I'm an artistic virgin to the forum (and any other group for that matter).  Any other Albertans in Artella Land?

Hello, Chameleon, and welcome to the Artella Cafe!

I see that this is your first post!  I hope to see many more from you in the coming weeks!

Warmly,

Aunt Bobby 

Hi Chameleon.

I'm in Edmonton. Where are you?

Hi Taz42,

Great to hear from a fellow Albertan.  I'm from Red Deer - just a little over an hour south of you on the Queen E (Highway 2).  We'll be in your City this weekend for the Labatt's Blues Festival at Hawreluk Park.  It's a three-day blues blast and can hardly wait.

chameleon

Hi Chameleon 

Hope you enjoyed the Blues Fest. I haven't been to the Edmonton one, but went 3 years in a row to the one in Ottawa. Excellent! We even saw the Allman Brothers on their first performance in Ottawa in 30 years. The weather was a bit on and off this weekend so I hope you managed to stay dry.

What is your favourite art medium? I am focussed on jewelry making right now and just started a silversmithing course yesterday. But I dabble in lots of different mediums - watercolours, pastels, collage.

Taz42

The Blues Fest in Edmonton (see:  http://www.bluesinternationalltd.com/) was fantastic - the weather could have been better but when you're a true blueser, the weather is insignifcant.  We caught some really good performances:  Elvin Bishop (we've got his records from the 1970's) and Los Lobos who played 'Cinnamon Girl' from Neil Young, among lots of other good music.  Next year will be the 10th Festival they've held so it should be even better.  Of course, I'm jealous you got to see the Allman Brothers - another band that's high on our listening favourites - how 'bout 'Whipping Post"?! We've even gone on two Blues Cruises through the Legendary Blues Cruise (see: http://www.bluescruise.com/ )

You know, I would find it hard to say what is my favourite art medium because I've tried quite a few and am always ready for another art challenge - just don't make enough time for what I want to do!  I have always loved anything and everything to do with fibre, fabric and paper.  I've just finished some sewing projects for my first grandbaby coming in a couple of weeks and also collaged a box for the baby and altered/painted/embellished a pair of baby shoes that turned out awesome.  I've been having problems posting images on the forums, but once it's figured out with Aunt Bobby's helpful assistance, I'll get some photos on the forum real soon.

chameleon

Hi Chameleon,

I'm in Edmonton, too! Been visiting Artella lots, but just started posting. I have a subscription to their zine, what a fabulous way to get inspired. I do mostly paper arts now (rubber stamping, collage, altered stuff) but have done quilting, needlepoint, dolls, etc. What do you like to do?

Bev

 Hi, Bev,

Welcome to Artella Forum. I'm so happy to see you posting. Be sure to join in the discussions, especially in ArtellaVision section. It's a little more personal-centered, and in the Who We Are, Where We Are you might learn about our homes, gardens, home towns.

Welcome again,
Pat 

Hi Bev,

Happy to hear there's other Albertans out there - just knew there had to be more!  Paper has got to be one of my favorite art mediums as well as collage and altering this, that and everything in between.  One thing I haven't tried is creating dolls although that is on my definite to-do list.  I have a couple of awesome books and have seen lots of dolls that are absolutely fun-tas-tic but have too wait 'til the mood strikes, I guess.  If you have pics of your dolls, it would be great if you could post them.  It's always an inspiration seeing other people's work. 

 I've been trying to view the many wonderful art galleries that the Artella members have posted and I simply am blown away by the artwork that is created!  Add the actual creations to all the encouraging words from members has really given me a 'jump-start' to my creative spirit.

 Chameleon

Hey Chameleon, got the envelope full o' goodies yesterday and am fixing up one for you, be watching that mailbox! Thanx for all including the van Gogh note card...Saqqarra

I'm glad you got them, Saqqara,  By the by, van Gogh is one of my favorite artists.  I happened to catch the 1956 movie called "Lust for Life" with actor Kirk Douglas as Vincent van Gogh just this past week.  It was well done, and portrayed van Gogh as a tortured artistic genius.  I'll keep an eye out for your envelope.

 Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.
 Vincent Van Gogh

The quote seems to fit so well with what The Artella Cafe is, doesn't it?

Chameleon

Brrrrrr, it's nasty in this province, isn't it?  Now, don't get scared - I'm talking about the weather which we all love to do here in Alberta, Canada!  Just to give members a little idea of what it's been like this week:

Monday was very cold with temperatures not getting above -30(-22F) and the windchill stayed below -40 most of the day. It was a nice day to stay in the house, a venture outside after noon for a look around lasted about 4 minutes. And you know what all this means other than needing warm socks and an extra sweater inside, is that our energy prices will go up as well as having our vehicles plugged in for hours at a time.  Good thing is, lots of art and house stuff gets done when the temperatures drop.

How's everyone else doing in our province?  Haven't heard from Taz42 or Bev, both from Edmonton, so thought I'd stop by and say hi!

- chameleon 

Hi Chameleon

 This weather is enough to make me want to move back to Tasmania. It is bone-chilling! It was -44C at my house Tuesday morning. It is -26C right now - almost a heat wave.I stayed home Monday cocooned in front of the fireplace. I am having trouble getting motivated to create while it is so cold. I just sit by the fire with my French books and convince myself I am studying. I have watched a few of my favourite movies this week. Anything not to have to go outside. It is times like this I look at my husband and say "What was your grandfather thinking? Alberta? Insane!"

Maybe I will propose a challenge to my art oriented friends at work tomorrow. I think we all need a kick start this week and maybe a little art competition will warm us up.

Stay warm!

Taz42

Now -44 is cold, Taz42!  It's finally warming up to a balmy -26 with an overnight temperature of -32 an hour south of you!  I won't be going out in my red suede shoes tonight, I tell you!  I've been somewhat unmotivated as well and you'd think it would be quite the opposite.  You're stuck inside (more or less), you don't have pressing deadlines, yet the art spirit seems to hibernate along with the weather.  What are we, bears?!! 

Anyhow, I think it's a get-up, get-going kind of idea inviting friends to participate in artmaking in the cold of winter.  It's sure to get everybody out of low gear, and sharing in some awesome artmaking.

- chameleon