Marilyn Penrod "Bird of Play" at the Joyful Jewel 5-31-14

"Bird of Play"
Marilyn Penrod
Acrylic on Canvas, 11" x 20"
$295, Original, Framed

We have three cats and I have been a lover of cats all of my life.  Yet I'm certain that painter Marilyn Penrod knows things about cats and their secret lives that I don't.  When and where do you think she saw these two violet cats playing with a white dove? She has titled the painting "Bird of Play" and this dreamy yet vivid image is likely recalled from a personal experience.  Perhaps they are cats from the Goathouse Cat Refuge where Marilyn spends a lot of time.  If so, it must have been a scampering, batting, expressive kind of day, with only Marilyn as human witness.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Marilyn-Penrod.html

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Nancy L. Smith "Flamingo Fling" at the Joyful Jewel 5-30-14

"Flamingo Fling"
Nancy L. Smith
Water Media, 40" x 28", Original Framed
$1200

The original of this large water media painting "Flamingo Fling" by Nancy L. Smith just sold yesterday at the Joyful Jewel.  The colors are soooo lush and Nancy created a lot of dimension so that the flamingos stand out brilliantly full of life.  We still have prints of this, and you can see this scene on the front of the Carrboro Arts Center booklet of Summer Classes.  Was such a good choice by the Arts Center as the painting draws you to pick up the booklet and see where you also can learn to paint.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Nancy-Smith.html

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Chelsea O'Connell "Cicada" at the Joyful Jewel 5-29-14

"Cicada"
Chelsea O'Connell
Framed Piece with Mounted Cicada and Info Page
$28

Chelsea O'Connell, lover of insects and Entomology college student, has mounted this one on what looks like a textbook page and framed it in a glassed shadow box.  I can read part of the page and have learned that we can expect to hear the most common types of cicadas -- those with 2 - 4 year cycles -- in July or August.  Certain other types though we may be hearing now in May and June.  Have you heard them?

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Chelsea-O'Connell.html

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Rita Baldwin "Azalea Path" at the Joyful Jewel 5-28-14

"Azalea Path"
Rita Baldwin
Oil on Canvas, 20" x 16"
$300, Original

Magnificent!  Rita Baldwin's brilliant red azaleas draw you deeply into the scene.  This past weekend DG and I saw a Flame Azalea tree that was more orange, actually a true orange, than these and taller.  The experience was the same -- heart-stopping awe!  A time to let the incredibleness of this world, and of Rita's talent, wash over and cleanse you.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Rita-Baldwin.html

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Carol Sclove "Whirly Twirly Crystal Pearls" at the Joyful Jewel 5-24-14

"Whirly Twirly Crystal Pearls" earrings
Carol Sclove
Freshwater Pearls, Glass Beads, Sterling Silver Earwires
$30

Twisted fun for a Saturday.  Won't these earrings by Carol Sclove be fun to wear out to all the music and parties this weekend?

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Carol-Sclove.html

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Joseph Sand "Large Teapot" at the Joyful Jewel 5-22-14

"Large Tea Pot"
Joseph Sand
ceramic, ~ 12" x 12"
$170

Memorial Day weekend picnics are coming and we need a pitcher for iced tea that is large enough to hold most of a gallon.  This Joseph Sand tea pot will do the job nicely.  The piece itself isn't heavy and it has the best type of curved handle for gripping on one side and another steadying handle on the other side.  So you can easily pour from it even when the pot is full to the lid.  The spout is long enough to fit securely into an iced tea glass too so you won't spill a drop for the ants to find.  The glazing even matches a swirling cold beverage inside!

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Debbie Englund "Happy Face Jug" at the Joyful Jewel 5-20-14

"Happy Face Jug"
Debbie Englund
Ceramic, ~ 6" x 7"
$45

I'll just bet you are smiling now!  Who can resist grinning back at this cute guy with the bushy eyebrows and crossed eyes.  Debbie Englund makes each of these jugs (or mugs) with it's own expression.  I wonder if she has one of those books for actors that show how to portray different emotions.  Probably she could write one.  How about making this photo into a thumbnail and using it instead of a computer emoticon to indicate goofy outrageous pleasure.  In the meantime you can buy him and watch everyone smile as they use the jug to pour their morning syrup or afternoon salad dressing, or even just as glimpse hims as they pass by.  Who can resist?

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Debbie-Englund.html

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On a Monday

 On this lovely day, more people are out in the sun then inside in a building. Yet for those who choose to cross the threshold, a veil of color and sparkle let them know they are entering a land of beauty here also. In fact, very much of our art comes from those inspired by the many blessings of Nature. How fortunate we are to have so many sensitive people who are moved by the natural world and create new art accordingly.

Sharon and Shuga

Terri Lange "Primitive Art" at the Joyful Jewel 5-18-14

"Primitive Art"
Terri Lange
Acrylic on Water Color Paper, 12" x 12", Original
$50

I see Terri Lange's wide open wild imagination thundering through wide open wild-moving scenery.  I thought of this painting being placed in a child's room, one who loves monsters and enjoys being scared, but who may also be visited by an unwelcome monster at night, one who takes over in a horrible way. Imagine that monster leaving the room to take up residence inside this painting. Perhaps adults like me also need a place to put their scary monster, a place where it can dwell with it's own kind rather than haunting us. Actually, I think that this red guy with the mismatched eyes and pointy teeth would make good company in my bedroom. He's really kind of cute and he certainly can handle any unwanted monster I send to him.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Terri-Lange.html

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Mary Darley "The One That Got Away: Catfish" at the Joyful Jewel 5-17-14

"The One That Got Away: Catfish"
Mary Darley
Acrylic Painting Print on Canvas, 16" x 14"
$50

This post is in honor of my father Newton Wheeler, my sister Carol Wheeler and my niece & nephew Geri Wheeler and Larry Wheeler -- who all love fishing!  Mary Darley entitled this painting "The One That Got Away" but I think she must have had it a while first.  This catfish can sting you, so be careful. It is difficult to skin a catfish but it taste delicious, well worth the effort.  Mary Darley painted this one, capturing the fierce spirit, muscley body and stiff fins beautifully.  In fact, I'll bet Mary is a fisher too.  In order to paint with this many details with honesty, a person would really have to know her subject intimately.  ~ Mariah Wheeler

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Emma Skurnick "Arnhem" at the Joyful Jewel 5-16-14

"Arnhem"
Emma Skurnick
Watercolor and Colored Pencil on Paper
10" x 14" plus frame
$400, Original

Emma Skurnick was just in with her husband and their new baby, Niko.  She must have known she was pregnant last Fall when she and Jan were in Holland.  Emma said she painted this enchanting flock of sheep from a photograph she took there.  What a great memory of the landscapes of atmosphere of Holland. These are lively yet serene sheep, perfect for counting. I suspect, though, that Emma doesn't need to count sheep to fall asleep with the new wee one at home!

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Jerry Fowler "Wine/Cordial Glasses" at the Joyful Jewel 5-15-14

Wine/Cordial Glasses
Jerry Fowler
Ceramic, ~ 3" x 7"
$23 each

Perfect for a rainy day cozy evening at home passing glasses of wine all around.  I think a hearty red would look especially enticing in these teal/turquoise glasses.  Jerry Fowler made each glass beautifully centered with a thin smooth lip and stocky stem -- long enough to cradle in your hand and broad enough that it won't tip over as you set it back down.  After all gulping it all in one swallow just will not do.

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Jacquelyn Lowry "Birds of a Feather" at the Joyful Jewel 5-14-14

"Birds of a Feather"
Jacquelyn Lowry
Ceramic Sculpture, ~ 7" x 7"
$50

A relatively small sculpture that packs a full load of story and shows the fine creativity and skill of Jacquelyn Lowry.  I'm not certain if this scene is from known mythology, but I would not be surprised if it's from Jacquelyn herself.  From what I can tell all cats are goddesses and the wings would surely assist with the nine lives.  It's so good to see that this winged cat has a bird companion, friend rather than prey.  In tonight's dream, I want to see them flying together,as in the title "Birds of a Feather" -- changed to Birds of a Feather Fly Together. 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jacquelyn-Lowry.html

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Jude Lobe "Peaceful Valley" at the Joyful Jewel 5-13-14

"Peaceful Valley"
Jude Lobe
Encaustic on Wood, 8" x 10"
$245, Original

Oh my goodness, Jude Lobe, what a beautiful place you are showing us in your colorful wax painting.  Peace Valley indeed.  I just want to go there, settle among the cattails with a book and read -- and watch the clouds and then follow the fish down the stream, pick a bouquet of red and yellow flowers and just breathe! Oh yes, just breathe in the peace of this compelling place. 

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On a Monday

It's really hot outside today.
C'mon in, cool off, you're welcome to  stay...
We've got a quiet book corner with a chair
You can sit and be comfy over there

and browse to your heart's content.

  

Laura Davis "Bumkin Family" at the Joyful Jewel 5-11-14

"Bumkin Family"
Laura Davis
Acrylic on Canvas, 21" x 16" + Frame
$200, Original

Who recognizes this fun family?  Laura Davis has captured the outrageous fun of being a Bumkin.  I can relate, and to the interesting clothing choices too, especially the hats!

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Sarah McTeer Ogburn "Who Made This Moon" at the Joyful Jewel

"Who Made This Moon"
Sarah McTeer Ogburn
9 1/2' x 7 1/2", Acrylic on Canvas, Original
$180 framed, $140 unframed

Utter joy and peace, that is the atmosphere that Sarah McTeer Ogburn experienced while this beauty in her flowing blue emerged through the paint.  She seems to float in and out of the worlds of her life, landing in this room punctuated with firey orange, yellow and green.  I wonder where she will land next.  Perhaps it will be the moon, as in "Who Made This Moon."

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Sarah-McTeer-Ogburn.html

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Vangi & Bob Cathcart "My Mother" at the Joyful Jewel 5-9-14

"My Mother"

Poem by Robert Cathcart, Painting by Vangi Cathcart

8" x 10" on Paper (also available framed or as a card)

$8

Vangi Cathcart painted this sweet scene of a mother bird taking care of her nest to go with the Mother's Day poem that her husband author Robert Cathcart wrote.  The paintings are each original works of art painted in watercolor Sumi-e style on quality papers that have the poem printed on them.  This painting is on a cloth-like cream colored paper.  The poem honors the myriad roles a mother plays from protection to pushing out of the nest and giving courage.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Vangi-Cathcart.html
http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Robert-Cathcart.html

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Douglas Maccardini "Tandem Bots" at the Joyful Jewel 5-8-14

    

"Tandem Bot"

Douglas Maccardini

Mixed Media Sculpture ~ 12" x 11"

$65

I think our newest artist at the Joyful Jewel, Douglas Maccardini, is an "art comedian" because his work always brings a chuckle.  There is a good dose of nostalgia working too as you recognize recycled parts.  This bicycle built for two has one figure whose body is made from an old metal pill canister.  I also recognize a tea ball, springs, wrenches, washers, and I think it's a door knob.  The darker figure has a metal cannister body that imprinted with "Rose".  Who knows what that came from?  Sharon Blessum put this piece in the window inside opposite the bicycle sculpture that sits outside!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Douglas-Maccardini.html

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HP & Sandra Pelzel "Paper Weight" at the Joyful Jewel

Ceramic Paper Weight
HP Pelzel & Sandra Boyd Pelzel
Ceramic with Metal Leaves and Finial, glass beads
~ 4" dia. x 4" tall
$25

It's only a paperweight, but what a beautiful piece of art it is!  The colors are absolute magic and of course the paperweight does his job exceptionally well, keeping everything in it's place as you rush in and out of the room.  Surely having this piece on your desk would encourage the kind of swirly dreamy conditions that lead to seeing beyond the paper to a place of creative breakthroughs.

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On a Monday

VESSELS

Virginia Ewing Hudson, Poet

inspired by Jan Dun, Basket weaver

 Was I born of basket weavers?

                Chances are good

                                Somewhere down the line

A curvaceous, pearl-bedecked girl

                comes upon a broad-beamed, yoked drifter

She sways like willow fronds

                He shifts his load and swaggers

They cross the threshold to each other

                Time spreads forward and back

He tarries, sharing trade goods

                and language, news from the world

Soon, a babe rides in its own wee vessel

                Joggled bright-eyed, or snuggled asleep

Soft pad of forest path, roll of stones along a stream

                The clean smell of water off a fresh-caught fish

Woodsmoke and song, the sharp flap of rawhide

                The shapes of dancers, of myriad perspectives

One laughs, one shoves, one yells, one grabs

                Fires leap, fat drips and sizzles

A woven tray is passed, roasted roots, the fish

                Blackened skin crackled open to white flesh

Hands reach and fingers touch, teeth flash, lips shine

                The babe, milk sluicing down its throat, watches

The drifter shoulders his burden for the next camp

                She sews new river gems to her fringe, humming

Baskets speak to me

                Their fibers ply my being

                                Weaving through and through

Mariah Wheeler "Cuff Links" at the Joyful Jewel 5-4-14

"Cuff Links"
Mariah Wheeler
Dichroic Fused Glass on Silver Plate Mechanism, Glass ~ 3/4"
$30

Did you know that we have cufflinks at the Joyful Jewel?  Someone once asked for them so I decided to make some.  They are beautiful with swirly dichroic glass sparkle, reminescent of mother of pearl that is traditional, and just the right size to adorn yet not overpower a sleeve.  I chose colors that I thought either men or women would like and a mechanism that seems easy to use and put a reasonable price on them.  And . . .  all of them are still on the display board, not a pair has sold in the months since they were made!  Come to think of it, I don't ever remember wearing cufflinks and DG doesn't wear them either.  I do still like these though.  Alas, this is often the bane of an artist, having made something well and beautiful, yet never chosen . . .

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Carolyn Levy "Button Jar" at the Joyful Jewel 5-3-14

"Button Jar"
Carolyn Levy
Ceramic, ~ 3 1/2" dia. x 4" tall, 2 piece with lid
$12

Cute as a button they say, this saying surely came from Carolyn Levy's ceramic "Button Jar!"  (Can't image what else can you?).  With it's perfectly fitted lid and countless "buttons" it is certainly cute.  Not only cute, but useful and at 4" tall it doesn't take up too much space. I think I'd use it for cotton balls or q-tips. What would you like to put in this jar?

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Carolyn-Levy.html

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Beth Bale "Rush" at the Joyful Jewel 5-2-14

"Rush"
Beth Bale
Watercolor on Mat Board, Print 1/200, 11" x 9 1/2"
$28

Beth Bale hails from Kentucky Derby country and loves to rear as well as paint horses.  I love the action in this one and the title, "Rush." And they're off . . .

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