NAAC Fall Art Show

The Grand O’l Lady in Fort Payne, was the setting, Sat. Sept. 18th, for the First Fall Art Show held by The Northeast Alabama Art Council. The 1890s historical Victorian home was built during the town’s “Boom Days” period.” The “boom” was a bust but it helped to create and environment in which the town’s present appearance and prosperity have occurred.

The show was a hugh success made possible by local artists and the generosity of those attending. Ten of the 11 artists exhibited made sales. The council hopes to have the show on an annual basis.

The “Boom Days” era in Fort Payne came about from a misguided belief that there was enough coal and iron in the area to allow for the development of an industry similar to that of the steel industry in Birmingham, Al. Investors believed they would become wealthy from this endeavor. Most were from New England and moved their families here and build homes like The Grande O’l Lady.

These investors, along with local ones, provided the means for the construction of industrial buildings, a 250 room hotel and a cultural center consisting of several buildings. In time, the hotel burned, but most of the other buildings remained. One of the main buildings, “The Coal and Iron Building” has been purchased by the city with the intention of making it into a museum and center for the arts. Eventually the council wants to be of assistance to the city in providing an open studio for local artists.

Welcome to my World!

Most of all, I thank God for the gifts He has given me and that I have been able to use them to bless others and to bring happiness to my own life.

In early 2001, I decided to make one of my dreams come true by turning my 1890s’ Victorian Home into an art retreat for women. I still remember when I first saw the grand old house sitting under large Oak trees on a hill in the historic district of downtown Fort Payne, Al. One of the first things I noticed about it was the large glass enclosed room which looked out across the neighborhood–the room which was to become my studio.  Stepping into the house is like stepping back into time. The art that lines the walls and the studio add another dimension to its glory.

I believe God made it possible for me to have the house in order to share it with others.

I purchased the house in 2001.  I later learned that another artist has once lived here and that she had the studio built. It is large enough to easily accommodate up to seven people.  The  high ceilings in the house  provide the perfect back-drop for many of my paintings and the four upstairs bedroom allow me to take up to four guests, and more if they don’t mind sharing.

I don’t provide meals but the kitchen is open for guests to use and meals usually become a time of laughtere and sharing. Eating is usually secondary to working in the studio and/or learning a new technique or how to use a different medium. Usually each retreat is designed around what the artist/artists want. I have a BFA and 20 plus years of experience and I’m comfortable teaching drawing, watercolors, oils, acrylics, and pastels. Sometimes, artists just want a quiet place to work on their  on.
Often I think of the family who lived here at the time the house was built. I have tried to find out who they were but the court house records no longer exists and the town’s historical society has no records either. I think it must have been a young family with children who ran up and down the stairs and played under in the lawn. I imagine they loved to disappear into the attic where there is a small cedar lined room. It must have been used to store out-of-season clothing. Or it could have been used as a servant’s room–it’s large enough.
The retreat looks out to  Lookout Mountain which is a part of the foothills of the Appalachian Chain. Only minutes away are an art community, waterfalls, a state park, and a national preserve. It is one of the few mountain regions in the world which has a river running through it.  The region is filled with 100′s of outstanding vistas to paint, photograph or draw inspiration from.
The region, my  house and my art have become so inner woven that I don’t know where one begins and the other ends. Having both has completed my life in ways I could never have imagined. Although I live alone, except for my cat, Sassie, I’m never lonely. I like to imagine that there are ghosts who live in the house, perhaps one is also an artist.
It is a house that needs to be shared and I have made it into the ideal setting to share with other artists. It is my wish that they have an opportunity similar to the one I have had and continue to have here.

My last guest was a watercolorist from England. like all the other artists who have attended the retreat she left her mark. From all of my guests I have received as much as I have given.

People who come to the retreat do not have to be artists. Anyone who wants a quiet place to rest can find it here.

I was born in 1939, in a rural area in northeast Alabama, where my family owned a small farm. This pastoral setting provided me with the images I now use in many of my paintings, especially landscapes. Instead of money with which to buy toys, poverty supplied the fertile ground into which my vivid imagination flourished. My paintings are expressions of the emotions that came from this experience as well as the many other experiences I have had.

When I was a small child I would climb onto my mother’s lap and beg her to draw pictures for me. However, when I was in elementary school I was discouraged about pursuing art because, unlike the other boys and girls in my class, I could not color within the lines. And even though I admire and envy artists who do obey the rules, I still can’t stay within the lines!

My style of interacting with the canvas and paint has taught me to love the abstract and impressionism. In addition, I often produce non-objective works, including digital paintings and collages. When I consider why my work has developed in this way I believe it is because I find the world too chaotic. I escape the uneasiness this causes me into the childlike imagination I still have. It is the place I best like to be when I paint!

 Web Site: http://womenofgodartretreat.net

Adventures at the Retreat

My guest this past week was a guest from a Catholic monestary. She came to the retreat to reflect upon her commitment to serving God as a nun. I think her stay here was a life-changing experience for me and I hope it was for her as well. But before I go into that let me tell you about her visit.
After I met her on a Wednesday, at the Greyhound Bus Station in Gadsden, I thought she might like to take the scenic route home–across Lookout Mountain. It was a perfect fall day with temperatures in the 60′s and a clear blue sky. I thought Noccalula Falls might inspire her to paint so I drove by there. I had already known God was doing something special in my own life through her visit, but I was not prepared for the miraculous sight we saw when we looked into the falls. Two perfect rainbows cascaded into the bottom of the falls as if they had been painted there just for us. I had never seen anything so beautiful. It reminded me of a painting I had done several years ago of the Desoto Park waterfalls. What I most loved about it was the reflection of the seasonal colors I had been able to paint into it. The painting was my impression of the falls but in no way did it capture the magnificent beauty that God had painted with the rainbows onto Noccalula Falls. To me it was a sign and a miracle. For my guest, I didn’t think she noticed.
Another guest was also visiting the retreat. We both were enthralled with the opportunity of knowing this special person. We are protestants and had never known a Catholic nun. Our friend was a novice and unsure of her dedication. We hoped she would find some direction through art and her retreat visit.
In the beginning, it was my impression she was seeking guidance as to whether or not and art ministry was the vocation God was calling her to. I soon realized that I was mistaken and did not know quite what to do. It disturbed me a bit to learn she lacked enthusiasm for the art lessons I taught while she was here. However, in spite of this I knew God had sent her here for a special reason.
I had never been to a Catholic Church but was delighted to attend Mass with her. I was happy to learn more about the Catholic faith and to meet several members of the community church. I was shocked to learn that our town is filled with hundreds of hispanic and children of other nationalities that, because of the economy, are suffering from lack of food and/or clothing. I learned the church does not have a priest. But the church has been blessed with a saint-a nun who devotes her life to this congregation, especially to the poor. Although I’m protestant and would not become a Catholic, I suddenly understood why such saints give their lives in service to the Catholic Church.
My guest had mentioned that she might leave the monestary and serve the church in a volunteer capacity. I said to her that should she decide to do so, this congregation would offer the perfect place for her. It seemed to me God could use all of her many gifts, and that the congregation badly needed someone like her.
It was not to be.
I have the good fortune of having a special friend who is a widely known Icon artist. He also has the privilege of having a home overlooking the Desoto Waterfalls. It was an honor for us that he invited us for a visit. In appreciation of my guest and her position, he had carefully prepared and Icon to put the finishing varnish upon. It was a rare gift to see this. I did not know what he had meant when he explained that the light comes from within the Icon painting. But as he varnished the painting of Mary and the Baby Jesus, it began to glow. My heart quickened at the sight. Later, we walked onto the screened in porch at the back of his cabin and gazed upon another waterfalls almost as lovely as the one at Noccalula. He explained to me that the rainbows occurred at a particular moment when the sun is in a particular place in the late afternoon.
As we chatted, the thought came to me that my guest might be led to become an Icon artist but she did not appear too interested in the Icons or the second waterfalls. At that point, I know now that I became a doubting Thomas about her calling. But after she left, I noticed a book she had been reading; “Care of the Soul,” by Thomas Moore. It had been years since I had read the book, but I began to read it again. That’s when it all began to make sense, her visit here and what it meant:
She was caring for her soul in the way that we all need to care for our souls. While she was here she attended a second Mass. She prayed her daily prayers and we prayed several morning and evening prayers together. She also sang melodious hymns of praise and at times, I found myself singing with her.
If she chooses to remain in the monestary, I may never hear from her again, for I think it is a monestary of silence. If she chooses to do volunteer work instead, perhaps I will hear from her. I’m sure that God has her in His hand and that her soul-work will continue. Mine will as well.
I am left changed by this visit and by this guest. Each of my guests affect me this way. I am learning that each of them come here for soul-work. That is a good thing to know and it is a good thing to be able to offer them the opportunity to use art as a tool to take care of their souls. I don’t think I truly appreciated art for this reason before. I’m sure I would never have thought upon this subject had it not been for my recent discerning guest who found respite in the Art Retreat.

http://womenofgodartretreat.net

Creativity

The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web.–Pablo Picasso

Click on “Creativity,” (the title of this post) to get to the site I want to share with you today about where creativity comes from. I think all artists ponder on this question as they go about the creative process. For me, it’s an easy question to answer. I believe the gift of creativity comes from God. For me it is a sacred gift, one that blessings me through my own paintings as well as the works of others, especially that of my students.
Angela True, an artist I spoke about in my last blog, helped me to get in touch with the divinity of this process again. She has her own style of connecting with the spirit within her. She begins by “romancing the canvas.” As we discussed how she might further do this, I began to get excited about my own form of romancing art.
That afternoon my 16 year-old art student came to class to work on a portrait of a Spanish Dancer which she plans to enter into a state-wide art competition next year. Suddenly, as I observed her paint, I said; “I know what I am going to do next, I am going to paint a portrait of you painting a portrait. I was excited. Not only could I see the unfolding of the painting, I knew immediately it would be a real challenge….something I presently need to get me going again.
It is true that there is a plateau to the learning curve, and if we are motivated to go beyond this plateau as artists we are in danger of either doing the same painting, in varying forms, over and over and over….well some artists are so sucessful at this, they would laugh at me for not being happy doing this all the way to the bank!
For awhile I was happy to live with the comfort of knowing I had become a painter…after 25 years of serious painting it was time. It took awhile, but I realized I had become bored, not with teaching but painting the same kinds of paintings over and over.
Now, I have set myself up…I will either have egg all over my face, or when my student Shana comes next week, I will have romanced my canvas and be ready to face the challenge. In the past, I have stayed a way from doing portraits becausing of my beliefs that to do them one would have to spend all of their painting time pursuing this genre. At age 70, why should I limit myself in such a away.
It is because of the miracle and mystery of how Jesus Christ can make us new each day, that I can feel this way, and look forward to being in my second childhood! Just don’t tell my children I feel this way, they might decide they are my parents and feel a need to quench my spirit!!

http://womenofgodartretreat.net

I’m Back

It’s been awhile since I posted, and that is because I have been sick. It was necessary for me to curtail my activities for awhile. I’m asking for your prayers for the healing of my health problems. It’s difficult to ask for any kind of help, isn’t it? And when it comes to one’s health, I think it is even more so.
There is a quote I love that speaks to this, and more. It goes something like this: “As we grow older the pleasures of the flesh turn to pain, ah, but the pleasures of the mind become more scintillating with time.”
Painting and some of my other art activites have taken a back seat this summer, but better health and the beautiful fall weather will give them new life. Presently, I’m involved in starting a new art organization in the county where I live. It will be for visual artists, beginners and advanced. And one of its purposes will be to help these artists; to elevate public awareness about the arts, especially in the public school system. Membership will be $25 for adults, and $15 for students. The name we have chosen is, “The Dekalb County Visionary Arts.” I will be sharing more about it as we get it underway.
And I am working on a landscape painting. In fact, I have almost finished it. I will post it in my blog as soon as I figure out how to do that again. That’s another thing about getting older….this business of forgetfulness. But don’t let my fretting worry you about yourself, I’m still happier than I have ever been. That comes from the peace and serenity I have through a personal relationship with God. It also comes from the connection of my soul to art. And I hope I’m always blessed with this gift.
Today, one of my God Daughers called me. Angela True was telling me about her latest painting. It is of a garden….I think a flower garden. She likes to romance her canvas as she prepares to do a new painting. Together, we talked of being in the garden, of using our senses to enhance this romancing. I like the way Angie goes about this. You might want to try her steps of preparation. It will more quickly put you into that zone where painting is mysterious and presents itself to you if you allow it to do so. It is this mystery I must love about painting. Too, I think creating art is the nearest one can ever come to knowing what God feels when He creates something new..something so beautiful.
Angie, Thank you for sharing with me today

http://womenofgodartretreat.net

I’m Back

Comments about JulyWomen of God Retreat: “I still am amazed at what I brought home from your wonderful art retreat – some very interesting work, for certain, and the potential for more water color. But more than that, we all brought home a friendship with each other that will be based on a wonderful experience at your house – whether it lasts for a day, a season or, as I certainly hope – for a lifetime.”–Judy Sherling.
Judy was one of three women to attend the retreat. She and her artist friend, Edna Garrett, live in Danville, Ga. Dottie Wher, the other artist, lives in Atlanta.
For me and I believe for them as well, this retreat was another “God Thing.” We were like the Yah, Yah Sisters even though we had not previously known one another.
My health has not been good for the past couple of months. It finally got the best of me and I had to take some time off to visit doctors, have tests run, etc. I’m finally getting some answers and being treated for hyperthyroidism among several other minor things.
Please pray for me that results from two biopsies will be negative. It will be another week before I know about them.
I’m praying for the next retreat to be another “God Thing.” If that is something you would like to experience, this is a wonderful place for it. http://womenofgodartretreat.net

http://womenofgodartretreat.net

Sharing Art Prayer Topics

Judy Sherling:

I was looking at notes I’ve taken in my prayer diary for the month of June. I actually use it to take notes on the sermons each Sunday but it has a suggested prayer topic at the beginning of each day. Here are some of the topics for the month of June…

Pray for the ability to recognize themes of redemption and forgiveness in works of art.
Thank God for the creative work of artists that demonstrates truth and beauty.
Pray that art will be a truthful portrayal of life while affirming a biblical view.
Thank God for the creative gifts and talents he has given you.

Pray that networks of Christian artists will encourage excellence in their field.
Pray that works of art will inspire worship.
Pray for relationships between experienced Christian artists and those new to the field.
Pray for a spirit of mutual encouragement rather than competition in the art world.

And here are the topics on the days we will be in retreat…
June 28 – Pray that the arts will be an area in which people experience hope and healing.
June 29 – Pray that art therapy will be an outlet for those who have experienced trauma.
June 30 – Pray that art will provide occasion for contemplation and reflection.
July 1 – Pray that the imagination of artists will be guided by God’s Spirit
July 2 – Pray that the arts will help individuals to look at familiar themes with new eyes.

And on Friday, July 3 – Pray that artists will feel God’s Spirit guiding them as they create.

Just more affirmation that this trip is the right thing to do at the right time…

Judy

http://womenofgodartretreat.net

This week I have been updating my web site http://womenofgodartretreat.net, including adding a “Girl Friend” retreat. Girl friends may not want to paint, but would still welcome having a place like the art retreat to visit. It’s perfect for a grand pajama party or “Yah, Yah” Sisters reunion. I have got to take some new photos and post in order to show the “inside” of the retreat. People like to know what kind of bed they will be sleeping in. I have made the five bedrooms upstairs as hospitable as possible. People who vist here say it is like stepping back in time. When you live in a house that is more thans 100 years old, it feels that way. I like it that it is also, like me, for from being perfect. Its squeaky floors sound good as I walk across them. These are original to the house as are many other of the feautures of the house. When I am here alone, except for my dog, Isabella, an Sassie, my cat,I sometimes move from room to room. I feel as though I’m on vacation. Mostly, I sleep downstairs. It’s quieter. You don’t hear the sound of rain on the tin roof and you don’t here the sounds of the trains. Sometimes I want to hear these sounds; sometimes I want to look out the windows from above the tall Oak trees surrounding the house. I like to watch them swaying in the wind…but not too much. Last month storms, including several tornados, came too close for comfort. One night was especially scary. I was paralyzed with fear as I looked down at my lovely trees, thinking that at any moment they would become Mary Poppins and begin to fly. I was blessed, not one was damaged. Others could not stay the same. A friend told me I should have the trees cut down. For a few moments I thought of doing so; then I thought of the years they had been here and that they probably would be standing long after I’m gone-I pray they will. They are majestic in their stature. The limbs of one of the trees is trying its’ best to reach the skies. I don’t like like to think of its alternative.

http://womenofgodartretreat.net

A Personal Interview with Ann Hamilton

What do you do? How do you define yourself as an artist?
Presently I’m developing the “Women of God” Art Retreat in my 1890′s Victorian Home. This idea came to me earlier this year and my first artist-guests arrived in May. While they were here I conducted workshops in acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, and pastels. I also started several new paintings which I have since finished. While they were here they suggested several changes I might make in my retreat as well as my web site. I took their advice and revamped my web site and retreat ideas. Then, I started a blog. These things, taking care of Isabella, my dog, and Sassie, my cat, my flower garden, the house and painting keep me busy. And I have several regular students as well as other artists who love to come and paint with me in my large studio. I have three sons who live in other states and towns, and we talk daily or several times a week via phone. Other than all of this, I like to eat out, watch good movies, cook, read and write.

What is your message?
I want to share what I have learned during the 70 years of my lifetime. These “sharings” have become a form of story-telling to those who visit me. Everyone has their own stories to tell, especially about the past. Tell the truths about these stories in ways that will help others. Use your experiences in this manner as well. The past “can” be changed through our perception of it. Both the good and the bad can be made new. It is all about attitude. It is in this that we have the ability to empower ourselves to live in a positive manner.

Your biography in four lines.
Facts about biographies are seldom read and usually dull and boring. I have no need to express those facts about myself to others. It is enough to say that I am an artist, a mother, grandmother, and friend. It is through these identities that my life speaks.

http://womenofgodartretreat.net

आर्टिस्ट २ आर्टिस्ट ब्लॉग पोस्ट

Artist2Artist Blog Post (ArtDeadline.com)

My Title spot is still going crazy…However, is a blog I just posted on the Artist2Artist.com networking site…a great site!

http://womenofgodartretreat.net
Other Blog: http://artistretreat.blogspot.net (I’ll probably put the following post on that site today)

As one of the new kids on the block I’m still finding my way around Artists2Artists Social Network but I already love it! I’m getting to know some of the artists here, Sloane, Angela, etc. and see the sincere interest of helping hands. I hope I can be one of those. I have another new blog: http://artistretreat.blogspot.com. On it I describe the life I live at the retreat which also happens to be my home. It’s an 1890′s Victorian house with a fantastically large studio. An artist lived here before me and put the studio addition onto the house. Funny thing, though, she did not use it for a studio. Instead, it must have been a game room, etc. I had a huge bar removed from the room opening up a wet bar. How good it is to have this feature. No running to the kitchen or bathroom for a water supply and the cabinets below and above this store “some” of my art supplies. The studio itself easily accommodates six artists…could be more if I organized. I have three large easels set up, and several small ones accessible to my students.
I use much of the rest of the house as a gallery. I now have over 50 paintings, all my work, on the walls. Too, the house has a Jane Austin appeal to it and the nooks and crannies in it invite writing, journaling, or reading.
My first guests became protective of me, and saying I might attract unwanted people, suggested I look for a niche market. Sorry guys, but their idea became mine and I changed my retreat into something that would mostly attract women. Certainly I’m not an over religious person, but I am very spiritual, and the name of the retreat also detracts a certain element. Rules “are” made to be broken, and if a really sincere guy-artist persuaded me, how could I refuse accepting him as a retreat guest.
The retreat only accommodates up to five people, unless they want to share rooms. That is fine with me as I only want a few people at a time. During the last retreat I help workshops in watercolors, acrylics, pastels, and mixed media. Two of three guests went home with more than ten paintings each. I finished five paintings myself. Some of my best work comes as I teach classes or hold workshops.
The environment here is terrific. The retreat is in the historic part of town, overlooking one of two mountains in the area. Both Lookout Mountain and Sand Mountains are considered to be the foothills of the Appalachian of mountains. Minutes away are a state park and National Preserve. Desoto State Park is advertised as having more native plants than any region in the entire world. It as well as Little River Canyon National Preserve are truly among the marvels of the US. All of this and more offers hundreds of en plein visits to artists, and is a great place for photographers, and other individuals seeking an experience in nature. I can even take you on a tour to a pristine are of the valley where my ancestors owned property from mountain to mountain, where my great-great-great-grandfather’s house and barn still stand; where one of my great uncles had a trout farm (yes, in Alabama), and much more. However, you probably will not want to live the studio except to eat after you arrive….but I don’t cook and you have to bring your own groceries. The kitchen is your and I will happily trade lessons for food and being treated like a guest myself.
I did not mean to say all of this…but I’m a writer as well as an artist and I do get “long-winded” at times. I am also said to have “the” most southern accent in “the” south!

I don’t mean for this blog to be all about me. I plan to share some of what I have learned about the making of art!
Enough for now!

http://womenofgodartretreat.net