Deeply Thankful

For anyone who has lived through incredible trauma or repeatedly had to 'overcome' much in life I would harbor a guess that you can relate to how I feel lately....like life is too good to be true. You see, I lived so many moments not knowing how the next one would turn out, that 'unpredictable' became my norm. To this day I still struggle with feeling like the sky will fall despite being surrounded by beauty, magnificent blessings, and being outrageously loved, and I loathe the angst. With that said, it never prevents me from knowing, like I am breathing, how good I have it, and how so undeservedly blessed I am to live the incredible life I do. 

(That would be me sending kisses to the universe)

As I type this, the sun is dancing through the windows, with a warmth and glow that can only be described as comforting. I spent some time outside today, just sitting, breathing, listening to soulful music and taking in the moments of solitude and grace. I was acutely aware of so many who don't have this gentle opportunity, to sit in safety, in beauty, in silence, and embrace a calm moment. With that knowing, it made me deeply thankful for the gift of today, and I said a great big thank you to the big guy upstairs for the blessing of my life, which is so fragile. 

Sitting outside had a purpose though, to give me respite from the grid so that I could jot down some thoughts, intentions, and possibilities about where I would like my artistic gifts to go. Some are obviously attainable and others are outrageous, but that is what is so perfect about creating a "Where Ya Headed" list, the sky is the limit. This list will evolve over the next few weeks and I am over the moon with what I am considering so far. 

Despite all the baking, all the family loving, friend gathering, and prayers spoken, I did manage to get three new pieces painted/finished to add to my Landmark Series. These are a bit different, in that they aren't watercolor mixed media, they are acrylic mixed media, but I love them just the same. The "Go Jags" painting is of my beloved alma mater, Murphy High School is of the historic school my son went to, and the Bienville Square Christmas Tree will be used as my Christmas card this year! If you message me your address I would love to send you one! (ardithgoodwin@gmail.com)

"Go Jags" 8" by 10" acrylic mixed media on paper

"Murphy High School" 8" by 10" acrylic mixed media on paper

"Bienville Square Christmas Tree" 8" by 10" acrylic mixed media on paper

Today, I am in love with live, ever so thankful for the opportunity to be a creative and share my love of art with you, but just as grateful for the love and support I have from you. I will always be a painter, but the fact that I get to share my art with all of you, and that even with my fruitcakish art farts, you LOVE me and my art, makes me know that I am a blessed soul....deeply blessed, deeply thankful! 

(And yes, there is Le Mannequin Piss statue just behind my head, but thankfully, he is all dried up, ;) 

The Arts in April!

Wow! So much going on during April this month in the world of art!

Arts Alive Festival is April 8-10th in downtown Mobile. Art(ology) will have two booths with interactive art demos on the 9th and 10th.

 

Jennifer Norris, jeweler, will be our guest artist at Art(ology) for April and May. Her gorgeous works will be on display for Artwalk as well.

Mobile Arts Council will host the St. Joseph's 100 years of Light on the Hill show as part of the alumni week at Spring Hill College. St. Joseph's chapel will be the jewel of this show as it is portrayed across the century by different artists and different mediums. My watercolor will be part of it and I am honored to be part of such a great group and great cause.

The Artwork of Ardith Goodwin

Last year, during this week, The Artgown Project was kicked off with a ton of work from Karen Cassidy and many others at Blue Velvet Studios. My Kandinsky gown was part of that show, and just yesterday we found out it was one of two selected from our are to head to New Zeland for the next round of judging in the World of Wearable Art competition. Thanks to Karen, Mobile is now on the map in the international art and dress scene.

On a more personal note, still dealing with the persistent neck issues but as I have come to understand what a therapist once said to me, "Hang on baby, this too shall pass," all is well in the land of Ardithian.

Send me some love friends, missed texting it up with you lately! A

The Birth of Art(ology)

Art(ology) Gallery and Gifts 306 Dauphin Street

I often find it amazing how opportunity comes knocking at the door when it's least expected. Many times this has happened in my life, but because my health has been fragile, I had to watch those opportunities come and go. This past month was no different, except the winds of opportunity blew in and I was able to take them for a magical carpet ride you could say.....with the birth of Art(ology) Inc. William Chesser, who I never had the privileged to meet, but know he was so loved, created the Chesser Gallery at 306 Dauphin that seemed to have a unique spirit about it. Though the space went through a few transitions over the years, and after the Paper Wasp closed, I just felt in my bones it needed to stay a gallery, and be true to the spirit that William placed there. 

Now, starting a gallery had been a concept I had thought about a lot, but I knew there was no way physically I could pull that off. I knew that because of my spine and joint problems, I could not open and run a gallery by myself, it just wasn't possible. So, I started considering other options.  I had always hoped there would be a gallery in town that had a funky, eclectic vibe to it, and that it would be a co-op. The beauty of a co-op is that several artists with common goals join forces and help one another. It's in the bond of friendship and common goals that co-ops exist and are successful.  I had been part of the Cathedral Square Gallery co-op for many years, and as much as I loved it, I just knew a lot of my art didn't quite fit there.  So, I started putting the word out to find a small group of artists that wanted to take a risk and start one. I also put a ton of prayer into the idea, trusting that God would open the doors and bring together the right group of people. He did, and the birth of this little gallery on the square is cause for celebration.

Art(ology) Inc. has a unique feel to it. It's not a traditional gallery with only paintings by certain artists in specific places. Rather, the decision was made to approach this as more of a gallery/gift shop, because we felt strongly about several things. One, our downtown area has a lack of nice gift shops available for tourists and those who work downtown. Inside Up is a little gem on Beinville Square, and there are many galleries, but it just seemed that there was a lack of fine craft and gift shops available for the tourist/general market. Two, we felt that an emphasis on smaller, more affordable art was important, especially due to our economy and tourist needs. And three, we knew that a funky, eclectic type of spot would be a nice addition to Cathedral Square. 

This Friday night, the 12th, is Art(ology)'s grand opening during LODA Artwalk. It's an opportunity to celebrate with the artists, their friends and families, and welcome this new gallery to the heart of the downtown art market. I invite you to come out and share this opening with us. For me, it's because of a love for art, but mostly community, that gives me great motivation to paint through my pain on a daily basis. I relish in the thought of celebrating that accomplishment with many of you who have been so supportive of my efforts, and those I am passionate about. And, I want to make sure and thank the other artists, Gail Rancier Wilson, Marsha Sutton, Claire Noojin, Terri Keller, and Michelle Foreman Leech for working so hard to get us open. What beautiful teamwork we all have. Thanks, as well, to my wonderful son and and husband who made this possible for us....for you both I am forever grateful.

 

www.artologyinc.com and we are also on Facebook - Art(ology) Inc. 

The Beautiful Mobile Alabama!

Bienville Square Fountain

 

Mobile, Alabama has got to be one of the most lovely cities I have ever seen. As a child, all I remember about it was lots and lots of pine straw, nettles that gave me a rash, the humidity, and dirt. Most likely that stemmed from growing up in the country rather than the city, but as I grew older I began to notice the quiet beauty of our town, especially spring when the azaleas and hydrangeas were blooming. When I decided to turn my interests to art, I marveled at the landmark paintings done by other artists because I had never noticed how beautiful our city really was, until I saw it through their eyes. I began to take a closer look at our town, especially the landmarks that were important to me and quickly realized  that I had missed out on appreciating Mobile for what it has to offer, and decided it was time to honor it with my own paintings.

Thank goodness I had taken lots of photographs in my day because I needed them as references for each landmark. I guess there was part of me that found Mobile's images captivating, so I ruffled through several and decided that Bienville Fountain would be a must, along with the Cathedral. Bienville Square is home to our fountain, which is actually home to many folks who love to enjoy a tasty meal under the canopy of the oaks. Often, there is live music at the square and always someone or something interesting to look at. Not to mention quite friendly squirrels and many years ago a most unusual fire hydrant.  It is considered part of the heart of downtown, and a big heart it has.

Bienville Square Fire Hydrant

The Cathedral is a grand church, with glistening, gold crossed tops that overlooks Cathedral Square and its patrons. Lots of art happenings goes on at the square because Space 301, The Mobile Arts Council, and The Paper Wasp all call the square home. The Spot of Tea rests in between them, is quite famous for its strawberry tea, and tourists and locals alike seem to congregate in the square, all in the protective shadows of the Cathedral.

The Cathedral at the Square

View From Space 301

Wintzell's is a famous restaurant on Dauphin Street, right across the street from the Cathedral Square Gallery where you can see these paintings, is known for offering some of the best oysters found in the South. While you eat, you can spend time conversing with friends, or simply reading the thousands of iconic sayings on the wall amidst the pictures of famous folks who had graced the place. Ben Franklin would have been proud.  The Bike Shop, or Dauphin Street Taqueria, is a local bar/eatery with an authentic, double-decked bus parked right outside. If the bus isn't enough to peek your interest, then the fish tacos must. Hands down, best fish tacos I have ever eaten.

The Bike Shop on Dauphin

It's Miller Time at Wintzell's

When it comes to quaint stops, Bienville Books and the Haunted Book Loft has got to be top on the list. My favorite bookstore of all time, offers vintage and hard to find books at prices you wouldn't believe if I told you. They also offer this wonderful t-shirt that says, "I Read Dead People," which makes me laugh every time I see it.

Bienville Books on Dauphin at Royal

So far,  I have about 15 pieces in my series with plans to finish it up with 30 paintings showcasing the unique beauty and attractions our city has to offer. My next blog  will focus on the beautiful Spring Hill College campus which is near and dear to our family's heart. Until then, if you have friends looking to visit Mobile, share this blog with them. I have included several links they might find helpful. You can view all of my landmark paintings HERE and you can purchase prints of them through my Ardithian Arts Etsy Shop. Mobile, a beautiful city where you hardly ever meet a stranger. Just ask Henry, King of Clark's Gas Station.

Henry, King of Clark's Station

It's Official, I Have Become A Paper Arts Pimp!

It's official, I'm a collage/mixed media addict. There is no getting past a thrift store without scrounging around the book aisle. There is no visiting a junk/antique store without leaving filthy, loaded up with old, crusty, full of illustrations, books and magazines. There is no visiting Bienville Books without feeling like it's crack for the collage artist. But most of all, there is no table space to be found in my house, without some type of magazine, paint, paper, glue, or work in progress sprawled out everywhere and paper clippings have become our new carpet. I am beside myself with joy and my dear, sweet hubs has begun to suggest a paper arts rehab program. 

And, I must admit, that I am quite guilty of spreading my disease to my parents home, my friend's houses, and my fellow artists bag of tricks. Yes, I am a full, fledged paper arts pimp, that finds her Facebook fanpage and kitchen table much more accommodating than the sketchy street corner. So, to be true to my craft, my disease, my "can't look at a book or magazine the normal way, every again" mantra, I share with you here some of the products of this affliction. I do warn you though, these images may be hazardous to your health. They are known to cause one to stare, and study, and get tantalizing ideas for their own paper arts obsessions, so be fore warned.

Here are two mixed media pieces from my Rejection Letter Series. I found an  old collection of letters from the early 50's, from a writer here in Mobile, who was rejected time and time again. I am using those letters to create these vignettes, which are 4" by 12", in a series of 15. 

I laughed all the way through this piece, "A Royal Flush". As soon as I saw the toilet and paper I knew I had to create this. The only problem was trying to limit my ideas so it wasn't too crowded. I may work this into a "Toilet Bowl Series", which would be pretty hysterical but oh, what fun it would be!

 

Textures on paper are fascinating to me. I decided to play around with some different types, including painted paper and textured wall paper. What started out as a beach house, turned into a work involving architecture, textures, humor, and a profound point that not all neighbors are welcome, hence the expressions on the boys faces. "The New Neighbors" is 11" by 14", collage on paper.

 

My version of "The Ardithian Alice" came about thanks to my inner child. I love, love, love creating whimsical characters that tell a story and celebrating the release of Alice in Wonderland, in my own way, was tons of fun. This is 12" by 12", mixed media on canvas.

Ah, my first attempt at photo transfer and heirloom collage. These are two images of my parents, young in all their glory, and some ephemera from my childhood. The Red Cross letter was sent to my dad in Vietnam telling him of my birth. The map of Hawaii was from their second honeymoon and the little girl is me of course. I won't explain all the details but heirloom collage is something I plan on doing a lot more of.

 This strange little guy is what I call my Exquisite Corpse Doll Project. I start with a head and torso, tape over a section of it, and mail it to an unsuspecting paper addict like myself. They have to add a body part(s), cover up a bit of theirs, and send it back, for a series of four trips through the mail. When all is said and done, I get back a completed Exquisite Corpse, surreal and whimsical, just like the game was meant to be. I will post a separate blog when he is finished.