Love affair with Welding

Firehouse Art Center, Norman, OK

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:19:00 +0000

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.

Joygibat.com

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:45:00 +0000

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.

Brass Roses or "Yellow Rose of Texas", Beautiful Wedding Gift!

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:05:00 +0000

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

Metal Reflections on Suede

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:22:00 +0000

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.

Big changes with Credit Card

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Sun, 24 May 2009 02:55:00 +0000

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

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Sun, 17 May 2009 02:01:00 +0000

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!

Disappointed with ArtByUs

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Fri, 15 May 2009 05:16:00 +0000

I am very disappointed with ArtByUs.
I have been telling artists that have a website, to put their ABU auctions on their websites and blogs
I have a link on my web page that shows what I have for sale at ABU as I thought it helped us both.
However; I have changed my mind.
I lost a sale of a set of three roses, as a customer explained :

"Hello Joy,
I will not be purchasing your copper roses, this time around. The artbyus.com site was delaying my registration, so because of my time frame issue, I decided to purchase my gift elsewhere.
I am sorry that this occurred; I really liked your artwork. Best of luck with your future endeavors.
Regards,
Paul

I had thought until now that it was beneficial to have the ABU listing on my website.
I am continuing to have it on but have changed the wording to this:

"The Copper Roses listed below, can be shipped immediately.
You can safely purchase my work by contacting me www.Joy@Joygibat.com
By sending me an email with your selection, I can bill you quickly thru Paypal.

(You can order thru ArtByUs, but it is slower.
You must register with them, they verify you, then send me your email address.
I then contact you and bill you thru Paypal.)"
http://www.artbyus.com/auctions.php?a=6&b=104

As I have been urging artists to use ArtByUs, I felt I should make amends with this "what not to do"

Unusual Photo

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:47:00 +0000

This most unique way of displaying a Copper Rose that I have gotten from a buyer.
The couple celebrated their 7th Wedding Anniversary with the above gift.
Soon they will receive even better gifts of their love, Twins!

Please conside pledging.

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:21:00 +0000

I came across this and am posting it here:

I didn't know that Greek mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras' wife Theano was a scholar and intellectual in her own right. Along with helping him raise five children, she put together writings on mathematics, art, beauty, philosophy, and child raising. She is credited with developing the Golden Mean, a crucial idea in aesthetic theory.
y taking this pledge, you sign up to honor and celebrate important women such as Theano by promising to create a blog post on June 24th concerning a female philosopher. As with Ada Lovelace Day, spotlighting women's contributions to technology, the woman you select may be from any nation, culture, or time period, living or dead...and you may blog in any style or format, using any software in any language.

I selected Theano as a mascot as she represents a work/life balance, an apparently decent and loving wife and mother as well as a scholar and professional. Throughout history and on average women have worked very hard in the background keeping things going by raising children, cooking, maintaining households, helping to earn a living through day-jobs...all very respectable activities. And many have made contributions to philosophy or other fields which may have been overlooked because the women are primarily known for work they have done in their other roles. So Theano's Day celebrates the philosophical contributions of women and attempts to bring their ideas out in the open to help inform modern society.

You may define 'philosopher' as you choose - someone need not have specialized in the field to be discussed in a blog for Theano's Day. For example, a female novelist, businesswoman, teacher, politician, nun, homemaker may have created a philosophical outlook worth discussing that is apparent through the values that come out through her work in other fields.

Some women to start with if you need help thinking of someone: Hypatia of Alexandria (mathematician and scholar), St. Catherine (mystic and humanitarian), Sor Juana (Mexican nun and intellectual) and Florence Nightingale and Jane Austen, each of whom developed a worldview and philosophy through their writings on various subjects.

We encourage as many people as possible from around the world to participate this June 24th and will set up a system to link the blogs so you may read each other's blogs. Please also pass on the word about Theano's Day!

As a First Prize

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:36:00 +0000

This Copper Rose was chosen not for a First Prize but as an award for for First Prize at a Classical Rapier Tourney with the SCA.
The tourney is called "Haire Affaire of the Heart”, 2009. So Conan J. wanted me to include a little copper heart with the information on it.
This was a fun sale.
I hope he sends me some photos of the event.

Although I have some heat in the studio where I do the welding and brazing, it is not warm enough for me, so I end up making excuses not to work out there. I got a lot done last week but little the past days as we are having what I hope is the last cold spell.

Copper Heart

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:41:00 +0000

Hello!

Have decided to make a little copper heart to hang among the brass leaves of my Copper Roses. I put names and dates on it. So far people have liked it. If you have a Copper Rose of mine and would like a Copper Heart, let me know and I will mail you one. Go to : Joygibat.com and email me from there or Joy@joygibat.com

The other crabapple blossoms that are outside will probably get frozen, as we often have freezing weather in Oklahoma during March. Oh well, I can wish and bringing a few inside makes me happy.
The little tree has been here for years, rarely does it bear fruit as it blooms too early.

I had a lovely birthday, now that I am 72, think I should start deciding what I want to do when I grow up.

We had a couple of nasty tornados a couple days ago. One of my daughters and I saw the storm approach as we returned from OK City. She took me to a Korean restaurant for my birthday. Had a wonderful meal,
Bibimbap (Mixed Vegetables on Rice) with lot of little side dishes. Then to a Korean grocery store for a big jar if Kim Chee and sauce to make the Bibimbap. I got lovely gifts from my other daughters and grandchildren, it ended up that I celebrated for several days. Very nice.

Valentine Rose in Ruby Colored Vase

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:33:00 +0000

I have been complaining that I have had trouble getting my blood pressure to a lower level. I am taking several medications which has not been very successful.
A friend told me that she had heard that drinking "hibiscus tea" helped.
So I have given it a try (Now Foods - Heavenly Hibiscus Tea) and it seems to help. For the past 4 days, I have been getting SYS readings in the 130s and 120s instead of 150s, 160s and 170s. My DIA has always been in the 60s and 70s and has not changed.
I am not recommending that it is a cure, but will say that it has helped and that it is a pleasant herbal tea.
There is also a recipe for "Hibiscus Tea with Vodka and Citrus" thru Google which I haven't tried, but sound interesting.

I thought that January would be slow, but I have been getting orders my Copper Roses.
I found a couple Ruby colored glass vases so am offering them with a single full Copper Rose for Valentine Day. This one
I just listed at "ArtByUs" http://www.artbyus.com/auctions.php?a=2&b=276950

Oklahoma's weather has changed from the delightful 78º to 25º with sleet and snow, so I will stay indoors for a couple days.

The Artful Bra Project

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:41:00 +0000

A dear friend sent me a link to :

ARTFUL BRA PROJECT

Members of Quilters of South Carolina have created one-of-a-kind bras for Breast Cancer Awareness. The exhibit consists of forty-nine original works of art which are unique, entertaining, humorous, and beautiful to make the public aware of breast cancer, to memorialize those lost to the disease, and to honor survivors.

New photos

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:11:00 +0000

I just received a couple photos from a gentleman who ordered 7 Copper Roses for their 7th Wedding Anniversary, and thought I would share it.
Hi Joy,
We couldn't wait for the 7th so we celebrated our anniversary on Sunday the 4th.
My wife was thrilled. They even smell beautiful.
Thank you again for the beautiful job! "

Have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 04:04:00 +0000

It is a bit like Spring inside my home.
My daughter, M.A., gave me some Paper Whites Bulbs when she visited at Thanksgiving.
Today, January 1, they bloomed and filled the house with their delightful fragrance.

Also a friend gave me a lovely Amaryllis for Thanksgiving, and it has bloomed again.

The last day of 2008 was lovely and warm ( 70º) for Oklahoma. I walked around the Duck Pond, the trees are not ready to bud yet, which is good as we will get more cold weather before long. It is just a delight to be able to walk outside without a coat and enjoy the blue, blue sky and warm breezes.

HAPPINESS

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:01:00 +0000

"Only the artist, or the free scholar, carries his happiness within him". Ludwig van Beethoven

Came across this quote and realized how true it is. Especially, it is how I feel when I complete a project or even finish an order.

These Seven Copper Roses were finished and shipped just before Christmas as I wanted them to arrive in plenty of time for a special 7th Wedding Anniversary in early January.

Although arthritis in my shoulder is slowing me down, there is something special about making things that gives me a sense of fulfillment.

I am wishing all a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:29:00 +0000

I like this set of 7 Copper Roses better than the last set that I sold.
These are going to a gentleman in West Virginia, who really plans ahead.
His 7 wedding anniversary isn't until March '09, but he wanted to get them before Christmas.
I told him that although I was in my seventies, I was pretty sure I would be around next year, but I guess he doesn't want to take any chances.

I am going to offer a similar set on ArtByUs as a "Special Order"

I am very glad that I have retired from doing art shows, especially the outdoors ones.
I took some hot vegetarian soup to a friend that has set up at our local Downtown Art Market this cold windy Saturday. He was alone, and I was sure he had no access for a break or hot food.
His sister is doing a two day art show, in OK City. At least she is indoors.
I don't envy either, what I do miss is seeing the artists and skilled craftsmen.
It was fun seeing some of them again, but too cold to stand long and visit.
Surprising there were buyers at the show.
That makes it worthwhile.

Copper Rose in full bloom with 15 Bass Leaves.

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:37:00 +0000

I am certain that I will continue to make Copper Roses until I can not do any welding.
And though I continue to make them, I do try to change them by making small improvements.
Thus, I am introducing my newest.
"REMEMBRANCE"
A Copper Rose in full bloom, with 15 Brass Leaves.
This scented, with rose oil, rose is the perfect gift for a Loved One.
. I have one list at ArtByUs
I will be making more, so if you wish to place an order, contact me thru my web site.Joygibat.com
Like all my roses, I comes with a vase, a card explaining how it is made, and a pretty gift card for you to sign.

"Poor Pitiful Pauline"

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:58:00 +0000

I can't chew gum and walk at the same time, I can't walk and talk on a cell phone. In fact I have trouble even doing one thing at a time but usually I could do several thing spread out over a day. Not now.
My creativity, as I like to think of it has been asleep or perhaps comatose. I have been able to fill orders and was able to make a few modifications on my roses by making them taller, with more sets of leaves, for a gentleman who wanted 7 in a vase for his 7 wedding anniversary, however it took me much longer than it should.

I am unable to come up with anything new or exciting or even get back to developing more of my "Reflections."
I have been concentrating on walking, which I have had some success, trying to stay on a low salt diet is very difficult and I am not doing very well with that nor has my blood pressure gone down much, even though there has been several increases in dosage. I have lost some weight but need to lose more.
In other words, I am failing as an artist and at getting well .....I am a poor pitiful pauline!
Take heed everyone, take care of your health!

7th ANNIVERSARY GIFT of THREE COPPER ROSES

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:05:00 +0000

Received a couple photos from Martin W. in Cumbs,England, who gave three of my Copper Roses to his wife for their 7th wedding anniversary.

Although he had a Paypal account he didn't want to use it as his wife would see it, so he had a friend pay me, and then he repaid his friend, but to complicate matters I then had to send the roses to his parents' home. However, in spite of all the complications, they arrived on time and his wife was happy with his gift.
I have another similar set of 3 Copper Roses available at my website JoyGibat.com or thru ArtByUS

My thanks to all that have inquired about my health, I am walking a mile or more each day, actually I walk at night.
I live near the campus of the University of Oklahoma, where they have lovely wide sidewalks that are well lit and a pleasure use.
I am taking a pill to reduce my blood pressure and am on a low fat diet, which isn't much fun but better than having another stroke.

Wedding Ideas and update

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:47:00 +0000

My first Stroke, I think.
A week ago Sunday, my daughter brought me home from the hospital. The Thursday before I had gotten up with a strange and nasty headache, decided that something was wrong. Drove to the urgent medical office. Got there fine, but once inside, I could barely speak. They called an ambulance to take me to hospital, I was having or had a stroke.
Evidently, I am one of the very lucky ones and have little or no damage to the brain.
So, I am now on low salt, etc. diet. Looks like I will need to take a pill or so.
I have my own blood pressure meter which will tell me how I am doing.

Am finishing another batch of Prosperity Feathers for a Rotary group that is traveling to Denmark. As the copper feathers are light, they make good traveling gifts and are not expensive.

I received some photos from a couple who used two of my Copper Roses in their wedding ceremony as their first gifts to each other. Rather romantic ?

Am hoping to get back to work on more of my steel "Reflections" and have something new to show.

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:59:00 +0000

I haven't posted lately as I have been making a lot of Copper Prosperity Feathers and Copper Roses with Brass Leaves. which are similar to ones I have done before.
A friend sent me this link and I think it will be of interest to those who like visual stimuli.
It is a collection of 78 Optical Illusions & Visual Phenomena http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/index.html

One of the examples is the "Turning Lady"

with which I am familiar. http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/sze_silhouette/
However, many are new to me and are good examples of how one perceives images.

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:26:00 +0000

Received this notice from:
Jimi Beach
Editor-in-Chief
TalentDatabase
with this message. "good luck... well, with your level of talent…who needs luck right?"

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 03:58:00 +0000

Creativity

Joy@joygibat.com (Love of Welding) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 04:38:00 +0000

Yesterday I received emails from two very talented friends who were concerned with creativity.
One a classical concert pianist and professor, who felt that though he plays superbly "but the COMPOSER is the genius." "--the creator! " and a potter who has built her own kiln, mixes her own glazes, who feels "we let what we have already done and what we have, dictate who we are and what we do in the future"

This is timely for me, as I have been doing "repeats" as they pay the bills, are safe and almost stress free.

There is nothing more wonderful than having an "eureka!" experience, but for me they are far between.
Usually, happening after, periods of stress that hurts. Then, the refining effort to complete the vision. Sometimes, the refining seems to take forever and then it might not be financially successful.
I know that even my best are not really significant, but I had the experience of feeling " I got it"
That feeling is what matters to me. It is feeling "in tune" with the universe, while being "tone deaf".

Although, this sounds like a joke, years ago, a friend told me of having a short conversation with Albert Einstein. He had the pleasure of escorting Einstein from airport to a lecture hall. They talked about ideas and creativity, my friend always wrote down all his ideas on notepads, but found to his amazement that Einstein didn't.
Einstein told him " I don't have that many good ones".

Thus, I stopped worrying if I was really an artist or what art is, I will just do what I can, enjoy the process.