend, amos, the humble negro printer"

He loves it.

Southern Voices 2011: Striking a Chord

2011-03-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

The 19th Annual Conference of Southern Voices 2011 has come and gone.

The event, held at Hoover Public Library last month, was a HUGE success. Rosanne Cash celebrated author, singer and songwriter spoke about family, her relationship with her dad -legend Johnny Cash- and her memoir Composed. Other featured authors who attended were Batt Humphreys, Adam Ross, Helen Simonson, Neil White, Susan Rebecca White and Emily Griffin. Read a Birmingham News article written by Amanda Bonner of Hoover Public Library and view the picture gallery that HPL has posted on their site.

The conference closed with the Carolina Chocolate Drops. The performance was sold out! If you've never seen (or heard) this African American string band perform you're missing an experience of a lifetime!

Striking a Chord was purchased by the library for their permanent gallery.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

Southern Voices in two weeks

2011-02-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

Kinda cool.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: An Introduction to Alabama Printmaking

2011-01-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

The postcard invite reads:
More than 30 Alabama artists illustrate the power and possibilities of printmaking, from woodcuts to screenprints to digital creations. Get into print with a new workshop or demonstration each week.

Visit liteboxgallery.wordpress.com for details.

The opening reception is: Friday, January 14th from 5:00pm-10:00pm and on Saturday, January 29th, I'll conduct a linoleum block print workshop.

See you there!

2011 - YEAR OF THE RABBIT

2011-01-05T17:55:00.001-08:00

Everybody's Gotta Eat

2011-01-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

New chipboard poster. The title was suggested by my daughter's fiance, Matt B. I accidently cut out the hyphen (on the linoleum block) after the word "every" and then I decided leave it that way. It makes the statement a bit ambiguous, don't you think?

Buy local.

The Oxford American Music Issue

2010-12-12T15:19:00.000-08:00

The 2010 December issue of the OXFORD AMERICAN magazine has just hit the book stores. It's the annual southern music issue and this year Alabama music is featured. A free CD is included. My contribution to this issue is a linoleum block relief print of Sister Gertrude Morgan.

When asked if I'd be interested in tackling the job of creating a block print to accompany an article on Sista', my first thought was to say no. My plate was already full and I was just a few days away from driving to DC to participate in a Book Arts fair. I honestly didn't think that I could give the subject enough time and attention, to achieve a successful outcome. Thankfully, the design and production manager at OA forwarded an image of Sister Gertrude as a reference. That was a huge jump start for me and it shortened my time, significantly, in researching Sista'. The challenge was on!

At the end of my 9 to 5 work week, I drove directly home, pulled the shutters, locked the doors and flew into overdrive. I designed, cut and printed the block in two days. INSANE! By noon, the following Monday, the digital files were in the hands of the magazine. I made two impressions of the block. One image was printed on a bright white BFK Rives paper and a second printing was pressed onto chip board. The most difficult task was hand cutting the letters. Ouch!

Thanks to my friend and fellow printmaker Charles Buchanan for the referral.

**Note to all of the magazine editors out there. If you're looking for a lino block artist AND IF you can match the professionalism and flexibility of the design and production manager at OA . . . I'm available.

SOUTHERN VOICES 2011: Striking a Chord

2010-12-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

The 19th Annual Southern Voices literary conference will take place at the Hoover Public Library February 2011. Nationally known literary authors will sign books and mingle with attendees. To learn more about Southern Voices visit www.hooverlibrary.org

I'll be the featured artist. Awesome! Right??

An Artist Reception & Award Presentation will take place in the Friends Gallery-Theatre Level, on Thursday, February 17th from 5:30p - 7:30p. The event is free and will be open to the public.

Unbelievable!

Arlington National Cemetery

2010-11-28T20:19:00.000-08:00

My Thanksgiving holiday was fun and funny!

Despite our individual quirks and playful squabbles, my family "is what it is" and I wouldn't have it any other way. However, as important as it was to be in DC sharing wonderful meals and laughter, my weekend would not have been complete had I not taken the time to visit Arlington National Cemetery.

My father served as a member of the land-based branch of the U. S. Military the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned to civilian life until 2004 when he passed into spirit.

During his tour of duty, he was awarded the Purple Heart. No small feat for a black man who grew into manhood and served his country during a time when the military was segregated.

Court: 6 / Section: NN / Stack: 23 / Niche: 4
His niche, in the Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium, is sealed with a marble plaque inscribed with his name and the years of his birth and death. It was painful to stand in front of his plaque, albeit for a few moments.

Looking across the rolling hills at the unadorned headstones of veterans from our wars and struggles, past and current, humbles you. It's clearer to me now, than ever before, why I'm able to celebrate Thanksgiving in a warm house with wonderful meals and laughter.

I'm grateful.

KENTUCK 2010: MERIT AWARD

2010-10-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

I've been on the road, participating in art festivals, locally and regionally, almost every other weekend since August. Grueling. If you're holding down a full-time job and you think that going on the road with your art is easy my advice to you is NOT TO DO IT! It's insane.

KENTUCK was my last outdoors festival, to participate in, this year.
And. . . to my surprise, I was presented with a Merit Award. Never saw it coming. Never expected it. Ever. I was stunned! For those who participate in art festivals and/or follow established and emerging artists you know that receiving an award, on any level, at KENTUCK is H-U-G-E! Competition within each category is extremely high. It's difficult enough to be juried into the festival much less receive an award. To say that I'm walking on air, one week after the fact, is an understatement. The acknowledgement of my work, linoleum block relief prints, by the KENTUCK committee speaks volumes. I'm encouraged. My stock just went up.

I was assigned to a new spot, on the festival grounds, this year. Initially, I moaned about it. I'll be the first to admit that I had become very comfortable sandwiched between the University of Alabama Book Arts booth, Peter Rose, Kathy Fetters and Glenn House, Sr. I didn't want to deal with any of the anxiety that comes with a location shift. But, as we all know, change is not necessarily a bad thing. In the end, it all worked out.

The party at KENTUCK doesn't begin until Amos Kennedy appears. Here's a pic of Amos, in all his splendor, walking towards me in his trademark coveralls and pink tee. Everybody who meets Amos has a story to tell about him. I have my stories, too. My poster "ALL COMMUNITIES DESERVE HEALTHY FOOD'' was produced after having a conversation with Amos about creating art "for the people." He speaks; I listen. More about that later.

In closing, thanks to all who stopped by to say hello and a special thanks to my patrons. Lastly, my heart felt gratitude to Tom who works his magic, setting up and breaking down camp, each and every time. Couldn't do it without him. Thank you, Tom.

Happy Birthday Colonel Stone Johnson

2010-09-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Birmingham City Council celebrated Colonel Stone Johnson, civil rights activist and foot soldier, during their regularly scheduled Tuesday council meeting. Flowers, cake and greetings were shared by all. I blogged about Colonel, a few weeks ago, so you already know how special he is to me and to many, many others. I completed the linoleum block portrait of Colonel. He's 92 years young! How wonderful is that?!

BIRMINGHAM ARTWALK 2010

2010-09-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

Take a minute and visit the ArtWalk 2010 Artist Gallery here.

If you're looking for me, jump to my entry in the Artist Gallery on page 12!

I'll be located at: Brantley Visioneering, Inc.
2401 2nd Avenue North

Stop by and say hello!

4th Annual Atlanta Arts Festival

2010-08-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

My booth number is: #179

Atlanta Arts Festival is a professionally-juried fine arts event that will fill Piedmont Park with color and life, September 18-19, 2010. Ranked among the top 200 art festivals in the country in sales for both fine art and fine craft by The Art Fair Sourcebook, Atlanta Arts Festival brings to the drawing board 200 local and nationally recognized artists from an eclectic mix of 12 mediums, including jewelry, printmaking, painting, photography, ceramics and sculpture, leather and metal, glassblowing and more – all in one weekend! For more information visit www.AtlantaArtsFestival.com or call Atlanta Arts Festival at 770.941.9660.

My First Fig!!

2010-08-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

Five years ago, I planted a fig tree cutting in my yard. For three years it looked like an itty, bitty twig stuck in the ground. I built a barrier around it so that we wouldn't accidently run over it with the lawn mower. Last summer a few sprigs appeared.

Now look at it. It's growing. Here's a pic of my first (and only) fig. Yay!!

Colonel Stone Johnson: "I am just a servant"

2010-06-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

Colonel Stone Johnson is a Civil Rights activist and foot soldier who I proudly call my friend.

The last three years or so, he has stopped by my office in city hall every Tuesday, to say hello. If he's not in a hurry, he'll stay for a while and talk. A lot of our conversations are about his life and activities as an African American male growing up in Alabama during the Jim Crow era. I always ask a lot of questions. I want to know and I want to hear from someone who has walked the walk. Colonel has a phenomenal memory. His recall for names and dates and places is extremely sharp. And, yes, he knows where many of the political skeletons are buried. To think that I can talk with someone who stood in front of the rabid segregationist Bull Connor, unafraid, is unbelievably surreal. Sometimes, Colonel will close his eyes to think for a moment or two before he's able to name an event, person or place. He's slow but steady at 92 years! We also talk, a lot, about the Civil Rights Movement and the many personalities who he interacted with. Too many to name here.

Colonel (his real name) was the personal bodyguard of Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth. There were a thousand and one incidents which took place in and around Birmingham and the South that Rev. Shuttlesworth and Colonel were involved in: marches, prayer vigils, freedom rides, sit-ins, voter registration campaigns, the integration of schools and public places the list is unending. He and many others were leaders of carefully planned strategies and tactics which, in fact, have led to my employment in city hall 40 plus years later.

Colonel is known to wear his trademark cowboy hat everywhere. I have yet to ask him how and or why he wears it. He stands close to 6'4'' and maybe taller. Age and time have weighed heavily on his shoulders and he is not able to stand fully erect. There's no doubt in my mind that he was an imposing figure as a young man. He has a very humble spirit, a quiet demeanor. But don't get it twisted, he's ALWAYS in foot soldier mode! I've only known him a few short years, but I somehow know that his character has never been questioned. I once asked him about the mounds of money that undoubtedly passed through many hands during the campaign for justice. I wondered aloud if he has ever felt that he could have been rich had he chosen another path. He looked at me and responded in his raspy voice with a half smile, half smirk, "Darlin', the Lord has been too good to me. I had to do right by Him, not man. I'm just a servant."

My reference for the linoleum block print of Colonel is based on a photo which I took of him two months ago. Last week, I presented the print and asked if he would sign it. He did. I'm honored. There are sixteen prints in the edition.

I am just a servant.

BEST IN SHOW "Art in the Gardens" 2010

2010-06-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

©2010 Debra E. Riffe
"i learnt to sing a glad new song"

One week has passed and I haven't had much time to sit back and reflect on my BEST IN SHOW award. It was so unexpected. I was stunned. However, I must admit that I feel very proud that my artwork received top recognition.

Congratulations to all of the artists who participated in this year's Art Alfresco and, also, to those who received blue ribbons and/or certificates in their respective categories!

"Art in the Gardens" , June 5-6, 2010

2010-05-24T08:01:00.001-07:00

Morgan Creek Art Fest, Harpersville, Alabama

2010-05-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

I think that I need to invest in a laptop (APPLE, of course).
From the time I leave my 9 to 5 day job on Fridays, I'm engaged in my artwork in some form or fashion, until I return to the job on Monday mornings. My weekends always fly by (what is that saying about time passing quickly when you're having fun??) and I'm constantly jotting down tidbits of information, in real time, to use as points of reference when I find a moment to blog. Of course, I always misplace my notes and I mumble and grumble to myself when I finally settle in front of my home computer and realize that I have to rely on my memory (which ain't that great) to write. I truly believe that it'll all come back to me, if I stare at the monitor long enough. What a waste. But! If I have a laptop I'll be inspired to blog as my adventures unfold and I could even upload the pictures within a matter of minutes, right? (Pausing to laugh out loud.)

I exhibited my artwork at Morgan Creek Winery in Harpersville, AL yesterday. The weather was perfect, the grounds were impeccably landscaped and the setting was absolutely beautiful. Setup was between 8:30a and 10:30a. The event opened at 11a and closed at 6pm with a jazz concert following at 6:30pm. Sales were slow but I was okay with that. Sometimes, it's not always about sales. It's about meeting and greeting or explaining your art process to someone who is interested enough to inquire; taking short breaks to introduce yourself to new artists and sharing stories and laughs with artists and craftsmen who are no longer strangers but friends on the circuit. I met Jean and Jack Lincoln, jewelry designers, from Pell City. They're great friends of Penny Arnold, glass artist, who is a new acquaintance of mine. Last year, I blogged about taking a class with Penny at the Birmingham Museum of Art and she and I have developed a friendship since that time. Jack sits on the board of the St. Clair Council of the Arts and Penny is the newly elected President of the organization. I, also, met Jennifer from McCalla, AL who owns Tiny Hineys. Love, love, love her baby boutique clothes line! Bill Palmer furniture designer stopped by; a new face, new name. Fellow artists Becky Bolton Crisswell & Troy Crisswell, Art Bacon, Lonnie "The Sand Man" Holley, Donna Branch and others were in attendance. Artist John Sims & his lovely bride joined the crowd early afternoon. They strolled the vineyards, viewed the art then disappeared into the wine tasting hut. Laurel Mills, the coordinator of the art event, allowed each artist to select a bottle of wine to take home. A lovely gesture at the end of a long day. I selected Morgan Creek's Sweet Peach table wine.

R.I.P. "Bob" Hamberg

2010-05-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

Robert M. Hamberg died last month.
He was a family friend and the godfather of my son, Jason.
I'd known Bob 40 plus years. He knew who I was and where I came from. He knew family and history and watched me grow from a teenager to college grad to wife and mother. Although he had siblings and many relatives, my daughter was the first infant who he held to feed. Forty years had passed and we could still smile about that one shared moment.

He held Jason, in 1985, when he was baptized and held him again, in 2007, when Jason graduated from Morehouse. Family and history.

Bob retired from the U.S. Air Force.
He wasn't a doctor or a lawyer. He wasn't an engineer. He never attended college. He never sailed the Riviera or vacationed in Martinique. He was simply a man of integrity and warmth who laughed out loud and loved life and family and history.

Robert M. Hamberg. I will miss him.

"Art in the Vineyards" Morgan Creek Vineyards

2010-05-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

My next festival venue takes place on Saturday, May 15th in Harpersville, AL. It's the inaugural art festival for Morgan Creek Vineyards. I'm debating as to whether or not I should take my full portfolio of work or just smaller pieces. It's a one day show. Booth hours are from 11a - 6pm. I've created several small pieces that have a food theme. My favorite one is titled "Alabama Red Okra." Stop by my booth if you make it to Harpersville. Bring your friends and plenty of sunshine! I'm looking forward to a perfect day.

On another note, I've just received notice that my application was accepted for the 2010 Atlanta Arts Festival. The festival will be held in Piedmont Park, Atlanta , Georgia on Saturday, September 18th and Sunday, September 19th. Check the website for updates.

Art Auction at Mason Murer Fine Art

2010-05-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

Last month, one of my block prints was selected for the Hammonds House 9th Annual Art Auction which took place, in Atlanta, at Mason Murer Fine Art. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend. As of today's date, I still don't know the status of my entry. I'll keep you posted.

The block print which was selected was one of the images from my narrative: "Walk in the Direction You' Goin' in." Framing by Tom Little.

www.debrariffe.com is LIVE !!!

2010-05-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

Visit my new website.
Lots of eye candy!

www.debrariffe.com

Created by Deidre Ali owner of Deidre Ali Creative Services

2010 Montevallo Art Show: Award of Excellence

2010-04-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

Beautiful setting.

Incredible patrons.

Totally unexpected award!

B B KING

2010-01-18T18:32:00.000-08:00

I saw and heard the great B B King a couple of weeks ago at the Alabama Theater. What a thrill!

And speaking of thrills, I can still hear that tune in my head. . ."the thrill is gone. . . the thrill is gone bay-bay."

I'd always wanted to see and hear him live but never followed thru. I started marking my calendar several months ago and was bound and determined not to let this opportunity slip by. He's slower now. Diabetes forces him to sit during all of his performances. He sang and played and rocked the Alabama Theatre for almost 2.5 hours. BB is one of our own. A legend. An icon. A national treasure.

January 3, 2010

2010-01-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

Which is correct?
Two thousand and ten or twenty ten?
I suppose that in the grand scheme of things it doesn't matter, does it?

New year. New decade.
No resolutions for me. Too easily made; too easily broken.

Next month I'll teach a lino block relief printing class at Samford after Sundown. Hope to see you there.

Live. Work. Play.
Let's see what the new year brings!

Helen Thomas, White House Correspondent

2009-12-16T18:22:00.000-08:00

Helen Thomas, the veteran White House reporter, appeared at the Michigan Theatre located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, on Tuesday, November 24th and I had an opportunity to attend the lecture & book signing. The event was co-sponsored by the Ann Arbor District Library and Michigan Radio. It was wonderful. The 89-year-old delivered. She's just as passionate today about our country and politics as she was when she held her first job as a neophyte reporter in the early 1940s. You can read a great event review about Helen Thomas here: Ann Arbor.com

She has covered more presidents as a member of the White House Press Corps than any journalist working today. Her new book is "Listen Up Mr. President: Everything You Always Wanted Your President to Know and Do."

November Recap

2009-12-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

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I made a decision last month to take some time off. I didn't realize how tired I was until mid-October, at the conclusion of KENTUCK. While most artists gear up for holiday sales right after Halloween, I found myself looking for a quiet place to exhale. The calls and emails starting coming in weekly from various organizations and individuals requesting a donation of art for various holiday fundraising venues. As flattered as I was at being asked to participate, I realized that I had to simply say "no." I needed to stop the roller coaster ride. This self-imposed non-committal phase will continue thru the end of January 2010. It the best decision that I've made, in a long time. For the next couple of months I'll adhere to my personal art/production schedule and mine alone.

Two months before I began my hiatus I made a commitment, to visit a group of 3rd grade students at Advent Episcopal Day School in Birmingham. I'd promise to come to the school before Thanksgiving. The students had written to me (29 letters!!) inquiring about the project which I had developed with a grant awarded by the Cultural Alliance. I kept my commitment. I planned my "speech", packed my samples and supplies and arrived on time ready to go. I had thirty minutes to talk about a project that had taken more than a year to develop. I honestly can't remember if I spoke about my project "WALK IN THE DIRECTION YOU' GOIN IN." I recall pulling out a pre-cut lino block, ink and paper and asked each of the students to come to the desk so that they could make an impression by rubbing the back of the paper with a baren. As they stood in front of me, I inked the block and assisted each student, individually, as they positioned their paper and prepared to put a little muscle behind the baren. I wanted them to feel the block, smell the ink and to engage them in the physicality of making a relief impression. The rest is a blur. They were sooooooo enthusiastic. Smiles and giggles. Oooh's and aaah's as they compared their prints with each other. Thirty minutes passed so quickly. I'm sure they don't remember anything about my Cultural Alliance project but their bright eyes and smiles made me realize that kids are VERY interested in learning about art and curious about new forms of creating art. It was a won-der-ful session!

Look for updates here as the new year approaches. Tentative plans include teaching linoleum block relief printing at Samford University through the SAMFORD AFTER SUNDOWN program. Also, my website -D RIFFE DESIGN-will finally get a much needed redesign. Keep checking!

My New Press has Arrived !

2009-11-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

Ask me how excited I am!

The UPS freight truck arrived.
The pallet was brought into the garage.
A table was built: 3 feet x 7 feet.
The press was set up in my studio.
Can't wait to print !

KENTUCK 2009

2009-10-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Kentuck Festival of the Arts has come and gone.

It was cold. It was muddy. Windy and long. Some things you just don't have any control over.
Yeah, like the weather.

Puddles and puddles of water. Thick mud that you usually won't find anywhere but across the state line in Mississippi. Trucks and trailers unable to move . . . forward or backwards. Port-o-potty's. Lord, I hate those things. Waiting in line for two hours to register and then being told that you'll have to wait another two hours. And let's not mention the fact that it was homecoming weekend for Alabama.

But . . . I still love the venue in spite of the misery each of us had to endure. It was worth it. Saw old friends; made new friends.

Kentuck is not Kentuck without Amos Kennedy. He was in rare form despite the cold weather. I was assigned to the same space as last year (B-34) which, believe me, is a BIG deal. UA Book Arts to my left and Peter Rose, Kathy Fetters and the one and only Glenn House, Sr., on my right. Couldn't have asked for better row mates.

I was introduced to Birney Imes, editor and publisher for The Commercial Dispatch (Columbus, MS). Birney is the author of JUKE JOINT. A book of color photographs taken of the black juke joints of the Mississippi Delta. Beautiful images.

Also, I had a chance to chat with Craig Patterson. THE HONORABLE Craig Patterson, Mayor of Gordo. Last time I saw him, he and I were dancing to the beat of a local blues band in the middle of Main Street. Fun! Always happy to see fellow artist Julian H. I love that he always travels with an entourage! Julian makes me smile. Kudos to the SLOSS crew. I have a lot of respect for them.

One of my most interesting conversations was with C. Morgan the grandson of Charles Morgan, Jr., a civil rights lawyer who passed away in January of this year. Mr. Morgan was an individual who first came to public attention because of a speech that got him run out of his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. He spoke against the politicians who catered to racism. Charles Morgan, Jr. published a book: A TIME TO SPEAK. I haven't read it, but I will.

Let's face it folks. The times, they are a changing.

To my patrons and to all who stopped by to say "hello" thank you for your support! And, as always, a special thanks to Tom for all that you do, so patiently.

Time to Unwind

2009-10-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

I've finally completed my obligation to the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham. September 30th ended the one year contract. Whew! My final report and the images which I created for my narrative: Walk, in the Direction You' Goin' In were turned in and reviewed. I feel relieved that it's done and behind me. It was quite a challenge going to work everyday from 9 to 5 and then having to come home and rev up for another 3 to 5 hours of carving linoleum blocks and/or drawing. I realized early during the grant year that the best part of my day, when I'm most alert and creative, was spent working for an employer. I would have preferred spending the bulk of my time engaged in a project that I felt passionate about . . . and working for myself. But that was not the case. I was constantly juggling my time, energy and attention. I believe that I presented a lot of great prints to show for my efforts. I have a few more commitments this month and then I plan to take a break from everything! I WILL NOT make any promises that will tie me to a schedule. . . other than what I want to do; when I want to do it. Once I regroup and catch my breath, I'll upload my DVD to YouTube. The DVD was created to highlight my year long process of working on my narrative and linoleum relief prints for CAGB.

Two weeks ago, I drove to the University of Montevallo to an event sponsored by Multicultural Affairs. My friend (and relative?) W. Ralph Eubanks lectured and read from his second book, released in May 2009: The House at the End of the Road: The Story of Three Generations of an Interracial Family in the American South. Ralph is Director of Publishing at the Library of Congress. He presented me with an autographed copy of his book. Love it!

Last week, I presented an art talk to Birmingham Needlearts, The Embroiderers' Guild of America, Inc. It went well and I'm planning to give more of these talks and lino block demonstrations. I have a lot to say about my art and what it represents.

The first Saturday of October I participated in the 46th Annual Bluff Park Art Show . It's always a wonderful venue. I can't believe that this is my 4th year exhibiting there. Ginger of Deep Fried Kudzu stop by to introduce herself. I've been following her blog for a while. It was great putting a face with the name and meeting her husband and two sons. Her blog is about life, art, travel, cooking and Southern culture in the Deep South. Also, Penny Arnold, a very talented glass artist from Leeds dropped in. Penny was the instructor of a stained glass class that I took, this past January, at the Birmingham Museum of Art. I was in good company with my friend and fellow artist, John Sims. He and his wife were set up next to me. John is the individual who first encouraged me to apply for Bluff Park. When I was admitted on my first application it sealed the deal. I haven't looked back. Other friends and patrons stopped to say hello. And last but not least, kudos for my friend Tom who was available to lend a hand. Couldn't have done it without him.

Needless to say, I was in my element. The weather was great! Let's hope that we'll have lots of sunshine this weekend at The KENTUCK Festival in Northport, AL on October 17 & 18th. See you there!

Am I moving closer to a vegetarian lifestyle?

2009-09-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

I love the south and all thing southern. But since August I find that I have, slowly but surely, started to exclude certain animal products from my daily intake. My change in diet took a turn after I watched a movie, last month, entitled Food, Inc. with my daughter and her boyfriend. You can "GOOGLE" Food, Inc. and read about it all over the world wide web but here's a link to the issues to get you started. Watching cows and pigs and chickens move about their feedlots in their own waste until slaughter has turned something on (or maybe off) in my brain.

I can't call myself a true vegetarian simply because I've cut out beef and pork products. I continue to eat fish. However, something tells me that even though I quit eating meat products cold turkey, giving up fish may not be that far behind. I've already started adapting recipes. My reason for giving up meat products has nothing to do with weight loss. It's not politically motivated even though I realize now that our most important staple foods have been fundamentally altered and genetically engineered. I have no desire to sign a petition of any kind.

The thought of eating shit is reason enough.

Blue Ribbon

2009-09-07T09:20:00.001-07:00

This is my second 1st Place Blue Ribbon Award this year.

The award was presented last Thursday night, September 3rd, in Columbiana, Alabama at the 1st Annual Shelby County Arts Council Juried Art Exhibition. These awards always catch me completely off guard and this one was totally unexpected.

I entered two block prints.
The linoleum block relief print entitled "Peaches" was selected as the blue ribbon winner in the Printmaking category. This print and several selected works of art will be shown in a traveling exhibition, over the next two months, throughout Greater Birmingham. The juror of the SCAC Art Exhibition was Scott Stephens, a printmaker and Professor of Art at the University of Montevallo.

My CAGB grant year is coming to an end. My final report will be presented by September 30th. I hope to post the images and my narrative: "WALK IN THE DIRECTION YOU' GOIN' IN." In recent months, I've had the good fortune of learning how to create a DVD using iMovie and GuitarBand on my Mac. Two applications that have been at my fingertips for as long as I've owned a Mac (which has been forever). However, I've never explored these apps until this year, so you can imagine how excited I am in putting my original art and original music together to create a DVD showcasing my CAGB images.

Before I forget, mark your calendar for the Annual Bluff Park Art Show, Saturday, October 3, 2009.

Southern Living Magazine: People & Places

2009-07-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

The August issue of Southern Living Magazine is available. I'm delighted to see that I've been included in the Alabama People & Places section.

Last week I traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan and had a wonderful visit with my daughter and her boyfriend. The Ann Arbor Art Festival was in full swing and it took every bit of two days to walk the entire venue! I recognized a few artists from juried shows I've participated in, locally. My favorite artist and friend, Kreg Yingst, was there and I was happy to see him, again. He is the first artist who shared information with me about the juried art festival circuit and he's the only full time linoleum block relief print artist who I know. I love his style, themes and technique.

My CAGB grant year ends September 30th. Although I have been cutting lino blocks every week, I still feel like I have so much to do!

Last month I accepted an invitation to participate in the Bluff Park Preview Show at Hoover Public Library's Friends Gallery during the month of August 2009. The gallery is on the library's lower level.

Another Successful Art Festival

2009-06-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you, to all who stopped by my booth and chatted or purchased last weekend at the 7th Annual Art in the Garden juried art show at Aldridge Gardens, Hoover.

I hope that you took a minute to stop and smell the roses. And weren't the hydrangeas beautiful?! Hydrangeas were blooming everywhere! Sales were brisk and the weather was beautiful. I received a First Place Award in the Printmaking category.

Look for my lino prints at the Bluff Park Art Preview Show at Hoover Library (August), however Aldridge closes out the spring/summer exhibitions for me, until the Bluff Park Art Show . . . always the first Saturday of October. The summer months will be dedicated to the completion of the linoleum blocks for my CAGB grant narrative: WALK, IN THE DIRECTION YOU GOIN' IN. September 30th will be here before I know it.

Lite Box Gallery at Pepper Place

2009-05-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

I'll be exhibiting this month at the Lite Box Gallery located in the Pepper Place: 2825 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham.

Closing May 2nd were featured artists Joe DeCamillis along with Chris Lawson. Additionally, Alabama Chanin featured limited edition, hand crafted designs of Natalie Chanin.

The YWCAs Fourth Annual Art of Passion was very successful. I contributed several pieces for their auction and was happy to have had an opportunity to participate.

Three weeks have passed since Panoply (Huntsville). The festival was wonderful and I'm glad that I made the decision to step outside my comfort zone of remaining in Birmingham to participate in the local two day festival. As always, I have to tip my hat to my favorite guy, Tom.

Aldridge Botanical Gardens (2009) 7th Annual Art in the Gardens

2009-04-12T15:17:00.001-07:00

I've just received my notification and exhibition space assignment for the 7th Annual Art in the Gardens show.

I hope that you'll make plans to attend. Stop by and say hello.

I'll be looking for you!

Panoply Arts Festival

2009-04-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

Four Linoleum Blocks

2009-04-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

Willie King-Alabama Blues Musician 1943-2009

2009-04-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

Willie King passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2009.

Galas: Open Your Heart & Art of Passion

2009-04-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

Two Birmingham organizations are hosting galas in the coming weeks.

FIRST LIGHT is a center for homeless women and children. Their 11th Annual "Open Your Heart" First Light Gala will be held on May 9, 2009.

The YWCA of Central Alabama will host "Art of Passion" on April 24, 2009. It is their fourth annual art show fundraiser.

Volunteer your time.

Give what you can; whenever you can.

Comparing Two Styles of Lino Block Cuts

2009-03-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

We're three months into the new year. I've said it before and I'll say it again: So much to do; so little time!

The linoleum block illustrations that I'm developing for my CAGB grant are coming along nicely. I'm encouraged that I'll have a complete portfolio of work by the end of the grant year-September 09. In recent weeks, I've noticed that my "style" of cutting the blocks is changing. My signature style includes lots of organic swirls and movement in the negative space. Lately, tho, I seem to want to eliminate all of the linoleum material that is not directly related to the main subject. It's a very minimalist approach. I'm not prepared, yet, to completely embrace and adapt this style. I think that my graphic narrative of relief prints WALK IN THE DIRECTION YOU' GOIN' IN, needs to show consistency in my final presentation. However, I believe that I'll be able to find a way to incorporate this minimalist look. The two styles are posted. Which do you prefer?

Haiku for My Son

2009-03-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

The morning dew rests
quietly on eyes shut tight
spring has come too soon

"Well, It's Not a Deal Breaker. . ."

2009-03-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

March 13th, 14th and 15th were three phenomenal days! I participated in a Metal Arts Workshop offered at Sloss Furnaces. Sloss is one of the best kept secrets in Birmingham, if not Alabama. Take a couple of minutes to check out their website and then come back here when you're done.

Joe McCreary is the Metal Arts Education Coordinator, at Sloss, and he was my instructor for the weekend workshop. He's a laid back Mississippian whose strength is in his quiet confidence. He's intuitive. Most Mississippi natives are, you know. Oh, have I mentioned that I'm from Tupelo? Joe leads a team of iron artisians. You would have been hard pressed to find anyone in the foundry with an ego. And if they had one, they must have checked it at the shed because it was amazing to find so many creative people in one place working together, effortlessly.

One of the first things that you notice when you arrive is that everyone and everything is in constant motion. It's obvious that each individual, on the platform, follows his or her own bliss (bliss meaning that each person has tapped into the energy that makes him or her tick). But Joe is the one who points a finger with authority or quietly nods in the affirmative when questions are asked and answered; directing, shaping the day. It's an unspoken language that you would miss if you were easily distracted. And believe me, there are soooooo many distractions on the platform where the studios, lifting equipment, casting sheds, foundry and fabrication shop are located. Oh, and the trains! Locomotives are passing on either side of the foundry, all day. Throw in the deafening roar of a cupola being stoked for an iron pour and you have an exotic orchestration of craftsmen and tools and processes and sounds and music. Great music . . . blasting from speakers strategically placed near the tool shed. They had me at "hello" when someone played the roots reggae tune EXODUS sung by the legendary Bob Marley & The Wailers. Rich.

I brought several mounted linoleum blocks to the class which I had designed and cut. My goal was to see if I could create an iron casting from one of them. We decided that I shouldn't use any of the blocks that I still needed to ink, press and complete an edition of prints with. So I "sacrificed" an 8" x 10" lino block that I had made a duplicate of, last year. It took one and one half days to prepare the block for the iron pour. I, also, created two additional forms on site. The preparation was labor intensive and required more attention than I had anticipated. However, in hindsight, I understand how important it is to set up properly on the front end. If you don't focus, your project will reflect nicks, nubs and residue material which you will invariably have to reshape or correct. Prep work requires A LOT of patience!

There were moments when I felt like I just couldn't spend another minute melting, dipping and massaging wax. Joe would say, "Well, it's not a deal breaker." Then he would grin e'va so slightly. It was a grin that all Mississippians recognize. I got it.

I melted, dipped and massaged wax until the sun went down.

Great workshop!

Kudos to Joe, Remy, Bones, Heather and to all the artists at Sloss Furnaces.

Gordo, Alabama

2009-03-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Last year in October, I participated in The Kentuck Festival of the Arts located in Northport, Alabama. I was stunned when I received notice that my work had been juried in, on my first attempt! My space was B-34. Little did I know that the space had been occupied by Glenn House, Sr. for many years. Turns out that he gave up the spot last year and it became available (for me). I set up my booth and display, with Tom's help, and settled in for a three day run. Students from the University of Alabama's Publications/Book Arts Program were to the right of my tent and on the other side was Peter Rose, an Australian born potter who lives and creates in Knoxville, Tennessee. Glenn House, Sr. and his wife, Kathleen Fetters, an award winning photographer were situated next to Peter. Add to the mix, Amos Kennedy, an internationally recognized letterpress printer and (as my son would say) "it was on." I felt as tho I had known these artists all of my life! On the last day of Kentuck 2008, Glenn extended an invitation to me and Tom to visit Gordo where he, Kathy and Amos have set up shop. I took him up on his offer and two weeks ago, on February 15th, we drove to Gordo, Alabama.

The afternoon was WON-DER-FUL!! To be in the company of such gifted and talented and FUNNY individuals has changed me and my way of thinking. First and foremost, I realize that I MUST spend more time around creative people. Secondly, I'm learning that you can't take yourself too seriously. Laugh out loud, life is short. Lastly, although I don't consider myself an intellectual or a philosopher by any stretch of the imagination, I accept that I can and I do have a lot to say and even more to offer with regard to my printmaking: what I create and why.

Gordo, Alabama is probably best known for it's Mule Day/Chickenfest which is held on the first Saturday in June. Oh, and they create a lovely mule manure paper, too! Gordo is located in Pickins County on U. S. Route 82 west of Tuscaloosa and east of the Mississippi line. It is what it is. A non-descript, small dusty rural town with Main Street running across the bumpy rail tracks simply leading you to the other side. The other side you ask? Yes, the other side of the tracks. That's it. No more; no less. The walking tour was slow and leisurely. Into one building and out; on to another. The museum of Glenn's mother, Ma'Cille, is called Ma'Cille's Museum of Miscellanea. You name it and you'll find almost everything southern as a part of this wonderful collection. Oh, the eye candy! My goodness! Behind each door was art and more art, letterpress equipment, paper, inks, hardware, antiques, junk, bottles, chipboard posters, dolls, jars of stuff and no telling what else. There was so much to take in. And the stories. Kathy and Glenn had stories galore and shared them effortlessly. Glenn's gallery is housed in an old NAPA Auto Parts store. Kathy is a co-owner of Gallery 121 on Main Street. She recently designed and printed a Chickenfest poster which she graciously autographed and presented to me.

We began and ended the tour in the building that houses Amos' Kennedy Prints. He's the real deal. Authentic. When I learned that he once worked in mainstream corporate America, I wondered if he became "authentic" after he left to follow his bliss or if, in fact, he had been "authentic" all along and realized that corporate America and all of the bullshit that comes with it was simply not a good fit for him. Doesn't matter. I'm that much closer to becoming "authentic", too. This is a good thing.

I spent the last couple of hours, of my day in Gordo, sharing lino block proofs that I've created as part of my GIA grant. I was in my element talking about my project: WALK IN THE DIRECTION YOU' GOIN' IN. I talked, they listened. I stepped back and shut my mouth. I wanted to hear what they had to say about my work for better or for worse.

I left Gordo with a broad grin on my face. A VERY broad grin.

Photo Shoot with Southern Living Magazine!

2009-03-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

I've had an incredible run and rush, lately, of all things art related.

Last month I had two (2) photo sessions with G. Clark a fantastic photographer employed with Southern Living Magazine. What a professional! The first set of photos were taken in my home studio. The location for the second set of photos was the Alabama Bag & Burlap Company a dusty, old industrial warehouse located off of 1st Avenue North Birmingham. I love the place. The owners are Elizabeth & George. They run one of the oldest businesses in the city, if not the state, along with grandson Erin and with Mr. Floyd, their oldest and trusted employee. Look for the August 2009 issue of Southern Living Magazine. Good things are happening!

In my next entry I'll describe the Sunday afternoon, two weeks ago, that I spent with Amos Kennedy, Glenn House and Kathleen Fetters in Gordo, Alabama.

Movin' Right Along

2009-02-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that I've just reached the mid-point of my grant year.
September 2009 is looming on the horizon and I'm working as hard and as fast as I can! This is the beginning of MY art festival season. I love it! Unfortunately, I'm going to have to bow out of the shows located outside of Birmingham which I've been accepted to participate in. I don't want to get bogged down with the logistics of trying to prepare new prints when my focus is to complete the requirements of my GIA grant. That's my priority. I'm very excited with the larger lino blocks that I'm cutting. So far the blocks are either 14" x 20" or 18" x 18" which is larger than I've ever worked. I'm taking a few of them to Gordo, Alabama in a couple of weeks to show them to Glenn House, Kathy Fetters and Amos Kennedy. Nothing like a good old critique from a couple of heavy hitters in the printmaking/papermaking/letterpress world. More on that later.

Once you get into a "rhythm" cutting a design into linoleum block, it becomes very theraputic. I used to find this same rhythm when I'd needlepoint at all hours of the night. And as much as I enjoy block printing. . . I have to admit that I really miss my daily stitching sessions. I still keep small canvases stored in my car. Whenever I find myself waiting for something or someone, I'll pull one out and stitch like there's no tomorrow. So much to do; so little time.

I'm enrolled in a stained glass class for the next six weeks. Actually, we've already had two sessions. The class is offered thru the Birmingham Museum of Art. Penny Arnold is the instructor. She's wonderful. I love her teaching style. Very clear instructions, low key, non-obtrusive. By that I mean that she's not hovering over you or insisting that you do something her way as the right way. While there are a number of correct steps that one should follow to get a desired result she definitely has fun, informative sessions. Check out her website Golden Penny Studio.

2009. New Year. New Art.

2009-01-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

I managed to cut two linoleum blocks over the holiday season.
Neither image will be used for the CAGB project. The first cut shows an African American sharecropper plowing a field. After cutting the block for three days, I decided that it was just too generic and boring.

I've redone the drawing . . . but changed the perspective. It's stronger and more dynamic. I'm not in the habit of drawing animals but the plow mule is important to my story line and I can't get around it. Whatever. I'm constantly resetting the bar for myself so if it means rethinking, redrawing and recutting a block then that's what I'll do. That's that.

This second lino block cut is my interpretation of an image by photographer Lewis Hine. I was actually quite pleased with my attempt to carve several very tight circular forms into the linoleum surface without the gouge sliding under the pressure. Okay, here's where I pat myself on the back. (pat-pat)

On another note . . . I used to jog three days a week. I haven't done so in over 18 months. I've turned into a slug. And I know it. Well, it's back to the track. I actually joined a group to keep me motivated. I don't expect to run the Boston marathon next year (not because I can't work up to that level; I'm just not interested) but I do have high expectations to return to running and to run stronger. No, this is not a resolution for the New Year; it's a goal. Big difference.

Tin Toys

2008-12-02T17:42:00.000-08:00

Today is show and tell.

I love toys made out of tin.
They're so nostalgic and simple.

These are recent local thrift shop treasures. Tom found the ducks. Too cute! I'm feeling really lazy right now and don't feel like taking pictures of the other toys that I've found. Maybe, next time.

Cultural Alliance (GIA): 2nd Update

2008-11-26T18:27:00.000-08:00

I am a 2008 GIA Award Winner and acknowledge the support provided by the Grants to Individual Artists Program administered by the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham.

Thanksgiving 2008!

I've finally decided to take some real vacation time away from my job. It has been an adjustment, to say the least. Two days has always been my self-imposed limit. I didn't realize how mentally exhausted I was until the fourth day! Although I had been wrestling with a terrible cold for a week, it took that long for me to feel completely rested and at peace.

I've been working on my CAGB project and I'm excited about the progress that I've made this week. A couple of weeks ago, CAGB held an evening workshop for the 2008 GIA Award Winners led by Bradford Kachelhofer and Michael Bell of The Modern Brand Company, LLC. The workshop focused on when, where and how to successfully promote yourself and your project. In other words, how to leverage your GIA Grant. It dawned on me that at some point, probably in the not too distant future, I may be asked by the media to provide an image to accompany the summary of my narrative/proposal.

My CAGB proposal: To create a series of linoleum block relief prints documenting the 1930s migration of an African-American sharecropper family from Alabama’s Black Belt region to industrial Birmingham.

The image has a WPA feel which is exactly what I was striving for. Once this block is finished I'll print, scan and then save it as a digital file. The final size of this block will be 12" x 18".

These pictures show: a) the original sketch on tracing paper and the image drawn in reverse on the surface of the lino block; b) the inked block and c) the 1st proof on newsprint.

I'll post the final print in a few days with the title.

The Awesome k d lang

2008-11-02T16:02:00.000-08:00

Last weekend my friend and I attended a concert at the Alys Stephens Center. My androgynous, shapeless, lesbian icon princess . . . k d lang was front and center.

I was very disappointed that the hall was not filled to capacity. Don't Birminghamians know how special this performer is? Geez. She is so exquisite. When she stepped onto the stage in her bare feet well . . . she had me at hello. So unpretentious.

She sang with effortless grace. You just wanted to hold your breath for each song. The set was perfect. 90 minutes. Two of my favorites which are considered signature tunes were Constant Craving and Miss Chatelaine. I sang along with her and danced in my seat. Fun!! My favorite new song is -The Valley- a song off of her Hymns of the 49th Parallel CD. Actually it's an old tune because it's been out for several years (2004). Darn, where have I been??! I don't care, it sounded like a classic to me. I was a wee bit disappointed that she didn't sing the Roy Orbison song CRYING. But, hey, it was a wonderful concert and last week I loaded my iPod with k d lang tunes to sing and dance to.

And I will.

Cultural Alliance (GIA) 1st Update

2008-11-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

Approximately six weeks have passed, since I was awarded one of eight 2008 Grants to Individual Artists. My contract states that I have one year to complete my proposal but it already feels like the time is passing so quickly!

Ten days ago I made my first purchase -a digital camera- with the funds that have been allocated to me. This camera will stay with me 24/7. I have several road trips planned, this month, to drive south of Birmingham throughout the Black Belt region to take photos of . . . people, structures, landscapes, things, stuff . . . anything and everything that speaks to me will be photographed and used as reference shots for the images that will eventually become linoleum block prints. Clothes drying on a clothesline, kudzu, rusted tin, cotton fields, you name it, it's all fair game.

I wake up thinking about my project and it's on my mind when I turn in at the end of the day. I keep a sketch book and a Moleskin notebook nearby. Ideas come to me at the oddest times. I've learned to write/sketch every thought. If I don't, it'll be harder to recover later in the day. I'm, currently, writing my story line for the blocks that I hope to cut. Until I complete my road trips, it'll be hard to say what the final images will be but for the time being I have created a pseudo storyboard. A storyboard is a series of diagrams or visuals created to provide a foundation for the ideas that will eventually be produced. It's a template. Throughout the process, editing takes place and over time a well defined collection of text and/or visual sequences emerge. In my case, I'll place a few words of text within a 2 x 3 inch wide rectangle with a note to myself referencing a scene or gesture that I think I'll want to illustrate to enhance the words. I'll repeat this process many times over the next 3 to 6 months.

I'm not happy. I had written several additional paragraphs and then BLAM! my blogger page crashed. I'm too tired to retype or rethink what I'd written so I'm shutting this puppy down.

KENTUCK '08 Recap

2008-10-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

One week has passed since KENTUCK. I still consider myself a neophyte with regard to the juried art festival circuit. However, I've now participated in all of the major shows in this region, in three short years. It's very satisfying. I'll concentrate on my grant (administered by the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham) over the next year and then will begin considering applications for out of state juried art festivals next fall. What can I say? I love the circuit!

I don't know how I happened to have landed a perfect spot for set up: B-34. I wish that I could post the pics of new friends and artists who I spent two days with but I failed to ask their permission to upload their faces and art. (I feel very strongly about that.) Bummer. Well, since I didn't ask, I'll just say that Peter Rose of Knoxville, TN, Kathleen Fetters with husband Glenn House of Gordo, ALA, Sam the Dot Man and Amos Paul Kennedy, Gordo, ALA among others made the event fun. Interesting note: Glenn is a retired faculty member in the MFA in the Book Arts Program at the University of Alabama. A number of patrons stopped by my booth to see my new block print designs. I was honored to have Buddy Palmer, President & CEO of Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham to stop by, and Julian Hazlett. Actually, I remembered to ask Julian if I could add his pic to my blog. Here he is with his trademark smile! What a handsome guy. Gush. Gush. My friend John Sims and his wife stopped in. John is the individual who literally pushed me into filling out my first application for an art festival -Bluff Park.

Although on-site security was great, I couldn't leave my prints overnight. The risk of dampness or dew saturating my paper is scary. I had to set up at 5:30 every morning then break down and pack up each evening for the drive back to Birmingham. I didn't do any of this alone. Tom did it all and I'm grateful for his effort. What a guy.

KENTUCK was fun! Thanks for stopping by my booth and saying hello. See you, again, next year!

KENTUCK Festival of the Arts

2008-09-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

I spoke with the Executive Director of KENTUCK today and was informed that I have been accepted to participate in KENTUCK. The KENTUCK Festival is the mother of all juried art festivals (in my mind)!

I have lived and breathed KENTUCK since I arrived in Alabama ten years ago. It is the south and all things southern. The art, the food, the music. Everything about it speaks to me. I haven't missed a festival since 1997.

So much to do; so little time.
Hope to see 'yall there.
Bring a smile and good weather!

The 45 Annual Bluff Park Art Show is Five Days Away!

2008-09-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

Once, again, I'd like to extend an invitation to each of you to visit me at the 45th Annual Bluff Park Art Show on Saturday, October 4, 2008. Sorry, I don't have a booth number yet, but maps will be distributed on site. So come on out and enjoy fantastic art and great weather! Here's a link for more information.

Staging my "Studio"

2008-09-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

I was running around like a crazy woman last week. I received a call from a Birmingham News reporter who asked if she could take photos of me in my "studio." Studio??!! What??!! I work all over my house, whenever I want to; however I want to. . . in the kitchen; on the dining room table; sitting in the den on the floor, etc. However, it was a reasonable request and I didn't hesitate to say "yes." The reporter and I negotiated a time and a day. Lord, Lord. I haven't moved so many sketch pads, books, papers and miscellaneous supplies at one time in my life. So much stuff; so little time. And I mean STUFF! Two-thirds of it should have been tossed out weeks ago (if not months)! It took me a couple of evenings but I was able to pull it together.

The photographs were taken (groan) and I cringed when the photographer allowed me to see the results of her effort in the preview window on the digital camera. (double-groan) Whatever. It's about the art, right? It's not about the wrinkles and puffy places that won't disappear even when you suck in and hold your breath 'til the cows come home. I give up. I'm usually good for one shot, maybe two on a good day. But by the fifth or sixth pose, I just couldn't suck it all in and hold my breath another second. The puffy places contracted and then fell into their natural state. It is what it is.

My "studio" is wonderful. See the picture? I had just started to make some decisions about what was in, what had to go, when I snapped this. I took this picture, of one corner of the room, to get a feel for what the photographer might see through her lens. I have a lot of whimsical things that I surround myself with in my studio. Most are thrift shop finds. Toys from the '30s and '40s are my favorite items along with my flour sack quilts. I removed them, initially, then decided to bring them back into the room because, well, because I like them.

It is what it is.

A Sunday Morning Surprise!

2008-09-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

My usual habit is to read the morning paper, very early, and then move on with the day. About mid-afternoon I jump on the computer to check messages, read my daughter's blog MAKE IT and surf the web. However, this morning I simply skimmed the paper. I made a point of checking to see if Desperate Housewives was coming on tonight to start the new season and then I put the paper down thinking that I'd get back to it later in the day.

When I started checking my email messages I saw a subject line which read: COVER GIRL. It had been sent by a patron of mine (we'll call him PAT). His message read as follows: "Your work is on the cover of Play in The Birmingham News this morning. Congratulations!" My teeth fell out of my mouth! How did I miss that???!!! I was so excited that I ripped thru the house to find the PLAY section of The Birmingham News and on the cover was, indeed, my work promoting the upcoming Bluff Park Art Show which will be held on Saturday, October 4th. This image (shown above) is the lino print that is displayed, in part, on the cover of PLAY, The Birmingham News, Sunday, September 28, 2008. Better yet, you can see how beautifully my linoleum print compliments the blog column written by Michael Huebner who is the fine arts writer and classical music critic for The Birmingham News.

Kudos to PAT. I know that he's working his magic behind the scene and I'm grateful for his support and for his confidence in me.

A Gift to Myself: CHARLEY HARPER An Illustrated Life

2008-09-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

I have wanted this book forever!
CHARLIE HARPER: An Illustrated Life.
And now it's mine! MINE!

It's large and VERY heavy! The packaging is just as beautiful as the book itself. I ordered the book through Amazon. I'd seen it posted on other sites (used) costing far more than what I paid for it on Amazon (new). What a lucky break! The end papers are so colorful and so grand. Don't you think so?

This morning, I saw this post written in The Birmingham News by Michael Huebner, fine arts writer and classical music critic: CAGB AWARDS ARTISTS' GRANTS TO EIGHT PROFESSIONALS

Next week, the clock will start ticking on my one year quest to complete my proposal.

ARTWALK 2008 Birmingham, Alabama

2008-09-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful two days participating in the Birmingham ARTWALK 2008 art festival which was held on Friday, September 5th and Saturday, September 6th. I had a great location and a perfect host H. B. Brantley, president and founder of Brantley Visioneering. I shared space with two other artists, Ken Turk a glass artist from South Carolina and local personality and filmmaker/photographer Leo Ticheli.

The best part of any art festival, for me, is meeting new friends and seeing old faces. A few of my coworkers dropped by and I had an opportunity to meet the new President and CEO of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham Buddy Palmer.

My third place award was a wonderful surprise. If you look closely you can see it hanging at the top right side of the panel. I received a monetary award along with the ribbon. I sold quite a few prints but found myself constantly arranging and rearranging the prints as I pulled them off of the wall(s) to show to patrons who wanted a closer look at them. It was a bit awkward. I'll have to find another way to handle this.

Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham 2008 GIA Award Winner

2008-09-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that I am one (of eight) individuals who has been selected to receive a 2008 Grants to Individual Artists (GIA) funding award. There were two teams. My $5000 grant is awarded in the name of a GIA donor Mrs. Gloria Narramore Moody. 61 proposals were presented to the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham team; 60 proposals were reviewed.

A summary of all of the Grants to Individual Artists Awards can be read here. My project is to "create a series of linoleum block relief prints documenting the migration of an African-American sharecropper family from Alabama's Black Belt region to the industrial city of Birmingham and settling in the company town of Sloss Furnaces."

My proposal has a number of components. In addition to creating the lino block prints, I will document my one year process digitally, publish the prints, exhibit the prints, take a caste iron class at Sloss Furnaces, collaborate with Sloss Furnaces to create a caste iron panel of one of the blocks, teach the linoleum block printing process to a select group of children (possibly students in the Birmingham City Schools) and finally to exhibit the entire series of prints. If you would like to read my entire proposal email me at: debra.riffe@gmail.com make your request and I'll mail a hard copy via USPS to your mailing address.

Kudos to all of the talented artists who participated in the process and congratulations to the 2008 GIA Grantees.

Setting the Bar (for myself) a Bit Higher

2008-08-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

You've seen this image before.
I created this design as a needlepoint about four years ago and then recreated it as a linoleum block relief print. It's one of the first images that I printed on my press.

A few months ago, a friend of mine (we'll call him S.R.) implied that he was slightly disappointed with my prints that he had seen in the Southern Roots exhibition. He said that he had expected to see something slightly different. I was a bit shocked by his comment but realized that he had a good point. I entered the juried art festival circuit in October 2006. It's now 2008 and although I am not lacking in technical proficiency or new imagery, I haven't pushed myself. I've become a bit comfortable. Maybe too comfortable. My prints are basically all the same: 5 x 7 or 9 x 12, double matted and framed in black.

Okay, so S.R. challenged me. . . and I've accepted the challenge. This print -shown- is one of three blocks that I cut and printed this month. And they're large!! I hand-printed (meaning that I had to use a baren to apply pressure to create the impression) the images. Printing 12 x 18 has taken me out of my comfort zone. But believe it or not I like the larger size. . . a lot! Rubbing the baren over the back of the paper transfers the pigment from the inked block to the paper. I'm acting as a human printing press! The energy to produce the perfect print has to come from me! Imagine that. It's very physical and I've discovered that I really don't mind that the finished prints are not stark, opaque black. I printed on paper with a lot of tooth, initially, and the paper did not take the ink as smoothly, but left some interesting textures.

I'm very pleased with my large prints. I've also stepped outside the box and I've selected a different type of frame. Silver. Lovely.

Fall 2008 Schedule

2008-08-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

A Fabulous Find

2008-08-27T19:15:00.001-07:00

I love this McCoy cookie jar!

No chips or hairline cracks. Can you believe it?!! I found it at a local thrift store last weekend. $2.39.

Okay, so the lid is missing. Do I care? Nope. The shape and the color are beautiful. This little prize will stand on a shelf in my studio.

Art Festival Schedule Update

2008-08-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have looked at my web site have discovered that my art festival schedule for this season is not posted. Don't ask why. Here is my schedule for the next few months:

August 6 - September 13th
NEEDLEPOINT - "A Point to Remember"
Birmingham Public Library, 4th Floor Gallery

August 4 - September 3rd
Hoover Public Library
Bluff Park Art Show Preview

September 5 - 6th
ArtWalk
I'll be located at Brantley Engineering 2401 2nd Avenue North.

September 7th
Montgomery Art Guild Regions Bank Show
Opening reception 12 Noon-3pm

October 4th
Bluff Park Art Show
Always the First Saturday of October!

October 18 - 19th Kentuck Festival of the Arts***
I am on the official "wait" list having made the cut for my category.
Still waiting to be contacted for participation.

November 7th - December 19th
Cobb Lane Art Gallery
Opening reception November 7th, 5-8pm

December 5 - 7th / Linoleum Block Printing Class
Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell, Nauvoo

That's it for now. Keep checking my blog for updates.

Happy Birthday to Me!!

2008-07-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

I celebrated my birthday on Friday, July 25th.

I've reached a milestone.

This is the birthday where I looked in the mirror and (with a smile on my lips and laughter in my heart) had to honestly admit to myself that "I have turned into my mother!" I remember laughing with my mom many, many years ago when she looked into the mirror and had declared on her fifty-something birthday that SHE had turned into her mother. Thinking about that moment makes me laugh out loud. My mom passed into spirit on April 30, 1997. I miss her. I think of her every day.

I received a number of lovely gifts and cards. My daughter surprised me with a beautiful vintage botanical print which she found in Ann Arbor a few weeks ago. I'm posting a picture of the print. You will, also, see a delicious individual cake that my friend Donna presented to me. It's too pretty to cut. Look at the sunflowers! You probably can't read the script along the bottom. It reads: Happy Birthday to my BFF! It was a nice surprise. Unexpected surprises are the best!

I drove to Atlanta on Saturday (26th) to spend the day with my son. He and I made our way downtown to the Georgia World Congress Center to see the sampling of fine art offered at the NBAF Artists' Market.
I was particularly interested in the sculpture of George Nock a former running back with the NY Jets and the Washington Redskins. My friend, John Sims, had a beautiful display of his work.

Late afternoon, we enjoyed a meal at a restaurant in Atlantic Station. Nice.

I'm Not the Best Blogger

2008-07-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm not the best blogger in the world.

Oh, there are a-hundred-and-one things that I'd love to share with you about my artistic endeavors but I find that I'm having a difficult time working 9 to 5 everyday . . . sitting at a computer. . . and then coming home and spending more hours at a keyboard and monitor. arrrrgh! How do you do it and keep your sanity??! I'm always struggling with the decision to either cut a lino block, needlepoint, or spend more time on the computer.

My daughter has this blogging thing down to a science. She's so blogging savvy I wonder sometimes if I'm really her mama! If given the opportunity, I'm sure that she'd love to tell me to figure it out on my own. Ha! But she's held her tongue and has patiently tolerated me and my questions. And my boy is just as tech savvy. He's fearless when it comes to clicking around the internet universe. I love his confidence.

Okay, here's the update of my so called (artist) life. My Relief Printing Workshop which I was scheduled to teach this weekend July 18-20th at the Alabama Folk School, Camp McDowell, Nauvoo, Alabama was canceled. As a matter of fact, all of the classes which had been scheduled for the weekend were canceled. Don't know why. The Folk School camp director sent out an email blast to all of us apologizing for the inconvenience of sending a late notice and that was that. Needless to say, I was VERY disappointed. Moving on.

I was asked if I might be interested in participating in the Bluff Park Preview Show at Hoover Public Library. Of course, I said yes. The Preview show will hang in the art gallery throughout the month of August. I was juried in (3 of 3), again, this year for the 45th Annual Bluff Park Art Show. This is a one day juried art show featuring 120 artist from throughout the U.S. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 1, 2008. Prior to the Bluff Park Art Show I will participate in the 7th Annual Juried ArtWalk 2008 in Downtown Birmingham, Friday, September 5th: 5-10pm and Saturday, September 6th: Noon-6pm. This year I actually submitted an application for KENTUCK. I live and breath Kentuck and to be included as an exhibitor is a big deal for me. I have received notification that I'm on a "wait list" in my category (Printmaking). While I would have been thrilled to have received an acceptance letter giving me a booth number and location, I'm honored that I've made the cut on my first attempt. This is encouraging news. If an artist should drop out for whatever reason. . . that will open a door for me to show my work. Okay, I wouldn't wish bad on anyone, but hey . . . !

I'll be in Northport as an exhibitor or not.
The festival will take place on Saturday, October 18: 9-5pm and Sunday, October 19: 9-5pm.
See you there!

6th Annual Art in the Gardens

2008-06-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

I'm in prep mode for the 6th Annual Juried Art Show at Aldridge Botanical Gardens, Hoover, Alabama.

Here's the announcement that I emailed to a few of my patrons and friends. The image, a linoleum block print, won a 1st Place Award last month, at the 19th Annual Southern Roots Exhibition. I wrote about this in an earlier blog. One day I'll share the story behind the title "Like a Martin to its Gourd."

My daughter celebrated her 26th birthday last week. You can read about her special day on her blog. My son has just reached the halfway mark towards his M.A. Such sweet babies!

I need to get you all updated on my kiln purchase, upcoming shows and the new lino blocks that I've cut but I have to get back to the printing press.

Join Me! Camp McDowell July 18-20, 2008

2008-04-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

Southern Roots 2008

2008-04-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

On Monday evening, March 31st, the opening reception for SOUTHERN ROOTS 2008 was held.

SOUTHERN ROOTS is a Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Artists with Alabama ties. The exhibition is presented each year by The Academy of Fine Arts, Inc., (AFA). This current show marks the Nineteenth Annual event. This year, the Juror was Gail Andrews, R. Hugh Daniel Director of the Birmingham Museum of Art. I'm pleased to announce that I received a 1st Place Award for my linoleum block relief print "Like a Martin to its' Gourd" (which you can view here).

Unfortunately, the artwork which was selected for the exhibition is not available on the www. I hope that 'yall will take the time to go downtown Birmingham and see the art which will be available for viewing until May 2nd at the Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place North, Birmingham. My BFF Donna Branch of Tara Glass Art Studio and my best bud, Bill Goudy, are exhibiting also.

Don't know why Julian Hazlett didn't submit his art tiles. His work is wonderful!! I meet Julian, albeit briefly, about 3 years ago as I was strolling thru the Loft District in Birmingham at the Sidewalk Art Festival. When I spotted his art tiles my eyes lit up; my soul squealed with delight! I saw striking black and white jewels which, at first glance, appeared to be wood engravings. I asked him a couple of questions about his technique and he didn't hesitate one bit to share information about resources available in the metro area. Okay, (cue the music) here's where I say, ". . .he had me at hello." I love his eyes. They're intense but friendly. You can't tell if he feels imprisoned by his own muse or if he's looking inside of you. Now . . . and here's the best part . . . fast forward to this year. I met my BFF (that's Donna) at a seminar about six weeks ago and guess who was sittin' there with her!?? Yep! Mr. Julian! There they were just a sittin' and a talkin' and a grinning and havin' a good old time. They've known each other for a while. Gosh, is this a small world or what???!!!!! I love how we're all connected to each other. . . Six Degrees of Separation, right? For those of you who don't know, six degrees of separation refers to the idea that, if a person is one step away from each person he or she knows and two steps away from each person who is known by one of the people he or she knows, then everyone is an average of six "steps" away from each person on Earth.

We're all connected to accomplish something good.

Batter Bowl: A Thrift Shop Treasure

2008-03-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

I love thrift stores and antiques and, okay, just good old junk shops! And, yes, I do believe that one person's trash can be another person's treasure. Case in point. This weekend I found a real treasure. It is to me, anyway.

I have always loved the folk art pottery of Jerry Brown who creates traditional hand-turned pottery. A southern stoneware potter, he makes utilitarian pieces used for food preparation and preservation. He, also, creates whimsical jugs and mugs.

The piece that I found is called a Batter Bowl. It probably isn't the most expensive pottery one can own but I could care less about that. The fact that it was made by his hands and has his signature and a date of 1992 etched on the bottom of it makes my heart leap with pure joy! 1992 is the year he was named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts. And, he is Alabama's Folk Artist of the Year for 2001. My Batter Bowl is perfectly crafted. No chips, no cracks. In fact, it feels like glass when you run your fingers over it. I'll have to find a special place for it in my studio. Use it in my kitchen? Never! Also, I found the old quilt (in the pic) that I have the bowl sitting on. Beautiful, isn't it?

This weekend I devoted quite a bit of time completing art festival applications and getting them in the mail. I'll keep you posted on the venues that I'm invited to participate in. My first show of the season will open in two weeks. It is the Academy of Fine Arts SOUTHERN ROOTS (sm) Exhibition. "SOUTHERN ROOTS (sm) CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN THE VISUAL ARTS" is an annual juried art event of the Academy of Fine Arts, Inc. (AFA) designed to promote the artistic endeavors of adult artists with family, academic or other ties to Alabama.

The exhibition will be presented at the Birmingham Public Library Gallery, 2100 Park Place North, Birmingham 35203 and a reception will be held on Monday, March 31st from 6pm until 8pm.

An Afternoon with Kathryn Tucker Windham

2008-03-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend seems to have flown by! Maybe, because of the time change. Did you remember to reset your clocks?

I had a list of things to do but only one item was actually completed. Bummer! At the top of the list and a real priority was to have those two bad links/pages on my website corrected. But, I didn't feel like sitting at the home computer after having spent the work week, eight hours a day, looking at a monitor and shifting thru mundane graphic requests.

The second item that was (kind of) a priority was to carve a lino block for an upcoming art show. This would have been a relaxing endeavor until I reread the application and realized that the image had to be reduced considerably. This was a show of mini-works on paper and the specs indicated that the art could not be larger than a dollar bill. Whaaaaaaaat??!! Okay, I took a pass on that; too much measuring and thinking.

However, the third item on my list was to make time, on Sunday afternoon, and drive downtown to the Birmingham Museum of Art to listen to one of Alabama's greatest treasures, Kathryn Tucker Windham, talk about her life as an author and photographer. What a storyteller! What a treat! A lot of her stories are told, "off the top of her head" and her photos have the same unstudied quality. She's wonderful. 'yall missed it. Google her name and read about her. Better yet, start with the Wikipedia entry, and click to your heart's delight.

Relief Printing Workshop at Camp McDowell, Nauvoo, Alabama

2008-03-02T16:42:00.000-08:00

Good news!
I'll be returning to the Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell.

Founded in September 2007, the Folk School is the newest branch of the Camp McDowell facility. Week long and weekend classes are offered. If you're interested in learning the basics of Linoleum Block Relief Printing this summer (July 2008), or if you'd just like to explore a craft or discipline that you've always been curious about, contact the Folk School staff at the email link which can be found on the Folk School homepage. My friend Donna Branch, an extremely talented studio glass artist and owner of Tara GlassArt Studio, will teach two week long workshops at the Folk School.

Three lovely ladies enrolled in my weekend lino block relief class, last November. Megan (the director of the Folk School), Ruth from Birmingham and Joyce from Tuscaloosa. They had little (or no) knowledge of lino block relief printing, before the class. However, after a couple of hours of instruction, they were off and running! Each individual brought her own ideas and skills to the class and other than, periodically, chanting our mantra to "cut away from the body, cut away from the body" they worked quietly and diligently for hours. I'm posting their prints here. And, yes, I'm posting with much pride! Applause! Applause!

February 4th

2008-02-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to announce that I am a featured artist this month (one of three) on the Huntsville Art Blog. I embarrassed to say that two of my D RIFFE DESIGN web pages still haven't been completed but that's nobody's fault but mine. So it goes.

My art festival schedule for this season has not been finalized. I find myself, slowly, shifting gears and focusing more on my needlepoint. Here's a recent pic of a canvas that I've been working on. You can check out previous posts to see how much progress I've made. It's slow going. Remember this is an 18ct mesh canvas which means that there are 324 holes per square inch to stitch!

January 2008! Starting off with a bang!

2008-01-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a great year!
My friend, April, found the time to upload my web pages. How wonderful is that??!! Although I still have two additional pages to add to the the site. . . this is definitely a good start. The art festival season is right around the corner and one of the main features, when submitting an application, is to include your website so that the sponsor can create a promotional link to your work. I wasn't able to do that in the past, but now I feel like I can compete with the best of them.

Visit my website D Riffe Design.

Take a look at my recently purchased flat file. It's handmade. Found it via Donna who saw it posted in the newspaper. The drawers are seamless; the entire unit is solid. No wobbles. It's perfect!

Last week, Tom (he's a Prince!) built a storage unit, inside of the closet in my studio, for my linoleum blocks. I'm finally
able to get my lino blocks off of the floor and store them properly. Flat. Do I sound giddy? I'm off to a good start in 2008!

Cut Away from the Body!

2007-12-06T19:45:00.001-08:00

Looking forward to a fun weekend. Hope to see 'yall there!

Almost the End of the Year

2007-12-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

I had hoped to have my web site "live" by now. One month has passed since I paid for my service. But . . .life has gotten in the way. Movin' on.

Three weeks ago, I submitted five framed linoleum block prints for a charity auction held in Huntsville, Alabama. I'm told that three prints sold. That's a good thing! Additionally, I was asked by my favorite patron, Herb, to submit a print for a local charity event: FIRST LIGHT -A Center for Homeless Women and Children. I was happy to do it. I'm still new to the art festival/gallery/non-profit auction world so I'm learning to be very selective.

As of today, I have not yet committed to any art festivals for the new year. I probably won't begin the process until after the Christmas holiday. But keep checking back, I'll have to post upcoming events here.

I visited my lovely daughter and her boyfriend, in Boston, a couple of weeks ago. And then she and I flew to DC to visit other family members. I haven't taken such a large chunk of time off from my job in a couple of years and it was quit strange to say the least. Yes, I had a great time. Yes, I'll be taking more time off in the near future. To infinity and beyond!!

Introducing Web Home Page for D Riffe Design

2007-11-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, here is the new HOME page of my site (that I hope will go live this week)!

I'm proud of myself! I've been staying on task and working on my website images. Lots of scanning, cropping and planning. My one hiccup has been in trying to figure out how to put my entire portfolio of lino block prints on-line, without inviting those few rouge artists out there an opportunity to "right click" and borrow my work (without permission). It's a challenge, to say the least.

Additionally, I want to show you the needlepoint canvas that I've been working on. I stitch at least one to two hours each night. It's difficult choosing between sitting at the computer and working on web stuff or sitting on the floor of my den and stitching. The slightest distraction that takes me away from my creative time makes me nuts. Oh, well, what can you do but roll with it, right? Go to my previous post to compare the progress of my needlepoint images.

That's it for now. Back to the drawing board.

Work in Progress

2007-10-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

I'm making slow but steady progress on my newest needlepoint canvas. I feel like I should have more to show for my effort, but that's not the case. These two images which I've posted show how the purple hull peas are starting to take shape in the washtub. If you go back to the previous post, you can read up on the project.

I'm working on 18 count canvas, a teeny-tiny mesh. So if I stitch one square inch of canvas that's a total of 324 holes (per square inch)!! It takes me about one hour to stitch one square inch . . .that's if I'm not interrupted by a phone call or a by a crazy woodpecker banging away on the soffit of my house. I'm at my wits end trying to keep the little winged devil from damaging the wood. Why my house? Geez. Today I noticed where the paint has been chipped away and a circular pattern, about the size of a half dollar, is showing exposed wood. I'm not happy about this. Enough is enough!

Setting the Bar a Wee Bit Higher

2007-10-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

The 44th Annual Bluff Park Art Festival has come and gone. It was wonderful . . .and more tiring than previous festivals. But, I survived it! The venue marked my one year anniversary as an exhibitor on the art festival circuit. I have met so many interesting people. It's worth the time and effort (and money) just to get out there to meet them. Last year I stayed close to home; next year I hope to stretch my legs a bit by traveling out-of-state. I'm in the process of applying for juried festivals for 2008. I haven't received any notices yet but I'll post my show schedule as the dates roll in. Also, I'm FINALLY working on my ideas and images for a website. My friend, April, has promised to assist me. She's waiting for me to stop procrastinating.

The composite that is posted with this entry shows the original pencil sketch, linoleum block relief cut and the beginning stitches of a needlepoint canvas that I'm working on, of the same design. I'll post larger progression images of the needlepoint over the next few months. The title of the block print is "Mississippi Purple Hull Black Eye Peas." It's lyrical, don't you think?

Needlepoint is my first love. I'm taking a few months off (away from block printing) to stitch new canvases in preparation for a one-woman show August 2008. Some of the linoleum block prints which I've created this year will be converted to needlepoint. I think that I want to exhibit the original sketch and the block print along with
the needlepoint canvas. It'll be a striking and powerful presentation.

44th Annual Bluff Park Art Festival

2007-10-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

I really need to bring 'yall up to date on my work and my most recent art venue which took place last Saturday, October 6th . . .but I'm still too tired to think thru what I need to post. I sit at a computer all day at my "9-to-5-job-with benefits" and it's VERY difficult to come home and look at another monitor for an extended time. I'd rather sit on my den floor and cut a lino block or sketch a design. But . . .having said that, I can see that I need to make the commitment and just do it! And so I will. . .this weekend.

A Busy, Busy Weekend

2007-09-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

I wish that I could take a break this weekend but I can't. I've been juggling a number of projects and none are complete. Doesn't matter. I'm making progress by leaps and bounds! Although I, rarely, take on freelance design projects when I begin my "countdown" towards an art venue or festival I actually committed to two projects this past week. Thankfully, my colleague with whom I collaborated, and I were able to turn over that project in record time. She continues to shoulder the bulk of the work because of the nature of the contract but, short of any major glitches, my contribution to the effort is done. The second committment that I've made is to create a four color brochure for a pastor friend of mine who is expanding his reach to include individuals outside of his home church who might be interested in joining him on his annual mission trip to Ghana. I got up pretty early this Sunday morning to finalize the first layout so that I would have the rest of my Labor Day weekend free.

As I've reminded you repeatedly, the Bluff Park Art Festival is next month. I have about four weeks to pull everything together. I need to have new pieces framed and instead of waiting until the last minute this time, I will prepare all of my paperwork (inventory, fliers, etc.) early. I received news yesterday that I'm scheduled to exhibit with two others at the Lyda Rose Art Gallery (Homewood) next month. I believe that the opening takes place on Friday, October 12th. I don't have all of the details yet but will post them within the week.

Most of you don't know that I love Spencerian penmanship and expensive fountain pens. . . not necessarily in that order. Spencerian is an ornate style of penmanship employing rounded letters slanted to the right. Sometime in the near future, I'll have to post a few of my calligraphy projects. Once a week, I try to write a note or letter to someone using my pen(s) while practicing my Spencerian penmanship. It's true, a handwritten note or letter is becoming a lost art; especially with all of the technology that we have at our fingertips (I'm specifically thinking about cell phones and email). It's really too bad that many of us don't take the time to write a note or send a card to a family member or friend. The act itself is very special and personal; email is not.

I'm Back in Business!

2007-08-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

My sanity has slowly returned.

After fighting with my Mac OS off and on for the past five weeks, I'm finally back in the driver's seat. I've learned more technical stuff than I care about. Turns out that all of my glitches and false starts led back to the new RAM which I had my service technician install. My goal was to max out the RAM on my computer. When I brought my Mac home, I immediately had a problem starting up. As you all now know, it went downhill from there. My son (who is smarter than I'll ever be) suggested that I take the new RAM out. I could have done that, on day two, but I just knew that that solution was too easy. So I struggled along until last Friday, and got so frustrated that I finally opened the back of the computer and jerked out the RAM. Guess what??!! As soon as I put my old RAM back in my computer all problems ceased. Unreal. Five weeks. FIVE WEEKS of pure agony. And to think that I even had the hard drive erased. Replacing and rebuilding old files has not been fun. Geez. I'm a bit smarter now.

Last week, I took a leisurely drive to Camp McDowell located outside of Nauvoo, Alabama. It's located in the northwest quadrant of the state, in an area which I have not explored very much. I met with a lovely young woman who is the Director of the newest branch of the facility THE ALABAMA FOLK SCHOOL at CAMP MCDOWELL. She loved my portfolio of lino block prints. I'm signed on to teach Linoleum Block Relief Printing the weekend of December 7th -9th. This is exciting! It's a wonderful opportunity and I'm looking forward to meeting lots of interesting people. The Folk School at Camp McDowell is modeled on the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina.

And speaking of lino prints, here's my latest cut. The title of it is "Like a Marlin To Its Gourd." In June, when I participated in the art festival at Aldridge Gardens (Hoover, AL) a couple came over to my booth to chat. The guy, who had grown up in the South, seemed to identify with all of the block prints that had gourds. He said that the imagery of the gourds and the birds reminded him of a saying that he had heard his father utter many times, while working the farm. I loved his story. Many times, the images in my block prints are based on stories or sayings or some recollection that has jarred someone's memory. Patrons love to share memories (of days gone by) with me as they view my work and reflect on their formative years growing up in the south. Friends and family have shared stories of their youth, also, and it has afforded me an opportunity to record some of those memories through my interpretation via block prints...and needlepoint, too. I love the south . . .and all things southern!

My next art venue will take place in October. Don't forget to mark your calendar for Saturday, October 6, 2007 the 44th Annual Bluff Park Art Festival.

MacIntosh OS Mayhem

2007-08-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

I love my MacIntosh computer. However, my home OS system has been down for nearly one month and I have not been a happy camper.

I'm a Mac OS (that's "operating system" for those of you who are Mac challenged) diehard so there's no need to suggest that I consider a PC. Over the past few weeks, I have been at the end of my rope trying to figure out what to do and how to do it. . .with regard to getting my system back up and running. I'm a great designer (and I say that with the utmost humility) but when it comes to the tech stuff, I'm like a fish out of water. None of it makes sense. And for me to function at full capacity it HAS to make sense.

I'm unable to pinpoint the exact day or time when my trouble started. I knew that I had a problem -a REAL problem- when I had to call APPLE CARE more than twice in one evening. The technician would talk me thru a troubleshooting phase and each time that I thought that the problem was resolved, invariably something else would go wacky as soon as I hung up the phone. It's been a roller coaster ride and then some. I had the option of taking my system to the new APPLE Store located right here in Birmingham, at the Summit, but I am intensely loyal to the authorized Apple technicians at PERRY COMPUTING in Homewood. These guys care. I like the fact that they know me. Anyway, last week it came down to erasing the hard drive. Ugh!

The deed has been done. My computer has been returned to me. So far, so good. Hopefully, I can get back on track. Unfortunately, I've lost every bookmark/address and will have to rebuild my list but if that's all that I have to do, it's a small price to pay.

I've been so distracted with my computer that I've lost precious time cutting new lino blocks for next art show. I'll be an exhibitor at the Bluff Park Art Festival, Bluff Park, on Saturday, October 6th. Time to get busy!!

Time to Take A Break

2007-06-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

This is a photo taken of the Award Winners who participated in the 2007 Aldridge Botanical Gardens Art Festival-June 2nd and 3rd. That's me anchoring the left side of the picture. I received an Honorary Mention Award.

I have a new "sponsor." Yeaaaaa! As of last Saturday, my work can be viewed at the Lyda Rose Gallery (Homewood, Ala).

I had a great time showing my prints. The two day venue was effortless and seeing old faces and meeting new patrons was a lot of fun. I've discovered that I'm really in my element when exhibiting. Why, oh why, do I feel as tho I have to work 9 to 5 in a job that does not bring me half the pleasure as exhibiting and selling my art work?? Oh, that's right. . . medical and dental benefits. Duh-uh.

I have survived the last few weeks of art festivals and one wonderful weekend of commencement activities. Whew! As we roll into the summer months, my goal will be to spend as much time as I can sketching and creating new lino block prints and needlepoint art.

While you're waiting for my next post, visit my daughter's blog. She always has a lot of fun, inspiring design recommendations and interesting product tidbits to read about. You'll find her blog here: MAKE IT.

Welcome, June!

2007-05-26T21:25:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. It's not June yet. But it might as well be. This holiday weekend is a welcome break from all of my May activities. I've been moving non-stop for the past six weeks preparing for Magic City, painting needlepoint canvases and preparing for commencement. At this moment, I'm sitting in my studio eating bon-bon's and basking in the after glow of my son's graduation from college, last weekend. Friends and family gathered in Atlanta to celebrate and, I must say, a good time was had by all! The crowning moment, for me, was when my Prince arrived at the luncheon that I was hosting for him. He entered the banquet room, grinning from ear to ear, with his entourage of friends. Impeccably dressed in a tailored charcoal gray suit, crisp white shirt, and silk power tie, he stands exactly 6' 5" and uses every inch of his height when "working" a room - charming doesn't begin to describe him. 47 attendees stood and applauded, chanted his name in unison, patted him on his back, shook his hand and kissed his cheeks as he made his way towards me . . .and handed me his degree. It was a Kodak moment if ever there was one. In two months, he'll begin the next chapter of his life as a law student. Yes, his mama is all puffed up and as proud as can be!

Okay, here's the update on the art happenings! The ONB/Magic City Art Festival last month was GREAT! I'm now focusing every waking hour preparing for my next venue which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 2nd and June 3rd. It's ART IN THE GARDENS located in Hoover, at the Aldridge Botanical Gardens. I'm posting my mailer. If you're in Birmingham next week-end, stop by Aldridge Botanical Gardens and say hi. I'll be set up in the Pavillion area. Oh, and as always . . . pray for sunshine and blue skies.

I Survived My First 3-Day Art Festival!

2007-05-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

I suppose that you're wondering why I must always put an exclamation point behind every title that I post. Well, if you must know . . . I stay excited about all things art and art related (with the exception of my 9 to 5 job). I'm especially excited about the progress that I'm making with my block printing and needlepoint designs! If I knew 10 years ago what I know now, lordy, I'd be sooooo far ahead of the game. But all things in time, I suppose.

My display is very minimalistic because I'm still building inventory. But I'm told that the stark black and white imagery really stands out surrounded by rows and rows of color filled canopy tents. I'll post a corner of my booth. Yes, the framed prints are supported by chicken wire! Before I forget, much thanks to all who stopped by during the festival. I appreciate your support.

The Magic City Art Festival was a great venue for me. I met so many interesting people! You'll remember that this was just my second art festival. I'm now two for two. I've decided that I will continue to apply for future festivals but they will have to be juried and, for now, located within Alabama. I'm not quite ready to travel beyond the state line yet. I need a truck/van, a sturdier canopy tent, modular wall units, a reliable hands-on, can-do friend/helper, etc. Two gallery owners expressed interest in carrying my block prints. I'll drive to Decatur, Alabama, in a couple of weeks for a meeting.

It has taken me all week to recoup from last weekend. I took Monday off but still felt quite tired when I returned to work on Tuesday. I really need to get my tush in gear, again, and start cutting more designs. I have another festival coming up the first weekend in June. It'll be here before you know it. This one will be held at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover. I still haven't figured out how to set up web links (even tho my daughter has explained the process to me twice), but just GOOGLE Aldridge Gardens Art Festival in Hoover and the info will appear. I'm participating in another juried event sponsored by the Academy of Fine Arts, Inc., the 18th Annual SOUTHERN ROOTS Exhibition. The opening day is May 14th. Also, I received notification that my work has been accepted for the 44th Bluff Park Festival which will take place the first weekend in October 2007. Yea!

The next couple of weeks will be busy for me. I'm preparing for my son's commencement. Family members and friends are gathering in ATL on graduation day to honor my Prince, it'll feel like a family reunion. Thankfully, I secured a banquet room at one of my favorite restaurants in ATL. One can't ever plan too early for commencement . . . or for an art festival.

Countdown to the Magic City Art Connection

2007-04-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

Okay. We're now at five days and counting. I've done everything that I know to do, to prepare for the festival. This will be my second juried art festival. I'm a bit punch drunk from printing and packaging and pulling all of my inventory information together. I still have a lot of questions about set up and prep, but I suppose that it's now come down to learning by doing. I received my packet with multiple pages of rules and regulations and, oh yes, instructions on how to pay my county, city and state taxes. (groan) Right now my concern is about the weather and like Zora Neale Hurston "My Eyes are Watching God" (okay, so I tweeked the title a bit). Anyway, Zora was a novelist and author during the Harlem Renaissance. For those who want a bit more info just go to Wikipedia, the free on-line encyclopedia and read an overview on her background and career. Better yet, read her book "Their Eyes Were Watching God" and let me know what you think about it.

I've become very anxious about the weather and I've been in overdrive watching the Weather Channel; trying to catch every local tv weather broadcast (as tho staring at the television set will change an upper level high! ha!) Of course, this weekend has been absolutely perfect...slightly breezy, sunny and low humidity. Rain is predicted for Wednesday night thru Thursday, with a varying percentage of rain from Friday thru Sunday depending on which news broadcast you're watching. How can three different local stations have three different predictions??! I'm confused. For those of you who don't get it . . .my art display is comprised of lino prints - which means that all of my inventory is on P-A-P-E-R. PAPER! MOISTURE! Now do you understand? The thought of my prints being exposed to mist or moisture or morning dew is the ultimate death. And, it ain't a merciful death either. I had already decided that I would pack up my inventory at the close of each day and take it home with me. It would mean getting up a lot earlier in the morning to rehang and regroup but that's no big deal. However, if a shower and or storm passes over during the middle of the day . . .canopy tent or not . . .I've got to have a contingency plan in place so that I can get the prints and framed pieces under cover. Geez. My head hurts just thinking about this.

I had hoped to have my painted tiles ready for display but I ran out of steam. Maybe, by the time the next art festival rolls around I'll have them ready. I'm posting a sample of the tiles. I've taken four of them, laid them on the table and I've taken a group shot. Each has a design painted on it with black glaze. I wanted the image to be as black as my oil based lino block prints, so the glaze (which is actually transparent) was painted with about 5 or 6 coats to create the design.

Painting on tiles is a bit tricky. The key is to have a good brush. An expensive brush; one that will hold it's point. Because my work is detailed, I could not have gotten some of the angles to appear crisp had I used a brush from one of the general market stores. These four tiles have been fired. I loved the way they turned out. As I continue to experiment, I may try to create a "mock wall" with the 6 x 6 inch tiles along with smaller mosaic tiles just to see what it'll look like. Okay, there I go again. . .another project. I need to stay focused on this week. Hopefully, I'll have another post tomorrow night along with the weather report. No need for me to agonize over this by myself, right? (smile)

Gettin' Ready for my Second Art Festival!

2007-04-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

I am stoked! Last week I received a call from the owner of the 4 Seasons Antiques and Art Gallery in Bluff Park informing me that all four of my linoleum blocks prints had sold. Thank you! Thank you! I'm in need of additional funds to frame nine more lino block prints for the Magic City Art Festival which will be held at the end of this month. There's a lot of truth in the statement that "it takes money, to make money." Framing is sooooooo expensive. I'm still new with the art festival circuit thingy and it always seems as tho I'm rolling pennies to apply towards framing. Why is that?

Hey, I'm posting the front side of my post card announcement that I'll mail out next week. It's simple but it serves the purpose.

I'm in overdrive these days carving and printing lino blocks. A friend of mine has cautioned me to not become too ambitious with cutting large blocks and to keep most of my prints smaller than my usual 8 x 10 size. So this go 'round I'm focusing more on 5 x7 block prints. I trust his judgement. He has a pretty good feel for art festivals. Just that little bit of information has saved me a lot of time and angst.

For some reason I'm in a raven/pumpkin/gourd mode. Ravens are really difficult to cut. One teeny slip of the cutting tool and your raven has turned into a duck! or a sparrow! It's hard to 'splain (Lucy), but ravens are a challenge. Here's the first print of many that I've already printed. What do you think?

My lawn needs to be cut. Once upon a time I was the homeowner, on my block, who set the bar in keeping the yard mowed and trimmed. Neighbors followed suit within a day or two. However, I've had to REALLY prioritize my time lately. And most weekends and evenings, after work, have not included yard work. Geez, it shows. I feel like I need to "keep up with the Jones'." Where are the teens who used to come around and cut your grass for pocket change? Times have changed.

The ONB/Magic City Art Festival web site should be up. If I was as smart as my kids I could add a link here so that all you'd have to do is "click." Obvioulsy, I don't know how to do it so you'll just have to go to: www.magiccityart.com and check it out. I'm in the printmaking catagory.

March Madness

2007-03-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

The title of this blog entry has nothing to do with the current college basketball frenzy that has gripped the country. But rather, it has more to do with the frantic, mad hatter's craziness that I'm feeling these days, as I prepare for my next outdoor art festival—the ONB/Magic City Art Festival located in Linn Park, downtown Birmingham. I simply can not believe that this month is almost over!

My art prep time is reaching a critical stage.
I'm not one to do anything at the last minute . . .so I'm starting to feel a bit of (self impossed) pressure to kick it up a notch. I still have a number of lino blocks to cut, print, package and/or frame. Then I'll need to make sure that my canopy tent, table, portfolio rack(s), and additional supplies are all in tip top shape. A couple of weeks ago, I ordered a Director's Chair from Dick Blick. Last October, when I participated in the 43rd Annual Bluff Park Art Festival, I stayed on my feet the entire time. I was one tired puppy at the end of the day. A friend who had assisted me, had the presence of mind to bring a couple of lawn chairs but customers came into the booth, stopped to chat and passed by every few minutes and I just couldn't find the time to sit. The thought of standing for 3 long days, this next go 'round, without a place to park my tush is more than a notion. At least with a tall Director's Chair, if I opt not to sit, I'll have a place to lean against.

In addition to my lino prints (on paper), I'll also offer 6-inch tiles with the same designs and bookplates. The tiles are actually being fired this week and should be ready within the next few days. I'm anxious to see the final product. If all goes well, I'll post pictures.