Welcome to my Fall 2023 Blog -- There's so much to share! Firstly, I'm so very excited to introduce my latest art installation called Kaleidoscopics - Jewelry for your walls. These are 50 original, one-of-a-kind 3D collages featuring ornate acrylic painting and brass stampings topped with semi-precious or colored cabochons. All the elements are fastened onto a 6-inch square wooden tile with metal rivets or artist’s cement.
Kaleidoscopics are part of the 50/50 Show and Fundraiser at the Sanchez Art Center that features 50 artists creating 50 small works in 50 days! I was fortunate enough to participate in 2021, and was elated to be selected again this year. The project requires an intense focus of time and energy, but it's such a fun creative challenge. This time around, I honed my technique and experimented more with paint and texture.
KALEIDOSCOPIC INSPIRATION
My 50/50 inspiration was the actual kaleidoscope, which was invented in 1816 by Sir David Brewster. The kaleidoscope is an optical instrument that uses slanted mirrors to create multiple reflections. The addition of colored pieces of glass and paper reflect in the mirrors to produce exquisite patterns especially when held up to the light.
My Kaleidoscopics neither move nor reflect. But they represent the kaleidoscope of our lives with so many layers, immense creativity and a dizzying number of vantage points. Their symmetrical design brings harmony and balance, while vibrant hand painted patterns provide a sense of movement and flow.
Each piece is also a symbolic connection to the Natural world and her innate geometry. Soothing and transporting, Kaleidoscopics can serve as a meditation mandala or for self-reflection.
50/50 SHOW DETAILS + HOW TO PURCHASE YOUR KALEIDOSCOPIC
The 50/50 Show kicks off with a fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9. The show then opens to the public from Sept. 10 to Oct. 1. There are still a few tickets available for the Fundraiser via Eventbrite, which costs $35 each. The public viewing through the month is free and it would be great to see you! All the 50/50 artists are amazing to see, as they all bring something so unique and artful to the challenge.
Each Kaleidoscopic is on sale for $120. The 50th piece "Formal Garden" is framed and costs $275. If you see one you like, please let me know as soon as you can. All purchases can be picked up on Sept. 10 and onwards.
To view a close up of all the Kaleidoscopics, go to the bottom of this blog. You can also view them by downloading this PDF.
50/50 Show Sanchez Art Center 1220 Linda Mar Blvd Pacifica, CA 94044 650.355.1894 Fundraiser with live music and snacks
Sept. 8 and Sept. 9
1 hour 45-minute viewings $35 Tickets on Eventbrite
Free public viewing Sept. 10 - Oct. 1 Friday, Saturday and Sunday only 1 - 5 PM
THE DARK AND THE LIGHT
I recently read that there are 27 major conflicts on Earth right now. My heart weighs heavily for the plight of the Palestinians and the dwindling rights and autonomy of women in Afghanistan. And then there's the latest travesty that currently unfolds on the covers of our newspapers, the war in Ukraine. I'm not sure many of you know, but I have Ukrainian roots.
Growing up in Pittsburgh, PA I knew my Grandma and Grandpap Haficzuk were not from here because they never spoke English. My Mom would speak Ukrainian with them. It's not clear exactly when they emigrated to the US, but it was probably around 1919, when the Russian Bolsheviks invaded the Ukraine in full force. Similar to now, that armed conflict meant different things to different people, depending on which side you were talking to.
My grandparent's situation has taken on an even deeper meaning for me, after watching the Russians invade their homeland again within my own lifetime. The invention, or rather the necessity of immigration also feels more clear. They had escaped what was probably a hellish war zone. Though it wasn’t much of a rosy life in industrial western PA either. Grandpap was a coal miner and my Grandma stocked canned goods in a grocery store - Immigrants often got stuck with menial jobs or hard labor.
I feel so much compassion for all immigrants who come here to try to find a better life. As John F. Kennedy famously said in his 1958 essay arguing for an equitable yet generous immigration policy, we are indeed a "Nation of Immigrants" and unless you're Native American, that includes just about all of us.
I wonder what my grandparents would say about the war if they were here today. I would much rather a peaceful approach to the conflict and the ability to pour all the billions of dollars spent on artillery, tanks, aircraft and ammunition, into something constructive, something that would benefit the Earth, all of us.
Ultimately, there are no winners in war. But as it churns, I honor the memories of my grandparents, their fortitude, their will to live.
MEMORIES IN MAUI
I have a close relationship with Maui.
I lived on the island for six months in 1976, and there I met my close family of friends. It's hard to describe what a magical time it was then. A wild, carefree existence with so many funny, strange and beautiful shared memories. The Lahaina wildfires and the resulting tragedy was heartbreaking for us all, and I do hope it recovers and rebuilds.
I was in Maui earlier this year for several weeks in Kihei where I spent time with my Maui family, and even older friends - Helen Webster, an incredible artist who I know from my days in Pittsburgh. Here are some pictures of a drive up to the rim of Haleakala Crater for the sunset and full moon rising, breathtaking views.
ON A HIGH NOTE
Lately, it truly feels that there are an overwhelming number of negative events happening on our planet. But there is so much to celebrate as well, and sometimes we need only to look up to the sky. Here are some otherworldly visuals we are now able to witness due to high- powered telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope – Some breakthrough photos that leave us in awe.
Before I say goodbye, one note of caution to my fellow spunky seniors (and yes I include myself in the group). Please slow down! You don't want to fall as we don't bounce back as easily as we used to. I've had a few close calls recently: I tripped on my slick deck hurrying to bring inside cushions during a rainstorm. I also fell on my back when I couldn’t get a door closed; I angrily pulled so hard that the door handle came off. Luckily no broken bones!
Just a reminder to stay centered and calm as we move around in our homes, and out in the world.
I hope to see everyone at the 50/50 Show - Sure to be a lot of fun.
Much Love Jan