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By Leti Wesolowski, contributor Claudia Dimidik is a Colorado artist and teacher (both high school art and studio classes) who believes that learning is a lifelong process. Trained and credentialed with a B. A. in Art Education, her desire to learn more than one style of art, led her to earn an M.A. in Fine Arts degree. She works with a variety of media including painting, sculpture, printmaking and photography. As an active member in the arts community, Claudia has earned numerous awards and recognition for her works. Her art revolves around childhood memories, her Slavic background, and her love for nature and the untouched landscape. Claudia is a member of the Front Range Open Studio Tour in Monument, and a Commonwheel member since 2016.  What is your first memory of being introduced to art or creating something with your own hands? How did you get interested in art? One of my favorite memories was during an art class in elementary school. We were instructed to paint with watercolors and I proudly painted a yacht. I can picture that yacht to this day with the Blue-Ribbon award attached to it :) What does inspire you? I love to hike, bike and fish. In other words, I have always been drawn to the outdoors and nature. I kind of wonder if this is because we were always sent out to play. I can remember the cattails, crayfish, ice skating and so much more. This makes me want to be outside enjoying the beauty and the endless paths one can find. My scenes are idyllic as they take me back to those happy places.  "Iris Wonder", Batik watercolor by Claudia Dimidik  "Splash of Color", Batik watercolor by Claudia Dimidik  "Iris", Batik watercolor by Claudia Dimidik What is(are) your preferred medium(s) today? My current preferred medium is the ebb and flow of the alcohol inks. Anything water-based as I enjoy working with wet in wet techniques. It never ceases to surprise me what I see. I also enjoy working with photography and computer graphics. Tell us about your creative process. Walk us through the steps to create one of your alcohol ink trivets. Each alcohol ink tile begins with a good cleaning and then a base of color. Often working from top to bottom. Depending on the image being created the inks are applied with sponges, brushes, Q-tips, eye makeup brushes, toothbrushes and even just straight out of the bottle. At times, a mixing palette is required.  Claudia working on an alcohol ink tile. What is the visual effect or emotion you look for capturing in your compositions? I look to depict idyllic scenes that are happy, safe and peaceful areas. Usually associated with a happy place whether it be streams that I have fished, mountains I have climbed, moons that I have seen, paths that I have walked or areas that I have bicycled through. All of these are adventures that are waiting to be discovered.  "Autumn Whimsy", Batik watercolor by Claudia Dimidik  "Trivet Tray 2", alcohol ink on ceramic tile by Claudia Dimidik What tool in your studio could you not live without? I would have to say that it isn't a tool but two areas. The workshop and the studio. My workshop is where the pours, cutting and dirty work occur in. The studio is the staging and painting area. Everything has a place and without these areas I would feel as if I were confined. Do you have a favorite artist that you admire or follow? Ever since visiting Giverny and Monet's garden I have been drawn to his series and his winter landscapes.  Winter scene, alcohol inks on ceramic tile by Claudia Dimidik What is your proudest achievement? Being a member of the Front Range Open Studio Tours. This will be my second year participating in this event to be held the weekend of September 9 and 10th from 10-5 pm http://www.frontrangeopenstudios.com/map.php The 16 artists selected open their homes and studios to help bring awareness of what it takes to be an artist and to gain support for art and the process. Also, being one of 52 photographers to take one analog camera, one week and shoot one roll of black and white film. The show and book depicts images from each photographer. “A Year in the Life of a Camera,” had been exhibited in Denver, Castle Rock and at Optical Reverb in Colorado Springs. What is your favorite piece you’ve ever made? I painted a large acrylic over the sofa size painting of some wild horses. The style was a mesh of shapes and colors depicting freedom. The piece was designed specifically to fit the room and decor and was one of the largest paintings I had completed at the time. I had titled it "Into the West". I tell this story to my students because it is important to take photographs of completed works for your portfolio. Well this is a prime sample of what happens when you least expect it to. I put the piece into the then BAC at a high price thinking I'll have it back at the end of the month. It sold and I had to try and remember how it looked to try and paint "Into the West II". What are you currently working on? Is there anything new in the shop that you are very excited about? More alcohol ink tiles. New pieces including very large triptychs and very small miniatures are in the works and will be in Commonwheel soon.  Alcohol inks on ceramic tile by Claudia Dimidik  Alcohol inks on ceramic tile by Claudia Dimidik  Alcohol inks on ceramic tile by Claudia Dimidik What’s next for you?
Alcohol ink workshops and Batik on rice paper workshops will begin again in September. Sign up on http://www.pictureithome.com/workshops. The Front Range Open Studio Tours happen September 9th and 10th http://www.frontrangeopenstudios.com. I will be at the Palmer Lake Craft Fair in October. But first another bicycle trip. After returning from Spain it was decided we were not done cycling so this time we see Canada and the Kettle Valley Rail Trial. Visit our Commonwheel Artist Co-op store to receive 10% off all Claudia’s creations through the whole month of August (in-store sales only). You can find her art also at the following links: http://www.frontrangeopenstudios.com http://www.pictureithome.com http://www.academyframesco.com http://palmerlakeartgroup.com Did you enjoy this post? Leave as a comment and let us know! We’d love to hear from you! Want more local art news delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Commonwheel newsletter here.
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Artist’s Reception, Friday, July 21, 5-8 pm July 21- August 14, 2017 Immersion by Leti Wesolowski, contributor Dan and Kathleen Krucoff, a husband and wife duo, are Commonwheel’s guest artists for the month of July. Dan is a photographer and Kathleen is a metalsmith and jeweler. They have longed to do a joint show featuring both their artwork. Dan came up with the idea for “Immersion” to allow them to relay their love of the water-infused sights in Colorado and other areas they have visited through their respective media. For this show Dan’s work consists of digital landscape photography with water as a central theme. From drops on leaves to ocean vistas, along with roaring waterfalls to still pools, he explores water in its natural forms. His goal is to leave the viewer with the feeling of being in these remarkable, inspiring places. He is focusing primarily on areas around the Pikes Peak region, but is also including subjects from other parts of the state and country. As Kathleen began to develop new works for this show, she sought and found stones that represent water to her. Some pieces incorporate lush green Ocean Jaspers with emerald and gold accents that remind her of ocean waves. Other stones such as Leland Blue or Larimar evoke images of ponds and tranquil lakes. Kathleen has employed a variety of metalsmithing techniques such as Chasing and Repoussé to create seashells, and texturing to create sandy backgrounds in her works. Celebrate with the artists at our opening reception on Friday July 21 at our Creekside Gallery from 5 to 8 pm, as part of the Manitou Springs ArtWalk. This show will be on display and for sale until August 14. When Kathleen and Dan were discussing the possibility of doing a joint show, the theme “Immersion” came from him. He thought that both of them could create art work representing water elements. For Dan, it was a great opportunity to share his digital photography and work in partnership with his wife. For Kathleen, an opportunity to incorporate to her work stones that signified water to her and enhance their natural beauty.  Dan, How did you get interested in photography? I started in photography in my teens. I was inspired by my mother and her father, who both were interested in photography as well. In addition, my father’s love of the outdoors and wilderness helped push me towards landscapes. What does making art mean to you? Making art for me is about sharing a part of my life with others. Whether it is faraway places that I visit or just sharing the experience of something close by and familiar, it is always a small piece of myself that I have the benefit of showing.  "Bear Lake" by Dan Krucoff  "Cub Lake" by Dan Krucoff What has inspired your artwork for this show? As a landscape photographer inspiration is all around me. I always see it that God has done all the hard work and I get the privilege of getting to bring that to others. The water theme of this show ties into this, not only as a subject itself, but also as one of the primary forces that shape the landscapes around us.  "Helen Hunt Falls" by Dan Krucoff  "Rampart Reservoir" by Dan Krucoff What intentions or emotions do you want to express in your artwork? The intent of “Immersion” for me is to both use water as a focal point of each image and to communicate the feeling of being there. The power and sound that come from a waterfall, or the sense of scale from looking out at the ocean, or the quiet solitude in a still reflective pool, all elicit different feelings to the viewer. What is your favorite piece at this show and why? My favorite piece is “Garden of the Gods Reflection”. It is my favorite because it shows how you can always find something new in locations you have been many times before. It was a bit off the beaten path and it was just so peaceful that morning with the refection of the rock formations in the pool of water from rain the night before. This image was done using the technique of High Dynamic Range (HDR). This is where multiple photos are taken at different exposures and combined to be able to show the darkest and lightest parts of the scene in all their detail.  "Garden of the Gods Reflection" by Dan Krucoff  Dan Krucoff at work  "Alberta Falls" by Dan Krucoff What is your proudest achievement as a photographer? I consider my proudest achievement as an artist to be anytime someone decides to make one of my photos a part of their home.  "Saint Vrain Cascade" by Dan Krucoff  "Coquille River Lighthouse" by Dan Krucoff Where else can we find your artwork? Currently you can see more of my work on my website: www.sufferingfomexposure.com and on my Facebook page: facebook.com/sufferingfromexposure Kathleen, tell us about yourself. I’ve always been involved creating art. I dabbled with oil painting and fell in love with doing stained glass. Then, in 2007, I started to experiment with fused glass. I would wire wrap the glass cabochons I made. Through those pieces, I met a metalsmith who said she could take my work to the next level. In 2008, I took lessons from her and things just sort of grew from that. It’s important to me to continue to learn and grow as an artist. Living where I do, I have had the good fortune to take a number of workshops from masters in their field, which has helped my work to improve. What does making art mean to you? Being an artist is an essential part of who I am. It is as important to my life as breathing is. I am able to express myself through my work. I have always loved working with my hands; metalwork provides some of the fulfillment I seek in my life.  Pendant with Turquoise by Kathleen Krucoff  Earrings with Amethyst by Kathleen Krucoff  Jasper Pendant by Kathleen Krucoff Where does your inspiration comes from? My work is very organic because I am heavily influenced by nature. My dad did landscape work so he would take me with him on some of his jobs. I learned an appreciation for plants and trees by observing his care of them. He would explain their importance and I think that instilled a lot of my love for the unique beauty I find in leaves, bark, anything organic. Are you exploring a new theme for this show? Yes, I definitely explored a new theme for this show. Initially I thought the bulk of my work would be in Chasing & Repoussé. However, I discovered that I could use stones like fossilized coral and sand dollars, among others to convey meaning. I decided to add little touches of gold and faceted gemstones to emphasize the beauty of the natural stones. I even created some new earrings that signify waves to me. They are lightweight and sort of shimmer like water in the light.  Fossilized coral cuff by Kathleen Krucoff  Sea Trails with Emeralds by Kathleen Krucoff  Ocean Jasper Pendant by Kathleen Krucoff What intentions or thoughts do you want to express in your jewelry? The goal with any of my pieces is to create something as unique as the wearer. Just as no two leaves are alike, neither are any two of my pieces. I strive to create one of a kind, wearable art. A little bit of me is embedded into each of my works. I tend to make each piece as if it was meant for me… I work to ‘listen’ to a stone so I am guided to create (what) is destined to become. What is your favorite piece at this show and why? It’s hard to pick just one. I have to say the turquoise pendant that I call “Ocean Blue” is my favorite. It blends all the elements that came together as I worked on the pieces for “Immersion.” Tranquil light blue in the turquoise, a flush set Sapphire and then gold accents. This one even has a gold bezel around that luscious turquoise. Rich, sand like texture reminds me of a day at the ocean.  Kathleen’s favorite by Kathleen Krucoff  Pariba topaz gold earrings by Kathleen Krucoff  Sunrise Jasper Pendant by Kathleen Krucoff What’s next for you?
I have tentative plans to go to Florence, Italy next year and take another Chasing & Repoussé workshop from the Italian Master Fabrizio Acquafresca. That would be a dream come true. One of the many things my preparations for the exhibit taught me was to be prepared for change. I am so grateful to see the growth in my work and as an artist. It has been wonderful to collaborate with my husband Dan as he is one of my biggest fans and supporters. I feel very blessed. Where else can we find your artwork? My work is carried at Boulder Arts and Crafts in Boulder, CO and also at Luma at the Broadmoor here in Colorado Springs. My website: http://www.kathleenkrucoff.com My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenKrucoffArtJewelry/ And my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenkrucoff/ Did you enjoy this post? Leave as a comment and let us know! We’d love to hear from you! Want more local art news delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Commonwheel newsletter at the bottom of our home page. Juanita Canzoneri is our July Artist of the Month. By Leti Wesolowski, contributor You might have met Juanita from her mosaic classes at Bemis School of Arts or seen her murals at some local public schools. In fact, she has been making mosaics for the last 16 years and has been part of many exhibitions and gallery shows in the Pikes Peak region. A native of Pennsylvania, Juanita started working in fiber since she was a little girl, learning embroidery, crocheting, knitting and even sewing her own clothes. She got her BA in Communication Arts and Mass Media in Illinois and has explored numerous personal and career interests, from graphic art design, to voice studies, theater costume design and construction, marketing and editorial work, even sugar art creation. A home decorating project, the top of a coffee table she built, sparked her interest in mosaics and started a new chapter on her life. She opened her Colorado Springs home studio in 2001 and since then, she has been constantly learning on her own and experimenting glass, incorporating into some of her pieces her renewed fiber sensibilities. Her artwork is both visually pleasing and durable, ranging from florals, landscapes, abstract, and music inspired wall art, sculptures, and portraits. She has had the opportunity to create small to large scale installations and commissioned works for homes and public art. She has been a Commonwheel member for the last 13 years and is currently our Marketing Manager. What is your first memory of creating something with your own hands? How did you get interested in art? I've always been a "maker". I got involved in sewing and needle work as a child and have wandered through clothing design, costume design, directing theater, and a variety of hands-on craft media. I still do a good deal of fiber work in knitting and crochet. I think one of my earliest memories of "making" something was when I was around five. My mother and I picked cherries and we each made a pie. (My father tasted them both and told me my pie was better.)  Moonflower by Juanita Canzoneri Where do you get inspiration? What inspires you? For me inspiration often comes from musing "what would happen if I combined this with that." It could be materials (alcohol inks and collage are my latest mash-up) or mixing visual imagery with non-visual concepts (how could I express music or an emotion?). I'm a how/why person in that I always want to know how something was made, or why it was made in a certain way. If I can't figure out how someone else did something, I will often find a way that works for me to get to a desired effect.  "Forgiveness"  "Consider the Flowers"  "Columbine Crazy Quilt" What is your preferred medium today? And how often do you get to make art? My preferred medium is mosaic. I typically use glass, but a lot of pieces include collage and/or paint, alcohol ink, and colored pencil as well. I work at Commonwheel part-time so my studio time is not as frequent these days, but I get to spend at least 2 to 3 days a week on my artwork.  "The Tum Tum Tree of Tulgy Wood"  "The Golden Mean" Is there any other hobby that you love? I knit and crochet so I've always got something to occupy my hands and my imagination. And this summer I'm taking my first drawing class. I haven't focused on that skill since my college days so I'm looking forward to it.  Paperweight  "Leaf Box"  Crochet Coral Reef elements on rocks Tell us about your creative process. Walk us through the steps to create one of your mosaics. The most crucial part of the longevity of my artwork is in preparing the base. Mosaic is like skin in that it needs a sturdy structure to adhere to. The function of the artwork will determine what the base is made of and how it is prepared. For my wall art I typically work on wood—hardboard or medium density fiberboard (MDF)—which I prime with a water-based wood primer. The next step is determined by the design of the piece. I often incorporate collage, paint, beads, fiber or dimensional elements, such as air-dry clay or Plasticine clay. These additions have to be prepared and cured before they are affixed to the base. I use a water-based glue to adhere the glass and inclusions to the base. This goes on white and needs about a day to fully cure. Next, I finish the sides and back of the wood with acrylic paint and varnish the paint once it's dry. If the piece is to be grouted, that happens after the base is finished. I generally use sanded grout in my pieces. I just like the texture of sanded grout juxtaposed with the smooth texture of the glass. Then hanging hardware is affixed to the back of the work and it's ready to leave my studio. Watch the video at the end to see Juanita working on one of her “Night Music” wall mosaics.  "Nora's Tarentella"  "Blue Alice"  "4 Leaves" What tool in your studio could you not live without? Glue or adhesive (there is a difference), a dual-wheeled tile cutter, and paper plates to collect all the glass pieces. Is there an artist that you admire or follow? I’m part of a mosaic mentoring group on Facebook and I troll Pinterest almost daily. Ellen Blakely's work has directly affected the trend in my gallery art. She kind of pioneered the use of clear tempered glass over other materials. What is your favorite piece you’ve ever made? Why is it so special to you? My favorite piece is often the one I'm working on (however) some of my proudest achievements were a 12' by 38' mural that explains the history of everything at Discovery Canyon School, a 4' by 8' mural at Steele Elementary School, and a "portrait" I created earlier this year for a national men's group. I guess (they are special to me) because these were some of the projects that have stretched me the most as an artist. What are you currently working on? I'm currently working on a commissioned sculpture for the Red Wing Motel in Manitou Springs. I'm excited about this piece for several reasons—it will be my first piece of public art in Manitou and I haven't made a sculpture this big or this site-specific before. Follow Juanita’s progress of this project on her Facebook page (JCanzStudio) and on Instagram (JuanitaCanzoneri) or visit her website http://www.jcanz-studio.com/ to learn more about her public art pieces around Colorado Springs or to contact her about commissioning a mosaic. Visit Commonwheel and receive 10% off all Juanita’s creations through the whole month of July (in-store sales only). You can find her work online also at our online shop. Watch Juanita make a mosaic here. Did you enjoy this post? Leave as a comment and let us know! We’d love to hear from you! 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Juanita Canzoneri
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