Winter Stark Bare Trees

Plain and Simple the silhouettes of the trees have always captured my imagination. My hopes for working in tile is to create beautiful pieces that read from near as well as from far. This design so often repeated in nature could be enlarged and it would still work.

   I am just returning from my off island journey to pick up supplies. Breathe in the misty moist air , relax now, it is timeless . 

Traffic as usual was horrendous. So I am glad to be nome and pondering the purchased supplies.

More tile sample to test . Heavy floor tiles in a variety of earthy tones. I will keep you posted. 

Winter Bare Trees

Changes are coming

Finally I am back to writing. Actually I have made steps toward letting this large mural morph.
I made an appointment with Andy Anderson the Head honcho of Art  at Friday Harbor High School.
Pretty exciting !
We have a tentative appointment for the early part of December for brainstorming the elements of the project. Yippee!

Also the other Art teachers on the island will be attending as well.
When I am open all kinds of people will be able to participate.

San Juan County Fair 2010
 ART Demonstration booth

New directions happen when I am willing to let go .  Peace, Joy, Let go!

Art world walkway dreaming

Getting ideas is really no problem for me. Sharing my ideas on paper is another step. If you could see the abstract way I do layout you would understand. These tiles above are only 4.25" x 29.75" plus grout and all would probably finish at 30".
Two things that  are getting in the way

• This is a PUBLIC art project 
• Every step needs to be collaborative

Though I do think perhaps I should rethink this idea.
 I am bogged down , with the wisdom of this choice.
So I am going to draft the Bluprint for the Wall and employ painters to paint an upper zone ( on my own dime?!!) perhaps
Any way the project IS TRYING TO MORPH!
Feed back and comments are welcome .
To see more of my work go to Etsy .com and put in chinmayo shop or seller.
A wide range of choices .
 I am glad to have an outlet. cheers

Wishes for wonder

The wall occupies a certain segment of my brain. Not that this worries me , I do believe every Artist has problem solving that they continually do when confronted with great expansive projects. Sort of bone gnawing of the most pleasurable kind. The next phase, the part where gathering enough energy up to actualize the plan is the tricky part. Now there is where the magic comes in. So many unknowns can throw one off the horse, and create a certain stall. (no pun intended)
 While I am traveling I am going to make a list of all the knowns I do know about what I am about to do .
This will help me get clarity.
 Though as I look at other projects that attempt to create a dialog with the public eye I am amazed at how I perceive what I do and do not wish to do.
I know I am sort of dancing around the subject. This is intentional.
There are two objectives that I would like to accomplish at the wall. Make the design be brilliant and work

for the whole wall (continuity) And to also be wonderful and brilliant close up. Two very different objectives , yet only in their seamless compliment  of each other will there be peace on the long wall.
If there is someone out there that would like to suggest I research a certain style or Artist , speak up now.

Morphing Ideas for Mural

Sometimes when things stall , it becomes necessary to rethink the plan.
What the hay!? For awhile now I've been wondering WHY
 the plan as laid forth for this particular wall on Blair has moved so slow?
Having written four grants and received NO as an answer ...
I went back to work on other projects , obviously because cash flow is
needed to survive but also when running into walls the answer is to TURN.
Lately I'VE BEEN WONDERING WHO IS NOT ON BOARD, that needs to be .

Yesterday someone walked into my shop/studio and we talked of possibilities!
I even got excited.

Though I will have to let this simmer for awhile . I am going to go to Wisconsin to see
my Mother.

Letting a few days roll by will be good for the new idea stew.
Anyone out there who has talent and time is welcome to be in on this phase of the development .
Contact me.

Back Again from SUMMER MUSIC extravaganza

Well, putting on shows is not that easy. Organizing and showing up for all the performances is the gravy.
Little stuff like getting the posters out and up throughout the summer seems to be the only way to let everyone know, calling,  contacting folks,seems easier with Facebook and web blogs but still is this enough?
The wall that has been in my mind for ooooooohh so long , needs to be re-envisioned!

BLOCKED .. by ?

well the ground seems to be shifting beneath me.
Still I am open to moving forward .
I will get back to the whole concept in October , once I return from seeing my dear mother.
Hopefully refreshed, a new vision on board.

 

Wonderful Summer Full Tilt Boogie

The amazing part about summer with the long meandering days , is that there still does not seem to be enough time. I have my studio open in the afternoons mostly, with the exception of this past week when I went off island to Seattle to post the new August poster for the up and coming 13 thirteen Shows that will be at the Port of Friday Harbor.

Yes! Finally I have the first set of tile blanks set out on the tables in the work room for the transferring of design on  to the tiles. I do hope I have enough glaze.  I will be announcing times for the mural to be painting glaze for this coming week. Come on by if you are in the neighborhood. If not I do hope I will be able to activate the  I spy ability on this computer so y'all can participate in these events.

Every thing seems to be taking its sweet time.
I also am putting together the demonstrations for our San Juan County Fair this year . So if there is any Artists out there who would like to strut their stuff  ...>> email me !

Let's see , I am mad ( crazy happy!) about my new store on line ...GO CHECK IT OUT .
Etsy.com.chinmayo
And of course I've been spending way too much time figuring it out . Ahhh , the learning curve, nonetheless I am hopeful.
Well that is all for now . Hopefully I can be more active on this page in the future. Take Care.

chinmayo

Studio Cleanup / Make way for the New

Its about time to pull it together for the whole studio to be prepared for the next phase of the mural.
Cleared off tables would help. Unfortunately it is easy to get complacent about what has happened.

 So the studio will be prepared, clean-up begins ... right after I check on my Etsy store and  right after I work on the grant, well right after that, REALLY! Anyone who wants to come to the studio to volunteer some time you will be welcome! Serious , leave me a note ...

Children's Work Installed at the Kindergarden

As the Summer approaches nearer school lets out , seems like yesterday when everyday hordes of kids were romping through the studio. Could happen again for Summer classes. The layout for panel = Number One , begins ... I've stopped spending all my time going after GRANTS . Although  now I spend only some of my time.  Another one is due on the 25th of June. Cash certainly greases the wheels for getting shtuff done , fo shure !!

 I guess that makes me an eternal optimist. What sagacious advice do you folks out there have? Your guidance and experience will always be appreciated.

If I hadn't lost my camera on my trip to Milwaukee,  I would have up to the minute photos of the current installation, at the kindergarden. Soon I will purchase a new camera as I am realizing how much I utilize the images.

So let's here it for Roxanne and John who are doing the tiling . GOOD LUCK!  and Thank you!

Images from this winter workshops ~part of the doorway and a new tile design "apple core" by chinmayo studios. All images are copyrighted,
all rights reserved. Thank you for your understanding.

ART ART ART designer tiles

There will be a new installation at the Friday Harbor Elementary School soon! The work of many hands this winter in the enrichment programs created tiles that will grace the outside door at the kindergarden .
Thanks to the adults( Tanja, Jane, Debbie) and the PTA that can foresee the value of children making ART. It has taken me a few !! extra days re-glazing tiles with names to make sure everyone who helped is recognized. More time than I anticipated. Oh well.  At last it is complete on my end. Now ? ... GOOD NEWS ...Roxanne Angel will install the pieces for the grand finale on the end of the year at school.

thanks to everyone!
 

Arts and Crafts together

When I first began to create art it was all on paper.
 Then eventually it moved onto board or canvas.
Oils and pastels, pen and ink large or  small  it all seemed to feel so temporal.
    In 1995 I was creating small outdoor murals. The very first one went to the back wall behind 'funk&junk' where a little FAMOUS restaurant hid named "Katrina's" . I worked for Kate and told her she needed a window on her back wall . So I painted one ... hence the beginning of my outdoor paintings , which eventually led to looking for a more permanent surface. Enter >> tiles and the marvelous tile mural at the Port of Friday Harbor.
 To be good at anything one must spend time.
        This tile spiral taught me a lot!!!
  Preparing me for the teaching of tile painting for our MURAL on Blair Avenue. Yeah Team!

 

First things first

Well the work begins this week to spread the first panel

of tiles on the table for the First scene, of our first nations design. Here we have the tail end of the last projects getting completed . Then the studio tables will be free for the Mural on Blair Ave.

More good times

When I book music at the Port I am privileged to listen to fabulous music! These guys from the coast of Oregon "Floating Glass Balls.com" were a fabulous addition to our musical medley of the summer.
Bluegrass played without a hitch. Woo hoo.

When the wall gets its block party I am hoping we will be able to have some street stomping fund raising right at the wall.

Look for signs and posters for when the Music at the Port of Friday Harbor  shows begin.

The Floating Glass Balls will be here on August 21st.
It is a Saturday ... 4-6pm ...yeah.

Remember what the focus is.

Our lovely town always knows how to celebrate. This photo is looking down Spring Street from Spring Street International School.
Today I will give a brief intro to the Town Council for the idea
of a block party at the wall.

I have great ideas for fund-raising and before spending enormous amounts of time in imagining the how and where ... I will go before the town council to see if they would support this idea. More Later.

Homeschoolers and Family

Grandma came with grandson to work on tiles together.
The studio is such a lively place.
Great work is accomplished, new designs and wonderful ideas are shared. What more can an artist ask for?

Spring Beauty

Spring is here in full glory.

Island living

Back on the island and enjoying the cloudy day.
Been up since early, time for a power nap then?

... back to it.
This photo is from opening of Boating season.
Fun Fun Fun.

Time Travel

Air Port sitting ! Waiting for our flight to Milwaukee to visit me Mum.
Our flight was delayed in Seattle by some random package that was
found near baggage. They had to evacuate the airport. This occurred
after we had boarded consequently we are running Late.
All well that ends well. I can work on my etsy store while I wait.
I love computers! Check out Etsy.com.chinmayo .
 It really is the beginning of my Art getting
exposure,
and I have plenty.
Time to

make room for the new.

Windy Weather/Rock and Roll Ferry

Today on the way back from the mainland,
The ferry was taking water over the bow.
The workers set our cars back, still the whole

 side of the van I was driving was salt sprayed.

Miracles of the kiln

What I love about tiles is the unexpected.
The color of glaze looks nothing like the eventual
colors they turn into. From pastel soft chalk texture
they transform into brilliant shining glass like colors
with depth.
    Keeping the studio working is a gift and
 a continual  challenge. So? Struggling Artist?
 What else is new?
 I'll tell you my shop name : chinmayo on: etsy. com
Yep...
I have a new venue for one and all to visit. The individual
 tile and tiles I do when alone or when teaching  classes
can now be displayed for one and all to see and purchase.
I am amazed at how much inventory I have. I am also
inspired often to try new ideas, or new glaze
 combinations.

I hope you can check it out my great new market! Thanks ... look for chinmayo on : etsy.com

Tiles Galore

Seems like their are hundreds of completed projects
 awaiting in the studio for installation .
There is more to come. The commissions that I work on
today are the bread and butter of the Studio.
More classes will begin in May, and will introduce

more folks to the satisfying joy of creating art .

I'm fixing a hole ....

Making a hole in the wall Dale Sitts was so gracious
with his time. I will be covering the hole with an

announcement for the Mural to come !
Thanks Dale.

At The Wall on Blair Street

Well at long last  we met at the wall on Blair Street .
The structural engineer, Tom Metke ,
the carpenter and constructor Dale Sitts,
the representative of the Hotel 'Earth Box', Seth
an artist and designer ,Chinmayo (me) and
contractor and builder /artist/sculptor,Nick Nicholson

The discussion of course was the structural
integrity of the wall,
which cannot be known until we open it up!

That happens this afternoon!! HURRAH!

( I'll keep ya posted)

Thanks guys!!

Enrichment Classes 1st Project

This tile sign was created by the classes that came through Chinmayo Studios in Feb-March. This will be installed outside the Kindergarden room near the out-door waiting area. The kindergardeners continued with the theme and their surround the door will soon be done. Fire Away!

Out of the Kiln into the world

Well new tile designs emerge every week through the studio.
Man o man do I love to see the transformation.
It takes quite an effort to fill the kiln before firing.
Having had so many wonderful children and adults here
 these past few weeks, filling the kiln has been easy.

Let's hope we can keep up the great work!

Happy Easter Everybody

Fun to see eggs and the hunt

Classical Classes

Fun Classes, the students employed their study
 of castles and birds to put together their tiles.
Keeping groups in themes allows lots of creative juice
to flow while still retaining some continuity.
These last few weeks have brought a variety of classes
into my doors at the Studio, here in Surina Business Park.
I've enjoyed working with children of all ages.
With themes ranging from Birds to the Medieval Ages,
 and the wild personal tiles of space aliens to hearts
and sunbursts, we have a full spectrum of ideas that

flourish.

End of March

                         All the flowers are out in full glory.
                 Wafts of lovely scented breezes fill the air
                                                                                          

 This photo of the Camas and Thrift was taken in April a few years ago.
We will depict in tiles the Floral and the Fauna of our islands. Come join us in the Studio.
Chinmayo Studios ~Friday Harbor,Washington

Pushing the On Button

Go! Well finally after a long day with such a great group
of children from Padeia School, what else, Painting tiles !!
Even Mr. Brumsickle  and  Teachers aide Heather picked up
 a stick and laid down the glaze. Exciting process yet slow,
A more permanent type of result is created in tile. It honors

the effort of design. A favorable result that is quite satisfying.

Studio Fun

Fabulous Classes!!
Little children ,adults one in all

Love to paint tiles.

Classes for all ages

Classes for everyone, seem to be growing at the studio. My studio has been a busy place today with happy children. We create drawings then transfer the idea onto tiles. Fun.
The first group of children ,after completing a tile of their own worked together on a project that will get put up at the Friday Harbor Elementary School. Great co-operative project.

Newt Migration begins

Gorgeous days cool crisp nights make living in the northwest easy this year.
Two classes this week one for the 8~9 year olds and also for the kindergarten.
Teaching these groups how to design their very own tile. Good Job.
Soon the sign for the Newt migration will go up . All you drivers WATCH OUT!

Making Artistic tiles is what I love to do.

Preparation

The mural at the Port was a wonderful way for 350 people to  come together. Walk down to the end of the Spring Street Landing, out to the end of the dock where the Victoria Clipper lands during the summer in Friday Harbor and you too can see what groups can accomplish together.

February

Beautiful day ... amazing weather for February.

The after school class has gone well. We have almost

completed the sign of thanks for the San Juan Island

Community Foundation, for their generosity to the

elementary school.

The wall sits painted and waiting.

The test tiles are done .

The room is ready for groups to come and participate.

The "Centennial Mural" part will be drawn up this coming week.

The tiles were cemented to a hardiback board then grouted.

Small steps all important.

The Islands Kiwanis club came to lunch at the studio ,while I

gave presentation to their group.

Forward motion!

All's well on this lovely day.

New Decade~ New Paintings

The new year and need to change , look at what works and what doesn't . Make changes based on what is working. The music in my life is always fabulous . New paintings , a commission for 'Downtown Dog ' . A local pet grooming and training place. Lots of fun reconnecting with painting.

My life is full of surprises. For the past few weeks I have not been on line . Paint brushes in my hand and a continual volley of work, this is good.

After completing these paintings I realized how much I love to just paint. Come on Commissions!!

Also I will be giving a portrait class soon.

Six weeks at my studio at the Surina Business Park.

Contact me if you would like to participate.