October 24, 2011

The artist-in-residence experience continues to be a life changing event.  It is like being put into a very saturated inspiration tank & you paint yourself out of it.  The weather here has been beautiful–mostly in the 60’s with perfect sunsets every night.  So far in this experience I have designed–not made yet–about 12 pieces for the series, Mendocino Coast Conversations.  In April there will be an art exhibit featuring the work of the nine Mendocino AIR’s.

Mendocino Sunset

God must be an artist too~~~~

October 17, 2011 Mendocino, CA

I can’t believe I have been here for close to 2 weeks.  I have taken over 400 pics at this point & the source of inspiration is endless.  The other AIR’s (Artists-in-Residence) are phenomenal–diversified in many ways.  Lots & lots of talent here with these 9 AIR’s!!!!!  It was a wonderful foggy while still sunny day.  Every day continues to be an adventure in one way or another.  I have never worked so hard in my entire life and I am loving every minute.  Painting is like breathing and is such a great joy in my life.  I now have 7 developed pieces for this series–Mendocino Coast Conversations.  There will be a show here in April and that will be the first time the pieces will be seen.  I continue to be so humbled and honored to be a part of this organization.

Just to spend a Sunday walking in a Redwood Forest~~~~it blows me completely out of the water.

Saturday, October 15, 2011 Mendocino, CA

Slept til 8:30 & while I was in the shower the fire alarm in my room went
off–it thinks steam is smoke…..no, I did not have to run outside in
my nuditity~~~~~then I went to (ironically) the omelet breakfast at the fire
house on main street.  It was warm & sunny, then the fog literally rolled in
& the temp dropped about 10 degrees.  Took a long hike down to the
beach–took my backpack so I could find treasures.  Now I will have to give all
my clothes away to be able to get my driftwood branches back!!!!!  Spent lots of
time in the studio & just got back to my room.  Exhausted & I have a
very sore back from hauling my drift trees back.    Even got to see the HS homecoming parade thru town today–3 floats.  They have 12 kids on their varsity football team.

Tonight finishing some fun bread I got at yesterday’s farmer’s market,
heating up some already cooked steak (tiny!!!) and a salad.  Don’t have much
equipment here–2 bowls, one big spoon, 2 little pots, 3 plates & 2 coffee
cups.  I couldn’t stand it so I actually purchased a wine glass.  Good, one more
thing for bubble wrap!!!!!  It is a Mendocino Arts Center wine glass that says
‘changing the world one artist at a time…’   How cool is that?

So far I have developed the concept of 6 pieces for the Mendocino Coast Conversations Series.  Might be some of my strongest work to date. 

I think I would pay big money for a hot tub right about now.

 

Friday October 14, 2011 Mendocino, California

Wouldn’t you know that I can see the high school from my kitchen table? After 33 years of teaching high school, I now know that I will never be able to get away.  The HS has 12 kids on the varsity football team.  Injuries and they would be screwed.  There is no mail delivery here–if you want
your mail you have to go to the PO & get it.  Went to the farmer’s market this morning–why are farmer’s markets so wonderful?  I love this place.  Mendocino is a little bit of heaven on earth.

October 13, 2011 Mendocino

My studio is all set up and I am painting like crazy.  I have taken about 250 pictures so far–the source for my inspiration.  Watching the waves crash into the cliffs allows me to feel its energy.  So powerful.  So dynamic.  A full work day today.  Started the morning out with a walk to the post office, then to the market to buy a local newspaper (hoping for another weekend benefit breakfast!)  Painted most of the day and then took a hike to the Headlands for sunset.  I can’t believe I have been here for a week.  This has been a life changing experience in so many ways.  I have met countless wonderful people.  Today I watched the sculptors pour molten aluminum into a cast.

October 10, 2011

A rainy day here on the coast of the Pacific.  Changed what the series will be called~~~~

Mendocino Coast Conversations….

I can already hear the dialogue in my head.  Dancing thoughts everywhere.

The Journey Continues

Mendocino Artist-in-Residence Journey
Day 1
Why did I think a really big suitcase that could go up to 50 lbs. was a good idea? Note to self—at some point, even with husbands & Smart Carts, you have to haul it around alone. Only do this if you are travelling with Superman. Otherwise, think smaller.
The flight was good. On time at both ends. Virgin Airlines even offers you use of a Chrome Google computer with free wifi as you wait. You check it out at your home airport and check it back in when your flight arrives. For free—nothing on airlines is free, Hard to believe. Got my rental—the world’s ugliest car. (I did get 10% off)—-bright fuchsia which cannot be missed. No one will steal it—that is for sure.
The first leg of the journey took me to downtown San Francisco to Madelin’s loft. She took me for a tour to Square~~~~~~~~~~~the company that I LOVE!!!!!!!! (I can now take credit cards when I sell my art—step up & bring me your cards to try!!!!!!!!!—Thank you Square!!!!!! Great company.
The second leg was a trip was a wonderful visit to Scott & Trish’s in Sebastopol. A great town filled with lots of hippies & funky shops. Seeing Trish & Scott was wonderful. Their house is beautiful, cheery and very ‘them’. They even have a giant redwood tree in the backyard!!!!!!
Day 2

I feel like I am living someone’s dream.

I live on campus at the Mendocino Art Center–I can see the ocean from my studio space. The center is right at the edge of Mendocino Headlands State Park and there are miles & miles of trails along ocean cliffs. Truly a place of inspiration. I live upstairs in a small apt with a tiny kitchen & bath, a bed & table & chairs. It is sort of like a barn type building with timber ceilings. There is no heat or AC–nights are cold & daytime is perfect and hovers around 60 degrees. I walk everywhere–the town of Mendocino is about six blocks or so. Getting here was the longest 137 mile drive of my life but my bright fuchia rental is a real trouper. Ugly little thing. I start my real studio work tomorrow and have had time this weekend to get settled, buy wine and explore.

Yesterday I explored the Headlands and the town. This morning I had a wonderful pancake breakfast up at the church. The rest of my day was spent exploring Ft. Bragg–about 10 miles north of here. Went to Glass Beach and dug for hours!!!!!! So much fun. Hard to believe that was once a dump site is now a place to dig for ocean washed beach glass. Found a few other beaches & explored. Grocery store, etc. A great day and lunch on the dock of a little place on the ocean. I took a ton of pics as these will be used for inspiration for the body of work I will create here. All I know right now is the title of the series—Pacific Coast Conversations.

Mendocino Art Center

The  Mendocino Art Center is situated 150 miles north of San Francisco  overlooking a rugged expanse of the Pacific Ocean in the charming  coastal village of Mendocino. A haven for artists since 1959, today the  Art Center is a highly regarded artistic and educational institution  offering over 200 retreat-style workshops each year in ceramics, fiber  arts, fine arts, jewelry and sculpture. The art galleries feature  monthly exhibitions spotlighting the creative works of local and  national artists. The Mendocino Art Center continues to be at the heart  of what makes the Mendocino Coast an enchanting and vibrant place to  visit. Rejuvenate your soul and rekindle your spirit in this unique,  retreat-like setting.

Artist-in-Residence Deborah Fell Mendocino, California

In a few days I begin my first artist-in-residence in Mendocino, California.  Ten boxes have been shipped and my suitcases are too heavy.  Stay tuned.