Cheryl Gail Toh contemporary artist

good bye to Seaside

2012-01-31T13:26:00.001-06:00

cypress on Western Lake -an inlet lake

This residency inspired me in so many ways and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to be among a wonderful group of people.

My fellow escapees Molly Murphy, Karla Morton, David Wayne Reed, Vanessa Olivarez, Elizabeth Elkins, & Charrissa Terranova plus the dedicated E2C board Marsha Dowler, Karen Holland, Jane Crews and Cathy Toole made this an incredible and memorable month. Plus, George the cat was always around to keep me company...

I heart George

moss

beached man-o-war

More shapes and forms to think about in the studio...

"Escaping" allowed me to relax, immerse myself in the creative space and achieve the goals I had set for myself. I spent time experimenting in new ways and with new materials - it will be interesting to see what all this will mean for my studio practice.

For me, there is something in the rhythm of the waves, the cycles of tides, the smell of the sea air that reaches deep inside allowing me to let go and create.

E2C has been such a gift....

subtle suggestions

2012-01-25T00:03:00.001-06:00

Many times when I am working, subtle changes take place. Much of the work I have been doing throughout this residency has this quality - still, there are the days when I throw it all out and try something really different.

Some of the things I have been looking at involve the varied uses of media, materials and tools while working with shapes, pattering and negative space in different ways.

Inspiration is all around in Seaside - colors here are just amazing (the sky, water and sunsets), this winter beach is different each moment every day and so is the weather... I'm noticing that the subtlety found here is finding it's way into my studio work.

shadows from Karla & I walking on the beach

2010 Texas Poet Laureate, Karla Morton


more sand patterns, no dark cirlces this day


lines produced by the surf

pattern play

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

The sunset on Monday evening was just this amazing

and along the beach were these wonderful sand patterns left from the receding waves

the force of the water pulling and shifting
the stained sand, leaving it's mark

inspiring colors and lines all along the beach - looking forward to more to come

the beauty of the process

2012-01-17T14:03:00.002-06:00

another beautiful day in Seaside

Since arriving two weeks ago, I've been working on several projects at once - testing out new techniques & mediums on small panels, playing with new forms and patterning for drawings and processing ideas for new projects. I am so grateful for this time to experiment and try out ideas that have been simmering. Subtle shifts are already starting to materialize, more to come.....


paper sculpture in studio at night

This hanging paper sculpture is from my tracing paper exercises.

playing with materials in a new way

test pieces: gouache, ink, graphite, colored pencil on small panels and prepped to test out some pourable mediums

new drawing in progress

pen & ink, silk organza on pierced paper

Thank YOU!!!

2012-01-17T13:47:00.002-06:00

To mark the halfway point of my residency, I'd like to thank all the people who helped make this a reality. It has been so rewarding to have this time to experiment!

I am lucky to have the support of the following people:

Laurel & Craig Anderson
Tom Barket
Josh Best & Jeana Van Sickle
Maura Cluthe & Jake Fowler
Kyle Danner
Jose Faus
Mike Flemming
Karie Gibson
Nathan Granner
Caitlin Horsmon
Kelly Jander
Misha & Amy Kligman
Melanie Mikel
Barb & Pat Mizak
Rich Moyers
Regina Nouhan
Laura Nugent
Lisa O’Dell-Sackett
Jessica Robinette
Catherine Schwoerer
Diane Scott
Paul Tyler
Tara Varney

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

a bit of sunshine

2012-01-10T01:09:00.003-06:00

For most that know me, know that I'm not generally a morning person...studio tends to take me into late night. Still one day last week I just couldn't sleep and was up before dawn. I'm not sure if it was the excitement of being away on residency, the beauty of the beach or both - yet, there I was wide awake. I went up to the studio and began some warm up exercises - big pieces of tracing paper stretched across the table, making big sketches with pen & ink.

As the day began to brighten with morning light, I climbed up to the rooftop lookout to see the sunrise. Such a beautiful yet quick transition from dark to light - I'm so glad I had a chance to see this during my residency!

a string of rooftop lookouts in Seaside, where no structure is over four
stories high

clouds dancing across
the sky

good morning!!

Fort Collins show review

2012-01-08T12:22:00.001-06:00

Here is a short review of the Specific Environments show where I have a piece in Fort Collins CO. I'm not mentioned directly, but it is a nice review overall.

The collection of works aims to remind viewers not to take their environments, whatever or wherever they are, for granted, Shoaff said.
"Artists are a tool in helping people to stop and look at a different interpretation," she said.

Innovative Landscape Work Come to Lincoln Center Gallery

settling in to the Seaside studio

2012-01-06T15:37:00.000-06:00

beach walk

my kitchenette, perfect for snacking

this should work!

Finally feeling settled into this sweet space. I have this mini-kitchen to keep my snacking needs in check - I use a kitchen in the main house to prepare my meals with the help of George the rescue cat.

This is the current arrangement for my studio here in Seaside. So far it's working just fine. This is the view towards the main door.

Below is my make-shift drawing table - using pvc risers to extend the back legs.

make your own drafting table!

This space has such great light - this day was mostly overcast but still bright enough to flood the room with light.


pencils, ink, glass pens, markers, and more pencils

Supplies at the ready and in within easy reach. I need to pick up some needles and bobbins this weekend for the sewing machine so I can get to using it.
my lounging space

The reconfigured sitting area with the kitchenette just off to left. A small loft area is above that center wall, I hear it's a great reading nook!

Escaping 1

2012-01-06T15:03:00.000-06:00

sunrise in airplane to E2C

I arrived in Seaside, FL for my

Escape to Create residency in afternoon on the 3rd!
Initially it was cold, cold! I had to use the heat to stay warm... yesterday it warmed up and today it is a balmy 65*.

Here are some pics from the first two days.

With an early morning flight out of KC I got to catch the sunrise from the air. The light kept shifting and the glow in the cabin was amazing! A great way to start this adventure.

The sunset from the first night, yes, I'm really at the beach...I feel like I should pinch myself just to be sure...

Setting up the studio took a couple of days, here are the before pics

Showing in Fort Collins

2011-12-14T14:19:00.001-06:00

I'm participating in a show Specific Environments: Landscape as Metaphor at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins CO. I was unable to attend the opening but here are some photos of the show provided by the center.

I have a small encaustic piece entitled Hushed Lull,
pictured here on the middle-right; click for larger image

The show runs through January 14th, 2012.

All photos provided by the Lincoln Center.

KC artists thrive

2011-12-14T13:11:00.000-06:00

Here is a great article about working artists and KC.
It's reassuring to read that artists find their careers rewarding because I love being a self employed artist!

"Not only do artists find employment or become entrepreneurs, but, according to the 2011 Strategic National Arts Alumni Project survey, those educated in the arts find employment and, over the course of their careers, tend to find more satisfaction in their jobs than many others."

working in the studio

Thoughts about my upcoming residency

2011-11-28T20:04:00.001-06:00

Some of you may be wondering what happens at a residency...
A residency is about dedicated time for an artist to develop and work on new concepts, experiment with new ideas, or focus on a specific project - often in a setting with other artists who can offer feedback and support. A retreat of sorts - it is not a professional conference, nor is there a training component.

During my residency, I plan to experiment with new ideas for my mixed media drawings. By pushing myself to try new techniques and approaches to my art making I hope to challenge the limits of the materials while focusing on line & form (pleating, folding and sewing paper forms; embroidery techniques onto papers of various weights and strengths, finding the balance of more vs less, etc). I know that the concepts I develop during this time will provide insight for continued developments in both my drawing & painting practice.

And then you might ask, why Kickstarter?
Many artists/writers/musicians/performing artists often write grants to receive financial assistance for this type of research and development through various sources including state art commissions, local art councils, or privately funded art granting agencies/non-profits. In 2010, I wrote a grant proposal and received funding support from Arts KC for an installation project.

For this residency, I chose to try my hand at direct fundraising (Kickstarter plus a local event) to help offset the costs because I had seen it work for other artists with similar goals. For me, it is a more personal way to reach those who are interested in my work and those who support the project can choose to receive artwork exploring those new ideas!

I’m so excited to have dedicated time for exploring new ideas (no distractions from home/office). I feel fortunate to have the support of friends and patrons, because without it, I would not be able to attend. So a big THANK YOU to all who helped to make this a reality!

dreamy botanicals

2011-09-20T10:56:00.000-05:00

some inspiration along the way, most of these images taken at the SF botanical gadens

along the way...

2011-09-20T01:36:00.002-05:00


outside Chicago Art institute Museum

I'll admit, we worked hard this summer, showing across the US. Still we make sure we take some time to see just a bit of the places we visit (as long as our schedule allows...)

Here's a glimpse into what we saw along the way this year...

Sawtooth mountains on the way to Sun Valley, ID

slot passage Zion National Park


late afternoon sun in Zion

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree

cake plate tower LA

Chinatown LA


along route 80

America Now & Here

2011-05-15T20:41:00.000-05:00

If you are in KC, be sure to check out the America Now & Here show at the Leedy-Voulkos. Also stop by Third Eye for the photo booth...it's fun and sends you a pic!

here's my pic!
http://my.friend.vu/vu/4317_0288

new work!

2011-04-14T01:52:00.000-05:00


clay forms dipped in wax at the studio

I've been busy the last few weeks working on a new installation that will preview this Friday at my UCP Studio at City Center Square.

City Center Square
1100 Main St
5th floor
Kansas City, MO 64105

Friday, April 15th 6-9pm

newly painted walls; testing out the configuration

I found a great space to use for sampling new ideas, patched and painted the space.

Studio mate Anthony Baab helped out with lighting and some install.

This installation will incorporate the clay forms that I made with the money I received in 2010 for an Inspiration grant. Throughout the process of working on this piece, it has been revised and evolved quite a bit! (and will likely keep shifting until the opening on Friday!)

Be sure to come by and see the result!!


arranging and arranging clay forms

some new studio pics

2011-03-27T20:48:00.000-05:00

My friend Maria Vazquez Boyd came to the studio and took some great pics of me working, check out a few of them in the recent Present Magazine here

Urban Culture Project Open Studios

2011-02-15T21:02:00.000-06:00

Please join me at my City Center Square studio to see some of my new work!
Friday, Feb 18th
6-9pm
12th & Main

details here UCP Open Studios

more from the studio this week!

2011-02-12T11:37:00.000-06:00

here are some more pics showing the progress of what I'm working on....

cutting stencils for this piece

have pattern in place, just need to fuse and scrape...

busy week in the studio

2011-02-11T13:08:00.000-06:00

painting to fill in the carved circles

Here's what I've been up to in the studio...

Working on a commissioned diptych!

a closer look at filling in the shape

scraping away to reveal the patterned shape

one more scraping to go as I heat and fuse

New Workshop for 2011

2011-01-23T14:23:00.009-06:00

Since the fall Get Waxy workshop was such a success, I've decided to offer it again in spring!

April 7-10th, 2011

This workshop is packed with demos and hands on experimentation. The workshop fees include the use of tools, general supplies plus room + board at the the Harveyville Project.

The Harveyville Project provides just the right atmosphere for an art retreat; a great vibe, fantastic food, playful accommodations (just what you'd expect staying in an old high school) and best of all Nikol & Ron are exceptional hosts!

link: GET WAXY

Here's what students had to say:

"The first day of demonstrations, I thought that I had gotten my money's worth but each day kept getting better." Dona, Denver CO

"Thank you, Thank you! It was really a great time packed with lots of information..."
Lisa, KCMO

holiday art sale

2010-11-23T02:19:00.004-06:00

Please join me and this group of talented, local artists for a Holiday Art Sale!

featuring KC artists:

Derrick Breidenthal

Alex Robinson

E. Spencer Schubert

Cheryl Gail Toh

Heinrich Toh

December 4 & 5th

Saturday 10-5

Sunday 11-5

located in the West Bottoms at:

Station A Studios

1231 Union Ave

KCMO 64101

Get Waxy a success!!

2010-11-23T02:10:00.004-06:00

My workshop earlier this month was such fun for both my students and I! We had delicious meals, cozy rooms and plenty of studio time to experiment with getting waxy!

painting, fusing and more!

some works in progress

Harveyville Project, hosted by Nikol and Ron, provided a reprieve from the distractions of daily life and was the perfect backdrop to immerse ourselves in the wonders of encaustic painting.

Nikol busy making a fab meal!

Looking forward to returning to the Harveyville Project for another workshop in the spring - more details to come!

Encaustic Workshop November 4-7th

2010-08-21T01:41:00.006-05:00

I have worked out the details (at least the most important ones: date, location, web page...) now it's official!!
Check out my fall Encaustic Workshop at the Harveyville Project!!
I'm so excited!! A four day art retreat in the Flint Hills of Kansas, won't you join me for the fun?

GET WAXY click here for details

carving into wax for inlay

Please feel free to pass this along to those who might be interested!

Two (well, maybe more) things from Chicago

2010-06-10T23:31:00.001-05:00

I love the time we get to spend in Chicago each June. Museums, great food, Chinatown, art supplies from Dick Blick and public transportation that just works!

I also make it a point to stop at Fishman's Fabrics each time. The have a fab selection of fabrics and I just can't resist the silk! This time around I got five colors in silk organza, including two silk/metallic hues. Look for this luscious fabric sewn onto my new drawings!

Plus, here is a really nice post about our work, seen at the 57th Street Art Fair by Brigitte at Covet Chicago.

Finally, look for me at the Old Town Art Fair (yes, still in Chicago! and near Lincoln Park) this coming weekend, rain or shine.

Saturday, June 12th 10am - 6pm
Sunday, June 13th 10am - 6pm
Find me on Menomenee east of Lincoln Park West
booth #45

If you're in town, be sure to come by and see my new work!

my new sign

2010-05-31T02:30:00.002-05:00

My friend Dylan (check out a link to his website in the column on the right) hand lettered this sweet new sign for me last fall. If left up to me, I would have used some stencils since I have serious trouble with penmanship. I painted it with some of my new colors and have been thrilled to have it for my shows (really, it makes me grin every time I see it)!

Speaking of shows, check out my updated schedule to see where I'll be next!

some install pics from my KCAC show

2010-05-08T17:11:00.013-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came to see my show at the Kansas City Artist Coalition!!

Here are some pictures from the installation of my show. I'm so happy with the way it all turned out! If you haven't had a chance to see it, the show is up until June 18th - so please be sure to stop by!

Kansas City Artist Coalition
201 Wyandotte
Kansas City, MO 64105
http://kansascityartistscoalition.org

considering the layout

moving things around to get the right flow

measuring and hanging the final two pieces

Solo show this Friday in KC!

2010-05-05T16:25:00.000-05:00

I installed my show at the Kansas City Artist Coalition yesterday! With install assistance from my very patient husband, my new series of drawings is on display in the Charno Gallery from Friday, May 7th through June 18th.

Please stop by for the opening this Friday from 5-8pm!

Kansas City Artist Coalition
201 Wyandotte
Kansas City, MO 64105
http://kansascityartistscoalition.org

2010-04-13T19:02:00.002-05:00

Finally some finished pieces to post.

I've been busy working on several new pieces for our first few shows coming up. I have should have ten new paintings including these four that are 12" x 12" and 3 larger diptychs!

pretty colors

2010-04-10T21:36:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd share these lovely paint drips which are the result of lots of painting in the studio!

the find!

2010-04-06T03:39:00.002-05:00

A few months ago I scored this lot of vintage silver drawing pencils!

I had been looking for vintage Schwan silver pencils; somehow I had two in my pencil collection with no idea where they came from. They are a hard lead compared to the colored silver pencils now in art stores (I've tried them all) and give a nice fine line. I still have one left, but that put on the search for some more.

So then I found this lot of Eagle silver pencils on Ebay, all in the original boxes. I thought I'd give them a try, they were very affordable considering the quantity (especially compared to buying individual artist pencils). I feel really lucky! They are just what I was looking for in a silver colored pencil. They sharpen nicely, have a hard lead and give a great line! And I can't believe I have 9 dozen of them!

more works in progress

2010-03-29T15:28:00.006-05:00

I've been keeping busy in the studio getting ready for upcoming shows.
Here is a piece with more circle clusters. To reveal the circles, I work the scraping in several stages.

Step 1, carve the pattern into the surface.

Step 2, fill in carved circles with wax color.

Step 3, let cool a bit then scrap away extra wax. (work too soon and all my carefully drawn circles will mush together if still too hot)

Step 4, using torch and scraper, carefully remove remaining extra wax.

Step 5, continue painting....

Total time for just this process is 4 - 5 hours... a bit more or less depending on the size of the pattern.
Okay, time to get back to work!

look ma, new colors!

2010-03-16T16:57:00.006-05:00

So, I've been busy prepping new panels with under-painting (something newish this year) and drawing. I only use the iron for setting in the first application of wax. I think it is great for saturating the panel with the wax to create a great bond without scorching the surface (which I tend to do with the torch or heat gun).

Notice that the paint brushes are missing from the scene - I have cleaned up for the night. I usually do the ironing at the end of the night as it really creates a lot fumes in the studio despite the vent I have going.

I happily made some colored paint both to replenish some of my favorites that are all but gone and to create some new shades to play with. Being a compulsive recycler, I re-use all of my scrap wax, which I sort by color first, to use as the base for most of the colors. I have a few more colors in the works, but here are the ones I've made so far....

updated show schedule

2010-03-11T20:18:00.000-06:00

I added a show schedule section here in the side bar and on my Facebook page under Notes.
Here's a pic from Winter Park FL in March 2009 where I am explaining my work. Sadly we are not going to warm weather Florida this spring but I do have some great shows lined up!

new website up!!

2010-03-02T03:28:00.001-06:00

Woohoo!! Finally my new and up to date website!
(well mostly! I still need to add the mini section)

Let me know what you think!!

A nice article about my work

2010-03-01T03:01:00.003-06:00

Steve Brisendine wrote this article back in December, but I just now found an updated link to it on Review's website.

Subtle Shadings in Language

(This is the image from the article.)

some work in progress

2010-02-22T02:20:00.005-06:00

Here's a commission I've been working on and it still have a ways to go before it feels done...

Plus I'm working on these 12 x 12" pieces in between. It feels great to be in the studio and seeing things come to life!

a cool article!

2010-02-10T00:01:00.001-06:00

It's great when people connect with an artist and their work!
Acquiring art is a capital idea

and for 2010

2010-01-08T11:34:00.002-06:00

Happy 2010!
This year has started off great and I have been busy with so many new things. I have been reorganizing our space and will have a dedicated room for drawing, sewing and framing. I am currently in the midst of re-designing my website, which will hopefully make it easier to see the true color of the work.

Thanks to an Inspiration grant from ArtsKC, I was awarded partial funding towards my new installation project! This new project will use clay and mixed media. I now need to get some clay and test which kind I want to use. Plus, I need to get creative in finding more funding to make this project happen. click here to see the list of awardees.

I also have work up at Room 39 in KCMO
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 through
Sunday, February 28, 2010
reception: January 31st from 3-9pm.

1719 W. 39th Street
Kansas City, MO

see details here

working on a new website design....

2009-12-29T23:58:00.001-06:00

For the last few days I've been working on a new website design. Things are underway for some simple layout and color changes which I hope will make it easier to see my work. Stay tuned for the unveiling!

some thoughts about donating artwork

2009-12-28T21:33:00.008-06:00

Donating to auctions can be a tough choice...on the one hand wanting to support your favorite, local art venue or cause; on the other, it really does seem to de-value the work if it doesn't sell anywhere close to the real value.

Joanne Mattera offers several valuable considerations regarding whether or not to donate - you make the choice. click here or copy & paste link to read more.

http://joannemattera.blogspot.com/2009/11/marketing-mondays-endless-requests-to.html

share your thoughts....

studio time

2009-11-28T22:30:00.002-06:00

Busy working in the studio, trying to get more paintings done for the Holiday Sale coming up this next week! I'm also working on a grant due this Tuesday. busy, busy busy....

Holiday Art Sale!

2009-11-24T03:01:00.005-06:00

I've been very busy in the studio getting ready for an upcoming HOLIDAY ART SALE at the Locust Studio. I have many new organic looking drawings as well as a bunch of new paintings!

Also showing: Paul Mallory, Michael Baxley, Owl + Mouse Designs and Kaden Myers

Join the talented, creative, local artists for a festive sale at Locust Studio!
504 East 18th Street, KCMO 64108

Friday
Dec 4th 6-10pm
Saturday
Dec 5th 10-5pm
Sunday
Dec 6th 12-5pm

for more information, please visit my Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheryl-Gail-Toh/185060211353

something from the kitchen

2009-10-25T14:59:00.003-05:00

I made this great Chinese beef stew last night and wanted to share the recipe!
Ingredients
1 pound stew beef
4 tbsp peanut oil
1 Chinese radish, sliced
1-2 potatoes, cut into1” cubes
2 carrots, sliced

Sauce
4 tbsp hoisin sauce
5 tbsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
5 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1-2 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp peppercorns
1-2 star anise
1 tsp Chinese 5 spice powder
½ tsp sugar (optional)
7 cups water

Directions
1. In a wok, sauté onion, carrot, potato and garlic in oil. Remove and place in crock pot.
2. Brown the meat on all sides in wok over a medium-high flame in 3 tablespoons of oil; add to crock pot.
3. Mix the remaining sauce ingredients in a small bowl; tie peppercorns and star anise in cheese cloth and add both to crock.
4. Cook in crock pot on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
5. Season with salt, as desired. Serve with rice or noodles.

Enjoy!

Just a quick update

2009-10-22T15:06:00.004-05:00

I had a few busy weeks with finishing up some shows in late September, a quick trip to Hannibal to hang out with some friends, getting my taxes done-finally, and then open studios here in KC! whew! So glad to finally get back to a normal schedule and focus in the studio. Glad I have some projects in the works so that I can jump right back into painting.

Also, I've updated my website with some new images (I still need to add some minis and drawings), so check it out. Plus, I finally figured out how to make my very own page on Facebook. Who knew it could be so confusing yet easy? I'm looking forward to seeing how it all works!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheryl-Gail-Toh/185060211353

and one more to go...

2009-09-17T22:47:00.006-05:00

It's so great to be home after a long road trip from KC to Portland to St. Louis and home again. We had a great time in Portland staying with our friends Kamala (http://kamaladolphinkingsley.com/) and Ian (http://vimeo.com/channels/illplog) and their dog Otis. Despite the rain during the show, it was good to be in the NW for a short time.

These last few days back at home have been busy yet restful. I have just one more show this season at the Plaza Art Fair here in KC. It always proves to be a great show to showcase our new work. Plus we have some fellow artists staying with us which makes it even more fun.

I have more work to make for next week's show, so I'm off to the studio to ponder new work.

Happily painting

2009-08-24T16:03:00.002-05:00

It has been great to be home again and in the studio lately. I've been working on some large paintings for upcoming shows and things seem to be on schedule so far. (whew!) I plan to have this set done for our next road trip which is coming up sooner than soon.
More painting, more scribing in circles, more fusing and scraping to be done...plus making a bit of paint this week.
Back to work it is!

some inspiration

2009-06-30T22:49:00.006-05:00

In the fall, I worked in the studio of Paul Mallory, a ceramicist here in KC. I wanted to experiment with some ideas I had for an installation. At first my plan was to create simple clay sticks that would be suspended in a space. But as I worked, I found myself creating other forms, including this trumpet shape. I'm not sure why this particular form, but I continued working with it. Now, I find that shape has found it's way into many of my new drawings and paintings.

I was reminded how important it is to experiment with other mediums to keep the creativity flowing and to evolve as an artist. This experience even pushed me to take up my pencil and begin drawing again - and I realized that love it. I enjoy the immediacy of drawing; the finding out quickly what works and what needs work.

Now I have a few finished drawings that I'll be showing this First Friday (July) in the Crossroads at Locust Street Gallery (18th & Locust). This is the first time showing them and I feel pretty excited! So, stop by and see my new work if you're in the Crossroads!

I'll try to add images of the drawings next week.

work in progress

2009-06-24T02:07:00.007-05:00

So, I've been in the studio for a bit time in between shows and have been working hard to complete some pieces. Here is a large diptych (2 panels, each 32" x 32") in progress.
First I have scribed into the surface with a sharp tool to create the pattern and shape I want. Next, I fill in the lines with hot wax paint. Twiddle my thumbs for a while as it cools (okay, really, I work on another piece...). Come back with my torch and scraping tool and so very carefully scape off the excess wax to reveal the lines below.

pic 1: scribed line work
pic 2: filled in lines with a bit of scraping started

pic 3: completion of this layer; more layers to come!

I find that I really enjoy creating the line work and yet the really exciting part is to scrape off the extra wax to see how it really looks!

Panels and more panels

2009-05-29T16:24:00.010-05:00

I have been getting my custom wood panels from a local guy, Jonathan Chaussee, for more than a year. He has been great to work with. All my panels are made from furniture grade birch plywood which he cuts and assembles into the sizes I need. He has an eye for detail and always makes sure the panel joints are square, braces the larger panels across the back, plus he routers the edges just a bit leaving a beautifully finished painting surface.

He just completed a set for a custom order I am working on and I can't wait to get started!

If you are interested in custom wood panels, contact Jonathan: jonathan@carpenterama.com

Sometimes I just need a little reminder....

2009-03-13T22:15:00.003-05:00

Most days, I do remember to unplug everything in the studio and turn off the acetylene tank that I use for fusing, but sometimes it's good to have a few reminders to keep me on top of it all. I have several notes and labels in the studio to keep it all going smoothly. Here's just one.

I've been keeping busy in the studio getting ready for an upcoming show in Winter Park, FL. I have some nice new pieces which I plan to add to my website once I get pictures taken of the work.

The wax

2009-02-25T03:07:00.012-06:00

I've been working in the studio and seeing some exciting new work come to life. But today I wanted to talk about making wax medium. I make all my own medium and the colors I use. It takes about an hour to make one batch of medium so I like to have it prepared ahead of time. That way it's ready when I need it.

Here's my set up for making medium. No special tools needed, just a large electric frying pan, spatula, stainless steel mesh strainer, scoop or ladle, some pans and a bit of patience.

There is a trick to getting it to come out of the pans easily. Be sure to pour the wax without splashing it or bumping the table. The wax needs to cool with a bit of surface tension for it to pull away from the pans, otherwise you'll have to heat the pans to get them to release. (too messy for me!)

2009-02-02T14:25:00.003-06:00

Just wondering how it got to be February already...I've so much to do to get ready for upcoming shows! At least my studio is new and improved so working is easier. I'll post some pics of some work in progress soon...

buzzing around the studio

2008-06-04T14:49:00.002-05:00

Since our return from Reston, I've been busy in the studio working on new pieces. I'm excited to have a new size (32 square) and have been experimenting with some techniques.
We leave tomorrow for Chicago and after working this coming weekend, we'll have some well deserved rest and play (...only until the next weekend).

In the news....

2008-05-11T01:43:00.003-05:00

So much to catch up on! Right now, I’m busy working in the studio making work for upcoming shows. I have 5 new larger pieces that I’m working on; I’m happy to say that I really like the new work and enjoy being in the studio! We leave next week for Reston, VA just outside of DC.

A week ago we had the Brookside Art Annual and I was fortunate to be featured in the local paper in a story highlighting the fair. http://www.kansascity.com/594/story/598960.html

This was the first time living in KC that I heard the sirens go off for the tornado warning! It was quite eerie to be setting up our tents with the sirens in the distance (and well into the early morning hours). Luckily we left the site just before the storm hit, as the rain started to fall. Despite 70 mile an hour winds in some areas, the fair site seemed untouched and our booths were just fine.

It was a nice show with plenty of folks stopping in after reading the article. Thanks to everyone who came by! Thanks to Suz and Daniel for all the help with set up and breakdown!

April in Austin

2008-04-17T21:24:00.002-05:00

The Austin show started off tough with a difficult and frustrating set up. Luckily the weekend improved with good weather and seeing our show friends. Thanks to Steph for helping with both set up and break down, we couldn't have done it without her!

Monday after the show, we had some yummy Chinese food at Din Ho and the great BBQ at Ruby's; both in Austin. We hit the road again on Tuesday for Chattanooga. We planned our trip (it's nice knowing where we're stopping for the night) and landed in Little Rock in time to find a late dinner.

Early (for us) Wednesday we headed for Memphis to see Graceland and have more BBQ. We ended up at The Bar B Q Shop on Madison and had some tender and tasty food! The mission of the BBQ continues.....

After a quick stop to take pics at Greaceland, we were on the road again. We arrived in Chattanooga just after 9pm and settled into our friend Lisa's place. Both she and husband Josh have been great and it's been fun sharing stories. H made a great noodle dish for dinner. We did do some work and errands today, but overall it's been a nice relaxing day. We set up early tomorrow, so it's off I go.

ready, set, road trip

2008-04-08T03:00:00.005-05:00

Busy working in the studio to get a few last minute pieces completed for the road. We leave this week for Austin. With this being our first show of the year, I'm excited to be on the road again! Woohoo! I think I can finish three more pieces this week (2 are almost done and just need some final tweaking). we'll just have to wait and see.... ;)

Before we leave, I still need to hook the backs and make packaging for all the new work. Plus, I still want to update the website with the new work as well. Thanks to H for taking the pics of my new work again! He does such a great job!

We'll I'm off now to help H photo my work....

this week in the studio

2008-03-31T20:34:00.003-05:00

Well, here it is about 10 days until we hit the road for our first set of shows for 2008. Our first stop is Austin, TX and then a week later we're onto Chattanooga, TN. My schedule is listed on my website.

As expected, I am busy making work. I am happy to say that I am working on some larger works (triptychs and quads) and they are coming along nicely. I hope to have a minimum of 3 of these pieces ready for the up coming trip. I should have pics sometime next week.

I plan to update the website (cheryltoh.com) this week with some new work that I have already finished, so give it a glance this week.

BTW, did you notice in the vent pic the two hot plates full of wax? I decided to add a second pan about 2 weeks ago so that I can have more colors at the ready. The wax takes about 45 min to an hour to melt and be hot enough to use, so this extra pan is a time saver for when I want to use a new color right away.

my new blog

2008-03-19T22:33:00.003-05:00

I thought I'd give this blogging thing another try. I'm hoping to post updates on a weekly basis...we'll just have to see how that goes when we're on the road... ;)

New in the studio this week:
I installed a new ventilation hood in the studio - woo hoo!. It seems be working much better than the small fan in the window I had previously. I had been putting it off as I couldn't seem to wrap my brain around how to make it all work. Thanks to H. prodding me, I bit the bullet and researched online (check out R & F for their venting pdf: http://www.rfpaints.com/PDFs/Tech%20Sheets/Venting%20Your%20Studio%20for%20Encaustic.pdf) I then headed off to to the big box hardware place with some ideas...and waa-lla installed this hood.

I still have to wear a respirator as the hood is not strong enough to pull all the fumes from the torch area, but it does a great job of venting the wax pans.