Some time ago...

Awhile ago, like maybe sometime this summer Jackson Hole Art Association had an event that I participated in.  It was a silent auction where anyone and everyone could participate by creating art on a 5 in. by 5 in. canvas that they supplied.  The artist could build on it, paint it, do whatever they wanted, but the artist was to remain anonymous.  So until the person purchased your piece, they had no idea who created it.  A pretty fun idea!

I have no idea if it sold, i was unable to make it to the event, but I am really hoping that someday I will walk into someone's house and see it hanging on the wall.  And i will be tickled pink.  Here's was i created:

untitled

acrylic on canvas

5" by 5"

June 2013 (I think)

For this piece I thought of the line from John Mark McMillian's song, "If your grace is an ocean we'd all be sinking."  I could sit and dream about that for days. 

*Addition Aug 10, 2016* The best part of this story, is that I met a woman, in a yogurt shop that used to be in Jackson.  Said,

-Hi, My name is Alissa.

Hi, Alissaaaaaa, that sounds familiar.  What's your last name?

-Massey. 

Did you do a piece for Who Dunnit?

-Yes. 

I think i have your painting. 

-Get out!?!?! Really?! 

Ya, like a girl under water?

Ya!  Oh man!! How exciting!!  I always wondered if anyone got that painting! I love that painting.

            And the story continues...  What a trip.  She also mentioned that i was in the paper on the front page.  I had no idea.  We became friends and she later brought me that paper because she had saved it.  I love this story.  It is just so exciting because you just never know what happens when you put your self out there and share your talent with the world.  

Woodblock printing

This summer I had the opportunity to go to Africa with women from my church.  I am so thankful for that experience and all that took place there.  It was a powerful and awe-inspiring trip filled with the faithfulness of God.  So as a thank you to all who prayed and financially supported me I wanted to make something for them.  I chose a woodblock print because you can make a lot of the same thing and each one is still unique. 

This was my first time doing a woodblock print.  Therefore I had no idea if it would be good or not, but  I was pretty determined and had longed to do something like this for awhile.  Through these photos i can give you a general idea of how I went about such a process.  If you are looking to really do this I can either show you or I'm sure you can find a better demo on youtube.  ;)  But, if you know someone personally who has done this and are interested have them show you.  Its more fun that way.  

First step, draw it out in pencil.  I had to add white because those were actually the parts i would be cutting away.  Its backwards from just drawing on paper.  So i had to really control and think about what i was doing.  

Step 1: draw it out

Step 2: Begin cutting it away.  I used a couple different tools.  I would suggest wearing safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes.  

Step 3: Keep carving away.

Remember to make sure what you have carved away is deep enough so that it won't pick up any ink. 

Step 4:  Ink it!  Keep the ink even using a brayer.

ta da!

Step 5: Press it!!  Make sure your paper is on a hard even surface.  We put a felt cushion on the table to soften the blow.

And find a man of great strength if you do not have your own press.  I don't have enough weight to make a even or legible print.  So I had a man about 3 times my size help me out.  

Step 6: Keep pressing!  Make as many prints as you need/want.  And make sure to let them all dry and number, title and sign them.  

And here's a creepy pic of me super excited with the outcome.  

So back to the reason I did this....  as a thank you to all who supported me.  And my idea behind the piece is to remind us of Africa and our King as a lion.  My prayer for you is that your spirit will be awakened and you will "arise" to the calling He has on your life whatever that may be.  Enjoy and know how loved you truly are. 

"Arise"

Spet 2013

Oh God, Where art thou?

"Oh God, where art thou?"

pastel on paper

12" by 18"

detail

There are days where I am lost.  

Lost in myself.  

I can't look beyond; I can't feel Your presence.  Yet even when I can't feel You and am still in Your will, Your presence feels far from home.  However, You never leave my side, you never leave me at all.  You are always there shinning down on me, watching me, loving me.  I may be lost in the absence and nothingness, but where can I go from Your spirit oh Lord?

The one and only

I live in WY, enough said:

"The one and only"

pastel on paper

7" by 7"

Feb 2013

Smug

Smug

pastel on paper

7.5" by 7.5"

Feb 2013

As of lately... Faith in the dark

So, I have been amping my self up to make some new work.  Here's is the start, lets just hope its my tipping point and I will be on my way to make some ground breaking art (Lord willing). 

pastel

30" by 22"

What prompted the piece was the verse, "Your word is a lamp unto my feet, a light to my path," Psalm 119:105.  It is of me stepping cautiously through life, frighten by the unknowns around each corner.  However, I remember there is no where I can go from God and that He will guide my every step no mater what dark corner I am cowering in.  

Art Fest

On Sun I was in an Art Fest, it was nice to meet new people and make connections in this town.  However, I didn't sell out like I had hoped.  I don't think people were looking to buy fine art, they were probably more interested in the chocolate and popcorn (which was very delicious).  Im still thankful for the opportunity and I hope that it will bring a new group of clients.

Riding Giants

Ever wonder what its like to ride a grizzly bear, a moose or an elk?  Well, now you kinda can.  I thought of doing some small drawings for this art fest.  All are from the perspective of animals of Jackson Hole.  Im not really one for drawing animals or landscapes, but it's a fun challenge and change of pace.

grizzle

7.5" by7.5"

pastel on rives bfk

elk

7.5" by7.5"

pastel on rives bfk

Busy day at the office

And when I say office, I mean my home....

There's an Art Fest happening here in Jackson Feb 10th.  And I'm in it!  So, I'm finishing up old books and making some new ones.  I'm also making some new drawings as well.  So come by Feb 10th Teton County Fair Building.

Diving In

It's official I've been in Jackson for more than a week now, 8 days exactly.  I love my life here, but starting in a new community is slightly daunting and scary.  However, good things come to those who ask.  My website is now connected to Jackson Hole Culture Front website, a super cool website i might add.  Yippee!  Im so excited to be added to that and I hope good things will come from it.  Also, today Janet Bishop will be at Jackson Hole Art Association (the same place where the show opening is tonight).  She is the main curator at SF MOMA

Kinda a big deal.

I hope I don't say something stupid.

Show time!!

I haven't even lived in Jackson for a week and I already have a piece in a show!  I pray this is a wonderful foreshadow of how my artistic career will be in months and years to come here.  It is a members only show, so it was an open call for submissions, which means that my art work will be next to children's too.  Either way I am super pumped for my work to be displayed in a new city, I mean town.  This piece will be on display.  Come one, come all!  I hope to see you there!

Wheels in Motion

I recently moved back to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  I absolutely love it!  However, I am in the process of finding a job.  So as I wait for call backs and wait in between interviews I figured, I have all this time!  I should finish all these books I started.  And then some!  So here it goes, Im finally back at it and loving every moment of it!  Maybe someday art making will be my full time job!

There's something for everyone in here.  I might even give one or two away!  ;)

Stab it!

I just tried Japanese Stab binding for the first time and it's the easiest way to create a journal!  I was so impressed by how fast it took me!  The prep stuff takes some time with the cutting, gluing and drying, but when it comes to binding the book, phew, so EASY!

I used this tutorial: click me!

And here is the result:

Front

Back

front cover

Has a little pocket for special treasures

Piece of cake.

This won't be added on etsy, it's a gift for a friend, but you might see some later on.... enjoy.

First Sale!!!

I sold my first item on Etsy!  Whoooo hoooooo!  I no longer own this cute little journal

Some lucky person now owns it all the way from Australia!!  

Already going global.  

I love it!