bubblegum and kryptonite

These are the finished pieces for ArtPrize 2011.  Each is 6 x 4 feet, they will hang side by side as a diptych.  Next week Marc will help me install at my venue host, Fifth Third Bank.

A Dress with Pockets

I look so happy because I am with Marc in our old stomping grounds (downtown Grand Rapids) celebrating eleven years of marriage.  And there is the fact that I got props for my dress while shopping at Urban Exchange on Fulton Street.  It's a grey/black print rayon with a button bodice and a side zip and the sleeves are left unfinished, so they're a little frayed.  I made this one after several unsuccessful attempts at finding the perfect lightweight summer dress.  When the weather gets cooler, it will look great layered with leggings and a sweater.

Chiclets

mixed media on panel, 80" x 36"

four orange candies

mixed media on panel, 4 x 4 feet

New Nests

Those who know me well (or any of the De Hoog clan) can attest to the fact that we are champion sleepers.  We catnap, doze, rest our eyes, grab some z's better and more often than most.  Having said this, you can understand why bedroom revamps somehow snuck their way to the top of the summer project list. 
Marc and I began by upgrading from a full size mattress to a king.  We built a new tufted headboard, set off by lovely dove grey walls.  The painting is mine (on a 24 x 80 inch door panel).  The kids each scored new loft spaces, and bright white walls.   A collaborative piece by John and me hangs in Gus' room.  Zel has a triptych of Janet Teunis paintings in hers. 

All in all, everyone is happy in their re-feathered nests, and as for me  (yawn), I might just need a little nap.

variations on a line

Well, shame on me.  I haven't posted since April?  That seems hard to believe.  Life has a way of flowing swiftly forward, the current slowing for neither insignificant details or great milestones.  Summer is here at long last, bringing all of its familiar lovliness.
These are 3 paintings from my Variations on a Line series, to show that I haven't been idling my time away.  I did 12 pieces in the series and I quite like them.  Marc has built 2 LARGE panels for me (4x6 feet each) for Artprize.  Now I just need to fit them in my studio and I'll be off and running.

reversible jacket

I couldn't resist having a go at the reversible Avalon jacket from Sewing Clothes Kids Love (which is a fantastic book).  Z. hasn't worn it yet, but I am wishing the pattern came in my size.