Out of My Mind

Design Work

2012-02-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

I have, over the years, designed products for my friend Haring who owns Authentic Models...a very cool company located in Eugene and selling amazing, artful gifts and goods all over the world. I have been designing Balance Figures (the call them Skyhooks) that are made from metal and rock back and forth with movements from counter weights. When they are produced, they are handmade and hand painted in Indonesia. Check out his catalog online: authenticmodels.com.

Though I love making art, I also like to design things. I find comfort in it. I get an assignment and I make it. I am not sure why, but I find that so much easier than coming up with my own work! Perhaps it is because I have done it for so many years that it is second nature to me. Or maybe because I can do hand work and then scan it and edit it with the computer. Either way, it's just another way to make art everyday...and that's my goal.

Below are a few designs from my most recent batch.

Acrobat with flag (Circus Collection)

Knight on Steed (Royal Collection)

Madame Butterfly (Opera Collection)

Figure on a stand showing the counter weight at the bottom. Her fan rocks and her wings sway in the back.

US Postal Service Update

2012-02-15T15:29:00.000-08:00

Earlier in this blog I posted an image of 3 art pieces I send to my daughter in LA...and they were destroyed by the postal service. So here is the updated image. I cut the fronts of the canvases off of the shattered frames, taped all the holes on the backside and then reapplied paper bits to cover the holes...Now it is tacked to the wall like banners...still a bit crumpled...but I think it came out alright considering. Just goes to show the benefits of working with collage...you can't tell when things are patched ; )

after repair

before repair

before ruination

Table of Fun Stuff

2012-02-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

For my out-of-town buddies...here is a peek at our show at Passionflower...lottsa fun stuff!

Third Annual Objects of Desire Show

2012-01-30T21:20:00.000-08:00

This Friday and Saturday, I am in a show at Passionflower Design, along with my good friend and fellow artist, Beverly Soasey. This is our third annual Objects of Desire Show.

What I love about this show is that it is very informal and eclectic. Jewel, the owner, lets us do whatever we want and so we create a variety of artworks, cards, doodads and what-nots. Some of the pieces are especially for Valentine's Day. Join us for a fun opening this Friday from 5-8pm.

A few new pieces from the show...

Third Annual Objects of Desire Show

2012-01-15T21:17:00.000-08:00

Your Play Mixed Media Collage

A Very Special Two Day Show at

Passionflower Design

In Eugene

Work by Beverly Soasey and Me...

Join us for the opening Feb 3 from 5-8pm.

Show runs Feb 3 & 4 only.

128 East Broadway, Eugene, OR

US Postal Service

2012-01-12T23:49:00.000-08:00

I made a mixed media piece for my kids for Christmas...

3 canvases, each 18 x 24.

It was all made from bits of recycled paper.

Since they flew up from LA,

I was going to drive it down when I went to visit.

But I got anxious to get it to them and decided to ship it.

I packed it in card board and sent it off.

This is how it arrived. And the third canvas is even worse.

What the hell did they do to it?

I thought I had packed it well.

But obviously I have a lot to learn about packing for shipping.

Especially if I use the postal service. Never again.

And no, I did not purchase insurance.

Yes, I know.

Really stupid.

February Paper Clay Workshop

2011-12-26T13:35:00.000-08:00

Two Half-days: Saturday, Feb. 4, 10-2, Sunday, Feb. 5, 1-4
Workshop fee: $100.00
At Clay Space
222 Polk Street, Eugene OR 97402
To register call: 541-653-8089

Make a mixed media masterpiece and learn new ways to create artwork in two half-day sessions using paper maché clay, tissue paper, and acrylic paint. On day one, you will sculpt the clay on boards. On day two, you will refine, carve and paint your finished piece. The result will leave people wondering how you made it. This workshop is easy, fun and very forgiving. A unique process, perfect for every skill level from beginner to advanced.

Each person needs to bring:

--One 8x10 canvas or board (about 1/4" thick)
--8 oz Creative Paper Clay (from any art supply or craft store)
--Acrylic paint-- Bring what you have. If you do not already own them, you need to minimally buy a set that includes ivory black, titanium white, a red, a yellow and a blue. If you are unsure what colors to buy, email me at rogenem@phototidings.com
--Paint brushes, a variety of sizes and shapes--at least one for detail plus 2-3 medium-small sizes
--Xacto knife
--Pencil, eraser and black stylist marker of some kind
--Elmer's School Glue
--Plastic containers for water and glue/water combo
--A palette for acrylic paint such as an 8x10 piece of glass, a white plate, a glass plate, or 2-3 white paper plates with plastic coating,
--Rolling pin or something that will work as a roller
--Tape, masking or whatever
--Gesso, small amount

Optional:
--letter stamps, other things to stamp into the clay
--hair dryer or heat gun to speed drying times

I will provide:
--Inspirational images
--Carbon paper for transfer
--Tissue paper, variety of colors
--Tissue for sketching designs
--Plastic sheeting for clay work
--the loan of a wooden clay tool
--rubbing alcohol
--sand paper

Christmas for the Birds

2011-12-20T00:28:00.000-08:00

This year...consider making a nature tree for the birds. You can decorate a tree outside with treats for your feathered friends. It's a cruel world out there...and those cute little birds are scurrying to find enough food to keep themselves alive each day. And when it is below freezing, they could use a bowl of water too. Here is one of many sites that shows how to make a nature tree for the birds.

http://birding.about.com/od/birdfeeders/a/Decorate-A-Christmas-Tree-For-The-Birds.htm

If you do it near a window you will be able to see how much they appreciate your generosity.

Happy Holidays!

Small Pleasures Art Show

2011-12-01T23:07:00.000-08:00

Opening next Friday, December 9th at 5:30

Show runs through January 25

20 artists, all pieces are 12" or less

at the Jacobs Gallery in Eugene

Love Hurts Paper Clay/Mixed Media

The Pest Paper Clay/Miked Media

I have about 10 pieces in this show.

All are somewhat dark.

Like the days when clouds hang over the sun

and you never get the sense that it is still in the sky.

Happy Holidays

Small Things Show at Guardino Gallery in Porltand

2011-11-22T16:49:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the birds and bugs in the Guardino Show in Portland.

Birds and Bugs...that's my theme for this season.

The show opens this Friday at 5:30!

All art is 7" and less

It's a really cool gallery.

http://guardinogallery.com

Small Things Show at Guardino Gallery in Porltand

2011-11-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a great show...opening the day after Thanksgiving. I will have several bug and bird pieces hanging. And all the work is under 7" square. More than 40 artists on display.

Un-Christmas Cards

2011-11-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

Don't we all have enough stuff? This Christmas, consider sending this card to friends and family so that you might all take a break from the holiday spending machine. Click on it to see what it says on both sides. I have them with matching envelops for sale at cost (1.25/card)...but would gladly GIVE them away if it would save even one more thing from being dumped into the landfill. Contact me if you are interested: rogenem@phototidings.com.

Front and Back of card

Inside of card

Insecto-side

2011-11-03T18:07:00.000-07:00

When I went to San Miguel in Mexico recently, I packed up a few art supplies so I could get some work done down there. I took along some paper clay and a few paints, plus 10 small canvases. As you can see, I am into insects these days. They are just so beautiful...but are treated so poorly by all. They are regarded as unwanted pests but they play a vital role in our world. How would it feel to be so unwelcomed and expendable?

Let's Tear It Up at my Collage Workshop

2011-10-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

This is one of my FAVORITE ways to make art. It is fun, relaxing and portable which makes it perfect for travel or for those long winter months ahead. Don't make yourself crazy, make art instead.

Get more information and the materials list at Clay Space in Eugene.
541-653-8089

http://clayspaceonline.com/learn/workshops.html

Paper Clay Demonstaration

2011-10-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

I will be demonstrating paper clay techniques on November 9 & 10 from 10 am-6pm at the Campus Duck Store as part of the Tools of the Trade Show. This is a FREE event offered by The Creative Duck at the Campus Duck Store for students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. During the trade show, local and regional artists and vendors share their knowledge and stools of the trade. Plus you can get 25% off ALL ART SUPPLIES both days! It's a great event and you can see lots of other artists doing their thing as well.

Check this link for a list of participating artists an details about the show:
http://uoduckstore.com/creativeduck/events/totts.cfm

Getting Inspired in Mexico

2011-10-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

I jumped on a cheap flight to Mexico City and took a bus to San Miguel de Allende, one of the most charming cities in Mexico. This colonial town is the home to hundreds of artists from all over the world. Art is everywhere. Whenever I need a shot in the arm, this is the place for me. Fabulous weather, fantastic food, welcoming people and unbridled creativity. Plus I must walk 10 miles a day here...which is easy because there is so much to see and do. It truly is a wonderland for artists.

Painted Torn Paper Collage Workshop in November

2011-10-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

NOV 12th AT CLAY SPACE IN EUGENE

Create a work of art from bits of torn paper. Join me for a one day workshop and learn some of my favorite techniques for making art with a few simple materials. This method is perfect for those looking for a flexible, forgiving, and fun way to be creative. This class is perfect for all skill levels. Learn a variety of designing, gluing, application, and acrylic painting techniques in just 6 hours. Bring your favorite papers and an open mind to try something new.

DETAILS:
http://clayspaceonline.com/learn/workshops.html

Adding Torn Paper Background

2011-10-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

People ask me how I add my "newsprint" backgrounds to my paper clay pieces. So here is the process...After I have painted my paper clay piece, I tear up book pages, newspaper pages or whatever I am working with...removing headlines, lines, empty space, and anything that is not consistently the same size type.

Using Elmers Glue (I use School Glue because it can be reconstituted if you want to remove it) and water (equal amounts) I paint on the glue and add the paper scraps bit by bit. I paint over and under them as I go.

I always fit around the images first and then fill in the rest. Sometimes a little cutting is necessary to fit tight corners...but mostly, the edges are all torn.

When finished, I sand the edges to make a nice clean edge and paint the sides of the canvas black.


My last step is to paint the whole thing with Matte Medium. Sometimes, I will go around all the edges of the paper clay image with a light black acrylic wash to help give it a more polished took. It helps to integrate the background with the paper clay image.

Take a class with me sometime!

Cleaning Out My Studio!

2011-10-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

Whenever I finish a bunch of work, I clean out my studio so that I can begin anew. In the summer, I can open my garage door to the outside world...but over the summer everything gets pretty dusty and spider webby. So, having just finished teaching at Art and Soul, and making work for the vendor night sale, I am ready to begin a new phase of work. And that always begins with cleaning my studio. It looked like a tornado hit. But now, it's all ready to mess up again.

Our Lady of Setting Your Soul Free 8x10

Torn paper collage/acrylic paint

Teaching a Workshop at Art & Soul in Portland

2011-09-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

Not Today Paper Clay/Mixed Media 8x10

If you are wondering how I make my art...you might want to take my 2 day workshop at Art & Soul on October 1 & 2. This venue is a wonderful place to make art, meet other artists and get all inspired for fall.

Here is the link to my class: http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/retreat-Portland2011-2002-workshop.php

The Creative Paper Clay Company has donated the clay for my class...so the materials fee (listed at $15.00) is actually only $5.00!

I promise you will learn all sorts of new ways to make art that you will LOVE!

Obsessive Thinking

2011-09-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

Noxious Thoughts 9x12 Paper Clay/Mixed Media

Circular thoughts are the ones that keep coming through your head and making you feel anxious. Ever notice that they are not happy thoughts? Just the old stinky bad ones? Things you or someone else did or said that bug you. It's like being on a hike with a rock in your shoe. The only cure is to take it out. And only you know how to do that.

Relationships

2011-09-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

It's not like love hurts all the time...but one false move and it can get kind of sticky. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em.

Paper Clay/Mixed Media 10"x 12" Love Hurts

Who's Bugging Who?

2011-09-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

My latest insect collection honors those bugs that are now extinct or endangered because of humans encroaching upon their habitats. Next time you swat at an insect, just remember that they actually have a right to be here too. "But for the grace of God go I."

Bugged 1 5x7 Paper Clay/Mixed Media

Bugged 2 5x7 Paper Clay/Mixed Media

Bugged 3 5x7 Paper Clay/Mixed Media

Bugged 4 5x7 Paper Clay/Mixed Media

Bugged 5 7x7 Paper Clay/Mixed Media

Bugged 6 7x7 Paper Clay/Mixed Media

Bugged 8 7x7 Paper Clay/Mixed Media

The Going Away Party

2011-08-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

I was invited to participate in a show at MECCA, our local recycled materials exchange organization. They provided me with items I needed to make into art: a slide carousel and slides. Here is the result...a game board with a spinner that works. It's a tribute to endangered animals. Looks funny but it's no joke.

Show: Objects Afterlife Art Challenge
• Showing at the Eugene Celebration: Aug 26-28, 174 W. Broadway (next to NewZone Gallery)
• Artist's Opening at MECCA: First Friday Artwalk, Sept 2, 449 Willamette St. (to the right of the Amtrak Station)


Detail

Detail

Confessions of a Stress Junkie

2011-07-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

I have this crazy idea that I can do it all, all the time. So I have a history of over committing myself. But then I ended up with stress related health issues. So I am working on changing a few things. And it's not easy because now I feel guilty for relaxing.

Everyday Saint Series: " Our Lady of the Overcommitted"

Guardino Gallery Show

2011-05-31T19:18:00.000-07:00

Spring Cleaning

Here are some of the images from my last show at Guardino Gallery in Portland, Oregon. Most of these are done with Creative Paperclay® and mixed media.


Bless the Heart and Soul of Phoebe Snow

Anticipation

These are a pair called "The Wedding" painted on pressed board panels

Green Architecture

If She Could Only Fly Away

A Bird in Hand

My Fettered Friend: Chickadee

My Fettered Friend: Meadowlark

My Fettered Friend: Robin

My Fettered Friend: Varied Thrush

Upcoming Art Show and Workshop on Alberta Street in Portland, Oregon

2011-05-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

Just Imagine

Sometimes Things Need to Grow on You


This Too Shall Pass

In the next 2 weeks, I am going to be in a show at Guardino Gallery in Portland...and right down the street, at Collage (the coolest art/craft supply shop EVER) I am teaching a 2 day workshop on Paper Clay and Mixed Media.

Check it out!
http://collageonalberta.typepad.com/
http://guardinogallery.com/

Art Show Coming May 26 in Portland

2011-05-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for this show. Devin Berhard's work is stunning.

What an honor to show with such a great artist.

Bird is the Word

2011-04-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

I made these birds for Valentine's Day with tissue paper maché and paint.

You are my hero Mixed Media

You are a rare bird Mixed Media

You are the life of my party Mixed Media

Signs of the Times

2011-03-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I worked on these for 2 years and finally finished them. It's not that they took that long...but I kept changing them and redoing them. I used the images to design bookmarks for my dearest friend Johanna Mitchell who is an amazing astrologer in Eugene...with clients all over the world. And now these finished pieces hang in her office because they wanted to be there.

They are mixed media using matte board, paper and paint. Hard to tell but they have dimension.
Happy Birthday to all of us.

The Releasing

2011-03-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to let go of something in order to allow something new to come in. Old habits, old patterns, old ideas of who you are. It is not always comfortable. Sometimes it is like releasing a favorite pet into the wild. Just go for it.

Releasing Self Doubt

Everyday Saints

2011-02-27T21:33:00.000-08:00

These are some of my Everyday Saints.

Those who watch over us when we need them.

All were inspired by my daughter and the phases of her life so far.

Our Lady of Biological Clocks Paper Collage/Mixed Media

Our Lady of Decisions of the Heart Paper Collage/Mixed Media

Our Lady of Sleeping Through The Night Paper Collage/Mixed Media

Our Lady of Things I Wish I Hadn't Said Paper Collage/Mixed Media

Friends of a Feather

2011-02-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

Spring is everywhere. And I am celebrating it with my friends that hang out just outside my studio window. What a blessing they are.

Art & Soul Retreat in Portland this Fall!

2011-02-21T00:05:00.000-08:00

I will be teaching at this wonderful week-long retreat in Portland this fall!

Classes begin Sept. 26 -- I am teaching Oct. 1&2, Sat & Sun

Link to Portland Art & Soul Retreat

Hundreds of art makers gather to take workshops from dozens of teachers that come from all over the country. It is a Mixed Media Mecca! You can learn so many techniques from such masters that it will leave you creatively stimulated for months! Below are listed JUST A FEW of the many awesome artists teaching there with links to their creative BLOGS!

--Jane LaFazio (click here for Jane's blog)

Colorful and charismatic work...be excited at the opportunity to take one of her classes.

--Jenni Horne (click here for Jenni's blog)

Inventively whimsical art. She'll be teaching about how to paint a story.

--Peggy Krzyzewski (click here for Peggy's blog)

Fusing glass in new creative ways. Clearly this comes from her heart.

--Doreen Kassel (click here for Doreen's blog)

Papier mache clay folk art. I love it! Doreen's pieces look like vintage storybooks.

--Sharyn Sowell (Click here for Sharon's blog)

This artist is a letterpress wonder. Making art the old fashioned way, one letter at a time. So imPRESSive.

--Corey Celaya (click here for Corey's blog)

Collaged jewelry? Not sure how she does it, but she does it beautifully.

--Patricia Seggebruch (click here for Patricia's blog)

Encaustics...painting, layering, encasing creations in wax. She makes it look so easy.

--Jen Crossley (click here for Jen's blog)

She creates amazing jewelry out of odds and ends...bits and pieces. The most charming of charms.

--Barbara Lewis (click here for Barbara's blog)

Enchanted enamels, beautiful beads...fresh approaches...she is inspiring.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T22:10:00.000-08:00

I love that LOVE gets honored once a year.

For our special show at Passionflower Design in Eugene -- Objects of Desire --I made a series of Valentine Hearts using paper maché clay.


Hopelessly devoted to you.


Every rose has its thorn

For Frida

I will always love you.

Really Cool Art Show!!!

2011-01-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite show of the year...Really fun stuff...and lots of it. Come by and join the fun Friday the 4th!

Link to Story About Me

2011-01-20T22:23:00.000-08:00

More than a year ago, I was interviewed for Oregon Art Beat, a show on OPB showcasing artist in Oregon. The producer had seen my show in a gallery in Portland and asked me to do an interview. I have to say, because of her masterful skills and some great camera work, they made a pretty good story out of a half a day of filming. Go figure.

http://www.opb.org/programs/artbeat/segments/view/890

Inside We Are All the Same 16x20 Acrylic on Canvas

Teaching Another Workshop in February!

2011-01-10T19:46:00.000-08:00

Varied Thrush 8" x 8" Paper Maché Clay on Canvas

Learn my paper mache clay technique by taking take my workshop at Clay Space in February. This 2-day workshop (Feb. 12-13) is 4 hours each day and you will leave with a finished piece. This is a really fun process that is good for all skill levels. Go to clayspaceonline.com for more information. Let's make art together!

Getting Ready for Another Show!

2011-01-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Hoarders 10" x 10" Mixed Media on Canvas

It's the Second Annual Objects of Desire Show! Opening February 4, 2011, at Passionflower Design at 128 East Broadway in Eugene. The show runs from Feb. 4-28 and will include works by me and two of my favorite artists, Beverly Soasey and Betsy Wolfston. We will be showing everything and anything we can cook up in an eclectic mix of our three styles. This is a really fun and interesting show...so come and check it out!

Oregon Art Beat Segment

2011-01-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

Lucky me...I was interviewed for a segment on Oregon Art Beat in fall of 2009...and it is now going to finally air on January 13! If you are not in Oregon, you will be able to see it online after it airs.

I am so grateful to KC Cowan for coming to my Portland show and she even bought one of my pieces! That's where she saw my work and asked me to be on the show. Had it not been for Onda Gallery, which has since gone out of business, I would have never made this connection. Thanks to Alan Oliver for giving me a chance.

Thanks to all of you who support local artists!

Friends of a Feather

2010-12-12T18:57:00.000-08:00

Hi and thanks for checking out my blog. I have a show currently hanging at the Jacobs Gallery. It's called Small Pleasures. I have posted several images from that show on earlier posts. I am putting up the rest so my pals from out of town can see all of them. All ihe pieces in this show are birds made from paper clay with mixed media backgrounds.

Timid Towhee 6x6

Chilled Chickadee 6x6

Flicker of Hope 8x10

It's In Our Hands

2010-11-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

This piece is part of my upcoming show at Jacob's Gallery opening December 10. As usual, I am calling attention to the plight of birds who struggle to live in our environment as we continue to destroy their habitat. Do them a favor...plant a crab apple tree.

Upcoming Exhibit!

2010-11-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

I will be part of a show happening at the Jacob's Gallery, running from December 10 -February 5. It's called Small Pleasures and all the pieces are 12" square and under. I have done a batch of birds for this show...all using paper mache' clay and mixed media. The opening is December 10th. It should be a wonderful exhibit because of all the great people invited to show. And because everything is small...the work should be affordable.

Wise Guy

2010-11-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Owls are one of the oldest species of vertebrate animal in existence. Fossils have been found dating back 60 million years, showing the bird to have changed very little in that time.

Throughout the history of mankind, the owl has featured significantly in mythology and folklore. Owls are one of the few birds that have been found in prehistoric cave paintings.

I just hear on NPR that owls are now endangered in India because of Harry Potter! People are catching them and selling them as pets. Tragic!

"A wise man speaks because he has something to say.
A fool because he has to say something." Plato

Seems relevant to facebook.

Something to Crow About

2010-10-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Check out this AMAZING video about crows. http://video.pbs.org/video/1621910826/

I am so inspired by the crow family that hangs around my house. They stick together and come to each other's aid when needed. Too bad for such a beautiful bird they don't have a prettier song.

Stay at Home Dad Paper Clay/Mixed Media

The Scurge if Birdom

2010-10-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Starlings were brought to the US because Shakespeare glorified them and now they are everywhere and we will never be rid of them. They are interesting and somewhat handsome...but not to be trusted.

Dirty Birds

2010-10-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

I have a bird bath outside my studio window and all the birds get in it and bathe. But not the robins. They look pretty good for such dirty birds.

Bird in Hand

2010-10-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for some upcoming shows...

and have lots of birds in hand ; )

• Opening December 10, 2010 Small Pleasures, a multi-artist invitational at the Jacob's Gallery, Eugene

• Opening February 4- 29 - Objects of Desire, an annual show featuring 3 artists (Bev Soasey, Betsy Wolfston and me) at Passionflower Design, Eugene

Happy October!

2010-10-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

I just visited my friend Peggy in Portland and she found this wonderful owl print that was silk screened on glass. I am working on birds right now. Lots of birds. They are all over my bird bath in the back yard and they inspire me. So they are really dinosaurs?

Another Mixed Media Workshop in April!

2010-03-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

Because so many people wanted to take this workshop last time and couldn't...
I am teaching another Mixed Media Workshop at Clay Space here in Eugene, Oregon. It will be April 24-25 for two half-day sessions and I will be demonstrating my paper mache clay and collage techniques. We will complete a finished project. I love getting others inspired to make art! That is almost better than making it myself. For more information go to http://www.clayspaceonline.com/workshopslectures.html

Mixed Media Workshop this weekend!

2010-02-16T20:46:00.000-08:00

I am teaching a Mixed Media Workshop this weekend at Clay Space here in Eugene, Oregon. I will be demonstrating my paper mache clay and collage techniques. We will hope to complete at least 2 finished projects. I love getting others inspired to make art! That is almost better than making it myself. The class is filled with some really creative people...and there might be a little space left...For more information go to http://www.clayspaceonline.com/workshopslectures.html

Show at Passionflower Design

2010-02-01T23:43:00.000-08:00

Check out this eclectic show at Passionflower Design in Eugene! I am in this show with two of my favorite artists, Beverly Soasey and Betsy Wolfston. It hangs until the end of February...it's worth a peek!

Growing

2010-01-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

I am posting the images from my latest show that is currently hanging at the Jacobs Gallery in Eugene, OR. It is in the Hult Center for the Performing Arts at 1 Eugene Center. There are 4 artists altogether and the show hangs until February 13. I am calling this group of work Growing. Once again I am combining plants, insects and birds with human forms in my never ending effort to bring attention to the fact that we are part of nature, not separate from it. If we took our lessons from nature, we would not be destroying the planet.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Sometimes It's Good to be Blue Paper Clay on Board

Letting Go Paper Clay on Board

Growing Into Yourself

2010-01-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

The Illusion Mixed Media 24x36

Being OK with Just Being
Mixed Media on Canvas 18x36

Trying to Remember
Acrylic on Canvas, 24x36

Portraits of Progress

2010-01-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

Peace of Mind
Mixed Media on Canvas, 16x20

This Too Shall Pass
Mixed Media on Canvas, 16x20

Become What You Imagine
Acrylic on Canvas, 18x24

Releasing of Self Doubt
Acrylic on Canvas, 18x24

Inside we are all the same

2009-10-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am posting images from my show at Onda Gallery in Portland, OR, so that my friends and family from out of town can see the depth of my most recent insanity. Yes I have gone headless.

True Abundance, 15” x 27”
Paper clay and acrylic on board

True Happiness, 15” x 27”
Paper clay, colláge, and acrylic on board

Hard to Get Close to, 11” x 19”
Acrylic on board

Return on Investment, 11" x 19"
Acrylic painting with colláge on board

Scroll down through this post and all the other ones listed to the right and you will see most of what is hanging in my show in Portland at Onda Gallery.

Rogene Mañas
rogenem@phototidings.com
541-4841623

Inside we are all the same
September 24th through October 27th.
Onda Gallery
2215 NE Alberta Street Portland, OR 97211
503.493.1909
http://www.ondagallery.com

Images from my show at Onda Gallery in Portland

2009-10-03T23:24:00.000-07:00

Miniatures

2009-10-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

Wishful Thinking, 2.5 x 3.5
Acrylic on paper

Once a Month, 2.5 x 3.5
Acrylic on paper

Wild Flower, 2.5 x 3.5
Acrylic on paper

Low Maintenance Men

2009-10-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

Low Maintenance Man No. 3, 8” x 10”
Acrylic painting with colláge on board

Low Maintenance Man No. 4, 8” x 10”
Acrylic painting with colláge on board

Low Maintenance Man No. 5, 8” x 10”
Acrylic painting with colláge on board

More from my show at Onda Gallery in Portland

2009-10-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

Late Bloomer, 7” x 7”
Acrylic painting on paper

A Weed Among Flowers, 7” x 7”
Acrylic painting on paper

Show at Onda Gallery Opening September 24th

2009-09-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

This month
at Onda Gallery, I am
having my first Portand
Art Show.
It opened on
Last Thursday
on Alberta Street which
is quite an event in this
eclectic and creative
neighborhood. The
sidewalks were covered
with street vendors of
all kinds, musicians,
entertainers and all the
galleries and cool
shops are open
for the night.

The show is called "Inside We are All the Same" and it is a collection of paintings and mixed media works that express what I call the essence within us. The pieces for this show incorporate plant, bird and insect imagery with figurative elements. The ideas for each come from my beliefs about how we are all made from the same molecules and therefore come from the same source material. Plants, animals, insects, trees, flowers, fish, birds...all the same stuff. Humans are the only life form blessed with the ability to appreciate all the other life forms and the miracle of earth. I hope I can encourage us all to cherish all life as we do our own kind.

In many of the pieces I use papier-maché and colláge materials to add depth and texture. Most are framed in handmade box frames created for me by Yoncalla High School Shop Class which I then paint to match the piece inside. For this show, everything has a black background, which to me symbolizes the mystery of life. The style of this work is primitive and austere. I tried to create images that were interesting and slightly disturbing to invite contemplation and conversation.

The show will run September 24th through October 27th.
There are about 30 pieces in the show.
Onda Gallery 2215 NE Alberta Street Portland, OR 97211 503.493.1909 http://www.ondagallery.com

The Suffering of Frida and The Lure of Diego

2009-09-08T21:25:00.001-07:00

Frida has always been a muse of mine. She used her pain and disappointment to fuel her creativity. Though Diego was once the larger figure, Frida has grown to eclipse him.

Letting Go

2009-09-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

"When we let go
of what we are,
we become what
we might be." --Lao Tsu

Recently I lost a wonderful friend to brain cancer. His name was Thomas Rubick. It is hard to think I will forever be referring to him in the past tense. He was an amazing artist, and terrific writer, a skillful teacher, a fabulous graphic designer, and an all round
brilliant man.

But most of all, he was a true friend...not just to me, but to many. He was the kind of friend who let you vent without judgment. Helped you recover when you hit bottom. Took your side in a dispute. Remembered and honored your life events. Shared favorite books, music and movies. Bought you stuff at garage sales you might like. Sent you cards for all the right reasons and for no reason at all. Showed compassion and kindness when you needed it. And knew all your faults and liked you anyway.

I did this piece about him called Letting Go. Though he is gone, his energy is very much alive. It has been released. He was and will always be in inspiration to me. And I will miss him forever.

Letting Go
15" x 19"
Papier-mache and acrylic on board
Sold

Contact:
Rogene Mañas
rogenem@phototidings.com
541-4841623

When Less is More

2009-09-05T22:36:00.001-07:00

Inspirations, ideas, concepts, attitudes, beliefs...all swirling around all the time. So I started representing them with plants, insects and birds. This image called "When Less is More" is about attaining stillness. The less you have going on in your mind, the better. I think (and I am trying NOT to think) you can access your inner voice, your higher power, your wiser self, when you stop the nonsensical churning of continual thinking. This painting is a meditation on meditating.

She Saw Potential

2009-09-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

You may not be able to read it, but her dress lists all her hopes and dreams for their future together. His suit is all numbers. She makes the dreams, he makes them come true.
Everybody knows that.

Expectations

2009-09-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

It is the miracle
of being alive.
You can actually
envision what
kind of life you want
and create it
for yourself.
So expect good things
to happen.

Personal Growth

2009-09-05T17:50:00.001-07:00

This was one of the first pieces I
did in my series of works for this
show. Merging a person with
a plant is one of those themes I
keep trying to express again and
again. In my continuing effort to
still my mind, I try to be present,
not thinking about the past or
worrying about the future. Trying to "just be." Plants represent that to me. They are always just being. I often think that when I reincarnate to a higher life
form, I will become a plant.