Linda & Opie's Burnt Offerings

Terpsichore...The Muse of the Dance

As Summer comes to an end. II leave you with this...
Akua Ink - Drypoint - Chine Colle Happy Sunday!

Italy: 6 Views Opening Reception

Friday November 15, 6PM to 8PM

At the Eclipse Mill Gallery, 243 Union St. North Adams, MA 01247

Please join…

Wendy James – Mixed Media Collage

Howard Itzkowitz – Photo Montage and Drawing

Linda O’Brien – Printmaking and Mixed Media

Opie O’Brien – Printmaking and Mixed Media

Wilma Rifkin – Watercolor and Collage

Stephen Rifkin – Poem Reading

For eclectic views of Italy from each artists’ perspective.

A New Series in Progress...

being adopted - it was often difficult for me to feel connected with people, places, etc. until this year when Opie and I spent a month in Italy studying Printmaking and taking many many side trips. i was particularly moved by the colorful clotheslines everywhere - but especially in Burano which reminded me of my childhood in Brooklyn, N.Y. -- so in addition to the drypoint plates i made there -- i was very inspired to begin a new series of Mixed Media Paintings titled: From Brooklyn to Burano - and using actual dresses!

Since i've always considered myself the "fabric impaired" - i'd like to give a special thank you to the very talented Sue Pelletier, whose online workshop Loose Raw Paintings, has given me a new-found love of using it!

also i'd like to introduce you to a new book by a friend that's recently become available...

Maple Syrup and Fish Sauce…

the first fiction book from our friend Eric Rudd [the person responsible for converting the Mill we live in into Artist Loft’s].  It’s a romantic tale about a young writer, Bartholomew Stine, who was born and then cured of a rare genetic disorder, who experiences love, success, and tragedy while being watched over by his mentor, actor Dustin Hoffman. Bartholomew has much to face in life growing up, but scientific progress finally comes to his aid. As he deals with increased challenges after being medically cured through gene replacement, he has to confront life’s complexities and circumstances of his own making in the Berkshires, Los Angeles, Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and the small beach village of
Sayulita, Mexico. Learning about love and adult responsibility from two Vietnamese sisters, tears and laughter are shared by the young writer, his sibling, and his parents in this modern-day family story. If you’re looking for a compelling new read – then check this book out. It’s available in hardcover and an electronic version.

The Print Exchange Exhibition in NYC...

Several months ago we participated in the Sketchbook Project's Print Exchange...

500 artists across the globe participated. Opie and I created linocuts and a good time was had by all. We both loved the prints we got back. Here's a few pics from some of the artists.

The exhibit will be in two gallery shows - on both the East and West Coast.

So if you're in New York do stop by ... the prints are exhibting for pretty much the entire month of September! 

the Opening Reception is Friday Sept. 13th from 6PM to 8PM

September
5th - 29th, 2013
Robert Blackburn Printshop
323 West 39th
Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10018

Art New England Workshops Rock...

What a wonderful week - and such an eclectic group of talented artists. Our Printmaking Workshop with Susan Rostow continued where Italy left off. Opie and I are loving the non-toxic water based Akua inks and modifiers. Here's just a few pics - more to follow...

yes... even a book! and so much more - which i'll save for another post...

 

 

Printmaking and Our Month in Italy...

what a magical month we had. it surpassed all of my expectations and i learned so very much. it began with our renting an apartment in Florence for the month right on the Ponte Vecchio, so we could walk to practically everything... and we did!

the first week we explored the charms of Florence, visited the Museums and enjoyed the food and desserts. the seafood pasta and panna cotta were among our very favorites...

our Printmaking Residency at Il Bisonte with Linda Goodman began the second week. It was a 19 day day intensive focusing on non-toxic Monoprint, Drypoint and Chine Colle - and one of the most memorable experiences of my life. i came away from it with the solid foundation i was seeking that would allow me to go off in the completely new direction i had been looking for. even Opie, who majored in Printmaking at SVA in N.Y.C. over 40 years ago, was amazed and impressed with the new techniques of todays printmaking. here are some pics of Il Bisonte...

one of my happiest moments with a completely successful transfer...oh joy!

we both accomplished a lot and left with portfolios we're proud of. more on that later as it's too much for just one post... here's a picture of our group -- a good time was had by all!

we also took several side trips on the train (which was a great way to get around) and went to Lucca, Pisa, Venice for the Biennale, and Burano for Opie's birthday. it was magical and pics will follow soon... but we're both happy to be back home! 

 

 

Sketching and Printmaking in Florence...

we're so excited - an entire month in Florence of Sketching, Photography & Printmaking.

living the dream.....

life is good! 

The Print Exchange 2013

The Sketchbook Project called out to 500 print-makers across the globe to become part of a massive Print Exchange.

The theme was "The Drive Home"

Each artist was asked to interpret the theme by making an edition of 12 prints from a single plate, screen, stone, block, or whatever your chosen Printmaking method.

In exchange each artist will be included in two exhibitions on the east and west coast...

• In New York City at Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop and Graphic Arts Workshop in San Francisco.

* Plus... everyone will receive 10 random prints from other participating artists.

* And have one print added to the Brooklyn Art Library permanent collection.

Since the print had to fit on  5"x7" paper, both Opie and I decided to go with a Linocut and print it on our Speedball Block Printing Press instead of our large Etching Press.

 

It was the first time either of us carved a stamp and it was a totally cool experience. So very relaxing. We're both looking forward to exploring this medium further.

Oh -- and stay tuned -- next week we'll have some very exciting news to share....

Happy Sunday!

 

Going in a New Direction…

Opie and I love adventure and veering off in new directions, and as a result, every so often throughout our creative lives we’ve re-invented ourselves - and this move to the Berkshires is turning out to be another of those magical times!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My new Etching Press has Arrived…

Over the last few weeks I’ve become obsessed with Printmaking both with and without a Press (although I must admit, I REALLY love using the Press) so much so that “Santa Opie” bought me this beauty for Christmas.

My new obsession started innocently enough with a 5 week series of workshops with Dean Nimmer, the author of Art from Intuition, who lives in a neighboring town. Truthfully, I simply wanted to jumpstart my creativity after the year from hell and this very intense out of state move. I never expected or imagined that this would ignite such a fire in me... but it did! I thought I was hooked at Monoprints and Collographs - but I’m quickly discovering that Printmaking offers myriad possibilities and I’m looking forward to getting lost in each new process. As you can see, I’m beyond excited and I invite you to come along as I begin this new phase of my creative life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So stay tuned as I open the box both literally and metaphorically…