More Affection

Thanks to all the folks who commented and contacted me about the last blog post.

Good news has been surrounding me and in these days of notta lotta good news, it’s nice to experience it.

I recently wrapped up a fun series of classes. They are a lot of work and still energize me. You can learn anything from anybody at any time. This photo is from the July 9th Level III class, which focuses on assemblage, found object art, and art in boxes.

IMG_7826

The group exhibit at the NC Arboretum has been viewed by quite a few locals and out-of-towners. On top of that my paper sculpture sales have been bloomin’, simply bloomin’! I am there every Saturday between Noon and 3. If you visit, be sure to look at the LEGO sculpture placed all over the grounds. A huge praying mantis and a bald eagle are very close to the Education Center building where I am.

This month there is an interesting The Laurel of Asheville Shadows and Color Exhibit article about the exhibition.

IMG_7899
Shortly they will interview me for their blog.

This morning I had another fun Art Connections tour. This was a gift that a family gave their mother for her 95th birthday, which was today. She painted, and she was in awe and curious about how I do color. She said her secret to staying vital is to be positive.

IMG_8187

On August 11th, I’ll be down in the River Arts District reading five haiku poems I wrote for a friend and artist at Broken Road Studio. Here is just one of the latest batch:

Warm and cool colors
A white canvas comes alive
Painter’s fantasy

I am preparing for my next Grovewood Gallery exhibit in October. It will be made up of all white-on-white artwork which will certainly add contrast to their dark grey walls.

Yesterday afternoon, out of the blue, three pieces sold from the studio. The last piece from the ‘I Dance Alone’ series found a home in Texas. The last one to sell was, “Keep Your Damn Job, I Dance.” Better get back to work.

Thanks for visiting with me …

leo

Affection

Recently, I had the good fortune to be invited to give a two-hour collage workshop for young cancer patients as part of a continuing series for the Arts For Life non-profit. It was at the SECU at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. I say “continuing series” because I certainly intend to volunteer again and again.

I had two girl patients, 10 and 12 years old, two mothers, and three young women, who are Arts for Life staff members. I told them that there would be no observers, all had to participate in the workshop.

IMG_7611

They worked side-by-side doing this level of design exercises for the first time, adults and children working at the same level, all doing basic collage, with similar, different, and quite exciting results. They were quiet and intense artists in the moment. Two hours passed quickly, and they were delighted with their results.

IMG_7631

One mother said that this was something that she and her daughter could do together. I told her she was absolutely right, that I didn’t have to be with them! They have all they need — old magazines for the images, scissors, glue sticks, and cardboard working areas. Kitchen table art time, together, between therapy treatments and living life.

IMG_7620

I have great affection for the work I do as an artist. Process is the reward, and passing on to children this affection for making art is the real payoff. That is why when I facilitate workshops for adults, I say leave your children at home; they are better at this than we are!

IMG_7617

Thanks again for visiting me …

leo

P.S. I have an exhibit at the NC Arboretum this summer. It will be up from July 16 through September 17th. The Lego exhibit will also be there.

P.P.S. My series of three workshops continue to attract participants. Stay tuned for the next series schedule.
* * * * * * * UPDATE * * * * * * *
This just in from the June 30 Arts for Life newsletter: http://www.artsforlifenc.org/hitting-the-jackpot-with-leo-the-color-man/ To subscribe to the newsletter, just send an email to info at artsforlifenc[dot]org.