Girl from Standup TubLand

Cowgirl Studios Grand Opening Party this Saturday

2012-01-23T16:30:00.001-05:00

This Saturday is the day! Come on out to Old Roswell to meet the Cowgirls of Cowgirl Studios. The party starts at 5pm and there will be doorprizes and the GOOD FOOD TRUCK!
31B Oak Street Roswell, Ga 30075 ( Behind the shops of SOCA).

Figurative Perspectives SHow

2012-01-12T17:15:00.000-05:00

If You are in my neck of the woods; stop by Art Center West and see the latest show up. Figurative Perspectives is an exhibition of figurative ceramics created by members of the Clay Collective. The Opening is Jan 18 from 6:30-8:30. Roswell Art Center West • 1355 Woodstock Rd • Roswell, GA 30075 • 770 641 3990

Grand Opening Art Showdown

2012-01-10T12:47:00.002-05:00

There's a new Posse in Town who request your attendance for a grand opening art showdown! Heida Halldorsdottir, Nicole Merkens, Charlotte Tate and Cheryl Young are "COWGIRL STUDIOS"- a gallery/artworkspace in Old Roswell Off Oak Street. Come join us for our grand opening on January 28, 2012 from 5-8pm at Cowgirl Studios. 31B Oak Street Roswell, GA ( behind the SOCA shops). The Good Food Truck will be there.

Opening New Studio

2012-01-09T19:09:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! I have opened a new art studio with three dear friends. Cowgirl Studios is located in Old Roswell, Ga off Oak Street. I am very excited about this new venture. Stay tuned for the announcement of our Grand Opening Party at the end of the month.
Ill post an invite and you are all invited!

Works in clay holiday show this weekend

2011-11-30T19:21:00.001-05:00

CYBER Monday Free shipping in my ETSY shop

2011-11-27T17:44:00.001-05:00

Hi ALL!!! I have new listings in my ETSY SHOP. If you use the coupon code "CYBERMON" today through tomorrow ( monday Nov 28th, 2011) you can get free shipping on any of my shop items to anywhere in the domestic USA.

New Feather Choker Necklace

New Gypsy Bags

Happy Cyber Monday!xx- nicole

One November Show

2011-10-12T11:26:00.003-04:00

This is a show I am in in November. It looks like its going to be a fun event.

A Time to Shift

2011-07-17T17:10:00.003-04:00

I'm back....

Did I ever mention my father's ancestors were King of the Gypsies and my mother's ancestors

were pirates?

Well with that in mind here are some new bags I'm obsessed with making. They are for the girl who is a gypsy at heart.

All available on my ETSY site

For the moment

2010-12-06T10:40:00.003-05:00

Well, this is my 464th post. I think this Girl from Standup Tubland needs to reinvent herself.

With my recent accident, I was able to slow down and watch a lot of what was going on around me in this life. I always felt this obligation to post as often as possible about what I was working on at the present time- to feel validated as a working artist. Well, I've discovered that maybe art/pieces need time to evolve before you set them free and introduce them to the world. Time to git-gel.

I have had some recent incidents of major copying of my work and just flat out piggy-backing by some acquaintances. I just can't believe people do this. Don't people realize this is stealing?

Im going to take some time to read books and blogs, watch movies, enjoy the quiet, and well have a "seista "of sorts. My work is about to change and take on some much needed meaning into some questions Ive had lately.

I want to thank everyone for reading about my crazy thoughts and escapades and going through this transition with me.
I wish you happy holidays and hope to see you in the near future at some fun art event.

Peace Out- Nicole

Disenchanted

2010-10-21T12:28:00.002-04:00

HI All. I am very disenchanted these days. Im on week 7 of not walking so Ill just share two pieces that have been dying to say Hello to you.

Stitch Rock this weekend

2010-09-27T13:53:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone. I am sorry Ive been a bum. I have been so depressed since I severed my achilles tendon. I am on week 4 of recovery since my surgery and that means week 4 of being on the couch ( no weight on the foot). I am also bummed that I wont be able to wo"man" my booth this weekend at Stitch Rock. My Lovely sister will be filling in for me. The festival is going to be "banana's" ( as Rachel Zoe would say). So if you are in West Palm you have to go!
The Details are all listed below.

Indie Crafts GALORE at this Saturday's

Stitch Rock!

Saturday October 2nd 2010 - 12 noon - 6 pm

www.RockTheStitch.com

::WHAT::
Stitch Rock is an annual indie craft fair and bazaar bringing back old school crafting techniques with new school flare! Full of Handmade crafts and unique products like D.I.Y fashion, funky home deco items, natural bath and body goodies, vintage finds, hot rod paintings, pin up photography, and much more! This year we have added more room to walk inside with an outside vendor tent. With all this excitement, skip the malls and shop indie!

* Free swag bag for the first 100 people!
* Outside vendor tent, & more room inside
* Door prizes, food, cupcakes and drinks
* D.I.Y Fashion show at 3pm
* FREE Parking Garage

::WHEN::
Sat October 2nd, 2010 12noon - 6pm

::ADMISSION::
$5 (children 12 and under free with adult) Strollers allowed, but not suggested.

::WHERE: :
Old School Square - Vintage Gymnasium
51 N. Swinton Ave
Delray Beach , Fl. 33444
(that's downtown Delray Beach on the NE corner of Atlantic Ave. and Swinton.)

We hope to see you there!

Check out our website for pictures, info and a complete list of vendors!

www.RockTheStitch.com

Clay Heads

2010-09-13T14:06:00.000-04:00

Here are some heads that just needed to be assembled. So while I am waiting on my foot to heal and walk again; Im getting all my pieces finished that have been waiting for me.

Achilles

2010-09-02T13:10:00.001-04:00

Well friends I am having surgery tomorrow on my torn achilles tendon. Xrays show its completely torn and the tendons have retracted so I am in for a long recovery. Ill be out of it for some time - so no posts for a couple of weeks.

I think I may have a new subject for my art.

Peace out- nik

New Work from this week

2010-08-30T08:38:00.005-04:00

I just completed a week long workshop with the fabulous Ms. Debra Fritts. It was an intense week of lots of work and I truly felt like I was in a car accident after it was over. It was that good. ;-) . Here are a couple of pieces I made.

I tore my achilles tendon dancing last weekend to Lady Gaga tunes. So hobbling around during the workshop didnt help me out too much either. I finally have a doctor's appointment this afternoon to see the extent of the damage. Damn Lady Gaga...

Cups

2010-08-12T16:46:00.002-04:00

Here are my two cups for the DRINK show I mentioned below. One says, " Sinner" and one says "Prayer Juice". So they go hand in hand literally- drink from one and get redemption from another. Hmmmm....am I subconsciously saying something?

A couple more weeks

2010-08-10T15:58:00.003-04:00

Ive been MIA I know. My kids start school in 2 weeks and then I'll be back in the saddle. So for now I have been making some little things with the time I am allowed.
So staying with my Angel theme I have made these two wall angels. They are ceramic and paper clay, string, lots of paints, and gesso.

Drink Opening

2010-08-02T10:20:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone, We have another opening scheduled this Thursday at Roswell Art Center West from 7-9 pm. The show is called "Drink" and its a clay cup show. I think it will be allot of fun- I have two cups in the show and there are some very talented clay artists from all over the country participting. It should be a great show so come on out!

Im Published....woo- hoo

2010-07-30T13:09:00.002-04:00

What a nice surprise to see my "Journey Man" On Page 73 of this month's Art Doll Quarterly. This magazine is Da Bomb! I have bought some previous issues, but if you love dolls this is the magazine for you! And I was pleased to see I am in the Halloween Issue- my favorite time of year. Oh life is good. ;-)

Sewing

2010-07-26T09:06:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday! I had the good fortune of coming into some vintage french lace this week. It was so hard to control myself to wait to use it. So little ol' me was up late sewing ( I don't particularly like to sew- the machine is a bit complicated and tends to jam all the time).

So I give you some of my French Cuffs I made. I made 6 last night and am just thrilled that I didn't pull my hair out trying to sew decorative stitches.

I hope they are well received- we'll see.

Awesome Weekend Workshop

2010-06-28T14:01:00.002-04:00

I am back from a wonderful 3 day clay workshop with Tip Toland ( Tip is in the middle). She is a fabulous sculptor and we sculpted heads this weekend.

I had a blast and learned a tremendous amount. It was a bit Like CSI School= building the head from a skull shape muscle by muscle. I loved it!
Here is my main head in a couple different stages and one of my little heads trying to show "disgust".

Stitch Rock in October!

2010-06-23T11:26:00.002-04:00

Im so excited I just got into Stitch Rock Indie Craft Fair and Bazaar October 2 from 12- 6pm in Delray Beach Fl.

lll be selling everything I make; jewelry, digital prints, digital collages, etc.

This fair is awesome and if you are in FL in October you ahve to check it out.

Peace- Nic

In Jewelry Mode

2010-06-22T12:38:00.002-04:00

HI! Yes, I'm still alive...my kids have been keeping me busy this summer and Ive been diligently working on a new jewelry line for the New Bill Collection By the Sea in Seaside, Fl.

I have to deliver next week so I am happy to show you a few pieces I just recently finished.

My dilemma when I get dressed is loving jewelry so much(and what girl doesn't); I love to mix and match different metals. Bronze, Silver, Gold, copper etc... So I did my latest collection with pieces that have all those metal colors in them so you can wear them with the favorite Silver necklace or gold ring for example and not clash. They have a tribal - artsy feel to them. Now which ones do I keep for myself?
Have an awesome day!

My Summer Vacation has started- yippee!

2010-06-01T08:51:00.003-04:00

My Opening was wonderful this weekend! So many beautiful people showed up and I sold quite a bit- including this big standing angel who is on her way to beautiful Oregon. I was touch at the turn out and to be surrounded by new friends and some old ones that drove up to surprise me. You know you never forget things like that. I am very fortunate!
Blue Ridge, Ga is such a pretty town and we enjoyed swinging in the backyard on tire swings, flea marketing and drinking Sweet Tea ( a few little treasures the South has to offer).
My summer has officially begun= besides making jewelry for NewBill Gallery By the Sea in Seaside, Fl, a Tip Toland Workshop at the end of this month and a "Clay Cup" show I am in in August- things are slowing down to a nice relaxing pace now. Its time to clean out the closets and get other aspects of my life back on track. Its so hard to keep a balance isn't it?
Have a wonderful week!

My Solo Show This weekend

2010-05-25T09:12:00.006-04:00

I am off to drop off my 50+ pieces to Blue Ridge... So if you are in the North Georgia Mountains this holiday weekend, drop on in and say Hello. Here is the email they sent out..

Please join us. . . . . .

Memorial Day Weekend,

Saturday, May 29th, 6p - 9p

for a very special event. . . . . . .

The Clay Sculptures

Nicole Merkens,

an Exhibit by

one of our very popular Artists.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine & tasty snacks, while you view a special collection of Nicole's dynamic sculptures, and chat with this artist, whose beautiful Angels, and other unique clay art pieces, will touch your soul.

The Clay Sculptures of

Nicole Merkens

at

High Country Art & Antique

715 E. Main St., Blue Ridge

(706) 632-6882

Memorial Day Weekend,

Saturday, May 29th, 6p - 9p

Latest Figure

2010-05-19T17:16:00.002-04:00

Here is my latest figure "Little Wings". She is the last of my pieces for my solo show at High Country Art in Blueridge, Ga on May 29th. I think I can finally breathe now. For two months Ive existed on very little sleep. I only had two months to do a body of work for this show and its been a challenge to keep up the constant pace. I think Ill go take a nap now. Tootles..

New Tattoo and May's Clay

2010-05-17T19:06:00.003-04:00

SO my work has been about winged creatures for a while now... so when I decided it was time to get a new tattoo: wings were the answer. Its been 15 years since my last tattoo and that one was a cow skull- for my art expedition in the Southwest. SO here is a photo from my phone of the latest addition. And yes...it did hurt.

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I invested in the equipment for my own photo studio. Everything is set up and I have been experimenting. I have been pulling out all the new work to be photographed. Here is a peek at some of the work that will be in my solo show at High Country Art in Blue Ridge, Ga May 29th.

Two Shows Down Two to go

2010-05-10T14:59:00.002-04:00

Hi Happy Monday! I am one sleepy girl. I had two openings this weekend and lived to tell about them. The Georgia Artists Show at Abernathy Arts Center was on Friday night and it was a nice and quiet event. Great Art!
Saturday Night I had a crowd join me at the "Personal Guardians" Show at Timothy Michael Gallery in Roswell. We laughed the whole night and I got to meet some fun and interesting people. I was pleased as punch to be a part of that wonderful show. Its up for a month so if you are in Old Roswell - Stop in for a treat.
Two shows down...two to go.

The Personal Guardian Show is Now Up

2010-05-04T15:16:00.003-04:00

After two days and allot of people's input the Personal Guardian show is now up. Our Opening is Saturday from 6:30- 9pm at the Timothy Michael Gallery in Roswell, Ga.

Along with our guardian we were all asked to make 15 round discs to have at the opening ( see below in the basket) for people to place a disc by the guardian they feel most closely looks like theirs.
Here is my little corner of the show. The paintings and the little tree piece in the middle are not mine.

A sneak peak at new artwork

2010-05-01T20:53:00.005-04:00

Ok so I couldnt find an art photographer anywhere close to where I live to photograph my work dramatically- so I got all the equipment and am attempting to do it myself. Here is what I got from playing around for 5 hours with lights today. Man, its a tough job.

The Start of Four Shows

2010-04-20T15:40:00.002-04:00

I am involved in four upcoming shows in May so here is my announcement for the first:
"Personal Guardians- works in clay by students of the Art Center West with Roswell Parks and Recreation". Opening is May 8th from 6:30- 9PM at The Timothy Michael Gallery in Roswell.
This show will be a treat...10 women were asked to make what they thought their "guardian" looked like out of clay. Everyone's guardian looks different and they are all fantastic!
I do hope if you are my neck of the woods; you will join us for a magical night.

TGIF

2010-04-16T13:50:00.003-04:00

Oh what a week. Im so happy to just be home today with no where to go.
I have to share alittle story about my "Crystal Child" - last night my husband was putting her to bed and he noticed she had a little pouch of crystals that she was carefully placing strategically around her room and bed. He asked her what she was doing and she said she was putting them out for protection. That they would protect her during the night. He was flaborghasted and asked her where she learned that. She turned to him and just said, "Oh dad- dont you know that's what you do". She is 4.
So he asked me if I thought she was Native American in a past life- I said, "maybe...but she's just like her mom". I freaked my parents out as a child also.

Ok so since I'm home today I had time to update my Etsy site with new "old jewelry". Take a peek and have a great weekend!

Alive After Five

2010-04-15T07:33:00.004-04:00

Hello There! Is it Friday Yet? This week is taking forever in my opinion.

Here are a couple of pieces Ill be showcasing tonight at Roswell's "Alive After Five Event".
Alive After Five is every Third Thursday in historic downtown Roswell, Ga. from April through October. The shops and galleries stay open late and there is live music and a street fest. Its so much fun and the weather is beautiful so if you are in the South; come and see me at my booth in front of Meditating Mantis tonight. - We can talk about life and people watch together. ;-)

Opening Tonight

2010-04-14T07:47:00.002-04:00

New Digital Collage

2010-04-09T19:59:00.002-04:00

A segment of the "creative souls" group I am in( Through the Glass Darkly) had a challenge posted to do a dark digital collage. Well these are right up my alley and it was nice to sit down and work on one again. Its been a couple of months since I played with pixels this way.
Have a great Weekend!

Teaching in June

2010-04-07T13:32:00.003-04:00

Hi- just a heads up that I will be teaching a "Found Object Jewelry Class" on Thursdays from 9:30am- 12:30 pm at The Art School in Sandy Springs . So if you are in the Atlanta Area and want to come play on Thursday mornings for the month of June ( June3- 24); head on over to the website and sign up. It should be allot of fun ;-) .

I Was Sailing

2010-04-06T12:48:00.004-04:00

Ahoy there! I am back from a week's cruise.

My sister got married during the cruise on a beach in Key West. I must say I think it was an awesome way to get married.

Think about it- all she had to pay ( besides the cruise ticket price and her dress) was the officiant. We had a formal dinner that night that was the reception and it was nice to focus on the actual ceremony and not all the high price tag items that usually come with a wedding.

This is my sister's second marriage- she has three beautiful little girls who her new husband gave necklaces to during the ceremony to let them know he was marrying them too. It was very touching!

Here are some pictures to highlight the trip. It was on the Celebrity Century and we went to Key West and the Cayman Islands. We went snorkeling at Cemetery Beach on Cayman. (Imagine that. I even seek out cemeteries on vacation).

It was also my birthday and my father's; so we celebrated the whole week.

I missed you all, although I must admit it was great to disconnect and not check emails. I think I am a little dizzy today from re-entry into real life. Oh where is my "drink of the day"?

Cemetery Beach, Grand Cayman

She has Arrived

2010-03-24T14:37:00.005-04:00

This little lady is the reason my posts have been so sporatic...My Guardian Piece is finally done. 10 weeks and she is complete. She is life size and has real horse hair.
I hope you like her. ;-)

A Petal Like No Other

2010-03-16T15:26:00.002-04:00

Hello there! Today I am making silicone molds...its soo much fun!

In between making silicone molds; I decided its time I blogged about a couple of pieces I recently finished.
This little lady- is called " A Petal Like No Other". She is clay and found objects- the rusty piece is part of an old candle holder. She stands about 7 inches tall.

Next, getting back into "jewelry mode"- these earrings are part of my design team projects for AlphaStamps. They are made of watch parts. I hammered the back pieces and stamped them.

Now I just have to figure out what to make for dinner.

New Heads

2010-03-08T16:05:00.002-05:00

Its beautiful here today- 68 degrees. So nice that I don't know how to stay inside and get done the things I need to get done.

Here are two new heads- My Mad Hatter and my Hippy Girl. I am experimenting with texture.
MadHatter

Hippy Girl

Mardis Gras Clay Festival

2010-03-05T16:28:00.003-05:00

If you are in Roswell, Ga tomorrow come by the Mardis Gras Clay Festival from 1-5pm at Art Center West. All proceeds go to North Fulton Charities. So come on out and have a bowl of Gumbo and take home the hand made bowl. I hope to see you there. www.roswellclaycollective.com

Meet Rabbit Boy

2010-03-04T13:37:00.002-05:00

Meet Rabbit Boy, I am experimenting with different sized heads on found obje cts. This little guy is 5 inches tall not including the oil can base. I quite like this size- I may be on to something.

You are in my thoughts

2010-03-03T15:40:00.002-05:00

©nicolemerkens- mixed media

A dear 16 year old girl passed away in our town this week and it has touched just about everyone here, including my 8 year old daughter.
We had a long talk about how precious life is and how you should live each day the best you can, by being a caring person with concern for others and making sure you live life to its fullest and you don't regret anything.
So when my daughter got a phone call from the neighbor boy to come out and play; she grabbed her new skateboard she got for her birthday and put on her best skater outfit.
With a smile I took her out with my cup of coffee in hand and said I would watch to make sure she didn't hurt herself ( she has never been skateboarding and she is a very careful, cautious child who doesn't take risks).
I was chatting to the boy's mother when I turned around and saw my shy little girl climb to the top of a very steep driveway down the road. I knew I'd never have time to get to her and I watched with baited breath as she road that skateboard down this mother of a hill.
She was like speed lightning. It happened so fast...then BAM- she was down and she was crying.
I ran to her and quickly checked for broken bones- we were fine...just tears.
I screamed that I was so proud of her for trying and that she was very brave for making her first attempt this giant hill.
Choking back the tears, she said she wanted to live like she was dying.

Sneak Peek

2010-03-02T17:54:00.002-05:00

Here is a sneak peak of my guardian figure going into the kiln. She has under glazes on her and her arms are wings that I am firing separately. I cant wait until she is done. She has been a long time in the making and already has sent me mystical gifts. This piece has truly been a test of my faith. More to come...

Benjamin Zander on music and passion | Video on TED.com

2010-02-25T18:35:00.000-05:00

The universe has been talking to me this week and I think this message is worth passing on:

(click link below)

Benjamin Zander on music and passion | Video on TED.com

Ghost Girl

2010-02-24T12:17:00.003-05:00

Meet Ghost Girl.She has been haunting me...haunting me to make her that is.
She lives in an old wooden box. Her hat keeps her head warm.

Her heart has been broken 5 times.

She loves to sing eerie songs at night.

New Work

2010-02-19T11:44:00.002-05:00

A couple quick photos to show you what Ive been up to. I have a bunch of figures in "the works" right now, and I needed to finish a couple of them up to feel like I am actually doing something. Otherwise, I feel as if I'm just spinning my wheels and have nothing to show for it.
This is "Sing to ME"..She is terracotta and has a skirt of lace and bars. The bottom of her dress is actually the birdcage. She stands 4 feet tall is a piece that I had to make.
Everytime I work in the clay studio- I hear a voice repeated over and over in my head.."Sing to me so that I may sleep". Over and over like a mantra; I hear this in my head while I work. It has become so overwhelming I had to document in a piece. Am I crazy?

Snow in Atlanta

2010-02-13T18:51:00.001-05:00

Free Valentines Card

2010-02-09T14:16:00.005-05:00

As promised here is my latest digital collage to print out for your sweetie. It will print nicely on a 4x6 piece of paper. Click here to download.
Enjoy! xxoo- Nicole

Pie Show was delicious success

2010-02-08T14:58:00.007-05:00

After taking my 7 year old and her Brownie Troop camping in the cold rain this weekend. I went straight to hang the "Everybody Loves Pie" Art Show that I curated with my good friend, Cheryl.

The work came together fabulously. There was free pie and milk in champagne glasses, the press came and all the contributing artists wore their aprons- ALL FOR THE LOVE OF PIE!

Today I am thoroughly exhausted- but The Pie Hole had their biggest pie selling day in history with 27 pies going out to some eager homes.

It was indeed a delicious day in Roswell.

New Kids on the Block in time for Valentine's

2010-02-02T17:40:00.003-05:00

Hi friends! Happy Ground Hog DAY! Im ready for winter to be over. I hope you are staying warm in your part of the world.
I have a new batch of my 'blockheads' on my ETSY site just in time for your sweetie for Valentine's Day. I hope you week is groovy!
xo- nicole

One of my Pie pieces

2010-01-27T12:50:00.002-05:00

I did a digital collage as well for one of my pie show pieces. I made the cherry out of clay on the top of the frame and I posed one of my dolls from my doll collection to make the photo. I think I will post a similar downloadable card-sized image for all my blog friends to download and print for their sweethearts for Valentine's Day. So stay tuned.

-xo Nicole

Ok look what Ive gotten myself into

2010-01-24T13:12:00.002-05:00

Ok so we have this great little pie shop the just opened in my town. The Pie Hole. They sell fantastic pies there. When they first opened I went in with my kids and neighbor and we knew with the first taste of the Lemon Chess pie that this place had to make it in this rough economy.
The owner didn't have the place decorated to the image you get in your head when you hear it's name; "The Pie Hole Pie Shop". So we asked the owner if we could through a local artist "Pie Art Show" to get work on her walls and warm the place up a bit. It would be great exposure for her new shop and for local artists. Well a few months later and we are only 2 weeks out till the show. We have 12 local artists signed up and pie art is exploding all over town. Here's the official invite. If you are in Roswell, Ga on Feb 7th- come on out for a slice of pie and art. ;-)

Everybody Loves Pie Art Show!
Come enjoy a piece of pie and artwork from local artists!
Date: Sunday Feb 7th, 2010
Time: 2-5pm
Where: The Pie Hole
1025 Canton Street Roswell, Ga 30075
678-461-3776

Today is National Pie Day

2010-01-23T18:15:00.003-05:00

WHoo-hooo!!! Today is National Pie Day!
Do your patriotic duty and have a slice.

TGIF

2010-01-22T17:18:00.002-05:00

Ahhhh...Friday! This week killed me.

I had a week to turn around a bunch of ceramic work, and I did it! Its all where it needs to be this lovely Friday evening!

These two new wall hangings didn't make it out of the kiln in time - but they were just extras in case I had a blow up or something.

I wish you could see the actual texture on them-its quite amazing. I think I am moving into the next phase of ceramics- "surface". I'll tell you what though, I'm not planning on surfacing this whole weekend; gonna catch up on some rest and try to slow down a bit.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Oh Baby Boy

2010-01-21T14:59:00.003-05:00

Here's a little guy that just came out of little kiln. He cracks me up when I look at him.
My kids just keep asking me why he has a blue heart...I ask them if they want the scientific reason or the romantic reason. They say "scientific" - I guess that's what you get when you ask a 4 and 7 year old.

Queen of Hearts

2010-01-18T14:56:00.002-05:00

Queen of Hearts, Terra Cotta, copyright nicole merkens

My daughter is in the "Alice in Wonderland" Play at her school this year- so I guess that's where this figure came from. I call her Queen of Hearts- She has the number three etched on her heart to represent exactly how many men she has loved.

I was busy this weekend- my husband turned 40 and we had a party for him. I was hoping for a quiet day but I have more orders for clay heads.

My hands are bleeding from being so dried out. Ive been trying to wear gloves when I work but I am one of those artists that really uses their hands. I paint with them, sculpt with them, etc. My hands are ready for Spring that's for sure- the winter is killing them.

Happy Monday!

I am always looking for you

2010-01-13T08:04:00.002-05:00

Here is a new clown spool head I got finished this week. Is he scary? I really didnt mean for him to be if he is. I started my clay class yesterday and am in the zone. Its so good to get rolling again, the holidays always through me for a loop. I think I am back in the saddle again.

-Tootles

10 little heads

2010-01-11T17:01:00.003-05:00

We are thawing out here in the south. Since we were stuck inside for 3 days I got some new "Block Heads" fired and turned around. I start up another new ceramics class tomorrow its entitled " The Guardian" - we work on what we think our guardian looks like for 8 whole weeks. I cant wait to get started! Have a great day!

Snow, Gall Bladders and Pie

2010-01-10T11:24:00.004-05:00

I know its not allot of snow compared to the rest of the nation, but 2 inches in Atlanta - shuts Atlanta down. We have been stuck inside for two days due to the ice. Here is my backyard with the dusting.

Ill Tell you what- being locked in for a couple of days makes way for very productive art days.

I am involved with a "Pie Art Show" next month ( 10 local artists have to represent pie in an art show in a pie shop). It was a challenge but this little pie/en caustic assemblage just came out of me.
One more little note to self- last night I had my first gall bladder attack in 10 years. At 2:30 in the morning I woke up in extreme pain on my right side and could barely move. I woke my "I-phone savvy husband" and had him look up what to do. He found me a homeopathic remedy of apple juice and apple cider vinegar that immediately got rid of the pain. It smelled like Easter egg dye but I was immediately relieved. Weird ha?

Happy Happy New Year to you!!!

2010-01-04T12:51:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year my friends! I have been frantically trying to clean out every closet, room, drawer, etc to be ready for the new year. Its a psychological thing with me. If I want to start fresh I need a clean pallet.

If you need a resolution; make going to see the Movie AVATAR one of them! This movie is an artist's dream! Everything is fantastic about it. You wont be disappointed!

image from Avatar website

The kids start back to school tomorrow so I am making a list of new projects I want to start. Clay is on the top of my list. Im hoping my MUSE is around here somewhere- Im ready to call on her.
Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-17T17:53:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays from my house to yours! I am about to kick it into high gear, roll up my sleeves and bake and wrap until my hands fall off. So I just wanted to wish you all the best and Ill see you all Fresh Faced in 2010.

-xo nic

A little Holiday Bling

2009-12-14T19:28:00.004-05:00

Hello! I cant believe Christmas is right around the corner. There is so much to do, I am kind of paralyzed. I have started decorating and baking but it doesnt seem to be to the extent I have done in previous years.

I snuck away for a bit this weekend and made some Christmas bling for one last hurrah this Sunday- a little neighborhood show. So I thought I'd share so you don't think I am too much of a slacker.

I hope you are enjoying the season- I am definately starting to. I busted out the Christmas Cds to listen to and made my first batch of cookies. Ho..Ho... Ho. ;-)

Saturday Night at Timothy Michael Gallery

2009-12-04T07:55:00.003-05:00

The clay show was allot of fun last night. Thanks to everyone who came out. It will be going on all weekend so there is still time to come see some ceramics if you couldnt get out there last night.

On Saturday night come on out to the Timothy Michael Gallery for another opening I am participating in. There will be a book signing by Timothy Michael, food, wine, and music.
It's a busy weekend here in the South! Happy Friday!

Saturday Dec. 5th 7-10pm

Timothy Michael Gallery
Book Signing , Small Works Show & Fundraiser for Change Rocks Foundation!
Dec. 5, 2009 7-10pm
SOCA Village
39 Oak St. Roswell, Ga 30075

Clay Opening Tomorrow

2009-12-02T07:46:00.002-05:00

Works in Clay
Winter Show and Sale 2009
December 4 - 6, 2009

Functional & sculptural ceramic works
created by students and instructors
at Roswell Art Center West
NEW THIS YEAR
Preview Reception:
Thursday, December 3, 1-4pm
$10 entry fee

Reception (free and open to the public)
Thursday, December 3, 2009, 7 - 9pm

Sale Dates:
Friday, Dec. 4, 10 - 8
Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 - 5
Sunday, Dec. 6, 12 –5

Roswell Art Center West • 1355 Woodstock Rd • Roswell, GA 30075 • 770 641 3990

New Work for Holiday Clay Show

2009-11-30T20:51:00.003-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I went back to the gym today to make myself feel better.
Here are my latest clay pieces for the upcoming Works in Clay Holiday Show and Sale which opens this Thursday.
Ofcourse it rained all day and I have to set up in the morning, so my photos werent taken with the best light- but I wanted to document them.

ETSY SHOP UPDATES

2009-11-25T08:22:00.003-05:00

Just in time for cyber Monday, I have finally buckled down and updated my ETSY Shop. Ill be cooking all day in preparation for tomorrow's Turkey Day. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am thankful that we all have this cyber blog world to connect with eachother!

Gobble Gobble! -xo Nic

Look at this little bit of fabulosity

2009-11-24T09:26:00.002-05:00

I was thrilled when a friend of mine posted this article about me. Thanks

Madison!

My roll as an American

2009-11-23T12:51:00.002-05:00

I have Jury Duty my friends, leave a message at the beep. Be back tomorrow.

xo-

Besides buying my turkey today..

2009-11-19T15:20:00.003-05:00

Besides buying my turkey today... I finished up this commission piece. Did you ever see The Dark Crystal ? Well this Raven reminds me of one its characters. I had such a good time making him and making the perfect base for him.
Things have finally become manageable again for me. Although I find it hard to Turn "OFF".

I went into a Pie shop yesterday for a mere slice of pie and ended up proposing an art show to the owner (whom i never met) with a Pie Theme. She loved the idea and next week we will be hashing out the details.
"Pie, Pie, Oh how I love Pie!"

Home Show Behind Me

2009-11-16T15:13:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday! I had my home show with my dear friend Cheryl this weekend. It was a blast. There were a totally of eight artists showing their work .

Thank you to all my friends and supporters who came out. It meant allot to me!

Here are some photos from the night.
Julie Anne shows her skull on a stick that the fabulous Bella made

Tracy Provencher's work

My table of jewels and statues

Cheryl and I after some wine

Only one more show left for me for this year. The Clay West Ceramic Show and that's in two weeks. So I think for today Ill take it easy and figure out what to do next...maybe its just plain ol' dinner.

Countdown to HomeShow

2009-11-11T10:48:00.003-05:00

I am having an Art Home Show this weekend with one of my closest friends, Cheryl.

So if you are in our neck of the woods Friday come on by for some wine and some fun art!

FRIDAY NOV 13, 2009
6-9PM receeption
230 Foxley Way

Roswell, Ga 30075

Clay Workshop

2009-11-10T15:29:00.002-05:00

Hi Sorry, I have been MIA- I was taking an Arthur Gonzalez- clay workshop with my mom. Oh it was so much fun and we learned so much.

It has made me realize I really DO Need to go back and get my master's in Sculpture. Here are some photos from the 3 days and my final piece ( before its fired- it has underglazes on it now).

Wow its November

2009-11-03T07:39:00.004-05:00

We had a wonderful Halloween here. Many parties, trick or treating, pumpkin carving and lots of rain. I am also working diligently on two upcoming shows for next week; so I have been out of touch with the cyber world. So here is my check- in. I had an order for Druzy Pendants ( I love Druzies). So I thought I'd post a few to show you.

I'm Off to my clay class so have a great day!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-30T12:32:00.003-04:00

I came across this photo in one of my junk runs. I swear she has a spirit around her head! Do you see it? I thought this would be the perfect photo to post today.
I dont know about your house but mine was alive with ghostly presences last night. The dog barked constantly at thin air and me and my kids had nightmares all night.
The Veil is thin....
Happy Halloweenie!

HI

2009-10-26T12:41:00.003-04:00

Happy Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Its definitely fall here in the South. Its always so hard to initially switch over your wardrobe from summer to winter. I end up looking like a crazy person the first couple of weeks.

This weekend I had a little jewelry workshop at my house for some friends who had mentioned they wanted to learn how. We had a great time and I am quite proud of what they made:

This is Bella and her "Edgar" Piece. FAB! she blogged about it here.

And this is Caity with her sparkly treasure!

New Little Friends

2009-10-19T12:06:00.002-04:00

I have some more little friends to share with you that I have been working on. They have already been delivered to a gallery and hopefully they will find some good homes in this economy.

I am back from camping with my daughter's brownie troop. It was the coldest weekend yet- here in Georgia. We froze. Isn't that always the way- it either rains or its subzero for trips like this. Anyways, it was a great bonding experience and I think I will make a list of the things I forgot and the things that would have made our trip better- Like Towels...hehehe... Yes I forgot towels. Oh well, it makes for a better story.

I hope you have a great week- I feel a shift has begun in the Universe...I think things will begin to look up from here on out- so stay positive!
xo- Nicole

A Winter Wonderland

2009-10-15T15:51:00.003-04:00

I was asked to check out a space today- to sell my artwork. So I drove into the city and wound up at a really cool venue.

It was a warehouse space that catered to interior designers and they just happened to have their Christmas Wares out and on display.

There was every color combination Christmas tree you could imagine and rows upon rows of beautiful satin ribbon, reindeer's, ornaments, wreaths, etc.

It was truly a winter wonderland and I think it may be fun to see my work displayed amongst this festive-ness.

P.S. I am packing as we speak for a very cold weekend of camping with the Brownies (the girlscout kind not the wood sprites).

MIA

2009-10-14T10:37:00.004-04:00

I know, I know....I have been missing in action. Well I have had a real crappy week or so.

It first started with my 7 year old being bullied by mean girls in school ( can you believe it starts in second grade now? If anyone needs some advice on the subject feel free to email me - I have been up to my neck in it for weeks now and it breaks my heart).

Then, my computer blew up- my energy tends to do things like this when I get stressed out- i blow out lights, cars, machines, equipment, etc...So I spent the entire day trying to load graphics software on my kid's dinosaur of a machine and once it was on there- the thing creeped along. I was ready to commit Harry Carey yesterday. So until I can face having to pay through the nose for a new decent machine, Ill be working on a piece of crap.

On a brighter note- looking forward to the holidays with my new Santa Necklace made for Alphastamps.

I hope you are having a better week than me. Peace out!

Jingle Jingle

2009-10-07T11:40:00.002-04:00

Well the holidays are almost here- time to pick out pumpkins this weekend and put the mummy out by the door.
It always amazes me how far ahead stores and design teams have to think ahead to beat the holiday rush. Above is an ornament I did for the Alphastamps Design team and it really makes me think that before I know it - it will be " Ding Dong.."trick or treat", Gobble Gobble, "Merry Christmas".
SO to all my fellow neurotic friends out there...It's coming!

A different kind of post

2009-10-05T13:57:00.005-04:00

Today I am writing about furniture...
On Friday all of my house guests had left including my hubby for a weekend fishing trip and I just had to get out - I had "company hangover". You know that feeling of not knowing what to do with yourself when all your guests had finally gone. Sure I could have cleaned or been a good girl and gone to the gym, but I wanted to do something fun, something I liked to do. So I headed to flea markets. I found a few trinkets here and there but then I noticed an odd little set up in a parking lot with tents and booths and STUFF! So with 15 min to spare before I had to be at one of my kids bus stops- I ran over and saw this little beauty:

Its an old furniture dolly type of thing that they used in factories to move heavy pieces around, but it has railroad wheels on it. I have been looking for one of these for over a year and could never quite afford the ones I saw- but the universe was looking out for me, the stars aligned and this treat was in the back of my car with the help of a nice southern gentleman named, "Duddley".

I raced home and pulled up my very steep driveway and said a few prayers before trying to get this monster out of my car. My 4 year said, "mom that mailman had been at our mailbox for a long time" ( he was watching crazy moi try to get it out of the car). SO I tipped it the best I could and let gravity do the rest-all to the soundtrack of a concerned postal worker screaming "OH MY GOD, OH My GOD". Ill never know if he was worried about me or my railroad car careening down the drive and side swiping his mail mobile.

Anyways I am in love with it and had a good story to tell you.

Happy Monday!
P.S. this sucker is heavy!

Meet Zombie Boy

2009-09-29T14:55:00.003-04:00

Meet Zombie Boy:

He has had his heart broken a few times so he comes with replaceable hearts.

He stands just 3 feet tall and wears his white skull sweater everywhere.

He loves to collect "over the knee socks" and his sign is Virgo.

Eye See You

2009-09-24T16:34:00.002-04:00

I have been working on my jewelry for a few months and have started to really run out of supplies. So I am turning to my Dark Side and have made these little wonders out of vintage doll parts:

This is on the back of the eye on my necklace- I always try to add a little humor.

These earrings raised some brows at the outdoor festival last weekend.

I loved that! They actually close when you lay down.

All available on my ETSY shop.

What I did while it rained

2009-09-23T16:39:00.007-04:00

HI. We are drying out here in the South. Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers we are doing just fine.

Since we were stuck inside for days= I decided to honker down and work on one of my Alphastamps swaps. Here are some photos of mine from the Haunted House Book Swap.

You do 7 pages for the swap and get 7 in return to assemble and put together as a 3-D book. All the pages are different sizes and shapes- so it should look cool when its all put together with 7 pages from 7 artists.

A Wash Out

2009-09-21T14:10:00.003-04:00

Well mY friends, I went, I set up and I got my butt kicked by the weather this weekend. As I write to you now- I have class IV white water rapids running through my street and down my backyard. It supposed to rain for 6 more days and I really dont know if Atlanta can take it. Here is a photo of me at my booth set up - it was truly a wet day.

And now here is my video from 10 min ago in my street:

I am about to bust out my kayak on the side of the house.

STRUT Your Stuff this Weekend

2009-09-17T16:15:00.002-04:00

This Saturday I have a booth at the East Atlanta Strut. If you are in Atlanta come out for a great time and to say "Hi". There will be live music, an artist market, parade, and kids activities.

Tomorrow I am picking up my sister who is coming in just to help me with the booth. So Ill post photos when its over and I am praying it doesnt get rained out! Wish me luck.
Tootles- Nic

Ut OH my multiple personality disorder is showing

2009-09-15T10:38:00.005-04:00

I am finishing off a bunch of "started projects" for my Art Booth this weekend at the East Atlanta Strut. I am praying I have enough pieces and praying that stuff sells.
I am having a good time with the idea that Halloween is next month and I made a ton of these Halloween headbands this weekend- complete with ravens, feathers, and fur.
Can't a girl just have/do it all?

-xo- Nic

Hello there Monday.

2009-09-14T11:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday friends! I had a crazy weekend getting work to one of the shows I am participating in this coming weekend: The Art House.

This show should be very exciting! Its in a beautiful house in the Vinings, here in Atlanta and the work was pretty spectacular ( of what I saw when I dropped off my jewelry and sculpture) . The proceeds go to the Shepherd Center Foundation. Which I really admire. I feel fortunate to be in this event and hope if you are in the area you can stop by this weekend.

Today is 09/09/09

2009-09-09T13:57:00.005-04:00

Say Hello to My little friends:

These are the first of a new serious I am doing in clay- they just tickle me when the clay reveals their personalities. He heeee...

Thought I had Swine flu...Oh My

2009-09-08T14:03:00.008-04:00

Sunday after the book fair, I started getting really sick. I felt so bad I stayed in bed for two days. Well I was starting to freak my family and myself out cause I had all the symptoms of the swine flu. ( I am a hypochondriac) so today I went to the doctor and when I told him I had swine flu- he laughed at me; said I had a sinus infection and to take a decongestant. So I immediately felt better and dragged my butt to clay class.

Before i got sick the kids and I made life sized Skeleton sugar cookies - they werent only HUGE ( I used a william sonoma pancake mold to make the cut outs) they were tasty!

We went to the book festival this weekend and had a special brunch with the Author of the "Skippy Jon Jones Books" Judy Schachner" It was awesome! She sat with each child and drew a picture in their book and the kids took photos with a giant "Skippy".

Well my head is all foggy from the meds so Ill write to you dear friends again tomorrow. Hope you week is starting out great! xo-Nic

TGIF

2009-09-04T12:47:00.004-04:00

Yeah its Friday! I am better today- went for a walk and alittle window shopping. I am also looking forward to the Decatur Book Festival this weekend- its the 4th largest in the country and a lot of fun!

Going for a picnic this evening on the Chattahoochee River- need to dip my feet in and reconnect with nature. My soul is calling for it!

Have a great weekend.

xo- Nic

Wish

2009-09-03T16:09:00.009-04:00

I don't know if it is because I have been going non-stop for the past two months, or what, but I am seriously having a case of "self doubt". Do you ever get the feeling that maybe what you are doing is just spinning your wheels? I guess the economy is getting to me. I am one of those people who have been trying to keep chugging along as usual and just "waiting" for everything to turn right side up- optimism. Well, I thought (wished) it took being optimistic to make IT better.

So here I am sitting on almost two hundred pieces of jewelry, awaiting 2 shows on Sept 19th and trying to remain optimistic.

Maybe I just need to go for a walk and soak in some sunlight or something but I feel a funk coming on.

Maybe I just need chocolate.

I'm so manic.

Please pass on what you do when you feel "a funk" coming your way.
I'd love to hear I am not alone.

Thanks for listening to my rant.

Fingers Crossed

2009-09-01T13:25:00.007-04:00

I am back from the clay studio today- alittle frustrated...it is so slow going. I need instant gratification and clay just takes much longer since you have to sculpt it, fire it, glaze it, fire it, glaze it again, fire it again, etc, etc.

Oh well, patience is a virtue.

NEWS FLASH: Jeannette Blix over at Jeannetteblix.com is having a great givaway- Jumbo Butane torches, pliers, earrings and much more. So check it out. I would love the jumbo torch! Fingers crossed "X"

Nice Weekend

2009-08-31T13:34:00.005-04:00

My Weekend started out wonderful when I found this wonderful package in my mailbox from Pilar! She painted this fantastic softie heart for me and look at how beautiful she packaged it. She makes me want to be a better person! Thank you Pilar! Check out her wonderful works.

Next, I packed up the fam and we went hiking through the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National park. Where the Confederate and Union soldiers fought in 1863. ( kennesaw- means "burial ground" in Cherokee).

It was a great hike and a very beautiful place!

Finally, I finished a leather cuff that was giving me some problems. So that was one more thing to mark off my "to Do" list.

Happy Monday!

One for Today

2009-08-27T13:10:00.005-04:00

I am back from my stint at the clay studio this morning, and I have only one piece of jewelry to show you today ( I conched out last night early). This piece is made with the current state of the economy in mind.

The main stone is Pyrite- a good luck stone for Money. My design work has been real slow so I decided to change my destiny and make a "Magic Necklace" to fix my current circumstances.

Well it seems there are quite a lot of folks in my same predicament...cause when I wore it to the bus stop; people asked me about the stone, learned of its intent...and started a line to rub it (maybe pyrite has other properties as well )*wink*

Is it Friday Yet?

2009-08-26T10:45:00.004-04:00

I started taking an independant study Clay Class through my city here. So I have been going back and forth between jewelry and clay.

I'm having a good time and since I make it a priority to get to the clay studio at least 2 days a week...I feel like I have purpose. Silly I know..but that's how I roll.

At night I hide in my studio and make jewelry until my fingers fall off. I have three weeks left until the East Atlanta Strut Art Festival and I need a ton of merchandise to fill my booth.

So here are some of my latest creations and stay tuned for some clay stuff in the near future (once they are out of the kiln).

Love ya,

Nik

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil...

2009-08-24T15:18:00.002-04:00

This weekend was quite magical in little ol' Roswell, Ga. My honey and I attended the first Annual Roswell Trolley Tour. It was a tour that took you by trolley to the remaining three plantation homes in my town. Each home was decorated and represented a different southern city in the U.S.

One was supposed to be San Antonio, complete with tacos, tequila sunrise drinks, salsa bands and a mariachi band. Another was supposed to be New Orleans; mask making, a jazz band, hurricane drinks, Muffulettas and beignets. And finally the last one was Key West, where we danced until midnight to a Jimmy Buffet Type band, ate cheeseburgers (in paradise) drank margaritas, and splashed in baby pools of water and hit beach balls. This is what I envisioned living in the South was supposed to be like!

Happy Monday!

Fabulous

2009-08-19T10:57:00.003-04:00

Well hello there! The Folk Fest was FABULOUS! I wish I had a ton of money so I could have bought everything!

Since I am the photographer of the family...I didnt get but one photo and it was of a lamp I wanted. So I have nothing to post- I am sorry. So please take in exchange this photo of a leather cuff I just finished. Oh its going to be hard to part with these children at the next shows.

Have a happy day!

xo- Nic

Come see me tonight

2009-08-14T10:31:00.003-04:00

Come on out to Norcross, Ga tonight and stop by The American Sampler Booth and say Hi to me and my art! www.slotinfolkart.com
It should be a ton of fun and the art is fabulous!
Happy Friday!

My Honker of a Ring

2009-08-12T10:07:00.006-04:00

OK Pattie- I worked my fingers to the bone to get this done to show you.
Here is my Drusy Ring from Victoria Lansford's class this past Sunday at Spruill Center for the Arts:

I stamped "CREATE" on the back since I will be keeping this ring. Its to remind me to always create everyday.

Alittle Bit of Halloween

2009-08-11T09:13:00.003-04:00

I thought I'd post some fun Halloween Art I was working on. These are my Halloween Magnets. They are part of my Design Team stuff for Alphastamps. I just love Halloween!!

I took an amazing workshop this weekend with Victoria Lansford- to make a Drusy Ring. It was such an intense class and project that no one finished their ring in the 6 hour class.

As soon as I got my kiddies off to bed that night I finished assembling and soldering the ring but now I have to clean it up, polish it, and patina it. I am so excited to almost be finished with it.

We started school here in Georgia yesterday and my 7 year olds bus schedule is really wreaking havoc with me. We have to be at the bus stop at 6:55 AM. So I am dragging butt these days.