Deeann Rieves Art Blog

Starting the new year with a bang!

2012-01-05T17:14:00.001-08:00

Excited about what this new year will hold

DEC 16- DEAL of the DAY

2011-12-16T10:06:00.000-08:00

From now until Christmas, I have decided to offer a DEAL OF THE DAY with a
SPECIAL ONE DAY LOW PRICE on ONE PAINTING A DAY

December 9 : Rising for $125
(usual price $225)

Rising ; machine embroidery, and mixed media on cut wood panel ; 20" X 13"

email me if you are interested in purchasing

sale price ends at 12:00 NOON Saturday Dec 10

DEC 13, 14, 15 DEALS

2011-12-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

I got behind on posting the DEAL OF THE DAY painting

So... the DEALS for Dec 13th, 14th & 15th will all end at 7:00 PM on Friday the 16th

December 13 : Pooling for $250
(usual price $475)

Pooling ; machine embroidery, lace and acrylic on paper ; 17" X 23" (in 24" X 30" frame)

December 14 : Pulling Away for $250
(usual price $475)

Pulling Away ; machine embroidery, lace and acrylic on paper ; 17" X 23" (in 24" X 30" frame)

December 15 : Scar for $250
(usual price $475)

Scar ; machine embroidery, lace and acrylic on paper ; 17" X 23" (in 24" X 30" frame)

email me if you are interested in purchasing

sale price ends at 7:00 PM Friday Dec 16

Dec 12- DEAL of the DAY

2011-12-11T22:54:00.001-08:00

dont forget to check out the Dec 10th & 11th DEALS

because they were posted late and expire Tuesday Dec 13th at noon as well

December 12 : Covering for $350

(usual price $480)

Covering ; machine embroidery, fabric, and mixed media on cut wood panel ; 36" X 28"

Covering detail

$35-$100 GIFT GALLERY

2011-12-11T20:13:00.001-08:00

GIVE the GIFT of ART this Holiday Season

Original artwork is a timeless gift & adds sophistication & a contemporary feel to every room.

Give your loved ones something that they can treasure forever.

THESE SALE PRICES END DECEMBER 31

email Deeann to inquire - payment accepted through PayPal or Check

Divided ; machine embroidery, fabric, and mixed media on paper ; 16" X 20" framed ; $60

Unfold ; machine embroidery, fabric, and mixed media on paper ; 16" X 20" framed ; $60

To the Side ; machine embroidery, fabric, and mixed media on paper ; 16" X 20" framed ; $60

Pushing ; machine embroidery, fabric, and mixed media on paper ; 16" X 20" framed ; $60

Spill ; acrylic and mixed media on paper ; 12" X 18" framed ; $35

Panic and Rush ; acrylic and charcoal on wood panel ; 16" X 12" and 18" X 12" ; $140


Panic ; acrylic and charcoal on wood panel ; 16" X 12" ; $60 (can be sold alone or with Rush as a diptych)

Rush ; acrylic and charcoal on wood panel ; 18" X 12" ; $80 (can be sold alone or with Panic as a diptych)

Descend and Arise (diptych) ; machine embroidery and mixed media on torn paper ; 16" X 20" each (framed) ; $100

Descend ; machine embroidery and mixed media on torn paper ; 16" X 20" ; $50

(can be sold alone or with Arise as a diptych)


Arise ; machine embroidery and mixed media on torn paper ; 16" X 20" ; $50 (can be sold alone or with Arise as a diptych)

Stay tuned for more pieces to come in this same price range!

Dec 10 & 11- DEAL of the DAY

2011-12-11T14:20:00.001-08:00

I got behind on posting the DEAL OF THE DAY painting

So... the DEALS for Dec 10th & 11th will both end at noon on Tuesday the 13th

December 10 : Rushing Over for $350
(usual price $430)

email me if you are interested in purchasing

sale price ends at 12:00 NOON Tuesday Dec 13th

December 11 : Whitewash for $300
(usual price $450)

email me if you are interested in purchasing
sale price ends at 12:00 NOON Tuesday Dec 13th

DEC 9- DEAL of the DAY

2011-12-06T19:53:00.001-08:00

From now until Christmas, I have decided to offer a DEAL OF THE DAY with a
SPECIAL ONE DAY LOW PRICE on ONE PAINTING A DAY

December 9 : Holding It Together for $425
(usual price $500)

Holding It Together ; machine embroidery, fabric, canvas and mixed media on cut wood panel ; 24" X 26"

Holding It Together detail

email me if you are interested in purchasing

sale price ends at 12:00 NOON Saturday Dec 10

DEC 8- DEAL of the DAY

2011-12-06T19:43:00.001-08:00

From now until Christmas, I have decided to offer a DEAL OF THE DAY with a
SPECIAL ONE DAY LOW PRICE on ONE PAINTING A DAY

December 8 : Mending the Grey for $230
(usual price $325)

Mending the Grey ; machine embroidery, gauze, fabric, canvas and mixed media on cut wood panel ; 19" X 28"

email me if you are interested in purchasing

sale price ends at 12:00 NOON Friday Dec 9

DEC 7- DEAL of the DAY

2011-12-06T18:45:00.001-08:00

From now until Christmas, I have decided to offer a DEAL OF THE DAY with a
SPECIAL ONE DAY LOW PRICE on ONE PAINTING A DAY

December 7 : Stirring for $425
(usual price $500)

Stirring ; machine embroidery, fabric, canvas, and mixed media on cut wood panel ; 24" X 24"

Stirring detail

email me if you are interested in purchasing

sale price ends at 12:00 NOON Thursday Dec 8

DEC 6- DEAL of the DAY

2011-12-06T09:08:00.001-08:00

From now until Christmas, I have decided to offer a DEAL OF THE DAY with a
SPECIAL ONE DAY LOW PRICE on ONE PAINTING A DAY

two paintings near and dear to my heart because they are currently my favorites!

December 6 : Above Water and Drifting for $375
(usual price $450)

Above Water and Drifting (diptych) ; machine embroidery, paper and mixed media on wood panels ; 20" X 15" each

email me if you are interested in purchasing

sale price ends at 12:00 NOON Wednesday Dec 7

DEC 5- DOUBLE DEAL of the DAY

2011-12-04T18:12:00.001-08:00

From now until Christmas, I have decided to offer a DEAL OF THE DAY with a
SPECIAL ONE DAY LOW PRICE on ONE PAINTING A DAY

today's piece is the largest in size of the DEAL of the DAY paintings so far,

it is from my series Spills and Coverings and has been featured in 4 solo shows

December 5 : Covered for $390
(usual price $480)

Covered ; machine embroidery, fabric, and acrylic on wood panel ; 46" X 24"


Covered detail

email me if you are interested in purchasing sale price ends at 12:00 NOON Tuesday Dec 6

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

engagement commission

THE DOUBLE DEAL OF THE DAY

is an additional discount on a COMMISSION painting where you can:

Order the painting you have always envisioned designed specifically to your taste.

Original artwork is timeless & adds sophistication & a contemporary feel to every room.

Order a piece to complete a room in your home or give your loved ones something that they can treasure forever.

"Falling Slowly" Abstract Commission

baby commission

whimsical collage commission

Mark and Run ; two works on paper float framed ; you can order a diptych with two pieces that work together like t

ORDER AN 18" X 24" COMMISSION TODAY for $100 (usually $150)& pay conveniently online with PayPal even if you don't have a PayPal account

please visit the COMMISSION PAGE on my website to learn more about commissions, see samples, and check out more Holiday prices if you order before THIS THURSDAY DEC 8.

HOLIDAY PRICING
UNTIL THURS DEC 8:

14" X 18"- ~~$85~~ $70
16" X 20"- ~~$125~~ $95
18" X 24"- ~~$150~~ $120
24" X 24"- ~~$180~~ $135
24" X 30"- ~~$200~~ $150
24" X 36"- ~~$250~~ $200
30" X 40"- ~~$350~~ $290
36" X 36"- ~~$400~~ $330
36" X 48"- ~~$475~~ $400
40" X 48"- ~~$525~~ $425
48" X 48"- ~~$600~~ $500
you can also order a triptych like this one with 3 panels for a large wall

LARGE abstract commission adds a rough, contemporary feel to this home ; 20 inches X 10 feet

DEC 4- DEAL of the DAY

2011-12-04T07:27:00.001-08:00

From now until Christmas, I have decided to offer a DEAL OF THE DAY with a
SPECIAL ONE DAY LOW PRICE on ONE PAINTING A DAY

December 4 : Dripping for $100
(usual price $180)

Dripping ; machine embroidery and mixed media on wood panel ; 18" X 10"

email me if you are interested in purchasing
sale price ends at 12:00 NOON Monday Dec 5
(24 hrs after this announcement)

DEC 3- DEAL of the DAY- SOLD!

2011-12-03T08:39:00.001-08:00

From now until Christmas, I have decided to offer a DEAL OF THE DAY with a
SPECIAL ONE DAY LOW PRICE on ONE PAINTING A DAY

December 3 : Slowly for $75
(usual price $95)

Slowly ; machine embroidery, acrylic, and mixed media on wood panel ; 8.5" X 13"

SOLD

DEC 2- DEAL of the DAY

2011-12-01T19:09:00.001-08:00

From now until Christmas, I have decided to offer a DEAL OF THE DAY with a
SPECIAL ONE DAY LOW PRICE on ONE PAINTING A DAY

December 2 : Collapse for $200
(usual price $275)

Collapse ; machine embroidery, canvas, fabric, and mixed media on wood panel ; 18" X 24"

email me if you are interested in purchasing
sale price ends at 9:00 AM Saturday Dec 3
(24 hrs after this announcement)

AND yesterday's deal wasn't posted until later last night, so check it out because

the DEC 1 DEAL OF THE DAY doesn't expire until 9:30 PM TONIGHT!

DEC 1- DEAL of the DAY

2011-12-01T16:19:00.001-08:00

From now until Christmas, I have decided to offer a DEAL OF THE DAY with a

SPECIAL ONE DAY LOW PRICE on ONE PAINTING A DAY

December 1 : Bundle for $125

(usual price $175)

Bundle ; machine embroidery, fabric, and mixed media on wood panel ; 17" X 18"

email me if you are interested in purchasing
sale price ends at 9:30 PM Friday Dec 2
(24 hrs after this announcement)

Give the GIFT of ART this Holiday Season!

2011-11-27T23:10:00.001-08:00

Give the GIFT of Art this Holiday Season

Original artwork is a timeless gift & adds sophistication & a contemporary feel to every room. Give your loved ones something that they can treasure forever. Below are the available works for purchase for this Holiday Season.

SMALL WORKS SERIES : Fluid

BRAND NEW work - machine embroidery, paper, & mixed media on wood panel

click here to view gallery

10% OFF 2011 SERIES : Spills and Coverings

An innovative series- sculptural paintings on cut wood & framed works on paper

10% off the list price on all paintings in this series if you order before THURS DEC 8

click to view gallery

ORDER YOUR OWN UNIQUE PAINTING: Commissions

order the painting you have always envisioned designed specifically to your taste-

abstract contemporary or mixed media collage with a quote,photos, and a theme

click to view past commission samples and more ordering information

Commission Prices until Dec 8

14" X 18"- ~~$85~~ $70

16" X 20"- ~~$125~~ $95

18" X 24"- ~~$150~~ $120
24" X 24"- ~~$180~~ $135
24" X 30"- ~~$200~~ $150
24" X 36"- ~~$250~~ $200
30" X 40"- ~~$350~~ $290
36" X 36"- ~~$400~~ $330
36" X 48"- ~~$475~~ $400

40" X 48"- ~~$525~~ $425
48" X 48"- ~~$600~~ $500

for larger sizes, email for a quote

shipping usually adds $15-25

you will receive your painting via FedEx Ground in time for the holidays if you ORDER BY DEC 8.

JOURNALS : Brave Embrace - Where Art and Journaling Meet

BRAVE EMBRACE is a perfect bound 7" X 10.5" journal. $10

96 full color pages of background paintings for your own writing and creativity.

preview every page of the journal here

Happy Holidays from

www.deeannrieves.com

email Deeann with any questions, comments or inquiries

Decatur Art Walk THIS FRIDAY Nov 4th

2011-10-30T06:11:00.000-07:00

Spills & Coverings and brand new small works
will be featured in a solo exhibit at
Decatur's Semi-Annual ART WALK & Wine Festival
at Grow Salon & the grand opening of Rebirth Boutique
627 East College Ave. Decatur, GA 30030·5321

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4th
5:00- 10:00 PM

preview a few of the pieces that will be in the show below:


Above Water and Drifting ; machine embroidery, paper, and mixed media on panel 18" X 22" each ; $300 each


Rising ; machine embroidery, paper, and mixed media on cut panel 18" X 22" ; $300

Whitewash ; mixed media on wood panel ; 24" X 30" $500

Moving the Pieces; machine embroidery, plaster gauze,
ceramic pieces, and mixed media on wood panel
41" X 35" ; $650

Pulling Away ; machine embroidery, fabric, and lace on paper
30" X 24" framed
$450 (or two framed pieces for $800)

Pooling ; machine embroidery, fabric, and lace on paper
30" X 24" framed
$450 (or two framed pieces for $800)

Scar ; machine embroidery, fabric, and lace on paper
30" X 24" framed
$450 (or two framed pieces for $800)

Covered ; machine embroidery, fabric, and acrylic
on wood panel ; 46" X 24" $450

Knots Unraveling ; machine embroidery, fabric, and paper
20" X 16" (in shadowbox frame) $200

Rushing Over ; machine embroidery, mixed media,
and acrylic on wood panel ; 31" X 17" $450

Walls Crumble ; machine embroidery and mixed media on shaped cut wood panel 35" X 41" $650

No Longer Bound ; fabric, canvas, twine, acrylic, mixed media
and machine embroidery on wood panel; 36" X 32" ; $600

Stirring ; machine embroidery, fabric, canvas and mixed media
on cut wood panel ; 24" X 24" ; $500

Tearing Away ; paper, canvas, fabric, machine embroidery, mixed media and acrylic
on wood panel 51" X 27" ; $475

Tugging, Clinging, Falling Apart (triptych)
machine embroidery and fabric
12" X 10" each (in shadowbox frames) ; $300

Mending the Grey
machine embroidery, gauze, canvas, and fabric on cut wood panel
19" X 28" ; $325

Unfolding
machine embroidery, vintage lace, canvas, and fabric on wood panel
20" X 16" ; $225

2011-10-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

"Future Heirlooms : Deeann Rieves" Interview about my work posted on

Mr X Stitch Contemporary Embroidery and NeedleCraft Blog

"I immediately loved it and felt connected to it. She powerfully combines realism and abstraction and also works areas of loose free shapes and line with refined careful stitches. The contrast in her work pulls me in and makes me want to stay and learn more. So she seemed like a perfect subject for my next Future Heirlooms. Turns out I was right. So here we go. Meet Deeann."

-Joetta Maue, curator

Art Workshops Oct 14-20

2011-10-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

MIXED MEDIA PAINTING WORKSHOPS NEXT WEEK

Join us for an art party, laugh with friends, eat snacks, make a mess,

and CREATE a unique painting to take home with you!

$30 a person, bring your own canvas
I bring everything else & everyone leaves with a finished painting!

Little Rock, AR - FRIDAY Oct 21 : 6-9 PM

3 Point South Ct. Little Rock, AR 72211

Conway, AR - THURSDAY Oct 20 : 6-9 PM
1055 Raymond Drive, Conway AR 72034

please email me at deeannrieves@gmail.com to let me know if you are interested in attending

that way I can inform the host & put you on the list before that workshops fills up!

FINISHED PAINTINGS FROM 2010 WORKSHOPS:

MORE DETAILS:
These workshops are for beginners or those who love to paint. I will walk everyone through several steps together and as we go through the process, everyone's paintings become different and unique. You can even bring your own photos to collage into the painting. Last year, so many people who came laughed about how they weren't artistic and left pleased and proud of their paintings! Some of them even gave them as Christmas gifts to friends and family...

I am so excited! please don't hesitate to email me if you have ANY questions...

deeannrieves@gmail.com

& SPREAD THE WORD!!

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND VISIT THE FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Spills and Coverings Series

2011-09-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

Spills and Coverings Series

Coverings are pieced together tocontrol what appears on the surface. But they are made up of tattered pieces, barely joined by a threadsuspending the ever-expanding gaps that form within. Controlling this facade isan illusion and the bare emptiness underneath lingers in the shadows. Tension builds to a breaking point andcoverings are worn down. Coverstories crumble and walls disintegrate like brittle leaves as reality spillsthough.

Vulnerability appears inaccidental spills. The fragile pieces are unveiled and the hidden, intimateparts unfold like lace as the spill reveals brokenness and the delicate threadslose shape and fall apart. Thereis freedom in a spill rushing over and flooding in, leaving marks that influenceand ruin what once was in the layers beneath the surface. It breaks the normalboundaries, unable to contain what was stirring within.

Walls Crumble ; machine embroidery and mixed media on shaped, cut wood panel; 35" X 41" ; 2010
$650

if any of the pieces below do not have a price listed, it is because they are currently on display in an exhibit,

please email me at deeannrieves@gmail.com to inquire

Rushing Over ; machine embroidery, mixed media, and acrylic on wood panel ; 31" X 17" ; 2010
$430

Letting Go the Grasp ; Machine embroidery and mixed media on shaped, cut wood panel ; 55" X 46"
$800

Tear ; machine embroidery, fabric, and lace on paper ; 30" X 24" $475 (framed)

Puddles To the Ground; machine embroidery, fabric, canvas, vintage lace, and mixed media ; 78" X 32" X 31" d (puddle on the floor)

Knots Unraveling ; machine embroidery, fabric, and paper ; 20" X 16" (in shadowbox frame) ; 2010
$290

Broken Pieces Falling (triptych) ; ceramic pieces, lace, and mixed media on panel ; 12" X 12" (each) ; 2010 ; SOLD

Overflow ; machine embroidery and mixed media on shaped wood panel ; 37" X 38" ; 2010

Pieced Together; machine embroidery, fabric, canvas, paper, and mixed media acrylic; 48" X 39" ; 2011
$735

Scar ; machine embroidery, fabric, and lace on paper ; 30" X 24"
$475 (framed)


Stirring ; machine embroidery, fabric, canvas and mixed media on cut wood panel ; 24" X 24" ; 2010 $500

Pooling ; machine embroidery, fabric, and lace on paper ; 30" X 24" $475 (framed)

Moving the Pieces; machine embroidery, plaster gauze, ceramic pieces, and mixed media on wood panel; 41" X 35" ; 2011
$650

No Longer Bound; fabric, canvas, twine, acrylic, mixed media and machine embroidery on wood panel; 36" X 32" ; 2011
$590

Covered ; machine embroidery, fabric, and acrylic on wood panel ; 46" X 24" ; 2010
$480

Holding It Together ; machine embroidery, canvas, and mixed media on cut wood panel ; 24" X 26" ; 2010

Her Tattered Covering ; machine embroidery, lace, and acrylic ; 48" X 35" ; 2010
$700

Tugging, Clinging, Falling Apart (triptych) ; machine embroider and fabric ; 12" X 10" each (in shadowbox frames) ; 2010
$350


By A Thread ; machine embroidery, lace, and mixed media on cut wood panel ; 26" X 11" ; 2010	SOLD

Delicates Spill ; Installation ; machine embroidery, lace, and acrylic ; 2010
$850

Tearing Away; paper, canvas, fabric, machine embroidery, mixed media and acrylic on wood panel; 51" X 27" ; 2011
$480

Pulling Back ; machine embroidery, fabric, and lace on paper ; 30" X 24" (framed)
$475

email me at deeannrieves@gmail.com to inquire

2011-09-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Fiber Focus 2011

September 6 - October 13

at Art St. Louis

OPENING RECEPTION TONIGHT: Friday September 16, 6:00-10:00

555 Washington Avenue, #150 • St. Louis, MO 63101-1239 • 314-241-4810

my pieces in the show:


Puddles to the Ground ; 78" X 32" X 31" (puddle)

Holding It Together ; 24" X 26"

why

2011-09-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

I keep getting stuck in this rut of not being open and vulnerable on my blog. The whole reason I blog is because it helps me think through my work, my processes, and perhaps it would interest someone else to see more of the process. So if I am not open and honest, who am I even helping? I've noticed sometimes it helps me write if I pretend I am writing to someone who I am very open with.

Dear Amy,

This is my fourth year working full time in my studio and to be honest this year has been a bittersweet one with my career. So I have questioned my purpose often, and really been asking myself why a lot. Not in a depressing, "I quit" sort of way (although I must admit I have had a couple of down days and allowed myself to sink a bit), but more in a philosophical sort of way-- why do I do what I do? What does it mean to me to be an artist?

I even questioned whether or not I could just make pretty things for people to buy because they were pretty, is that what the galleries are wanting? Is that what people are buying? Should I care about this?

I was in a festival the other day and I feel like my work was well received overall, but a lot of individual reactions were comical at the time, but also thought provoking:
"Well that's... interesting"
"I had to come take a close look at that.... never seen anything like that before"
"What... is that?"
"Why did you start cutting holes in your paintings?"
"How in the world did you come to do this?"
"I don't know much about art, but this is interesting, but what does it mean?"

Raw , the diptych that sold at the Franklin Jazz Festival 2011 Sept 3-4 in Franklin, TN with WCCAC

It was almost like being in school again in a critique and it was so good to have to explain myself and put it all together. It really helped me connect the dots. After questioning my career and considering what to do next, I have come to realize a few things about my perspective on art. To me, my artwork has to be:

1. aesthetically pleasing AND conceptual (not to mention meaningful to me)
2. part of a series of pieces, thoughts, concepts (even if these overlap)
3. the process of the work is important to the meaning of each piece
4. the way each piece is presented does not have to be exactly the same

I do think that I need to put a little less pressure on myself in my studio. It is work. art. work. but, it has to be enjoyable, inspiring, and an adventure that I am eager to stay in. I had a portfolio review a few years back and she asked me where I wanted to go in my career-- did I want to paint stuff that people would buy to put over their couch? no, but I do want to sell my work and make a living doing what I love. or did I want to be famous (what does this even mean nowadays?) and edgy in my work to get attention? no. not interested in political, edgy, weird, stuff that drove me insane at art school. or did I want to be the type of artist that was both and fit somewhere in between. yes, please.

Still thinking through it all...

method.

2011-09-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

new works in progress in the studio

nothing about my life is really routine- what time I wake up in the morning, what I have to do every day, how long I need to work, finances, etc... I consider myself a pretty self-disciplined and organized individual (almost obsessively so, with way too many charts, lists, and goals to keep up with) but I do everything at random times, in spurts. I think in a lot of ways this is positive-- I do not have your every day job where things are predictable and become mundane, but sometimes I desire more of a method.

I feel like I should have worked out a method for how I work. In school I feel like that was some of the advice I got- begin a certain way, do the next step, keep going and adding and doing similar steps to each piece in the series and they will eventually all be resolved on their own individual levels.

But, this is hard to do when I am working the way I do. My Spills and Coverings Series, for instance, I have been working on the series long enough you would think I would have it down but some pieces are on paper, some are on paper then glued to wood, some start on wood then I add paper fabric and thread, others begin with fabric and thread, or even plastic and thread, they are all very different processes.

all new works around 14" X 20"

I have begun working on some pieces that in my head are a new little series called "small spills" but I am debating whether or not small is a negative term. I have tried to have more of a method of working (not an easy transition by the way) but it is going really well and I really have enjoyed making these new pieces. I think working a little more methodically was helpful.

here is a photo of a piece in progress and you can see the solvey plastic I use to sew on that dissolves in water..

I am so excited! Finally a breakthrough after being out of my studio routine for the summer and working on shows. I am enjoying this new work and even enjoying working small, which is usually a challenge for me. Below are my new favorite pieces:

Above Water and Drifting

jumping back in

2011-08-29T07:08:00.001-07:00

In the Summer my schedule is a bit different than other seasons, but I embrace it. I love to teach children in the summer , do workshops and get out of my comfortable studio routine. Plus, this June I had a solo show in Memphis at Downtown Pres Gallery which went well, selling my newest piece "Tipping". My August solo exhibit at The Renaissance Center in Dickson, TN just came down this past weekend and two group exhibitions are coming to a close as well- Metro Montage XI in GA and The Elegant Line in CA.

Getting back into the studio is difficult after such a change and having finished most of my work before the summer exhibits, my studio looks like this:

not many works in progress, just blank canvases ready for new beginnings. It is a fresh start but, not when I am still working on my Spills and Coverings series... I am wanting to do some small works to go with the series but maybe remain somewhat separate? Working small has always been a challenge to me and in school, one of my professors encouraged us to make "studies" and this helped me bravely face the tiny papers or canvases similar to the way I would work in a sketchbook- with no fear...not over-analyzing concepts, color choices, techniques, the best process to use or the order of how I work.

It is so easy to get caught up in blogging, twitter, emails, my facebook art page, editing photos, email blasts, applying to shows, etc that I get so distracted and feel weird, then I realize I have been working (logging my hours too) but not actually CREATING anything. I literally had to force myself to just start something and make a mess on a few of these crisp intimidating canvases, and hopefully I will be even more productive in creating this week!

The Renaissance Center Solo Exhibit: Spills and Coverings

2011-08-13T19:25:00.001-07:00

Spills and Coverings : Dickson, TN Solo Exhibition

at The Renaissance Center's North and East Wing Galleries
Exhibition : August 5-28

The Renaissance Center
855 Highway 46 South
Dickson, TN 37055

only about 35 minutes from downtown Nashville 4 exits past Bellevue

Tearing Away, Delicates Spill, Covering, and Walls Crumble

Tear and Scar
two of my new works on paper

Letting Go the Grasp and Stirring
Pieced Together and Moving the Pieces

Scar and When the Bottom Falls Out

more about Spills and Coverings

Deeann's new paintings combine fabric, machine embroidery, and fiber techniques that disrupt and distort the surfaces, which become their own organic forms of sculptural painting.

Read Deeann's Artist Statement and view the Spills and Coverings Series consisting of over twenty contemporary paintings. Feel free to comment on this post or email deeannrieves@gmail.com with any questions or inquiries.

Pooling
another one of the new works on paper

Pancakes and Paris

2011-08-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

In my previous post Sing, I talked about two large commissions for my mother in law. Here is a photo of the other commission painting, Pancakes and Paris.

this piece combines the handwriting of both of her children-- a letter that Grace hid in her suitcase when Nancy went to Paris and a writing assignment that Loyd wrote in Elementary school "The perfect gift for my mother would be..."

Loyd's handwriting basically says "the perfect gift for my mother would be... nothing really because all she ever wants to do is make pancakes. So usually, we make pancakes.

these two commissions have given me a lot of inspiration for a series of paintings involving handwriting. And not my handwriting, but the original handwriting of people we love. It reminded me of my "Family Folklore" project in high school where I had to gather photos, facts, family traditions, anything memorable and I believe we received bonus points for including copies of handwriting from members of our family, specifically those who had passed.

There is something so special about notes, letters, written words, and how everyone's handwriting is unique. If you are interested in gathering something special to you with handwriting and commissioning a piece of your own, email me at deeannrieves@gmail.com

Sing!

2011-08-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

Nancy, my very cool mother in law, commissioned a couple of large paintings for her new condo, both involving handwriting. I have always liked artwork with writing on it, although I know sometimes others don't, but this was even more interesting because it wasn't my handwriting she was interested in. She wanted her children's handwriting on the pieces, and I will go more into that on the post about the other piece, Pancakes and Paris.

the painting here is called "Sing" and she wanted it to fit perfectly into her newly renovated bathroom that feels like a spa. So we kept the color scheme minimal and threw in a grey blue. Mainly I wanted to keep the piece airy and peaceful so that the words and sheet music would stay the focal point. The music and lyrics on the painting are by her son, and my brilliant husband, Loyd. Although this is one of his older songs, its still one of her favorites and she wanted to see the lyrics daily.

the lyrics on the piece are from Loyd's song "Sing" :

"I want to play a song that makes your spirit sing...
...so sing with me...
I want to hear you sing
I want to feel you shout
I want to see you dancing around
I want you to know your loved and to live your life the way you've always wanted to
you don't have to be a victim of conformity
your worth so much more than this life may have had you beleive
so dance with me"

-Loyd Rieves
www.loydrieves.com 60" X 46"

Gold Leaf & Encaustic

2011-08-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to do a commission piece that was quite different than my usual style, which I embraced. It reminded me of being in art school and being stretched in your abilities and problem solving, thought process, etc,

they wanted a simple piece using gold and rust, and requested I use gold leaf and encaustic, which I was very excited about trying out together. I painted with yellow ochres and golds then added gold leaf on top when the paint was dry, but when I began to put the beeswax on top, the gold leaf was embedded and didn't have the same shimmer because of the wax's thicker opacity and matte quality. You can see the gold leaf that is under the wax in these detail photos, then I decided to lay gold leaf into the hot wax as I applied another layer and it made the painting have a new dimension that was gorgeous. I wish I could have photographed this better, but it was hard to capture.

the owner of the painting has had a blank wall behind her over 100 year old Buddha sculpture for several years, not sure what to place above it because she didnt want it to take away from the beautiful ornamental qualities in her unique Buddha.

The painting will be hung on the wall, of course, this was just right after I dropped it off to get a feel for how the piece looked with the sculpture.

catching up with Mrs Um....

2011-08-11T08:19:00.000-07:00

I need to catch up on blogging...I am very behind... this June I went to Nashville to teach, then Memphis to set up the Downtown Pres Gallery show and teach a workshop, then back to Nashville for more teaching, Memphis again for the Opening Night at Downtown Pres Gallery, back to Nashville for another week, home to Atlanta & my first Atlanta opening... then of course more traveling in July -back to Memphis for a workshop & picking up all my artwork, back to Nashville to teach for two weeks, to Dickson to set up a show, teaching one last week, to Dickson for Opening Night

and then finally... home. I am realizing I am not really a traveler at heart. but it was a wonderful Summer, but I am delighted to be back in my tiny apartment sitting with my coffee and yogurt with fruit and granola at my coffee table hard at work.

During the Summer, I teach at Watkins College of Art's Summer of the Arts program for children and I also teach at Cheekwood Museum's Summer Camp. I really enjoy the time outside of my studio teaching the little ones- I usually teach 5-6 year olds and occassionally 7-9 or 10-12... their boldness with color and how quickly they work and just everything about it inspires me in ways I don't think I really fully realize while I am there.

and while I am there, I am "Mrs Um... Diane? Diana? Deena? Danielle? Dana? ....Mrs Um.. Dee?" Deeann is a hard name for children, Dee is much easier to remember. Usually if I say for them to call me Dee, it is the one class that actually remembers Deeann.

Here are a few of my favorite projects from the Summer...

Georgia O'Keefe Flowers using Watercolor Resist with Crayons:

Printmaking diptych:

trying to teach the children to work on two things at once, make them work together, and work in layers. paint the backgrounds, draw a grid, paint rectangles, limit your palette, emphasize the geometric lines with oil and chalk pastels, add collage papers and pieces of prints

Richard Dibenkorn landscapes and seascapes:
using tape, layering and nuances

Coffee Spill Abstracts:

Abstract watercolor underpainting and shapes with acrylic on top:

Gustav Klimt Tree, my favorite project with kids every time I do it:

Art Quilt Mixed Media project:

Solo Exhibition OPENS FRIDAY @ The Renaissance Center

2011-07-31T15:09:00.000-07:00

Spills and Coverings : Dickson, TN Solo Exhibition

at The Renaissance Center's North Wing Gallery
Exhibition : August 5-28

OPENING RECEPTION: this Friday, August 5, 6:00-8:00

The Renaissance Center
855 Highway 46 South
Dickson, TN 37055
only about 35 minutes from downtown Nashville 4 exits past Bellevue

About Spills and Coverings

Deeann's new paintings combine fabric, machine embroidery, and fiber techniques that disrupt and distort the surfaces, which become their own organic forms of sculptural painting.

Read Deeann's Artist Statement and view the Spills and Coverings Series consisting of over twenty contemporary paintings.

Metro Montage XI Opening Reception

2011-07-17T10:02:00.001-07:00

Metro Montage XI Opening Reception last night
at Marietta Cobb Museum of Art

so many of my sweet Atlanta friends came out to the art opening and it was such a beautiful night! I am so grateful for them and since this was my first Atlanta area show,
we celebrated and went to get pizza and ice cream in Marietta Square afterwards!

Rushing Over

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place pieces

My piece No Longer Bound won 3rd place

it was really difficult to get a good picture with my little point and shoot camera,
maybe I will get better ones with my nice camera my amazing husband got me for my birthday last year...

AMAZING women, I am so blessed to have each of them in my life!

my husband also bought me this dress as a surprise! he is a musician and is on the road, so he missed the opening but I am sure we will go see the show together when he gets back.

Metro Montage XI OPENS SATURDAY!

2011-07-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Metro Montage XI : Annual Juried Exhibition of Artists

at Marietta Cobb Museum of Art

Marietta, GA

July 16 – September 11 in Galleries 1-3

OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, July 16
6:00-8:00 [ $8 per person ]
light refreshments and a cash bar

my two pieces that No Longer Bound and Rushing Over will be featured in this exhibit :

No Longer Bound

machine embroidery, lace, fabric, twine, mixed media, and acrylic on wood panel
36" X 32"

Rushing Over

machine embroidery, mixed media, and acrylic on wood panel
31" X 17"

The Elegant Line OPENS FRIDAY

2011-07-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

The Elegant Line at The Village Theatre Art Gallery
Danville, CA
July 15- August 26
OPENING RECEPTION: This Friday, July 15 5:00- 8:00 PM
my piece Pulling Away (below) will be featured in this exhibit

accepted into Fiber Focus

2011-07-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

two of my pieces were accepted into a fall exhibit in Missouri!

Fiber Focus 2011
a regional juried arts exhibition
at

Arts Saint Louis
St. Louis, Missouri

September 6- October 13

FREE Opening reception 6-9 p.m., Friday, September 16, 2011

Puddles to the Ground

Holding It Together

June Memphis Workshop

2011-07-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

June was a crazy month... I went to Nashville to teach, to Memphis to set up a show and teach a workshop, back to Nashville to teach, back to Memphis for the Opening Reception, back to Nashville to teach for another week... and now I am finally home. So, back to blogging and time for some serious catching up...

Mixed Media Art Workshop June 18 in Memphis!

we had a wonderful turn-out! 14 people, my biggest workshop ever I believe...

I walk everyone through the first few steps, they choose their own colors and collage materials, we learn a few rules about color, composition, and begin!

then comes the fun part, in my opinion, collage!

above is a piece in progress, and below is the same piece finished at the end of the workshop!

above- unfinished... below, FINISHED!

a lot of the people at this workshop came with some of their own materials and ideas and their pieces really turned out well because of the thought they put behind their work

view more photos from past workshops :
photos from workshops 2010
finished paintings from workshops 2010
Connecting the Layers Memphis Workshop

If you are interested in hosting an art workshop with 8-12 friends to create with Deeann, make a huge mess, learn painting and collage techniques at a Mixed Media Painting, Art Journals, or Altered Books 3 hour workshop please click here to learn more.

accepted into The Elegant Line

2011-07-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

Pulling Away was accepted into a show in California- My very FIRST California exhibit!

The Elegant Line July 15- August 26
The Village Theatre Art Gallery
Danville, CA

Pulling Away
to see more pieces like this, view my blog on the new "works on paper"

OPENING RECEPTION: July 15, 5:00- 8:00 PM

I need to get some sort of credit card where I can earn miles... I wish so badly I could hop on a plane and go to the opening reception for my first CA exhibit, and it would have been so fun to see Fiber Plus in NY in March as well...

any of my blog readers near Danville, CA ?
maybe you could go snap a few photos to email me? haha... that would be GREAT! Thanks!

Spills & Coverings OPENING NIGHT @ Downtown Pres Gallery

2011-06-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

Tipping, Walls Crumble, Her Tattered Covering, Covering

Memphis Solo Exhibition : Spills and Coverings

June 24-July 22

Photos from the Opening Reception on June 24

during the Memphis South Main Trolley Night & Art Walk

Mending the Gray, Tear, Moving the Pieces, Knots Unraveling

Tear
24" X 30"
a new piece (in a series of framed works on paper within the series Spills and Coverings)

Tipping
the newest piece in the show SOLD on OPENING NIGHT!

to see the rest of the photos, please go to Joy Deeann's Art Facebook Page
and while you are there, become a fan!

Memphis Opening Reception THIS FRIDAY: Spills and Coverings

2011-06-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Memphis Solo Exhibition : Spills and Coverings

June 24-July 22

Her Tattered Covering and Walls Crumble

Opening Reception THIS FRIDAY: June 24, 6:00-9:00

during the Memphis South Main Trolley Night & Art Walk

Her Tattered Covering Detail

Memphis South Main Gallery District
Downtown Pres Gallery
502 South Main, Memphis, TN 38103

(right across the street from Bluff City Coffee)

Moving the Pieces

GALLERY HOURS: Tues-Fri 8:30-5:00 [or call 901-270-1973]

Moving the Pieces detail

Tear ( a new work on paper)

Meet the Artist

Join us FRIDAY for the OPENING RECEPTION & meet Deeann or reconnect with her to learn more about her new series. You can really take in the layers and tactile qualities of the delicate machine embroidery, laces, and fabrics when you see these works in person.

Tugging, Clinging, Falling Apart (triptych)

Knots Unraveling

About Spills and Coverings

Deeann's new paintings combine fabric, machine embroidery, and fiber techniques that disrupt and distort the surfaces, which become their own organic forms of sculptural painting.

Read Deeann's Artist Statement and View the paintings from Spills and Coverings.

Pieced Together

The show includes FIVE new paintings from the series!
I hope to see you at the opening this weekend if you live in the Memphis area.

If you would like to receive an Exhibit Postcard, send your address to deeannrieves@gmail.com to be on the snail mail mailing list

accepted into Metro Montage XI

2011-06-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

Two of my pieces were accepted into a show in the Metro Atlanta area! and I am so excited because this is the first Atlanta area show I will be in since moving to Atlanta...

Metro Montage XI : Annual Juried Exhibition of Artists

at Marietta Cobb Museum of Art

Marietta, GA

July 16 – September 11 in Galleries 1-3

No Longer Bound and Rushing Over

OPENING RECEPTION July 16
more information to come...

Fiber Plus 2011 Exhibit Photos

2011-06-19T14:16:00.001-07:00

Fiber Plus Exhibition:
A National Juried Exhibition of 21st Century Fiber with Mixed Media

March 20-May 18, 2011
at Blue Door Gallery in Yonkers, NY

Photos by Arlé Sklar-Weinstein, courtesy of Blue Door Gallery

Photos by Arlé Sklar-Weinstein, courtesy of Blue Door Gallery

my piece in the show:

Holding It Together

from my Spills and Coverings Series

Spills and Coverings Series Statement:

Coverings are pieced together to control what appears on the surface. But they are made up of tattered pieces, barely joined by a thread suspending the ever-expanding gaps that form within. Controlling this facade is an illusion and the bare emptiness underneath lingers in the shadows. Tension builds to a breaking point and coverings are worn down. Cover stories crumble and walls disintegrate like brittle leaves as reality spills though.

Vulnerability appears in accidental spills. The fragile pieces are unveiled and the hidden, intimate parts unfold like lace as the spill reveals brokenness and the delicate threads lose shape and fall apart. There is freedom in a spill rushing over and flooding in, leaving marks that influence and ruin what once was in the layers beneath the surface. It breaks the normal boundaries, unable to contain what was stirring within.

Fantastic Fibers 2011 Exhibit Photos

2011-06-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

Fantastic Fibers:
An International Juried Art Exhibition

at the Yeiser Art Center in Paducah, KY
April 2-30, 2011

(photo by Michael Crouse, courtesy of Yeiser Art Center)

(photo by Michael Crouse, courtesy of Yeiser Art Center)

(photo by Michael Crouse, courtesy of Yeiser Art Center)

my piece in the show:

Surrender, Courage, Desperation, and Vulnerability

Surrender

but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned,all she had to live on

Courage

she came up behind Him and touched the fringe of his garment

Desperation

“woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “no one”

Vulnerability

she knelt behind him, weeping, with her tears falling on his feet,

wiping them with her hair

A common thread ties women throughout history together and this cohesion has been the source of my inspiration. In a world where so many things are relative and society focuses on individualism, I like to see how broader histories can still speak about present conditions. I am currently focusing on women from the Bible in my paintings by focusing on one moment of their story and examining how I can relate to it. People today deal with the same issues of abandonment, guilt, doubt, or insecurity and can look to historical figures that lead captivating lives for guidance.

The quilt pieces together four women of faith from the New Testament whose stories were recorded without their names. They each had an encounter with Christ that left an impression in history about how women were to be treated with significance. Each of them had been condemned by society because of their poverty, disease, gender or promiscuity, but He accepted them by caring for their personal needs and offering their hurting hearts grace and healing. He stood up for a hopeless woman and reminded us to show compassion and give others a second chance. In a time when women were restricted by a patriarchal society, Jesus singled them out and used them as examples for the way we should live—the willingness to give to others even when we feel empty, the boldness to reach out of our isolation when we know we need help, and that it is okay to be vulnerable when we need to spill out everything we have been holding inside. They embody beauty in their surrender, courage, desperation, and vulnerability.

Walk Humbly and Love Mercy

2011-05-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

my friend Rachel recently got two tattoo's, and they are in my handwriting!!
WALK HUMBLY and LOVE MERCY

Rachel and I got close when we went to Uganda last year
and ever since then I have felt like we have been friends since we were little girls
you can see more photos from Uganda here
(oh man, looking at those make me want to be back there holding those babies RIGHT NOW)

she is going to Costa Rica for the summer! I am so grateful to call her friend

and...Rachel is an AMAZING photographer,
check out her stuff on her website : RACHEL JONES PHOTOGRAPHY
(she is the one who helped me learn to photograph my artwork in January)

Album Art : Dan Carson

2011-05-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

I have been working on some album artwork for my Dad's Summer EP

CD Front

DANCARSON.COM

CD BackHe is having it printed through Discmakers

other album art I have done in the past:

Colleen McCarron: Love is in the Details
and
Apples and Eve

FRESH new NEWSLETTERS!

2011-05-27T09:07:00.001-07:00

I am SO EXCITED to have signed up with iContact's Email Marketing so I can send out REAL Eblasts with photos and Links instead of my boring old way of doing newsletters...

I did their free trial for my APRIL NEWSLETTER and LOVED it, it was simple and they had clean layouts that were easy to customize. I was delighted to find out that if you have under 500 contacts, you pay ONLY $10 a month, and if you pay for a full year, its ONLY &8.50 a month! For a VERY small business owner, this was wonderful news! All of the other Eblast services I had looked into cost more than I pay for my website, which in my opinion is ridiculous.

So, lets stay connected not only through blogging, but also through email...
simply go to my website to JOIN MY MAILING LIST
to be the first to learn about specials, shows near you, updates, and workshops!

It takes me FOREVER to choose which photo to include and how to word it though, so no worries to those of you considering joining my mailing list who do not want to be bugged all the time with messages (I totally understand). I can't imagine sending more than a couple a month which is another great reason to not want to pay $16-$20 monthly.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU iContact for this AMAZING upgrade in my business's professionalism!! Try it yourself if you need an email marketing solution for your small business!

I feel like all this year I have focused on making everything clean and professional. Meaning, I figured out how to do little things that I should have sat down and figured out at the beginning of doing my art full time (3 years ago)... making a signature on Gmail (I know, sounds simple but it took me forever), putting tags on my blog posts, making Twitter connect to Facebook (haha), finally making a logo to use on letterhead, shipping labels, my website, and now my fancy new newsletters! Its amazing how much time things take that seem like they wouldn't take very long at all. But it is interesting to see how it slooowly unfolds.

Fiber Plus : Exhibition Book

2011-05-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

The exhibition Fiber Plus in New York has come to a close,
here is a photo of the exhibit and there is my piece "Holding It Together"

so my piece Holding It Together came back this week, safely shipped in my very well protected packaging that I blogged about a few months ago : Professional Packing

The gallery made an exhibition book that was available for purchase and it was so nicely put together and a wonderful way for someone like me, who was unable to go to the show, to get to see the other artist's work and read their statements and see a few photos from the exhibition. Here are a few snapshots of the book that I wanted to share...
Thank you Blue Door Gallery for putting this together.

my page in the Exhibition Book
and here are a few other pages and links to the artists websites:

Ludmila Aristova
Deborah J Bein

Susan Lenz
Denise Linet

Wen Redmond
Judith Plotner

They made the book through Blurb Books
I used Blurb to make my Wedding Book and it turned out AMAZING
its a great company to order photo books from, they have great layouts that are clean and professional, you get your book quickly once you order and the quality is fantastic.

just five.

2011-05-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

if I had to pick just five pieces to represent my series Spills and Coverings, these are the five I would choose, and in this order (harder to choose than it looks):

1. Puddles To the Ground
Machine embroidery, fabric, canvas, vintage lace, and mixed media
78" X 32" X 31" d (puddle on the floor)

2. Stirring
Machine embroidery, fabric, canvas, and mixed media on cut wood panel
24” X 24”

3. Walls Crumble
Machine embroidery, and mixed media on shaped, cut wood panel
35” X 41”

4. Moving the Pieces
Machine embroidery, plaster gauze, ceramic pieces, and mixed media on wood panel
41" X 35"

5. Letting Go the Grasp
Machine embroidery, and mixed media on shaped, cut wood panel
55” X 46”

portfolio

2011-04-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

I am putting together a portfolio presentation of my Spills and Coverings series. I am such a perfectionist sometimes, I have been working for weeks on the order to put them in so they have a nice flow... and I still want to include a couple more that I am still putting finishing touches on...

Spills and Coverings Statement:

Coverings are pieced together to control what appears on the surface. But they are made up of tattered pieces, barely joined by a thread suspending the ever-expanding gaps that form within. Controlling this facade is an illusion and the bare emptiness underneath lingers in the shadows. Tension builds to a breaking point and coverings are worn down. Cover stories crumble and walls disintegrate like brittle leaves as reality spills though.

Vulnerability appears in accidental spills. The fragile pieces are unveiled and the hidden, intimate parts unfold like lace as the spill reveals brokenness and the delicate threads lose shape and fall apart. There is freedom in a spill rushing over and flooding in, leaving marks that influence and ruin what once was in the layers beneath the surface. It breaks the normal boundaries, unable to contain what was stirring within.

Puddles To The Ground
fabric, machine embroidery, and mixed media piece loose canvas

Holding It Together
fabric, canvas, embroidery, and mixed media piece on cut wood panel

Walls Crumble
fabric, embroidery, and mixed media piece on shaped, cut wood panel

Walls Crumble detail

Her Tattered Covering
fabric and embroidery piece in open display frame

Her Tattered Covering detail

Tear
fabric, machine embroidery, and mixed media on paper

Tugging, Clinging, Falling Apart (triptych)
fabric and machine embroidery in shadowbox frames

Clinging detail

Stirring
machine embroidery, canvas, fabric, and mixed media on cut wood panel

No Longer Bound
fabric, canvas, twine, and machine embroidery on wood panel

Pieced Together
fabric, canvas, paper, and machine embroidery in open display frame

Pieced Together detail

Rushing Over
machine embroidery and mixed media on wood panel

When the Bottom Falls Out
machine embroidery and mixed media on wood panel

Delicates Spill
lace, machine embroidery installation piece

Delicates Spill detail

Pulling Away
fabric, machine embroidery, and mixed media on paper

Moving the Pieces
machine embroidery, ceramic pieces, and mixed media on wood panel

Letting Go the Grasp
fabric, embroidery, and mixed media piece on shaped, cut wood panel

new works on paper

2011-04-23T09:44:00.001-07:00

I consider these pieces a part of my series Spills and Coverings. Many artists have separate galleries on their websites called "works on paper" but I will add them to the Spills and Coverings gallery on my website and they will be displayed as a cohesive part of the body of work.

Tear

Tear detail

Tear detail

Pooling

Scar

I displayed these out on the floor with some previous pieces to decide which ones to submit to a contemporary drawing exhibition, and they looked wonderful together. Sometimes when I am working on new stuff, I wonder if it is really flowing into the series well with the old work. So I was thrilled to see that even though they are different mediums and displayed somewhat differently, its all coming together! see if you agree...Tugging, Clinging, Falling Apart (triptych)

Pulling Away

Pulling Away detail

Sewing on paper is actually really fun, I enjoy drawing with the thread, challenging my old sewing machine to work with me as I push and pull and maneuver the paper. I have really enjoyed keeping these drawings simple, giving the viewer a large white area to rest and enjoy the delicate stitches, and the textures of the minimal collaged laces, fabrics, and papers. It is a nice break from highly textured large paintings and I think it adds an interesting element to the series as well with its simplicity. It will appeal to some people more than some of the other more layered colorful pieces, whereas others will prefer a "painting." I really enjoy the fact that it is all just art to me, ALL the same. Not fiber pieces, then drawings, and then paintings... but just... ART. All pieces in one series called Spills and Coverings.

Pulling Away detail

you can view the Spills and Coverings Gallery on my website

or to view more pieces from this series on my blog click HERE and for even more click HERE.

Waters Rise

April Newsletter

2011-04-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

A whole day of social networking! I decided to try out iContacts free trial for my newsletter eblasts so I could include photos in my messages.

for better quality viewing:

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW NEWSLETTER through iCONTACT

for better quality viewing:

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW NEWSLETTER through iCONTACT

JOIN MY MAILING LIST through www.deeannrieves.com
to receive updates like this through your email and stay updated on exhibitions and specials

email me at deeannreives@gmail.com with questions about or purchasing inquiries

creating in the kitchen

2011-04-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to cook more, be good at it, and get better at grocery shopping...
ever since we got married I have most definitely cooked more, LOVE it, and I am getting better and better... I love to cook almost daily, there is something relaxing to me about it, I enjoy it at the end of the day working in my studio... or in the morning (making banana applesauce walnut pancakes above)

For Christmas my mom gave me a subscription to Cooking Light Magazine and it is so wonderful... my new favorite recipe is :

Meyer Lemon Chicken Picatta
I served it with Pasta Roni's Butter and Garlic pasta- DELICIOUS! (and cheap)

I think I enjoy it because it is like creating in the kitchen, and the gratification is a little more immediate than painting maybe. Plus, when Loyd (my husband) joins in, its fun to cook together- always a lot of laughs... here are a few more of my favorites from Cooking Light

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

Sauteed Chicken with Sage Brown Butter

Roasted Vegetable and Ricotta Pizza

I am compiling all my favorite recipes from Cooking Light and making my own cookbook with all the torn out pages. Because I know myself, I would NOT remember which recipe was on what page in which magazine. So instead, make my own compilation of recipe's I have actually tried... My favorite cookbook though is The Gathering of Friends (volume 2 is my fave) by
Michelle Huxtable and Alyse Christensen, here are our 2 favorites to make in this cookbook:

Bar-B-Q Chicken Pizza (prepare yourself for the best pizza you have ever EVER eaten, and remind yourself of that while it takes so long to prepare it to cook) :

(actual photo of our pizza in my kitchen)

Crust:
2 1/4 Cup flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. active dry yeast
1 tbsp. oil
1 cup water

preheat oven to 450. combine flour, salt, sugar and yeast. stir together with wire whisk. add oil and water together and fold into flour mixture with a fork until you form a ball. turn on to a floured surface and knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth. brush with olive oil and place in a bowl covered with a damp cloth. let rise in a warm place 20-25 minutes. when dough has risen, roll out evenly and stretch over a large jelly roll pan, cookie sheet or pizza pan.

Toppings:
3 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
3 cups Monterrey Jack cheese
1/2 medium red onion
1/3 cup cilantro
1 tsp. worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 cup Bulls Eye Original BarBQ Sauce

As the dough risese, saute chicken breasts in 1 tsp of olive oil and kosher salt on high until tender. Turn 2-3 times and cut into bite size pieces. Whisk together Worcestershire sauce, pepper, mayonnaise, ketchup and bbq sauce until smooth. Spread the sauce over the entire pizza. Slice the red onion into very thin half rounds. Sprinkle over the sauce, spread chicken evenly over pizza and top with Jack cheese. Finish with fresh minced cilantro. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until completely cooked in the middle. Serve immediately. If prepared as h'ors d'oeuvre, cook for only 15 minutes, wrap in aluminum foil and put in oven at 175 before serving right out of the oven.

and

Gorganzola Crusted Beef Tenderloin:
6 beef tenderloin mdellions (6 oz each)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black peppercorn
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
1 cup gorgonzola cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced (or less dry parsley)
1/4 cup fresh chives, finely minced
1/3 cup fresh basil, gently minced
1/4 tsp salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425. Season medallions with Kosher salt and pepper/ In a pan, sear on high heat the medallions in oil. Using tongs sear all edges and sides. Place medallions on cookie sheet, set aside. Combine bread crumbs, cheese, parsley, chivs, basil and 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. mix thoroughly, pack mixture on top and sides of each medallion. Bake in the overn for 20-25 minutes. serve immediately.

two of my favorite people to cook with :) love this photo!

"By A Thread" 3rd place at Rome Art Coterie

2011-04-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

This week while dog sitting, I have been working on proposals, cover letters, and submission packets... does working on stuff like that intimidate anyone else? I have been doing some research along with all of that and began to feel very... small. I think that is a good word for it. So I sat in the sun and gathered my thoughts and wrote for a little while to feel better. I always have to free-write when I have to write something formal just to get my thoughts down and be myself. Here is what I wrote:

In the last year my work has progressed to a new level and I have held myself to a new standard of professionalism. I have always been self-disciplined, good at meeting deadlines, and motivated to work, but I feel like my work has emerged and taken me to a new place. And this new place is where I have wanted to be all along and I am excited as it unfolds but it is also a leap of faith to follow the work in this way.

Within my conceptually cohesive body of work, I have works on paper, paintings on more traditional rectangular wood or canvas panels, and more contemporary paintings that are shaped, have pieces cut out, or thread and fabric breaking the boundaries. In addition to that, there are more predominantly fiber pieces that are in shadowbox frames and installation pieces that speak to the rest of the work and pull the show together in a more interesting, contemporary way. The work is strong conceptually and aesthetically but appeals to many different types of buyers because of the variety in size and materials.

but I was still a little discouraged for whatever reason as I criticized my work and tried to look at it like a juror or gallery owner and pick it apart. The next day was the opening reception of the Rome Art Coterie and it was a wonderful encouragement to my soul, not to mention a fun short road trip to Rome, GA with my best friend and husband, Loyd. We walked in just in time for the awards announcements, which had slipped my mind, and we got there just in time, because my piece received 3rd place!! I had the opportunity to meet the juror and he asked me to tell everyone about my piece, which opened the door for me to meet several people at the opening, which was wonderful because I hadn't shown in the Atlanta area since moving here a year ago.

"By A Thread"

The next day, I received some more wonderful news in an email saying that my piece SOLD!

BRAVE art retreat

2011-04-05T17:32:00.000-07:00

This week, I have been dog and house sitting for the family I usually nanny for...
they have a gorgeous home and a sweet dog named Brave who has been fun to relax with...

I brought stuff to work on here and they told me I could use the kitchen table as a studio and I decided to treat it like a little art retreat, not a lot of art was made at first, but sometimes ideas and inspiration comes from experiencing new things and it takes time...

I have been wanting to do some contemporary drawings, kind of treat them like "studies" of what I paint and sew.
I want to leave them loose and airy and simple but I have really enjoyed just collaging minimal pieces of lace, fabric, paper, or cheese cloth
and then drawing with pencil, sewing, or with pastel...

these are still in the beginning stages as I figure them out, some days are for starting and some days are for finishing... this week is for starting new things and developing new ideas
its hard sometimes to transition into the "starting" stage of making new pieces when you have been focusing on finishing work because I feel like in finishing there is pressure and I accidentally bring that with me to begin new work, which is not fair to the new piece really

one thing I love about their house is all the natural materials, and beautiful whites mixed with it, I nanny here a lot so perhaps it has influenced me even before this week, but I can definitely see the influence in giving the viewer plenty of space for their eyes to rest on the white areas...

I have also been wanting to make some installation and sculpture pieces to go with my series "Spills and Coverings" and have been sketching, developing ideas, and playing with materials to do this.... I recently saw an artist who twists materials and I had been playing with the idea of making a piece called "bundle" that was sculptural and thought this was applicable..
I am still playing around with it

I really enjoy ripping old lace and pulling it to distort the
patterns and using that as inspiration to begin

the piece below is probably the most developed of the new works on paper
and I really like the direction it is going

Rome Art Coterie National Show 2011

2011-04-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

My piece, below "By A Thread" is featured in the
Rome Art Coterie National Exhibit in Rome, GA
opening reception Thursday, April 7 from 6:00-8:00

view more work from this series of paintings Spills and Coverings

Puddles to the Ground

2011-03-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't been as faithful to blogging, I hate that I already got out of the habit somehow... but I have still been working quite a bit in my studio, and I just finished a new painting that I am really excited about. I feel like it adds a lot to my new series and works well the rest of the pieces... I love all my new work with pieces falling off of them and puddling on the floor, I want to make some soft sculptures and continue on this path... even though somewhere deep inside I am worried my work will start to sell less, will people want to hang a piece in their home with holes in it and stuff falling off or fabric that hangs all the way to the floor?

but this is where God is taking my inspiration,
this is where my work is speaking to me and the path that I am on...
so the plan is to keep going.

Puddles To the Ground

a piece inspired by Brooke Fraser's song Crows and Locusts

" 'Daddy don't cry, it'll be alright'
She puts some water on the wound
And hums a little tune
While her courage puddles on the ground
Pooling, pooling "

see the rest of the song lyrics here
she is an amazing writer and I love the desperation of the song,
if you don't have her album FLAGS,
you should download it, I have been listening to it so much that my students in my art class last week were singing along "something in the water, something in the water" I LOVE IT!

detail image

go listen to the song here on Brooke's site

new commissions

2011-03-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

its been funny, ever since I took the rearranged my website and haven't been purposefully advertising for commission work, I have gotten several orders!
Here are the two I finished in February and March!

in the studio lately

2011-03-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

i have had to multitask a lot in my studio lately, what would i do without this board?
reminding me of deadlines, which pieces are committed to shows, which pieces are still waiting to hear back the results from shows... when to ship or deliver paintings by the deadline, etc

not to mention commissions and new paintings!

this piece is called "letting go the grasp"
still trying to decide what it needs to be finished, which is often the hardest part

here is another piece I cannot seem to finish, it is called Heavy
I wanted it to look like all of the collage materials were literally too heavy for itself,
sagging, drooping

sewing on these large odd shaped pieces is quite a challenge,
especially in my tiny sewing corner

professional packing!

2011-03-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to figure out the BEST way to ship my new work that has holes in it and has fabric and fragile pieces coming off the edges... so I found some foam after shopping around... Walmart had foam for making your own seat cushions and I cut it to the right sizes and taped it to cardboard that will easily be pulled out of the bubble wrap lined box...

that way the curators and people helping for the show can easily take the painting out and easily put it back if it doesn't sell... I was so proud of myself when it came together that I texted my dad and told him he would be proud! hes always helping me figure things like this out...

Fiber Plus Exhibition at Blue Door Gallery, NY

2011-02-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

more information on the first show I am in this year, Fiber Plus in NY

Holding It Together

exciting season!

2011-02-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

I feel like I have been working lately the way I should have been working all along, my website looks more clean and professional, I am keeping up with my hours and staying at a consistent 35-45 hours a week, finishing 5 pieces a month, and visiting galleries... it feels so great to be busy and happy in my studio

In art school my professor Susan Maakestad taught us that looking up shows and applying is a great way to have deadlines in the studio to guide you on what to work on... and its like a puzzle When people ask me what I do every day in my studio, I try to explain that to apply to a show you have to:

1. research shows and decide which ones your work fits best into
2. strategically plan in advance which of your pieces would fit best in what show (figuring in shipping smaller works to shows that I cannot drive to)
3. get 2-5 pieces completely ready, photographed well with detail images if needed
4. format a 2nd version of the photos for that particular shows application guidelines
5. email or mail the application in on time

and all of this seems to take me 4-5 hours per show, and then you wait..... you cant do anything with that piece (apply it to another show, change it, or sell it) while it is in this waiting period... so if you have 15 paintings, and you submit all of them to shows, you are out of paintings to submit until you hear from the shows, or make new work... so I have been doing a lot of both!

this month has been busy with applications in particular, I have applied to 4 shows and heard back from the shows I applied to in January! My piece Holding It Together got into Fiber Plus show in New York from March 19-May 21.... read about it in my blog post I Heart NY and...

By A Thread

last week I found out that my piece By A Thread got into the Rome Art Coterie Show
in Rome, GA from April 1- 29

Surrender, Courage, Desperation, and Vulnerability
97" X 55" X 20" puddle on the floor

My piece above got into a show in Paducah, Ketucky at the Yeiser Arts Center in downtown Paducah called Fantastic Fibers

here is a detail shot of this very large art quilt piece,
here you can see the machine embroidery quite a bit better

with applications comes rejections as well, I got discouraged last year by several of these, but this year I have tried to keep a positive attitude and a healthy perspective on this. So far I have gotten into all but one of the shows I applied to in 2011, so I am feeling good about what this year has in store! and the one that I didn't get accepted to I didnt think my work would fit well with the shows from years past, but it was free to apply so I did, and they asked me to submit my work to their general call for submissions because they really liked it, so who knows what will come of that!!

I have been getting all my work ready for submitting my portfolio as a proposal for a solo show at galleries, and also for submitting for gallery representation in Atlanta... this takes longer and is a lot more competitive but I am excited! I finished a new larger piece that I am excited to add to this portfolio of pieces from my new series:

Spills and Coverings

When the Bottom Falls Out
58" X 50"

new bio

2011-02-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

Deeann Rieves Received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Memphis College of Art in December 2007 with an emphasis on painting. In her first two years as a working artist, she had three solo shows: Beneath The Surface in Memphis, TN, Embody at Guachoya Cultural Arts Center in Arkansas, and A Common Thread at Memphis Theological Seminary.

Deeann works full time in her studio in Atlanta, Georgia and her mixed-media paintings have been in numerous juried shows across the United States. Deeann had a piece in the Be A Doll exhibit at Estel Gallery in Nashville, Tennessee, Fiber Focus in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Dogwood Arts Exhibition in Knoxville, Tennessee. For two consecutive years she has been in the Renaissance Regional Art Exhibit at The Renaissance Center in Dickson, Tennessee.

Deeann’s work combines fabric, machine embroidery, and fiber techniques that disrupt and distort the surfaces, which often become their own organic forms of sculptural painting. The wood panels she paints on are often shaped themselves and many have forms cut out of them with thread and mixed media suspending in the gaps. In October 2010, she had a solo show at Memphis College of Art featuring her newest series Spills and Coverings. From that series, Deeann’s painting Holding It Together will be in the Fiber Plus Exhibition in New York this Spring.

I have been working hard on this, I would love feedback if anyone has any thoughts! especially about the last paragraph, its hard to separate myself from my work enough to write about it like that sometimes... but I began to realize its important to mention style, technique, etc in my biography...

I heart NY

2011-02-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a very happy Valentines Day!
I am so excited to announce that my piece "Holding It Together"
got into Fiber Plus at Blue Door Gallery in NEW YORK!!!

Holding It Together

I am beyond excited, my first piece in a New York Show!
I apologize for not blogging as much lately, I have been crazy applying to shows, which is not really fun to blog about... I am applying to 4 shows this month AND getting my portfolio ready to submit to a couple of places that suggested I submit! ah, I LOVE being busy!

new paintings

2011-02-10T20:29:00.000-08:00

tearing away

no longer bound

pieced together

moving the pieces

atlanta gallery visits

2011-02-02T08:18:00.001-08:00

one of my monthly goals is to visit 2-3 galleries, I missed all the opening receptions, but I went to five galleries this past Saturday with my friend Bren, and it was so inspiring! It is refreshing to get out of the studio, visit a nice large professional gallery space and see what other artists are up to... it helps me get out of my head a little bit

I thought I would share a few ways these visits inspired me

Pryor Fine Art

last time I visited this gallery I was a few minutes too late, but they have big windows and I could tell it was a beautiful space and that their artists were captivating. I walked in this time and there was a painting by Harry Ally, the very artist I blogged about the other day.. I stared and stared at his painting and talked to the gallery owner about it and learned that he lives in Georgia and teaches. In person you can tell that his work weighs a ton and his paintings has gorgeous texture. My friend and art teacher from high school Nicole Brisco always says "I just wanted to lick it it was so good" and this is how I felt... looking at this:

Harry Ally

Pryor is definitely one of my new favorite Atlanta galleries to visit! here are a few more of their artists:

Paul Landrem

Madeline Denaro

I LOVED what is written about her work on Pryor's website:

"Through the use of her sensitive drawing, combined with layering, Denaro constantly adjusts, revisits, destroys and renews…always permitting the viewer a peak at where she has been before. She works intuitively while consciously knowing that others will enter and share in this intimate relationship -- strange but familiar; imprecise yet eloquent. There lies the poetic and the magical."

Emily Amy Gallery
still one of my very favorite galleries in Atlanta
I love Cora Cohen, Doug Trump, Dorothy Good, and many of their other artists

Mason Murer Gallery
I am excited to visit this gallery again, when we walked in it was completely empty and a man was patching the holes in the wall, getting ready for a new show, it was a gorgeous huge space, and some of our good friends are getting married there in a few months...

Barbara Archer Gallery

please check out her website, she has a gorgeous huge studio and wonderful work!
Rocio Rodriguez

Huff Harrington Fine Art
Judy Cox

check it off the list!

2011-02-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

SUCH a wonderful feeling to have crossed everything off the list for my January goals...
I finished 4 new paintings and have about 7 that are new and in progress so I think that makes up for the one....

pieced together

a covering piece together inspired by Eve and her false urgency to cover herself with whatever she could find and piece it together quickly...

still unraveling

these next pieces are a part of a new series i am working on that I am excited about, the series is called Whitewash, inspired by a painting I originally intended to go with the Spills and Coverings Series entitled Whitewash... but I keep returning to the idea of dirty layers underneath being scrubbed, ripped, scraped, bleached, washed white by as many layers as necessary as a metaphor for forgiveness and past grit.

whitewash diptych... still deciding the final title(s)

by the way, blogging "daily" is a major adjustment, I am sorry that I haven't been completely faithful to this... but I think that it is natural to have to ease into this... blogging takes time if you want it to be any good, and I have been a workaholic lately already....

speaking of... PRESENTING, the newly redesigned

WWW.DEEANNRIEVES.COM

I would love any feedback or comments you have on the new paintings or new website!

studio photoshoot

2011-01-28T21:23:00.000-08:00

since my bio photo on my website and blog was several years old,
i thought it was time for new photos in my current studio...

thank you to my wonderful husband Loyd Rieves for taking the photos
check out his website, he is a musician, working on a new EP
Loyd Rieves

Deeann Rieves Art Blog

Starting the new year with a bang!

DEC 16- DEAL of the DAY

DEC 13, 14, 15 DEALS

Dec 12- DEAL of the DAY

$35-$100 GIFT GALLERY

Dec 10 & 11- DEAL of the DAY

DEC 9- DEAL of the DAY

DEC 8- DEAL of the DAY

DEC 7- DEAL of the DAY

DEC 6- DEAL of the DAY

DEC 5- **DOUBLE** DEAL of the DAY

DEC 4- DEAL of the DAY

DEC 3- DEAL of the DAY- SOLD!

DEC 2- DEAL of the DAY

DEC 1- DEAL of the DAY

Give the GIFT of ART this Holiday Season!

Decatur Art Walk THIS FRIDAY Nov 4th

Art Workshops Oct 14-20

Spills and Coverings Series

why

method.

jumping back in

The Renaissance Center Solo Exhibit: Spills and Coverings

Pancakes and Paris

Sing!

Gold Leaf & Encaustic

catching up with Mrs Um....

Solo Exhibition OPENS FRIDAY @ The Renaissance Center

Metro Montage XI Opening Reception

Metro Montage XI OPENS SATURDAY!

at Marietta Cobb Museum of Art

Marietta, GA

July 16 – September 11 in Galleries 1-3

No Longer Bound

The Elegant Line OPENS FRIDAY

accepted into Fiber Focus

June Memphis Workshop

accepted into The Elegant Line

Spills & Coverings OPENING NIGHT @ Downtown Pres Gallery

Memphis Opening Reception THIS FRIDAY: Spills and Coverings

accepted into Metro Montage XI

Metro Montage XI : Annual Juried Exhibition of Artists

at Marietta Cobb Museum of Art

July 16 – September 11 in Galleries 1-3

Fiber Plus 2011 Exhibit Photos

Fantastic Fibers 2011 Exhibit Photos

Walk Humbly and Love Mercy

Album Art : Dan Carson

FRESH new NEWSLETTERS!

Fiber Plus : Exhibition Book

just five.

portfolio

new works on paper

April Newsletter

creating in the kitchen

"By A Thread" 3rd place at Rome Art Coterie

BRAVE art retreat

Rome Art Coterie National Show 2011

Puddles to the Ground

new commissions

in the studio lately

professional packing!

Fiber Plus Exhibition at Blue Door Gallery, NY

exciting season!

new bio

I heart NY

new paintings

atlanta gallery visits

check it off the list!

studio photoshoot

DEC 5- DOUBLE DEAL of the DAY