Up on Top of A Hill

A Rainy September Day in New York

2010-09-27T15:48:00.000-04:00

A gray Monday, nearing the end of September.

A good day for indulging in the joys of life, like some fresh homemade lunch and working on some visual satisfaction.

Today's lunch started with an overflow of veggies in the fridge. One of the bonuses of living with others who's schedules are as full as mine, is buying the same things from the market. This gives me another opportunity to use one of my favorite skills, improvising; more specifically, working with what is available.

Ingredients:
Homemade Pesto, made with Basil grown in the front yard, fresh Broccoli, Zucchini, Cucumber and Bow Tie pasta.
I like to chop everything into small pieces so I can just barely cook the veggies. Say 'no' to mushy veggies.
Yum.

There's a small forest just outside of my bedroom window and door to the make-shift studio (also called, garage) below the bedroom. I love walking out of or down to the garage when working on my art. Today's rain and gray sky makes for a perfect autumn day in the forest.

I do my painting in the garage.

This paper is the coolest!

Hopefully, tonight I'll get some time to work on the details with my awesome set of prismacolor pencils.

Volatile Organic Compound's in 2-D

2010-09-25T13:42:00.000-04:00

Another series that started with some simple designs using Adobe Illustrator. The designs were printed on matte paper then altered with watercolor, and pencil. Then comes the naming, or assigning of meaning, hence VOC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_organic_compound

I don't know where my imagry comes from... but these pieces affect the environment and human health like VOC's (at least I like to think so.) I like how Robert Motherwell talks about painting, starting with a pure surface, messing it up, then bringing it back to that pure feeling.

Check out www.scottgarrette.etsy.com to see more

RSVP - Today's Creations - from July 2010

2010-08-03T12:01:00.005-04:00

A while back, I started drawing on whatever I could get my hands on, that had a nice clean surface. I needed something readily available, with consistent qualities as well as accepting of multiple mediums... I guess those $4.00 plus boxes of cereal have another use beyond holding the puffed wheat pieces (gold) in a nicely transportable shape for mass consumption, and the aftermath, when the little pieces of gold are gone and all that remains goes to the garbage, or the more politically correct, re-cycling bin.
Then the work begins. With vigor the scissor cuts off the excess fiberboard material, a vision is seen, add pencil and let sit for Days... stacked upon and underneath other like drawings.
When time becomes available, after several weeks of tiring work at the Day Job/s, apply the paint, dry and add colored pencil. Then return to before mentioned stack for complete saturation of desire. This step infers a future maturity of the work and of the individual, but there's a lot to be said for good-intention!
Next.
Cut wood to different sizes to fit... apply fiberboard to wood, determine orientation and return to stack, or possibly paint and seal.
Then.
Cut prints from my design work and photography into strips, squares, circles, or any other shape necessary. Other materials may be gathered and cut as available.
Next.
Apply strips of color (cut prints,...) using LOTS of glue, to the board to finish the space and texture it up. It's OKAY to get sloppy or a little OCD for this step. Be sure to have several pieces-in-progress available for this part, as it's fun and hard to stop.

Paint and varnish may be applied anytime during the process.
Is this the end?...............

New Etsy Listings and Super Deals

2010-04-27T17:06:00.011-04:00

More originals listed now on www.scottgarrette.etsy.com with super deals you can't afford to miss.

This one is "the rising"
colored pencil and paint on fiberboard mounted on poplar wood panel and sealed.

"round n round" mounted on poplar wood panel.
water color and colored pencil on fiberboard.
part of a series made this past winter (end of 2009, beginning of 2010.)

Acrylic paint, epoxy-resin and torn glossy art prints on board.

lots of texture.

I really love this style. I only made three in this style, but can't wait to make more.

"Over Fire Mountain"

"The Rising" watercolor and colored pencil on fiberboard, mounted on wood and sealed. White paint too...

"innocent"
Colored pencil drawing on some sweet graph paper.
mounted on board and sealed, both sides. It got a little wrinkled, but I like it.
Corners were sanded.

My kids helped me with "Hear the Wind."
Made this one in Raymore, Missouri... maybe 2008...?
marker, pencil(colored), paint, epoxy-resin on birch plywood.

New work 2010

2010-01-16T08:43:00.004-05:00

The new year began with some much needed time off and time on. I took a week off from each of my jobs to focus on some new creations. Painting is my passion and is too often neglected for quicker and cleaner creations. Art is art, and I'm happy anytime I can create, but there is a difference in satisfaction from medium to medium.

I got out the watercolor paints and after cutting apart several fiberboard boxes from Christmas, the painting began. It's been cold, very cold, and my work space is in the unheated garage. Out comes the portable heater... and the stocking hat.

Back in the Game

2009-12-17T00:45:00.003-05:00

It's been six months since I've been able to write anything. I took on another job beginning in June of 09, and have only had time to create. Finally, after six months of working long hours for others, I've found the time and energy to create and write to you about it.
This series of stripes was created in the month of May 09, just before my responsibilities increased dramatically. Starting with a pencil line sketch and adding color with watercolor paint to help bring my visions to life. I see these works as meditative pleasures... maybe more pleasure for myself, but hopefully for others. When you look at them, and let your eyes and mind begin to evaluate the arrangement of color, line and texture, you'll see certain shapes jump forward, others move back and around to front again. A whole universe within simple lines and color emerge.
There is plenty of room for interpretation, but it is left to you to make the connections, follow the lines and determine the outcome within yourself. Each piece is 'finished' by each viewer... in a different way.
Look at these lines. Is this unfinished, or 'in progress'?... maybe the empty space is there for a reason. Now focus on the green area. Moving up from the bottom, are the colored shapes (lines) pushing forward, or in front of the green? Is there any implied movement? Where are the defined shapes? Are they shapes joining together, or falling apart? Where does your eye take you?

There may not be anything profound about these pieces, nothing revolutionary... but when I take the time to gaze onto the paper with these lines and color, I feel a peace that is necessary for happiness and sanity.

Enjoy the Dance

2009-05-31T10:57:00.005-04:00

Continued from Lost to Convenience

Temperatures this Spring have been mild, with a few Hot and Sunny days. Leaves are out in full force and the mowers are humming in the neighborhoods. I'm drawn to the Southern view looking down the Hudson River towards New York City. The Tappan Zee Bridge connecting the Eastern and Western banks and a 'retirement complex' where I would not mind landing in my older years.

Away from the River and down the stone trail several 'black-leaf' trees stand in contrast to the monotony of the 'green-leaf' neighbors. The gentle hand of the wind is seen in the low lying field as it persuades the long grass to dance. The song will soon be over as the humming motors approach, enjoy the dance.

©scott garrette 2009

Lost to Convenience

2009-05-31T06:52:00.003-04:00

I sometimes forget how much time I spend inside thinking about all the things I want to do.

My 6 year old daughter asked to go to the park with the "twisty" trees. Friday afternoon, no other obligations... Let's go. After the half-hour drive South and a bit West, we're there. My favorite outdoor spot to date in Westchester Co., New York. The kids wake up from the road trance and put on their curiosity and excitement. I... get my camera and tune out the days' worries. The vegetation is tall from all the rain this Spring. Soon, it will be slashed and thrown to the ground and the simple beauty will be lost to convenience.

to be continued...

Silence and Fog

2009-05-28T14:49:00.004-04:00

A view from inside the clouds
covering the ground
and reaching up into the sky.
Leaves of trees are covered
with dots of water
as they awake from their slumber.
And when the sky is not blue
the green signs of life
rule this landscape,
filling the empty page with color.
Silence comes
when the clouds touch the ground,
as if the land
is under water.

©scott garrette 2009

Roll with it

2009-05-25T07:29:00.004-04:00

A good morning for painting.

Started out with the struggle of not knowing what to do. Sat down to draw on the computer, nah. Maybe I'll do some work and research, nah. Watch a show online, browse FB or Twitter... NO!

I'm beginning to appreciate the portability and spontaneity of watercolor. No need to squeeze paint out that will inevitably dry when the days responsibilities awake. Such a simple setup and cleanup. It's great to have options.

I've been working to control my color impulse, the desire to add more and more different colors. It's good to have control, even when I'm preventing a desired action. It's a good example of living life on arts terms.

Making Lemonade

2009-05-24T06:02:00.006-04:00

I'll take these lemons, and their sour sting
add some sugar to make it sing
maple syrup hits the spot
with that smooth brown nectar from the tap
Bring me more and I'll set up a shop
and make them into the next things hot
with the cold chill and refreshing sting
I will make these lemons sing.

©scott garrette 2009

Muscoot Farm Westchester New York

2009-04-25T13:49:00.002-04:00

In full bloom.
A quick trip to a farm nearby. Just a couple of miles from the cozy town of Katonah, NY and maybe even Somers, NY.

A beautiful setting with rolling rocky hills.

Wow, there are cows in New York!
Not uncommon where I've lived the past 8 years.

A very proud pig... very large too.

Five little piglets wandering about. They kept getting stuck on the wood step, high-centered, pretty cute and funny to watch.

A Good Morning

2009-04-25T08:10:00.003-04:00

Beginning at 6am
Cool air, no breeze, warm sun and some good coffee in my Father's old coffee mug from long ago.

A little color for starters... a little life.

What to do with something new

2009-04-25T05:50:00.004-04:00

Black and White

or

Color (watercolor, crayon, marker, colored pencil...)?

The Prize in my Cereal Box

2009-04-24T15:53:00.003-04:00

You can imagine my surprise when I opened this cereal box and found these strange markings. I would have felt better about the $6.00 I spent if I knew there were cool markings inside... that's worth the six bucks! totally!

Stories Without Words

2009-04-17T03:18:00.004-04:00

Tell the Story

These are my stories
without words
only lines, then color (sometimes.)

Black & White

2009-03-31T16:34:00.006-04:00

Pencil and paper. Start with a line
A square might be nice, or seven plus nine.
Break up the space, look at those shapes.
A dream world for all in one place.

Follow the story, please take the time
to look at a line sketched out, of mine.

©scott garrette 2009

Stomping Ground

2009-03-28T07:44:00.003-04:00

Mid morning walk about.
Exploring the area.

I've not seen these waters when it's warm.
As I drive the perimeter I wonder...
If all of these houses on the lake have
a dock, and all of the docks have a boat,
how do they all fit?

There are some amazing properties here.
The hills are awesome here, can't wait
for all the leaves to come out.

Traffic hums by aggressively at times on the windy lakeside road.

Telling Stories

2009-03-25T01:50:00.003-04:00

Through the sliding Glass Door
I step and look up
into the nights sky
and see the stories drawn
in the darkness

Like street lights in the distance
make clear the pathway
make audible the sounds
of the spheres as they spin

In that darkness speak
through soft tones
of the stories drawn
by the light

©scott garrette 2009

Out the back door

2009-03-24T15:39:00.005-04:00

Just beyond the back door of the house in Raymore, MO where I once lived, sits a lonely field. Development swallowed it's neighbors to the East and North and on it's Western border is 71 HWY. It won't be long before this peaceful pasture of the past becomes a street, a lawn and a building site.

Within one square foot of this peaceful land I found hundreds of beautifully inspiring natural arrangements.

One day these images will be the only reminder of what once was... a visual eulogy.

I sat and watched through the lens of my camera as the wind blew this plant into and out of focus while snapping shots in different locations... frozen movement.

to the west

A place I will not soon forget.

©scott garrette 2009

Till nothing's hot

2009-03-20T19:24:00.002-04:00

Till nothing's hot

excuse me if I don't stir the pot
let it all burn till nothing's hot
and the fire that started it all
is dead

there is no room for listening ears
it is all filled up with anxiety's tears
only patience can withstand the cold
that follows

we have no time
we must hurry and stop
that we may go again
even sooner still
and warm our hands
beside the fire

©scott garrette 2009

Freedom I can't find

2009-03-20T16:55:00.003-04:00

It... what is it?

The sun is out today. Clouds moving steadily across the sky while a jet plane soars high above cutting through the blue that mends itself again.

I don't know what I'm looking for - trying to find something - feeling like I need to find something.

*this image is not in production yet. i'd love to print this one on vinyl and have it go from floor to ceiling*

©scott garrette 2009

Giving You Free Tunes

2009-03-19T15:18:00.005-04:00

Want some free music from a Regular Guy? Come on by. Recorded at my home using Garage Band. Not much editing or production, pretty straight up in 1-2 takes.

http:// www.myspace.com/scottegarrette

A Man Named Douglas

2009-03-19T03:33:00.004-04:00

Oh there's a few rocks in the road
and one knocked my tire loose
all i can do is drive in fear
just a few more minutes here

I need a mechanic
but where can i find
someone who knows the time

The words are not here
the pain is so clear
all I can do is drive

With this banging and clicking right under my feet
my souls grow weary
over the mountains
through the streams
while the rain pours from the sky

Just a few meters ahead I'm told
I will find a man named douglas
one look and he knew
I needed new shoes

©scott garrette 2009

Shut the Alarm

2009-03-17T03:29:00.000-04:00

So i set my alarm
and wait for it to go
I just can't sleep
is that the sun
I'll go out and sit
and write down my thoughts
pour another coffee
turn that tv off
i can't understand
all the noise in my head
what does it say
this or that way
there comes a dense fog
and the curves in the road
are not marked

another bomb three more dead
all this noise in my head
sing me that song
little cricket
above all others
let me hear your voice alone

let's get another opinion
of how things could best be done
just fill my eyes
and flood my ears
with your singing voice
tear down the structure
rebuild your home
and throw out all of the collections
of dirt and grime
that have collected your wealth
and soiled your clothes
bring back those primal ears
and shut the alarm

©scott garrette

Using my new self-taught illustrator skills

2009-03-14T10:52:00.000-04:00

Having never been trained on Adobe's Illustrator, I love it when I come across an action/tool that opens the creative door even wider. Though, I don't need the door to open all the way. My creative impulses could be overloaded by the excess of stimulation.

Tree with a Thousand Stories

2009-03-12T14:58:00.000-04:00

There's a park on the Eastern shore of the Hudson River at the end of the road where the river is at it's widest. Just to the South spreading out across the water with all of its legs and pavement stands the Tappan Zee Bridge.

The view to the Western shore welcomes me each visit to the park and prepares me for the wonderful experience ahead.

The Tree with a Thousand Stories is just around the bend right off the stone path.

From here the adventures begin. With the cold of Winter nearing its end this strange and magnificent tree stands tall stretching out each of its limbs and branches twisting, curling and even digging down into the earth and out again several feet away. A single limb coming out from the trunk reaches straight out, bends down and spreads some more. This limb is strong as though it was there a hundred years before.
The markings are a testament of its old age. As far as hands can reach and legs can climb the markings can be seen of past lovers and friends or the lonesome stranger.

New Work Coming Soon!!!

2009-03-12T10:37:00.001-04:00

Bird - tree - circles - sky ...what else is there to say?

On Top of A Hill

2009-02-27T16:46:00.001-05:00

Through the lens of my camera I now live on a one lane paved country road with tall evergreens in the front yard. Through my eyes there are Blue Mountains in the distance with leafless tree covered mountains just before. The air is cold and the windy gusts send me deeper within my new winter jacket and the gray scarf made by Victoria.

The clouds cleared only for an hour or two today, only the first or second time since relocating. To say that it is "gloomy" or "dreary" would not be incorrect, yet without the negative feeling attached. Off the back patio I look down and see leaf free grass. There are so many trees lining the perimeter of each property I can only imagine the effort that went into clearing the yards of all the leaves. Feeling the wind makes me think there were natural forces to help with this effort... on the top of the hill.

Out From Far

2009-02-27T14:53:00.000-05:00

i can not see what is in front of me
when i always look back
yet i must be going somewhere
i must be seeing something
a memory or a dream
which could it be
i may have lived a thousand lives
and yet i still hold this one so dear

a voice calls out from far
i have not heard a more welcoming sound
from just next door
a man comes out
speaking to those who can hear
yet all is silent
and there is no one here but me

Just Moved to NY

2009-02-25T13:38:00.000-05:00

Originally written 12/13/2008
There is a constant cold breeze blowing on this clear blue-sky morning. Coffee is getting cold quickly in the handmade ceramic mug from my pottery days. The steam rolls off as the sun shines through the bare branched leaves and the crows move west. A perfect reflection on the glass table of a beautiful naked tree and blue sky - like the still water of a frozen lake.
My fingers go numb as i write - trying to find clarity - trying to find comfort... Trying to find meaning.

© scott garrette 2008-2009

in the woods again

2009-02-19T12:45:00.000-05:00

In the woods again

In the woods again I follow
a trail that seems to have been made for me
or for three...
so peaceful here, so colorful
I don't speak to show my gratitude
it is known and not misunderstood

© scott garrette 2009

when the earth shook

2009-02-13T17:41:00.000-05:00

when the earth shook

as the blue sky appears
the moon dips into the clouds
just behind the mountain top
the earth shook as it came near
in the darkness of the early morning.

she closes her eyes
for a new day
lay your head down
song birds sing their greeting
as the baby of my soul awakes
a squeak and anoter toucan appears
watching and protecting the moon
the black bird and the earth shake
with a golden beak we wake

Written in Jan of 2004 in Costa Rica at a beautiful farm called Finca Ipe. It was the first and only earthquake I've felt. More of a shudder than a quake, but strange none the less. The moon was full, and everything was quiet. I remember thinking that there were wild animals running through the woods nearby, that was the sound that woke me from my sleep. We were sleeping in an open air stilted shelter made as a yoga retreat house. Oh, it also sounded like hard footsteps on the teak wood floors, but there was no one there. The serenity of the experience is what I remember most and how out of tune I am to natural happenings. I think I can tune-in... if I try.

Ginger Bread Houses

2009-02-09T11:39:00.000-05:00

so much exchange
of self-interest
goods in excess
from foreign halls
we want it all
but make not our own bed

give me this for that
and put out your welcome
mat when a neighbor
comes by to say hello
charge him $20 for the stay

It's all commerce
the American way
building family values
with ginger bread houses
we'll eat it all
don't forget the bed
get yours before i do

I'm not sure when I wrote this, but I'm pretty sure it was 2004-ish. Luckily, many of my writings have survived all of my moves. My collections begin in 1996 while in college at Baker University and randomly cover personal thoughts, subtle observations and some social commentary.

music to die from

2009-02-06T10:15:00.000-05:00

music to die from

Up on green mountain
I hear the music
of the gasoline instrument
that sputters perfume
to melt my skin

They come like the gusts of misty air
around the bends
through the cloud covered hills
gently caressing my internal
combustion chamber

Originally written 1/10/2004 in Costa Rica.
It is hard to escape diesel fumes on mountain roads.

the waves are blue

2009-02-05T06:12:00.000-05:00

Just over there
the waves are blue
birds jump from tree to tree
I'm barely shaded by these giant leaves

What are those words I hear?
sudden laughter then a pause
Where are all of my friends?

Some of the birds don't flap their wings
The wind is hot
someone left the heater on

There are few people playing in the waves

The first of a series of "words and pictures" using imagery and words created by Scott Garrette.
This writing comes from a visit to Costa Rica in 2002.

Suburban Burp

2008-08-09T16:14:00.000-04:00

I had a strange and vivid dream a while back...

I was walking in back of my house with Five friends. We were on a journey when we stopped and set our luggage on the ground. Everything important was in the bags. In back of my house is a small storm-water runoff creek, and it started to swell and then the water flowed upstream, swallowing and washing everything away. My friends and I scrambled to save our belongings... and I thought, "...if only I had not let go of my bag and set it down." Upstream, some little people had pulled our goods out of the water and kept it for when we would come by. Then came the thieves and I tried to hide my money but they found it and threatened to shoot. I pulled out a roll of wire fencing... but it was more like a sculpture... with multi-colored pinheads pointing out of the tube/roll of wire. As the thieves shot their weapons the fence roll blocked all of the bullets! I just held it and turned it around in a spinning motion that created a spinning shield of little multi-colored pinheads to bat away the bullets like how a combine spins.

Then I thought, "...if only everyone knew of the potential of "the fence!"

The game of Life continued

2008-08-03T08:11:00.001-04:00

continued from an earlier post here

Opportunities abound - each moment has an opportunity...
Sitting in my yard with my kids playing in the sand box... Opportunity to be happy, to organize my thoughts and ideas.
Walking down the sidewalk past a neighbors house. Neighbors outside watering the lawn and carrying on... Opportunity to make new friends and network.
Find out my son has (had) a brain tumor... Opportunity to put my faith in the powers that be and see life as an opportunity to spread the positive vibrations around for all to feel.

The first 20+ years of my life were filled with life's lessons learned through experience. I once read "knowledge comes from things done, wisdom comes from things done wrong." The key to wisdom is to learn from experience, and then act based upon what is learned. My Mom once told me, "...you always have a choice. You decide whether something is good or bad..." Everything is what it is with NO judgment placed upon it. I am the one who places the judgment, I say if something is good or bad... This idea changed my world. It has opened doors at even the darkest times.

Every moment has an opportunity...

Back in the Saddle

2008-08-01T03:40:00.000-04:00

This blog has been entirely too neglected. I am finally able to spend some time finishing up some paintings that were made almost three years ago when I lived in Lawrence, KS. I've stumbled upon a new finishing technique for the surface of the paintings that I really enjoy! The final product is exactly what this painting and and the 20+ other paintings on wood have needed. The surface is a buttery smooth satin matte with waxed wood edges. The reverse framing is perfect for the painting, allowing the imagery to exist "in" the viewers space. This frame creates an experience that is less like looking through a window and more like looking at an existence within the present reality. I am very pleased with the outcome.

Obstacles is the title of this piece. Moving around them, working with them and accepting the gifts they may bring.

See you soon!

Good Times

2007-11-19T10:24:00.000-05:00

The Second Kansas City Etsy Trunk show. Organized by Janay. We had a good time meeting new members and getting more local exposure. This is a great group of talented artists and designers with great ideas and enthusiasm for the KC Etsy Team!

Kathleen's table for TinyStitches at the KCEtsy Street Team Trunk Show in Westport.

Lisa from MyPaperGarden's table showing amazing collage art & cards using vintage images. Shown at the KCEtsy Street Team Trunk Show in Westport. I took home two of these beautiful Collage Christmas ornaments for my holiday gift giving this year.

Karen from KarenKayArtWorks table at the KCEtsy Street Team Trunk Show in Westport. Karen has a fantastic array of stationary. I personally love her Studio Clips in Red and Green - how great for hanging holiday cards!

Scott from ScottGarrette table at the KCEtsy Street Team Trunk Show in Westport. Scott's original piece Red Water Lily was used as the background of our advertising pieces for the show. Isn't it beautiful!?

Julie from JewlLi's table at the KCEtsy Street Team Trunk Show in Westport. Julie specializes in amazing jewelry pieces made with sea glass, silver and gems. This necklace is a personal favorite of mine.

Janay from AbstractPretty table at the KCEtsy Trunk Show. Janay is wearing one of her signature pieces, a chic tan polka-dot swil skirt.

Shalana from TheFunkyFelter table at the KCEtsy Street Team Trunk Show in Westport. Shalana's felt designs are phenomenal. Isn't this Fuzzy Flower Bobbie is super sweet.

Chirp's table at the KCEtsy Street Team Trunk Show in Westport. Hip, fun and a bit edgy for all ages ... onesies to adult, tee's hoodies, and tanks.

*photos and comments provided by KCEtsy member tinystitches.etsy.com*

Come and See What's Happening in Kansas City

2007-11-07T19:22:00.000-05:00

Kansas City Etsy Street Team’s Artist Trunk Show

Type: Exhibits
Date: Saturday, November 10, 2007
Location: Bella Dance Studio
Address: Bella Dance Studio, Westport Center, 508 Westport Rd. Suite 102, KCMO, 64111
Phone:
Admission: FREE
Hours: 3pm – 8pm
URL: kcetsy.blogspot.com/

Description:
Shop local and shop handmade from local artists and handcrafters in the Kansas City Area who sell their wares on www.etsy.com. A wide range of high quality, unique, handcrafted items will be available. Here is just a glimpse at what this show will have to offer. Amazing wool felt creations; stunning mixed media and digital art; beautiful ornaments, stationary and pendants using vintage art; chic handmade wearables; classic accessories for babes and tots, and much, much more!

During the show enjoy music by DJ Labeaugot, and sample foods by Personal Chefs.

For a list of all our local Etsy artists, visit our blog at kcetsy.blogspot.com/. View pictures of our recent work at our Flickr group at www.flickr.com/groups/kcetsy/.

Circuit Techniques

2007-10-03T00:43:00.000-04:00

Circuit board panels to Art. But they are already art... Designed, Printed and manufactured. These boards were made in the USA by the late Robert Giampia Sr. I love his work, and hope I can do it justice.

The thought of these being lost to a land fill just killed me. I could not let them go. These are a representation of a mans' life's work (in part, the other parts are his family, kids, friends, spirit...)

So, Here's to Bob.... and here are the reformatted Circuit Techniques...

Fragile series

2007-09-26T09:27:00.000-04:00

Fragile is a new series of digital drawings. They are very similar to contour drawings in their use of lines to define space and mood.

At any moment the lines could snap, or shapes could shift and slide off the page. Life is fragile.

Trees and Circles

2007-08-30T08:40:00.001-04:00

I had a Dream the other night... I saw a silhouette of a tree, with circles floating at the top.

The last time I had a dream like this one was about 3 years ago. That is when I started my Square the Circle series that you can see in my Etsy shop

I like the imagery and I've got lots of willing models near by. So, here's kicking off the new line of drawings, paintings and prints.

Sculpted Wire Pendant Necklaces

2007-08-21T08:22:00.000-04:00

I've just developed a new line of Pendants featuring my handmade polymer clay beads. Sculpting with wire has been one of my favorite art forms for some time. I remember visiting the National Gallery in Washington, DC, and seeing a Calder exhibition... Wow!!! I was totally inspired. I've been twisting wire since.
Now, I've found a way to use my handmade polymer beads WITH sculpted wire... Check out my Etsy shop ( www.scottgarrette.etsy.com ) to see some Sculpted Wire Pendant necklaces and more...

Polymer Clay Tube Beads

2007-08-21T08:13:00.001-04:00

Oh, how I love to make beads!!! There are limitless color combinations, sizes and shapes to choose from.
You can find a nice selection of wonderful Polymer Clay Beads at my Etsy shop over at www.LittleBitofLove.Etsy.com ...

New Polymer Clay Pendants

2007-08-07T07:10:00.001-04:00

A little StarDust series.
I love how these pendants came out! The colors are so rich and work so well together.

The hardest part about making these polymer clay pendants is deciding what shape to make... The designs in the clay are so mesmerizing, and they look so nice from all angles, but I have to choose what will be the focus, and what will lie on the outer rim.

Pendant measures 48mm x 35mm x 8mm

They are my little paintings...

and I love to photograph them...

Some day I'll have enough time to use all of them myself, until then...
You can find them at my Etsy Store.
www.scottgarrette.etsy.com

Jurassic Gardens

2007-08-04T22:17:00.001-04:00

visit to powell gardens

2007-08-04T21:54:00.000-04:00

oh, what a wonderful place... Powell Gardens just outside kansas city missouri, pretty much on the edge of nowhere.

The trip out there was nice as well. About a 30 min. drive from my house, thourgh the country side of western missouri on hwy 50. Aw we got closer to the gardens, there were wonderful rolling hills with beautiful farm house estates and wild fields of native grasses.

Got to the turn off, and had to go in about a half-mile to the gate house, then another 1/4 mile to the gardens... Once there, Wow!!! Very well though out design and quality craftsmanship on all buildings and hardscaping. Def. influenced by Wright architecture. I really liked how far off the road the whole thing is. Such a secluded feeling, but so many people there... probably about 500 people scattered across the trails.

Oh, the healing power of nature... such a much needed get away into the world of natural beauty! Some absolutely beautiful lotus flowers, and Dang if we didn't forget the camera at home... oh, well

Soapmania's gonna be on TV!!!

2007-08-02T23:27:00.000-04:00

I just heard earlier today that Soapmania.etsy.com is going to be interview this weekend at the Kansas City River Market's Farmer's Market, by our local Kansas City Channel 9 TV station. You can find Soapmania just about every weekend down at the River Market selling their handmade soaps and other handmade goods. Way to go Soapmania!

Soapmania also started up the Kansas City Etsy Street Team (KC Etsy) recently and has really gathered some momentum for this group of Artists and Crafters here and around Kansas City.

Life - the game, the art, the creation...

2007-08-01T10:30:00.000-04:00

This topic seems a little deep, and maybe it is. Thoughts about life can also be fun, like a game. "The Game of Life" by Milton Bradley, is what inspired these thoughts today. Taking chances, strategy, getting to the end and avoiding mishap

What I'm most interested in is the ability to control my life and the outcomes. By control, I mean deal with and handle in the most positive and constructive (creative) way possible (at the time.) To navigate the game board without regret. I feel that I am creating my life, like a painting, by choosing how to navigate through certain events that come my way. Except, unlike a blank canvas, I have been given a "work-in-progress" a collaboration of sorts. I am certainly not alone in the painting called my life. Whether alone or not, it doesn't really matter, I still am responsible for choosing how to respond to events in my environment, or how to continue creating. Creating is a form of control, and in some, or many ways, Art is like life.

to be continued...

visit scottgarrette.etsy.com to see my creations

New Prints

2007-08-01T00:19:00.000-04:00

prints at my Etsy shop

These prints are so much fun to work on, I have a hard time doing anything else right now.

They are made using an original Color My World™ drawing that has been imported to my computer. The drawing is then manually traced and colored digitally. It's a whole New World for me to explore... and very exciting.

I print my images on premium glossy photo paper, said to never fade for 108 years... The clarity and overall quality are outstanding! My house will soon be filled floor to ceiling with prints. I guess I'll need to invest in some frames.

All prints are done in short run batches of 150, and will be signed, dated

and numbered on the front. I ship the prints flat in bend proof rigid mailers. They are also protectively placed in a plastic sleeve for proper storage and damage resistant handling.

Kansas City Etsy Team

2007-07-31T23:22:00.000-04:00

A big thanks to Stephanie at Soapmania.etsy.com for getting things rolling for the KC Etsy Street Team! I think this group is going to be great for all the members. There is so much potential here in Kansas City to get the word out about Handmade and what that really means. I'm hoping the community will embrace this group of artists with open arms. There are so many talented artists making their works right in our neighborhoods... We should all stand up and be heard, or seen at least. It is hard to get work out for the public to see and I believe this group of Etsy artists will be a great resource for us all in our goal of selling our creations.

scottgarrette.etsy.com
kcetsy blog