Dianne Patterson

2011-03-18T18:46:00.001-04:00

Soon I am going to be revamping my site, everything needs a facelift once in a while!
Stay tuned......

2010-04-21T16:09:00.000-04:00

My head hurts from doing math.

I spent the entire day yesterday working on reports and when I went home from work my head actually hurt. I cannot understand those that say “I like math.” My toes curl just at the thought of it. When I say I am right brained I REALLY AM. I can problem solve through art easily, but math…. aarrgghh!

2010-03-02T14:48:00.000-05:00

What a great house!

Imagine having your studio high up in that tower? I love the look of the place in its distressed state.

2010-03-01T14:06:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to our athletes who competed their hearts out in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. We lived it all with you, many times with our hearts palpitating! We set a record with 14 GOLD medals (the most ever won by a nation at the Olympic Winter Games) and reignited our patriotism all over this big country of ours.

… whew! … I can now get back to making art eh!

2010-02-21T16:13:00.002-05:00

I am finally posting NEW WORK!!

Check out the sculpture page to see why it has taken me so long to post!!

2010-02-19T11:54:00.001-05:00

I will soon be starting my 12th sculpture in the “Di-Orama” series. I am really lovin’ these. My gallery owner friend said “I have reached my pinnacle” with this new work. I have taken some shots and will post as soon as possible. Being so focused and trying to stay in the momentum of creating has kept me at the work table and off of the computer!

This and the fact that I am now watching the Olympics! Go Canada!

2010-02-11T14:21:00.000-05:00

To my fellow Canadian’s competing in the Vancouver Winter Olympics I wish you best of luck. I will be watching you on TV in the best country in the world!

2009-12-30T16:35:00.000-05:00

I don’t do much on New Year’s. Maybe watch the ball drop and other people having fun! To those that celebrate, here’s a toast to you.

2009-11-18T14:40:00.000-05:00

They are having a lunch and learn seminar at work called “Procrastination.” I’ll probably put it off until another one comes up.

In my defense of not posting for awhile it’s not procrastination. It’s more like I am crazy working on my art at night. I have a lot of new jewelry and sculptures but haven’t the extra time to take photos and post!!

Soon… Soon!

2009-09-30T14:41:00.000-04:00

I am a surfer artist. I ride the wave of creativity as long as it will take me and then I crash. Sometimes it takes me a long time to get back on the board and find the next wave. I used to worry about it but not any more. I know my waves will come in. I am riding one now, working on some new dark sculptures!! Photos coming soon!

2009-09-21T13:07:00.000-04:00

“Twaddle, rubbish and gossip is what people want, not action. The secret of life is to chatter freely about all one wishes to do and how one is always being prevented – and then do nothing.”
Soren Kirkegaard

2009-09-17T13:38:00.000-04:00

I had a dream about you again. This time it was fall and I had on my big black sweater. I ate crème glacée while you looked down at me.

Will we ever meet? Je ne sais pas…

2009-09-09T18:52:00.000-04:00

In Roman times, Emperor Nero liked to watch gladiator fights through emeralds, to avoid the sun getting in his eyes. It is likely that humans in other time periods prior to the invention of sunglasses may also have put various materials over their face to protect their eyes from the brightness of the sun, but little evidence exists for this until we reach the 12th century.

The 12th century is when sunglasses were invented properly, in China. They were using lenses made from imperfection-heavy quartz to block out the light from the sun, and primitive frames to hold them against the wearer's face. These sunglasses didn't protect against harmful UV rays or help their wearer to see any better (in fact, they made it very difficult to see), but they provided some relief from having the bright sun constantly shining into their eyes. Only the rich had them, but they found many uses for them - Chinese rulers and judges, for example, found that they could use the sunglasses to hide the expression on their face when they were talking to someone, allowing them to seem emotionally detached from situations.

It was not until the 20th century that sunglasses really took off, though, as Hollywood stars started wearing them to protect their eyes from the bright studio lights. By 1929, an entrepreneur named Sam Foster had put sunglasses into mass production in America, and was doing a roaring trade through his company, Foster Grant of Atlantic City. In 1936, Polaroid filters were invented, allowing glasses to protect against UV rays for the first time, and making them a desirable item for health reasons as well as for reasons of fashion and comfort - useful in World War II, when soldiers had to fight in the French summer. Since then, there have been few developments in sunglasses, with the basic science and materials remaining basically the same for the last seventy years - but, like other useful inventions of the period, they remain a big seller.

2009-09-01T09:51:00.001-04:00

I used to tell my father that he should write a book. Children think that everything is easy and I was no exception. I suppose every time I said that to dad his thoughts were like mine now. Too hard to do and it would never get published so why bother. It’s a lot like making art. At one time I was concerned with the salability of my work but I am now thankfully way beyond that.

I recently I found out that 2 people I know are writing novels. One is a historical novel and one is science fiction (sort of.) It was impossible to garner any more information than that. Novelists, so secretive!

One of them said to me, everyone should try and write a novel. Wow, this got me thinking. I have been writing humorous short stories for years. Not sure if I can turn them into a novel but I will continue to write them and one day I’ll post one here for you to read!

Good luck Jim and Tom!

2009-08-31T11:28:00.000-04:00

Even though I am not related directly to Mr. Adams (Bob) I have always felt I was part of his large family along with Mrs. Adams (Velma).

I grew up with Kathy, one of Velma and Bob’s 7 children. Kathy liked coming to my house for the quiet and I liked being at her house for the excitement (of which there was an abundance of.) Kathy has always been like a sister to me and her mother and father like my parents.

Bob was an articulate, intelligent, humorous and caring man. It was a privilege to know him.

They say in life you get what you give. Bob gave love and got a lot love back in return.

I feel very sad with his passing.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestar/obituary.aspx?n=robert-adams-bob&pid=131853038

2009-08-25T10:14:00.001-04:00

I love vintage photos and ephemera and I use them liberally in my art. I found this photo at a local antique store and had to buy it. Actually I feel like I adopted her. The photo was taken in Tara Ontario. That’s all I know. There is no name or sentiment scrawled anywhere. I like to imagine who she was and what her life was like. I have called her Grace Alice ever since I came into possession of her likeness and she looks like a teacher don’t you think?

2009-08-20T11:25:00.000-04:00

“Hell is other people.” ~ Jean-Paul Sartre
(French existentialist philosopher and writer)

The negative and nasty are all around us. I wonder what is in our natures that can make us act like imbeciles. A long time ago I decided that I would not give in to bad vibes and curt comments that people like to pitch and I am glad that I have stuck to it. When I have been the hapless recipient of this nonsense I quickly remove myself from their lives permanently, no looking back.

Beware, lot’s of Jekyll and Hyde’s out there… Life’s better without them.

2009-08-19T15:26:00.003-04:00

For those women who are suffering along with me during this fun stage of life I offer up a nice therapeutic idea. Ice Cream!

Here are my thoughts on some funky names…

Mint Chocolate Memory Lapse (whipped to produce air bubbles)
Mango Tropical Heat Wave (with hot pepper flakes)
Hormonal Hash (with nuts)
Kooky Cookies n’ Cream (with extra nuts)
Emotion Locomotion (never the same flavour twice)
Night Sweets (stripped down to plain vanilla)

2009-08-10T12:11:00.000-04:00

I respect spiders. I used to be one of those crush em’ as soon as you see em’ kind of people until I read Neil Gaiman’s “Anansi Boys”. I suppose “Charlotte” has had an influence on me too.

Anyway I love watching spiders build their webs and was delighted when one set up her store front on my back deck Saturday morning. Into her web I tossed in an ant. Down she came like a speeding bullet and wrapped it up like a new born baby. I threw in a fly, again same thing. We had to go out during the afternoon and when we returned I checked on her. The web was pretty broken up, but just like Charlotte she rebuilt the thing over night to perfection. Again I was consumed with finding things to toss into it.

As we ate our lunch under the web yesterday my husband and I carried on a conversation while our eyes darted around looking for potential victims.

2009-07-31T14:04:00.002-04:00

RAIN.... In the part of the world in which I inhabit we are experiencing a very WET summer. Its the second one in a row..

My hair is permanently curly and I am surprised by any break in the clouds.
Bugger.

2009-07-14T11:36:00.001-04:00

Email:
There’s a dead bug outside the building.
- Receptionist

Reply:
Great! I’ll be right down!
- Me

For anyone who actually reads my ramblings you will know that I pick up stuff from time to time. This includes dead bugs. You can see the use of a little bee in one of my necklaces. The strangest part of today’s email was that I designed a sculpture in my head as I drifted off to sleep last night that included this beetle. I can now use her as a model.

Now if it was just as easy to think about the lottery…

2009-07-13T10:49:00.000-04:00

I attended the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition yesterday. Whenever I am surrounded by artists and their work I feel like I have stepped aboard the “Mother Ship”. There is a feeling of belonging to this like minded band of people. I leave the wife, mother, secretary behind and become the artist. I was injected yesterday with inspiration, admiration and appreciation. Seeing others doing what I do makes me feel so not alone in the basement where I work, sculpting, painting, hammering, sawing and experiencing failures and enjoying successes.

It used to be my dream to be an art teacher. It is still young people who inspire me the most. They haven’t been jaded yet in their quest to express themselves. They haven’t had to worry about how to pay the bills or face rejection or settling for making art when they aren’t too exhausted by everyday life. Reality will set in for them like it did to me too, but there are moments like yesterday when I forget my reality and become that young artist again.
http://www.torontooutdoorart.org/

2009-06-08T11:37:00.000-04:00

“Make Do and Mend” was something my mother used to say. She and dad survived the London Blitz and even years later, made, repaired and reused things. This philosophy had an effect on me. I made my own toys, sewed, knitted etc. and used power tools to create. I was encouraged to use my imagination. Much to my parents chagrin was my use of garbage straight from the kitchen can to make things out of. I once used an old hair dye squeeze bottle to make a washing machine for my hand made doll house. My father would sneak garbage out to the street so I wouldn’t go through it. I was not daunted and started picking up bits and pieces from the roadside or the playground at school.

My family now knows that when I stop and stare at something, reach down and put it in my pocket it must be a great find. Rusty bits and bottle caps end up in something that I am making or more often saved for later (you never know.) If I can’t find something old and beaten up then I will make it look old. A recent find that I treasure was lying in the parking lot of a large auto big box store. It was plastic and had raised lettering referencing the safe operation of a battery. Within hours I had it rusted and it now sits on my desk. It will be part of a machine that I am designing in my mind.

I have passed this infectious habit of garbage picking (I must come up with a better euphemism) to my husband and children who have recently provided me with an interesting object from a bicycle and a mystery rusted thing-o-majiggy.

2009-05-22T09:50:00.000-04:00

Definition:
hot. adj at or having a high temperature.

We are having a heat wave. I almost forgot what this feels like! Out from hibernation I am seeing people on the street I haven’t see for months. Snow tires are off and we are planting Impatiens in the garden. Bliss…

2009-03-16T10:18:00.001-04:00

As I was getting into my car this morning I had my first Robin sighting of the year! For those who live in warmer climates and don’t understand the significance, seeing this bird traditionally hails the beginning of Spring. It conjures thoughts of shedding the winter gear, wearing shorts, gardening, reading a good book under the warm sun etcetera. Basically we day dream ourselves into Spring.

2009-03-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

Last week after announcing to the world at large that I haven’t been sick for a year, a cold germ has invaded me. Am looking for a good vegetarian chicken noodle soup recipe…

2009-02-14T15:29:00.003-05:00

Q: What did Frankenstein say to his girlfriend?
A: “Be my Valenstein!”

Q: What did the French Chef give his wife for Valentine’s Day?
A: A hug and a quiche!

Q: What did the Artist say to her boyfriend?
A: “I love you with all my art!”

2009-02-13T12:08:00.001-05:00

What’s the deal with Friday the 13th?

You can trace the fear of 13 to a Norse myth about 12 gods having a dinner party at Valhalla, their heaven. In walked the uninvited 13th guest, the mischievous Loki. Once there, Loki arranged for Hoder, the blind god of darkness, to shoot Balder the Beautiful, the god of joy and gladness, with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. Balder died and the whole Earth got dark. The whole Earth mourned. It was a bad, unlucky day. From that moment on, the number 13 has been considered ominous and foreboding.

Have a good day!

2009-02-11T10:19:00.000-05:00

They say that your chances of winning the lottery are like being struck by lightning. Well…. I have been struck by lightning. I have also been in an earthquake, a forest fire, lived across the street from a house that exploded and survived a near drowning (twice). I think my chances of winning the lottery should be pretty good. So now I have plunked down my hard earned money on this ticket I get to dream for a couple of weeks (which is entertainment in itself). I have already taken the trip, bought the house, the car and helped my family & friends. I bask in the wonderfulness of it all.
Wish me luck.

2009-02-02T16:44:00.000-05:00

Just when I needed a smile here is a picture sent into the Dog Blog by Carol. Come on I bet you are smiling too! Check out what Carol says about Odie on the Dog Blog… Thanks Carol!

2009-01-12T18:38:00.002-05:00

New new new! Bracelets that can be personalized with your own photo! I am currently working on one for a lady turing 50, a gift to her from her sister. A photo of her when she was a child will look awesome!

I will post a photo when completed!

2009-01-07T13:53:00.001-05:00

“Doppelgänger is the double or look-a-like of a person”. My husband and I were discussing this awhile ago. I had never heard of this word.

“An alter ego (Latin, "the other I") is a second self, a second personality or persona within a person”. Now this one I can relate to. I think my art reflects what my alter ego must be like, a little dark, gothic, sophisticated and mysterious. When I can tap into it I produce my best work. It’s the essence of who I am and it would be great to be able to exist as my alter ego all the time however that is impossible. It became impossible when I grew up and stopped pretending (what a shame). At least I can bring it forward when I am in my most creative moments.

2009-01-04T13:38:00.002-05:00

A new year full of possibilities!

I plan to market my work in new ways this year.

Added some new jewelry to the site today, take a look!

2008-12-26T12:16:00.002-05:00

Let me share a photo we took the other night!

2008-12-19T10:05:00.000-05:00

Today is my last day of work at the office before the holidays and we are in the throws of another winter storm! Apart from the big day next week I am going to be at home working on my jewelry. I bought some new beads and crystals and will get down to cutting, shaping and distressing some metal pieces. It will be my “New Year” line. So if it continues to snow over the next week I won’t be bothered!

2008-12-10T16:41:00.001-05:00

I recently attended a great holiday party where the entire house was decorated from top to bottom. I admired the work that went into making the house look so amazing. Then I went home to my dismal no decorations. It wasn’t always this way. When my children were little it was fun to decorate and bake and shop. I still like to look for things that will make someone smile on the big day but the preamble isn’t the same. Children make Christmas, gingerbread and pageants and photos with Santa. It was magic. So if you have little ones or have a chance to be with little ones at this time of year, embrace all of the craziness that Christmas brings.

Time to brush off the dusty tree in my basement, haul it upstairs and get festive!

2008-11-19T09:20:00.004-05:00

On Nov 15th the snow started. Some people actually like this weather and its heralding us into the holidays. I’ve lived in California people and Christmas comes regardless. I much prefer photos on Christmas day under a palm tree.

Last winter where I live was a long and wet one. Driving was a real challenge most days and it has already started. The other day my small 10-minute morning commute turned into 30-minutes. Cars in ditches and bumper to bumper traffic.

Winter 07’ was followed by a wet spring, wet summer and a short fall. Now the snow looks as if it never went away.

Even from a very young age I had an aversion to the cold.

On the bright side, one good thing about this time of year is my cool colourful leather gloves. That’s it…

2008-10-25T11:41:00.002-04:00

Went to see Marie-Antoinette's Dress at the ROM yesterday. It has been reconstructed over the years - notably the bodice in the 1800's. Marie had 36 dresses made per season. I wonder if she ever wore this at all. Still the dress is fantastic and well worth seeing.

http://www.rom.on.ca/ootv.php

2008-10-11T15:33:00.001-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving to those of us living the Great White North!

2008-10-05T15:46:00.002-04:00

Car Show Day! We happened upon this great show today, so many cars to see and of course I am drawn to the "Bare Bones Rat Rods" (so I am told they are called). These things are so imaginative, flash lights over license plates, hand grenades for shifters, very cool...

2008-10-02T19:19:00.003-04:00

Today was busy at the office which is good because it makes the day go quickly. Down side is that I am mentally wiped out at night when I want to get creative in the studio – like now!

Last night I went out and got some interesting findings and some sheet metal (that my husband cut for me thankfully) and I worked to patina / distress along with some silver items. There is a lot of preparatory work to be done! Tonight I hope to pull something together out of this mish mash.

Thank you to my co-workers for supplying me with some interesting jewelry bits and pieces that I will incorporate into my upcoming creations!

2008-09-29T20:06:00.001-04:00

A few more new dangles completed after visiting my local hardware store and several hours of work!

2008-09-28T14:18:00.002-04:00

I am always grateful when I find a fellow 'tribe member'. I met Beth Ann Russell at a great store called The Bead Lady in my own home town. Beth Ann is a wonderful jewelry wire artist who was full of information and advice for me to take away and percolate on. Beth Ann actually described the kind of jewelry I am currently making as “Steampunk”. I went home and researched it and YES Beth Ann you are right, I am a natural born steampunker!

Check out my Jewelry Link to see more of what I am up to.

And thank you Beth Ann, I am more excited as ever to broaden my weird and wonderful horizons!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk

2008-09-22T18:39:00.001-04:00

We were reminiscing the other day about the old Coffee Vending Machines. I remember sliding my quarter into the slot and choosing “regular”. The Styrofoam cup would drop down (right side up if you were lucky) and the coffee would come spurting out “piping warm”.

Who knew what was in it exactly. Was it real cream, sugar or even coffee? Tasted like a combination of dirty Plaster of Paris if I recall, but because nothing else was available there was always a steady stream of people in line.

2008-09-18T17:52:00.002-04:00

Thanks Steve for sending the old photos... Here is one taken of me in 1982. Wow look at my hair and yikes I look so HAPPY?!

Thanks to all who are reading the blog. Am surprised at how many people are!

Let me know you are there by emailing me with a hello, query, if you wish to purchase my work, carry it in your shop, have a show you would like to invite me to or attend a workshop!

2008-09-15T21:51:00.005-04:00

New bracelet completed tonight!

More to come - too many ideas!!

2008-09-14T12:00:00.003-04:00

September 13th, 2008

Thank you to the Johnson/Russell families for inviting us to the celebration of their children's wedding.

Lisa & Derek, you are a beautiful couple!

I wish for you both much love & happiness.

2008-09-12T15:07:00.002-04:00

Here they are - the "Coffee Crew".

This group of fellows meet each morning to solve the problems of the world... Or at least that is what I am told.

2008-09-10T20:13:00.002-04:00

It has been a long day. Awake at 4:00am thinking of my next potential project (one of a kind, customized jeans). Not the gawdy ones all painted from top to bottom but tastefully embellished on the back & front pockets with ribbons, sparkly bits, embroidery, buttons etc etc... I would take your jeans and "Re Di Zine" them!! What do you think?

Not that there is anything wrong with painted jeans. I made a little bit of money painting people's jeans while they were wearing them in the 70's when living in California. Long skirts, flowers in my hair..

Peace☺

My Credo...

2008-09-04T20:10:00.003-04:00

Since I lose interest quickly in a project I have to move on to other things. Not sure what that will be at the moment. I am working on my final two boxes and I think this is it for the series. That train is pulling out of the station and I am waiting for my new passionate “fit” to arrive. In the meantime I’ll be reading a few books or making up pictures while gazing up into my popcorn ceiling.

Prickly People

2008-09-03T20:50:00.002-04:00

A little note today about negative people. Stay away from them, they are bad for your health. My philosophy is that life is hard enough and short enough without the guilt trips and mind games that other human beings like to play. Sometimes being out in the world can be tough. Tonight I will make some art and try not to think about prickly people.

Be nice to each other.

A Wonderful Weekend!

2008-09-02T18:54:00.003-04:00

Spent the long weekend at Sue & Al’s cottage (the best hosts ever)! Met some great people and had a fun, relaxing time.

Lot’s of: Great Weather, Partying, Bocce Ball, Golf, Swimming, Lounging....

Who could ask for more!

Meet my long time friend Kath..

2008-08-28T21:19:00.001-04:00

Just recently we were shopping for a dress for me to wear to her daughter’s wedding. I am in the change room going through one thing after another and I can hear her telling the sales associate outside the door “Oh no, that won’t do, she would never wear that”. Then she hurled a dress at me and said “Here Audrey, try this on”!

It was comforting in that moment to know that she was watching out for me, taking the pressure off. Just what I needed.

Love you old friend.
XO

P.S. Kath, I bought a dress, now need the shoes! Let’s go shopping!

2008-08-27T20:12:00.002-04:00

My son has started his business! Check it out at:

http://www.thebigdirty.ca/

2008-08-24T14:13:00.002-04:00

At the end of a week’s holiday and what a great time for the weather to be at it’s nicest all summer! We have been going to some very interesting places and seeing people we haven’t seen for a long time.

Please check out these two B&B’s that are owned by people we know. Both places are absolutely fantastic and are located in Picton, Ontario.

Brown’s Manor
www.brownsmanor.com

Caruso’s on King Bed & Breakfast & Serenity Spa
www.bbcanada.com/6687.html

We stopped in some very cool small towns. A very talented iron worker had set up shop in Bloomfield. On our way to Kingston we took the Glenora Ferry which is part of the Ontario Highway system. Kingston is a great city and is currently hosting the Lime City Blues Festival. On our way back home we made a stop in Cobourg where each July 1st long weekend they host a fantastic art show. I participated in this for a few years. Stopped in at another friend’s place near Cobaconk on Balsam Lake yesterday.

L'Oracolo

2008-08-17T17:14:00.003-04:00

Completed.

Wonderful Women

2008-08-15T19:53:00.001-04:00

It’s impossible to go to work everyday and not acknowledge some of the great women I work with. The lovely ones in this photo I see every working day. They are also incredible supporters of my art work. Here they are showing off their bracelets that I made!

And thanks Liz for calling me a nerd… You are too!!

(From top to bottom & left to right: Sandra, Nicole, Sue, Liz, Marcia & Jennifer)

What Fun!

2008-08-15T08:01:00.001-04:00

I had dinner with my good friend Wendy last night. How cool is she? Very cool. She has her own gallery and framing shop called Art of the Matter. She takes in my bits and pieces and puts them on display for which I am EVER grateful.

You need supportive friends in your life, ones who will laugh or cry with you (and at you when necessary).

Cheers Wendy!

www.artofthematter.ca

I've Been Busy Lately...

2008-08-13T20:14:00.001-04:00

I bought a new camera and am spending time w/ this toy!

I am still working away at my latest ‘box’ creations. The ideas come faster than I can assemble them. I wish I was always tuned into the “creative channel” but alas it is a fleeting thing with me.

Thanks to my husband Rob who has been helping me problem solve through my current work in progress called “L’Oracolo”.

My First Post

2008-08-03T13:19:00.001-04:00

It's a sunny day on my little part of the planet. I am in my garden with my dog Butch. He and I are discussing how I can bring my current art project outside to work on. These things are always tricky..

I am currently working on a series of 3d collage boxes as a result of making a special one for a wedding gift.

Everything I do is different from the work I did before, this is why I have a hard time explaining to people what it is I do. And I work in small editions because I am easily bored. Its like I get an idea for something, it works itself out in my mind and I get powered up. I work fast (faster than the glue and paint can dry) always wondering when my current inner battery supply will run out. Its like a short addiction, an illogical passion for awhile... Then I end it. I start reading and cleaning the house.

I have been fortunate in the past to have my 2d work published and have had other work in various galleries. I have had some great patrons who have purchased my original work and commissioned me to do other things. But living on an artist's (up and down) income is a hard one. I am not a risk taker. So by night I make art and by day I work as an Executive Assistant.

My art comes from a place within, it's always there even though sometimes napping. I can't remember when I didn't have the urge to create.

More later...