Every year it is a real treat for us to stretch ourselves to create holiday ornaments outside the box of our usual artwork. It is interesting to learn what goes on in the artist’s mind as they create something. There is a wonderful interplay between the artistic and the functional processes as the artist makes changes when they start production.
Here’s what some of the artists’ had to say about their ornaments:
Kate Harkins
I made glass balls with spray paint swirled around inside. I let the layers of paint dry between colors. These ornaments are like my paintings in a blender. Making these ornaments is like playing with paint. Actually, making all my artwork is play. The playing is what brings it to life.
Kerri Eden
My ornaments are brightly-colored, hand-painted wooden discs. On one side I painted fun and lighthearted designs, for example flowers, birds, and other shapes. On the other side are black and white drawings. Each ornament is unique.
Margaret Tylczak
I have lots of fabric scraps, including from Pendleton blankets. I wanted to sew things that were “Northwest-y.” On some of the ornaments I made pouches that you can tuck surprises in. The fabric patterns informed my design decisions. The decorating process, which I mostly did with a variety of buttons, wasn’t premeditated, just like how I paint.
Leslie Moon
When the lockdown first started, I looked for other creative outlets I could do from my home (in addition to my main art form of printmaking). I had recently done a mosaic wall in my bathroom. With the holidays coming, I realized the next logical step… mosaic ornaments!
Juliette Ripley-Dunkelberger
I had a bag of low fire white clay left over from a class. I find this kind of clay challenging to work with as it tends to dry out fast. I started by sketching snowmen while the kids were watching a video with a snowman character. I realized the essential part of the snowman is the face and the most important feature is the carrot nose.
Saundra Fleming
Using fabric and other materials, I created miniature tableau shadow boxes. They are like small windows into a storyteller’s imagination.
Be sure to come by the Gallery to see these wonderful creations!