Behind the Easel: "Mommy and Me" (2018)

Story: A larger than life version of my mother’s memory of brushing my hair after my first chemo treatments. We are seated in front of a wall of leukocytes, white blood cells, to stand in for the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia that impacted our lives at that time. We are crowned to show the importance of our relationship, and implies my mother’s catholic background as well. I am coloring while wearing a bright yellow dress, trimmed with a butterfly collar. • Silly story: my son, who was 2 at the time, actually scribbled on the lower right area, although some is covered, knowing it is there makes me laugh.

Symbols: Butterflies, dress, blood, crayons, crowns, hair, blood cells, drawing, jewels, mother, daughter, hairbrush, hair loss, side effects

Media: Acrylic, plastic, hair, plastic jewels, fabric, paper, color pencils, bristles, water-soluble oils, rice paper on canvas

Below are some vids of past Twitch streams while creating this work from 2018.

Painting blood cells part 1

Painting blood cells part 2

Creating the butterfly watercolor and rice paper trim for my yellow dress.

Behind the Easel: "Pieces of You" (Breast Cancer Bust for 2019 Bra-Vo in Mt. Dora Florida)

Good day to you all.

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I thought I would share with you behind the scenes on the my favorite project from 2019: “Pieces of You,” my decorated bust for the Bra-Vo Exhibit in Mt. Dora, Florida. It was on display at Mt. Dora Center for the Arts Gallery from October 5th to the 27th, 2019. I wish I could have made another bust to benefit a wonderful cause but unfortunately, like many things in 2020, Covid-19 put the brakes on Bra-Vo’s Exhibit. They did have a successful run of it in 2021. I missed it again in 2021 due to other obligations, but am hopeful for 2022.

Bra-Vo is an art fundraiser put on by Artisans of Mt. Dora (Previously Artisans on 5th), a non-profit co-op gallery in Mt. Dora, Florida. Every year in August, since in 2012, their Bra-Vo exhibit raises money to provide low or no-cost diagnostic testing for breast cancer for residents of Lake County, Florida. They do this through the sales and votes for Art Bras (bust sculptures) created by artists, students and merchants. Bra-Vo is also funded through generous donations, sponsorships with the local community, silent auctions, and other ticketed events for the fundraiser. Although they missed 2020, they returned in 2021 and successfully raised $8,923.61 for the Waterman Foundation at Waterman Hospital!

In 2019, I stumbled upon this thanks for Google and felt it aligned perfectly with the direction of my Cancer Series. It had only been 3 years since dad passed from Lung Cancer, but cancer was cancer I thought. It still filled me with ideas of what the families are left behind to pick up the pieces when a loved one dies from cancer. I felt Dad would’ve been proud to have one cancer story raise money for another cancer cause.

I started out with the sketch of me, my husband and my son standing under the shade of an old oak tree, and my mother sitting at its base, dad is in the shadow facing away. My dad grew up in Florida, and I associate the beaches and oak trees with him as we spent many family outings at parks or beaches growing up. I came up with the idea to use the sea glass again, not only for tree colors of brown and green, and the beach allusion, but as the main metaphor for the broken pieces, or memories, I was left with of my father. Even if they smooth and fade with time, I hope to pass these memories onto my son as he gets older. I also incorporated coquina beach sand, fabric and jewelry pieces with the acrylic paint.

On each glass “leaf” I engraved and painted images and words that make me think of dad and his life with us, the good and bad (i.e. the smoking). He had military service with the US Air Force, which I commemorate on multiple shards. The commemoration is based on a cup he was given in Germany for his unit and so forth. Also on the glass shards are images of his career in construction (the truck he always drove to work), the things he did (taking photos, smoking, golfing, etc.) and messages about dad “Our Rock”, “We Miss You” and yes, “Daddy’s Girl” because that was totally me.

Painting and engraving sea glass with my son in attendance (Age 3).

Behind the Easel: "CBC Butterflies" (2019)

Story: CBC Butterflies' from my cancer series illustrates a child's perspective on getting a Complete Blood Count (CBC). I depict how young me imagined butterfly needles when the nurse said, 'they help the blood come out.' The butterflies symbolize my body's transformation as chemo drugs (Calamondin lemons) destroy cancer cells, giving me life (Calamondin blossom). They also draw blood to monitor treatment progress. The Calamondin lemons and flowers (Filipino) and Black Swallowtail butterflies (Florida) reference my mixed heritage, being half Filipino and half Caucasian.

During my treatment, I had to get my blood drawn multiple times for a Complete Blood Count (CBC) to monitor the quantity of my blood cells. I depict how child me would have imagined butterfly needles when her nurse explained that “they help the blood come out.” The butterflies are the transformation my body is undergoing as the chemo drugs (Calamondin lemons) destroy the cancer cells to give me life (Calamondin blossom). They also draw the blood to examine the progress of the treatment within my blood.

Symbols: Butterflies, dress, Calamansi flower and lemons, blood, gloves, leaves, needles, tubing.

Media: Acrylic, watercolor, cardstock, yarn, alcohol inks, vinyl on canvas

Some gathered posts and vids during various stages of progress online:

Adding butterfly papercuts based on my photos of Swallowtail Butterflies I took in central Florida.

Life and working updates for 2019

Been a bit hasn’t it? I took a short hiatus from my work with Tampa Regional Artists as Exhibits Director earlier this year and returned as a co-chair this July/August 2019 with some fellow board members Gina Stark and Judy Milsaps. It was plenty of responsibility for one to tackle alone.

During that TRA vacay, I started working part time at my son’s daycare to help support our family’s bills (and help feed my art making need.

If you have been keeping up with my Instagram account, I took a break from the Cancer series as well for a bit as it was hard emotionally. I still can’t believe its been 3 years since my father passed from it. I painted some abstract expressionist paintings, etched glass and made books for a time so I could keep making art.

I couldn’t stay away from the Cancer paintings so once I got back onto a set schedule of work, family care, and art I was able to finish the newly added “CBC Butterflies” god forbid. It was previously titled, “Butterflies make the blood come out” but for some reason that title didn’t feel just right. Thus, “CBC (for Complete Blood Count) Butterflies” was born.

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The next painting in progress is about my son. I did one of me and my mother, now its time for the next generation. He was born in a time of grief. He wasn’t even supposed to be possible, so the doctors told my mom when they talked possible side effects with her as I was receiving treatment in 1988. I apologized to my dad for not making him a cantankerous grandpa before he passed. Two weeks later after dad left us in that cold hospital room, I found out I was pregnant. He wasn’t expected but here he was when I needed it most. Not sure on its name yet. I’m sure it’ll come to me in time.

In words of the internet, TL;DL, took a TRA and Cancer painting break, etched glass, painted other things, started job, returned to both Cancer painting and TRA. Still an artist mom.

December Holiday Events 2018

PINELLAS ALE WORKS HOLIDAY ART SALE! FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 4-11 PM

St. Petersburg, FL: Pinellas Aleworks 1962 First Avenue South, St. Pete,  Annual PAW Holiday Art Sale in the beautiful new PAW events room, December 7, 4-11 pm.  Fourteen talented artists will be selling their artisan works in jewelry, fine original art, prints, etched glass, paper art/artcards, scented candles, holiday lights and decorations, wood crafted items, lowbrow/hibrow art, pop art, pet soaps, photography, Vinyl (LP) art, original vinyl LP’s, and MORE! As part of the event Cynthia Lizardi, an etched glass artist, will be conducting an etched glass demonstration on beer glasses during the show. The fourteen artists selling their art are Judy Bales, April Hunter, “AprilsScentSations”, Cynthia Lizardi, Chrisje Mays, Eileen Murphy,  Joanne Osborne, Gianna Pergamo, “Pergamo Paper Goods”, Lily Phuphanich, “Cool Lily Paints”, Missy Pregeant, Ashley Morra Simota, Karen Schwartz, “Tres Claudine Jewelry”, Danny Young, Nick Ribera “Chain Saw Assembly” and Tim Gibbons, Funky As A Monkey. The jpgs showing artist’s work can be used in conjunction with the publication of this notice. Come on out to do your holiday shopping from this wide range of offerings by talented artists in a beautiful location.  Enjoy PAW’s fine craft brews, food truck fare, music, PAW’s popular beer garden and tasting room, and fantastic art for sale. The event is free and open to the public and is kid and pooch friendly.For more information on the sale contact tim@funkyasamonkey.com.

Holiday Glass Etching Demonstration Plus Make & Take By Cynthia Lizardi at Tampa Regional Artists, Thursday, December 13th, 7-9 PM

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Gulfport Founder's Day/Gulfport Under the Stars

GULFPORT FOUNDERS DAY ART SALE FUNDRAISER

Saturday, October 13, 2-11pm

Gulfport Scout Hall, 5315 28th Avenue South, Gulfport, FL

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Gulfport, FL: Funky As A Monkey Art Studio and  seventeen artisans have joined together for the GULFPORT FOUNDERS DAY ART SALE, October 13, 2-11pm. Half of all artist’s fees will be donated to the Gulfport Historical Society. The fire which occurred at the Gulfport Historical Society caused major damage to the front of the building and sign and our artists have stepped forward to become part of this fundraiser. The Event is FREE and open to the public. Art booths will be set up in beautiful and air conditioned Gulfport Scout Hall, 5315 28th Avenue South, Gulfport. The artisans will be selling their art in all media: jewelry, paintings, prints, miniature paintings, sculpture, wood carvings, pop art, lowbrow art, vinyl art, wearable art, paper art, art cards, whimsy, decorative art. A slide show will also be conducted on the stage of the Gulfport Scout Hall created by the Gulfport Historical Society.

The GULFPORT FOUNDERS DAY ART SALE is part of the annual Gulfport Founders Day celebration as well as the evening Gulfport Art Under the Stars event. Artisans in the sale are:  Judy Bales, Virginia Butler, John Gascot, Tim Gibbons, Joanna Karpay, Loy Khambay, Cynthia Lizardi, Sarah Lynch of “Black Damask Designs”, James Maddocks, Gianna Pergamo of Pergamo Paper Goods, Lynn Rattray, Nick Ribera of Chain Art Assembly, Janice Saavedra, Marie Schadt, Glenn Schuele, Helen Talley of Baubles and Stuff and Jacqulyn Washington. For more information on the sale contact tim@funkyasamonkey.com.

Gulfport Historical Society, After the fire. Artist’s contributions will be helpful in restoring the building.

Gulfport Historical Society, After the fire. Artist’s contributions will be helpful in restoring the building.

To purchase tickets for Gulfport Under the  Stars, contact GulfportHistoricalSociety.org or call 727.656.5420. 6:30-11pm. Gulfport Under The Stars will include music and dancing, romantic lighting, tables for dining and extensive menu and beverage offerings during the ongoing art sale in Scout Hall. Come on out to shop for great art while supporting the Gulfport Historical Society!


October will be busy!

I am happy to say that I will be vending at 2 separate events in October. One on Saturday October 13th in Gulfport, Florida at their annual Gulfport Founders Day/Art Under the Stars Event. TArt under the Stars is being put on with Funky as a Monkey to support the Gulfport Historical Society. More about the event here.

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I will also be vending and participating in TFA’s 2nd annual artLAB (live art battle) at the Carrollwood Cultural Center on Saturday October 20th! This event will be held outside under the shade of beautiful lush oak trees on the grounds of this cultural center in the Carrollwood neighborhood of Hillsborough County, Florida.

I hope to see some new faces and some familiar ones too!

First out of Florida state show! "Voices & Visions: Standing on the Bridge Between Health and Disease"

I'm totally stoked to announce that "Bill Monster" and "I don't like how the red one tastes", from my Cancer series, are currently on display at The Art Center of Highland Park in Highland Park, Illinois in their 6th biennial "Voices & Visions: Standing on the Bridge Between Health and Disease" curated by artist and curator Caren Helene Rudman. This year's exhibit honors artist Jackie Sabath who passed away before the opening exhibit of Voices & Visions in 2016, whose piece ‘Back Up Against a Wall, but Moving Forward’ was on display.

A little about their 2018 exhibition from TAC's site: 

"Art that will express how cancer can be a metaphor both literally and symbolically. The Artists work will address the many issues pertaining to cancer, from facing our mortality to finding strength. Whether a survivor, caregiver, or just someone in someway that has been touched by cancer or the fear of it, we are looking for art that helps us to find meaning, and put into context how pain and suffering can lead to empowerment and healing."

I think if my dad were alive right now, he would be darn proud of his lil girl.

Voices & Visions will be up from August 24th to October 4th, with an opening on August 31st.

"Born to Create" exhibit at Hidden Springs Ale Works

I'm so happy to announce I'll be exhibiting locally at "Born to Create" presented by Funky as a Monkey Art Studio and Hidden Springs Ale Works. You're invited to come to the opening reception on Friday February 23rd from 6pm to closing. Please see the Press Release below for more information. 

 

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"HIDDEN SPRINGS ALE WORKS

                            And Funky As A Monkey Art Studio

  Presents a fresh exhibit with nine local artists

BORN TO CREATE

  February  23-March 30, 2018               

Opening Reception: Friday, February 23, 6pm-closing

1631 N. Franklin Street, Tampa Heights

Tampa, Florida: Hidden Springs Ale Works presents a new exhibit,  BORN TO CREATE, the art of nine talented artists who express themselves in photography,  pen and ink, hand-sculpted books, acrylics, collage and watercolor. No matter the artist, all share the necessity in creating their art as stress relievers, overcoming illness, fulfilling childhood dreams and the joy of producing art through joie de vie attitudes. The nine artists are Dorothy “Dore” Anderson, whose sensational work in paint and collage, from traditional to steampunk, explode from her canvases. Dore, an experienced exhibitor and artist has curated and exhibited at the the Carrollwood Cultural Center and is a NTAL board member. Scott Brien, who creates one-of-a-kind sculpted books strives, through thrift store and garage sale finds, to  “rekindle the magic that once jumped forth from the pages”. Through his book finds he discovers a message which he then illustrates through his sculpting of the actual book. L. Jackson creates photographs, oils and watercolors. His art career began at the age of eight and continues as he creates images that bring the viewer into his natural world in a magnificent array of images. Cynthia Lizardi, originally from Germany, has journeyed from stories, cartoons and acrylics to etching glass and back to acrylics. Her art portrays the power and resiliency of human life through her subliminal imagery and symbolism.  Mish, a lover of nature is famous for her psychedelic gecko photographs, pet portraits and all manner of our Florida jungle-like gardens. Her bright colors and fresh interpretations provide insight into hidden garden treasures. Katra Marie Peck’s intent is to “make art that stirs the soul and connects us to the beauty of human experience, letting my paintings evolve through emotions and universal feelings.” Through Katra’s watercolors she succeeds in bringing emotion, color and joy onto her canvases through mirror-like images. Nart is a first time exhibitor and brings an element of humor and joy to the show. His images are his creative outlet as well as a stress-reliever from his corporate position. Dr. Libby Sheridan, a self-taught artist, grew up with the aroma of linseed oil as her father was also an artist. Having lived on four continents and the Hawaiian islands she gathers inspiration for her art from her travels, “but always discovers herself with her beloved oil palette back in hand at home.” Matt Sutherland’s paintings reflect his love of nature. “There is something primordial about the chaotic and structured flora and fauna that makes our state so beautiful and dangerous. I utilize nature as an allegory...reflecting  my dreams, narrative stories,everyday life and random thought.” The opening reception for BORN TO CREATE is Friday, February 23, 5pm-closing All art on exhibit is available for sale. For more information, or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting your work,   Contact: tim@funkyasa.monkey.com or jaynelisbeth@gmail.com.      SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS AND OUR ARTS COMMUNITY!"

Behind the Easel: "Bill Monster"

"Bill Monster" illustrates the stress when medical bills from hospital treatments pile up. Sacrifices are made so their child can be healed but the true cost is always lurking, ready to strike. I made some changes from the ink version with my parent's poses and made the medical codes more subtle. I depict my parents as merpeople as I represent myself as such, and felt it appropriate to this piece. The tree to the far right is a Calamondin tree to reference my mother's filipino heritage and to show how medicine that is meant to be good for you can also cause pain. This tree bears small sour citrus and its branches have large thorns. To suggest that the tree is also the bed I am laying in, I incorporated pine needles in both the roots and the bed rails.

"Bill Monster" (30" X 24") Acrylic, sand, sea glass, art paper, pine needles, plastic and rice paper on canvas, 2017.

"Bill Monster" (30" X 24") Acrylic, sand, sea glass, art paper, pine needles, plastic and rice paper on canvas, 2017.

"Bill Monster" Ink on paper, 2017.

"Bill Monster" Ink on paper, 2017.

I hid medical codes for my diagnosis and treatment under the glass as these were some of the codes used to create the bills my parents spent years paying even after treatment was over. Before Hurricane Irma hit in 2017, I collected sea glass and fine beach sand from Puerto Rico. That fine beach sand was coated throughout the piece and on the fins of the monster. I then layered rice paper over the fins with additional sand to give an ethereal earthly depth to them.

Applying sand to “Bill Monster” with gel gloss medium.

Tiny fragments of shell encircle my father's neck to reference his passing in recent times. His shell necklace, from when my parents met, was passed to me not long after his death. My parents both loved the beach when I was a kid but much of that precious time was taken with extended hospital visits. 

Behind the Easel: "I don't like how the red one tastes."

 

"I don't like how the red one tastes" is about my memory of blood transfusions in the hospital. The one clear thought back then was how, whenever the blood bag was connected and flowing into my mediport, I could taste copper at the back of my mouth and how I did not like "how the red one tastes."  

"I don't like how the red one tastes." Ink on paper, 2017.

"I don't like how the red one tastes." Ink on paper, 2017.

Calamondin Tree with fruit

Calamondin Tree with fruit

"I don't like how the red one tastes." Acrylic, soft pastels, sand, pine needles, lace, fiber paste, and paper on canvas, 2018.

"I don't like how the red one tastes." Acrylic, soft pastels, sand, pine needles, lace, fiber paste, and paper on canvas, 2018.

The calamondin fruit tree is not only the medicine tree but also the frame of my hospital bed. Calamondin trees reference not only my mother's Filipino heritage (as she was my constant companion in the hospital) but stands in for the multiple times I was pricked by "thorns" (needles) to draw and test my blood during the course of treatment. I removed the ice cream and table seen in the ink study and added the flowers of the tree to show the medicine tree as life-giving as it holds the saline and blood bags. It's amazing how resilient children are undergoing cancer treatment protocols.

I used old family photos from that time period and online ones for my references. 

The completed painting includes pine needles embedded into fabric paste for the bark of the tree, butterfly paper and lace for my dress, pearlescent ink for the flowers and droplets and soft pastels for the portrait.

"The Healing Power of Art" 2017

I am excited to announce that I was among 60 or so artists selected for Manhattan Arts International's The Healing Power of Arts online exhibition., curated by Renée Phillips. She is the founder and director of Manhattan Arts International and has curated more than 17 Healing Power of ART exhibitions. A panel of guest jurors comprised of various leaders in the arts are awarding Special Recognition Awards in addition to the top 3 award winners selected by Renee.

Guest Jurors:

  • Lisa Cooper, owner of Elisa Contemporary Art and corporate art consultant

  • Barbara Markoff, owner of Artrageous! Gallery and corporate and healthcare art consultant

  • John R. Math, photographer and founder of Light Space Time online gallery

  • Ed Wedman, founder of Exhibitions Without Walls

This year's theme is "Inspiring the Positive" and they received nearly 800 images from artists in 11 countries! Please click the image above to see this exhibition and its talented artists. It will be running through to November 1st, 2017. 

Behind the Easel: "Oak Father"

"Oak Father" is dedicated to my father Clifton, who passed last year from Lung Cancer. My fondest memories of my dad are in the town of Safety Harbor, Florida  where I grew up as a child. Safety Harbor is home to many giant oaks many of which are hundreds of years old. We also had an Oak Tree that grew on my grandmother's property which later became my parent's. I used 2 different oak trees as references for this painting.

Prior to my father’s passing I had wished I made him a grandfather. I apologized for not doing so multiple times in those final weeks. I always thought the old man would’ve been an ornery funny grandpa someday, but was undecided on children in my life. Not long after he passed, I found out I was pregnant and had been during his last days.

My dad was supportive of my art making, hanging my paintings in his office at work and coming to every show. Along the branches are mementos and reminders of my father’s presence and influence in my life: framed and unframed art and a single Polaroid camera dangles close by the family.

The oak tree in this painting is my father looking over me and my son on the swing; his face on the tree is the only one with eyes open. The other closed-eyed faces are the family members of the past, who made my father who he was, and he me.


Going forward, I will be a mother and an artist, with the spirit of my father watching over us on this journey.