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.