mandacdesigns: September 2011

September 29, 2011

Footsteps

The Newman Center entrance was once a cold and uninviting former garage… but I was able to change that with a little paint and fellow volunteers.

After completing a painting inspired by Wassily Kandinsky, an amazing Expressionist Artist whose work I absolutely love, I was asked to lead a group of actors in painting the Fuddy Meers theatre set using his work as my inspiration. His work is geometric, abstract, expressive and bold. This is the resulting kitchen and basement, which went along with the energy and humor of the performance.

P.S. Sorry about the picture quality.

Supporting Sustainability

L Reid and I combined our artistic styles and vision to create an environment for shoppers at ECOteal, a student store on the UNCW campus. Here it is before all of the merchandise arrived:

September 28, 2011

Mixing Paint and Patience

Collaborative murals are fun; although it is challenging to share ideas and techniques to create a work that fits it’s surroundings like the Georgia O’Keefe inspired mural in the Cultural Arts Building entrance stairwell on UNC Wilmington’s campus. The 2007 Art Circle and our friends completed it one square at a time.

September 24, 2011

Don’t Blink

Sunset 1

24"x18"
oil paint on canvas

Sunset 2

24"x18"
oil paint on canvas

Sunset 3

24"x18"
oil paint on canvas

It is incredible how fast things can change before we realize it.

September 18, 2011

Dear fellow artists,

Especially Ryan, or Brian, or Bryan… sorry I can’t remember your name or even spell it but… you and your mom asked me a question about finding inspiration and deciding what to draw as an artist and I hope I helped, but if you’re still searching, like many artists do over and over again…

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -H. Thurman

An artist and friend of mine, L Reid, shared that quote with me and it is so true. I have felt more alive this past week than I have in a long time because I have been able to express a part of me that I have unintentionally kept hidden from people I have known for years and consider friends. So if something is important to you, share it with the world… it is important because it is a part of you.

Sincerely

September 17, 2011

When it rains, it pours… so I danced!

I won Best in Show!

I was just excited to be able to display my artwork in my hometown and at the Carousel Festival. I never thought I’d receive all of the accolades and support from other artists and vendors who have been doing festivals and shows for years. Their work is great… come see it for yourself tomorrow (1:00-6:00PM) if you haven’t already and thank you to everyone who came by number nine today! I’m looking forward to tomorrow. Oh, and I have to give a shout out to my parents, my dad especially, for helping construct and waterproof my display.

September 15, 2011

Come see me at the Carousel Festival!

Here’s a peek at the artwork I’ll be selling this weekend at the annual Carousel Festival at Burlington City Park. So if you’re in town or in the surrounding area, check it out and don't forget to stop by to see me!

Sat. 17^th 10:00AM-6:00PM Sun. 18th 1:00PM-6:00PM

Birth of Burlington
24"x30"
oil paint on canvas

Caboose
18"x24"
oil paint on canvas

Abstract 2
7"x5"
mixed media

http://www.ci.burlington.nc.us/index.aspx?NID=867

Navigator Room Renovation Project

Before

After

This was a collaborative mural/renovation project I worked on at the Alamance County Community YMCA. The middle school Navigator Program room was in need… so with the support of the YMCA, participation of the kids, a few other volunteers, and the collaboration between myself and Alex Stevens, we were able to create a fun, safe, and stimulating environment for kids! Our work in progress: