Showing all posts for Category: ‘International & Special Ventures’

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“Every woman …
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Posted by: Alicia M B Ballard • Mar 1st, 2012 •
Category: About Gus et al + Installations, International & Special Ventures

…. has the right to fulfill her dreams” ~ “Toda mujer tiene el derecho de realizar sus sueños” ~ “Chaque femme a le droit de réaliser ses rêves” ~ “Ogni donna ha il diritto di realizzare i suoi sogni” ~ “Toda mulher tem o direito de realizar seus sonhos” ~ “Minden nőnek joga van el érni álmait” ~ “Jede Frau hat das Recht, ihren Traum zu erfüllen”

4th Annual

WOMEN IN ART 4 for WOMEN RIGHTS

(Women 4 Women’s Rights, in Uruguay, touring the country … in itinerant exhibits)
Curated by Noemi Silvera


Mobile Installation, Acrylic on paper, glass, wood, cord…


“Every woman has the right to fulfill her dreams”
“Toda mujer tiene el derecho de realizar sus sueños”
“Chaque femme a le droit de réaliser ses rêves”
“Ogni donna ha il diritto di realizzare i suoi sogni”
“Toda mulher tem o direito de realizar seus sonhos”
“Minden nőnek joga van el érni álmait”
“Jede Frau hat das Recht, ihren Traum zu erfüllen”

 

This important Cultural Project is sponsored by the Directors and Ministry of Culture of Uruguay,
with approximately 100 artists from more than 20 countries at this time.
This exhibit will become itinerant, visiting a number of cities around the country,

beginning with event on March 08, 2012 – Month of the Women

Women in Art

The Artists & Their Work




The “assassination” of a painting
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Posted by: Alicia M B Ballard • Jan 20th, 2012 •
Category: International & Special Ventures, Terra Logic

In 2009 I was invited to participate in the “Contemporary International Artist II” Exhibit

at the Museum of the Americas in Miami, Florida USA.

I prepared this following work: Intermezzo Giocoso

 

The diptych measures 80cm X 160cm

 

 

Altogether,  I invested approximately 300 hours into this work. Most of it was painting!!! It definitely was my way of becoming an acrylics “expert” of sorts, as I tediously, persistently toiled to achieve my vision of tonalities and colour nuances as well as a smooth blending/flow… airiness…

I have used acrylics rather sporadically  in the past, as I was not fond of the results. I began working with oils and when I resumed painting a couple of years back, was strictly working with watercolors, of course as they would be jam … Had not much experience nor much knowledge of the medium; however, it was the best choice given the time frame the piece was to be finished.  There is much to be said about having a deadline and having accepted to create and produce a work worthy of a “Contemporary International Artists” event!

After the exhibit was taken down in Miami, the works were (with my permission) moved by its curator to Argentina where, it took part of a 4 city itinerant exhibit. At the same time, a life size reproduction of the same was shown in Mexico City and Cancun for the AvisArte Expo by invitation of the Mexican Cancer Society’s 50th Anniversary … I was elated with its journey, not to mention, the pride I felt for having sufficiently conquered the acrylics beast!

I had a hard time getting back my work due to extensions that were beginning to frustrate me as I had a clear plan for this painting. It had a home for it and it needed to get it there ASAP. It was going to be given to a friend, one of those whom do  favors than one can never repay… This entire “waiting” time was full of angst, did not feel right!
Well, after a lot of follow -ups and prepaying its mailing cost I was given word it was on its way.

There were a lot of secret expectation and anticipation on my part as I was looking forward to a good inspection and send it, with love and gratitude,  to where it belonged…

When I opened the tube and felt the solid rigidity of the tightly rolled canvas – as heavy and cool as a rod of steel – my hear skipped a beat… two?  In disbelief I tried to unroll the tight coil , hardly managing to breathe as I pulled to unfold the single double sheet. The diptych was now a fused layer of thick, solid canvas. Nausea rolled around my core. I stopped breathing again. Certainly this is not real… I tried to pull it apart,  it was fused solid – I couldn’t no matter how much I pulled. I have been in a state of disbelief since. I simply cannot accept the reality of its loss.

The is only one explanation for something like this,  and it is not “accident” the word I would use. The apology sounded hollow. How can an artist and curator of a mayor exhibit have a faux pas like this!? The rules stated that the organizers were not responsible for any damage. I had no recourse at all. The deception and loss, as well as feelings I have not allowed to surface, which are still being held back until today – almost a year later (give or take a few days) as thankfully, the FiberFusion mural organizing required my attention,  I could not mourn  the destruction, the assassination of my work . A friend suggested it was a destruction, not damage that had occurred… I should look  into compensation . (Castration, more like it!…)

I have been as nauseous today while I have been sharing this experience, as much as, I have been fighting back the tears. Time has come for me to deal with this horror and figure out how to proceed. I will actually get up from the computer and see how I can document the its state today. (Sometime in the summer, I managed to pull the of corners apart until my wrists hurt….)

These are photos I took minutes ago, after once more attempting to pull apart the fused sides…

 

 

 

 

I will add that these fused roll came back in a tube not quiet half the size of the ones I used to individually mail each work… loosely rolled with protection. Needles to say, the careful handling of the work was requested from the curator… (At what point he suggested I was “anxious” when following-up)

As I said, there was an uneasy feeling all along…. which began almost immediately after the Miami show.
NOW… WHAT?

 

Algunos de ustedes recordaran esta obra que he compartido con tanto orgullo…
Ya, no existe mas. Fue asesinada…
Asi mismito; porque no se puede llamar daño, al ser que estan ambas caras del diptico fusionadas – ni siquiera al tirar con f…uerza las he podido separar. 

Una cosa es “reciclar” una obra que ya no nos convence. Otra, es que alguien – mas que imbecil o malvado – acabe con ella.

No he podido aceptar lo que tengo en frente de mi… en serio.
Laspocas veces que me he atrevido a tocarla espero poder desenroscarla sin problemas y ver que esta si al menos no “intacta”, reparable/restaurable…

Es tal la decepcion, el acto de “traicion” del artista/curador que no puedo aceptar esto como “error” o “accidente”….

Ahora… que!?




FiberFusion: the symbolism behind its shape and colours…
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Posted by: Alicia M B Ballard • Oct 4th, 2011 •
Category: International & Special Ventures

SPIRAL: Linked to the circle Ancient symbol of the goddess, the womb, fertility, feminine serpent force, continual change, and the evolution of the universe. A common shape in nature (snail, shells, fingerprint…)

Double SPIRAL: Linked to earth-centered or mystical faith in a blend of evolution and devolution — decay/renewal, life/death/rebirth, spiritual/physical — the back and forth flow of earthly and cosmic changes. With its focus on the unity of opposites, it resembles the Ying Yang.


Red : Earth

Physical Self

Stimulation, Energy, Assertiveness

Root/First Chakra:

Family, Survival, Vitality, Courage, Self-Confidence. “All is One”

The energy of Red provides power from the Earth and gives energy on all levels; useful when needing to meet a demanding day or, when you are drained of energy. Every “beginning” needs the life vitality of red.

“I will”- affirmation

Tuesday - weekday

 

Green

Unconditional Love

Nature, Harmony

Green: Heart/Fourth Chakra

Emotion, Love, Forgiveness, Balance, Self-control. “Love is Divine Power”

The energy of Green connects us to unconditional love and is used for balancing our whole being.

Helps us relax muscles, nerves and thoughts.

Cleanses and balances our energy, to give a feeling of renewal, peace and harmony.

“I love” - affirmation

Friday – weekday

 

Purple/Violet

Spiritual Self

Mystery,  Spirituality, Vision

Purple: Crown/Seventh Chakra

Relationship to the Divine, Beauty, Creativity, Inspiration. “Live in the Present Moment”

The energy of Purple/Violet connects us to our spiritual self, bringing guidance, wisdom and inner strength. It purifies our thoughts and feelings giving inspiration in all undertakings.

Purple enhances artistic talent and creativity.

“I know” – affirmation

Monday - weekday

 

Yellow

Mental Self
Joy, Success, Mental Clarity

Yellow: Solar Plexus/Third Chakra

Self-esteem, Wisdom, Clarity. “Honor Yourself”

The energy of Yellow connects us to our mental self. Gives us clarity of thought, increases awareness and stimulates interest and curiosity.

Yellow energy is related to the ability to perceive and understand.

“I can”- affirmation

Sunday – weekday

 

Gold Chakra (another view/understanding)

Above the crown is the 9th chakra.

It is the masculine balancing energy for the feminine silver ray. We need the gold chakra to sustain power whenever we move into other dimensions. It amplifies the alchemical nature of the silver ray. The gold ray’s power is self-intuitive.

Gold has a quality to create a structure for healing within a light soul. With using this color and, surrounding the area with green healing energy, it will aid physical healing. Gold as a healing color is used for restructuring. Considered a “sacred hue” and very spiritual. As with white,  gold represents unconditional love. Gold auras are rare.

Gold, or in heraldic terms “Or,” was considered the noblest of colors. One of only two metals used in heraldry, it exceeds all others in value, purity and finesse. It represents the light of the sun, and was once worn only by princes. Gold is said to gladden the heart and destroy all works of magick. It is also associated with excellence and achievement, and the bearer surpasses all others in valour. It is represented in engravings by an indefinite number of small points.

Gold can balance energy fields, and is beneficial for opening and balancing the third eye and crown chakras. It can also balance the heart chakra. It can remove negative energy from the chakras and bring in the positive from the stones it is with. It has been used to bring wealth, happiness and good feelings. Gold is a mineral of spirituality, understanding, and attunment to nature. It attracts positive energy and is a great healing mineral.


Blue

Holistic Thought

Communication, Truth, Loyalty

Blue: Throat/Fifth Chakra

Will, Choice, Self-expression, Knowledge, Health, Decisiveness. “Surrender Personal Will to Divine Will”

The energy of Blue has a pacifying effect on the nervous system and brings great on relaxation;  ideal for sleep problems and hyper-active children. Connects us to holistic though and, gives us wisdom and clarity, enhancing communication and speech.

“I speak” - affirmation

Thursday – weekday


Alicia M B Ballard 2011 – Copyright

 




“Strata§pheres”
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Posted by: Alicia M B Ballard • Sep 10th, 2011 •
Category: International & Special Ventures

Showed @ White Rock Museum & Archives

during the month of September 2011


(* January 2, 2012: Since then, it has undergone changes and is now completed.)

Available for purchase

 

“Strata§pheres”

“Strata§pheres” – detail

“Strata§pheres” – detail

 

“Strata§pheres” – detail

*In this work I have incorporated the acrylic skins of two transferred images.
☆ En ésta obra he incorporado las pieles acrílicas de dos imágenes transferidas.

These images were photographs taken by my dear friend Pedro Blanco/ “Arkhnómada”, spontaneous ethnicist, anthropologist, poet/writer whom, resides in Spain but, his compassionate soul stretches out to the smallest corners of the world.
☆ Estas imágenes son de fotografías tomadas por mi querido amigo Pedro Blanco/”Arkhonómada”, poeta/escritor, etnicista y antropólogo espontáneo, quien reside en España pero , su alma acompasionada se alberga hasta en los rincones más pequeños del mundo.

* The child’s photograph was taken in Katmandu’s (main) Durbar Square, 2005.
☆ La fotografía de la niña fué tomada en la plaza principal “Danbar” de Katmandú, en 2005

* The feet were taken on a boat going from Bhamo to Mandalay, Myanmar, 2010…
☆ Los pies furon fotografiados en el barco de Bhamo a Madalay, Myanmar, 2010

 

(Skins hang to dry….)

Strata, §pheres, Circles…. Loss. Evolution. Repetition. Advantage. Gain… Pain.
It is all about women, all women, everywhere. Anywhere.
The eternal struggle for survival plays out in many layered scenarios.
It does not appear to change through the centuries, no matter how evolved we fancy ourselves to be.
Primitive instincts (in some, more than in others) play out as if by magic! Over and over again…
Patterns repeat themselves and morph in and out of the sustained boundaries.
(… perhaps another way we “fractal”?)
Women and their lives … what they lack, what they inherit, what they beg for, acquire, what they usurp….

Woven materials are representing the interconnectedness of it all….

☆ Strata, E§feras, Círculos… Pérdida. Evolución.
Ventaja. Ganancia… Dolor.
La obra se refiere a mujeres, a todas las mujeres, en todas partes. Donde sea.
La eterna lucha por la sobrevivencia se desenvuelve en muchas capas de distintos escenarios.
No parece cambiar a travez de los siglos, no importa lo evolucionados que nos creamos ser.
Instintos primitivos (en unas más fuertes que en otras) se presentan como por magia! Una y otra vez…
Las normas se repiten y transmutan dentro de parámetros contenidos.
(…. alomejor una forma en que “nosotros mismos” nos fractalizamos?)
Las mujeres y sus vidas… lo que no tienen, lo que heredan, por lo que ruegan, lo que adquieren, lo que usurpan….

Materiales telados representan la inter-coneccion de todo…

 

AB 112 – 24X48”/60.5×122.0cm

Acrylic, mixed media on stretched canvases.

$3.300.-

Shop on line from anywhere in the world.



Terms of Sale



FiberFusion-Smusions: 4 works and their stories
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Posted by: Alicia M B Ballard • Sep 8th, 2011 •
Category: International & Special Ventures, Mixed Media

 

“Deciduousness” /  “Caducidad”

 

“Deciduousness”  30cm x 40cm Acrylic on Canvas board, Individually died fiber strips, tree bark.

Reflects the impermanence of life… It all passes: the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly. Everything has its cycle, everything is always in a “process”, as in the deciduousness of a some tree species – which abandons that which is familiar, known and “sheds its clothing”, takes a “nude/vulnerable” rest, recharges its energies and renews itself with tender vigor…

 

“Caducidad”  Acrílico/mixta 30x40cm  Con retazos de fibra teñidos individualmente y conrteza de árbol.

 

Reflejando la impermanencia de la vida… todo pasa: lo bueno, lo malo, lo bello, lo feo. Todo tiene su ciclo, todo es siempre “un proceso” asi como la caducidad de ciertas especies de árboles – abandonando todo lo familiar, conocido y  se toma un descanso, “desnudo/vulnerable” y, recargando sus energias, se renueva con tierno vigor….

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“Two by four and A third wheel” / “Dos por cuatro y la tercer rueda”


“Two by four and A third wheel”

30cm x 30cm Acrylic on Canvas Board, Canvas, Gold, Silver and Copper leaf

Inspired by our culture of segregation, for any reason, but mainly, as a punishment to those that appear to be different.

It is extremely common to ignore those that are different, in the worst of cases even inflicting blockages and  other harm…

We are all equal, but we are definitely not the same.

 

“Dos por cuatro y la tercer rueda”

Acrílico/mixta 30x30cm  Carton entelada, tela, hoja de oro, plata y cobre

Inspirada en la cultura de segregacion en la cual vivo. Que es mas bien cualquier razón, pero mas que nada como castigo por parecer ser diferente.

Es extremadamente común, ignorar a aquellos que son diferentes, en el peor de los casos bloqueandolos y haciendoles otros daños…

Somos todos iguales, aunque definitivamente, no los mismos.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Fusion-Smusion”

 

“Fusion-smusion” Acrylic/mixed 40X60 cm

Part of the cardboard discarded during sizing of the canvas board was re-used as an additional fibre element.

The work is an impression of FIberFusion’s organizing process/trajectory – thus far!

 

“Fusion-Smusion”  Acrílico/mixta 40x60cm

Parte de las sobras del carton entelado, al ajustarlo a medida, fueron incorporadas a la obra como un adicional elemento de fibra.

La obra es una impresion del proceso/trayectoria de realizacion de FiberFusion – hasta la fecha!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Secret Giggles of the Dancing Cosmic Goddesses Covenant:  A  New Age Satire” /

“Sonrisas secretas de la alianza de las diosas cósmicas bailarinas: una sátira New Age”

 

“Secret Giggles of the Dancing Cosmic Goddesses Covenant:  A  New Age Satire”

30cm x 60cm. acrylic on canvas board, recycled paper, Swarovski crystals, golden thread, feathers, synthetic mesh, tule, glass beads and feathers

My original  intention was to present a profound statement – a signature work to convey the spiritual and intellectual union of the female artists in this project. My thinking was inspired by their contributions; its former name “Axis Deabus” perhaps, by the sheer cheekiness of  my ego…

The paper spirals were meant to represent goddesses in their quiet wisdom.

Everyone though the work was finished, but I, could not come to terms with its sparse austerity and  linearity. I felt it desperately needed some feminization.

First, came the crystals, a few weeks later the “grass skirts”, then the tassels, and later on the tule. Still, weeks later I went hunting  for laces and feathers… Last, but not least, added the glass beads, and I still was not at peace with it after all this time, until I awoke the next morning, gave it a passing, casual glance and thought: it looks like a cheap whorehouse!

When I finished laughing, I realized it had been quiet journey from the deities to the whorehouse! I also realized  that through this process,  taking  several  months, made it  clear  to  me  that  the concept of  Axis Deabus  was  actually,  not part of my core beliefs.


“Sonrisas secretas de la alianza de las diosas cosmicas bailarinas: una sátira New Age”

Acrílico/mixta 30X60cm papel reciclado, tul, hilo, vidrio, cristal Swarovki

Mi interción original para ésta obra fué de hacer un comentario profundo – una obra tipo “portada” – conmemorando la unión espiritual e intelectual de las participantes en éste proyecto. Mi inspiración nació en las historias de sus contribuciones; su título original fue “Axis Deabus”, un muy probable atrevimientos de mi ego…

Los espirales de papel representarian a las diosas en su calma sabiduría.

Aquí, a mi alrededor,  todos pensaban que la obra estaba terminada, pero yo, no podía conformarme con su esparsa austeridad y linearidad. Necesitaba una urgente feminización!

Primero, se interagron los cristales, unas semanas mas tarde las “polleras isleñas de paja”, luego  las bolitas de cristal ……. y  más tarde todavía, el tul.  Sin embargo, seguí buscando encajes y plumas por semanas. Fué al final que le coloque los hilitos con las bolitas de vidrio, sin embargo  no me otorgaron satisfacción – hasta que – a la mañana sigiente pasé, por su lado y al hecharle un vistazo de costado  pensé: parece un prostíbulo barato!

 

Cuando acabe de reirme, me dí cuenta que había hecho menuda jornada; desde las deidades, hasta el prostíbulo!  También me di cuenta que éste proceso, el cual llevo varios meses, me aclaró que el concepto del Axis Deabus, en realidad, no es parte de mis profundas creencias.

 

The above works form part of the FiberFusion International Mural exhibited at White Rock Museum and Archives during the month of September  2011.




Mini Solo Exhibit, September 1-30, 2011
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Posted by: Alicia M B Ballard • Aug 25th, 2011 •
Category: International & Special Ventures, Past Exhibits/Events

@ White Rock Museum and Archives, simultaneously with FiberFusion,

a Colectivo Virtuosi Infraganti Collective’s international project


” Strata§pheres” … work in progress. details

 

 

1.22cm x .61cm – mixed media




“Renaissance”
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Posted by: Alicia M B Ballard • Aug 25th, 2011 •
Category: International & Special Ventures

simultaneously, with FiberFusion

(a Colectivo Virtuosi Infraganti Collective’s international project)

also @ the White Rock Museum & Archives


“Renaissance”

which title was reverted to its original working name – I feel it is more appropriate

 

(Some details bellow)  Work is shown publicly for the first time.

 

 

As the name suggests… a process of rebirth, with all the passages and birthrights acquired along the journey.

✩ Como el nombre sugiere… un proceso de renacimiento, con todos los pasajes y derechos adquiridos

a lo largo de la jornada.

$.2.500.-

AB87 - 24×36”/61X91.5cm

Acrylic, mixed-media en stretched canvases.

I like to mix in natural, organic elements as well.
Gold leaf details add to the “importance” of the expression as it is considered a “sacred hue”.

I do use a lot of color symbolism, albeit, from a variety of cultures, mostly I tend to stay within the chakra energy colors….




“Thorn” an acrylic. A story… in two Continents, four chapters.
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Posted by: Alicia M B Ballard • Jul 3rd, 2011 •
Category: International & Special Ventures

20 x 30 cm acrílico (aproximately 8 x 12″)

“Thorn”  (Thorn + Torn)    1, 2 3 & 4

Destined for Colombia: Leaving for Colombia for the joint Colectiva Novena Metáfora of Colombia and Colectivo Art Esencia Colectivo Art Esencia (Spain) Collective’s for the: Women’s Thigs itinerant exhibits.

Camino a Colombia para participar en la expo itinerante “Cosas de mujeres” de la Colectiva Novena Metáfora , organizada en conjunto con la Colectiva Art Esencia de España…

.
Due to censure it was deleted three times by fb…  Imagine!




“Babette” Returning to Canada…
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Posted by: Alicia M B Ballard • Jun 26th, 2011 •
Category: International & Special Ventures, Past Exhibits/Events

from Brazil

 

“Babette” Acrylic/Mixed-media 15x20cm (?) on canvas board,  will most likely keep on traveling …
Not for sale


and… on, to Ireland




“Nina” at Warsaw Castle, Poland
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Posted by: Alicia M B Ballard • Apr 10th, 2011 •
Category: International & Special Ventures, Past Exhibits/Events

A smiling face… acrylic on paper.

On exhibit at the Warsaw Castle, Poland, this past Spring 2011

Donation for fund raising event for Children’s Hospitals throughout the country.






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