2016…BRING IT ON!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! While 2015 was a mixed bag, my gut tells me that 2016 is going to be a terrific year for all. As the old one drew to a close, one of my favorite pieces, "Green Goddess" in soapstone, was sold at CANVAS on the day before Christmas. It was extra sweet for two reasons: I LOVE Canvas Malibu and my baby a forever home. I'm hoping the good news will inspire me to carve again after a sabbatical that lasted nearly a year. I have a ton of ideas, and the stones in my studio are yelling at me to get cracking.  I'm hoping that El Nino allows me to get at it in the next few days, since the things we do, say, and think during the first 12 days of the new year are significant, because they set the pattern for the next 12 months. So, bring it on, 2016!

Green Goddess in soapstone @ Canvas Malibu

GEARING UP TO CARVE!

Just because I haven't carved in a while doesn't mean I haven't t been brewing things internally. When I got back at it after my last break, I worked on 5 sculptures at once. Boom! Boom! Boom! While I've been percolating, my friend Klara Thomkins has been helping me create a new website & get started with Instagram - @eugeniespirito - for which I am forever grateful to her.  Like many of you, her friendship is very dear to me. Feel free to view my work on the site, and to follow me on IG. I appreciate it.

with Klara and my boy, Tanner

VENTURA ART WALK - SCULPTURE FOR CANCER

Luigi and I had a lovely time at the Ventura Art walk this past weekend, After a quick visit to the annual Pooch Parade (sponsored by C.A.R.L. - Canine Adoption Rescue League), we stopped by Art City to give our support to our friend and fellow sculptor, the super-talented Joanne Duby. Proceeds for the gorgeous pink sculpture will be donated to Breast Cancer Awareness/Research. I hope to be back up there soon, carving again!

with Joanne Duby at Art City

Art City, Ventura CA

UNITY MAGAZINE

Last November Unity Magazine notified me that they would be featuring me and my art in their 'Sustainability' issue. Well, after months of waiting, the magazine is out and I am stoked!  Everyone at the magazine was incredible, so efficient and professional. Thank you for a great Birthday gift!!!

A NOBLE TRUTH…MARBLE

This past Friday, Lou and I were fortunate to go to see the the premier of our friend, Harry Hamlin's   new movie, The Fourth Noble Truth.  It's a love story with lots of Buddhist information as the backdrop. Beautifully shot, well acted and important...we really enjoyed it. And getting to spend a bit of time with Harry and his amazing wife Lisa Rinna is always a special treat.

Lou and I with our friend, Harry Hamlin (left)

After a too-long hiatus helping Lou retool his book, I am gearing up to start a new carving project. My dear friend, Zari, has given me a 300 lb block of white carrara marble that I start carving at Art City in Ventura very soon. I can't wait; it has been far too long. 

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Finally, the redesigned GIMME SHELTER is ready to launch next week, complete with a new cover, video book trailers and a public service announcement about shelter pets. Wish Us Luck! Click here to view the BOOK TRAILER and   PSA.

AN AWESOME SURFSIDE STORY

Just a quick post to say what an awesome job Ashleigh Fryer did on the Malibu Surfside News story in this week's paper. She totally captured my approach to carving and my feelings about living in a such a great, artist-friendly community.

HOLIDAY 'PUB'…SCULPTURE ON DISPLAY

Just had the most amazing visit with the delightful Ashleigh Fryer who came by to interview me for the Malibu Surfside News. Like many artists, I'd rather work than talk about myself but she instantly put me at ease while posing some interesting questions about my sculptures and artistic process. Tanner thought she was pretty cute too, trying to get her to share his rawhide treat. The story will probably run in the next few weeks so keep your eyes out. 

Interview with Ashleigh Fryer of the Malibu Surfside News

If you're stumped finding the right holiday gift for that special someone, consider one of my sculptures that come in a variety of styles, sizes and prices. You can in view some in person at Canvas Women's Store in Malibu, and Studio Five08 in Santa Monica, or on my website, www.eugeniespirito.com.

'White Angel' @ Canvas

STUDIO FIVE08

Just want to say Studio Five08 is AMAZING! It's a beautiful gallery with incredible art. David Brady laid out the Liquid Dreams show exquisitely and Saturday's opening reception was a lot of fun. I'm thrilled to be part of it. If you're in the area, stop by and give it a look; you won't be disappointed. Studio FIVE08 508A Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90401, 310.994-9400. 

Liquid Dreams opening @ FIVE08 with friends Lisa Rinna & Harry Hamlin

PIETRASANTA, PAVIA and 'THE GIRL'

On the main drag in Pietrasanta

After 6 previous trips to Italy and years of wishing, I finally made it to Pietrasanta, the Ligurian town where my teacher and mentor, Philip Pavia, used to teach carving every summer. He always urged me to join him but it seemed that something always came up to foil the plan. Philip passed away in 2005 but everywhere we went I could see him at one of the outdoor cafes, people watching over a glass of wine after a hard day getting dusty. The best moment came when Luigi and I were visiting the Bozzetti Museum and we happened upon one of Philip's sculptures! What a thrill that was to find a piece of him there. It truly felt as if his spirit was with us. Italians love arts and artists, and the entire country is full of inspiration. Now that I'm back and energized, I have at least 3 new sculptures I want to begin!

Philip Pavia scultpture@Bozzetti Museum

with Christian Lange, Pietrasanta sculptor and teacher

Before I start getting dusty with new projects, I'm so happy to report that another of my sculptures has sold. 'The Girl' will now reside with Miranda and Brett Tollman and their children in their beautiful new home. It's a sculpture full of innocence and chance, especially since I usually channel male energy when I'm carving heads.

'WAVELENGTH' OPENING @ MALIBLEU GALLERY

(courtesy of Consuelo Veri, PhotoBox.com)

Last Saturday's 'Wavelength' opening at Malibleu Gallery drew an impressive crowd of art lovers. In addition to hanging with some dear friends (you know who you are, thank you) I met painters Brooke Harker, Adriana Guidi, sculptor Jill McDonell, and my new friend, photographer Consuelo Veri, who's from Verona, Italy, where Luigi and I were married 25 years ago. The live blues by The Country Legends was great and Roberta Dillon, the gallery director, did a masterful job handling the exuberant crowd! If anyone missed it, feel free to drop by between now and Labour Day. Malibu Gallery is located in the Consentino's Center at 21201 PCH, Malibu, 90265,@Las Flores Canyon across from Duke's Restaurant.

Eugenie with her stone sculptures

CIAO, VANESSA!

Although I have not felt inspired enough to carve since last October, this month I did sell one of my favorites, "Vanessa", to my dear friend and adopted brother Craig Stern. This particular sculpture is very sentimental to me (the raw stone was given to me 23 years ago by my beloved sculpting teacher, Philip Pavia) so I am extra happy she will now be residing with Craig where she will be kept safe and totally appreciated.

While new works have been slow in coming, I recently finished Pink Rose/ Buddha. The color of this alabaster is yummy to look at and very soothing to meditate to. It was a great rock to carve; it did exactly what I wanted it to do. I hope 'Rose' is the next baby to leave the nest.

DESERT DOGS & SCULPTURE

Great news! I have been invited to join Lou and Tanner as special guests at the 12th Annual Avondale Golf Club Charity Pet Show in Palm Desert, CA on March 30 from 4:00 - 6:00 (directions). I will be bringing 10 of my favorite sculptures (pix below) to exhibit and sell, while Lou and our 4-legged 'son' are busy hawking copies of GIMME SHELTER. A percentage of every sale will go to charity, in this case The Pet Rescue Center in Coachella, where since 1998, founder Christine Madruga and her colleagues have placed over 6,033 dogs and 7,050 cats into loving homes. I just know that this is going to be a special event; Joan Hopp and her daughter, Kathleen are, making it so with their incredible energy, and we are excited to be a part of it. If you'd like to attend, donate or help in any way, contact Joan Hopp(joan.hopp@verizon.net) More afterwards…

THE YEAR THAT WAS...WOW!

Can't help but look back on this incredible time that was 2013! Yes another year has passed but what a packed productive one it was! Luigi & I are still running high from publishing GIMME SHELTER and the amazing press and reader reaction to its helpful information on pit bulls and dealing with human anger issues. We look forward to 2014 with the possibilities of helping more dogs and people. On the carving front, I had a great summer show at the Malibu Lumber Yard Gallery, and followed that up with 2 major sales, a huge relief after a few quiet years. It's a great way to start 2014, and I feel inspired to take up my hammer and chisel and make stone magic.

MALIBU SCULPTURE ON YOUTUBE

Thanks to Seda of Malibu Lumber Yard Gallery and Mr. Malibu, you can now watch me rambling about my sculptures and the carving process. The interview was shot at the Eco-Art opening on July 27, 2013.

A LONG HIATUS...A NEW SHOW!

I'll start with a 'mea culpa' since it's been almost a year since my last post. During that time, I've been super busy carving a body of work for a show. Only problem was, I didn't have one scheduled. Well, build it and they will come! It did, in the form of my angel friend, Seda, a talented painter who also runs the The Malibu Lumber Yard Gallery. They've just opened Eco-Conscious, a new group show that has 3 of my sculptures. The opening reception is this Saturday, July 27, from 2:00-6:00 but the exhibit runs until August 12th. Among the 20 featured artists is my dear friend Sharon Brooks who encouraged me to enter the juried competition. The art is wonderful and the space is beautiful, so clean and well-lit. And I adore Seda, who told me,"Put your sculptures where everyone can walk all around them to see them from all sides!" I'm hoping to see you there but, if you can't make the show, you can view my new sculptures on my website.

LATEST WORKS: From Stone to Sculpture

Just finished seven sculptures that I've been working on since late 2011. They include an abstract piece in Portuguese Rose marble entitled 'Calamaro' (Italian for squid), 'Emerging Angel' and 'Rose-Face', which were sold almost immediately. I don't usually take photos of the works in progress but I did this time and thought they might be interesting. Feel free to let me know.

More Power! - The 'End' of the World

Like Tim Allen in Home Improvement, I love more power, and I got it when Luig bought me a gorgeous Makita Variable Speed Angle Grinder for my birthday. Now I will be able to complete my abstract sculpture, tentatively titled 'Scungili', and the other pieces I've been fiddling with. I am down to the sanding and polishing phase but did not want to burn the marble, which I was likely to do without the speed control. I am almost finished with my Mayan Couple as well. Funny, I started this piece and did not realize why I was craving something with a Mayan flavor. Being that it is 2012, a year fraught with great significance for the Mayan calendar, which predicted that the world would end on 12/21/2012. Instead of the apocalypse or armageddon, I believe it is an ending of old, outdated institutions and ideas and a new beginning for us all, a chance to improve the way we live. Personally, I plan on being more conscious and present minute to minute. Luckily, sculpting helps keep me focused on this goal.

STONE(D) AGAIN!

Life got in the way and it's been 2 weeks since I last carved. I swear, if I didn't get out there today, I was ready to hurt someone. Hard to describe. I guess it's withdrawal. People say I am lucky to have a passion in life. I agree. As long as I can make the time to bend stone all is right in the world.

On a good note, the abstract piece I'm working on is finally looking like something. My whole body is in agony from the effort (out of shape?), but happily so. In the meantime, I'm counting the days till my next carving sessions.

ENCORE!

Just learned that another of my recent sculptures, 'Heart-Face', was purchased from the Canvas Gallery in Malibu only one week after being installed. I guess I will have to get cracking (sculptor humor) on some more new pieces!

Presently working on 3 larger stones and having a blast doing it. It's when I feel at peace and connected to everything that
exists....I could carve all day.

SOLD!

In an earlier post, I mentioned that CANVAS gallery was showing some of my sculptures. Well, the other day they sold my latest Buddha Head. It's always great to get on the board with a new gallery. Jac and Arlingtom are amazing people and that makes it even better. Next week I'll start on some new faces . I'm also hoping to get back up to Ventura to finish (ha-ha) my new abstract in marble.

It's not all good news. I was carving the other day and I think I broke my angle grinder that I've had for 15 years. It's very scary when a powerful tool goes bad. Especially when you're using a sharp diamond blade. Definitely, not my favorite.

BREAKING THROUGH!

Meant to post this when it happened last week but I was too excited and got distracted. After 30 hours of chiseling, grinding and cutting, I finally broke through, literally, on my latest sculpture, an abstract in Portuguese Rose marble. It's a beautiful stone, but so much harder than the alabaster I've been carving the past few years. Now all I have to do is shape it and make it flow.

I'll get on it tomorrow with my new tools that I just bought at IN STOCK in North Hollywood. Thanks to fellow sculptor Joanne Duby who turned me on to Paul, Sean and their dad. They were so friendly, knowledgeable and honest, with great prices. It was a joy to deal with them. Thanks to them I'm raring to go and finish this baby up.

PEONIES & PEARS

It's that time of year for peonies again. The are my favorite flower, just like pears are my favorite fruit. They're both on my mind these days because Lou has been buying me peonies and my new marble sculpture is looking a lot like a pear in its present shape, which is nice but no where near done. I'm carving tomorrow in Ventura and hoping for another breakthrough like last week. I'm far enough along now that I can see it taking shape. Sculpting is my love but I wish I could paint, so I could paint peonies and pears together. Such perfect beauty.

To update a previous post...I've installed some new sculptures at Canvas Gallery in Malibu. If you're in the neighborhood, drop by and take a look.

Sculpting Marble Again!

After nearly 10 years of alabaster and other 'softer' (ha!) stones, I've started a new marble sculpture. Lugged a beautiful 120-lb. block of Portuguese Rose marble - a gift from my mentor, Philip Pavia 20 years ago - up to Art City to get started. The stone is so beautiful, when I broke into it I cried. I could feel Philip's spirit watching over me, encouraging me. Just finished re-reading Irving Stone's 'Agony and the Ecstasy' too, so maybe that helped get me going. Will keep you posted on my progress.

FOR THE RECORD: BAZ LUHRMANN - AMAZING!

Been very crazy these days, working on 5 new sculptures and a commission. Just finished 3 small primitive heads. I decided to bring some crystals into the mix, using them as bases and for dramatic effect, giving the pieces a powerful looking, Atlantis-Wise One vibe. I'm very happy with the result and plan on doing a series.

I needed a break from all the carving so we trekked into Hollywood, to catch our our niece, Margaret Spirito's show at Barre Vermont (Vermont and Prospect) in Hollywood. She's performing in, 'For The Record- Baz Luhrmann', a cabaret-style review featuring music from director's films Romeo & Juliet, Moulin Rouge, and Strictly Ballroom . The show has gotten great reviews so it has been extended till May maybe June. It was like going to a rock concert only better. The venue is small and personal, with great seats and affordable ($20) tix. The cast is awesome, all Broadway and recording artists. I was thoroughly enjoying it from the jump, then Margaret started to sing and I got chills all over! Her voice is so beautiful and passionate. I could have listened forever.

SCULPTURE & 'CANVAS'

Our long-time friend and champion motorcycle sidecar racer, Pat Holmes, was, in town this week to celebrate the sale of his successful Colorado business. We had gelato at the Lumber Yard and strolled the shops at the Country Mart, where we popped into Canvas (a chic gallery/boutique) to visit our friends Arlington and Jaq. One thing led to another and, lo and behold, I now have several pieces displayed there for all to see (and buy)! It's a very cool space with great art and wonderful people!

INSPIRATION...COSTA RICA!

Took some time off after the December-January show to regroup and energize. The show was a blast and I had the good fortune to sell two small primitive heads, a reclining nude and two of my favorites, 'Waterdance' and 'Face/Rose'.

Just got back from celebrating Luigi's B-Day in Costa Rica and I'm feeling inspired to begin new sculptures. What a gorgeous, environmentally-conscious country with Jungles, Rain Forests, Volcanos and Beaches. We saw so many animals from Tucans & McCaws to Monkeys and Caymans, most only a few feet away! And there was white water rafting and ziplining through the jungle to get the blood moving. This next sculpture will be an emotional collage of the experience. As the Costa Ricans say, "Pura Vida"-(Awsome)!

SIMPLY AMAZING!

Well what to say...words won't do this show justice but I will try. This was my best show yet. The room was filled all night long with a steady stream of people. The lighting was amazing, how it showed the depth and mystery of the art. The flow of paintings, drawings and sculpture was perfect. There was lots of room for people to walk around my sculptures and view them from every side. Each sculpture blended wonderfully with the art on the walls...all those strong lines working well together to tell a story. And a very sensual story at that!

And the people who were there...family and friends, some old, some new. Every single person so deeply special to me. I was truly buoyed by all the love & support last Saturday night. My heart is warm just re-living it all. I think I might have passed out from nerves if not for the love and safe glow everyone cast my way.

And Lexie, so beautiful and talented! I'm still pinching myself that I got to be by her side and under her wing. This party, this show, this whole experience was truly something on my 'Bucketlist'. I feel like the luckiest girl on the planet.

The exhibit runs for two more months, and I can't wait to see how everything unfolds! (click here to view party video)

COUNTDOWN TO DECEMBER 4!

OMG! Every day I'm doing time something for the upcoming show. And I am loving it! My painter friend, Lexie, the other half of 'Double Vision', is amazing...everything she touches is so classy. I am honored to be by her side. I spent the last 8 days cleaning 16 smaller sculptures so they sparkle for the opening party on the 4th. All I have left are 5 larger sculptures. I've never had some many pieces in a show; Lou & I will have to take 2 cars to bring everything to the gallery.

I have 2 new, exciting ideas for my larger stones. One I hope to rough out in Ventura but I won't start until after the show. There's too much to do painting the space and setting up.

WORKING HARD, HAVING FUN

Lots of fun things are happening for our upcoming show. It seems like I do something every day to get us ready. I've almost finished prepping the last of the 20 sculptures that will be on display starting December 4th, at the Art Studio in Santa Monica. It even felt good cleaning up my bio and artist statement, making them tighter and more authentic.

I met Lexie at the gallery last week to eyeball it and brain storm. George, the painter/sculptor/print maker who owns the space- is a doll. He has great ideas for our show. And lots of pedestals! It is going to be great. In the middle of all this, I came up with an idea for a new abstract sculpture. Now I just need the time to get started on it.

GETTY READY

Getting organized for my next show at The Art Studio in Santa Monica. Lexie & I met last week to brainstorm, and we have decided to move the opening party to Saturday December 4. When we first decided to do the show, it seemed like light years off. Now we have so much to do in the next couple weeks. It's hectic but very fun.

I have one last sculpture I'm hopefully going to finish before our party. I am also about to start a commission, a larger piece, which I'll discuss later.

GREAT PAINTINGS, GREAT SPACE, ANOTHER SCULPTURE

This past Saturday, Luig & I went to the opening of Victoria Sutherland's beautiful/powerful paintings at The Art Studio in Santa Monica. It happens to be the same place her sister, Alexsis Deutsch-Adler & I will be showing our work at in December. Great location. Great space. Great people. George, the owner of the space, said he has several pedestals for me to display my sculpture. Now I am really excited! Funny what makes a sculptor happy.

The excitement must have carried over to my work today, since I finished another small sculpture for our show, 'The Blue Lovelight Boy'.

WHITE ANGEL SCULPTURE

It was so nice to spend the entire day sanding, polishing, signing and mounting the White Angel sculpture I have been working on for past several months. I used a new giant chisel to add some interesting finishing touches to the base. Drilling both pieces went easier than ever, Luig said. That was a first. Drilling and mounting is definitely the most stressful part of the whole process so maybe I am starting to get the hang of it after 20 years. Saturday I will get an opportunity to check out the gallery space where I'll be having the December show. I'm hoping to carve one more sculpture before then. Over all, it's a very exciting time.

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES...and A CELEBRITY DOG

Sunday mornings, I like to check out the farmer's market here in malibu before starting my day of sculpting. Today I needed some heirloom tomatoes and flowers. Luig & I were browsing the produce when we found this cute dog roaming off leash from stall to stall. There didn't seem to be anyone watching him and the vendors we spoke to said he'd been walking around free for an hour or so. I finally got close to the sweet dog and looked at his collar to get his owner's info. I was making goo-goo noises to calm him and, when I looked up, I saw Owen Wilson watching me, looking cute as usual. He didn't say anything and we were concerned for the dog, so Luigi and I spoke to one of the people running the market. The young man took us aside and discretely told us
that it was Owen's service dog and he has a permit to have him by his side. Even so, the dog should be leashed and wearing a jacket identifying him as a service animal. I felt like an idiot, making a fuss when there was no need to be concerned but at least the story has a happy ending, I guess. I am going outside to go carve now and plan on not leaving the house for a couple days.

SCULPTURE...and ZUCCHINI PANCAKES

This little angel sculpture I'm finishing is so much work...small pieces are definitely harder for me to carve than large ones! Finally I'm at the sanding part. How I look forward to carving something new soon.

For fun (and fuel) I'm on a zucchini pancake kick-3 days in a row now. They're a snap to whip up, and delicious. If you'd like to give them a try, take 3-4 zucchini and grate them into a bowl, add 1-2 eggs, 2 T flour, S & P, Italian parsley, and a bit of chopped or grated shallots. Mix it all up and cook on a skillet coated with light olive oil. Serve with tomato salsa or lingonberry
preserves...anything that sounds good. Very taste-y.

NEW WORK & ARTIST DREAMS

It's been so long since my last post, mainly because I've been carving like a mad woman. Usually Summer is too hot to be suited up head to toe in my bee-keeper gear. But this has been the coolest one in over 30 years so I've been very productive, carving 4 new sculptures. Lately, I find myself concentrating on 2 of the 4 which always happens when I work on multiple sculptures at the same time. I'm at the filing/sanding stage on both of them so I should be 'finished' pretty soon.

I also swapped out the bases on 2 earlier sculptures I'd like to feature in my December show. They look perfect now. The idea to change the stone bases for lucite ones came to me in a dream - and I always listen to my artist dreams. I am looking forward to checking out the space soon, and figuring out which of my stone babies will be seen there.

MORE IDEAS THAN STONES

More carving going on now. Malibu has been so crowded this summer! So much so we had to turn around after going only 3 miles in one hour this past Sunday. Very frustrating not being able to attend my friend, Charmie's party

Did manage to start 3 more sculptures though. I wonder which one is going to win out and yell the loudest for me to devote myself to just it, which is what usually happens. But right now, I have to sketch out these ideas I've had in my head for the past several months. I am quickly running out of stones but not ideas. It looks like I am going to have another show in December and January and want to have a lots of sculpture of various sizes ready. More info on the show later.

Luig, Tanner and I are off to the Trancas Dog Park now to meet one of his doggie pals for a good run in the big, beautiful dog park we are so lucky to now have. Luig has been madly writing his book about Tanner and needs the break.

BACK TO WORK

Finally started new sculptures...I was getting very cranky to say the least. When I don't carve, I'm not myself and feel very 'off'. Poor Luigi puts up with me nicely.

I'm roughing out 2 sculptures...one in white alabaster and the other in an interesting blue stone called lovelite. The cool thing is I started them as the solar eclipse was happening. Now i can't wait to get out and continue! The weather here in Malibu has ben perfect for carving, in the high-60s, so I can work longer hours. Hope it holds.

PYO PARTY- ENCORE!

This past Saturday, my gallerist, Geneen, hosted another great party. It was so nice seeing friends and family. I guess they brought me luck, since one of my small primitive heads sold, an alabaster one that was inspired by a trip Lou & I took with my dad & step-mom 2 yrs ago to Puglia, Le Marche and Basilicata, Italy. On the way back to Rome, we stopped in Bomarzo to visit Il Parco Dei Mostri - this crazy garden of giant sculptures of all sorts of mythical creatures and ancient monsters. It made a deep impression and left me thinking about Merlin and Atlantis, and the result was my latest series of Primitive Heads. Kissing Fish drew the interest of two couples who will be stopping by PYO this week to hopefully snap it up, before the show closes on July 3.

Our dear friend, Harry Hamlin, was among the guests who came by to support the show and all the wonderful artists. He was on his way to the Skylight Theater in Los Feliz (1816 N. Vermont Ave., L.A., CA 90027, 310-358-9936) where he's starring in "The Jesus Hickey", a new, very funny play by Luke Yankee. We caught the show on Sunday and had a bite with Harry afterwards. He gave me an advance copy of his book, "Full Frontal Nudity", that will be coming out in October. I remember when he was just talking about writing it and now I have the material manifestation of it in my hands...how cool! I read parts of an early draft and I couldn't stop laughing nor did I want it to end. I'm sure I will devour it while I am in Palm Springs next week taking care of my Mom who is about to undergo major dental surgery.

I hope to be back in Malibu to carve some new sculptures late next week. In the meantime, I know things are brewing inside me, waiting for me to have the time to get 'cracking'!

A GREAT BIRTHDAY!

What a great birthday this one has been!. I finished my rose sculpture for the first day of Summer, under perfect Malibu weather-
not too hot with blue skies. I had my work in 2 sophisticated gallery exhibits! We had a most perfect Father's Day with all my family poolside at my dad's, feeling the love very present & grateful.

On Monday, the actual day, Luigi, T-bone (our pet name for Tanner) and I all headed straight to La Superica in Santa Barbara for some quick tacos before landing in Solvang for the nite. Went back to Root 246 and it was just as good as the 1st time, although much more crowded thanks to the excellent review in the LA Times. We walked in with actor John, Corbett (Northern Exposure, Sex In The City, Big Fat Greek Wedding) who is looking very handsome and rugged with long hair and a Harley truck.

On our way home Tuesday, we hit the outlets again with perfect weather which helped Tanner survive the shopping! We finished our short holiday getaway with a margarita and tacos at Adobe Cantina on in Agoura Hills, so i did not have to cook!
We are happily exhausted from our constant walking but I feel relaxed and content. Now back to work!

A GREAT NIGHT AT 'OUT THERE'

For the second time in a week I got to see my babies get a warm, classy reception. Gallery 825 was packed with hip, urban art lovers, enjoying the show. Like last year, Peter Mays and Nancy Kaye were terrific hosts and Hillary Metz, the judge from Blythe Projects, filled the space with some very cool (and some very racy) paintings, drawings, photos and, of course, sculpture. It was an honor to be included. The show runs for another week so, if time allows, stop by and feast your eyes.

ANOTHER GALLERY PARTY AT PYO

I am very happy to say, I just got off the phone with our gallerist, Geneen, and she was so pleased with last Saturday's elegant well-attended party, that she wants to throw us a closing party as well,on Saturday, June 26, from 3-6!! We don't actually close down till July 3rd so the weekend before is a better date since people will be busy celebrating The Fourth.

The people who came this weekend took their time viewing the art and many of them seemed to be studying everything with interest. No doubt, the show was well appreciated.

A GREAT NIGHT!

Oh, what a night! Last night's opening party was terrific! Had a very good turnout, and got to share the fun with a whole bunch of friends and family. Can't wait for the next one. For those of you couldn't make it, we've posted video on youtube.

ON A ROLL - 'LUIGI' chosen for 'OUT THERE' 2010

More good news! Just found out that 'Luigi' (my marble male torso, not my husband), has been selected for this year's “Out There” art exhibition, June 11 – June 17, 2010 at Gallery 825 (825 N. La Cienega Blvd, LA 90069). I will drop him off before attending our PYO Gallery Party this Saturday. I could get real used to this; I love having my sculpture 'babies' out there in the world.

The opening Reception is Friday, June 11, 2010, 6 to 9pm at Gallery 825. If last year's party is any indication, it will be a fun, happening event, with great art and colorful art lovers. Hope to see you there.

Lou called to give me the news while I was at Oasis Wellness Spa in Westlake Village, getting a double dose
on the jade-roller massage beds. My body took a long time to relax on them but the headache I walked in with left me after about a half an hour. Thank goodness for these incredible healing rollers.
www.oasis-wellness.com

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!

Here we are in countdown mode to this week's Opening Party at PYO Gallery! The show is unofficially underway and we have already had a famous critic come to check us out the first day! His name to be revealed later when we see the review! Geneen, the gallerist, assures me that my sculptures look perfect and well placed.

Last week I went back to my latest malibu find...truly magical crystal buyers. Jim and Bob have been buying up the most beautiful crystals from all over the world and then Jim cleans them up and makes beautiful bronze bases for them. To be in a space with all that ancient powerful energy is incredible and healing. It's called the New Horizon Studio and it's just past Decker Cyn here in mystical Malibu (by apt. only).

GETTING READY (art installation)

Lou and I went downtown yesterday to deliver my sculptures and to help install the art. The gallery space is gorgeous! Sleek, modern, sophisticated, with great light...and the art looks perfect and speaks for itself. Geneen really out did herself this time. PYO Gallery is in the heart of a great neighborhood, too, lots of cool bars and restaurants, and a terrific Danish pastry shop just a few doors down from PYO. It must be very happening in the evenings. I can't wit for the opening night!

PYO Gallery Sculpture Show - Malibu Times Article

Just wanted to get the word out and self-promote a bit. This week's Malibu Times has an article about my sculpture and the upcoming show. It should be a really fun night and hope you all can stop by. Just found out that one of my favorite sculptures "Skull" will also be on display.

PYO Gallery - Opening Party June 5

I'm totally psyched about the upcoming show at PYO Gallery!!!! So far I will have 5 new sculptures in this show. The opening party is June 5 and I hope to see all my friends and family there. Feel free to bring your pals along, too. Check out the invite above for details or click the link for directions.

There's a chance I'll have sculptures in two other L.A. shows next month as well, so I'll keep you posted.

L.A. GALLERY SHOW - May 27-July 3

Just got word from my friend and rep, Geneen Estrada, that my work will be included in a group show at the PYO Gallery (Get directions) at 1100 South Hope Street in Downtown L.A., not far from the Staples Center.

The show is scheduled to run from May 27th - July 3rd. I'll have more info soon and I'm hoping that a photo of my sculptures will be included on the invitation. Having worked so long and hard creating these newest sculptures, it's nice to know that they will soon be seen. My next goal - to create amazing PR for this show.

'ULTIMATE' SCULPTING - The Agony and The Ecstasy

I really did it this time. I am still recovering from dizziness and headaches brought on by a displaced vertebra, the result of carving for 4 straight hours last Monday, working 3 different size sculptures .

I was having such fun with my hydraulic lift table, changing heights depending on which sculpture I was attacking. I had on my best mask which my husband so proudly got for me last year. It covers from my forehead to under my chin, creating a perfect suction so no dust can enter my eyes, nose or lungs. I love it but must have had it on too tight. Coupled with the contorted positions of my body was in while working on both large and small stones, it spelled disaster. The next morning I woke up feeling dizzy, with a very very bad headache, so bad I could hardly move. I tried to get it in gear but I was in agony and was worthless all day.

Today the dizziness is gone but the headache is still hanging around. Hopefully, I will be fine by tomorrow...Just in time to go back at it. Albeit, a little smarter, I hope!

FRIENDS AT THE BEACH

Took time off yesterday from sculpting for an amazing visit with my best friend Curtis and his 2 sons. They came over for breakfast - I made scrambled eggs and bacon - then we went to Westward Beach so the boys, who live in Aspen, could get some ocean time.

While they swam, Curtis & I sat on the sand and caught up. As we were talking, this baby seal nonchalantly came out of the water and hunkered down real close to where we were sitting. It plopped down and just looked at us. There was a lifeguard in his truck a ways down on the beach so I ran and got him, thinking he could call animal rescue. Of course, as soon as he pulled up in his truck, the seal decided to go back in the water. The lifeguard, Bill (an ex-fireman, so you know how handsome he was) told us the baby was most likely separated from its mom and hadn't yet learned how to get enough fish, so it was probably tired as a result. Bill said he usually calls in rescues 4-6 times a day this time of year. It was amazing to be that close to that silky creature with no fences or barriers between us. We all sent her a little blessing that she will become a great fish catcher.

We went back to continue our chat when Curtis spotted a whale in the distance, at the actual point of Point Dume, swimming with most of his back above water at what looked like 100 MPH! I thought it was a boat until when it was just about in front of us (all the people on the beach now looking and pointing) and dove under the water, surfaced back up for a second then went back down. First a seal and then a whale...What a thrill! Having lived in Malibu now for 19 years, I am sad to say I have only seen 4 whale sightings. I have hope for lots more though as I remember when Lou & I first moved here, there were only a few brown pelicans. Now there are hundreds. I wish you all could have shared this incredible visit.

PRIMITIVE HEAD AND 'IL PARCO DEI MOSTRI' (the park of monsters)

I am feeling pretty good about the sculpture I just finished yesterday. He is small but powerful and reminds me of the trip to Italy 1 1/2 years ago with Luig, my Dad & Step-Mom. After roaming the lower east end of the boot in November, we headed back to Rome and stumbled upon an amazing sculpture garden, 'Il Parco Dei Mostri' ( the park of monsters) in the town of Bomarzo. My favorite (it was tough to choose from some many cool gothic carvings) was this really cool giant primitive head of weathered stone near the garden exit. My little guy was inspired by that enchanting giant we saw together in the rain. Great trip, even though it rained or hailed everyday. Quality memories and amazing food, of course!

Anyway, I think I will mount this one on lucite and see how that looks. Maybe I will keep him for myself! This week I should be able to finish 1-2 more. That will make 5 for our next show.

TWO NEW SCULPTURES & A NEW YORK EVENT

Another long block of time has gone by since my last entry. I rarely sit still it seems...making a sculpture takes a long time. Truly my favorite place to spend my time. Just completed 2 small female torsos in orange alabaster. One classical, the other abstract/impressionist. These plus the 5 others I've recently begun will go into my next show.

Speaking of shows...Geneen, my dear friend and rep, just got back from a quick trip to NYC where she saw my teacher's (Philip Pavia) wife, Natalie Edgar. Natalie has a show going on right now at Woodward Gallery. Beautiful paintings, strong and feminine with incredible depth. I have always loved Natalie's work and she is a doll of a person!

So now Geneen is back excited to put together a Show for us! Very exciting...it seems NY is a bit ahead of L.A. in terms of getting the economy going in the right direction, I think anyway.

I am on a mission to get these babies done soon. The small ones are harder on my body to make...the positions I get into! I am scheduling time at Oasis for some major jade-roller experience o work out the kinks.

Onion Goggles...and Matt Damon!

I went to have a quick lunch at Loteria (Best Mexican food around!) yesterday at The Farmer's Market/The Grove. Since I was in picking up xmas gifts, I decided to pick up a pair of onion goggles at Sur La Table. They are good to use when I am sanding and filing my sculptures. I am at that phase now on a couple small pieces that I'd like to get done before xmas. The goggles are funky-looking but keep the dust out nicely.

Anyway, I was in line to pay and noticed the handsome guy standing in front of me. It was his energy that made me look at him. He was peacefully waiting in the long line. I was in a rush but could feel myself slowing down. I remember thinking 'He looks a lot like Matt Damon'. He was called to a cashier across from the line and I was called to the one next to him. When he got his card back from signing, the male cashier said, "I really like your work, man!" MD seemed nicely surprised when he acknowledged the appreciation - he was sweet & normal & calm, this movie star doing his own shopping! After that, I know that these will be extra good onion goggles for sure!

Finally, I'm Back

It's been way too long since my last post. My excuse - I've been frazzled banging out 7 sculptures in the past several months.

I think my latest, 'Waterdance', might be my masterpiece to date. I tried to have the figures undulate as tho there was water were flowing around and over them, making it seem as if the sculpture is moving. It is dreamy and a little sensual...and I love it.

Not sure what I' ll do next. I've started a small female nude in orange alabaster. It is already making me feel the way I do as when I read a really good book; I do not want to finish. I probably need to rest a bit anyway, since it took 8 months finish 'Waterdance'.

I am having a hard time concentrating on any one thing (I've also started a red rose), so I think I'll relax by checking out a couple artists who are showing here in Malibu. There are paintings and drawings by an artist named Betten at Canvas, and Tracy Park Gallery has a show of bronze sculptures by Paul Sorvino, Mira's dad and a super talented actor and opera singer as well!

Catching Up

Can't remember the last time I had time to blog but here I go...

The past couple months have been a nice blurrrrr with lots of productive creative juices a-flowing! Finished 7 small to medium sculptures and got a couple new tools to perfect my art as well as a very fun and useful hydraulic table, a b-day gift from Luig.

The weather is perfect here in Malibu today @ 75 degrees! I am about to go out and start a new sculpture in orange alabaster for a client/friend who wants something special for their husband's birthday a couple weeks. from now. Wish me luck! I think I can do it if I work every day!

Luig just got back from 4 days in NYC auditioning to get on the Who Wants to be a Millionaire Show! He passed the interview and got taped and now he's waiting to get picked for the contestant pool. We should hear back by postcard soon! Tanner & I had a very quiet but playful 4 days without him...he now sits by my side when I carve! Perfect dog! So very nice to have my husband back! Phew! Next time I go too, and watch him win the $$$!

New Tools!

As part of my b-day treat Lou & I went to A Cut Above in Van Nuys for new tools yesterday. Danny was so helpful. They have the best tools.

After the Shows...B-day Plans

I am back to carving some new sculptures as of today! I worked on 3 stones! Whirlwind week...with the 2 Shows now behind me, I can reflect a bit!

Friday night at Gallery 825 was incredible! Hundreds of people! The Angel got a lot of attention...so we shall see! LUIGI did too. PLUS got a nice mention in today's Malibu Surfside News with photos! (www.malibusurfsidenews.com/current_issue.pdf)

Sunday at Geneen's for the Salon was a room filled with people who already have a collection of my sculptures started and now adding some more! Plus I gave a little talk and it felt good-relaxed while talking to friends! Art made some great pedistals for my work and some really tastey food for us all!

Monday Lou & I went to a man's house near Pasadena for a look/see at his tools he wants to sell. He also had the largest amount of marble, alabaster, limestone and soapstones for individual use I have ever seen! He said he has been collecting for 45 years! And then there was all the saws and cranes to haul them with! AMAZING! I got a couple peach and salmon coloured stones for my next creations! YUMMY!

Tomorrow Lou & I will go to A Cut Above for some tools! A very exciting Birthday week!

We are hoping to see a movie over the weekend to celebrate. Well, the celebrating has been constant - this will be to relax!

Wish we could take Tanner with us!

Oh! That reminds me! Lou fell over Tanner a couple days ago and the poor guy has not been the same since....really traumatized. Lou was ok thank goodness! it could have been bad for his newly healed shoulder but it was fine. PHEW!

Now we will have to get Tanner back to square one though ): I think the new girlfriend Sketch (white pitbull mix-1 yr old) down the street will be able to set things straight for him pretty quickly. Just as soon as his paw heals up from running around like a boy in love yesterday!

SO CUTE TOGETHER!

Getting Ready For The Show

Going to Oasis Wellness Center in T.O. today to have a session with the jade roller beds....they always help my back after so much carving.  It's been 2 months straight now of almost daily work getting ready for my 2 upcoming shows  THIS WEEKEND!

I am very excited and now I'm READY!  

Brought my  sculptures to Gallery 825 on La Cienega  Friday and everyone there REALLY liked them.  Very nice people...Peter, Nancy and Maryam.  Friday is going to be something!  I am happy to be there....it feels like home.  I have very good feelings about this weekend.  Lou got his audition date to be on The Who Wants to be a Millionaire Show!  This birthday month  going to be such fun!

Memorial Day in Malibu

Nice quiet weekend here in Malibu due to a cool fog overlay...not too crowded this way.

made the most incredible scottish  salmon dinner for Luig and I yesterday.   Simple but perfect!  Just ginger, honey, lemon and a dash of ponzu/soy.

working on 4 sculptures at the same time right now plus I have 2 other ideas I can't wait to start on with the bigger stones.

Patience, Eugenie, patience!  I can hear my grandmother saying to me...I know it is one of my biggest life lessons. perhaps that is why I work in stone....hmmmm.  that and my wish to leave the planet with a little more beauty than when I first arrived.  since I chose not to have children-these sculptures are my creations of beauty, peace and healing. my hope is that when people see them, even hundreds of years from now, that they feel the love that went into them.

when I was a kid, I remember being told that the eyes are the windows to the soul, so universally speaking, we are all connected that way. even tho- we don't all see the same thing when we look at something, there is something there that perhaps unites us.  being related to Ralph Waldo Emmerson isn't helping me put into words what i am attempting to say....bottom line, I'm just trying to live my purpose fully.  I love what I do and I am also trying to include my fellow man/woman. this is the way I know best and it is a desire so strong I cannot stop.

great new alabaster

may 19, 2009

today I get to go outside and carve for the next 5 hours...first i have to take a hot bath to loosen up my muscles...i am still sore from falling down a flight of stairs this past saturday. walking tanner in the dark and in platforms will not be repeated.  i just read in lisa rinna's book rinnavation about using solid coconut oil for a scalp & hair treatment.  sculpture dust can be so drying for my hair so that is what i will be wearing for the next 5 hours!  might as well do my hands and feet as well...june 14th at geneen's house is my salon and i want to see if i can carve out a couple more small sculptures to possibly sell.  i got this great new alabaster chunk called borrego and it is yummy!  pinks and golds on oyster background swirl through the stone...i can't wait!  the stone is calling now...later, luig & i will take tanner for a malibu beach walk before heading to class.

carving at the stone yard

may 15, 2009 

well, even with no sleep and a splitting headache, carving at the stoneyard yesterday was a big success.i finally made headway on the japanese alabaster sculpture.  no wonder i could not motivate myself to touch it these last few days...there was a crack i had to address before making a move that would have destroyed the whole thing!  all that work for nothing then...phew! the weather was perfect! 73 degrees and no smoke from the s.b. fires...very lucky for us.  breathing in stone dust is quite enough...  my nose is whistling today big time. i am so bummed-my $50. burr is busted!  i am so hard on my tools...downright uncivilized.  'j' had to keep stopping me to rest a bit inbetween otherwise i would just keep carving for hours straight.  good to have people around me sometimes.  especially other stone carvers!  have to go do my 'other' work now...how i would so love to pick up where i left off from yesterday...the stones are talking to me.

took t-dog to the beach with luigi and saw a serious 100 dolphins!  babies jumping straight out of the ocean!  bigger ones zigzagging and racing and surfing the waves!  the entire walk was a dolphin show at the races!  amazing to live in the 'bu'....everyday full of beauty.

Who Says Artists Can't Blog?

Thanks to Chris, our handsome, creative neighbor, I now have a blog.  I guess it really is the 21st century.  

malibu sculpture