New Paintings

With the new year comes a new concept. I have started creating a series of paintings based on my sculpture. The image which accompanies this post is titled Kind. It is acrylic on canvas and measures 16"x20".

For the past two days I have gone painting mad! From sun up to sundown... nothing but painting. I bought 5 canvases two days ago and now I need more. A good complaint!

A goal for the new year is to submit work for solo exhibitions. It makes sense to work on a body of 2D and 3D work. I hope you like them.

New Sculpture - What Should I Name Them?

I have started making a new variation of my little bird people.

I have been wracking my brain trying to come up with a name for the new work. They are human and they are bird and they need a name. If you think of a cute name for the creatures, please let me know, and if I like the name I will reward you with a FREE sculpture.

Please excuse my work table, I know it is a mess. As you can see in the photo I have been very busy sculpting and glazing. The new pieces in the photo are not fired, that is why their color is so pale. A kiln is about to be loaded, so fire up your imagination and help me name my creatures.

Creating a New Smaller Line of Figures

I have heard so many of my students and fellow artists say that this is a horrible economy for artists. Rubbish I say!

This is a great time to vary your product line. Have your high end pieces for upscale clientele, but also create a more affordable line for the everyday art collector. I have created a line of small pieces with a smaller price tag just in time for season. Smaller pieces also fit into suitcases, and the Florida economy is based on tourism. (Remember to consider your target audience).

Who doesn't love actually being able buy a piece of art without going bankrupt. Think smaller and make big sales. Like the old saying goes: when you are given lemons, make lemonade.

Ceramics Monthly Article

More good news. First, if you visit the Florida Craftsmen Gallery website you will see I am currently the featured artist. It seems as the gallery was unpacking my newest shipment of work, the piece which accompanies this entry Palms Read sold. She didn't even make it to the shelf!

I have also had three people say "congratulations on the write up in Ceramics Monthly Magazine". I have yet to get my hands on a copy, but Barnes & Nobles assures me they are receiving the October issue this week and I can't wait to see it.

As a result of the article, I have been asked to participate in a few shows. I truly believe when you follow your dreams, (such as making art and teaching again for me) the universe brings to you all you desire.

New Line of Work

I have spent the evening bubble wrapping a new line of sculpture which will be sent to Florida Craftsmen Gallery tomorrow. As you may remember, the last body of work totally sold out during the summer. This piece is called comfort. It is made of clay and was fired multiple times with oxides, glazes, underglazes and slips. There are two drawers in the box portion: his and hers. I like the message written on the larger bird/persons chest. It says "Love is the greatest protection".

And you may notice an improvement of photographic quality from my earlier sculpture. I got a photo tent for my birthday and I absolutely love it. If you are an artist or want to sell things on e-bay, check them out. For these shots I just sat the tent out in bright sunlight and that was it.

Exhibition at Present Global Gallery

It has been a whir since we arrived home from our summer vacation. Just so we didn't forget we were in Florida, good old mother nature threw Tropical Storm Fay at us just as soon as we got home. The latest satellite images of the Atlantic look like a conga line of hurricanes. Hey, but at least we are warm.

I have been sculpting like a maniac since we arrived home. I have a show this Saturday night at Present Global Gallery in West Palm Beach. If you are in the area stop by an accept my invitation to oggle and ohh and ahh my artwork. The image that accompanies this entry is called Be Kind and it is ceramic and measures about 13" high and it is included in the show at Present Global. Hope you enjoy the work.

End of One Journey- Begin Another

The bags are packed and one part of the journey ends. Today we head to a hotel near the airport in an effort to make tomorrow that bit easier.

This morning I finished reading a book Flash CS3 Professional and will hope to finish reading my second book on animation while on the plane. Which brings me to the next journey: Associate Professor with PBCC. I look forward to the semester and incorporating what I experienced this summer into the classroom. From the British Museum, to the Tate Modern, the hip graphics found in Temple Bar or the experience of painting pop art images it all about enjoying life and learning just a little bit more than you knew yesterday.

Glastonbury Rocks!

These photos were taken at the Glastonbury Tor in southwest England. There are many myths and legends associated with the Tor – some say it is the home of the King of the Fairies and is Avalon: the spot where King Arthur and Guinevere were buried.

The day we visited the Tor was shrouded in a misty fog. At times the peak was hidden by clouds from the windswept plains. It was a breathtaking sight and I understand fully why it is known as a magical mountain.

The view was worth every panting breath.

Crop Circle

Yesterday we drove all around the English countryside. On our travels we spotted a crop circle. It was so funny to see it. I mean how many shows or pictures have you seen of them and to see one just sitting right outside your window.

I didn't go into the center of the circle because it was in a farmers field and I couldn't didn't want to trespass. (I am just that kind of girl). But still it was very cool to see. Hope you like it.

Poster for New Room

Jody and I finished painting the bar last night and we headed up upstairs to listen to some music, enjoy some libations, and unwind. However, we were stopped in our tracks when I looked up and saw one of my murals staring back at me.

This is a poster the Venue has put up to announce the opening of the new bar we have just painted. Great job Eddie. I wish we could be here for the opening, but I am sure I can browse the Venue's website and enjoy it from afar.

Seeing the poster really gives one a sense of ahhhh, I can now exhale. A job well done.

Mission Accomplished!

The painting at the Venue is basically done. We went last night and worked on the back of the room. We may go on Monday to give it a once over just to be sure it looks polished.

I added one more mural last night, Bond. James Bond. I found the poster for From Russia with Love and used that and took the liberty of adding a bullseye behind 007 and some smoke coming from his gun. (I think he always had some gun in his pants smoking, didn't he?)

If you are a fan of SNL watch this YouTube video spoof of Sean Connery on Jeopardy. They absoulutely CRACK me up. (suck it Trebek).

More good news. I went to a gallery in the East End yesterday and inquired about representation. I brought two little sculptures with me and showed them to the gallery director. She said the work was and I quote “exceptional”. She loved the concept and said she would LOVE to show my work. I have to get a packet together with CV and images and she said perhaps in the new year I could have my work included in a show. I will keep you all posted on the outcome.

Isn’t life great!

Great News- Gallery Sells Out!

I have great news to share, my gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida Craftsmen has asked to send more work as they have sold out!

The work was only delivered just over a month ago and this is seemingly the slow season. Needless to say I am thrilled and very happy that I made several pieces before we left on vacation. Now it will be a matter of packing artwork and shipping it once we get home. The photo which accompanies this post is a piece called "Feather Your Nest with Love".

Raquel Mural

Just wanted to add another image before I sign off. This mural is featured at the end of a long corridor which leads into the bar. It is an iconic image from the 1960's (Raquel Welch in her fur bikini). Poor gal, must have been tough being so out of shape and homely. (Yeah Right!!) A gorgeous pose. This mural measures approximately 8 feet high.

I created this artwork specifically for Eddie. I hope you enjoy it for a long time.

Let's just hope the corridor doesn't get log jammed with panting men. Actually, yes we want that... if the men are hot they buy more drinks meaning more business for the bar. Perfect.

Painting Away at the Venue, New Cross

Another day, another mural. Actually today we painted more than one thing but who's counting (besides me). Todays images are of the Barbarella mural and the column located in the center of the bar. The Barbarella mural features Jane Fonda and the Angel. It is approximately 10 feet high and spans probably 8 feet across.

The colors used in the room are very warm and inviting. I am sure int he dead of winter it will be a favorite of those craving a little more warmth. As I was painting the vibrant Florida colors reminded me of home.

Painting the Venue, New Cross

We’ve started painting the new bar at the Venue on Friday and Saturday. Both days were at least 12 hours spent with a paintbrush in hand. Having earned a day of rest we made the decision to take today off. But back to work tomorrow.

I have included couple of images of what I am doing in the Venue with this entry. The theme of the room is the 1960’s. With that in mind the images are of Twiggy and Jane Fonda (from Barbarella). The image of Jane Fonda is cool because if you stand in just the right place the orange face lines up exactly with the blue face in the background.

The room sort of has a retro feel with a modern twist. Let me know what you think. I start working on the ceiling tomorrow. Will keep you posted on the state of the room (and my neck).

Magically Delicious

I am putting this photo up because I love the rainbow and what better place for rainbows than Ireland. This photo was taken at Rosslare Strand, County Wexford. It is beyond Happy Days I tell you.
We fly back to London on Wednesday and begin painting in the Venue. When I have artwork to show I will upload the images. For now, enjoy life and chase rainbows. (it's magically delicious)

Howth Head

We are winding down the time being spent here in Ireland. It is amazing how fast the time passes. While preparing for the trip I remember thinking how will I spend my time? What if there is nothing to do, where will we go? And then you turn around and it is a month later and where did the time go?

The photo which accompanies this entry was taken at Howth Head. For those of you who don't know, the city of Dublin is basically located on a bay. Situated at top of the bay is Howth and the bottom of it is Dun Laoghaire. Another perfect day as we watched the Irish ferries cutting through the water returning to port.

Life is good. For those of you who don't remember how good it is try to take the time and do something for yourself. Otherwise you may turn around and find that while you weren't looking life has passed you by.

Jody and Benny Jammming

Jody played yet another gig in Dublin at Doolin’s on Holles Street. Last night he was joined on stage by long time pal and band mate Benny White. Jody and Benny first performed together during the 70’s in bands such as Elmer Fudd and Portrait. Jody wants you all to know that “it was a pleasure for Benny to be on stage with him again”. You can see from the photo that accompanies this entry that both Jody and Benny have since(the 1970's)gotten their hair trimmed by a considerable amount.

Tonight we enjoy a night off and a couple of pints. We are plotting our next week here. I have created designs for a bar in London. So we are most likely heading back over there next week so I can create some murals. Will keep you updated.

Back in Dublin

We arrived back in Dublin today after zooming around the countryside. It is true every where you turn here there is a castle. One of my favorites so far was Johnstown Castle in County Wexford. While we were there the bridal parties and photographers were lined up. The grounds and gardens are absolutely stunning. The sound of peacocks and trickling waterfalls filled the air.

We also made a point of seeing Kells Priory. The ruins were breathtaking. The priory is situated alongside King's River beside the village of Kells, about 15km south of the city of Kilkenny. The priory is a National Monument. One of its most striking features is a collection of medieval tower houses spaced at intervals along and within walls which enclose a site of just over three acres. These give the priory the appearance more of a fortress than of a place of worship and from them comes its local name of "Seven Castles".

After we toured the grounds we headed back to Rosslare for a walk on the beach. The photograph was taken at sunset, which over here in the summer is about 9:00 PM.

Jody's Weekend Gigs

Jody is playing two gigs this weekend in Dublin. Tonight at the Concord in Edenmore, Raheny at 10:30 PM. Tomorrow night you can find him at Waterside, Clondalkin at 10:30 PM. So, if you know anyone in Dublin tell them to come out and support Jody.

The accompanying photo to this entry was taken on the Tower Bridge in London last week. On our way back home Jody may be playing a gig in London. I will update you when I know more.

Donadea National Forest

We had another lovely day. We went to the Museum of Modern Art in Dublin. While most of the artwork was good there were a few pieces I found to be a bit contrived.
But hey who am I to judge. It rained again today (there seems to be a pattern developing) so it was nice strolling leisurely through the museum. Afterwards we drove through the Phoenix Park. Which by the way is the largest urban enclosed park in Europe. It is amazing to see herds of reindeer grazing away in a park in the center of Dublin.

The photograph accompanying this post is of Donadea National Forest located 30 miles outside Dublin in County Kildare.

Dublin, Ireland Just a WEE Bit Cooler...

We are in Dublin, Ireland and from the moment we stepped off the plane there was just something in the air... I call it ICE!! Seriously, the temperature in Ireland is much cooler than what we had in London. I have been wearing a heavy wool jacket, sweater, two shirts and a scarf. Yep, summer in Ireland where you can experience 4 seasons in one day. So happy I brought that little bikini. I could use the top as ear muffs.

All kidding aside, it is so lovely here. And boys and girls we must remember, it is the rain which gives the Emerald Isle her lovely green grass, happy flower boxes, and ENORMOUS CROWS.

Jody and I got a wonderful tour of the Book of Kells yesterday from his friend Benny. (thanks Benny!) Tonight we are heading out to Brady's Pub (yes Denise, just like Days) for a pint tonight.

London Was Lovely

We spent the past week in London, England. The weather was absolutely sensational with sunny weather and temps in the low 80's, light sweaters needed at night. Jody and I walked the city from one end to the other. It doesn't get dark until 11 PM so we had plenty of time to plod around time. One day our pedometers recorded 11 miles.

From the Camden Town Market to the British Museum and of course Big Ben we had a really great time.

If you haven't been to London it really is a great city. It is a true melting pot of different cultures, sights and sounds.

See Ya Gang!

Getting ready to catch a plane and wanted to say thanks to our wonderful friends for the great send off. Honestly, what a great group of people.

Watch my blog for updates while we are away. I will try to post regularly to let everyone see what we are doing to keep ourselves busy.

Besides swilling beer and freezing our booties off. (Sounds great doesn't it?). In the meanwhile "Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth." (Mark Twain)

Painted Dome

I did a little side job today and painted ceiling dome in a masterbath. The client requested blue sky and birds. I kept the painting a bit understated as the room has wall paper and marble with strong patterns. The room felt very traditional so I didn't want to create anything too over the top.

The birds are sort of a blue bird hybrid. I painted the birds on mulberry paper and chine colled them to the ceiling. I did that to cut down on time spent "on site". Which is always nice for both artist and client. Also nice for the client, I finished the mural so quickly I felt obligated to reduce the price.

Professor Martin- Thank You Very Much!

Here is an image from my new body of artwork which was delivered to Florida Craftsmen Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida. It is a gorgeous space located in the historic downtown district. If you find yourself in St. Pete, please go to the gallery and take a look around. Don't be bashful, visit an art gallery. The most amazing part about Florida Craftsmen is that the price point in the gallery fits most everyone's pocket. I found pieces for under $20 all the way up to several thousands of dollars.

This piece titled "Feather Your Nest" is made out of fired ceramic clay, it is glazed with slips, underglazes, and oxides and measures 7 inches high. This piece is a decorative box, please notice the small square shape on the front is a drawer. Just the right size for jewelry or other small treasures. I will update the rest of my new work on my website as soon as I am able.

Back to Work

Hello and I am sad to report to those of you who don't know, but my father died on May 5th. As a result blogging sort of went down to the bottom of my list of things to do. Only now almost a month later do I feel like I am finally coming out of the fog.

I thought I would pay a small tribute to my father by posting a couple of images of him back when he was strong and able bodied. These are pictures of the father I want to remember. The man who used to bring me home a dill pickle in his lunch box. The man who could grow anything in his garden and taught me to respect nature and all of her creatures. Daddy O, Til We Meet Again, I love you.

My Father- On an Indian

This photo is my father, taken when we was 16 years old in Canandaigua, New York. Dad is going in for surgery this week and I thought I would share this image of him in hopes as you look at it, you will send him loving, healing energy. Besides, it is a happy photo and I personally think he was a cute little bugger.

Usually when men see this photo they ask "what kind of bike is that". To the best of my knowledge, it is an Indian. He used to race them when he was young (an Indian riding and Indian). Perfect.

Something for Me

Still super busy and creating so much work for everyone else, the other night I just had to sit down and paint something for me. Sometimes you just have to do stuff for yourself. I am not sure of the title yet but I am calling it Manifestation for now (acrylic on canvas: 24" x 36").
Something really cool happened as I painted. I was holding a lamp over the canvas and all of the sudden I started seeing colors emerging. They were like colored halos around the edges of the angel. (cool coincidence seeing halos around an angel).
There was bright emerald green extending from her fingers, blue and reds framed her face. As I worked the colors kept appearing in the same places. So I told myself if I am seeing these colors why not paint them?

Palm Tree Mural

The palm tree painting went very well. As the result of painting so much for the past 6 weeks at Slainte, my hand just flew across the wall and the trees were completed in approximately 40 minutes. I lowered the price a bit because it was done so fast.

Today, I want to relax and read a book. Yesterday I paid a visit to my dear girlfriend Margaret's shop The Crystal Garden. While visiting she gave me a book to read; A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. If you are in Boynton Beach perhaps before you go to admire the gorgeous Slainte pub (wink wink), stop by Margaret's shop the and browse around. It is quite lovely. They provide complimentary tea and the store is chock full of incense and oils and I do buy a lot of my funky jewelry there.

I am a firm believer in supporting small local businesses and artists. Especially in these times where the economy is less than glowing, they need us.

New Projects for an ARTist

I had a lovely conversation with someone yesterday about working as a full-time artist. I can't say it enough, if you do what makes you happy you are doing it right. Follow your dreams and they will lead you where you need to be.

My next projects are on the deck. I have to paint a palm tree in Boca tomorrow and meet with a potential web client, set up a blog for a really nice guy Ted Guarnero, a Realtor in Palm Beach County and in between I want to get a packet out to a museum.

I received confirmation today regarding my teaching this Summer at Palm Beach Community College. I will be teaching Intro to Drawing and Intro to Mac. So if you have always wanted to learn how to draw or use a mac, give it a try. Whether it is my class or someone elses, invest in yourself; take a class. Be good to yourself.

Slainte Is Open For Business

Ring the bells and spread the news, Slainte is open for business. People were literally knocking the doors down to get a look inside. Just a few more little bits and pieces for me and then my work for Slainte in Boynton Beach is complete. Everyone there was so great, Clem, Francis, Greg and not to forget Lennie. I hope you all enjoy the pub as much as I enjoyed painting it. This accompanying photo is the final for the large wall mural located in the Green Screen Room. I painted the wall around the mural to look like a vortex, giving you the feel of traveling through an Irish Time machine.

My husband Jody will be playing there every Sunday from 5 - 8 pm. I hope to see you then.

I would like to add that this pub has so inspired me I am sending a proposal to an Art Museum based on the extensive research I acquired as the result of this project and I will keep you posted on my progress.

My Favorite Creatures

This is my favorite painting (as of now) in Slainte. When you visit the pub be sure to look for it. It features imagery from the Book of Kells.

Slainte - with St. Patrick's Day Looming

Working 14 hour days last week didn't allow me to create a posting. Days were spent typesetting, drawing and painting at home and then painting in the pub until late into the night. As you can see from the photo, the pub is coming along FABULOUSLY.
To those of you chomping at the bit, the pub is scheduled to open March 12, 2008.

This accompanying photo shows the front main room.

Irish Celeb Mural

I have been painting myself silly. I have been working on the Irish Celeb. mural for Slainte pub. (pronounced Slawn-cha) located at Gateway and Congress in Boynton Beach, Florida. The mural is painted on panel and will be installed on the wall in the back bar room.
I used un-tempered masonite, primed with gesso and sketched the work with graphite. Once the sketch was complete, I begin adding color. The accompanying photos show the 4'x 8' panel in its early stages and at about 90% completion. There are a total of 13 faces included in the mural.

Included are: Phil Lynott, Van Morrison, Sinead O'Connor, Garbriel Byrne, Bob Geldof, Richard Harris, Liam Nieson, Alex "Hurricane" Higgins, Roy Keane, George Best, Bono, Aidan Quinn and Jack Charlton.

Also, watch the Sunday March 3 Palm Beach Post for a write up on my Angel Platter. The platter will be on display at the Palm Beach Community College Eissey Gallery from March 11 - 21.

Slainte Faux Update

Everyday we go to work it is like Christmas morning. Which new pieces will you find installed? The good news, the ceilings are done! It was great painting them. I did a bit of veining near the edges where the ceiling and walls meet, so it gives the feel of age and wear to the clean & bright pub.

I am particularly fond of the ceiling near the fire place. I grew up in the cold snow belt along the St. Lawrence River known as the Thousand Islands in a little town called Alexandria Bay, New York and remember how our Ben Franklin wood-stove used to totally smoke up the house. It gave our ceilings (and lungs) the same smokey effect, although we weren't looking to achieve the aged look in either place.

I digress. The faux is so light and clean. We're days away from starting the spot art. The base wall color is done and for obvious reasons it is easier to conceptualize the placement of spot art once the bar fixtures are installed. Once I get a few pieces dropped in I will upload another image so you can watch the progress.

Painting the Pub: Slainte

Well, I have been painting my arms and shoulders off. Or at least they feel as if they are going to fall off! Despite my whining Slainte is looking great (if I must say so myself). Thus far, I have been working on the massive ceilings.

Slainte is going to be a big, clean and bright pub with a lot of custom features such as a wrought iron tree, massive stone fireplace and decorative scroll work.

I have realized lately that I have now have done work for: Rooney's Pubs in Abacoa, Jog Road & Clematis Street, Brogues on the Avenue, Kingston's Irish Times, T.P. Hoolihan's in Fort Myers & Spider Murphy's. I have become quite the Irish Pub painter. Anyhow, I will post more images when I have more progress to show. I anticipate having the ceilings completed in the next day or two, depending on the construction workers getting their piles off the floor.

INATS East

I have been preparing for the INATS East Conference (International New Age Trade Show) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Florida on January 26th. I will discussing the importance of having an online presence.

The basic theme of my speech is: Today there are so many free or low cost alternatives to having a large expensive web site. You can buy a domain name very inexpensively with companies such as GoDaddy or WebMasters and while you are there you can build a site using one of their online templates. Or if you don't mind a challenge, build one from scratch using software such as Frontpage or Dreamweaver.

The point being, there really is no excuse to not have some form of web exposure. For example, this blog on blogger is absolutely free. One can sign up for a home page on Google, absolutely free. There is Facebook, or MySpace, which are social networks where you can connect with people, sell things or look for jobs. Who hasn't heard of YouTube? Why couldn't you post a video of yourself doing something interesting and informative? Or post a podcast of a seminar on i-tunes?

Basically, if you are providing a service that people want or need, then you ought to have an online presence. Be sure you have links on your site. They can help you have better ranking in search engines. The last thing you want is a dead-end site. Oh, and be sure to let people know you are indeed online. Send your friends, family and email contacts your links. It is all about networking on the world wide web.

Angel Platter

Upon making the decision to quit my job I said "Alright Universe, if I have made the right choice please give me a sign." That very same day I received in the mail a copy of a beautiful book which includes my artwork, 500 Handmade Dolls, a large Graphic Design commission, and invitations to take part in two separate art shows!

One of the exhibitions was at Project Space, which coincided with Art Miami.

The other exhibition is a platter show based on Judy Chicago's, art installation The Dinner Party. I was compelled to sculpt the "guardian angel" platter (seen in the photos to the right).

The platter is hand sculpted from clay, and is unfired in these photos. I am not sure yet how I will glaze the piece. I am leaning towards keeping it sort of earthy by using oxides or by burnishing it with terra sigillata. If you have suggestions, please send them. I will keep you posted.

Victoria Rose Martin's Blog

Don't quit your day job? Too Late! I did. Prior to leaving the 9-5 routine I was so worried with logical thoughts such as "how will I eat?" Then my goofy artistic side would rear its head to reply "yeah, but you will be nice and skinny if you don't eat." Now after all of the worry and stress, I still can't believe how great it feels being a full time artist again.

Upon earning two separate Masters Degrees in Fine Art I happily accepted a job in the corporate world as a Graphic Designer. Don't get me wrong, I loved the actual work, and I still work as a freelance Graphic Designer as well as an Artist. However, I began wishing away weekdays, praying for Friday so I could have time to make art. Being confined to a tiny office day in and day out began to kill my spirit.

A die hard optimist, I heard Joseph Campbell's words to "follow your bliss" ringing in my head. So, I did. My message is to follow your heart. Enjoy life and most importantly; be happy. This is my journey.