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