light-up art

"Fishing Around" is the name of this art.  The idea is very metaphysical; exploring the universe and it's energies.

This art is made of three layers of painted masonite board.  Between the raised layers is a string of lights, which in effect, backlight the art between the layers.  In daylight it is bold and graphic. In the dark it's ambient light becomes etherial and dream-like.

I always create such art while working outside.  This piece was made at least ten years ago.  At the moment, I have no place to work outside, so smaller 3D art made of paper are created in my studio.

There is an actual string connected from the fishing pole to the fishing hook on the edge of the art.  This was exhibited and sold during an art show.

I always create large art outside instead of my little studio.  This is an example.  I cut masonite with a jigsaw, then sand and paint.  This photo shows the process of adding the lights between layers of the art.

I would customize a string of lights to proper length and placement of the bulbs.  There have been several shocking experiences from doing something wrong while wiring the strings of lights.  Not fun.  The art can be turned on by a rotary switch that I would add.  A simple, effective design when done correctly.

Finished art.  Behind it is a clothes line pole that I painted.  There were years of time where I painted everything in sight.  I still paint objects, but have mellowed over the years.  I've come to appreciate the beauty of certain wood sometimes used to make furniture.

wood smoke

A campfire's crackle, pop, hiss.  Can you smell the bacon?

watercolor, acrylic, color pencil and ink.  11"x5"

birdhouse

While working on a commissioned art piece, I've been painting this on the side. I bought this birdhouse for five bucks with no intention to get so involved with it. I do love painting whimsical three dimensional objects like this.

fish art wall hanging

Recently I was commissioned to create a three-dimensional painting of whimsical tropical fish. It will be made of 3 layers of masonite and wood, painted with acrylics. I haven't done one of these in quite some time, so I am really looking forward to this.

woodwork collaboration

An Embossed copper piece that Steve Straffin created from my line art of roses. This will be inlaid on top of one of his handmade wooden boxes. Steve Straffin is an amazingly talented and experienced woodworker, craftsman/artist living in Massachusetts. We are working together and hopefully come up with some interesting pieces.

To see more of Steve's wonderful craftmanship, go to http://zioo.smugmug.com/

conference call art

I really need to draw during long phone calls.