tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267656782024-02-06T22:27:28.177-08:00CJ Metzger's Wonderlandpaintings in progress, stories, and creative ramblings of artist, illustrator and designer Candace CJ MetzgerCJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-2680084758071691442010-03-31T08:17:00.000-07:002010-03-31T08:17:19.123-07:00LOVELY ART DOLLS!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1POgHGZgkczHkMqK2-qnqU5s6XwfPOID9F3-FbhqZtx3phNulaWoqS97Hj1FVQevUntt79fEAf_9J-PRkm5cF4OdteFOoVI8ekM5JmVAOVeioz73QGacIahy6ZVMQZij24nBvw/s1600/CVR_ADQ0210_xlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1POgHGZgkczHkMqK2-qnqU5s6XwfPOID9F3-FbhqZtx3phNulaWoqS97Hj1FVQevUntt79fEAf_9J-PRkm5cF4OdteFOoVI8ekM5JmVAOVeioz73QGacIahy6ZVMQZij24nBvw/s320/CVR_ADQ0210_xlg.jpg" width="246" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: x-small;"><b> I was sifting through some of my accumulated mags the other day, The Somerset digital Studio caught my eye and really was a feast for my art spirit. All these creative folks crankin' out such amazing creations using everything from collage, paint, photoshop - EVERYTHING. It made me long to free my process up a bit! I also found out they have an ART DOLL QUARTERLY issue coming out this spring. These doll creations are amazing! HERE's THE LINKL <a href="http://www.stampington.com/html/art_doll_quarterly.html">Art Doll Quarterly</a></b><br />
<em>Art Doll Quarterly</em> shares dolls and sculptural figures made from fabric, clay, wire, paper, and more.</span>CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-81117086086903200592010-03-17T21:55:00.000-07:002010-03-17T21:55:24.633-07:00Spring Bling Treasures Sale this Sunday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWSm3wFqf22yQmZTygsGkPG5MCaa19uqDDoxIc-6nclElkpUFHYTJubDHpaqk1B1dvF7K90-YWIjRCMEwzIsxtRGnuHwY1Hdi5hRQLl0-aPOgLkiCUGRu5ud5z8CMQcUKdzqNFA/s1600-h/66416b987f88e3e76eecd801f8b5425a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWSm3wFqf22yQmZTygsGkPG5MCaa19uqDDoxIc-6nclElkpUFHYTJubDHpaqk1B1dvF7K90-YWIjRCMEwzIsxtRGnuHwY1Hdi5hRQLl0-aPOgLkiCUGRu5ud5z8CMQcUKdzqNFA/s320/66416b987f88e3e76eecd801f8b5425a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><span>My dear friend <a href="http://www.uniqueadornments.com/">Renee Dominique</a> is hosting another amazing boutique fundraiser at The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock! Did ya know that I designed the invitation for the event? Yep, I do the graphic design stuff too! I love creating things for non-profit orgs that do such good for the community!</span></span></span></div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><span>I'll have a table (along with my mom & fellow artist <a href="http://www.ljafineart.com/">Linda Johnstone Allen</a>). I'll be selling books, prints, and paintings and she'll be showcasing a bunch of organic and gorgeous ceramic pieces! Tell your friends! Come check this event out!</span></span></span></div><div style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><span> </span></span>here's the scoop:</span></i><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span></span></span></i><br />
<a href="http://www.centerartseaglerock.org/index.php/calendar/event/id/439"><span style="font-size: medium;">SPRING BLING TREASURES SALE</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.centerartseaglerock.org/index.php/calendar/event/id/439"> </a>Sunday March 21, 2010 11am-3pm<br />
<br />
FREE ADMISSION! $5 suggest donation receives a FREE raffle ticket</span></span></div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><span style="font-size: small;">Raffle tickets $5/each or 3 for $10</span></span></div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><span style="font-size: small;">Free parking at Bank of America<br />
<br />
A trunk show of local artists will open their treasure boxes to share their unique creations- one day only. Welcome Spring and join us for an afternoon of shopping!<br />
See Jewelry, Accessories, Ceramics, and other fine wares available for purchase directly from the artists. 10% of all sales benefit the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, a non-profit arts programming organization dedicated to providing innovative and multicultural arts programming to the communities of Northeast Los Angeles.</span></span></div>CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-34941475707155186022010-03-05T10:59:00.000-08:002010-03-05T10:59:34.943-08:00New Work - triptychs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3emI-x7oyu0jhBV81E6fUOL9yri1KYKTe_DoS0NXDGA6t-QadO_hjhIBnc8se_RctmMcomjvEXq8JmtBn4vHAK0HaJXU0XlHAaNmeVPUYRS0VtaLJUBYp0UDQS0s9uqu5ZMm4Q/s1600-h/making_art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3emI-x7oyu0jhBV81E6fUOL9yri1KYKTe_DoS0NXDGA6t-QadO_hjhIBnc8se_RctmMcomjvEXq8JmtBn4vHAK0HaJXU0XlHAaNmeVPUYRS0VtaLJUBYp0UDQS0s9uqu5ZMm4Q/s320/making_art.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv2Ty-thyphenhyphenTItl1DL5xzWOCaTb_tX4nWBxL3zSdmCZ0df5MMN-ITLtfYZs-9wcul7apO655bPkHA9RrS5h5tz3ftmxGBqwO0q27PL9LfIqng3sK2xjaQb_ebBVGMSFMbGjKIEByA/s1600-h/new_work1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv2Ty-thyphenhyphenTItl1DL5xzWOCaTb_tX4nWBxL3zSdmCZ0df5MMN-ITLtfYZs-9wcul7apO655bPkHA9RrS5h5tz3ftmxGBqwO0q27PL9LfIqng3sK2xjaQb_ebBVGMSFMbGjKIEByA/s320/new_work1.jpg" /></a></div>Just working on some new paintings this March for some upcoming shows in Santa Fe in May, and Culver City in September. This one will be a triptych (3-panels attached with hinges). One of my favorite time periods of art history was the emergence of the use of Triptychs in religious art during the end of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages">Middle Ages </a>and onward into the <a href="http://images.google.com/images?q=Byzantine%20art&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi">Byzantine era</a>. Something about the narrative and exquisite detail - just blows my mind! My art making this year is going to focus on letting go, experimentation and creating pieces that just flow and feel good. I'll keep you posted with my progress. And if you want a sneak peek, stop by my open studio in April (more info to come).CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-39973269711443007472010-03-02T14:08:00.001-08:002010-03-02T14:08:47.310-08:00Trappings - Art Jam photo 8<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24353420@N04/4401696081/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4401696081_bbe3997b8d_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24353420@N04/4401696081/">Trappings - Art Jam photo 8</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/24353420@N04/">cjmetzgerco</a></span></div>Just uploaded photos of our "art jam" collaboration piece! We've been working on it for about a month now ( we being artists - Jeni Yang, Su Moon, Miss Mindy (pictured), Dee Chavez, Celene and myself (CJ Metzger). It's coming along nicely, and we are adding the last details this week - then it's off to auction! <br /><br />The piece will be sold through an auction through WWA gallery - in Culver City and the proceeds will Benefit the Lunch Bunch Charity of Los Angeles (amazing group feeding the areas homeless).<br /><br />See more photos on Flickr!<br clear="all" />CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-12647400526708930282010-01-18T09:58:00.000-08:002010-02-19T09:04:29.935-08:00Things to Come - New Work!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSFzeJXZaF0UwscxykDMpGCveJ2mb2NufBYGfHD1Q5oU5jk90oukH1bok_WsEq1PEzhUPe3QiHStS0XmMPpoI8UdAOLiYb2Aeg-UA1EzokssZhhSWtgkdbZB1BfCgp3lycf6rQA/s1600-h/sketch2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSFzeJXZaF0UwscxykDMpGCveJ2mb2NufBYGfHD1Q5oU5jk90oukH1bok_WsEq1PEzhUPe3QiHStS0XmMPpoI8UdAOLiYb2Aeg-UA1EzokssZhhSWtgkdbZB1BfCgp3lycf6rQA/s320/sketch2010.jpg" /></a></div>Last night I sat in bed and just sketched in my notebook. Funny, some of my best drawings have been scribbled on lined paper! SOmething about the fancy journals with their nice paper that intimidates me... the lined paper is a comfort - takes me back to the early days of art making. Scribbling into school notebooks during and in between classes, embellishing every square inch of a text books brown paper cover. Talk about freedom with creativity. This year I'm making a pact with myself to experiment more, judge myself less, and just be free with my creativity and the whole process. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out!CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-75032352423875393702010-01-16T09:59:00.000-08:002010-01-16T09:59:43.775-08:00Trappings Show - Opening Reception Jan 15th!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0JnqfO328qBvVhwiMv_S62x8nHigr__CwSj99p6C0r0BF0a2OxebH4Dy9S8a6072wRhkwKIhg_H3MjndOEcJPin5jkT74iSz24Z45haSrkzuiPh2ZtAQiCc4pnsCEJ7iagKkag/s1600-h/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0JnqfO328qBvVhwiMv_S62x8nHigr__CwSj99p6C0r0BF0a2OxebH4Dy9S8a6072wRhkwKIhg_H3MjndOEcJPin5jkT74iSz24Z45haSrkzuiPh2ZtAQiCc4pnsCEJ7iagKkag/s320/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhJ7_k6qo0MjlRp-hIHoFkamM8Y5t495fou8EaGgPK9drnJnXtCcHQ5U7tCBrBllZp-xBG2WDBVUVcITjkCfc6_1wOH2cVPAsDwiQD5lNgSqmOrwmzUpCWYX9B5OcSWblXBbskQ/s1600-h/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhJ7_k6qo0MjlRp-hIHoFkamM8Y5t495fou8EaGgPK9drnJnXtCcHQ5U7tCBrBllZp-xBG2WDBVUVcITjkCfc6_1wOH2cVPAsDwiQD5lNgSqmOrwmzUpCWYX9B5OcSWblXBbskQ/s320/Unknown-2.jpeg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuICSZbmmOqX2JHskbsmGHifBlwhT59Zd3jf-rtLuYUFb-NI4r0Aoil9fwOv4r-FY0iseRR5fyNtKDtbpDpNgKBL0NkBuKKPtu0GPJqd5_O0StnamYT3XWN1k5ZLqkqmsnIjkV-g/s1600-h/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuICSZbmmOqX2JHskbsmGHifBlwhT59Zd3jf-rtLuYUFb-NI4r0Aoil9fwOv4r-FY0iseRR5fyNtKDtbpDpNgKBL0NkBuKKPtu0GPJqd5_O0StnamYT3XWN1k5ZLqkqmsnIjkV-g/s320/Unknown.jpeg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Trapping Show reception at the WWA gallery was a fantastic success! Art sold, and the venue was packed to the brim with art-goers and friends! The show came together lovely, and was hung beautifully by Rob Faucette & the WWA gallery crew. I urge you to swing on by to see the show, being in the heart of Culver City - there are a bunch of great places to nab a bite to eat, then stop in for a bit o' art viewing.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Artists<a href="http://www.jeniyang.com/"> Jeni Yang</a>,<a href="http://www.celeneart.com/"> Celene,</a> <a href="http://www.cjmetzger.com/">me</a> (CJ Metzger), <a href="http://www.missmindy.com/">Miss Mindy</a>, <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/sumoon/">Su Moon,</a> and <a href="http://yumnoodle.blogspot.com/">Dee Chavez </a>were all on hand to do a bit of "on-site" painting for a good cause! Proceeds from the auction of our collaborative piece will benefit the <a href="http://lunchbunchco.blogspot.com/">Lunch Bunch, a super local organization that helps feed Los Angeles Area Homeless. </a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">check back for photos of this amazing collaborative piece - as it progresses during the month of January! <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-56574390260545992912010-01-06T09:10:00.000-08:002010-01-06T09:10:56.694-08:00Forest Inspiration - Yosemite National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1mkmii93k6d5M1e8Qjk3IDH295_q9emHRSiuSofPKDAxpqwHiZTdBBC_PRagnwLktl9kLvYitCTFJrIZwAlr3WLrbDMi_eVdyYCNTn7-v6WAgdVYsHWt7LXWUqrN1oFOYxMFOw/s1600-h/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1mkmii93k6d5M1e8Qjk3IDH295_q9emHRSiuSofPKDAxpqwHiZTdBBC_PRagnwLktl9kLvYitCTFJrIZwAlr3WLrbDMi_eVdyYCNTn7-v6WAgdVYsHWt7LXWUqrN1oFOYxMFOw/s320/photo1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWK77G_2tu3NtXKOjMnUN5Tvq4vvtKASsSuTQl7qLx8810doL5LnhzbPiRyXOz2Q03MIMWwVSzBa_oVMn4VIgJFFtK3kYIgJcSRkMwlms5znLEdTM1Nj84fVFtTd9WyEgEwAdi8g/s1600-h/photo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWK77G_2tu3NtXKOjMnUN5Tvq4vvtKASsSuTQl7qLx8810doL5LnhzbPiRyXOz2Q03MIMWwVSzBa_oVMn4VIgJFFtK3kYIgJcSRkMwlms5znLEdTM1Nj84fVFtTd9WyEgEwAdi8g/s320/photo3.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Ahhh....Sometimes you just need to be outdoors! And <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm">Yosemite</a> is by far the best place to get that "out of doors" awe-struck- humbling experience that just puts everything in perspective. It is so magical and such a special place to me and my family. I've been trekking there since I was just a wee little babe. In fact, my mom toted me in a baby carrier to Vernal falls when I was around 9 months old! <br />
My family and I spent the New Years Holiday up there and braved the winter (mild, but we did get some snow!). Above are a few pic's i snapped from my iPhone. You just can't take a bad photo of that place.<br />
I was hoping to paint a little, and did some sketching, but moreover - I just needed to refresh my mind and let nature make it's visual imprint on me. It was nice to just be little ol' me, quiet, breathing cool air, kicking stones, eating snow. I'll get to painting as soon as I get back home.CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-9179125154958189282009-12-28T09:18:00.000-08:002009-12-28T11:29:50.207-08:00Starting the Year off with - Trappings - a show at WWA Gallery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_WqhYtrU8BSJQilUYs3dQcjfBs9y60SDgnRTstLvLDaNScs8CRlJjSIxHgvQrcPw8h-YYF0P-ros7QX_U289efkqG0hIZrEOz8Y9Gvoos2OaoOVrJYka0IfX5Mvn2cyyKg9iaw/s1600-h/TrappingsWebBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_WqhYtrU8BSJQilUYs3dQcjfBs9y60SDgnRTstLvLDaNScs8CRlJjSIxHgvQrcPw8h-YYF0P-ros7QX_U289efkqG0hIZrEOz8Y9Gvoos2OaoOVrJYka0IfX5Mvn2cyyKg9iaw/s320/TrappingsWebBanner.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This show has been curated by myself and my sister, Miss Mindy.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been a while since i've assembled a show, but it's been a wonderful<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">experience - getting to combine the creative forces of these great women<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">artists! <a href="http://www.celeneart.com/">Celene,</a> <a href="http://http/;//www.missmindy.com">Miss Mindy</a>, Katie Rice, <a href="http://www.yumnoodle.blogspot.com/">Dee Chavez</a>, <a href="http://www.cjmetzger.com/">CJ Metzger</a> (me - he he),<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Su Moon, <a href="http://www.jeniyang.com/">Jeni Yang</a> and <a href="http://reppeteaux.bigcartel.com/">Lesley Reppeteaux</a>.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reception is January 15th, 7-10pm with a LIVE PAINTING happening that evening<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with proceeds benefiting the <a href="http://lunchbunchco.blogspot.com/">Lunch Bunch!</a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll be posting more photos and artwork as the week progresses!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xoxoxo and a Happy New Year!<br />
</div>CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-80389604630610788562009-12-03T19:45:00.000-08:002009-12-03T19:53:53.950-08:00Small Works Show this Weekend @ Gallery 9<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JtyWDNp4Z53-WvF6JozuGoDndUc_ruex8wi4Vus_8TD2UA-MAgen_EqDltNBbYhjNmLZjNmCG3WLK33SkaGyl0uUMLdr2cpt3juJGuC0htZsdIMEfRb7M6sp67ppXzgbO3xEhg/s1600-h/Unknown.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JtyWDNp4Z53-WvF6JozuGoDndUc_ruex8wi4Vus_8TD2UA-MAgen_EqDltNBbYhjNmLZjNmCG3WLK33SkaGyl0uUMLdr2cpt3juJGuC0htZsdIMEfRb7M6sp67ppXzgbO3xEhg/s320/Unknown.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411224176926580338" border="0" /></a><br />Hi friends & folks! There sure is a lot going on this holiday season! I'm in tons of local boutiques and shows including this one at <a href="http://www.thewhole9.com/gallery9">Gallery 9</a> in Culver City. The space is great, and I've got some small new portrait pieces and a few mounted giclée's that are super affordable and collectible!<br /><br />Reception is this Saturday night 6:30-10:0pm, and they are having a Holiday Party on the 12th too.<br />Address is: 6101 Washington Blvd, Culver City 90232.<br /><br />The gallery is part of a cool online networking website for artists called <a href="http://www.thewhole9.com/">www.thewhole9.com</a>. Check it out and sign up to get connected to other artsy folks around town.!CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-60251986073879566002009-10-30T09:41:00.000-07:002009-10-30T09:51:18.676-07:00Animal Instinct - Show Nov. 7th! Buy art and proceeds go to The Humane Society of the US.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.animalinstinctartshow.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqq76suRJ1hwoWd60YyHJY1zWNhgZu2yFqomH7r3DgqeLIfBXKA0WteRR4BMLbrrsOGjb6jsVnAN3A8y2TaQGLYcLbZz5HK3tDIudrvRJHsrRk2kK4J7FdYMoAKwRpSw5_JxOiTQ/s320/5x7+flyer+back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398435107885130210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.animalinstinctartshow.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3lsVGbB3gIYMxtTlEW_D7yOfGlah52DTabAimf13ZWSd-QDR3K7IY05GzgAfDQ1H5wj9qNjP07-DpZ3ghyphenhyphen-wmlYnipgrmjobwmzvO97Y5opT0cH7lAxXFFGvdu1nwS_q43n7bw/s320/5x7+flyerfront.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398434832883013954" border="0" /></a><br />My new friend <a href="http://www.facebook.com/traceyheartsart">Tracey Taylor</a> is curating this <a href="http://www.animalinstinctartshow.blogspot.com/">wonderful group show benefiting the Humane Society of The US. Please check it out!</a> I'm submitting a piece titled "The Wish". It's a Chickadee holding a dandelion and is acrylic on wood (I'll post the image soon! Just need to take a photo of it!). 80% of the sales of all items and artwork for this show will benefit the Humane Society. The opening is next Saturday Nov. 7th. Hope you can make it to support this organization and the super great <a href="http://www.thelab.com/">gallery TheLab</a>!CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-64263545623081177402009-10-07T13:35:00.000-07:002009-10-07T13:41:17.564-07:00Muertos con Leche<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Z7udVTd1mrIWCnOO_FGYE1SJKtqfSuFNHXlXANIxoOK7Smkw-ZqdWie8TKElXLRJlnRGa657916NPxkGCJf5nfsGx9v1wYK-PzlmPGuZeWTiBoRsGgmzsqod6jfHhHmQZDeL_w/s1600-h/muertos_intheforest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Z7udVTd1mrIWCnOO_FGYE1SJKtqfSuFNHXlXANIxoOK7Smkw-ZqdWie8TKElXLRJlnRGa657916NPxkGCJf5nfsGx9v1wYK-PzlmPGuZeWTiBoRsGgmzsqod6jfHhHmQZDeL_w/s320/muertos_intheforest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389959533147212354" border="0" /></a><br />So here's a sneak peek at my "Playing Dead - in the forest" piece for the show at <a href="http://www.avenue50studio.com/pages/dreamsandvisions.shtml">Avenue 50 Studio in Highland Park!</a> The opening is this Saturday night. Nice to be exhibiting in my neck o' the woods again! Here are the details about the show<br /><br /><span class="style33"><span class="style41">Celebration Reception: Saturday, October 10, 2009 from 7-10 pm. </span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.avenue50studio.com/pages/dreamsandvisions.shtml"><span class="style33"><em>MUERTOS CON LECHE ~<br /> Light Hearted and Satirical</em></span></a><br /><br /><span class="style33"><p style="margin-top: 0pt;">Please feel free to dress in your favorite DOD attire<span class="style33"><br /> </span><span class="style38">The satire that has sprung from Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada's work can be seen in the Dia de Muertos folk art of today. Please join us in our 2009 Dia de los Muertos celebration exhibition featuring the following contemporary artists:<br /> </span></p> </span> <p class="style38">Joe Bravo<br /> Lalo Alcaraz<br /> Gomez Bueno<br /> Pola Lopez<br /> Douglas Alvarez<br /> Stuart Rapeport<br /> Kay Brown<br /> Ronald J. Llanos<br /> Isabel Martinez<br /> Mavis Leahy<br /> Mario Torero<br /> CJ Metzger<br /> Ms. Mindy<br /> Heather Hoggan<br /> Patricia Krebs<br /> Jennifer Gutierrez Morgan<br /> Jose Orozco<br /> Kelly Thompson<br /> Olivia Sanchez-Brown<br /> Dan Van Clapp<br /> Ricardo Duffy</p> <p style="margin-top: 0pt;" align="justify"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Avenue 50 Studio is proud to present a fun and satirical exhibition for this year’s <em>Dia de Los Muertos</em></span><span style="font-size: 13px;">. Once a year during harvest time, we pay homage to Death. At harvest, while crops die, they give back life. This is the spirit <em>of Dia de Los Muertos</em></span><span style="font-size: 13px;"> ~ through death there is life. </span></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><em>Dia de Los Muertos</em></span><span style="font-size: 13px;"> is a pagan celebration to the Dead. We offer up candies and flowers and images to keep the Dead happy. This <em>Dia de Los Muertos</em></span><span style="font-size: 13px;"> we’ve asked our artists to feed Death’s belly with laughter. Through laughter, he will pardon and overlook our trespasses, and open a window to the underworld where we can communicate with our loved ones. Let us feed the demon Death with sweet life. And through those spoonfuls, keep the living alive. Let us laugh and celebrate life. This <em>Dia de Los Muertos</em></span><span style="font-size: 13px;">, we hope to keep you entertained in honor and celebration of the duality of life.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;" align="justify"><br /></p>CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-89163759966442366612009-07-28T16:36:00.000-07:002009-07-28T16:42:29.168-07:00Painting on Everything!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWpxj7YkIc0pKebne8bWDZRFNV9Er7dHLVYsJwWCFspRNVT07xPwAAYWDxpCkgVOVIU7QUwdYuV-n1ngRyjmTVgVZjanp-qj8ACNJaqLlXkm9Pk1ah6RzAeDYas4ZeKKgAivPRA/s1600-h/Unknown.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWpxj7YkIc0pKebne8bWDZRFNV9Er7dHLVYsJwWCFspRNVT07xPwAAYWDxpCkgVOVIU7QUwdYuV-n1ngRyjmTVgVZjanp-qj8ACNJaqLlXkm9Pk1ah6RzAeDYas4ZeKKgAivPRA/s320/Unknown.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363659340397052434" border="0" /></a><br />New piece to share! Here's a girl portrait titled "Tattooed Matilda" that's part of my series painted on an old collection of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Encyclopedia's</span> that belonged to by grandfather artist Ralph <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Johnstone</span>. The books are from the 1930's and lovely! But with such obsolete information! So, just loving the color and texture of the books I've decided to re-purpose them - turning them into paintings. As for now I'm just painting the covers, but as time progresses, I'll start adorning the insides as well.<br /><br />This one is for sale in my <a href="http://www.cjmetzger.etsy.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Etsy</span> store!</a>CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-52252621660144131992009-07-14T21:30:00.000-07:002009-07-14T21:44:50.347-07:00Paintings Come and Go...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2u1dfXnfLphIAAe2uS-N6iXTnNudue5k_b6-gku8ToD6XUlW0JNAO7k1jc8N1KbcSPxghEkP17hyXpQAGihnvWg7zUWBf-n4KgQiu7FudWONaxbm47FzoZansM8LH9eVW3WQwQ/s1600-h/cjm_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2u1dfXnfLphIAAe2uS-N6iXTnNudue5k_b6-gku8ToD6XUlW0JNAO7k1jc8N1KbcSPxghEkP17hyXpQAGihnvWg7zUWBf-n4KgQiu7FudWONaxbm47FzoZansM8LH9eVW3WQwQ/s320/cjm_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358539905829294866" border="0" /></a><br />Someone asked me the other day if I found it hard to part with my paintings still. Yes - and - No. For me a piece is never truly finished until it finds the right person. Whether it be someone stumbling into a gallery, one of my open studios, a friend that catches it in the making, or my mom not letting it leave the studio - i always feel that the circle of creation has been completed once it finds it's rightful owner. I do feel a bit rushed in with the art-making process these days. And, I do like to have my fresh and new pieces around me for a while. It's nice to just make friends with them for a few days! This is one of those pieces that comes out of my hands, gets framed, and is off to the gallery - then to a client faster than I can even document it! All I have is a snapshot of the piece... I'm going to have to track this baby down.<br /><br />Oh, and if you have any of my work in your home, can you send me a picture of it hanging in place? I'm putting together a collection of photos of my art in clients places. You can email them to me at <a href="mailto:cjmetzger@cjmetzger.com">cjmetzger@cjmetzger.com</a>. thanks!CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-83264465763863580092009-07-08T21:38:00.000-07:002009-07-08T21:54:26.802-07:00A little bit of Golden Sunshine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBDK45thumFxz9_SyG67QbpAaTeYLHxe1AG8epQoxoOnWfGc9wIYDHp792Onvxb8MmhjTmFBh9aFp0EX57zZhCOi9BV1skwxVuyAHZhz4tAUBUPlRsQ-KQF1N8_2QbpKMrOQJ7w/s1600-h/CMASUN.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBDK45thumFxz9_SyG67QbpAaTeYLHxe1AG8epQoxoOnWfGc9wIYDHp792Onvxb8MmhjTmFBh9aFp0EX57zZhCOi9BV1skwxVuyAHZhz4tAUBUPlRsQ-KQF1N8_2QbpKMrOQJ7w/s320/CMASUN.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356315251777323410" border="0" /></a><br />This piece lifts my spirits. It's a warmer color palate for me - a departure from the my obsession with blues and greens - those deep forest colors i've been using for quite a while. I added gold leaf to embellish her hair. I have a feeling I'll be using alot more of gold leaf. Something about how it catches the light, pops off the surface, makes things look so precious. I can't help but think of Klimt when I layer on that lovely stuff. Sunshine is the color of honey, softer and sweeter, looking to the future with a hopeful expression.<br /><br />This piece is at the <a href="http://www.WWAGallery.com">Wonderful World Art Gallery in Culver City</a>, and measures 12"x12". I'll have more work on display there over the next few months so I'll keep you posted.<br /><br />Also, I'm working hard to make my prints available. I have HUNDREDS of paintings that I've painted (and sold!). Luckily I've been pretty diligent in archiving these pieces! I'm starting to post them on my <a href="http://www.cjmetzger.etsy.com">etsy shoppe.</a> Right now theres only a few pieces, including new original work and prints (including a print of this piece) for only $20. They are web exclusive! Spread the word!<br /><br />Many of you already have prints of mine, and I'm so grateful and appreciative of your support in my work! So just to say thanks - <a href="mailto:cjmetzger@cjmetzger.com">Send me an email if you have a print of mine </a>- and I'll send you a discount code for 20% off anything in the shop - along with a FREE mini print. It's my way of saying THANKS!CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-7586061310302448732009-06-05T14:12:00.000-07:002009-06-05T14:27:00.129-07:00Making Tiny THings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-CVvc770m-kchYZdT-Uqds5FUx83ayb1_erg7qkVMSwso5xuWt2kGdNuqUbuBfqY2QF0PPkpnCdgnvvVvorcBmHtn18EG6S7AxsDKFRaDqr9pXu_vyglMJRYzzV0V0NVEHar8g/s1600-h/IMG_4898.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-CVvc770m-kchYZdT-Uqds5FUx83ayb1_erg7qkVMSwso5xuWt2kGdNuqUbuBfqY2QF0PPkpnCdgnvvVvorcBmHtn18EG6S7AxsDKFRaDqr9pXu_vyglMJRYzzV0V0NVEHar8g/s320/IMG_4898.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343954613906902786" border="0" /></a><br />My oh my! What an assembly line! I've got a bunch of mounted prints at a lovely gallery I'm doing business with over in Culver City. It's call the Whole 9 - heard of it? If not, it's very cool I tell you and you should stop by!<br />here's the scoop:<br /><br />Life is Just a Fantasy<br />Group Show at <a href="http://www.thewhole9.com/TheWhole9Gallery">The Whole 9 Gallery</a><br />when: June 20th, 6:30-10pm<br />Join us for some wine and music!<br />where:6101 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, 90232<br />310-836-4601<br /><br /><br />They also have a <a href="http://www.thewhole9.com">networking site for artists</a> that is very cool. It's a bit hard to keep up with all that twitters, facing facebook, but The Whole 9 is a very cool community of creative types. They even have job postings. Did someone say -- jobs?! Yipee!<br /><br />Check out the special projects section of website for more mini art pieces. I'll have a link up to an Esty store very soon too!CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-92047534425785394882009-06-01T14:35:00.001-07:002009-06-01T14:35:43.867-07:00Character and Illustrations - Galore!Check out my SlideShare Presentation: <div style="width:425px;text-align:left" id="__ss_1282086"><a style="font:14px Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;display:block;margin:12px 0 3px 0;text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/cjmetzger/cjmportfoliodisney?type=presentation" title="Cjm Portfolio I">Cjm Portfolio I</a><object style="margin:0px" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=cjmportfoliodisney-123964541277-phpapp02&stripped_title=cjmportfoliodisney" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=cjmportfoliodisney-123964541277-phpapp02&stripped_title=cjmportfoliodisney" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="font-size:11px;font-family:tahoma,arial;height:26px;padding-top:2px;">View more <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/">Microsoft Word documents</a> from <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/cjmetzger">cjmetzger</a>.</div></div>CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com142tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-64857034021544098572009-05-28T14:33:00.001-07:002009-05-28T14:40:56.727-07:00POP! Goes Santa Fe!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3es7TcaivYPnYfCYGZYi4nmeDRmS7hLMcMtPweP52z1ugPuL54Uy06QzTb5MCDIFJzyXCKDuZEjTa1UyicgEA9CIf6bEiBYD1VPWC_wzbU_Qv74QZhUppH0rcSKT7rETrCum3hA/s1600-h/cjm_santafe_show1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3es7TcaivYPnYfCYGZYi4nmeDRmS7hLMcMtPweP52z1ugPuL54Uy06QzTb5MCDIFJzyXCKDuZEjTa1UyicgEA9CIf6bEiBYD1VPWC_wzbU_Qv74QZhUppH0rcSKT7rETrCum3hA/s320/cjm_santafe_show1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340991319407027826" border="0" /></a><br />The Show at Pop Gallery, Santa Fe went great! I decided to road-trip it this time. I headed out with my folks and 6 year old on a 5 day trek through the thundery landscape of Northern Arizona, all the way to New Mexico and to beautiful Santa Fe! Have you ever been? It's my second time, and it only gets lovelier. I'm formatting photos of our jaunt, check back in a few days for some excellent photos of The Historic Wig-wam Hotel (Holbrook, AZ), The Grandest Canyon you'll ever see, and other photographic moments from our trip on Route 66!<br />And a note about the "Pop Suger Coated Femme Show, 2009:<br /><a href="http://www.popsantefe.com">Pop Gallery</a> is owned and operated by the wonderful Sharla and Michael McDowell. It's great space filled with fabulous art! This past show had artwork <span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, SunSans-Regular, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">Kathie Olivas, Artist Sisters CJ Metzger & Miss Mindy, Stephanie Roberts, Carrie Ann Baade, Marie Sena, Valery Milovic and Julie West </span>Take a peek Pop Galleries current, past and upcoming exhibitions!CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-74243217092909054772009-05-07T21:20:00.000-07:002009-05-07T21:24:18.436-07:00Black Maria Show this Weekend (more sneak peeks)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVW4flgwpWcT15riYU-VsHyaxwXYRssk0InDeYZJPWLh42xu2nPvRUwQUYVKZ_bDiW2_OlIwiqvCdDYG8-94VFP95QM94yOncBbZQ3UFlANt7beFOA8gu7TVVf6NLmHuE17VKXQ/s1600-h/cjm_blog_imgs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVW4flgwpWcT15riYU-VsHyaxwXYRssk0InDeYZJPWLh42xu2nPvRUwQUYVKZ_bDiW2_OlIwiqvCdDYG8-94VFP95QM94yOncBbZQ3UFlANt7beFOA8gu7TVVf6NLmHuE17VKXQ/s320/cjm_blog_imgs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333303290047045346" border="0" /></a><br />Here are another few photos of the new pieces at the <a href="http://www.blackmariagallery.com%27">Black Maria Gallery </a>in Atwater. They are acrylic and mixed media on wood, and framed up in reclaimed gold carved frames that I cut and assembled myself. These two pieces are "St. of Despair and Longing" and "St. Of Wounded Hearts".<br />Check them out in person, or online! See the post below for all the details. The reception is this Saturday May 9th, 7-10pm.CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-60840655979328992202009-04-14T14:01:00.000-07:002009-04-14T14:22:14.768-07:00These are Strange Times My Dear....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UAg6YqG8FqSjEp_RKUc8Fr3cVwuMGWQXHx9jXd2N1qUSnvukjZrov6Gd-e3Dyr_UqLTVHC1z6-38_5vKvPm6UzoVJ3QDWbMJaQdRLAnTPubUWndV4E8W0HstRR2qjqYbgWYWRw/s1600-h/promos.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UAg6YqG8FqSjEp_RKUc8Fr3cVwuMGWQXHx9jXd2N1qUSnvukjZrov6Gd-e3Dyr_UqLTVHC1z6-38_5vKvPm6UzoVJ3QDWbMJaQdRLAnTPubUWndV4E8W0HstRR2qjqYbgWYWRw/s320/promos.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324660360684309490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Here is a sneak peek at a few of my new pieces for my upcoming show at the Black Maria Gallery.<br />"St. Lucy Saw it Coming" and "When in Love..." are acrylic and mixed media on wood and will be framed in these fabulously ornate guilded wooden frames that have been gifts to me from friends, clients, etc. Please come and see them in person!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Bit's of info from the Press Release:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">These Are Strange Times My Dear</span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><br />9 May – 6 June, 2009<br />Opening Reception: Saturday 9th May, 7:00 – 10:30pm<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.blackmariagallery.com/">Black Maria Gallery:</a> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >3137 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039<br />Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm until 6pm (or by appointment)<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Los Angeles –</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" > Black Maria Gallery is pleased to announce "These Are Strange Times My Dear"; a group show featuring the latest works from </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.catiachien.com/">Catia Chien</a>, <a href="http://www.cjmetzger.com/">CJ Metzger </a>and <a href="http://www.danydesign.net/">Dany Paragouteva</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">. This show is a mystical interpretation of our current turbulent times. The artists are exploring our journey through the current storm of political and economic instability, searching for something positive to grasp onto. In a time of such negativity, this exhibition strives to expose some silver linings.</span><br /></span><br /></span>CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-73125682711461503282009-03-02T19:57:00.001-08:002009-03-02T20:00:08.128-08:00Art in the NY Times!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzfeIrTCIsyLFun3voyjhbqfaXh3W_b5IfItqVWk65dAOHTfIpsomkXbeia7ps4L_d01DUsqurZfKm5aDUkmPKtGKTZav4nqhob-sjqtNpIUeKCreppfLF06_tnS6bqClXDz8oA/s1600-h/26eaglerock-600.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzfeIrTCIsyLFun3voyjhbqfaXh3W_b5IfItqVWk65dAOHTfIpsomkXbeia7ps4L_d01DUsqurZfKm5aDUkmPKtGKTZav4nqhob-sjqtNpIUeKCreppfLF06_tnS6bqClXDz8oA/s320/26eaglerock-600.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308806343024170994" border="0" /></a><br />There was a full color article in the NY Times about poor dear Eagle Rock, and how it's being hit by the recession... It's a wee bit o' a bummer article, citing how small artsy bohemian towns booming during the past decade are now facing uncertain demise...But the irony is that my paintings are in the background of the photo - and I've been getting a lot of phone calls about the artwork! Check out the article if you missed it <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/fashion/26eaglerock.html">here.</a><br />I’m excited to my work in the paper, sad it had to be in association with “ When the Next Wave Wipes Out”article ... Oh hell, lately the news is all about fear. Let’s not buy into it! We can rise above all this doom and gloom!CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-14584105873157858752009-02-04T15:05:00.001-08:002009-02-04T15:13:24.567-08:00A Woman's Place is...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5g9-VbTPJFFY3tMuEK_Lhdpo0C9mOhFDOYkTEWsk8kuuv8t30YixNL44qmaYUjLh-qigQ9QBdR3CI8FgspiTeVSGwP2SQdQdhbqNm_EtJTtK_pKxxE2ZSNOtv2_VwV8useoB-w/s1600-h/grandma_j.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5g9-VbTPJFFY3tMuEK_Lhdpo0C9mOhFDOYkTEWsk8kuuv8t30YixNL44qmaYUjLh-qigQ9QBdR3CI8FgspiTeVSGwP2SQdQdhbqNm_EtJTtK_pKxxE2ZSNOtv2_VwV8useoB-w/s320/grandma_j.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299082450863000274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">"As I always say, a woman's place is in the home (painting murals!) " Ha Ha!<br />My mom recently unearthed a photo album documenting the life of my artist/grandparents Ralf and Jeanette Johnstone! Old photos set onto velvety black paper pages - and the writing in white ink! Oooh! It's just beautiful scrapbooking at its finest!<br /><br />My favorites were the photos of the mural that is currently in my living room (previously their living room). I love how my grandma is wearing her bathing suit while she paints! Who needs a smock? </span>I think this photo was taken in the mid 1930's.<br /></div>CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-74683291383474398422009-01-22T13:15:00.001-08:002009-01-22T13:28:35.620-08:00Poem to Mischievous Maeve<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCjkTUAEnBBFhQCf816DIQP3Gqi5l63L7zs2lqE1g75ZDmA_pISiFmc3M_48O7FZbg8vEaFq0xuFCC0i971BfwGe9iehTUW5kCTuRNYv7KUN6Vso0FMOW4yHYuFnr5-HZ9TVJKA/s1600-h/nikki_note.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCjkTUAEnBBFhQCf816DIQP3Gqi5l63L7zs2lqE1g75ZDmA_pISiFmc3M_48O7FZbg8vEaFq0xuFCC0i971BfwGe9iehTUW5kCTuRNYv7KUN6Vso0FMOW4yHYuFnr5-HZ9TVJKA/s320/nikki_note.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294229921419963954" border="0" /></a><br />Pursuing this career in art can have its ups and downs, but every now and again I'll get a nice note from a fan of my work, or an email that makes my day. That really connects and makes me feel that my work has a higher purpose, that it's getting to people, giving them feelings of joy - or sorrow, or a different awareness.<br /><br />This poem/letter above was hand written and given to me by a dear and creative girl named Nikki! It is written about one of my character creations <a href="http://www.mischievousmaeve.com/">"Mischievous Maeve"</a>.<br /><br />It reads "Dearest Maeve, You live in a spidery cave. There's nothing but fireflies on the swamp in the dark and in the light, they're always ready for full flight. She is independent and sweet, I love it every time we meet! Even though you can look mean, you love your little lima-beans! In daylight you always fly your kite. You may not be the nicest of creatures, but you are underneath it all. I love you! Don't forget to call!<br />From Nikki."<br /><br />Wow. Thanks for this Nikki! I love it!CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-13943505894933873412008-12-16T15:14:00.001-08:002008-12-16T15:40:12.358-08:00World Changing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUABm7R6LZs4o3qJe-KqkU4k4PFBi0XgRh5KqdV9pIq9hOFNdSraCQmY9zZvSWNLbkocJNcL_kTFGzirJ1WdmkAgHHSwgH1Dx1dNUDURDvGshFM31AwHPqZLow63z6vpO74NKnbA/s1600-h/worldchanging.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUABm7R6LZs4o3qJe-KqkU4k4PFBi0XgRh5KqdV9pIq9hOFNdSraCQmY9zZvSWNLbkocJNcL_kTFGzirJ1WdmkAgHHSwgH1Dx1dNUDURDvGshFM31AwHPqZLow63z6vpO74NKnbA/s320/worldchanging.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280530683221274738" border="0" /></a>Many of us feel lost, feel angry, feel hopeless about it all... How did we get here? Where exactly were <span style="font-style: italic;">we</span>? After years of big "eating" expensive cars, enormous houses, products, stuff - America has become this obese, exhausted, abused mass of a thing... We lay on the bed as infusions are administered, CPR and life support given... What is it that will get our pulse rate back to normal?<br /><br />Luckily for me, I've found that I'm more of an optimist than I had previously known. When given lemons - make lemonade - and such right? Hearing the pragmatic, inspirational, philosophical speeches of our president-elect, listening to my own insides waxing and waning, hearing words from my artist friends - I feel a sense of unity, a connectedness through adversity that gives me hope. And now, much to my delight I have come across this book - at first drawn to it for it's striking and beautiful bird on the cover, but now to it's massively deep content. It is an epic compilation of information spanning from "Holistic Problem Solving", discussing how our things "define us" and how to develop new relationships with "stuff", and how "business can be a vehicle of change". It provides great insight into the many layered scenarios that plague our country, and practical solutions - many of which are already in practice on different scales. <br /><br />I have only begun my journey into digesting and discovering all the insight this book has to offer, but I'm already certain that book will have profound impact on how I approach my creative career. I plan to surround myself with inspiration, information, solutions, kindness, collaborations, and friendships. To submerge myself in <span style="font-style: italic;">goodness</span> that can only beget <span style="font-style: italic;">goodness</span>. Be the change I want to see, etc. I encourage anyone to pick up a copy and see how we can all become that <span style="font-style: italic;">"vehicle of change"</span> in the coming decades.CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-54920368645974373942008-12-06T14:38:00.000-08:002008-12-06T14:45:00.401-08:00Super FUN VINYL TOYS!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vinyltoys.net/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2bRQ8KCxppRd2FX5wA4gWxn95S6cXNXX1lHDwqP7ahUU2N4OTP4KOJpH7-9KPkyEYDvUPbjHRJT0nU3VlJnlZcGDN_kmJ3mnHkFe05EzSH_Xs8yvTtYVAjLwQUjaM-7xSswuzA/s320/Winter08_CJ.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276810324586010706" border="0" /></a>Yipee! It's time for toys! It's the annual <a href="http://www.vinyltoys.net/">Vinyl Toy Network</a> show in Pasadena!<br />I'm going to swing by and see all the fun new toys along with my hubby and kiddo.<br />I designed one of series of collectors cards for the event (See above). I wish<br />my Maeve Toy was going to be there... Not sure if the other color versions will ever be released at this point... Well, I guess that makes the existing Mischievous Maeve Dolls that much more special right? Hope you are all enjoying your holidays (turn off CNN - it's bad for your health! and just keep optimistic!) Things will have an upturn soon - I feel it in my bones!CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26765678.post-32531981707867304882008-11-11T22:16:00.000-08:002008-11-11T22:26:57.776-08:00Yipee! Obama Art!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80XeV1qD36NN9Fh63LZJrVrzgiYhAmiPKNGnsabVsL3jQuQ2EJyyHVR5PgW9FuYMXDz1YK6H97HbE6zzT8Rcoik-BlGfTAhtV4jksO6WSk06bP0tNk9-2po-tdbWi3JlMxQiHMA/s1600-h/6a00d83451b62369e2010535dfa8ae970b-800wi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80XeV1qD36NN9Fh63LZJrVrzgiYhAmiPKNGnsabVsL3jQuQ2EJyyHVR5PgW9FuYMXDz1YK6H97HbE6zzT8Rcoik-BlGfTAhtV4jksO6WSk06bP0tNk9-2po-tdbWi3JlMxQiHMA/s320/6a00d83451b62369e2010535dfa8ae970b-800wi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267651269626438674" border="0" /></a>I practiced a little escapism and ran off to Yosemite during the monumental election. I needed to just clear my head with some fresh air and trees. It was nice not feeling submerged in all the CNN coverage, it was sooo quiet in the forest, so peaceful. But I just had to hear the news so at around 9:00 I began pacing madly trying to get a cell phone signal in the woods! I got a few bars and found out that Obama had won - and my heart lit up - almost as bright as our campfire. It felt like New Years Day! So much excitement and promise. For the first time in a long time I felt truly delighted and proud to be an American! One of my favorite artists <a href="http://anahata.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/11/i-didnt-have-a-television-here-to-ring-in-the-election-but-obama-fever-is-in-belize-as-well-i-was-in-belize-city-on-nov-5th.html">Anahata Katkin </a>was also inspired and while on her retreat in Belize, and experienced first hand the effect of our election abroad (<a href="http://anahata.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/11/i-didnt-have-a-television-here-to-ring-in-the-election-but-obama-fever-is-in-belize-as-well-i-was-in-belize-city-on-nov-5th.html">check out her blog</a>). She featured this poster here from a Southwest Campaign by artist <a href="http://www.newimageartgallery.com/datefarmers.html">Date farmers</a> based on Mexican revolutionary posters. Wow!CJ Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306840511430044583noreply@blogger.com1