Painting a Believable Stone Finish

Painting a Believable Stone Finish

I value truth in materials in 3-D art making. But sometimes engineering and budget concerns make compromise the reasonable thing. In the proposal drawings for Gordon-Conwell Art Commission, a gothic arch would act as a visual unifier organizing multiples within. Lending its rich conceptual freight, it would serve as a link between the church past and the present. After a search for a ready-made arch, I came to the conclusion that in order to not compromise on quality and

Building a 20’ Gothic Arch

Building a 20’ Gothic Arch

I value truth in materials in 3-D art making. But in this project, engineering concerns, public safety and budgeting nuanced the considerations. In the proposal drawings for Gordon-Conwell Art Commission, a Gothic arch would act as a visual unifier organizing multiples within. Lending its rich conceptual freight, it would serve as a link between the church past and present. After a search for a ready-made arch, I came to the conclusion that in order to not compromise on q

Gordon-Conwell Art Commission

Gordon-Conwell Art Commission

I'm pleased to announce an art project underway for Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary's new David Rogers Hall of Missions. This mixed media piece occupies a 12' x 24' space welcoming guests into the new missions wing. As an alumna of Gordon-Conwell, this project is personally important to me. My first introduction to the seminary came through the Perspectives course after being called to missionary service in 1999. GCTS graduate, Dr. Bill Jones, was a teacher. Dr. Jones

How Not To Treat Prospective Buyers

How Not To Treat Prospective Buyers

In fashion in the Charleston arts scene (a fashion which I hope disappears) is to answer the question, "How much would you charge..." with "You can't afford me". What's so ironic is that you hear it most from artists who have to think hard about which bill they'll have to float to afford a night out with friends. Let me tell you about one such scenario. I accompanied a fellow artist to the studio of a woodworker. My acquaintance's beach boho style made her appear younger t

Art Education: Nuturing Creative Capacity

Art Education: Nuturing Creative Capacity

There is a little girl in my life who I love profoundly. She is actively developing her sense of creativity in words and in art. In particular, she has a keen facility for color and shape. I want to nurture that. As we read stories, we not only focus on the words, but take time to examine the illustrations to cultivate an appreciation of the artist's work. At the local library's creative kid's morning, we were given a gopher puppet to color. She went straight for the or

GCTS Art Objectives

GCTS Art Objectives

An Austrian nobleman was expected to follow the family career in government leadership. Visiting an art gallery, he was utterly arrested by a painting. Stopping to take it in, the man beheld Jesus Christ crowned with thorns. Below were painted the words, “This I have done for you. What have you done for Me?” The man answered, “I will do more…” The young man was Count Zinzendorf who surrendered his life for the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom. Zinzendorf used his wealth t

Antique Mirror as Art

Antique Mirror as Art

I'm working on some new pieces and wanted to post the first of a new antique mirror art theme. This work is called "Dreaming of An Unclouded Day" after the song. The dappled, patina'd silver is reminiscent of clouds with beautiful sky blue breaching through. This piece is about 36" x 35". The photo was taken in a courtyard and you can see me taking the photo as wel as the plants in the reflective surface. I feel as if I'm hitting my stride in silvering effects and hope to h

Giving God Control

Giving God Control

I have struggled with what it means to let the Kingdom of God reign over my art. God has been so gracious, so fulfilling, and so satisfying. Yet when it comes to art making, why the temptation to hold-back? Peter Kreeft rightly points out, We're all insane. Perhaps I fear that I’ll have to do those sentimental paintings of Sunday School, or produce the tchotchkes in the Christian stores. Perhaps I draw comparisons between working with God and many a well-intentioned collabo

Eyes to See God’s Glory

Eyes to See God’s Glory

Often I find myself mourning the fact that I didn’t keep a female cardinal feather found on a walk. There it was on an old quiet South Carolina road under the shade of low hanging oak trees and Spanish moss. The color complexity was too great for my eyes to comprehend. How could such a small space contain so many shades of pink to carmine, invading orange and dancing with grays at the same time? My walking partner commented on my silence. All I could express was that I wa

Saving a Casting Blow Out

Saving a Casting Blow Out

The client is coming Monday morning to sample the prototype. Therefore, we're casting on Friday just for the sake of making the whole process more stressful. Who needs margin for error? Freeing one cast from the shell reveals a backplate that is absolutely perfect! Remove the sprews and vents with an angle grinder, a little pneumatic sanding action, wire wheel, and buffer, and this piece is ready for plating. A photo of the good piece is shown below alongside of the cerami

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Etching and Patination of Metals

Etching and Patination of Metals

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M. Spinks Art