The past is re-imagined by NJ collage artist.

Hope you’re all enjoying your holiday season so far!  This is the perfect time for my next guest artist blogger, as much of her work revolves around holiday/winter related themes and nostalgia for good times past!  Let me introduce you to NJ collage artist JoAnn Telemdschinow as she shares her work and it’s inspiration….

“Snow Princess”  (c)JoAnn Telemdschinow

My name is JoAnn Telemdschinow and I’m the founder of Imagined Past. I’ve always loved and been fascinated by art, but I haven’t always been sure how I should express it. While I have a background in art history, I have not studied painting or drawing. On an impulse, I started playing with collage, and found I liked it very much. In 2014, I started learning Photoshop Elements. Since then, through magazine articles and online tutorials, I’ve been developing my skills and exploring how to create different effects.

What inspires my collages? Perhaps the most obvious influence is the art and architecture of the past, medieval times, eighteenth and nineteenth century painting, as well as Chinese and Japanese art. I can happily spend hours in a museum! I also love to travel. I recently went to Paris and took photographs of beautiful old streets and buildings, some of which I’ve turned into collages. I’m interested in languages and scripts, both ancient and modern.

JoAnn Telemdschinow in Paris

A collage may originate from an image that captures my attention, or from an idea that I want to express. I often utilize vintage art to build my pieces., although I also use my own photographs. I am also fond of incorporating old texts, such as handwriting, book pages, or advertising, into the composition. I try to use texts that relate to the subject of the piece, either through content or cultural origin. Textures play an important role in my collages as well…old paper, distressed surfaces.

“I Loved You” (c)JoAnn Telemdschinow

What am I trying to convey to the viewer? Well, I myself am deeply moved by beauty so I try to make my compositions visually beautiful. Beyond that, I attempt to express a feeling or atmosphere. My pictures (like myself) tend to be reflective and nostalgic. I also sometimes imply a bit of a narrative, as in I Loved You with its forlorn woman and titular inscription.

I’ve displayed my work in a number of area venues, such as The Gallery at the South Brunswick Municipal building and Inspire Art Gallery & Studio in Dunellen. Recently, I’ve also been honored to receive awards from the New Jersey State Bar Foundation (Chair’s Merit Award, Annual Juried Art Show) and the New Brunswick Free Public Library (Third Place-Adult, 2019 Visual Arts Contest and Exhibition).

“French Roses”  (c)JoAnn Telemdschinow

What do I have planned for the future? I would like to explore photography further and use more of my own photos in my collages. I’m working to promote my artwork through social media and my website.  And I’ll be exhibiting in more shows in the upcoming year. I enjoy meeting and talking to people at shows…perhaps I’ll get to meet you at one soon!

https://imaginedpast.weeblysite.com

facebook.com/Imagined-Past-116908833053318

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/imaginedpast/

http://joanntel.imagekind.com

www.etsy.com/shop/imaginedpast

email: jtelem70@gmail.com      cell: 848-264-2605

Myth, Music & Art Collide

Don’t you love it when 3 of your favorite things combine into one, very cool thing? This happened when a new freelance art client contacted me to commission me to create a new CD cover for his Jazz project, based on ancient Greek mythology!  Musician Jim Gailloreto discovered my X-RAYted art series online and messaged me about designing the cover for his PYTHIAD jazz CD & asked me to create a unique x-ray piece for it and do the design work as well. This was an exciting project as I listened to the music and loved it, especially since it is based on the myth of the ancient seer & mystic, the Pythia. Gailloreto’s music, accompanied by vocalist Cheryl Wilson, conveys the mystery of this visionary woman, The Oracle of Delphi,  who could foretell many things to those who dared to ask….

artwork (c)2016 Lauren Curtis   CD music & concept (c) 2016 Jim Gailloreto

Here’s a bit of what Jim has to say about this fascinating musical project:

“The Pythiad” is a nine-movement vocal work for Jazz String Quintet; an interdisciplinary ensemble that blends improvisations with traditional string quartet.

The music and words combine to weave the stories of nearly a dozen lesser-known Greek heroes and heroines.

Vocalist Cheryl Wilson and the string quartet are exceptional. Coleman Gailloreto (our son) wrote the lyric and the story held within is magical.

Go to this link to listen.

https://jazzstringquintet.bandcamp.com/album/the-pythiad-featuring-cheryl-wilson

Feast for the Senses & art news

You can sense the excitement in the air as spring all too slowly approaches…but it’s on the way!  And as with all new seasons, comes new art events, especially in New Jersey!  While it’s still too cold for outdoor fests and shows, there are plenty of indoor art exhibits to attend and the following I’m involved with this month are all FREE so no excuse not to check them out!  I hope you’ll join me and many other local, talented artists at these exhibitions:

Reminisce (c)2013, watercolor and collage

FEAST FOR THE SENSES…Group Art Exhibit
Work by local artists (most living, some not) will be on display from March 7 through March 28, 2016, in the library’s community room. Participating artists include: Judy Brodsky, Joan Arbeiter, Lauren Curtis, Ria Glassman, Joyce Browning, Eric Escobar, Virginia Swanagan, Pat Shamy, Sydney Jean Reisen, Nadine Berkowsky, Jackie Baker, Jill Caporlingua. Deceased artists whose work will be displayed include: Jacob Landau, Stanford White, F. J. Adams, John LaFarge.

The Opening Reception for this Art Show (on Thursday, March 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room) will provide light refreshments and an opportunity to meet and talk with some of the artists.  I’ll have a few paintings in this show.  Here’s Facebook invite link:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1694806214135180/

NOLA Cemetery Path (c)2010 Lauren Curtis

SACRED SPACES, HOLY PLACES
There’s still time to see this enlightening exhibit of sculpture & photography with 27 artists / 43 pieces of work / 13 pieces of sculpture / 30 photographs.   Aside from being an exhibit, related spiritual & cultural discussions & events typically take place during the run of the show so check the gallery’s website & Facebook page for info.  Nails in the Wall Gallery at St. Luke’s, 17 Oak Ave, Metuchen, New Jersey 08840.
I have 2 photographs in the exhibition which continues until
Sunday, May 15, 2016.

Melody Bar Art (c)2015 Lauren Curtis

And a quick question…Do you have a favorite place that you wish you could visit forever?  How about immortalize a beloved home, vacation spot, hang out or historic site in ART?  Commission a pen & ink with watercolor painting of a place you’d like to remember forever!  Contact me for details: forestwalker333@hotmail.com

For more of my work, please visit my newly updated website! http://laurencurtisart.weebly.com

Thanks for reading!

~Lauren

Autumn Art and Halloween Happenings

Autumn is upon us (despite unusually warm temps in NJ) and with it comes the beautiful, bright colors of the leaves and crisp, sunny days perfect for outdoor festivals…and of course, the haunting, mysterious time that is Halloween!  All these factors have come together this month for some seasonal art events and festivities that I’m excited to be a part of….

“Something Wicked This Way Comes”,
Group Art Exhibition

Xray NiteRoot Creature (c)2014

Celebrate the Autumn & Halloween season artistically at GALLERY U!  I’ll have the above digital photo collage in this hauntingly exciting art show & masquerade party…costumes encouraged!  FREE event, refreshments served. This show has an opening reception party Fri.. 10/30/15, 6pm-8pm, Gallery U, 439 South Ave. Westfield, NJ  07090.  908-232-1895
Show runs thru 11/30/15.

MORE FALL ART FESTS & EVENTS in NEW JERSEY vending tent Join me for these FREE arts & music fests & other art events this October!  Fun for the whole family with local artists, crafters and other vendors, music, food and more! CANAL FEST, Sat., 10/17/15, 11am – 5pm.  Market Street, East Millstone, NJ by the D&R Canal. BrainFlower (c)Lauren Curtis Sept.2012 Digital Photo Collage NATURE SOOTHES, NATURE RESTORES, NATURE HEALS, group photography exhibit and D&R Land Trust educational events, D&R Greenway Landtrust Gallery (Johnson Education Center), Princeton, NJ.  Opening Wed. 10/28/15, 6:30-7:30pm. Show runs thru Nov. 6.  I’ll have 2 digital photo collages in this show.

And last but certainly not least…I have work in these shows as well…. New Brunswick NJ Photography Show at the historic Free Public Library, Livingston Ave., opening reception Fri. 11/13/1, 6pm. “Naked in New Hope”,  A Group Exhibition Group exhibition at Sidetracks Gallery, 10 Stockton Ave., New Hope, PA, 215.862.4586 Opening reception Saturday., Sept. 12, 2015, 6pm-9pm. Free event. I have 2 x-ray pieces in this show.  Show runs thru Oct. 31, 2015. “EarthAirFireWater: elements/sacraments‏” , group show at Nails in the Wall Gallery, St. Luke’s Church, Metuchen, NJ.  Opening reception Sat. Sept. 19,  2pm-5pm. Show runs through Dec. 2015. I have a mixed media piece in this show. As always, thanks so much for reading! ~Lauren

Worldly Art; German TV debut, Naked Exhibit & more!

It’s great not only to be able to connect with local artists but with creatives from other states and countries as well!  I’m sure many of you out there, with the ease of social media and the internet, have been viewing artistic works of all types from across the globe now more than ever, and for those of you that create your own, you’ve probably been enjoying sharing your work with the world as well!  Even though keeping up with online sites and content can be exhausting it is also so helpful when trying to launch or expand a career, especially a visual one like fine art and design. So I’m happy to share this news with you about some US & European projects I’ve been involved with….

“Naked In New Hope” poster

“Naked in New Hope”,
Group exhibition at Sidetracks Gallery, 10 Stockton Ave., New Hope, PA, 215.862.4586
Opening reception Saturday., Sept. 12, 2015, 6pm-9pm. Free event.
I have 2 x-ray pieces in this show.  Show runs thru Oct. 31, 2015.

Guardian Of The Elements, mixed media (c)Lauren Curtis

“EarthAirFireWater: elements/sacraments‏” , group show at Nails in the Wall Gallery, 17 Oak Ave., St. Luke’s Church, Metuchen, NJ.
Opening reception Sat. Sept. 19,  2pm-5pm. Show runs through Dec. 2015.
I have a mixed media piece in this show.

I’ll also be vending at many NJ free outdoor art fests…next one will be Sunday Sept. 20th, Highland Park, NJ Arts in the Park fest, Raritan Ave., 10am-4pm.

XRAYted Book 2 (c)July2015 OTHER COOL ART NEWS… Thanks to the magic of self-publishing I’ve just completed my 4th art book; this one features original x-ray based, mixed media pieces! Full color, glossy 20 pg. 8″x8″ hard cover signed books, just $35 + s/h. Here’s a preview (see pic above)…Paypal accepted.  To order email me at forestwalker333@hotmail.com And finally the big news!  I made my European TV debut last month and was featured on a German entertainment/cultural show!!  They filmed at my home and other local places…was a very unique experience.  Here’s where you can check it out..of course my crazy nails were the focus but my art is shows as well!  https://vimeo.com/133715051 Even if you don’t speak German you’ll get the gist…

Art for Revelation/Revolution

Gallery spaces these days have expanded far beyond the typical white-walled, NYC (or insert big city here) space…and this is a great thing as it opens up so many more opportunities for artists to show their work and for it to be seen by a wider range of people!  One of these newer spaces that I really enjoy exhibiting my work in is Nails in the Wall Gallery, located within the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Metuchen, NJ.

This Saturday, 1/24, from 2pm-5pm, the newest exhibition opens up with a fascinating reception featuring in-depth talks with some of the artists about their work and how it relates to the current theme of “Revelation/Revolution” and how this applies to all forms of “organized religion”.  I’ll have the 2 pieces in this blog in the show along with works from other artists from across the US!  If you’re in the area, please join us…here’s more info. supplied by the gallery:

Nails in the Wall, the Metuchen art gallery sponsored by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (17 Oak Ave. / Metuchen),

will begin its 2015 Season Saturday, January 24, 2-5pm, with REVELATION / REVOLUTION. 

This exhibit will include work from nearly twenty artists both from around the U.S.

as well as outside the country, with art that focuses on the power of God’s Word.  

 

Reminisce (c)2013, watercolor and collage

Local photographer David Glasofer will speak at the Opening,

along with Teaneck sculptor Anthony Santella,

Ontario, Canada artist Shakil Kahn and Sara Paige Hoag from Urbana, IL. 

 

Join us for this free event with high quality art and refreshments provided by the Metuchen Inn!

 

Omen (c)2011 Lauren Curtis, oil painting with decoupage

The exhibit, which includes painting, photography, mixed-media and free standing sculpture,

runs from January 24 through May 31, 2015. 

The gallery is open daily. Times and other details can be found at www.nailsinthewall.com

or by contacting the Gallery Director, 732.322.6512 / EarthsongsCeramicStudio@gmail.com

​

Artful Wishes for a New Year!

HAPPY, HEALTHY & PROSPEROUS New Year’s Wishes to you!  Whether you venture out or stay in to celebrate the beginning of 2015, I hope you enjoy yourself & ring in the new year right!  May your creative side come out in full force in a positive way!

I’m starting of 2015 with some exciting gallery exhibits & freelance work, so here’s the scoop…if you’re in NJ, I hope you can join me at these art openings:

DRAMATIC SKIES 2015, group exhibition, Gourgaud Gallery, 23A North Main St. (in Town Hall Bldg.), Cranbury, NJ.  Opening reception Sunday 1/4/15, 1pm-3pm, refreshments served.  Show runs thru 1/25/15.

Dream Of Trees 2, oils (c)Lauren Curtis

REVELATION/REVOLUTION  group exhibit, Nails in the Wall Gallery (in St. Luke’s Church), 17 Oak Ave., Metuchen, NJ. Opening reception, Saturday, 1/24/15 (time TBA but most likely around 3pm). Show will be up for several months.  

Reminisce (c)2013, watercolor and collage

I also have an art article in the holiday issue of WILD SISTER MAGAZINE!  To check it out, here’s the link:  http://wildsister.com/latest-issue/

Finally, I’ve been getting some really fun freelance commission work like children’s book illustration and pet portraits…2 of my latest creations are below & click on the links to my art sites for more!

Children’s Book Illustration, Oct2014

Pet Portrait, pen & ink w/ watercolors, Dec2014

Hope to see you at an exhibition &/or online.  Have a wonderful, art-filled New Year!!
~Lauren
http://laurencurtisart.weebly.com  (NEW fine art site!)
https://laurencurtis.wordpress.com  (my Blog)
http://www.facebook.com/LaurenCurtisArtTalonArt (Facebook Fine Art Page)
http://www.LaurenCurtisArt.com (commercial & fine art) 
http://www.laurencurtis.imagekind.com (cards, T-shirts, photography, illustration)
https://twitter.com/LaurenCurtisArt (now on Twitter)

Mixed Media Frenzy

As an artist, I’ve always been somewhat of a creative schizophrenic…or maybe the proper term is artistic multi-personality??  Anyway, I work with a wide variety of media…started with pencil and charcoal drawings, moved to oils and acrylics, branched to photography and pen & ink with watercolors, finally digital art and collage…and now they’re all kind of merging together in a mixed media frenzy (like the tie in to the blog title??)

In this day and age of things going by so quickly & fads coming and going in seconds…and of me striving to earn a full time living as a freelance artist… I’ve found that having this wide selection of modes to work with can come in handy although I also admit that it can get a bit distracting.   So I have to find ways to achieve balance and focus.  Also, being diverse helps when earning income as I can translate my artwork to t-shirts, greeting cards, reproduction prints, jewelry, etc., which offers options for collectors and clients in a varied price range, making my art more accessible to more people!

My Business Postcard

Lately, my personal artwork has leaned much more to mixed media, especially combining collage, either digital or hand-cut, with photography or watercolors.  This allows me to use several of my preferred media all at once and create a new look while expressing my cohesive themes.  I really love utilizing (c)-free Victorian woodcut imagery, as I’ve always loved this era, and combining this element with my painting or photography work adds a vintage feel to modern pieces.  Here’s my latest creation, “Reminisce”.

Reminisce (c)2013, watercolor and collage  (repro. prints available)

And, while creating fine artwork to submit to exhibits and galleries, I also continue working on my commercial art;  in honor of my favorite up-coming holiday of Halloween, I’m having a pre-All Hallow’s T-shirt sale!  Anyone who orders TWO or MORE T-shirts will get 20% off!  Prices go from $20-$37 each, which includes s/h!  Shirts are 100% pre-shrunk cotton, come in white, gray or black, short or long sleeve, women’s cut in white, all sizes, including kids thru XXL!  Price depends on size, color & shirt type.  PAYPAL accepted to me at forestwalker333@hotmail.com  Here are a few samples…more can be seen on http://laurencurtis.imagekind.com

T-shirt Flyers; Lauren Curtis T’s

OK, promo portion of this blog is over…but it serves as an example of various ways to use your artwork to reach many types of people!

So, that’s just a small sampling of how I’ve incorporated my obsession with mixed media into my fine art and commercial work.  Feel free to post any questions about this post or comments about how you use mixed media in your creative endeavors.  Thanks for reading!!

Victorian Sideshow Fascination!

So, lately I’ve been getting into creating mixed media, “Victorian Sideshow” art. I mean I’ve been very influenced by Victorian art and culture for a long time, and I’ve also been fascinated by old-fashioned side shows (like the one in Coney Island) for many years as well…maybe my own VERY long fingernails have had something to do with that? 😉 Well, several yeas ago I started this “modern icon” mixed media series (some can be seen on http://www.laurencurtisart.mosaicglobe.com
But more recently, I’ve combined all of these influences and started another series based on the “Victorian Sideshow/Fantasy” theme (more can be seen on that same website.
In the age of “steampunk” style, the come-back of goth and the kind of anti-technology of the Victorian era in today’s overly techno world, it’s lead me to create these mixed media “mini-stages” using collage, photography, painting, found object, etc. The pieces are usually on wood or board and range in size from approx. 8″x10″ to about 24″x28″. I plan to do many more and have some new tricks up my sleeve for a new twist on the series, so stay tuned…
Here’s the newest piece: “Step Right Up!”

You're the star of the show!