Fa-La-La: Holiday Art Shows and Open Studios

'Tis the season...

for elves and joy and good friends...

"Dream Dance"
acrylic on gallery canvas
(Enjoy the Journey Members' Show) 

and love and happiness and ART.

Indeed, the days and nights 

are brimming over with Art Walks 

and Holiday Open Studios 

and City-Wide Art Events. 

And so it is that I am counting my blessings

to have the honor and privilege to

showcase my art in various venues

in the Buffalo and "Southtowns" areas.

Blessing:  

One of Six Featured Artists 

on Friday, December 7, 2012,

at the MJ Peterson Real Estate office 

(upon invitation by realtor, Susie Lenahan)

on Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo, NY

"Rising Mist"
acrylic on gallery canvas

"Belizean Dreams" and "Into the Mystery"
acrylics on gallery canvas

"Whispers"
acrylic on gallery canvas

Blessing:

One of a group of select artists featured during

the month of December 2012

at ZGM Fine Arts Gallery

(under the direction of gallery owner, Donald Zinteck)

on Elmwood Avenue in downtown Buffalo, NY

"Grace"
acrylic on gallery canvas

"Courage"
acrylic on gallery canvas

Blessing:

One of the artists from the Buffalo and "Southtowns" area 

featured in the Members' Show and Holiday Show  

for the month of December 2012 at Enjoy the Journey Art Gallery and Shop (under the direction of gallery owner, Paulette Krakowski) in West Seneca, NY

two of my works in this show:

"Bubbles over Bahama"
acrylic on gallery canvas

"Spirit of One"
acrylic on gallery canvas

Calling the Circle

"Passion"

2012

In 2003, I experienced the beauty, the 

wisdom, and the joy of participating in a women's retreat held in a serene space in the Hill Country of Texas.  Our weekend of self-reflection, circle communication, personal creative writing, and so much more was led 

by Christina Baldwin.

"Spirit of the Blue Hole"

2012

"Stairway to Heaven"
2012

On a personal level, much of the energy generated during that gathering arose out of the spiritual discussions and activities along with the shared ideas and questions generated from one of Ms. Baldwin's published works, "Calling the Circle". 

In Ms. Baldwin's own words, when a circle is called, 

the collective energy of the gathering 

"grounds the universality of circles past and present 

and brings this lineage into modern application 

that teaches readers the essential infrastructure 

to call the circle at home, at work, and in community settings."

Circles.

"Rising from the Deep"

2012

This morning, I embrace quiet time to reflect 

on the stories and the power and the presence of circles 

in my life and, now, in my art.  

"The Return to Earth"

2012

The questions are endless, but a few stand front-and-center.  Are the Circle-Strokes on the canvases birthed subconsciously?  What Universal Energy moves my spirit in such circular motion?  Are the back-stories behind the circles that dance upon my canvases part of my very own larger-than-life Circle Story? 

"Dancing the Sardana"
2012

The symbolism of the circle is universal; it is sacred and divine.  From our own eyes--orbs through which we see the world--we observe the moon, the sun, the stars, the planets.  With our hands, we pick up a stick and draw a circle in the earth to communicate without speaking, to illustrate the idea of cosmic unity.

"Weeping Moon"

2012

As I contemplate many of the works I have created, 
I become aware of the precious nature of circles. 

I only need to research its symbolism, and I fall deeper and deeper in love with the beauty and the unspoken messages of the circle.  

"Fade to Black"

2012

And so it is that on this winter's morning, I sit deep within my own private circle and send to you ripples from my art, from my heart. 

My heart is wide open as I share this gallery walk.

"Heart Wide Open"

2012

"Entering the Spirit World"

2012

"They say we have been here for 60,000 years, but it is much longer.

We have been here since the time before time began.

We have come directly out of the Dreamtime

of the great creative Ancestors.

We have lived and kept the earth

as it was on the First Day.

All other peoples

of the world

come from

us."

Aborigine Elder, Australia

"The Spirit of One"

2012

In-Joy, Susie

  

Susie Kelly Flatau Artworks ... Now on Facebook

"Meeting of Heaven and Earth" 

acrylic on gallery canvas

24" x 24"

**now available as a Fine Art giclee print:

Queen City Prints

There is this place of the soul where Earth meets Heaven...

where our spirits are free 

to create

to celebrate

to give thanks.

As I sit here contemplating that thought,

I invite you to visit my

"art-log" and "new-works" journal

that I now turn to on a fairly regular basis on Facebook-- 

Susie Kelly Flatau Artworks

Throughout my life I have recorded snippets of life 

in my hard-cover journals and on my computer.

Now, it is precious to me that I have this avenue, 

this outlet,

where I can share my words and my art...

my thoughts and ideas...

my joy. 

**also available as a Fine Art giclee print

through 

Queen City Prints

"Woman Tree"

acrylic on gallery canvas

18" x 24"

yowZa

"ART-full" Giving: 3 Events, 3 Opportunities to Give Back!

To borrow a line from "The Gathering of Spirits", 

a song by Carrie Newcomer: 

"the wisest say there's 1,000 ways 

to kneel and kiss the ground."  

Or in my case, right now there are three ways 

I can kneel and kiss the ground:  

by participating in events where the sale of my art 

goes toward benefitting others.  Here's how it goes...

“Inspire”:  

art exhibit to benefit The American Cancer Society

Queen City Prints and 464 Gallery (both of Buffalo, NY) have joined efforts to host “Inspire”, a five-week exhibition that will run from September 23, 2012, to October 28, 2012.  Forty percent of all art sales from this exhibit will benefit The American Cancer Society.  “Inspire” is being held in conjunction with the numerous ongoing Paint the Village Pink events and programs hosted by the Village of Williamsville, NY.  Works by many local artists were selected for inclusion in the exhibit.  The art may be viewed during regular working hours at the Main Street location of Buffalo MRI.

The art exhibit will conclude following the finish of the citywide 5K Run.  There will be food trucks, beer and wine, and more. My abstract painting, “Into the Mystery,” was selected for inclusion in the exhibit. 

“ROAR! An Exhibition of Empowerment”:

 art exhibit to benefit the YWCA of Western New York

The Benjaman Gallery and the YWCA of Western New York have partnered for the first time to offer an art exhibition and sale of artwork in all mediums created by women artists to benefit women and families in WNY.    The exhibit, which opens with a cocktail party and silent auction to kick off a month-long exhibition on Friday, November 2, 2012, is part of the the First Friday Gallery Walk sponsored by the Allentown Association.  The exhibit will be on display through December 2, 2012. 

The gallery will be donating twenty percent of all sales to the YWCA, and each artist was invited to decide upon a percentage from the sale of their work(s).  Without hesitation, I have chosen to donate the full artist commission upon the sale of my artwork.  The collective proceeds from this event will go toward programming for the women and families most in need in the Buffalo community. 

My abstract paintings included in this exhibit are: “Spirit of the Blue Hole” (large pieces work chosen for display in the gallery) and “Spirit of Faith” (small works chosen for the Silent Auction).

“Starlight Night Auction and Gala”: 

  fundraiser to benefit SABAH

On November 16, 2012, hundreds of friends of SABAH (Skating Athletes Bold at Heart) will attend the annual auction and gala in support of over 600 local individuals challenged by disability.  This event provides funding for seven recreational and physical education programs that are offered by SABAH year round. 

Proceeds from the sale of all items donated for the auction benefit the valuable programs provided by SABAH for those in the community with special needs.  Through the efforts of SABAH, these athletes increase skills such as balance and coordination, enjoy social and recreational opportunities, and develop a healthy lifestyle as a result of their participation in the programs.  

My abstract painting donated for this event is “Where the Fairies Meet and Dance” (oops...no photo available...but, hey, here's a shot of some of my brushes in my studio!)

In-Joy

Fall East Aurora ART Walk

"Rising from the Deep"

Fine Art...Live Music...Entertainment...

now that's the way to spend a splendid autumn evening!

It is a time once again for the bi-annual Art Walk series...

time once again to stroll with good friends and

experience the vibrant art scene in the 

Village of East Aurora.

"She Dreams in Layers"

"Cosmic Energy"

I was blessed with my first 

WNY solo art exhibit & opening 

--"Sacred in the Ordinary"--

during the Spring East Aurora ART Walk, and now,

I am doubly pleased and delighted to share that 

a new installation of four of my works--

"Rising from the Deep", "She Dreams in Layers", 

"Cosmic Energy", and "Spirit Fly"will be on exhibit

@ Ashwood Artisans in conjunction with the

Fall East Aurora ART Walk

October 19, 2012

5-9 p.m.

"Spirit Fly"

Participating galleries and businesses include 

Ashwood Artisans, Taste Bistro, East Aurora Co-op,

redFISH Art Studios, Urban Design, Will Faller Antiques, 

Meibohm Fine Arts, the East Aurora Art Society, 

Roycroft Copper Shop & Power House, 

Norberg's & Roycroft Art & Antiques, and West End Gallery.

Life is Short; Art is Long...

and the East Aurora Art Walks ROCK!

Noodles...

NOODLES...ROCK the CASBAH!!!

I'm not talking about the noodles one might have for brains

...or the noodles one might find in canned soups

...or the "wet" noodles one might find putting a damper on fun...

I'm talking about 

those fun-and-funky-and-always-floatable

pool toys used for bonking others on the head!

They are pure magic!  

Whoever created them probably never imagined

that one day some little lady would be slicing the precious product into sections 

and using them to protect corners of paintings during shipping!

Well, that's just what this little lady has done...and now 

she is crossing all fingers and toes that the Noodle-Protectors do the trick 

and keep the corners of this painting

safe and sound

as it makes the journey to Texas.

Have a "Noodle-iscious" Day!

Autumn Leaves

Today was one of those glorious autumn days in Western New York.  

The cerulean sky was softened by the slow-dancing of lamb's-wool clouds, 

the crisp air was scented by the bold aromas of the earth, 

and the trees in the surrounding landscape blazed on fire 

with yellows and golds and oranges and reds.  

Yes, today was one of those autumn days 

when I was reminded that there truly are 

"a thousand reasons to kneel and touch the ground."  

In my figurative kneeling with gratitude and happiness today, 

my heart soared knowing that one of my first paintings--

"Autumn Leaves"-- 

hangs in a Texas home, 

bringing the beauty and glory of this WNY autumn splendor 

to a dear friend.  

"Autumn Leaves"

acrylic on canvas

In-Joy.

New Mexico Memories: Angel in Flight, Spirit of the Wind, Heart Wide Open

It has been well over a decade 

since I last walked the desert in New Mexico.  

Over a decade--and yet, time falls away 

when I close my eyes and remember.  

It is in the remembering that I have, as of late, 

come to the canvas with the spirit 

of the Land of Enchantment singing in my head.  

And out of this singing,  

she arrived--this beautiful angel 

in a flowing turquoise gown,

rising high into 

the deep red hues of this crimson sky 

over the land of dreams and magic...

"Angel in Flight"

acrylic on canvas

11" x 14"

 

Before the paint could dry on this new painting, 

the singing in my head took on a new dimension--

a dimension of touch filled with a soft breeze 

that softly brushed against my skin. 

I breathed in this soft breeze as it whispered into my ear, 

"Do you hear me?  Listen closely," she said.

"For I am the Wind.  

The Wind that blows across the desert.

The Wind that carries the souls of the universe.  

The Wind that is the keeper of all tales from your ancestors."

And out of this whispering,

the Wind stopped for a second

to pose before the deep red sky...

"Spirit of the Wind"

acrylic on canvas

11" x 14"

So there I stood

in the center of my studio, 

sated and flushed by this rush of creative energy,

when my Self began to fill with love. 

I saw my Self

lifted by the flight of this Angel 

and I felt my Self 

soothed by the spirit of this Wind.

And then a quiet little voice inside my heart intoned, 

"This is grace."

And in this moment of grace -- 

I tasted the freedom of a Heart Wide Open.

"Heart Wide Open"

acrylic on canvas

11" x 14" 

Grace. Love.

    

the Sardana...Barcelona, Spain...1990

My mama died in 1990.  

She died and left me the eldest daughter.

It wasn't an easy going, her passing to the other side.  

Our relationship was not at its peak...no, it was actually in a valley.

But...

that fact didn't alter fate.

Mama died. 

And there was nothing I could do to ease her pain.

Nothing I could do for her, but by the hands of the universe,

the angels whispered into my ear in the dark of night,

"Go to Spain.

Heal thyself...go to Spain."

And so I did, I went to Spain to seek understanding. 

I went to Spain with my best friend at the time. 

With my husband's blessing, I packed my bags,

and flew, a wounded bird, with my friend across the Atlantic Ocean.

 

My dear friend and I were wanderers...

sojourners on separate pilgrimages.

His journey was to capture life in photographs; 

My journey was to capture life in words.

Our journey, in the oddest of ways, was for both of us to heal.

And it was during this passage

that I witnessed the Sardana...

the Catalan folk dance.

We were in Tarragona where we participated in what

was the equivalent to our "4th of July" celebration in the USA--

it was their celebration of "las bombas"--

we watched in jubilation and curiosity 

as Tarragona citizens walked toward the sea...

happy, with purpose, with pride.

We walked alongside them and stood stock still 

as the musicians began to play, 

as the citizens began to dance the Sardana.

I became part of the beauty of their circle of life...

and without as much as a whisper,

as their circle dance moved inward and outward, 

as they raised locked hands first upward and downward... 

a lifetime of love passed from my mother's hand to mine.

From that memory of the dance, 

from that moment when the citizens of Tarragona joined hands 

and danced in circles to celebrate their connectedness,

I give you:  "La Sardana de Tarragona"

Candle in the Wind...Painting on the Wall

"Seven Sisters"

acrylic on canvas

2012

 Candles.

They hold sway over my soul. 

Candles.

They soothe my heart.

Candles.

They soften my spirit.

Candles.

They dance upon my new painting, "Seven Sisters"...

inviting me to pause, to give thanks, to offer up my gratitude

for life's many blessings.

Candles.

Peace & Love

Art Show at Enjoy the Journey Art Gallery

As the day dawns in all its glory and

the sun begins to rise,

(along with the mercury on the thermometer...yowza) 

our souls and spirits smile

as we are reminded of nature's beauty.

Indeed, this day's beauty is setting the stage for tonight's 

Art Reception/Opening at 

Enjoy the Journey Art Gallery

(http://etjgallery.com/)

Gallery owners, Paulette and Dan Krakowski,

(https://www.facebook.com/paulette.krakowski)

know how to give a party...I cannot wait!

I'm happy to share with you two of my paintings 

that will be on display,along with works by fellow WSAS members,

 in the gallery through August.

Inspired by the fireflies and flowers that grace our hilltop space --

I painted my mind's eye of 

"Fireflies in the Meadow" 

and radiant, luscious flowers in all their "Glory".  

"Fireflies in the Meadow"

acrylic on canvas, 18" x 24"

"Glory"

acrylic on canvas, 16" x 20"

This group show represents works by members of the West Seneca Art Society 

(https://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Seneca-Art-Society/124145547667793)

who will be celebrating the installation of their works.

Members of the West Seneca Art Society represented in this exhibit include:

Lucette Banas, Brittany Bauer, Sharon Schasel-Brown, Grace Church, Tom Dalbo, Eve Fadeley, Susie Kelly Flatau, Norm Hornung, Paulette Krakowski, Diane Menchetti, Michael Mrozik, Urbano Pacini, Joan Peck, Joe Reimers, Rich Reimers, Nancy Richert, Mary Claire Rivera, Bernice Smith, Janis Stanek, Sandra Winiasz, Diane Wright & Heidi Zanelli.

Art Rocks!