Churnings and Burnings

Valentines!

2012-01-25T21:53:00.000-08:00

My Valentine $60

Love Letter $65

These valentine exvotos are available through several galleries (links to galleries on the sidebar to the right of this post.)

Flannel Board Finish

2012-01-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

I delivered my flannel board artwork to the museum today. There sure were a lot of technical details I had to figure out for this project. Whoa. I ended up stitching the bigger pieces (above) into place so that the whole thing wouldn't fall off. I might want to tack more items down. I can't decide.

I included all of these pieces, but not to put on the flannel board all at once...probably.

I couldn't figure out how to include more information with the artwork. I wanted to share the symbolism of the objects and why I chose them. Dan Barney suggested I make a little book that could be displayed with the flannel board.

It's sort of like leaving a sketchbook out for everyone to look at...because that is what I'm doing. I wrote personal notes and didn't worry too much about trying to make the drawings polished and finished. I'm very daring.

More Flannel Board

2012-01-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I made this flannel board for sharing time at primary. I had a chipped frame laying around so I painted it blue and cut a piece of cardboard, then covered it with flannel. Red flannel isn't ideal but it looked good with the frame.

Secret Mission

2012-01-18T14:10:00.000-08:00

I was so nervous. I thought of many, many elaborate, complicated plans involving other people, but when it came down to it, I thought, I'll just put him in the car at exactly 7:15 and drive. He had NO IDEA what was happening. My whole family knew, but amazingly no one acted suspicious. We had just finished eating dinner at my parents house at 7:08. At 7:10 I told Dan Barney to go to the bathroom because we were going somewhere. It was a weird thing to say but I thought, if I was whisked off somewhere, I wouldn't want to have to go to the bathroom?! I really try to be thoughtful.

At 7:15, the kittens, Dan Barney and I got into the car. Because it was a couple of days before his birthday, he assumed whatever we were doing had something to do with that. He doesn't like surprises...at all and he mentioned that right as we got into the car.

As we drove onto the freeway, he got a little nervous. We wouldn't even give him a clue. And then we started saying things like, "did you put the in dad's bag in the back?" It escalated to saying things like,"did you pack the bamboo skewers?" The kittens and I were hysterical. After the kittens and I finally settled down, and things got quiet in the car, Dan said, "is this an intervention? Is this an angry birds intervention?" His imagination and secret fears were coming out. Interesting?!

We past the airport exit and drove around downtown Salt Lake for a bit to stall. Finally we pulled up to a dangerous looking building. We pulled open a big metal door, walked up some stairs and into a party.

This party was super special. It was a tribute party/art show for Dan Barney, put together by a bunch of artists who all were students of Dan Barney back in high school.

How great is that?! A bunch of really cool people who wanted to express gratitude for his encouragement, influence and friendship. It was way better than an angry birds intervention.

Photos by Robyn Gillespie

Making Meaning

2012-01-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

There is one more thing I would like to do before I deliver my flannel board installation to the museum in SLC. Dan Barney suggested that I display photographs of different ways in which stories could be told on the flannel board, making multiple meanings with the same objects. I could display the photos with the flannel board. It is so interesting to me that by shuffling the pieces around, I can change what the story is about.
I was going to do that today and then I thought, it would be far more interesting if a couple of other people told a story with the images. Any volunteers?

Littlest Kitten now has constructed three of her own flannel boards and adds to them daily. I love them and have been entertained with many, many stories.

Deep Roots

2012-01-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

Many of the residents of 550 South have lived on this street for a long time, and it feels like those who have only lived here a few years, have planted their roots right here too.
It's the kind of street, where in the summer, people spend time outside visiting with each other, and in the winter, someone shovels your walk before you have the chance.
It's a well taken care of street with master gardeners who share advice and starts for all kinds of flowers. There are good cooks and if you run out of something, someone will have what you need. Really, every person has some sort of unique talent to share.

It's not visually uniform, picture perfect street. It's houses are big and small, old and new. The people are like the houses. The variety makes it interesting, unique and complete.

There is something we all have in common. We go to church together where we serve and learn to become more like Christ. We have learned about charity and we practice it. For example, when someone on our street is in need, there are prayers, and loving services offered from every household.

Together, with our families, at 7:00 on Christmas Eve, we gathered to light paper lanterns. As we lit our lanterns we offered a wish (and a prayer) for one of our beloved neighbors who has been recently struck by cancer. It was a beautiful outward expression of love. It felt like there were angels all around. It was especially appropriate on the very night we were celebrating Christ's birth.

Thank you Marianne for including all of us and much love to Lynette AND her family.

Ooooh heaven is a place called my studio.

2012-01-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

Clean studio, ideas roughly sketched, scrap assembled and panels gessoed...this is practically the best day of my life.

I'm beginning a series of paintings for my show in Cannon Beach at Heritage Gallery this spring. I spent last semester teaching a class at BYU, heading up primary/church extravaganzas among other things. Now it's time to really get my head back into painting. I'm so ready.

I'm finishing up a flannel board story for the second round of jurying for the international LDS church show. The more I work on it and listen to suggestions from family, the better it gets. I've learned watching Teen Kitten about spray paint and stencils. I really like the ethereal layer behind the structured pieces.

I'm still working on the figures. I don't want them to be associated with any particular ethnicity. I've made some of them green. That might work.

I want to remember;

2012-01-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

our entire family together,

thoughtful handmade gifts,

Dan Barney and Middle Kitten in their forever lazy attire,

all the love in giving,

and making a movie with sisters.

2012-01-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

Each word on our tshirts (designed by cousin Kat) represents a family tradition.

Unified

2012-01-03T18:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas pajamas are like the team uniform of family holiday celebration. Every year Santa drops them off on Christmas Eve and we all madly open the packages, change into our new p.j.s, then bask in the cosy newness. This year we all were unified in matching t-shirts.

There was happiness and dancing.

There was also much dancing on New Year's Eve. Especially because I wore a dress that I found in the dress-ups that I actually wore to a dance in high school. My sisters loved it so much that they changed into brides maids and dresses from dances too. My brother Pete wore his New Years sparkle shirt without even knowing that we were super snazzy too! Oh how we love to dance in fancy dresses.

I Don't Even Know Who I Am

2012-01-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of minutes ago, I put away the Christmas Tree. For some people, that would be normal behaviour. For me, on Jan. 3, to be finally putting the holiday sparkle away for the season is uncharacteristic... to put it mildly.

I think I used to accomplish twice as much as I currently do in a day. I'm not sure what to blame it on. I'm not exactly sitting around relaxing or wasting time. I try to stay organized and I'm working at a pretty good clip. I'm pretty sure that time is moving faster than it was. That is the only thing I can think of. Or is this an age thing? I don't feel slower. I feel calm but less tortoise than hare.

I want to find the hours that I've somehow misplaced so that I can do all that is required of me ...and artwork too. I really am excited about getting back into the studio this week. I confess I cleaned the studio before I took the ornaments off the tree. In a clean studio, I can begin my new paintings with my mind focused and calm. I have ideas that I want to sort out and I am so easily distracted by other shiny things that I want only what I'm working on visible. I love my job. I love my family, my neighborhood, my primary calling, making stuff and a lot of things ...and I love my job.

Chosen

2011-12-19T10:03:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to have Teen Kitten's artwork along side mine tonight. I'm her manager so send inquiries to me.

The prices range from $11 to $27.

...and isn't that the truth. Maybe both ends and in the middle too.

Party Tonight

2011-12-19T09:46:00.000-08:00

For the show tonight I had an idea. What if there were a few packages of Mystery Gifts. Would you gamble on something that you couldn't see?

Merry Christmas Painted Stocking

2011-12-18T16:26:00.000-08:00

I think I might offer this stocking as a 'silent auction' item ...just for fun, minimum bid starting at $60. And...the money for this stocking will be going toward a charity project my family is working on.

All She Wants is Art

2011-12-18T16:17:00.000-08:00

As requested, here is most of what I will be bringing to this show tomorrow. If you are interested in any of these artworks, email the number to me at cassandrabarney@gmail.com and I'll let you know about availabilitiy. If you would like me to send single, bigger images, I can do that too.

Drawings (11x15)
$112

Drawings (8x11)

$84

Painted Drawings (9x12)

$112

Small Drawings (6x7)

$56 (#20, 21,22,23,24,27)

Small Collage ($35)

Small Tin Paintings (4x6- 4x10)

$125

The Best Christmas Pageant ever... EVER!

2011-12-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

The whole thing was perfect. Everybody helped, the children were beautiful, it looked cool, there was pie, we all sang, and I dare say we all felt the best part of Christmas.

Beautiful Littlest Kitten was a perfect Mary. Thank you Teen Kitten as well who helped out a lot.

The star was awesome and frames lit with different scenes worked well.

I ran around like Corky on Waiting for Guffman. Oh it's fun, but stressful, and in the end, rewarding.

Death defying acts and all, seriously I'm thankful for people who helped. I had one moment of panic when I thought I couldn't do it and then, like a little miracle, I got phone calls asking if I needed help. I love my church and my friends and my family.

I'm seriously excited for culdesac of fire...but glad we have a few months.

Bernadette

2011-12-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

St. Bernadette...a small, visionary lady.
Small Works North America at The Greenwich Workshop

Upcoming Show

2011-12-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

Andi put this show together. I'm excited because these are some of my favorite artists and I heard they are all bringing drawings and other artworks under $200. I can't wait!

Drawings for All She Wants...

2011-12-05T09:46:00.001-08:00

All She Wants is Art

2011-12-05T09:42:00.000-08:00

I would like to change the title of the show to All She Wants is to Make Art.

I've been working on drawings, collages and a few paintings for this show on Dec. 19.

Little Christmas Originals

2011-12-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

When I first felt the Christmas spirit. that warm little jingle in my heart, I painted these little treasures. The crackle on these jewels turned out perfect. Originals are nice Christmas presents for $175. I like that they can be hung as they are or framed up all fancy.

It looks like number one is sold. Email if you are interested.

Just signed...

2011-11-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

The Greenwich Workshop is publishing two new giclees just in time for Christmas. The image above is titled, Comfort. The image below is a painting I did a few years ago for a show my dad and I had called, Saints and Angels. The painting is titled, Saint Cecelia. Click on the links to read more about the paintings.

In the Studio

2011-11-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

Before painting, should an artist warm-up? Should she do some stretches with her fingers or look at...colors? I actually have been trying something new this week. When I first get into the studio, I spend fifteen minutes drawing. I do believe that it's helping me to tune in and work more sensitively from the get-go. I have been drawing figures from old master's paintings and tomorrow I'm going to switch to drawing architectural elements.

I usually don't draw this much on an under painting (above) but in an attempt to see subtle light changes in the figure, I drew quite a bit on this one.

There are unfinished paintings all over my studio. I have been experimenting with some different ideas and am looking forward to picking a direction and then working on a cohesive body of work.

The studio has been a busy place when the kittens are home. It seems like they are all doing more amazing work now than they have ever done. I couldn't be happier. I just want to sit back and watch. The teen kitten's skills fare surpass mine at their ages. Seriously, it's heavenly. I even get an occasional visit from a nephew. Sigh...heaven!

Halloween Costumes

2011-11-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

I sewed a bit, embellishing our witch outfits this year. Dressing up as a witch in this family is tradition.

I held back on our outfits for church, a little bit witchy but not over the top.

Witches weren't our only costumes this year. Our other costumes were used mostly to conceal our identities.

Balaclavas are really warm. I might wear one all winter. Jumpsuits are really comfortable and warm too.

Banksy/Barney

2011-11-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

The best costumes are not those that you have to explain. These are costumes that we had to explain, except at a party with artists.

“Speak softly, but carry a big can of paint.” -Banksy

2011-11-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

It's getting harder and harder to get my family all together in one place. I was ecstatic that we got to play together AND wearing matching outfits.

Banksy said, “A lot of mothers will do anything for their children, except let them be themselves.”

I totally am pleased that I my children have strong, unique personalities, styles and ambitions, and yet...matching outfits thrill me. What is that?

P.S. Spray painting is addicting.

Oh how I loved this day! Halloween!

2011-10-31T21:16:00.000-07:00

I was up and dressed and ready too...ready to have some fun. Hmm...it was only 9:00 a.m.

I sent Marla a text that read, "get your witch on, I'll be over in 30 min." Yes, it was morning but she got her witch ON!

It was just lovely, sitting together, having some nice conversation...but it was Halloween! We decided to go trick-or-treating while the kids were all at school so we could get the best candy!

Gosh, not everybody is ready to dish out the candy before lunch. People were at work!

Luckily, we found a few friends to visit with.

2011-10-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

After visiting with friends and eating lots of candy corns, Marla rode a Pegasus.

And she beat on a zombie.

Then we sat in the sun in our neighbor's yard. They weren't home but I'm sure they won't mind.

2011-10-31T21:14:00.001-07:00

On Halloween, time flies like witches on brooms. Before we knew it, it was time for Culdesac of Terror. I love my neighborhood.

My favorite kittens on my favorite day...the best treat of all.

Marla had her kitten too. Lucky us.

And lucky that Marla brought soup to my house and so we could keep the party going!

2011-10-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

I love candy, dressing up and friends. And this Halloween I had all three. Happy Halloween!

Over all, it's a good idea

2011-10-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Yes...it's a little awkward when someone says, "Gosh, I haven't worn overalls since the early 90s." Without hesitation I reply with something like, "Well you should, overalls are a good idea and let me tell you why..."

Here are just a few reasons we should all wear overalls: #1. Overalls have pockets of all kinds for everything you need. No more looking for phones or pipecleaners. #2. When working in overalls, there is no need to apply sunscreen to your lower back because it's covered.#3. People assume you are hard at work on something serious when wearing overalls. They respect you and might even leave you to it. And #4, no one looks good in overalls, men or women, so looking good isn't an issue. How great is that?

Overalls are a little hard to find. We got ours at D.I. in St. George last year. If you have your 90s overalls, get them out and try them on. You'll be glad you did.

T-shirts

2011-10-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Rick Seven has designed some t-shirts using my images. What do you think? Is this something you would pick up in a store to look at? Where do you envision the design on the shirt? We would love some input.

Blogging Pioneers

2011-10-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

My blog was featured on TOfW. After looking through some of their other featured blogs, I was grateful that people share their stories. Personal narratives allow us to learn from each other and feel connected.

There is more than one spirit in the bottle.

2011-10-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year a received an invitation from Art Access that was very mysterious. It had instructions to meet at a restaurant in SLC for further instructions. At this mysterious meeting, artists were each given a clever fortune cookie with instructions to create an artwork based on the fortune. Mine read, "there is more than one spirit in a bottle." While I was trying to figure out what to paint, Pandora came into my mind again and again until I painted her.

I can't wait to see the rest of the show. I've seen Mark Robison's painting and it was fantastic. The show opens next weekend.

The Story of the Fannel Board Story

2011-10-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

I gave up on the whole flannel board artwork and put everything away. Then, last night, I just started working on it again. The actual flannel board looks good! The yellow frame looks nicer than stretcher bars did. I had to piece the black flannel together so I sewed velvet ribbon over the seam.

I want to make more jointed figures for the stories, maybe even make outfits for them.

Middle Kitten reminded me that we used to do paintings together of large house interiors. I want to do that too, incorporating their drawings into the stories.

I experimented a little with gesso transfers and spray painting stencils. Oh the possibilities!

Flanhell

2011-10-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Alrighty...I tore apart my flannel board because it was turning into a quilt. I bought a big piece of flannel the color of canvas and hung it on the wall. I'm not scrapping the idea, though I don't actually have a venue for it.

I've been working on this painting about prayer. It's still in progress. Actually there are a lot of unfinished paintings in my studio.

Flannel Board Story Story

2011-10-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

I ended up gessoing the flannel and drawing/painting on the pieces. Sometimes I sewed parts of drawing together.

Littlest Kitten played around with some of the extra pieces and came up with the most interesting, lovely compositions. She told me stories while I worked. It was a heavenly evening in the studio.

She drew the figure below. Dreamy little kitten!

Flannel Boards...too many options?

2011-10-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

Right now I have a lot of stuff tacked on. I either need to add more or take some off like in the image below. Hmmm....

Visions of Flannel Board Stories Danced Through My Head

2011-09-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

I was restless all night long. Sometimes an idea is so good that my brain is like a Fourth of July sparkler, throwing pretty little sparks of light all over the place. I woke up singing "I'm bringing flannel back." Throughout the night I thought of several ways to put it together and what the stories could be. It has to be big and it has to embrace Mormon culture with the sophistication of fine art. No wonder I was up all night!

I asked my BYU students if they knew what a flannel board story was and a couple of them did.
I have nice memories of sitting in primary, listening to stories, watching the teacher try to keep the story pieces from falling off the flannel. Maybe that is the main reason they aren't used so much today. Two days later I'm still playing around with different materials. I've sewed paper onto flannel. I've ironed paper to flannel with fabric bonding stuff. I've gessoed flannel and some pieces of embroidery backing. Please feel free to send suggestions.

I kind of want to make it into a quilt but I also want the focus to be in the drawings. So many options. One of my students (Maura) suggested that some of the pieces should be able to move around while some are stationary. I like that a lot.

Thank you Andi for the conversation which sparked this idea.

Primary Artwork

2011-09-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

On my mantel sits this little collage I did of the Kirtland Temple for sharing time in primary. My friend Andi suggested I spend a year doing primary artwork. Wouldn't that be interesting.

Painting Space

2011-08-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

I spent almost all of last week cleaning summer out of my studio; layers of projects, supplies and artwork on every surface. As I de-cluttered my space, I de-cluttered my mind.
After talking this morning with some BYU students, I appreciate my quiet, clean, work space. It's challenging to concentrate in chaos, although, it can be done.
Creating art in a chaotic atmosphere is a training exercises. If you survive it, you get the ranking of black belt fast and furious ninja artist with a silver star. I don't think it's just an issue for moms who work. It takes Jedi mind power to block out life's other demands/clutter while still being perceptive to what is important and perceptive to a creative muse, whether male or female.
Work time is precious so I prepare for it as much as possible. I prefer to work with the rest of the house in a state of semi-order so I clean up the night before or early in the morning. I am the most productive with my studio time when I know what I'm going to start working on. I forget fast so I leave whatever it is on my table so it's obvious or I write myself a note. Conscious decisions and preparation allow me to do what I do.
I didn't try to work this summer too much because I know that if I started painting, I would be consumed with it and I wanted to fully enjoy, guilt free, my kittens and all things summer. Today though, now that I am back to painting and I'm practicing my Jedi mind tricks.

Good People

2011-08-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

It's pretty great to spend time with the members of our ward. I love being Mormon and I love seeing and being a part of what I believe. Each one of these kids is important and so it was a treat to spend time with them, and the other adults too. Throughout it all, there was a feeling of love, there were people helping people because they care, and I can't think of greater than that.

I would like to give a 'shout out' to Cathy Gardner who was in charge of the whole thing. I know how long it took for me to get my family ready and can't imagine how much work putting the whole thing together was.

Sigh...

Pioneer Family

2011-08-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

I actually watched lots of western movies with my dad this summer in preparation for trek. I studied the lingo and the look.

Pioneers are very serious and a little thrashed looking in their pictures. I practiced pioneer faces.

We were asked to speak on 'being saved.' It was a nice continuation of my last exvotos project from 'what saves us' to 'saving others.' The kittens gave great talks.

Handcart Companies

2011-08-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

We learned about the Martin and Willie handcart companies.There are so many stories of belief, bravery, and rescue.

I loved the stories and I LOVED dressing up like a pioneer and tromping around the wilderness. Seriously, I belong in the desert. I could have worn a skirt and kicked sagebrush around until the season changed.

I imagined rattlers and buffalo while I walked, but a couple of little blisters were my only discomfort. We walked a lot.

I enjoyed the quiet of it all. There is space to think in the desert.

Pioneer Trek

2011-08-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

A highlight of my summer was going on a pioneer trek with our ward. Dan and I were asked to be the trek photographers.

Actually Dan Barney did most of the photographing while I danced with cows and that sort of thing.

When I was looking at the experience through a critical, photographic eye, I had a heightened awareness of beauty around me, from the landscape to people's interactions. In the photo below, a mom and her son lay on the grass after a long, long walk.

Sun Summer

2011-08-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

I can't get to writing on my blog because I don't want to come in the house. I love my house a lot but I love the sun even more. I'll be in the house, getting to work and the next thing I know, without even thinking about it,I find myself outside trying to find some weeds to pull or checking on the baby quail.
I caught tan-anorexia from my sister Sari. It's not about golden, coconut-oiled, delicious colored skin. That's nice, but it's more than that. It's that feeling when I walk outside, close my eyes and turn toward the sun. A warmth comes in through my eyelids, runs through my veins and slowly saturates the rest of me. Oh how I love the sun and I never want summer to end.

I knew I'd be famous one day!

2011-08-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

Fern and I are close. Sure we kiss. It's really the kissing noise he makes that is so very sweet.
...and I'm Mormon. The Colbert Report..

Budapest

2011-07-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

Prague

2011-07-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

2011-07-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

I think my favorite memory of my trip with Dan Barney is of the times we laughed together. Sometimes I forget how funny he is.

And sometimes I'm just funny by myself, and that's okay too. We were the only ones eating in this part of this restaurant and while he was checking his email I entertained myself. I probably took thirty photos of him drinking from a big bottle and laughed until I cried.

2011-07-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

I loved traveling with Dan Barney. I also loved coming home.

Szechenyi Baths

2011-07-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

Everything Rick Steves said about the baths was true, "this is Budapest at it's best." Speedo clad Europeans, tan as dirt, playing chess in the pool of 100 degree water.

Who would have thought that bathing with Magyars would be such a treat.

I could have gone to the baths everyday. On my second trip I water colored. I really want to go back and explore the mineral baths and saunas.

2011-07-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

Our friend Zack came over from Wales (where he is working on an MFA in film) for a couple of days and that was a whole lot of fun.

Seriously, I've never seen so much sculpture. We took a boat ride in a lake where the city a commissioned artists to make sculpture that would sit in the water.

We paddled around looking at all of them while singing. I want one in my culdesac (pond or sculpture).

Memento Park

2011-07-08T07:10:00.000-07:00

We went to a place outside of town called Memento Park where oodles of sculpture that had been pulled out of the city during different times of reform and been dumped.

Mostly there were gigantic, stoic figures representing Soviet ideals. It was a spooky and tragic learning about the ways in which artwork can be used as a tool to manipulate.

When we got back in town, we found a little MJ tribute on a tree.

This city is full of remembrances.

Sculpture

2011-07-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

I was smitten with sculpture more than anything this trip. It seemed like there were monuments and figures on every other building.

I wanted to stop every block, sit on the curb and draw in my sketchbook.

Mostly I took pictures. In the photo above, count how many times Dan Barney is in the picture.

Artwork can be the most powerful tool for teaching and remembering.

Budapest

2011-07-08T05:56:00.000-07:00

I thought I might paint one of the kitten's rooms, or maybe paint a mural above our front door. Instead I went to see if the baby quail were out and about and pulled weeds. I did some chalk drawing on the sidewalk then I went to Walmart to buy lemons, it was the only store open before 6:00 a.m. Jet lag! Oh... but it is so nice to be home.

I spent the last couple of weeks in Central Europe with Dan. He was invited to give a paper at InSEA in Budapest and after much worrying about leaving my kittens for so long, I bought my ticket and packed my efficient travel bag.

I had never been to Budapest and I had a whole week there to explore. Rick Steves taught me a little about the place and helped me form a list of things to see. I found myself saying, "Rick says..." a lot of times, like we were best friends. I actually wanted to call him more than once and wished he had included his number in his book.

It was interesting to me that I didn't know very much history about this place where so much has happened. Budapest, with it's beautiful buildings and artworks, is wearing it's story. In the middle of the night one night I woke up thinking that Budapest was like a woman who has been involved in a series of abusive relationships and now, she is standing on her own, she is pretty thrashed but wiser and stronger for all she has been through.

Milyen messze van?

2011-06-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Please excuse my temporary absence. I will be flitting around for a bit.
Köszönöm!

What Saved Me

2011-06-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

At Kayo Gallery

At our house...

2011-06-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

We are all busy in the studio. Some of us are painting.

And some of us are sewing. Dan Barney has created a set of artworks for our show at Kayo (on the 17th of this month) based on fortunes juxtaposed with things he loves. I'm still working on my paintings for the show.

17 Miracles

2011-06-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

Last night we were invited to the premier of 17 Miracles. I could barely contain my excitement as we sat with our costars, waiting to see ourselves in an actual movie. Our scene is in the first part, right after the Saints leave England. First we are walking with suitcases. Then we are in the barn and Dan and Terrel are in the mob outside of the barn. I almost needed a break to recover after our thirty seconds. I didn't actually see me (because I forgot to wear my glasses) but I saw kittens and Dan and Nina!
The film is a must if you are going on a pioneer trek or if you have relatives who were pioneers. It was a bit teary. Littlest kitten and I have spent many a night reading some of these same pioneer stories and crying our eyes out. I felt pretty grateful as I hopped into my littlest kitten's big soft bed to squeeze her last night.

On the night that we played our practically starring role as 'extras,' I said to Nina that we weren't very good at being extras and we laughed because it was true. It was a challenge to follow instructions and blend in. (To see the whole saga scroll half way down until you see pioneer children.)

At the premier it was the same thing. We had a good laugh when I quietly pulled on my pioneer bonnet (which I made this weekend) for a family photo. I said again, "We aren't very good at being extras" and, "I still don't look good in a bonnet."

I think it's because with people that you love, life can be a celebration. Together we feel like stars.

Things to Say

2011-05-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

It was a treat to lecture with Dr. Barney. When I listen to him talk about his artwork, I get more excited about my own. After every lecture I give, I do wish I could refine, polish and add to it. There are always those things I didn't say that drive me crazy. I'm always grateful for the questions people ask.

I talked about how I thought 'living artistically' enriched the lives of every person in our family. I talked a little about my dad and how he never pushed art making, but the environment I was raised in was artistically rich.
Utopia to me is my family working side by side. I made the disclaimer that we don't always live in utopia. Planned events don't usually work out, but I can create an environment where those incidents can happen.
I have learned that there is give and take. If I want to share this thing that I love, I have to give up some control and roll with it. I have to be flexible.

My kittens learn valuable lessons from living artistically. Collaboration, sticking to it, staying occupied, making meaning, making a difference, sensitivity to environment, resourcefulness, celebration, embracing chaos, communication, creating beauty, and sharing are some of the learning outcomes I have observed.
Matisse said, "Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and love of play." Dan Barney talked about the importance of play. I forget about that sometimes.

Most of the questions we were asked were really more practical, like how to fit it all in. I talked about 'being where your feet are." Sam asked how I remember to do that. What I should have said is that I'm still learning. That's why I paint about being present.
One of my favorite quotes is by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

"The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight,
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night."

I'm not sure how to say this exactly but I believe in hard work and hard play. 'Hard' isn't really the word though, how about rich work/play? Awareness and resting in that awareness is part of that too. If anybody wants to add to that, feel free to comment.

Living Artistically

2011-05-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm putting together my portion of the lecture that Dan Barney and I will be giving tonight at Orem Library (7:00.) I've wanted to talk about family/art and I think this is a perfect venue for it.

I'm going to talk a little about my kitten's artwork, and what I hope they have learned by living artistically and art making. I also want to talk about creating an environment conducive to art making.

Shepard Fairey

2011-05-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

I admire Shepard Fairey's color scheme, passionate purpose, images, and ambitious marketing.

Art Show with Super Star Line Up

2011-05-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

Dan Barney and I just went and set up our work for this show. The hosts were very organized and nice, two qualities I enjoy in professional relationships. Our work is on the 8th floor (the penthouse party suite) across from J. Kirk Richards (automatic fun) and several other Utah artists. Please do come. It's quite the event!

2011 Utah Valley

Spring Art Show

At Zions Bank

Thursday, May 19, 2011

180 N. University Avenue

Provo, Utah

Fantastic Artwork

Hors D' Oeuvres

Desserts

Live Music

In our community...

2011-05-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Dan Barney and I will be speaking at Orem Library on Monday, May 23 at 7:00p.m.

I'm excited about it because the theme for this lecture series is something about family. I think I'll talk about how what we do (art making) saturates our family life. At our house, art is used (sometimes) to enrich our lives, to teach, to communicate and create deeper levels of understanding and meaning. Sometimes I plan romantic family art making events, but rarely do these events actually work out. Art making in our family, together or individually, usually happens spontaneously. But how do we create an environment that is conducive to creative exploration?

Antique Wallpaper

2011-05-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

I've had these pieces of antique wallpaper that Andi gave me, tempting me for months. Yesterday, I couldn't stand it any longer. I sealed them up with acrylic medium and mounted them on panels.

Cleansing Rituals

2011-05-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Before I start a new project, I usually need to go through the ritual of putting away everything from the last project so that I can start fresh. In a chaotic studio, my mind tends to wander.

I worked on my scrap and bookshelf this round of organization. I got rid of a lot of papers. I was at the point where I couldn't find anything because there were too many stacks of pictures from paintings, models and magazines. I kept my files small, only keeping what was useful or inspiring.

I even cleaned out my paint drawer which I haven't done for a very long time. For some reason though, every time I even look at that drawer, I end up with paint in my hands or clothes. It's really weird how that happens.

While I prepare my materials, gessoning panels etc., I am also preparing in my mind, thinking about the artworks.

Cinco De Mayo

2011-05-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate spring and family. Good weather is something to be excited about.

My sister Sari and I had something else to be excited about...

Cinco de Fast and Furious

2011-05-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Sari, Kim and I had a Fast and Furious marathon to refresh before the big day. I would like to take a second right now to say that I don't condone fast and furious behavior. I really just have a weakness for action car movies.

We really had to do a little stunt of our own following the best movie ever, Fast and Furious 5. We live our lives...a quarter mile at a time.

When we heard Vin's voice, we all three let out a little squeal. And when we saw Han, we all ached a little, knowing what his future held in Tokyo Drift. Not a phone call more, not a bullet less.

2011-05-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

Here's the funniest thing. At my request, my dad tells this story about when he was a little kid and he wanted more than anything to climb on cars so he and his friend shattered glass bottles in the road so that cars would drive over the glass, get flat tires. and then my dad and his friend could climb on the cars while the owners went...somewhere?!

When he tells that story, we both laugh until we cry. Tonight I remembered that story after I looked at these pictures and remembered that I like to climb on cars too! It's not how you stand by your care, it's how you drive your car.

Oh the joy of it all, fast and furious fun. No past, no future... just momentum.

Water

2011-05-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

It's time again for Art Access's fundraiser, 300 Plates.

One year a did a series of paintings called, Little Burning Girls. I thought I should do a water series this year.

This is one of my favorites. I love the that the paint is direct and loose. Plus, she's just so mom-ish.

I Love Mermaids

2011-05-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

I tried something new with these paintings. I used oil pastels with the paint. It was a bit challenging because the size of the painting.

I love mermaids and mermaid poems.

Mermaids seem lonely and romantic. I don't want to be one. Maybe there are mermaids who are happily leading fulfilling lifestyles. We just don't see them because they are too busy to sit around on rocks ogling sailors.

Beautiful

2011-05-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness that Claire took photos so that I could see how very handsome Taylor and Teen Kitten were in their prom attire.

I like that they look happy. I didn't see a single picture where either of them look awkward or nervous.

Claire, who is the sister-in-law (s.i.l.) of Taylor, also graciously made Teen Kitten's corsage. It is the loveliest corsage I think I've ever seen. If you are interested in having her make you one, maybe even for Mother's Day or just for fun. Check out her blog for information.

It must be nearly time for prom

2011-04-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

Teen Kitten, Taylor, spray paint and stencils...I can't wait to see this!

Collaboration

2011-04-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

To my friends and family members-

You too can send me stories about what saved you. I also have only received stories from women so far. And if someone write to me in spanish or french, I'll translate it (that excludes family members).

Thanks to those who have sent stories! I can't to paint!

Anthea

2011-04-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

I wanted to paint about a beautiful chaotic life. Yes, Anthea has landscaping on her head. Anthea actually means flowery. Her beautiful, thriving greenery is manicured, yet it still contains a bit of wildness. A dove (peace) has landed there. There are eggs, flowers, ribbons and who knows what else in there as well.

She holds a wreath to her heart, maybe from flowers that she grew.

The show has been shipped to Heritage Gallery. I'm headed out there on Friday. I hope it all goes well. The weather looks perfect for Cannon Beach!

Only a Dream

2011-04-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

I have delusional dreams of my kittens wearing matching Easter dresses and posing together for cheery photos. I tried to make my dream come true again this year, thinking that it wasn't too much to ask, at least the photo part. I asked my pretty kittens to please come outside so that I could take just a couple of pictures.

What I got was one beautiful, dancing, smiling kitten. She was glorious! She is so glorious that light beams from her like a statue in a cathedral. She is heaven. Thank you littlest kitten!

As for family photos...I'll keep dreaming. As for matching dresses, I'm giving that dream up.

Aurelia

2011-04-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

The colors of my new Charvin oil paints are so very yummy. It's like painting with creamy, buttery frosting. I gold leafed with goose and had my framer build the loveliest gold frame for her. All together, this artwork is stunning enough that she should be hung alone in a room. It's titled, Aurelia which means, golden.
I think I'll be sending her to Cannon Beach for the Spring Unveiling.

Clarinda, Queen of the Faeries

2011-04-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

It's rained quite a bit the past few days. I'm happy for the rain so I can focus on work rather than the sun.

I'm pretty sure that every spring I do a painting about Spring. Rabbits are very spring to me. Recently, we have actually had a rabbit visiting our backyard. That's probably good luck, right?
The rabbit is a symbol of fertility and rebirth. I like the way the figure, Clarinda is holding the rabbit, walking into the season. It's like she's going through the actions but she's also pleased to be doing so.

My show is at Heritage Gallery in Cannon Beach a week from Friday. I'm pleased with my paintings and looking forward to sharing them. I'm also looking forward to the windy beach and visiting with friends. If you want to plan a lunch or dinner, let me know!

What Saved Me

2011-04-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

I had a blog dedicated to one show, She Dreamed in Verse and Rhythm. I've decided to add onto it, documenting the show I'm working on, called, What Saved Me.
I have been sent a few stories and would like more, so please send your thoughts and check the blog.

Ring of Fire

2011-04-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...Johnny Cash. I can hardly stand to listen to him sing because my heart does a dive. He sings about a ring of fire, but there is a lot of symbolism associated with rings of fire. Here are a couple of things I read...

Likewise, a protective ring of fire was set around a woman, child, cow, house or man in Ireland to keep fairy magic from causing harm. Newborn children and infants were particularly at risk of harm and kidnapping by fairies. In Scotland, fire was carried around the mother and child “sunwise” both in the morning and in the evening as “a powerful means of preserving the mother and child from the ever present forces of evil sprites.”
The Ring of Fire: From vedic times, fire has been an essential ritual element. The outer circle of the mandala is often explained as a ring of fire, depicted by stylized scrollwork meant to represent flames. It has also been explained as the periphery of the universe, or the outer wall of the profane world, beyond which lies chaos. To begin the mystical journey, one must leave samsara, the world of phenomena, and pass through this flaming barrier to enter the sacred enclosure of the mandala. According to some interpretations, its purpose is not to terrify the aspirant from entering, but rather to show that the flame of the wisdom contained within the mandala can burn away ignorance and error. By means of the symbolic fire, understanding of supreme reality may be attained.

BYU TV today!

2011-04-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

James Christensen documentary where I play the slightly sarcastic daughter airs today. If you happen to catch it, do share your thoughts.

Painting Saves Me

2011-04-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

On her stage, with roses and a ring of fire around her feet, she performs. She wants to share her light, the light that burns from her heart and out through her fingertips.

Sometimes painting saves me because sometimes words aren't enough.

I LOVE this painting. It's more painterly than my work has been in the past while. It's got that emotive quality that I can't seem to force, it just happens once in a while. The colors and paint are splendid in real life. I'm sending it to Heritage Gallery in Cannon Beach for my show at the end of the month.

Invitation for Collaboration

2011-04-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

I heard a presentation by Jana Napoli this last week. In her lecture she said something about doing her artwork was what saved her. Dan Barney and I talked about that idea, about what saves us. I could give testimony to how painting saves me. I can't imagine my life without painting. I also thought about knitting. I thought about how when at one time in my life, when my heart was knotted up, I knit with red yarn. As I knit, the rhythm and repetition untangled my heart. Knitting saved me. In the winter when the days are short and grey, I cut paper flowers. Cutting flowers saves me.

I've been thinking about doing a series of exvotos for an upcoming show that Dan and I are having at Kayo Gallery in Salt Lake in June. I want to paint stories about being saved.

ExVoto means 'votive offering.' They are personal stories, hung in public to share and inspire. They are little tin paintings depicting stories, explaining why the giver is giving thanks.

If you have a story about What Saved You, that needs to be painted, send it to me at cassandrabarney@gmail.com preferably by May 6.

Congratulations

2011-04-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

At home, while the kittens are at school, I work in the studio with minimal interruptions. I think of it as quiet time. It's only when I get away that I realize that at home when it's quiet, there is still a lot of noise. Like unwanted color speckles in a photograph, it's hard to filter out the extra sounds, the extra everything. Some might not consider New Orleans during the French Quarter Festival, where there is a band playing about every ten feet (or maybe five), to be a quiet place. Somehow though, it was. That quiet allowed me to sift through my ideas for paintings. I forget how important it is to give ideas room to flow, instead of trying to lasso and control them.
At the last minute I bought a ticket and followed Dan Barney to a conference. I even crashed a couple of presentations. Oh Dr. Barney! Art Teacher of the Year for the WHOLE Western Region! He looked so respectable and wise in his slick suit, discussing important theory with his colleagues.
I'm so glad I mentioned his award in the 'good news minute' because Laural Bean, who bakes love into everything, brought Dan a cake! Lucky! It's good to get away but it's even better to be home.

Tonight

2011-04-02T09:02:00.001-07:00

Emily and I will be at
DESERET BOOK
from 4:00-6:00

Downtown Salt Lake

I'll have artworks starting at $50
Come and we will sign artworks and
probably hug you too.

This is how serious I am...

2011-03-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

I'm getting paintings ready for upcoming shows, including this Thursday's show which shouldn't be missed. Thursday will be a party. My sister and I will talk a little about why art is important in our lives, then we will all eat desserts until we are sick. At this show I'll have some of my newest work so it's first pick for those interested. Please see the invitation below and don't be shy about coming. I want you to come. Nan Black is hosting the show and she rocks. She's like that woman who does and is everything. Andi too, you must meet Andi. She put this show together. Andi needs a post or six blogged just about her. Andi is genius...more than just a trophy housewife, she's just what we needed around here, a fire starter.
My paintings are outside right this minute because I just glazed them and like my sister, I'm serious about the toxins...but not because I'm pregnant but because I'm sensitive to it. If I inhale, I'll end up spending two days of exhaustion and that just won't do.

For your listening pleasure...

2011-03-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

http://broadcast.lds.org/ldsradio/EverythingCreative/2011-03-0480-artists-64k-eng.mp3

Ryan Tilby interviewed me a while back, and then he interviewed my friend, Brian Kershisnik. I like both of those talented guys.

A one hour documentary on my dad (James Christensen) airs on the BYU channel on April 18. I am fascinated by what, film makers Rick and Barry, chose to include in that one hour. I want to analyze it to death. They did a good job. I enjoyed watching it and learned more about my dad. I'm mostly curious what would be different if the film were made by a woman.

I Love Dessert and I Love Painting

2011-03-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

Please do come! I have some new paintings to show. Also that weekend, my sister Emily and I will be at Deseret Book in SLC at the flagship store Friday night, 4:00-10:00. Lots of parties! I am working madly in the studio and I'm LOVING what I'm painting. Cheers!

Driven

2011-03-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

I have never spent as much time in the car as do lately. It's crazy! The part I like is that each time I get to drive a kitten from here to there, I get to spend time with her. We talk or sing without the distractions of home. Car time is the only time we interact one on one, most days. I also get to know the team or her friends who are going on the field trip. That's not only entertaining but informative.

I am in the studio getting ready for upcoming shows, when I'm not in the car. I need studio time to get work done but also to put myself back together during these amazingly full days. I'll post pictures soon of works in progress soon.

These are busy days.

2011-03-08T17:19:00.000-08:00

Happiness and work rise up together with the sun, radiant like it.
Paul Gauguin

Paint on Everything

2011-03-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

Oh I hope I don't jinx it by talking about it. After wiping out everything I painted last week, I finally had a good painting day. Now I just want to keep painting until it runs out.

I don't mind having paint on most of my clothes. I consider it an occupational hazard. Paint is alright but what is not alright is gesso on my shirt because I own a bird or hot glue on my sleeve because it looks like a booger. I just had to throw two shirts away.

There is paint on my bird, I wish it wasn't red because he looks wounded. I'm not throwing him away.

Mary Magdalene

2011-02-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

I was invited to do a painting for, Art of the Restoration, a show now hanging at the Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City.

I wrote the following about the painting:

I have envisioned the scene and wondered about Mary Magdalene at the tomb, following her conversation with the resurrected Savior. I picture Mary in thoughtful relief.

The different elements represented in this painting all have symbolic meaning.

From the dogwood tree, the cross was constructed. The white dogwood blossoms fall around the figure to symbolize the suffering that is past. Ivy symbolizes where Christ walked. Primula is a flower of compassion and a symbol of resurrection. The crocus represents of the resurrection and heavenly bliss. A chrysanthemum present when Christ was laid in the tomb. Easter Lilies a symbolize of the pure soul’s resurrection and the oriental poppy symbolise Christ’s blood. The passionflower that Mary holds represents Christ’s wounds or the suffering of Christ and the begonia symbolizes the heart of Jesus.
The Egg that hangs in the tree denotes a story about Mary and Emperor Tiberius.
One tradition concerning Mary Magdalene says that following the death and resurrection of Jesus, she used her position to gain an invitation to a banquet given by Emperor Tiberius. When she met him, she held a plain egg in her hand and exclaimed "Christ is risen!" Caesar laughed, and said that Christ rising from the dead was as likely as the egg in her hand turning red while she held it. Before he finished speaking, the egg in her hand turned a bright red, and she continued proclaiming the Gospel to the entire imperial house.[35] (Wikipedia)

The Process

2011-02-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

I started with research, lots of research, which I very much enjoyed. Next, I did drawings, trying to capture the emotion I wanted the painting to portray. I envisioned the scene. I had/have an idea about what I think she might have felt, about love and peace and excitement and exhaustion.

After I had my drawing on the panel, I sat with it for a while. The color palette and how I use the space help set the mood of the painting. I thought and looked and then laid down some paint.

I started in acrylic, then used oil pastels to draw back into it.

Finishing up

2011-02-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

Painting on a larger scale requires a lot of walking around the studio. I would paint, step back to get more paint, then step back further to look at the painting.

Someone asked me why I gave her such a 'womanly figure.' This friendly criticism was interesting to me. This someone stated that being a diminutive woman, it was odd that I would paint her with such a luscious figure. I obviously think the intimate, idealized women has a woman's figure.

I did drop the blue ribbon down to break up the big yellow space. Then I glazed, drew into it and glazed some more. If you get the chance to visit the museum, do. It glows. It exceeded my expectations. The opening is the evening of March 1.

2011-02-18T11:54:00.000-08:00

I wrote a little about my paintings for Big Eyed Women here.

Big Eyed Women

2011-02-17T07:54:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to see this show. I'm usually obligated by participation to attend shows, but this one I would go see because I admire the work of several of these artists. I saw Anne Gregerson's sculptures when I was dropping my paintings off and had to put my hand over my mouth to muffle the high pitched scream of excitement. Muffling again at the memory! So do come to the gallery stroll this Friday to the SLC gallery stroll, and remember Kayo too.

Kayo Gallery this weekend

2011-02-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

Dan Barney and I are in a show at Kayo Gallery, opening this weekend. This show is a fundraiser for the gallery and all paintings are 12x12 and $300 or under.

Chances of Glamour and Excitement Are Coming to You -Dan Barney

Kitty Wished for a Life of Glamour and Excitement -Cassandra Barney

I love pink and red and candy.

2011-02-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

Littlest Kitten and I made the most lovely Valentine Boxes.

I think they will look good for Easter too. She has been painting the most lovely paintings as well.

All in Good Fun

2011-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Early Saturday morning, Dan had a rush of spontaneous creativity. He pulled me out of bed, handed me my coat and the camera and off we went...to the railroad tracks. I must apologize to anyone reading this post who finds these photos offensive. I'm not a photo snob but I am drawn things shiny, kitsch culture.

I wore Dan's coat but was missing an old suitcase, obviously.

This photo wins! Oh Dan Barney!