A 2011 calendar from the Norman Arts Council arrived this morning, featuring my copper roses for the month of February.
I remember submitting some images but it was a long time ago, and as I never heard anything more, I assumed that the project was scraped.
If I had known I might have bought some for gifts.
Special! A Copper Heart will be included with the Copper Rose that arrives in a White Gift Box with Turquoise tissue paper.
Great Valentine Gift. !
A romantic way to say " I love you ".
A Copper Rose with three Brass Leaves arrives with a white box, ready for giving.
A Free Copper Heart is included with this Scented Copper Rose. I will add 2 names and date on the Copper Heart.
To order visit my website:
http://www.joygibat.com/
I have signed a number of petitions thru the internet.
Some people are certain that it does nothing, a waste of time.
I agree it is better to sign a paper petition, or send a letter thru the US mail but I am not certain that using the internet is fruitless.
I think after this attack in Arizona that people need to voice some kind objection to public and private persons promoting hate and violence.
I feel a lot of anger about the shootings in Arizona, but violence is not the answer.
Think we must find other ways to cope.
I discovered years ago that this action helps me defuse anger.
I call it "Roar like a Lion"
Sit, stand, whatever, Stick out your tongue with your mouth open, flex your hands like claws, open eyes wide, and Roar!
Repeat, until anger is gone, or in retreat.
Very satisfying when you do it with a friend but will work when done alone.
Thus, to those who have much anger and hatred, I will join you with a Roar, but not in even wishing harm to those who anger you.
Found this on FaceBook, I can only say that it was at:
http://www.facebook.com/PhysicistTv?ref=mf
I have always been intrigued by the concept, and think this sign depicts it.
I just received a phone call from a very kind lady in Pennsylvania, who had purchased an earring and pin set of mine at a garage sale. She call me to ask what metal was used, and get an idea when they were made.
She was very happy to have located me, my card was still with the original box.
They were an abstract heart made with nickel silver and turquoise beads. I must have made them in the 90's.
Anyway I told her that I had a website at Joygibat.com
Putting some form of business card with one's work is always a good Idea!
Am looking thru some photos to see if I have any of those earrings and pins. If I find any will post them here.
If that lady reads this, would she,please, email me her address, I would like to send her a Thank You card, as she has "Made My Day".
P.S.
On their First Anniversary Edit
A lovely lady just sent me this photo, last night she gave her husband, T, a Copper Rose, which he has put in his pocket while the maitre d' took their picture.
It was their 1st Anniversary, and she wore the same outfit that she wore for their wedding.
The dress is extra special, as her neighbor gave it to her.
The Post Office and Asian Food
I love the Post Office and use their online site a lot.This morning it would not accept an address at 525, so as there was something wrong I double checked and found my error, there should be a 7 in front of the 5. Fixed that and printed the mailing label.
I have been printing the labels for over a year, usually the letter carrier picks up the package at my mail box.
It has really been a big help but no service as Columbus Day so off I went to OK City airport office that is open 24/7.
It is also an excuse to stop at an Asian market as I love all the exotic vegetables, spices and food.
With the fresh veggies there were things that were called Red Tuna and Green Tuna, I picked one up and took it to the lady who was putting out more veggies. She whips out this huge sharp knife, peals it and indicates that I am to try it raw. I do, strange flavor a bit sweet, she points to the Green ones and says "sweeter" so I have bought two of the green ones. Goggled tuna and discovered that they are:
: any of various flat-jointed prickly pears (genus Opuntia) : one (O.tuna)
of tropical America 2 : the edible fruit of a tuna
www.merriam-webster.com
So I have also learned something new, "these tuna are not fishy" but have a sweet and unique flavor.
They also have a lot of small hard black seeds that I don't think will easily digest.
The market also carries many different types of rice. I bought some Brown Jasmine Rice. They also had Black Sweet Rice that I like to use for sushi.
The weather is sunny without the heat of summer.
All in all, a wonderful day.
Hope all have a great week.
Just received an email from Tito's Gallery in Las Vegas, NM. that they have put my "Rugged Cross" in a show that they are sponsoring " The Cross as Art" as part of the celebration of Las Vegas 175th birthday.
The cross is welded steel with brazed accents of brass, about 12 by 6 inches.
Over the years I have made southwest images, using flame colored copper on suede mat-board.
I like the contrast between the hard metal and the soft suede.
Sky blue is my favorite color but I only have a little left, while I have a lot more of other colors, which aren't as pleasing to my eye. I would buy some more but it is so expensive about $40 a sheet.
Necessity is supposed to be the mother of invention, so I started playing with some pastels on the beige matboard.
At first I tried to just do a light blue which didn't work. I could not get the same tone everywhere.
So this is my first attempt that I am willing to show.
"Blessing of the Morning Sun".
Awake to rays of Love and Sharing
as you are wrapped in Happiness,
this Bright New Day.
Any suggestions or gentle criticism is welcome. 
9 inches diameter.
Sealed will clear matte, non-yellowing finish. The sun and feather are brass.
I posted this on my LiveJournal and thought I posted here, guess I was more tired than I thought, so again.
Feel as though I have really accomplished something these last 10 days.
On the 17 of this month I got a new iMac, only to discover that all my files in my older Macs were not compatible.
I have a lot them in AppleWorks 6 Draw program, which lets you do anything, put in anything, it is really great.
Apple discontinued AppleWorks and now has iWorks which won't open all the AW files, especially the Draw.
Spent a week trying to research ways around problem, they can be moved but I would be unable to change a letter or a line. I want to keep changing them.
Finally figured out a way to do it.
I am able to to move them to my new iMac, open and change the files, delete, add to and most important, Print them on new Canon printer.
Yea, for me and I am sure I have made some salespeople "Happy" as I was going to return both.
I am always thrilled to hear from a patron, Karl sent me this photo of the Copper Rose, he gave to his wife on their seven wedding anniversary.
He said, "My wife loved it."
Have posted it on the web page that shows photos that people have sent me.
http://www.joygibat.com/page8/page8.html
This is a interesting gallery located in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
I have known and consigned some of my work with Tito and Mary Chavez for more than 10 years. If anyone lives near Las Vegas, I suggest that you stop by. If you are an artist you might contact them about consignment. They are very honest and caring people.
Jane Warsaw Pottery Exhibition at Tito’s Gallery during June.
Las Vegas resident Jane Warsaw will exhibit recent works of hand-thrown pottery during the month of June at Tito’s Gallery, 157 Bridge Street in Old Town Las Vegas. Warsaw, an accomplished potter, will punctuate her continuing exhibit with gallery talks and pottery wheel demonstrations on June 12, starting at 1 PM.
Warsaw shows her colorful pottery in the gallery. She also teaches classes in her studio, and the public is invited to discuss that with her.
Besides her work as a sculptor, potter and teacher of clay arts, Warsaw has had a career as a software engineer and as a professional musician, and she is currently teaching in the music department at the United World College.
Refreshments will be served from 1-4 PM on June 12. Interested persons may get more information by calling Mary Chávez at 505-425-3745.
Received an early Mothers' Day gift from my daughter in Chicago.
Love it and had not known of the Ball of Whacks, like "the whole ball of wax".
So a couple photos of an arrangement I made.
Side
Top
Bottom
There are endless possibilities with the 30 pieces, which are magnetized.
Playing and manipulating the pieces of the ball is believed to be a way to creative thinking.
We shall see if I come up with some new ideas.
This Spring, Norman is full of the blossoms. The Wisteria is really lovely. I even have a few plants growing along the fence.
Wishing everyone "Happy Spring!"
Just a quick note and a link.
The goal of the Bountiful Bra Project is to increase awareness of breast cancer and to raise funds to help our Charlotte County neighbours who are dealing with all types of cancer.
The Bountiful Bra Project was inspired by Mary Day Colcord of Barrington, New Hampshire. Early in 2009 Mary made us aware of a breast cancer awareness project organized by the Quilters of South Carolina. Being a breast cancer patient for several years, Mary said she seldom found much about breast cancer to make her smile. Mary felt that their 'ARTFUL BRA PROJECT' was a wonderful exception. We agreed and immediately decided to bring a similar project to Charlotte County, New Brunswick. We decided to call ours the BOUNTIFUL BRA PROJECT. We thank Mary for her inspiration and starting us on our way.
To see the bras go to http://berthaday.com/bountiful_bra_project.html and scroll down a bit.
Christmas has appeared at the Firehouse Art Center in Norman,OK.
I stopped by to take a couple photos of a friend's work and decided that I would take a few photos of the gallery.
I am disappointed that everything came out with a yellow tinge.
I haven't time to put them thru photoshop so here they are, as is.
Friday, the Thirteenth was the monthly ArtWalk in Norman, OK.
A good idea that is happening in many towns and cities.
I had the good fortune to see Cecil Lee's exhibit "The Garden as Art" which is on display at the Santa Fe Depot until November 29.
It is a lovely show featuring Cecil's gorgeous garden which is a work of art in its self.
Cecil has manipulated his digital photographs, repeating images to the point that some reminds one of fractuals.
Most of Norman's galleries, interesting shops, were opened 6 to 10 pm.
I awoke Saturday to a phone call that was an order for 7 copper roses for a 7th wedding anniversary gift, they need to be shipped Monday.
Luckily I had been making a set of seven and had five roses made, so spending most of Saturday in my studio, I was able to finish them today.
Tomorrow I will make a little copper heart with their names, box everything, and take to post office.
Received a request for a Brass Rose from a man in Texas. So thought it would be fun to make some " Yellow Roses of Texas"
Similar to my Copper Roses this Brass Rose also has Brass leaves.
The rose and leaves are attached to a steel rod which I cover with brass in a way to look like thorns but are not sharp.
It also comes with a glass vase, story card, and a Brass Heart.
Have noticed a slowing of sales over the summer, do hope with cooler weather, sales will warm up.
Will remind everyone that they can contact me thru my website:
www. Joy@Joygibat.com
A couple summers ago, I did some small abstract metal sculptures. I was rather intrigued with them, sold a few but felt they were not quite complete. Just hanging them on a wall just didn't work, partly because they were so small.. they started out as Artist Trading Cards (2" x 3.5")
Couple days ago when I was supposed to be making some Southwestern things to send to gallery in NM, I had an idea on how to mount my little reflections.
I am not completely satisfied with the results but feel I am on the right track. I have lots of suede mat-board that I got several years ago. It is now about $45 a sheet 48"x36". It is also tempting me to do larger pieces. At least it is a solution without having to resort to framing.
Would appreciate any comments or suggestions.
Although I can't think of anything positive to do, I am wondering how the changes in charging interest (about 22% a year ) from the moment you charge anything on your credit card, will this hurt art sales or any sale, especially over the internet?
No more grace period of 20 to 30 days and this is for people who pay off their balance each month. Also no more miles or rebates/
The letters I have gotten say that these new policies will take effect in July or August. Bonus are also gone. This affects about every one.
I know that my first purchase on ebay would not have happened if I couldn't use a credit card. It was a wise decision on my part as it was a scam, several buyer got together (thru emails) and determined the seller was a fraud. We could not get ebay to do anything for several weeks. I and others who had used credit cards, quickly notified our providers and put a stop. They ones who had used a debit card, or let ebay (Paypal) remove money from their checking account were out of luck, and lost the hundred or so.
I hate the thought that I have to pay interest that starts the minute I buy something with a credit card, no matter how good my credit is, or that I pay the balance in full every month.
There is more information at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/19/business/19credit.html
I didn't mean to complain about losing a sale.
Of course I didn't like it but am glad that I found out and think I have the right solution.
Got two orders off today. One was for an set of two roses, the gentleman from Indiana had phoned me, he doesn't like using a computer so he sent me a letter with instructions and a check.
The other order was a first for me.
Last week a buyer called from Baghdad wanting 7 Copper Roses. This was first time I have made a sale in Iraq.
I shipped them to his wife in Hawaii. Wow, Priority Mail is expensive to Hawaii.
I am hoping I will get a couple photos to add to my collection of "Photos from Patrons" web page.
On a very personal note, I had all of my bottom teeth removed, and a denture inserted. I now have a very expensive smile, which is nice. Will post a photo later on, right now I have two round 50 scent size bruises just below my bottom lip. I have tried covering them with make-up but they still show. Am going to visit the dentist early Monday as I have some sore spots that he has to do something about. Right now I can't chew, only sip. Might be able to lose a few pounds which would be very nice.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
