​Kelly Green is the coordinator for the “Love Thy Neighbor” gallery show
 
I have been creating art and drawing for as long as I can remember. I have been a self-representing artist since 2001 and a proud Colorado resident and Commonwheel Co-op member for the past 5+ years.
 
I would see Rockey around town when I first moved to Colorado over 5 years ago and became a member at Commonwheel Co-op, but I didn't know who he was. I knew he was local because I would see him often when I was working shifts in the Co-op. 
 
Then one morning at Commonwheel I read an article about Rockey in the Independent and a few minutes later he walked by the front window. The next time I came to Manitou Springs Rockey was sitting outside his house next door and I realized that he lived right there. I said "Hello" to him and we had a short casual morning chat. 
 
Later on, I had the opportunity to sit with Rockey a few times and randomly talk about art and life when he was outside his house next door to Commonwheel on sunny days when I would be on my way into the Co-op. One afternoon I was bringing in some really detailed large canvas prints to hang at Commonwheel and Rockey was outside on his bench next door enjoying the morning sun and watching people. I said hello to him, and he asked to see my art, so I went over and sat next to him and showed him the two prints. He was so enthusiastic, so curious and so sweet about my work that I immediately wished I could sit and talk with him more that day and often, but I only had a few minutes before my shift started next door. I live quite a distance away in the plains and am often pressed for time to get to work or home. 
 
We parted ways and I went next door to work. About an hour after my shift started I went into the backroom at Commonwheel to write a request on our list of supply items that need to be purchased and right next to the list was a handwritten note with a call for part time help to frame some of Rockey's work. I wrote down the number for David Ball at the bottom of the page and when I got home that evening I contacted David. David replied quite quickly, and I went to work framing with David a few weeks later in the basement of Rockey's house.
 
I found this to be an incredible synchronicity to find the call for help right after I'd wished to be able to get to know Rockey more. I have extensive framing experience and the opportunity to see, handle and frame an enormous treasure-trove of work Rockey did over decades was really beyond anything I could have imagined. The earliest piece I remember framing was a lovely portrait of his mother that he created using pastels in the 1950's.
 
I framed some of his college work, marbled paper he created for his students when he was a professor, portraits, concert posters, landscapes and so much more. Rockey put himself into his art more than most artists do and so I felt that I came to know him really well, and with each piece I had the rare opportunity to examine I came to know and love the art and the artist even more, but not in the way I had imagined on the bench that afternoon talking about my art. Rockey's health declined over this period of time when I was framing, and I didn't have many opportunities to catch with him after that, but while I was in the basement framing, I often thought about how huge Rockey's impact must have been in so many ways and on so many people since he taught, produced art, and lived in Manitou so long. When I first conceived of this show inspired by Rockey he was still with us and I had hoped he would see all of the work that he had inspired. I had the show proposal written up but not submitted when I left for Montana to see my mom. Rockey passed away while I was in Montana and so the proposal was submitted once I returned from my trip.
 
My daughter, Hali Honigbaum, and I tried our hands at marbled paper for this show and that process was definitely inspired by me having seen some of the paper that Rockey marbled for his classes to use, and also I got to frame some of the marbled paper pieces he finished or partially finished. I found it really interesting that he worked often in mixed medias like I do often, searching out images within water-colored paper. Rockey did that with his marbled papers and encouraged his students to do this as well. I really loved marbled balloons as a kid, and seeing these works made me actually feel a somewhat desperate need to know how to marble paper myself.  In one of many synchronicities that I experienced with Rockey's work I stopped at Ross that evening to buy some craft kits and art supplies as a birthday present for a party my daughter was invited to the next day. There in the small craft section was one marbled paper kit for $5.00. I scooped it up, and a few months later Hali and I marbled enough paper to cover the dining room table and the entire floor. It was so much fun! Hali is showing a piece she marbled and I am showing a piece I marbled and then detailed with pen and ink pointillism.

​I really like the way that "The Path to Pike's Peak" turned out. I don't often do landscapes, but when I do, they usually end up with a checkerboard ground. I framed a really early series of 4 pieces that Rockey did where he was exploring perspective and horizon and one of them had a checkerboard that instantly reminded me of a couple of pieces I did a decade ago, though Rockey's were actually created two decades before mine. I knew I wanted to do a local scene using the checkerboard then. 
 
The Octomaiden/Mermapus/ sculpture "Iscariot" by Trace O-Connor marks the spot along my path from the plains in Eastern Colorado where I live to Manitous Springs where it seems that the vibe changes and things get a little weird in a really good way.  The Octopus is also a recurring theme in my art so when this sculpture popped up there on top of that rooftop I was pretty excited and curious about her from the start. I did some research and found that another town disowned her before Colorado Springs took her in. That seems appropriate.
 
My artwork can always be found locally in Commonwheel Artist Co-op in Manitou Springs and Colorado Creative Co-op in Old Colorado City. I also currently have a few original pieces at The Perk downtown Colorado Springs through the end of February and I have a new pen and ink piece showing in Kreuser Gallery's 'Gratitude' group show opening February 7th.
 
Online you can find my etsy shop at
https://www.etsy.com/shop/frootkake 
and I am doing the social media thing on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kellygreenhbaum/ 
 
 
 
 
 
Lorraine Capps
Like many people, I had to wait until I retired until I had time to pursue art. I have experimented with many media, some of which I still enjoy, but glass is the medium that stole my heart and soul. I have been working in kiln formed (fused) glass for about 15 years.
 
I first saw Rockey's paintings at Adams Mountain Cafe, and then began to learn more about his generous spirit and his love of  Manitou.
 
My pieces in this exhibit were inspired by my love for Manitou and the surrounding area, so I thought they would be a fitting tribute to Rockey.

​The piece above, "Garden of the Gods" is my favorite because it captures the essence of Pike Peak and Garden of the Gods, some of my favorite scenery on the planet!
 
 My work can be seen on Facebook at LoLo's Paloozas.
 
 
 
 
Mary Clifford
I classify my work as folk art. Folk Art comes out of one's culture. My mother and father were depression/ WWII parents. Times were lean and you learned to make do but our home was rich in folk art. We had beautiful quilts, rugs, pictures, table clothes, and dolls made from leftover or reused yarns and fabrics.
 
I am self-taught in making and designing my fabric pottery after seeing a piece in a heritage art center in Berea, Kentucky. I have always loved the way different fabrics, threads, and notions can come together to make something beautiful. It is much like a potter with their clay, paints, and glazes making a beautiful piece of pottery
 
I first came to know about C. H. Rockey when my daughter excitedly showed me a painting over her mantel. It was by Rockey and I loved it. Soon we had a Rockey painting over our mantel. Then it was exciting to learn about him and his work, see his studio, or catch sight of him about Manitou Springs. Now it is exciting to be associate with him through this show. 

​My small piece of Fabric Pottery was made especially for the show. Inspired by Rockey, I wanted it to be unique, earthy, soft in color, whimsical, and express love. The piece was made entirely from materials I had on hand. I have never used wool in my work before. I decided to give it a try for I thought it would give that earthly, whimsical look I wanted. I liked that the unspun wool came from Colorado sheep. I found gold silk thread that had been my fathers, who was a tailor. The thread was on a wood spool and wood spools have not been used since the 1970s. To express love, I make every heart unique using pieces of ribbon, trim, and beads that have been saved over time.
<<image of Mary’s piece>>
 
 
 
Denise Duker
My Art is inspired by wanderlust and a deep respect for the natural world and the diverse people in it. I am fascinated with the mystical and the unexpected.
 
One never knows which way a painting is going to lead you. A painting has its own way of evolving; sometimes you just have to get out of the way and let the process happen. There is magic in every moment, if I can catch that moment in my art and share it with you, then I am successful.
 
When we first moved to Colorado, 24 years ago, the first place we visited was Manitou. Although we had to live within 15 min of the AF Academy, my ideal place was Manitou. Almost every weekend we would come for breakfast at Adams, kids would explore the town, and I would dream that this is little art town was the perfect place to live. This led me to the beautiful blue Mansard studio and Rockey's home on the corner of Canyon Ave. Rocky was sitting in his studio painting when I walked in.
 
He invited me to come in, sit down, and we talked. I discovered that he had been a middle school art teacher, as I was at the time. He told me not to worry, there was an art life after teaching. He shared his teaching experiences with me and gave me ideas on how to trigger the unexpected in art.
 
Rockey gave me an incentive to continue teaching but also to know that art would always be my love and vocation. After retiring from teaching and moving to Manitou, I could stop in to say hello more often. Rockey has the most open and beautiful heart of anyone I have known.
 
I had been working on my portrait of Rockey before this show. When he passed away, I wanted to paint him. I had photographs of him through the years and always was inspired by his Gandalf qualities. My children call Manitou Rivendale and Rockey is definitely an evolved being. His dedication to his art, his community, and his faith is inspirational. The portrait of Hannah Rockey and her parrot, Sebastian was from my photograph of the two of them. This painting was given to Hannah and is available in Giclee print form.
 

​“Ruxton Creek Swing” is a painting from a photograph that I took last Fall in front of what was once Victoria’s Keep B&B. I loved how the brilliant Indian Summer light filtered through the leaves and the water. Magical!
 
The portrait of Rockey in this exhibit is my favorite painting. It was inspired from my last visit with Rockey. The late morning light filtering into his studio, Hannah with her parrot, Sebastian, on her shoulder and Rockey looking so peaceful and wise is how I will always remember him with deep gratitude for his kindness and his open heart.
 
My work can be found at:
Gallery 113, 125 1/2 N Tejon, Colorado Springs
Web page: deniseduker.com 
Instagram: denisedukerart
Email: [email protected]
 
 
 
 
Pat Eastlake
Pat Eastlake went to an art/design school in 1970-76 in Columbus, Ohio where he was a painter, printmaker and sculpture. He worked as a woodworker and designer and earned a Master of Design degree from an art/ design school in Cincinnati. He has worked full time as an architectural woodwork designer, but now is mostly retired.
 
I went to drawing classes in the early 1990s at BAC (now MAC) and smilingly sat next to Rockey several times. It was always a pleasure to see him around town, and in Adams Mountain Cafe. I have been influenced by the spirit of his landscape oil paintings.
 
My two accepted paintings exemplify the variation in my oil paintings, sometimes graphic and symbolic, and sometimes naturalistic.  During the last four years I have been working to pull those two aspects together, trying to develop my visual language.
 
I like my painting “Island in the Sea” because it is clean and fresh.

​Wendy Fay
I have lived in Manitou Springs for 24 years. As a child I grew up in a home that had original artwork and was encouraged to draw as a young person. Later, after college I became interested in painting. I have been an art educator and administrator for many years and am enjoying painting again.
 
After we moved here, I purchased a print of Rockey’s work. My husband displayed it in his office in Colorado Springs.  It’s a wonderful image full of beauty and intriguing details of Manitou Springs. I was able to study his original work in businesses throughout the town. Tina and Ken Riesterer kindly introduced me to Rockey. I was impressed by the quickness of his mind and his strong opinions about painting.
 
Rockey had a profound connection to the built and natural environments of Manitou Springs. Although my approach to painting is different from his, each piece of mine in this exhibit represents the same passion for place. These works were painted on-site in Red Rock Canyon.
 
Since I have not been selling my work, it can be found in my studio and in the homes of friends and family!

Katia Franz-Gardner
I was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Art was and continues to be a safe haven for me. As an elementary school student, the once-weekly art class at my school was the one hour a week where I felt I could enter a state of meditation, freedom, and giddy creative joy. I chased that feeling and leaned heavily on art throughout my adolescence. In high school I began branching out more, painting murals, completing commissioned work, entering art competitions, and exploring my sense of purpose and empowerment through artistic expression. Now, in my young adulthood, I'm exploring how my artistic practice and research can merge to communicate the key ideas I believe we all need to focus on to survive as a species. Art continues to be a supportive place for me, just as much as it's a vehicle for change. 
 
About seven years ago, I was sitting on the bench across from Rockey's studio watching the birds nesting in the bushes. Even though I was dreadfully shy, when I saw his door was open - I heard a voice inside myself that told me to go in. I'm grateful that I did and consider it to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. Rockey and I quickly became friends - sharing meals, sketchbook entries, and long conversations about love, loss, clouds, uncertainty, hope, faeries, and all things nature. During the summers I'd help Rockey with projects around the house and chores as much as he'd allow - then during the winter and spring of 2019 I joined the team of folks supporting him in his end of life transition. Our moments together during that time are ones I hold most sacred.
 
I've painted Rockey several times throughout my time knowing him - inspired by his personality and deeper layers of being. My piece "Rockey's New Canvas" was created a few days after his passing, as a way to honor him and process my grief and immense gratitude
 
You can find my work at katia-rhapsody.com as well as contact information. I'm currently residing in the Pacific Northwest and sell my art locally in this area, but can ship to/work in Colorado as opportunities arise.

​Jonathan Jensen
I am an amateur photographer and eccentric editor thereof. I've been keen on arts since early childhood (still have a magnet on the fridge of a dragon I drew in first or second grade). I started getting into taking pictures when in middle school and by the time I got my first smart phone, I had begun editing pictures in a unique fashion.
 
I met the late artist once prior to his passing at the church next to the Manitou library and I believe I attended an event celebrating him and an apprentice of his at the MAC. I recall the prior more vividly as I sat in a peculiar position above most and I had noticed a kindly old man sitting off to one side, doodling away on the program (of which I might still have somewhere, maybe). Everyone was so kind,  loving and respectful of the man whom I was soon introduced to. I mean, to be so frail yet big of heart and kind in spirit,  what's not to be inspired by?
 
I am ever challenging myself with different techniques and styles for my artwork. Honestly, I did not create something new for this show, I looked through my collection of favorites, whilst going through the pamphlet I got from his gallery, trying to decide which one would best fit the motif. I hope I chose wisely.
 
I suppose the best place to find my work is on Instagram (The_Acidic_Æsthetics) though I've frequently had my work put up in the MAC.

​Julie Kirkland 
I paint a variety of subjects, but light is the true focus of my work.  I’m attracted to the strong contrasts that light and shadow create as well as the drama it adds to a painting. Besides having an instant impact on viewers, the light, or lack of it, seems essential in telling a story with otherwise seemingly ordinary subjects.   My work appears in private and corporate collections around the country and abroad and has appeared on the cover of several magazines.  
 
Two years ago, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Rockey. I was painting the back of his head to include in my “About Face” series. As we visited, he shared with me the story of what he described as the most romantic date of his entire life, which had happened just the previous evening at The Cliff House. It was a sweet and touching story that lit his face from within. 
 
“Love Thy Neighbor” presented me the excuse to paint one of the pictures that I shot of Rockey that afternoon. I kept the portrait loose to convey the character in his face. While I often paint a solid background with portraits, it seemed fitting in this case to surround him with a Manitou landscape inspired by one of his own paintings.
 
My work is represented locally by The Hunter-Wolff Gallery in Old Colorado City and can be seen at www.juliekirkland.com and on my Facebook page, Julie Kirkland Fine Art.

​Larysa Martyniuk 
Art has always been an integral part of my life. I remember standing near a chalkboard and drawing before I even attended kindergarten. Throughout my college science career, I always managed to fit in art classes. 
 
I was very fortunate to be able to use my art while raising my son. Working with local builders I created various murals and faux [finish] projects.
 
In the mid 2000 I had a studio at the BAC and it was then that I was fortunate to become friends with Rockey. I spent time with him while he was working on his book with graphic designer David Ball. He was always so appreciative when I brought over home cooked meals. 
 

​My piece "Tree Whispers" is a work that I especially created for this tribute show. Rockey would give a piece of paper that had abstract flowing forms on it and ask his students to see what they could see as a starting point for their drawing.  Thus, I took two wooden panels and saw trees whispering to me. As a nature aficionado I'm sure Rockey was whispering to me when I decided to create this diptych.
 
My art is represented in various galleries in Colorado, among them Kreuser Gallery, Bella Art, Side Door, Naked Aspen Designs.  In SD Morris Grand Gallery represents my work. Recently my work was juried into Modbo/SPQR small works exhibit. 
 
Larysa Martyniuk
www.magentalarysa.com
https://thesolagallery.com/LarysaMartyniuk 
 
 
 
Linda Newton
I am a self-taught artist and have been painting since I was young. Upon retiring from an interior design career my paintings have been purchased and commissioned by many designers.  Art has always been a passion for me.
 
I did not know C. H. Rockey. however, I would have loved to.
 
Recently, I have  developed a new impressionist style with bold vibrant and exciting colors...one of my customers loved my Desert painting and stated “ it just makes me so happy".  That's why I love to paint!

​My painting of " By The Fire" gives me a feeling of camaraderie and warmth.
 
At presently I am working on developing a website for my art. [Editor’s Note, Linda will be showing her work again in our gallery again in May 2020.]
 
 
 
 
 
Teri Rowan
About me:
I have been fascinated with photography since I was a little girl. I carried around an off-cast camera of my father’s, taking photos of everything and anything. Many years later I studied photography and digital art, garnering awards and being offered a directorship to develop a gallery. Currently, I just enjoy being an artist, and I still tend to carry my camera when going on adventures.
 
About the art:
I’m not sure my artwork fits neatly into a little box. The colors I use these days tend towards the vivid and bold. The landscapes I create are fantasy driven and surreal, as are my figurative pieces. But, I do have softer, quieter pieces that are usually nature-centric. I also have a good deal of abstract and architectural images, as well as straight landscape photography and photo journalistic images of my travels.
 
About the creative process
The creative process starts when something nudges my soul, whether it is a beautifully written line of poetry that moves me or the aftermath of a devastating forest fire. I then begin by trying to capture images that express what inspired me. The next step is importing the shots into Photoshop and layering them. A lot of trial and error takes place during creation. I may stop when I hit a wall, and work on another image for a while. I usually know when I’ve got it right. I then print a small test image to see if I’ve got the colors and levels right for output. I print my own giclee’ prints with a large format Canon Pro 9000 Mark II printer.  I print on Epson Metallic Glossy photo paper and Ilford Galerie Metallic and Smooth Gloss photo paper. They cost twice as much as the traditional papers, but the results are so worth it. The metal prints that are so popular are made by Bay Photo.
 
How am I acquainted with Rockey?
I became aware of Rockey’s artwork, long before the man. His beautiful creations grace the walls of Adam’s Mountain Café and The Cliff House, and I’m sure numerous other venues. I always admired the way he depicted Manitou Springs; the magical small town nestled in the bosom of Pike’s Peak. Later on, as a member of Commonwheel, I got used to seeing his slow coming and goings back and forth to his studio/home. Surprisingly, Rockey’s reputation as a human being was equal to his level of artistry.
 

​How Inspired?
His love of fantasy, his warm heart, and his medium influenced my work. I had already begun both projects, but I did away with my sky in, “Lavender Dawn”, creating something softer and more painterly. I also made the color palate much warmer, where it started very pastel. I added a wee hobbit house that I thought Rockey would enjoy visiting. I imagined him looking out of the open window at the fields of flowers and enjoying the lavender scent. I continue to be inspired by his love of fantasy. After the deadline for submission passed I was still making… I have just completed a portrait of a woman enchanted by the Faery! I think Rockey would approve. She won’t be in the show, but check out my artist space at Commonwheel to get a look at, “Enchanted”.
 
Favorite image?
My own favorite piece is the aforementioned, “Lavender Dawn”.
 
My social media contacts are:
Follow me on FB - Neonmermaid9  
Follow me on Instagram – Neonmermaid9
Follow me on Etsy – NeonMermaidPrintShop
Shop with me @ Commonwheel.com
Questions? E-mail me! [email protected]
 
 
 
 
William Weiss
I have been a lover or art for many years.  Growing up in the Springs area where there are so many talented artists has been an inspiration.  Always having an interest in art, I took a drawing class in 2014 and have been taking classes and at local studios and art schools.  I paint in oils now, mostly landscapes, and find it an intensely compelling and rewarding practice.
 
I met Rockey in the 70’s when I first moved to Manitou.  His paintings amazed me, and he was always so friendly and kind, taking time out from his schedule to visit whenever a visitor called.  I remember talking with Rockey one day in a park when he was painting en plein air in the 80’s.  He asked what I’d been up to. I told him I had been working 12 hours shifts at the hospital ER and he said, “With my job, I get up in the morning, have breakfast and pack a lunch, grab my paints and easel, and go paint all day, whatever moves me”.
 
I thought to myself,  what an incredible job!  Of course, now that I’ve actually done some plein air painting, I realize how naive I was to think that, and how challenging it really is!
 
I never had the resources to own a Rockey, but picked up prints along the way, and he even loaned me a wonderful piece with my house in the background.  It was pure heaven having that original in our home: food and drink tasted better, the air smelled sweeter, love was more present.  It was like having a little bit of Rockey right there.  
 
I returned that painting to Rockey immediately when Hannah was calling for the return of his loaned art.  He insisted that he give me a written receipt of its return, and thanked me profoundly for returning it. I remember walking home from his studio that evening, unabashedly crying the whole way. 
 
I didn’t paint any new material for this show but pulled out some pieces that came out OK from some of my travels and classes the last couple years.  I loved Rockey’s impressionistic style and my work tends to have that kind of feel.  Also, I lack the aptitude, training, and skill to paint classic realism. 

Here is my favorite piece for the exhibit.  It is a print of our chimney garden on Osage Avenue (before the deer and hail got the best of it).  I love it because it captures some of the beauty and magic I experience living here in Manitou; a place where I was lucky enough to overcome some big challenges, fall in love, get married, raise 2 wonderful children, and live in such an cool, eclectic community. How lucky we are to live here!
 
I have an Instagram site that I post photos of paintings that I think came out OK, and other items of interest: @williambweiss.  I do not regularly show or have studio space…but once or twice a year I do put some pieces in local shows. I’m delighted and humbled some of my work has been accepted for the "Love Thy Neighbor” exhibit.  When I took that drawing class 5 years ago, I never dreamed it would lead me to this place.  Thank you Rockey! 
 
 
 
 
Julia L. Wright
My artistic career started with directing plays and creating sets for theatrical productions in high school and a bit past my University days in Greeley. I traveled to art festivals in 1973 selling my fiber creations that incorporated jute, wool, found objects and feathers. My work was also in as many as 6 galleries for about 15 years. After having my car t-boned, had to shift the focus of my art to basically working just with feathers. I created wall pieces and masks backed on suede. Next added feather earrings, hair pieces and pendants to be sold at Commonwheel and in my Etsy store.
 
I have always taken photos of beautiful places I have traveled to or hiked. About 6 years ago incorporated some into books I have on Amazon. Then began to play with the images to create more mandala or abstract art images. These have been displayed in various gallery shows and at Art Festivals the last 4 years.
 
I have used many of my digital art images to place in more books, on mugs, t-shirts and reusable bags. These are sold online in my Shopify Store, on Etsy and the Fine Art America web site.
 
I came to Manitou Springs in 1976 and I have known Rockey for a very long time. Often would stop for a few moments to chat when he was sitting on his bench in front of his building on my way to or from Commonwheel. He always had something positive to say about the day or asked about what I was doing, and as I was often on the way to a meeting, only had a few moments to talk.
 
During the time of the 2013 flood that filled his basement with muddy water where so much of his art and frames were stored, watched him work with dozens of friends who came to help to determine what to save, give away or throw away. He was sad but seeing all the people who came to help him, I often saw him smile and profusely thank people moving his art from one place to another. Very inspiring to always find a positive side in any situation and express gratitude for people in my life.
 
I am very lucky to have a few of the large prints that he on very rare occasions sold. They are framed and hanging around my home. And his reversible sketches fascinated me as to how he could make the work so seamlessly. And I have one hidden away somewhere in a safe place that am inspired to search out . . .
 
When the town started the Halloween tradition of having merchants hand out candy to school kids, he sat in his doorway with some costume or wearing a wizard hat or just as himself to greet the kids. Watching the joy on his face as he interacted with folks in every type of costume inspired me to try to capture him I photos at that time. The shadows and his sitting sometimes inside the door made it difficult to get perfect photographic images, but some did turn out very well and I entered them in this gallery show. The Halloween images in the show are all from 2014 when he was in his wheelchair sitting in his doorway in the sunshine.
 
I also experimented with working up some photos of Manitou Springs to look more like paintings. That was a fun challenge, and some came out better than others. Once I got started, it was hard to stop and then choose just a few to submit. I never could make the sky look as whimsical as his, but happy with the photos I did submit using some new digital art enhancing techniques for this show.

​The long view of lilacs at the town clock with Rockey’s home building and the Commonwheel in the background is my favorite image I’ll have in the show. Rockey was often seen painting the town clock park or standing there painting some distant view of the homes and hills that could be viewed from there. I still can almost feel his presence when looking at this image.
 
My work can be found
In Manitou Springs:
Feather Art & some Books/Journals at Commonwheel Artists Co-op
Some Reusable bags & mugs at the Poppy Seed
 
Online:
More Books & Journals:
       Search HieroGraphicsBooks on Amazon, mugs will show up also
 Shopify Store: https://www.hempearthart.com/  - FaceBook page of the same name.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Fantafaces
https://julial-wright.pixels.com/    Also known as FineArtAmerica
 

Compiled by Juanita Canzoneri
 
Our annual Holiday Market opens this Friday. We asked all of this year’s participants a few questions to help you get to know them a little better. So, let us introduce you to a few of this year’s artists.
 
 
Connie Lorig
​

​In a short paragraph, tell us about yourself.
 
I'm a native of Colorado Springs and 41-year Manitou resident. I've been a jewelry artist for more than 30 years and am primarily self-taught. In 2010 I began experimenting and fell in love with mixed metal cold connections. I work primarily in copper and brass with accents of pewter, silver, niobium, iron, and any other fun metals I can find. I love vintage brass and copper pieces, and often incorporate them in my work.
 
What does making art mean to you?
 
Connie Lorig: Making art takes me from one world to another. I seldom know exactly what I'm going to make when I walk into my studio, but I do know that my creative side will unlock and it's time to play.
 
For this show specifically, tell us about your process—walk us through the steps of your flowing creativity to achieve one of your works.
 
Connie Lorig: My Holiday Market ornaments are made from bronze and copper metal clay. I found or created textures and molds that fit the theme: stars, trees, crosses, etc. I hand molded or carved the clay to fit the form, let the clay dry, decorated and sanded the piece if needed and then fired it in my kiln. After firing, all the pieces were polished. Some were then patinated and re-polished.
 
 
 
David Smith
In a short paragraph, tell us about yourself.
 
I am a retired Air Force pilot living in Colorado Springs and I currently fly for Southwest Airlines. I got started building mosaic tile tables in 2009 after my wife bought one at a craft fair. I looked at the table, said I can do that and my hobby was born. I added trays and wall art a few years ago. I normally try to paint a scene on my tables or I do custom work. Some of the scenes I try to replicate from what I see from my cockpit window! 

​What does making art mean to you?
 
I really enjoy the challenge of producing the perfect piece for my customers. It is wonderful to see the expressions on their faces as they see their table, tray or wall art for the first time. I am proud to produce a piece of art that is also functional. As a rule I do not cut the tile, but instead use a hammer to break the tile into pieces and like a jig saw puzzle lay the scene out. Obviously for some of the more complex scenes I do use a tile saw. I have about 30 plastic shoe boxes with pieces of tile in them and many other boxes of glass and specialty tile in my garage

For this show specifically, tell us about your process—walk us through the steps of your flowing creativity to achieve one of your works.
 
For the trays I try to find nice trays and then picture what kind and color scheme of tile will make the trays uniquely beautiful.
 
 
 
 
Juanita Canzoneri
In a short paragraph, tell us about yourself.
 
I’ve been working in mosaics since 2001 and in the fiber arts since I was a child. I’ve seen evidence of a strong correlation between the 2 media in other mosaic artists and have long sought out a way of combining my fiber work with my glass mosaics.
 
What does making art mean to you?
 
I’ve been a maker all my life but for me “art” specifically connotes beauty along with any functionality or utilitarianism. Art evokes emotion, and, for me, emotion evokes touch. So, my work must be able to be touched.
 
For this show specifically, tell us about your process—walk us through the steps of your flowing creativity to achieve one of your works.
 
In thinking on how to create “wintery” or holiday art my first thought was to crochet snowflakes out of a very fine cotton thread. Then the task became figuring out what matrix would work best to solidify this fine work. Through trial and error, I hit upon encasing my fiber pieces in clear acrylic resin. It’s a new material for me and I’m still learning my way through the process, but I’m very excited about the results so far.

​What emotions/reactions/thoughts do you want to cause/explore/achieve on the public looking at your artwork?
 
With all my little pieces I strive to evoke a feeling of fun, of joy, and a way to brighten up a dull corner or unused space. 

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In a short paragraph, tell us about yourself.
 
I started life on the road. My first home was a travel trailer journeying across the heartland of the nation. I think this is where I first fell in love with the landscape and the natural world. I've been on that journey my entire life. 
 
I studied fine art and anthropology at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, earning a bachelor of fine art degree. My real education began when I journeyed west to Colorado.
 
I’ve been exploring the West almost forty years and barely scratched the surface. I’ve been painting it almost as long and feel like I’m just getting started. The beauty of light playing across the land goes beyond the visual and digs deep into the soul.
 
I work in my studio in Manitou Springs and get out on the road as often as possible, still journeying.

What does making art mean to you?
 
Making art is the way I respond to the world. It’s the way I communicate with the world. It’s what I give back to the world.
 
For this show specifically, tell us about your process—walk us through the steps of your flowing creativity to achieve one of your works.
 
I produce these giclée prints from original oil paintings.
 
In my painting I want to convey my experience in the western landscape—not just the purely visual, but also the feel of a place, how it digs deep into the heart and soul. I want the viewer to experience what I experienced, to have the thoughts and questions I had.
 
I do most of my work in the studio and occasionally painting on site in the landscape.
 
I spend a lot of time gathering images of places that speak to me, both locally and on road trips I take across the Southwest.
 
I don’t just take photos. I take in as much of the environment as I can. Not just how it looks, but how it feels. How does the earth smell? Is there a breeze? What do I hear? What do I feel in this place? Is it lonely? Is it energizing? Is it welcoming? Mysterious?
 
All of this goes with me back to the studio where I try to visually express it in a painting. A key to this is light. Light not only carries the image to our eyes, but delivers the other dimensions of the experience as well. For the whimsical pieces I drop the photo altogether and create the entire image in my mind, but always based on actual experience.
 
A successful painting is one that delivers a total experience.

Teri Rowan

In a short paragraph, tell us about yourself.
 
My father gave me the gift of a camera when I was six years old. From then on, I was hooked. That little Kodak Instamatic went everywhere I did. In 1993, years on down the line, I began formal training, and soon the student became teacher and artist. Over time I have won awards and worn many hats: dark room technician, studio photographer, tutor in digital art, gallery director and curator. Lastly, and most happily, artist.
 
I find inspiration in many places, in nature, but also song lyrics, books I read, poetry, films and everyday life. I have two series that are currently in production. The first is based a woman’s body metamorphizing into other forms, the second is a fantasy landscape series that features my native Colorado. The most popular images contain parts of the burn scars from the Hayman and Black Forest Fires. Recently I’ve started printing on metal. I am a long way away from the darkroom these days.
 
My work can be found "live" in Commonwheel Artist Co-op, in Manitou Springs, Colorado, where I am a member.
 
 
What does making art mean to you?
 
It is my way of expressing my inner self. Whether you are looking at a fantasy world of burned trees or a magical mermaid. This is who I am.
 
For this show specifically, tell us about your process—walk us through the steps of your flowing creativity to achieve one of your works.
 
I created, “A Winter’s Tale”, for Holiday Market. I knew what photo shoot I wanted to use, as I wanted to embody Colorado, as well of the feeling of Winter. It was a matter of selecting the right image and then going from there. I turned a day scene into evening and added the magic of snow, a crescent moon, some crystalline eruptions, and a snow hare. The photo was originally shot in Black Forest looking towards the mountains.

What emotions/reactions/thoughts do you want to cause/explore/achieve on the public looking at your artwork?
 
When I look at, “A Winter’s Tale”, it brings to me a sense of stillness and peace, as well as a bit of the magic of this time of year. Art is subjective. I don’t create pieces with the hopes of causing a certain response. The viewer will feel something related to their own personal experiences.
 
 
 
Sabine Wachs

“The process of taking sheets of colored glass and transforming them into an art piece - big or small, simple or elaborate - is deeply satisfying to me. Stained glass magically changes the atmosphere of any room by filtering and softening harsh light through color and texture. It invites the eye to rest and enjoy a moment of peace and reflection. For the holidays I have created glass pieces that express the spirit of the season and add to a festive mood.”
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For this year’s Holiday Market Sabine is creating a number of glass ornaments as well as fused glass earrings and necklaces.

By Leti Wesolowski, contributor
 
Teri started studying photography in 1993. Since then she has won awards and worn many hats: dark room technician, studio photographer, tutor in digital art, gallery director and curator. At an early age, Teri studied dance and she was fascinated with the beauty that could be created so easily and the emotions that could be expressed in utter silence. She has always been naturally drawn to figurative images and human body abstractions.
 
Her digital art compositions start with one of her photographs as her canvas; a long process of digital manipulation takes place until the desired result is achieved. Currently, Teri has two series in production available at Commonwheel Artist Co-op: one is about the metamorphosis of a woman’s body and the other is a fantasy landscape featuring images of the burn scars left by the Hayman and Black Forest Fires of Colorado.                                                                             

Is there a photographer that you admire?
Most recently I have become a fan of the photography of Kristy Mitchell.

Long time favorites are Lee Miller (a fashion photographer turned war photojournalist), Richard Avedon, and Annie Leibowitz. Art that influences me is not necessarily photographic though, or even visual. I’ve been a longtime fan of Terri Windling’s playful fantasy watercolors, as well as her poetry. Neil Gaiman and Charles de Lint are writers whose words fill my mind with strange and wondrous images.
 
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement had nothing to do with prizes or publications, but when I was offered a space in an arts community to develop a photography gallery. I took the opportunity and ran with it. I did everything from the curating and advertising to mopping the floors. I loved it, often sleeping there. It was intense and supremely gratifying experience.
 
What is your favorite piece or your best seller? What is the story behind it?
My favorite piece is probably, “Metamorphosis”. It is the second piece I created in a series by the same name. It involves a woman metamorphosing into other natural elements. She sprouts wings and scales, in this one, gazing up at an infinite star speckled sky. The inspiration in this series was actually myself, as a 50+ year old woman whose body was undergoing rapid changes, some expected, some not.

   

​In art, mandala has become a generic term for any diagram, chart, or geometric pattern that represents the center of the universe, metaphysically or symbolically.
 
For Jewelry artist Connie Lorig, a mandala represents “a complex dance between unity and diversity, between the parts and the whole.” ​

 
Commonwheel artist Julia Wright takes pictures of nature during her hikes and then edit them on her computer to create hypnotic mandalas. ​

Designing a mandala is a unique personal experience in which the individual lets the creative mind to run free and find the symphony of shapes, colors and patterns to represent their unique sense of self and view of reality.
 
Sculptor m.jo hart says “mandalas represent the process and meditation involved in creating her work”, which is focused on women’s issues, unique stories and experiences. ​

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Mandalas can be created by individuals to symbolize their journeys through life, their state of mind or to tell their personal story.
 
Some of our artists got inspired by Celtic art, such as lampwork artists Jon Murray and Amanda Shotts who incorporate in their mandala barrettes “a circular pattern that has no beginning and no ending, signifying infinity of love!”

​Artist Ray Jordan loves bright whimsical colors. His biggest inspiration is combining bright colors with his love of painting, drawing and cutting wood. 

​Kendrick Cowdery has a strong desire to maintain peace in his life. His handmade mandala lamp is built on mat board using a laser cutter and colorful translucent paper. 

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Several artists took it as a chance to explore new themes and materials, such as mosaic artist Juanita Canzoneri who jumped at the opportunity to play with alcohol inks and raid her stash of stained glass. She found that, during the process, mos of her work reminded her of an art form from her childhood in eastern Pennsylvania.

​Creating a mandala can be an enriching personal experience. To draw a mandala, one starts by “drawing the circle, setting an intention, centering through a meditation, usually start at the “bindu” sacred center and follow inspiration that comes” explains Mandala instructor Anne Roe. She sees mandalas “as “windows to the soul”, sacred circles and opportunities for the soulful self to express authentically”.