words + pictures from the studio of Joan Colbert
Of the five planned botanical prints of Solanaceae pairs, four combine a poisonous plant with a vegetable. The remaining one is a floral, featuring Deadly Nightshade and Petunia. The edition of Loves Me Not is finished – and it’s a good guess that the romance is too! There’s no doubt that Atropa belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) is heartless, but the pretty Petunia? In the Language of Flowers it actually symbolizes anger and resentment.
Tags: belladonna, block print, deadly nightshade, linocut, petunia, poison, printmaking, Solanaceae, wasp
It figures. Last week I printed the small edition of the woody nightshade/tomato print and a day later decided I was somewhat unhappy with it. It was that darn black sheep, living up to his troublemaking reputation. Actually, it really was the black sheep, but the problem was my fault. His curly fur was too busy and too distracting. It was very tempting to just recut the block, but first I decided to try my hand at pochoir and change the existing print.
Using a stencil (the French/English translation of pochoir) I was able to lightly roll ink over the small area of white curlicues and successfully redeem the disappointing image.
Pleased with the results, I titled the print, Bittersweet, not just for the woody nightshade wallpaper, but for the happy ending.
Tags: black sheep, linocut, pochoir, poison, printmaking, relief print, Solanaceae, stencil, tomato, woody nightshade
Things are heating up both inside and out! Smokin’ Hot is the most recent addition to the Solanaceae prints, combining the fierce Capsicum (chili pepper) with its deadly cousin Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco).
For more information on the series visit As Potent as a Charm on my website.
Tags: block print, chili pepper, linocut, printmaking, relief print, skeleton, Solanaceae, tobacco
It’s exciting to finally begin printing the pieces in the Solanaceae group, the newest in the As Potent as a Charm series. Solanaceae contains both botanical bad guys and garden favorites, so each will feature an unlikely pairing, such as the Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, with Woody Nightshade, Solanum dulcamara, in this yet to be titled print.
Tags: block print, linocut, poison, printmaking, Solanaceae, tomato, woody nightshade
Never one to trust that spring temperatures are here to stay, I seldom plant outdoors until Memorial Day weekend. Although this year that weekend arrived a bit earlier than usual, I was eager to visit area greenhouses despite the (remote) possibility of frost. In the garden the flowering bulbs have been spectacular and the perennials are reappearing, which makes the window boxes top priority. Each window box (there are eight) hold plants in gallon pots. After years of trial and error I’ve come to rely on geraniums and petunias – not very exotic, but definitely forgiving of heat, wind and storms. Vinca vines are overwintered in the garden, then dug up for the second floor boxes.
This year’s Open Studio was a delight! Once again the weather was at its springtime best (maybe the Sunday following Mother’s Day is magical) even though it rained for much of the preceding week. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and congratulations to door prize winners, Wendy, Dan and Annie Lou!
When asked, I normally say that it’s been about twenty years since my first open studio. Actually, this was number twenty-two. In the early 1990s Akron/Summit County artists participated in Cleveland’s NOVA (New Organization for the Visual Arts) Open Studio Days. When NOVA folded, many of the Akron area artists continued to host open studios, but interest waned after a few years. Apparently I never got the memo that the event had been discontinued. . . and I’m glad I didn’t!
After the last guests departed Dylan let me know just how much work was involved in being a semi-official greeter all day!
Exhibits at Summit Artspace Gallery and the BOX are finally back to the same schedule after a few month of alternating openings. On Friday, May 15, two juried shows opened to the public: Fresh Art and the Artists of Rubber City 25th Juried Exhibition.
On the third floor a somewhat impromptu performance by visiting New Orleans musicians added to the festivities.
Fresh – Annual Juried Contemporary Art Exhibition
Summit Artspace Gallery
May 15 – June 27, 2015
Artists of Rubber City 25th Annual Juried Show
the BOX gallery
May 15 – June 28, 2015
Summit Artspace
140 East Market Street
Akron, Ohio
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
On the second Friday of each month Hudson, Ohio, is brimming with art and artists during the Art Hop. Not only are galleries and studios open, but guest artists appear in other locations around town. I was pleased to the featured artist at the Learned Owl Book Shop on historic Main Street, a simply delightful venue for my relief prints. Only one regret – I never got around to taking pictures!
Tulips and daffodils from the garden greeted studio visitors during the May Downtown Akron Artwalk.
The little kitty caught me in his tractor beam stare and resistance was futile! Spirit World, by Roza Maille, came home with me from the Artists of Rubber City Postcard Show.
It was no surprise that sales were brisk during the Friday evening opening reception – the selection of small original art was incredible. A variety of frames were also available, with proceeds from all purchases benefiting The BOX Gallery. It’s difficult to contain the awesomeness of Spirit World, but this frame comes mighty close!
The Artists of Rubber City Postcard Show continues through May 3, 2015 at The Box Gallery, 140 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio.
