Machine Politick

I am currently working on a self-portrait  for a show at the Tannery Row Artist Colony in Buford, Georgia. The title of the show is The Music in Me and the format is square, as if we are designing album covers. Those of you who are familiar with my Liberty paintings will have some idea of where this painting is going. Because I work in so many layers, I have decided to start documenting each step in my paintings. While the details show through subsequent layers, it is often difficult to capture them in photographs, mostly because I am photographically challenged.

Here is the first step below showing the filigree that is often the first layer in one of my paintings. The gray menace in the background, scowling with disdain, is my husband’s cat Odin. He fancies himself a studio cat and loves to lounge on my work table, tossing my mixed media components to the floor with malicious glee. At seven, he is finally calming down, but he still enjoys making a mess.

This article will also be posted at Liberatchik.

Kurt Wenner: Artist, Architect, Performer

The following photos are work that will be available for the June 12th event. I will be working in my studio until then to create more artwork based on photos Claire has sent from her farm. I will also be working on merchandise, such as greeting cards, bumper stickers, and t-shirts for the event. New work will be posted as I take photos.

Work in Progress:

Finished Art:

These images will be cross posted at Liberatchik.com

Layout and sketch work.

Mural in progress.

Details

I have suspended work on Frankie’s mural indefinitely in order to concentrate on the Patriot Pony Project. If all goes well, I will be back in the shop before I leave for Pennsylvania.

These images will be cross posted at Liberatchik.

Here are the newest photos from the mural project at Frankie’s Repair Shop in Grayson. I will be taking a break from this for another week because I am working on the fund raiser for the Patriot Pony Project. I hope to be back in the shop painting on the 19th. I have completed the second layer, which is a depiction of the Revolutionary era flag with the additional 37 stars from our current flag spiraling around the composition.

The next layer will include Liberty and possibly a sunrise. The final layer will be a tribute to our troops with a portrait of Frankie’s dad from the Korean War.

Designing the flag.

Close up showing details from layer 1.

Layer 2, completed.

Star detail

Lino block for hand printing posters, carved and inked by hand in my studio.

This is a photo of my work table (built by my husband) where I create most of my art and work on my computer. The cat in the box is my husband’s, named Odin. He thinks the new kittens (Hank and Abby) and the dog (Ty) can’t find him up there.

Hand printed posters hanging in my studio to dry.

This photo is from the opposite corner of my desk, showing the printed posters hanging to dry. In the background you can see some old paintings from college (the portrait) and the years I wasted trying to paint what other people like (the goddesses).  About 8 years ago, I realized I needed to follow the old cliche about painting my passion, and switched gears to political art. The rest may or may not be history one day, but I find myself motivated to work regardless of the obstacles in my path and haven’t far to go for inspiration.

Patriot Pony Project posters drying on my home made easel.

These prints are hanging from a large easel I made from a design my friend Alvaro shared with me. Behind them, you can see a large canvas that will one day be home to the life and death of Che Guevara. I spent several years researching the monster in an attempt to better understand why he is so idolized. I never got there, but I did find out that people need to be educated regarding his true motives and accomplishments, none of which are endearing; even coming from his own journals.

You can also see the under painting for a new Liberty a portion of a mixed media series built around computer circuit boards.

I have been working hard in my studio lately and wanted to share my progress with my supporters. Thanks to all of you who keep up with me and send your encouragement. Right now, I have not had time for much other than preparing for the upcoming fund raiser for the Patriot Pony Project. In addition to my own contributions toward supplies and marketing, several people have made donations toward my lodging, gas, restroom facility rental, and general event organization. I have currently reached half of my fund raising goals and greatly appreciate the support and well wishes I have received so far.

The photos above are from my studio on the day I was printing the posters. Each is hand printed using a lino block that I cut myself. The process is very similar to traditional wood block printing. The block is carved and inked by hand. The paper is placed directly on the inked surface of the block, then rubbed to transfer the ink. When lifted, the image creates a one of a kind piece of art.

I am currently in the process of hand coloring, signing and numbering the series of 50 posters printed in this set. These prints will be available for purchase at the fund raiser on the 17th for $20 each. I will likely do another printing before the main event in June. All of the proceeds from the fund raiser in my home will go toward funding the trip to Pennsylvania in June. The money raised at that event will be used to promote my efforts to build a Conservative art movement.I will be making an announcement when Ii return in June regarding the fall event, then post updates as more artists get involved, revealing the full nature of the event before I drive up to execute a large scale piece of public art.

When I  return to Whispering Winds in the fall for this large scale event, I plan to launch Liberatchik and organize a group show for Conservative artists who are concerned about the growth of government and loss of Liberty that have escalated during the recent and last administrations on Washington.

More than anything else, I am looking forward to meeting some of the people who are working so hard to defend America. It is often discouraging, and always a challenge. However, I am continually inspired and amazed by the people I speak to in my activism. I hope to use these events to share my passion and love for America with some of you and inspire you to find new and creative ways to use your own talents to spread a positive message about our great nation and the people who sacrifice so much to defend it.

My posting has been light lately because I have been busy preparing my home for a fund raising event. On April 17, from 1-4:30 I will be hosting a viewing of the Tea Party Documentary with the help of my local FairTax coordinator. I will have art and merchandise for sale to raise money for my trip to Pennsylvania in June for the launch of the Patriot Pony Project. This event is also intended to be a networking opportunity for all attendees, with information provided to help activists promote Conservative principles more effectively.

For those of you in the Atlanta area, this is an opportunity to view my work in person. Because the event is in my home, there will be no high pressure gallery twerp trying to regale you with their vast artistic knowledge, or lack thereof. You will be able to view the work as it would look in your home, with a true sense of scale and lighting rather than the vast, washed out environment of a gallery. Smaller merchandise such as hand made greeting cards, posters and  jewelry will also be available for purchase. While I will gladly accept donations, I would prefer that you purchase something tangible to remind you of the day you helped kickstart the Conservative revolution in the arts.

My husband and author, Jay, will be available at 4pm to sign copies of his book The Light of Day for those of you who own a copy. It is available at Amazon and at the Barnes and Noble on Webb Ginn House Road in Snellville.

Here are some photos of the place where all my creative projects come to life. I hope to meet you in person on the 17th.

Frances

I picked up a pair of overalls for painting recently.

A view of one of my Liberty paintings in the studio across the large table where I work on the computer and smaller art projects.

The Light of Day by James Byrd

The Light of Day is a novel by my husband, James Byrd. It has been available at Amazon for a couple of months. Now, those of you who live near Snellville can purchase a copy at the Barnes and Noble on Webb Gin House Road, beginning next week. We are currently working on a book signing with them, so I will post details on that as they develop.

If you are familiar with my upcoming fund raiser for the Patriot Pony Project and plan to attend, you can bring your copy of the Light of Day for Jay to sign. He will be available at the event from 4-4:30pm.

The last couple of weeks have been exhausting and I have totally dropped the ball here at Liberatchik. Please accept my apologies for the lack of new content. The Health Care Bill has consumed much of my energy and far more of my thoughts than I would have liked. I’m sure many of you are having similar experiences in your own lives.

I’m back, however, and ready to step it up a notch. I have several projects going now which I will link to at the end of this article. If you are able to participate in an active role, please feel free to contact me: frances@machinepolitick.com

The following images are from a mural that I am working on in Grayson, Georgia. Frankie, The gentleman who owns the shop is extremely patriotic and has been an enthusiastic patron of my work. I am currently in his shop most days, working on this painting which is 4 x 8 feet. When completed, it will hang over his reception desk as you enter the store.

Currently, I have completed layers with the lyrics to God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood and an image of the revolutionary era flag. While I was working yesterday, a gentleman from the shop next door stopped in to see how it was going. I heard him asking Frankie if the flag was crying. Although that was not my conscious intention, it is certainly fitting of our current political state in America.

When the mural is completed, it will include a portrait of Frankie’s father, who served in the Korean War. I will leave you now with some photos. A video will be up shortly.

The Patriot Pony Project This is a project designed to promote troop support and patriotic expression through the arts. The first event will be held in PA on June 12. I am planning a second event in the fall to launch Liberatchik at the same location.

Frankie’s Mural Project This is an ongoing project that can be viewed in person at Frankie’s shop.

Liberatchik’s Facebook Page This is where members of the Liberatchik project are posting information and links to their work. Please consider joining and passing on the link to help us grow! Your support is greatly appreciated. We are currently recruiting creative spirits for the promotion of Liberty and individualism in the arts.

Defending the American Dream Summit I will be attending this grassroots training summit to learn how to organize and become more effective as an activist. If you live near Atlanta, I encourage you to attend as well. Feel free to say hello if you see me there!

This article is cross posted at Liberatchik