Eureka!

I met a wonderful man via online dating a few months ago.

Happiness.

Love.



Doug.



So, being the journaler that I am, I was flipping randomly through my journal the other night, and came across my entry from a few months before I met him detailing what I want in a relationship. Check and check. We've got it all.

Then I had an aha! moment about the correlation between my art career and online dating. Why am I not approaching it the same way, I wondered? Online dating feeds you all these leads that you can ignore or respond to. All these prospects you can chat with or delete. All these possible men to meet or decline. It takes work. It takes time. Sorry, but as I see it, it IS work. I've got a full, busy life. Yes, there is fun too, of course, but time is a precious commodity.

So my new approach to my art business is to put the time commitment that I previously applied to meeting Doug into meeting new retailers and venues for my art and reproductions. Getting to know them. Seeing if we are a good fit. I want to be spending my life making art equally as much as I wanted to meet a wonderful partner. And if I really mean that then doing the work to get me there is so worth the time and effort.

I'll keep you posted on how things proceed.
Meanwhile...

Make art and beauty daily!

Creating beauty for other artists

During summertime I put on my gallery manager hat full time and step into the role of gallery manager at Idyllwild Arts Summer Program. Yesterday I finished up the first of 6 installations that will happen in an 8 week window. Although it's a lot of work to be changing up the gallery every week, it also means it's a dynamic and energetic space to be in.

When I install work for other artists my goal is to display and show their art to it's fullest potential, to make it look the most beautiful, and highlight what is most wonderful. I try to look at every piece with fresh eyes, and every installation with new ideas for how to create dialogues and relationships between the different artists work. For instance, how the curve of these pots echoes the forms of this bottle; how the colors of this painting is seen in these necklaces; how the figures in these drawings are echoed in this wood carving. It becomes about many layers of seeing and that's exciting.

Come take a look at the show this week. It includes some wonderful jewelry and fantastic ceramics.
And I've included some of my own work and reproductions in the show as well.

Happy Summer!

Ruby Petal Pie. Acrylic on canvas with fabric and paper collage.

12 steps to art show bliss

I'm so happy to have my newest art installed at the Courtyard Gallery in Idyllwild for the summer.

Preparing for an art show is by now a familiar roughy 12 step experience: 

1 I decide to do a show. Joy!

2 I'm inspired with many new ideas. 

3 I begin working passionately in my studio. 

4 Life's many events, both known and unexpected, intervene and greatly slow down my progress.

5 I now realize I in no way have enough time to accomplish and complete all these amazing new art pieces. 

6 I panic and become a difficult person for all those nearest to me. (Sorry, sons)

7 The effects of #6 become worse as the installation date draws nearer. And I begin to doubt the work entirely. 

8 Miraculously time opens up and as I complete new work all my anguish about making art dissipates and my joyfulness returns. 

9 I begin to install the show as I had envisioned. 

10 It does not work that way. 

11 I surrender to the newer better plan that emerges for the installation. 

12 Joy! Happiness! And bliss!

For some reason these are always the steps. 

Come join me today to celebrate step 12. 

Courtyard Gallery

26120 Ridgeview Drive

Idyllwild

2-4 pm May 31

This newest piece finished yesterday. 

Absolute Love. 

The creations within me

I'm a dedicated journal writer. It's where I go to work out so many internal conflicts and questions.
So the other day I'm reading a chapter about women's wisdom in one Christiane Northrup's great books and I come across questions about creativity. Okay, now this is right up my alley. So being the good student and journaler that I am, I faithfully write the proposed question:
What are the creations within me that I want to put out in the world before I'm no longer here?

Fiber Heart. Original collage.

So, first off, Yikes! No longer here. Wow. Okay, really what do I want to make of and in my life?
Answer 1 is to support and launch my kids. 100%. Obvious.

Answer 2 is Absolute Love, of art and as art.
That answer emerged from within me, intrigued me immensely, and startled me.
What?! What's that?! What does that look or feel like?

So far what it means is going to my studio and working with that intention.

I had been asked to make some new heart collage pieces and my skeptical side thought "Oh, well that's silly, hearts as love. Gee, that's so original." But honestly, it is so exciting to me! Absolute Love as Art.

Here are the first couple pieces I've made, with more underway. You can see and purchase the originals at Acorn Gallery in Idyllwild.

Wishing you absolute love.

Spring Earth. Original collage.

Favorite places

Ever since I designed an Idyllwild tile a couple of years ago, images have been lurking at the edges of my mind for other beautiful local places. Everybody wants to celebrate their turf, you know?

A few months ago when a client ordered architectural tiles for her kitchen remodel, she asked if in addition to the Idyllwild tile, I had a design for Pine Cove. Umm, no, not actually, it's still in my mind, sort of...umm developing...

Fast forward to last weekend, when Spring Break gave me ample head space and studio time (thank you whoever had this original brilliant idea for Spring Break). I was finally able to get those Pine Cove ideas out into the visual world where everyone can see them. Here's the finished design!

Pine Cove. 4.25" Decorative tile or Architectural tile.

Both tiles are now available to be purchased at Acorn Gallery in Idyllwild. The original collage pieces are also available, just let me know if you're interested.

Tell me about your about your favorite places. I'd be happy to make a commissioned art piece that reflects your happy place!

Idyllwild. 4.25" Decorative tile or Architectural tile.

Sharing what I've learned

Imagine. Mixed media assemblage. 2013.

I'm pretty dang excited to be teaching a mixed media workshop for adults this weekend here in Idyllwild.

I'm calling this little art exploration More Than Words because increasingly over the past 5 years words and text have been creeping into my art in both subtle and obvious ways. I'm an inspiration junkie, it's true. It's like making art with text "joy" or "create today" or "freedom" helps me to infuse that energy into my life. I always, always, feel so inspired and renewed when I make art with words.

Would you like to come play with us on Saturday, February 22? Eight wonderful women will be joining in this fun day of creating. We have room for 2 more intrepid souls. Is one of them you?

Treasures

I just spent a wonderful, laughter filled afternoon celebrating the birthday of a woman friend, with a circle of smart, funny, kind, lovely, creative women. What more could I ask for?

I receive so much from all of them. And I hope I give back equally most of the time.

Laugh word tag.

One of many topics today was a dissection of my computer dating life (mostly dismal and yet hilarious). To dissect it with women who love and care for me made it bearable, and ludicrously entertaining.

Women friends are the treasures of my life - each an amazing jewel. Thanks you all!!

Swell

That's an underused word in my vocabulary.
It feels round and humble and smiling. It feels simple and fabulous.
Frankly, I want more of it.

My feeling is this "I want more life in my life".
For me that means more freedom, more love, more creation, more travel, more laughing, more bliss.
That's where I'm headed in 2014.

What does it mean for you, I wonder?

Green Mint. Feels like more to me.

This is it

The fire's lit. The wood bin stocked.
There's plenty of chocolate and Christmas cookies.
And now, to top it off, it's snowing!
Now there's some mountain Christmas out of Hollywood.

Oh, and I also vacuumed the house and parked the car at the end of the driveway so I don't have to shovel all that way. Now there's some Christmas out of my reality.

Today is also the last day to get all the goodies at Joann Tomsche Studio at 15% off.
So take a peek, and I'd appreciate it if you'd share it with some friends.
If you order it today, I'll ship it off to you tomorrow.

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your holidays are bright.

For the next 6 days

Here it is, almost Christmas. Cliche, I know, but seriously, where did 2013 go?

So, here's the scoop: starting today, until Thursday, December 19 I'm giving a 

15% discount on everything on my Etsy shop Joann Tomsche Studio. 

That makes it a great time to get your holiday gifting completed, stock up on some art tiles for 2014 gifting, and treat yourself to some goodies too.

Hope. Peace. Art Tiles.

Joy. Love. Art Tiles.

(here's where you insert the voice of that guy who sold things on late night TV in the 70's)

And that's not all! For a limited time you'll also receive free shipping on orders of $50 or more. 


(okay, I'm back)
I ship via USPS Priority Mail which takes 2-5 days depending on where it's going.

After December 19, I figure I won't want to do a lot more shipping, so order your stuff now. My last shipping day will be Dec 20. 

After that, I plan to mostly sit by the fireplace, eat dark chocolate and Christmas cookies, drink wine or spiked hot cocoa, and read a book while I enjoy the fresh smell of pine and sparkling lights on my tree. Hope you'll be doing the same.

Feeling the love...

now go get your shopping done.

A new place to love

Finding a new someone to have fun with is always exciting. Sort of like on match.com, only better.

Merry Merry. Original collage design. Available as an art tile.

I'm so happy heirloom in Claremont Village and I have found each other.

This little store first turned up on one of the legendary Art Bitches Day Trips. We left with great greeting cards and other fun stuff.

Enter a new artist friend, Nancy Mannon, whose unique jewelry sells there, and... Voila! A new home for JTStudio art tiles and holiday ornaments.




heirloom is owned by Rob Lewbel and Becky Morgan. Their focus is on simple goods for modern living. A good fit with my aesthetic, yes?
heirloom is right next to the movie theater on Indian Hill Blvd. You can't miss it and you're sure to find some treasures for yourself or for gifts.

If you have not been to Claremont Village, stop in there for some wonderful shops with eclectic merchandise, and a pleasant, walkable, charming shopping environment. Make a day of it. Have lunch. Whenever I go I want more time!

Please send this on to friends in the area and share the love!

Artful

The idea of living artfully is a big one for me.
At first I thought - Oh, okay, make art and make my home an expression of me. Check.

Recently though I've been thinking in terms of artfully facing challenges that arise for me. For me that means really opening my mind to think creatively about new ways of looking at solutions.

Create Today. Original paper collage.

I have this hat I wear called Art Teacher.
Lately I've had a love/hate relationship with that damn hat.
The Love part is that when I'm in the studio with my students it's fun. I enjoy them. I like helping them think about alternative approaches and ideas they could explore. It's rewarding to see a spark ignite in their eye when something connects. I learn new things with them.

The Hate part is that when I'm immersed in my own studio and excited about my current ideas and art pieces, then putting on the Art Teacher Hat feels like dragging myself away from my true love.

So, living artfully.... How do I switch hats gracefully? How do I integrate my own studio work into the time I spend with students? What's the question to ask?

I would love to hear from you about how you live artfully and integrate the different roles in your life.

Hope and Love for the Holidays

Hope. Original paper collage. 

These brand new collages are what I made in the studio yesterday. I'm excited about design numbers three and four in a series of holiday word collages I started last year with Joy and Peace. It's been on my mind to do it since last year, so hurray! Mission accomplished.

Love. Original paper collage.

For both of the new designs, to keep continuity in the series, I repeated the map and the snowflakes on sand images. 

Then I shuffled around a bit through my image drawers and found some candy canes, apples, poinsettias, Christmas balls, oranges, and gorgeous botanicals to make the new designs unique.

So now it's a complete set that I am offering as art tiles!

You can get all four for your home to use as coasters or small decorative art pieces, or give them as truly unique holiday gifts.

Buy them now at my Etsy shop:
JoannTomscheStudio

$16 each art tile when you buy one. 

$14 each art tile for two. 

$13 each art tile for three or more.

Please pass this along to two friends!

Peace. Original paper collage.

Joy. Original paper collage.

Up-Cycling

I recently gave myself a larger studio space. What a joy! I mean, a studio can never be large enough to hold all the possibilities, but bigger is definitely better.

Unpacking my art materials reveals to me some of the treasures I've been collecting that I so enjoy making art with.

My friend Anne laughed when I used the word up-cycle to describe materials used in my art. New buzz word? Yes, I suppose. But I like it! And it defines what I love to do: Take things that on their own are just interesting artifacts of life, worn by nature, and combine them to make a new something.

Freedom Love began with this old drawer piece. I wonder where I got it. The cross came off an old bird house that has been weathering in my garden for 20 years or so. That rusty metal piece (What IS it?) was found on a hike out near my house. And tree roots have such great undulating form. Any one who knows my art knows I have a fascination with text, letters and words. And Color!

So there you have it. A piece that speaks to me of things worn by time; the spark that color adds to life; and says right out loud two things that I value: freedom and love.

Please pass this on to two friends who might enjoy.

This piece is available at my website www.joanntomschestudio.com.

PS, a great blog I came across is www.upcyclethat.com. Lots of great ideas for reuse of everyday things, and also some beautifully crafted art pieces.

Angel a Day

24/40 Joy

The Joy Love Angels are nearly finished! The last eight need wings and sparkle, then they are all ready to leave the nest. 

An unexpected delight of making these angels has been a boost of loving joyfulness about the upcoming holidays. Go figure.

These are a limited edition of 40 ornaments, so get yours from me now. Or you can stop by Acorn Gallery in Idyllwild to pick one up, along with so many other cool art gifts she carries. OR,,, go to my etsy shop JoannTomscheStudio and I'll ship your choice to you tout suite. A boost of love and joy in your mailbox - that's a good thing!

Please pass this along to two friends. Thanks!

24/40 Love

Limited edition holiday ornaments

I have been busily and happily making a limited edition of 40 Joy Love Angel ornaments. This is my first annual ornament edition and I am enjoying every minute of it!

I begin with text paper from a book of Christmas short stories which I collage over chipboard. Then I make an original ink drawing, each with her own personality, for every ornament. Next I design the word collages, construct the wings, and finish each with a selection of glass, metal or stone beads. My contemporary color palettes include surprising mixes of orange tones, pinks, and aquamarines, frosty blues, elegant black and white, and a range Christmassy greens and reds. 

9/40 Joy side

9/40 Love side

One side of the ornament highlights a flowing, original ink drawing of a woman, a bead nestled at her throat, her delicate, wire, angel wings, the word collage Joy, and a sparkle of gold and crystalline holiday glitter.


The other side features a cluster of colorful beads, the word collage Love, and is finished with a festive dusting of glitter. Each uniquely beautiful ornament is numbered, signed and dated.

I hope you love these as much as I've loved making them. Please pass this on to two friends!

These signed and dated art pieces are made as a limited edition of only 40 ornaments. Each is a unique and original creation.  Now available at Acorn Gallery in Idyllwild, at www.etsy.com/shop/JoannTomscheStudio, or directly from me if you are in Idyllwild.

3/40 Joy side

3/40 Love side

Create joy

Halloween is in two days and here I am working on Christmas ornaments! 

The irony of this will not be lost on anyone who knows my habitual holiday routine. Which is, don't give  much thought to anything holiday-ish until after Thanksgiving, or preferably, after December 1. 

That makes for a short shop, ship, prep, and gift season. Not to mention eating, drinking and merrying!

create joy. text on paper, found rusted wire, glass beads.
backed up by my studio.

I've collected a few special ornaments every year since my 20's, and made some over the years, especially with my kids. Last year one extremely fragile glitter and glue star still remained. Not bad for fifteen years. One year I had the brilliant idea to make wired twig stars with beads with my son's third grade class. It was an explosion of wire and beads, and at least three more parents and the teacher to assist any frustrated little fingers. Haha! The teacher is still my good friend, thank god.

Fast forward to this year. I recently completed an order of word tags for a new retail venue (hurray!) and have been feeling motivated to make more "words" that connect me to holiday and family.

So this year I have decided to start a new art tradition and make limited edition ornaments.

I set to work on many, many sketches, and many prototypes using materials ranging from twigs to broken ceramic tiles, wire and papier mâché. 

I'm happily hard at work on the design I chose, and I will unveil them here soon. Stay tuned.


Meantime, I'd love to hear back from you about your holiday ornament traditions.

Create today

Fall days like this give me energy for creating new things. Today I'll be working on a limited edition holiday ornament design. Angels! Joy! Glitter! Look for it to be posted here soon.

What are you creating today?

Good things happen

My life feels so amazingly different than it did a year ago. Back then, I was working at an office job, feeling underappreciated and bored, but grateful to be supporting myself and my kids. Many mornings I cried as I got ready for my day, longing for work that would nourish my soul.

Then, in January, I wrote out a statement of intention about earning my livelihood in the arts. Within a WEEK, I was offered a part time art teaching position, and within two months, a gallery manager position. Was I nervous about accepting these jobs for which I had limited experience? Yes. But take them both, I did: challenging, fun, soul-nourishing work, with amazing people from whom I would learn so much.

I could never have anticipated the avalanche of great things that has come from taking this path. In the beginning, when I was anxious and somewhat stressed about my new roles, my wise and wonderful friend, Steven, asked "Well, do you like what you're doing?" Me: "Yes". 

His reply: THAT'S WHEN THE GOOD THINGS HAPPEN.

Truly.

Summer

This summer has been a unique experience for me.

I'm managing a gallery, which is really fun and interesting in and of itself. Plus, as the gallery is at an art school with a program of summer classes in the arts, I meet many people engaged in creative activities by choice. What I mean is that they value their experience in the arts so much that they use their resources of vacation time and money to be there. So every day I feel a part of a community that values the arts. This is my tribe. It's exhilarating.

The students I've met are so surprising - retired teachers, property managers, optometrists - all learning, risking and sharing the love of an art form. Then there are the teachers - book makers, potters, metal smiths, painters, printmakers - sharing their craft with warmth and kindness. How great is life!

As I'm in the gallery six days per week, I was concerned that I'd have no time or energy left to make my own art. But to my delight the opposite has proved to be true. I'm energized and inspired nearly every day to create. What a fantastic outcome.

Feeling pretty blessed today.