Josie Rodriguez Art Blog Impressed With Wax

Happy 2012!!!

2012-01-16T18:07:00.000-08:00

Busy and fun Christmas holiday with our family and newest Rodriguez, Evan Joseph. David and Brenda are great parents. Evan has gone everywhere with them and was held by every member of our family...all 18 of us! I held him so much during the time that they were here during Christmas that I got Grama tendinitis.

Kids and rest of family are doing well, Ben here from Maui for past 4 months and will return to Maui the end of January. I will miss him and miss the fabulous meals he has prepared for us. My own personal chef...I like that. Doing my art and not having to worry about dinner until it is prepared and on the table. Wow. That I will miss! Our kitchen has been humming.

Our son Gabe and Cristie Dertien are engaged and plan a summer wedding. Lots of excitement coming our way for 2012. We are planning a trip to Spain in June and hope to see Al's cousin who lives outside of Barcelona. And of course Maui is on our list.

Here are a few of the shows that have accepted my artwork all either encaustic or artist book or a combination of both:

1. Spanish Village Balboa Park "Small Image" show Reception: January 28, 2012.

2. California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson CA 21 Artists Create Books: Reception: February 1, 2012.

3. The ART Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, Decatur, Ga" Wall Bound" Reception: March 2, 2012.

4. 1000 Artists Books on line magazine. 1000artistsbooks.com

5. Contemporary Paper and Encaustic, Catherine Nash

Union Tribune on line article about my art at the airport

2012-01-16T18:04:00.001-08:00

http://www.utsandiego.com/weblogs/

2011-12-20T21:03:00.001-08:00

Another digital ecard by Smilebox

NEW ENCAUSTIC STUDIO

2011-12-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to show you my new studio dedicated to teaching and making encaustic art work. I even have a stain glass window that is quite old. You can see the wax melting and wouldn't you know but the bees found me in this place. I caught them and let them go.

I am figuring out what works and what doesn't. The stainless steel counters don't work quite like I expected but all ok. The mess on the floor is everything that will go into a dresser type cabinet that has 8 drawers that I saw at Ikea. Today I worked on some unfinished projects and look forward to making as much art as I can before the events of Christmas coming soon. Gabe, Al, Ben, Mark and Tungie did such an awesome job and I appreciate their expertise and hard work. The light during the day is wonderful and the lights for night time work are perfect.

I may have to put in a roof type fan that draws air out. We talked about doing that but thought that the 6 windows would generate enough air. I am not sure.

I look forward to having the area in front of the studio finished sometime soon. It probably won't be done before Christmas. I want to have either pavers or decking raised so that there is a small step up into the studio. I have an idea of having benches around the edges of this area. It felt great to clean up the BBQ area and to use the storage cabinets for what it was meant to be.

Once all of the saws and ladders etc. are removed from the back yard it will look much better.

I look forward to having a class in this studio soon.

NOVEMBER 3, 2011 RECEPTION SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LUMINOUS LAYERS

2011-11-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

I am still stunned and amazed by the response at last night's reception for me at the airport. It was so much fun to greet my family and friends and to show them what I have been up to for the past year. I am appreciative to my husband and Ben who helped tremendously with the food and beverages, to the AIRPORT ART PROGRAM for all of their support. The comments made were wonderful and I was especially touched by someone who hadn't been aware of the demise of bees in our world ( Colony Collapse Disorder) and wanted to know more and do more about the problem. This meant a lot to me.

I was also happy to hear a long time friend say to me, "wow has your work ever grown in the last 10 years." Growing as an artist and inspiring others to do the same?...can't get any better than that. Thank you to all who attended and remember if you want to see the exhibit sometime I give "field trips" to the airport from time to time!

New Website

2011-10-29T00:50:00.000-07:00

My friend Susan Robert's did a beautiful job updating my website. Check it out!

www.josierodriguez.com

LUMINOUS LAYERS SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EXHIBITION

2011-10-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

Such fun times taking friends and family to the parking area at the airport, catching the Red Bus to terminal 2 east to view my art show.

Reception will be November 3, 2011 from 4:30-6 pm.

My friend Sue Diaz made a wonderful video of my installation and here it is.

www.youtube.com type in: Luminous Layers or Josie Rodriguez

Luminous Layers an encaustic show by San Diego artist Josie Rodriguez is now being exhibited at the San Diego International Airport, Terminal Two East from September 2011 to March 2012. Josie is inspired by the visceral, messy and spontaneous character of encaustic art. She creates paintings, sculptures and artist books that speak to her relationship to nature and to the colonies of bees that she considers collaborators in her process. Through this body of work planned and created this past year, Josie explores themes of connection, loss, growth, strength, resilience and metamorphosis as they relate to the natural world.

Shuttle Stop at the airport

2011-09-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

I just think this photo is a great shot of us waiting for the shuttle to pick us up. What fun to go to the airport without luggage!

LUMINOUS LAYERS SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EXHIBITION

2011-09-25T13:17:00.001-07:00

Installation on September 14th went very well. Curators Susanna and Constance were wonderfully creative as they moved my art from one Plexiglas case to another thinking of the best way to showcase my art. My husband Al took photos from the time we entered the airport until 7 hours later when we packed up the car and headed home to collapse. I am happy and look forward now to sharing this experience with others. I already had a "field trip" with 7 members of my family as we drove to the airport, parked our car in a lot off site, took a shuttle to terminal 2 east and walked to the area where my work is displayed. Such fun to hear my husband, our sons and their significant others say how proud they were of me. I see many other times of "field trips to the airport," in my future–a sort of "meet the artist at the airport," moment.

Josie is inspired by the visceral, messy and spontaneous character of encaustic art. She creates paintings, sculptures and artist books that speak to her relationship to nature and to the colonies of bees that she considers collaborators in her process. Through this body of work, planned and created this past year, Josie explores themes of connection, loss, growth, strength, resilience and metamorphosis as they relate to the natural world. Because of the construction at the airport please see their website for updated information regarding parking. http://www.san.org/

SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

2011-09-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

This entire year of planning for this moment has been an incredible experience. In moments of transition... now for the birthing part.....will be happy when all is completed. The show will be up til middle of March 2012. SD Airport, Terminal 2 east.

AIRPORT ART EXHIBITION UPDATE

2011-08-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

As promised I said that I would keep you updated on my progress. Down to the wire...less than two weeks till installation. Last two days worked on information labels for case displays, backdrop images and rack card approved. (I llove what the designers did.) Will send PDF file to printer tomorrow. Art work completed, boxed and ready to go. This is like preparing to give birth. Several of you have had shows like this before but this is my first solo show and first installation. Has been a wonderful and valuable experience. The traveling public will be well educated about the art of encaustic and that is exciting.

Ben came home from Maui to visit and left this morning for Toronto. He will be celebrating his 35th birthday there. Very exciting times for him.

Studio Notes

2011-08-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

This year long airport art project has woken in me a new way to look at the how and why I do my art–not the technical aspects of molten wax, heat source on wood or paper, but rather the creation of ideas and how and why they go together. Observing how design teams orchestrate in a large space such as an airport is nothing short of brilliant and has inspired me and given new meaning and vision to my art. I am eager to see what they will do with all the creations I have made this past year.

Of course I will be involved with the installation but I also need to trust the design team and curators process of creativity as well. An interesting ride this has been.

AIRPORT ART EXHIBITION UPDATE

2011-08-16T13:26:00.000-07:00

I toured art exhibitions this morning at the San Diego International Airport with one of the curators of the art program. It was very good to see how other exhibitions were displayed. The art and overall displays and designs were exceptional and worth a visit to the airport just to view the artwork.

One month to go! I have done my work over a period of a year and now the work of the design team and curators will begin with more intensity and focus. More photos will be taken next week here at my studio and I need to trust that all will be pulled together for a meaningful exhibition–where the public walking by my installation will "get" what I am trying to say in a matter of seconds.

Preparing for this type of exhibition is quite different from a gallery or museum where the public spends much more time with the art. At the airport folks are more interested in getting through security and to their flight on time. So the display of my work has to have a wow factor that makes people stop and take a look, if even for a few seconds. I am eager to see how it will all come together.

2011-08-06T12:17:00.001-07:00

I am going to try this one more time as my last post somehow floated away in cyberspace. Our road trip has been great as we traveled the central coast of California, went east and now in Bishop CA. where we are going to meet our son Gabe and his girlfriend Cristy. The plan is to fish at Lake Sabrina. Later today we plan to open one of the bottles of wine we got at just one of the many wineries we visited along the way and share that with Gabe and Cristy while mesmerized by the sierra mountains covered with snow!

Road trips are good on many levels I think because I take the time to look, to take in, to observe without the need to do anything. I may write something down or sketch but I like the quiet and peacefulness of being ok with just being. No judgement, expectation or busywork. At home I do 5 things at once and still feel like I haven't done enough. I was asked recently Where have you been? Santa Barbara, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Sonoma, Healdsburg, Placerville, and now Bishop near Mammoth on our way home.

We have visited with family, met new and very interesting people, experienced art studios of artists we know, visited galleries, wineries, drank delicious wines with food prepared with locally grown fresh vegetables and fruit. Fishing is Al's expertise but I am going to give it a try tomorrow. Maybe I will tell you about the big one that got away.

Safe travels everyone. xxx

ART UPDATE

2011-07-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

Airport art project in sort of a lull right now as summer vacations are taken, but I know that there will be a flurry of activity within the next 2 months. I have worked on new pieces of art including some assemblage and sculptures. Today I went through my studio notes and project binder. I threw away unneeded papers, sorted, combined and otherwise organized my thoughts through the organization of my binder. Sometimes my mind goes in 10 different directions. To have this very alone and quiet time today has helped me tremendously. (funny how there were several different times today when the doorbell rang and the phone rang 3 times. I didn't answer either the phone or the door.) I need this focused time and may take most of this week to try to pull everything together. I also need to research places for easels and small LED lights.

I have a ton of information concerning everything about the current state of bees and the history of encaustic. I have a lot of reading to do. I am also looking at the possibility of other venues after this show is over in March 2012. It is a thrill for me to hear the excitement of other people over this upcoming show as friends want to know how I am going to celebrate this moment! Party, reception?? Will keep you posted.

ENCAUSTIC ART CLASSES

2011-06-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

Recent classes at the San Diego Art Institute Art Department on Ray St. and in my Mission Hills studio were exceptionally wonderful. Eleven students between two days. These are some of the comments I would like to share:

"We were delirious in joy going through the materials for inspiration that you provided..."

"the noise from the others felt like a buzz of collectiveness..." "Thank you for explaining things so well and for your encouragement..." "I am hooked on encaustic.." "thank you for your artist energy." "I am truly inspired."

Upcoming Exhibition/Installation SD Airport

2011-06-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

I have been asked from time to time how my project for the airport is going. Have you finished? and how many pieces have you made? And how are you doing?

So far this is what I have accomplished:

•Completed at least 90% of new artwork I wanted to make, 2 D, sculptural vessels and books with wax.

•Photographed many of the pieces of art.

•Built a large model of a beehive.

•Wrote often in my studio notes.

•Gathered educational materials.

•Read articles about bees.

•Sent in display plan CD to curator.

•Met with curator at my studio (4 hours)

•Determined the connecting theme.

•Met with author/ friend re the writing my artist statement. Interview process helped clarify:

What this exhibit is about, why it is important and who am I?

•Wrote and sent in artist statement and bio to curator.

•Brainstormed about title of show.

•What have I learned about myself throughout the process of this past year?

That I do have a vision and a consistent theme that I use quite often in my work even though I have spent several years having fun experimenting with encaustic. These themes have shown up subconsciously but will be more evident for this exhibit.

Maui Trip and other happenings...

2011-06-04T16:57:00.001-07:00

Our trip to Maui was one of the most relaxing trips we have had in a long time. Spent lots of time in and around the water snorkeling, walking on the beach, reading and eating healthy food. Great time with Ben and his friend Roxane. Those memories seem so distant now that we are back. David and Brenda have been here for a week celebrating David's 40th birthday and their engagement.

Book Arts Exhibit in Carlsbad at Front Porch Gallery

2011-05-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

"Art of the Book"

Through July 3
"Work includes sculptural books, stories painted on fiber and metal, books with intricate woven covers, encrusted beads and more.

Combining non-traditional art making with the crafts of papermaking, letterpress printing and bookbinding, these innovative artists demonstrate that the art of bookmaking has no limits."

Front Porch Gallery
www.frontporchgallery.org (760) 795-6120

Airport Art Exhibition in September

2011-04-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

I have been working steadily on my exhibition for the airport show in September. Sent in my display plan to the curators and will have a studio visit this coming Monday, April 18. There are 6 display cases and I have organized them each individually, connected by a common theme of nature to art.

I have made a few new sculptural pieces, finished an encaustic book that is really exquisite with Al's excellent help in binding the book. I would love to see some of my hanging pieces shown, especially the beehive I made and at least one of the encaustic mobiles.

I can't believe that it has been almost a year since I learned that I was selected for this airport art show. I was with my sister Beth in Virginia when I found out. Everything I saw from that point on became part of my process with wonderful discussions with my artist friends who live back east. I began working almost immediately on ideas, placing these brainstorm moments in my "studio notes," and a three ring binder. This project has been a ton of fun. My friend Sally Hagy-Boyer has her exhibition up now and it is wonderful. I feel so honored to be in such talented company.

2011-04-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

NEW ART AT THE GATHERING RESTAURANT IN MISSION HILLS

New series of art, Shades of Turquoise now at the Gathering Restaurant in San Diego, Mission Hills, Washington and Goldfinch Street, just in time for Mother's Day. Enjoy!

Surfrider San Diego Art Gala

2011-03-21T23:25:00.000-07:00

I donated this encaustic piece to a wonderful organization, Surfrider San Diego. Their big art gala will be held in Del Mar May 2011.

Encaustic Art Institute Exhibit "Pulp"

2011-03-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

Here are two encaustic pieces I submitted to the show "Pulp" at the Encaustic Art Institute in Cerrillos, New Mexico.

Snow expected in San Diego

2011-02-25T10:34:00.000-08:00

A chilly soon-to-be chillier February day. I know we are all big time whimps out here in the west regarding weather. But it is a big deal when the thermometer goes below 50. We even have "storm watch" on the news. Thunder, lightening, lots of rain and maybe snow. I need to get to Maui soon to warm up! Health news: my mom is doing much better and we are all grateful for that. After 5 weeks I am walking without any assistant devices ( meaning cane, crutches or walker) and began driving the other day. Will continue with physical therapy on an outpatient basis and work hard at home to gain strength.

I pride myself in juggling 10 things at once and by the end of the day, happy that the projects or tasks were all completed. However, lately I am happy to complete one or two. I know that this will change as I gain more energy and as my mom needs less care. But it is interesting how priorities change. To fight it is to be a very frustrated person and I don't have time for that in my life.

My artwork at Encinitas Library and at Cannon Art Gallery in Carlsbad still displayed if you haven't seen those shows yet. Those shows will come down soon so try not to miss it.

Newer work at The Gathering Restaurant has been displayed and will be replaced soon with more new work. Some other events in the wings and will update you soon. xxxox

Inspiration

2011-02-20T23:00:00.000-08:00

We had the opportunity to host Daniel Essig from Ashville, North Carolina in our home this past weekend as he ran a workshop for two days on The Exquisite Corpse Mica Book to an enthusiastic group of students. Very fun for us to hang out with another artist talking about ideas and projects, stories and plans for future projects, eating good food and drinking delicious wine.

JANUARY 2011

2011-01-28T15:47:00.000-08:00

SALT FLATS II
It is a beautifully clear, warm January day. Different from last month's wind and rain. I am sitting in my bed recuperating from hip replacement surgery on the 18th. Doing well except for occasional bouts of pain. But everyday will be better and better. My 92 year old mother is also in the hospital after emergency abdominal surgery. I feel so badly for her. Her pain is off the charts. My brother and sisters are taking turns being with her at the hospital which I appreciate.

I do know that after my many past hospitalizations and surgeries that we do get stronger each day and this time of healing is also a time for personal growth. Things we thought were important no longer are as we re-prioritize our "list."

I am fortunate to have Al at home as my caregiver. He has been wonderful and a big part of my healing. I am also lucky to be able to be home and not in a rehab center. My studio is within view of where I sit and sleep and brings me comfort and inspiration. I am thankful. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, yummy soup and cupcakes.

Art and writing still continue to bring me joy and the following are some things that have happened lately:

1. Accepted into Cannon Art Gallery 2011 Biennial. Encaustic "Salt Flats II"

2. Accepted into Tubac Center for the Arts "Playing With Fire" show, Tucson AZ

Encaustic "Burnt Offerings."

3. Poem: Words, Words and More Words from my book, Waiting Rooms of the Heart will be published in the spring 2011 Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T13:55:00.000-08:00

Right now it is pouring pouring pouring down rain. Our city has had quite a bit of rain lately, enough to cause flooding and mudslides. Not like back east though with all of the blizzards.

Our Christmas was wonderful especially since our youngest son Ben surprised us once again by showing up 2 days before Christmas. He said that he couldn't come home this year because of work but there he was! He and his brothers David and Gabe, we all had a great time. These are moments that are precious to me.

I have had no time, due to Christmas preparations and other events, to work on any artwork and I am eager to begin. Upcoming opening reception for art show at Cannon Art Gallery in Carlsbad is January 29th from 5-7 pm. where my piece "Salt Flats" will be showing. I Hope I can make it as I will be having hip surgery on January 18th. Be well, stay warm and safe.

Happy New Year.

2010-12-11T20:26:00.000-08:00

Putting our artwork out into the world is scary sometimes. Submitting our art to exhibitions and shows, art galleries and other venues takes courage and says to me, I like my work. I like it well enough to share it with you and hope that you find meaning in what I have done. If not that is ok too. Questions run through my mind as Will my work be accepted? Are the photo images I sent professional enough? Did the committee like my proposal? And you win some and lose some, isn't that true for you too? I submitted two pieces to a local show and neither one was accepted. The next day I received a congratulatory phone call that one of my encaustic pieces was accepted into a Juried Biennial, a very well respected venue in our area. So you never know. Work may not sell for months and then all of a sudden 5 pieces sell right off the wall. I try never to take these moments for granted. They are important true and I am thankful for those who like my work, but what happens in the studio while creating art is what is most important to me, as well as the many opportunities talking to others about my process and how my art came to be. The universe has been good to me.

Upcoming Exhibitions for me.

Thirteen Saints, Thirteen Women. Book Arts Exhibit. Art Center Ukiah 203 State St. Ukiah, CA til January 22, 2011.

"Connections" San Diego Book Arts, Mission Valley Library December 30-February 1, 2011.

Cannon Art Gallery Juried Biennial, Carlsbad, January 30-March 18, 2011.

MISSION HILLS ARTISTS

2010-11-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

A collective of local artists, dedicated to support and promote the expression of creative talent.

Holiday art sale Saturday, November 13. 10-4

4070 Jackdaw St. San Diego, CA 92103

Art Work

2010-11-08T23:41:00.000-08:00

I have had the opportunity to show my work in three new venues recently, Kesselman Acupunture and Prudential Realty in Mission Hills and Vitality Chiropractic in Hillcrest. Also two pieces of encaustic art were sold just yesterday at Front Porch Gallery in Carlsbad. Thank you all for supporting my art! I am thrilled.

Memories in the Making Alzheimer's Art Auction October 6, 2010

2010-10-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

The art auction was a beautiful event held at the Old Globe in Balboa Park. Paintings by artists who struggle with Alzheimer's disease were paired with community artists who interpreted their work. Al and I were invited to participate and so began working on our art last spring.

I created an encaustic piece that was inspired by a lovely woman named Rosemary who painted a vase of roses. My piece was auctioned for $800. Al made an exquisite book honoring his mom who passed away recently from Alzheimer's. The title was My Mother. The Alzheimer's Association made a video with Al reading the story of his mom's struggle with this disease. This video was shown before the auction began and there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd. His book was auctioned at $900. It just happened that the gentleman who purchased the book was sitting in front of us. He turned to Al at the end of the event and said, "This book belongs to you. It is your book and I want to give it back to you." A kind and loving gesture that touched us all. I believe this was a successful evening toward funding research for treatment, care and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

San Francisco

2010-10-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

Al and I had a great time at the encaustic retreat in San Francisco the end of September The Monaco hotel, inspiring speakers, food all first class. The weather was beautiful. Our bus trip to see artist's studios on Sunday was enjoyable as were the spontaneous discussions about our art and studios, marketing and why we do the art that we do. Mostly it was the people and their encouragement that made this weekend so much fun. Hope to attend next year in Portland!

International Encaustic Artist Retreat ( Advance) San Francisco, CA

2010-09-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Al and I will be driving up to San Francisco this Tuesday to attend International Encaustic Art Association Retreat ( Advance). I have been asked to speak as a panelist on the topic of Artists Studios, specifically my indoor/outdoor studio that was featured in the Spring 2010 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. Will share more information later.

West Coast Fiber and Book Arts Exhibition

2010-09-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

Fiber & Book Arts 2010 (West Coast)

Sept. 1 - Oct. 1, 2010
Reception: Sat. Sept. 11th. 5:30 - 8:00 PM

Fiber & Book Arts are highlighted in exhibitions featuring over 60 artists from the West Coast of the United States at the Escondido Municipal Gallery in September. This bi-annual exhibition features artists from Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, and California. Fiber and book art materials in the exhibition include crochet paper, traditional hand loomed Shibori,hand dyed and woven silk, water color tint papers, pine needle basketry, beading, quilting, knotting, knitting, tapestry, textiles, weaving, encaustic fiber, and woven felt.

Juror : John Marshall

Artist's support Alzheimer's Research and Education

2010-09-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

Memories in the Making, a fund raising event sponsored by the San Diego Alzheimer's Association paired local artists with persons who have dementia and memory loss. The work of art was created in a Memories in the Making class and this art was placed side-by-side with a piece of art created by a local artist who found inspiration in the original artwork. These companion pieces of art work will be featured at an Art Auction Fundraising Event Monday October 4, 2010 at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park, San Diego CA. Three of the local artists are Josie and Al Rodriguez and Viviana Lombrozo. "I was moved that I could meet the artist whose work I interpreted in my encaustic art. Her name was Rosemary and loved the idea of being an artist for a day!" Al's piece was a beautiful accordion artist book, a memorial to his mom who recently passed away from Alzheimer's, and Viviana's, an exquisite art quilt.

ART WORK ACCEPTED

2010-08-25T21:16:00.001-07:00

My pieces, Basket of Poetry and Reflecting Light were accepted in the 2010 West Coast Fiber and Book Arts Exhibition at Escondido Municipal Gallery. Reception September 11 at 5:30.
Also, San Diego Art Institute. My encaustic piece, "Trapped" was accepted. I am thrilled by both of these acceptances. You never know. Just keep on keeping on. My goal is to continue to work on my art and enjoy the process.

Non stop events

2010-08-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

Gearing down from 2 full weeks of our boys home to visit, Joe and Rebeca's wedding, the birth of Hannah, Beth and Chris' big birthday's and celebrations with family at Mission Bay. Many events revolved around eating good food and great fun. Ben just called from Maui and he arrived safe and sound. The house is so quiet. Another period of adjustment.

ART WORK AT THE GATHERING RESTAURANT

2010-07-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

I just hung new art work at the Gathering Restaurant , 902 West Washington St. San Diego CA 92103.
Great food and ambiance in the middle of Mission Hills. Check it out.

2010-07-20T00:03:00.001-07:00

TRIP BACK EAST!!

2010-07-19T23:38:00.001-07:00

Our trip to the east coast was memorable and a wonderful way to celebrate our 45 years of being married! Encaustic conference at the Montserrat College of ARt in Beverly, MA outside of Boston was fun and informative. I especially enjoyed connecting with 245 other artists passionate about working with wax. Staying in the college dorm across the street from the college was convenient.
Once I left the conference, my husband Al met me at my sister's house in Ashburn, Virginia. There our 3 week road- trip adventure began as we explored parts of Virginia, Lancaster and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC. We stayed with family and friends. Loved the green rolling hills and history of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and art, museums and galleries in Washington DC. culminating in seeing the 4th of July fireworks in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Awesome. Plan to go back...soon.

I promise to post lots of information really soon about my ALLEY ART PROJECT--a project that has taken on a life of its own.

San Diego Book Arts Juried Exhibition at UCSD Today

2010-05-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

The reception for SD Book ARts National Juried Exhibition today was well attended and great fun. I especially enjoyed talking with a young UCSD student who made a point of telling me that she really enjoyed my book, "Prescription for Poetry." Her enthusiasm for seeing all of the selected books was contagious. Speaking with the juror was a treat as I was able to discuss my vision and
process of creating this artist book. I have always believed that writing is universal in its ability to heal the spirit. I placed my original poems in prescription bottles with the prescription that said, "read or write a poem each day or as needed for health and healing." I was touched by the kind comments I received.

Chef Ben University of Hawaii Maui College

2010-05-24T22:35:00.001-07:00

Great time on Maui with friends and family celebrating Ben's graduation.

Montserrat College of Art

2010-05-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

Mended Fences, an artist book has been accepted into Wax Libris II, a wax and artist book exhibition for the International Encaustic Art Association Conference that I will attend at Montseratt College of Art in Beverly, MA. June 2010. Several other of my works incorporating wax will be included in an online book on Wax and The Artist Book. I was thrilled to have been accepted!

Maui On My Mind

2010-05-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Al and I are on our way to Maui to visit our son Ben, who will be graduating from Maui Culinary Academy this Sunday. We can hardly wait. Thank you to all who have sent him good wishes. Friends Vern and Bette from Flagstaff will join us, as will our 15 year old niece Larisa. Plan to eat, snorkel and swim, visit, and hike the Bamboo Forrest, Iao Valley and celebrate with Ben.

Mahalo and Aloha

Alley Art Wall Union Tribune Article

2010-04-22T21:59:00.000-07:00

DIANE BELL

Artist’s spring cleaning yields giveaway gallery

BY DIANE BELL, UNION-TRIBUNE COLUMNIST

TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 AT 12:02 A.M.

Fax Diane at
619-260-5009
Call Diane at
619-293-1518

E-mail Diane
Bio Page

On a wooden fence along a one-block alley in Mission Hills hang paintings one would expect to see in someone’s living room. A sign beside them invites: “Free artwork. OK to take it if you like it.”

Behind the green fence on Goldfinch Place is a home and art studio. Inside, Josie Rodriguez often can be found sketching, creating abstract acrylic paintings or collages and preparing art for shows. Her artwork is on exhibit at the Front Porch Gallery in Carlsbad, The Gathering restaurant in Mission Hills and the Lyceum Theatre, and she teaches encaustic art at a San Diego Art Institute studio.

Like many artists, she suffers from an overload of ideas and a lack of space. Spring cleaning for Rodriguez means making room for new art creations. So a few months ago, she put some older paintings outside by her trash collection area. A few hours later they were gone. She put more art out, and again it disappeared.

Selling her artwork through galleries and exhibitions and doing commissioned work is great, Rodriguez said, but she was jazzed that a gentleman told her husband one day that he loved a painting he picked up so much that he gave it as a gift. After that, Rodriguez officially gave birth to her Alley Art Wall.

A recycler at heart, she decided that whenever she had extra art she would hang it on the fence for passers-by to take.

I drove by on a Wednesday when four small paintings decorated her giveaway gallery. On Thursday two remained.

“I won’t have art there all the time,” said Rodriguez, noting that her art wall will come and go as space dictates.

Clearly, she has perfected a second art — the art of giving.

Alley Art Wall

2010-04-19T23:58:00.000-07:00

An article about my Alley Art Wall idea will be in the Union Tribune tomorrow April 20th! I will include the link later on Tuesday. And....hopefully a link to a blog about my experience. I can hardly wait to see the article by Diane Bell. More later....

2010-04-07T23:05:00.000-07:00

SDAD Current Exhibition
March 20th thru April 11

SDAD is proud to present the "TEACHING ART" featuring artwork by our amazing team of Instructors.

The exhibition will also be featuring the artwork of Irene Corey (SDAD Community Artist Member) on the "featured artist wall," as well as, student and member artwork throughout the studio!

The exhibition runs March 20 - April 11, 2010.

GET IT WHILE IT'S HOT: The Art of Encaustic Painting
Josie Rodriguez
Friday, Mar 26, 11:00pm - 3:00pm ............$150 (Supplies Included)
Friday, Apr 23, 11:00pm - 3:00pm ............$150 (Supplies Included)
Explore the magical world of encaustic painting and discover a lost art that has intrigued painters for over 2000 years. Encaustic means "to heat or to burn" so heat is used at every level. During this four hour workshop you will learn the history of encaustic, safety practices, use of equipment and basic techniques including photo transfer, collage, and incising. You will have many opportunities to work and leave at the end of the day with examples of your own encaustic art. (All supplies included)

AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION A $25 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR WORKSHOPS & CLASSES. For detailed descriptions of each class and workshop see our website www.sdartdept.com. click here To register contact us at 619-299-4278 or info@sandiegoartdepartment.com.

2010-04-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

Our Allied Artists Association Art Exhibit and the play "Breakfast with Picasso" has been extended to April 18th. Hope you all get a chance to see it. Thanks.

2010-04-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Earthquake 7.2 today in San Diego centered in Mexicali. Wow, what a jolt that was just before 4 pm today Easter Sunday. It lasted between 30 and 60 seconds. I thought the shaking would never stop. No one hurt, all is well but certainly was a wake up call. Three pretty strong after quakes. I have taken many preparedness classes through the Red Cross for such an event but mostly to assist others. I wonder how prepared Al and I are. Where is that water we bought so long ago, do I know where the turn off valve is, are our book cases secure? I do carry a backpack with tennis shoes, water, snacks, toilet paper, pen and paper in my car in case I am out in the car when an earthquake hits.

Holy Saturday 2010

2010-04-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

Some quotations I really like:

The true anti-aging medicine is the creation of new ideas.

By Meinrad Craighead, artist and author from New Mexico.

"quietude is important for any creative work."

"feed the hungry by being an artist"

"as I enter a museum I pray to beauty."

Blessings to all on this most glorious spring day. Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Spring.

Holy Saturday 2010

2010-04-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

Last night's art opening at the Lyceum Theatre was well attended and fun. The artwork from Allied Arts Association can be seen upstairs and downstairs at the theatre. My three encaustic pieces, one titled "Picasso was Here" are downstairs. The play about Picasso is good and well worth seeing. They have extended the dates until April 12th. Get your tickets now.

After theatre dinner at a new restaurant in Hillcrest on University. "Buonissimo." Very good, wonderful ambiance and service. Al and I shared a lasagna with bolognese sauce. Food is from the Torino area of Italy. Wondered whether I could do all of this three days after arthroscopic surgery of my knee but did ok. Glad to have that over with.

Lyceum Art Show

2010-03-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

Art Show at the Lyceum Theatre Downtown San Diego

As members of Allied Artists Association of San Diego we will have the opportunity to have our artwork exhibited during the run of the play A Weekend with Pablo Picasso. Many exciting events scheduled. Go to

sdrep.org or all 619-544-1000 for more info.

Hope to see you there.

March 21-April 11, 2010

In Print: Cloth Paper Scissors

2010-03-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

Order on line at interweavestore.com or 866-949-1646

San Diego Art Institute Regional Exhibition

2010-02-25T13:02:00.000-08:00

My encaustic piece Arches and Doorways of Spain , layered wax and photo images, was juried into the upcoming SD Art Institute Exhibition in Balboa Park. Reception this Friday March 5, 2110 from 5-8. Show will continue through the end of March.

Where did January go?

2010-02-16T23:28:00.000-08:00

The past month has been spent sopping up after the huge rainstorms we had, dealing with a few medical situations and submitting work for juried exhibitions for International Encaustic Artist Association and San Diego Book Arts. The past few days have been absolutely beautiful, warm and clear—perfect days to finally work outside on encaustic projects that I have been wanting to do.

What else is going on?

1. New art shown at the Gathering Restaurant corner of Washington and Goldfinch in Mission Hills. Stop by and have something delicious to eat. For each piece of art sold I will donate 10% to Parkinson's Disease Research Foundation and the owner Dan will match that.

2. March 1-31, 2010 Edge to Edge. An Exhibition of artists' books with a Japanese theme by members of San Diego Book Arts will be at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Reception March 5. 4-6 pm RSVP necessary. Both Al and I have work in the show. My accordion fold book is based on a form of writing called Zuihitsu. Al's Kites are wonderful. Hope you can attend.

3. Cloth Paper Scissors Studio, Spring 2010 issue features many studios including my Indoor/Outdoor Studio.

4. Will be leading two art sessions for Community Alliance for Healthy Minds conference.

Art: Good for the Soul, February 27, 2010 in Poway.

5. Encaustic classes scheduled for February 20 at my home studio 10-4, and February 26 at San Diego Art Department on Ray Street. North Park.

Around town....

•Museum of Art Artist Guild Festival of Art will be coming up March 12,13,14. Balboa Park.

•Vision Quilt Gallery in Liberty Station. Very interesting work by Allied Craftsmen San Diego.

•Bravo. Liberty Station. Many wonderful classes for adults and kids.

Art dowtown San Diego

2010-01-18T23:30:00.000-08:00

One very special moment this past month was participating in a panel discussion with five other artists, Andy Hein, Virginia Sumner, Don Strom, Jane LaFazio, Jill Hall. There are twelve of us when we are all together, friends and spouses who travel together and support each other's art. This event took place on the last day of our Amigos de Allende group show at Writer's Ink gallery in San Diego. Our moderator facilitated discussion about our favorite art piece in the show, why we make art, what inspires us, when and how we begin doing artwork, and the history of how we came to know one another. It was a great idea and wonderful experience.

If you get the chance stop by the Merril Lynch building at 7th and B Street downtown San Diego to see my mixed media collage artwork displayed on the walls of the lobby area.

I have been submitting images for art proposals around the country, preparing for the Japanese Garden San Diego Book Arts Exhibit, registered for the Encaustic Conference at Montserrat College in Boston this coming June and have helped support my fellow artists by attending many openings and receptions this past month.

January has been a month of celebration and sadness, opportunities and loss, illness and gratitude. There have been many more days of being quiet and still—something I believe to be very important for creativity to flourish.

May all of your days be blessed.

San Diego Art Institute Regional Exhibition

2009-12-18T22:29:00.000-08:00

If you get a chance between December 18 and January 16, 2010 visit San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park for their regional show. One of my encaustic pieces was accepted and will be in the show. It is called Veiled Light, a white on white piece utilizing handmade paper that I purchased in Italy last year. This piece is one in a series.

2009-12-18T22:18:00.001-08:00

I taught an encaustic workshop at San Diego Art Academy last Friday. The students were so enthusiastic, asked lots of questions and left at the end of the day with many great encaustic pieces of art.

My next beginning encaustic workshop at the San Diego Art Department will be January 22, 2010 from 11-3pm.

And of course I continue to teach privately in my studio at home in Mission Hills. Those are on-going classes. Just call me to schedule a time. See www.josierodriguez.com for a list of the classes offered.

2009-12-18T22:15:00.000-08:00

We took time out from several errands and buying our Christmas tree on Tuesday( when many of the museums were free!) to visit the Mengei Museum in Balboa Park where there were three wonderful exhibitions: Sea Creatures of Arlene Fisch, unbelievably beautiful crochet structures using metal wire. Her work took my breath away and Enamel Vessels by June Schwarcz— artwork that gave me much inspiration. June is 91 years old and still working. There was a very interesting exhibit about artisans in India also.

Panama Canal Cruise

2009-12-18T21:46:00.000-08:00

We returned from our cruise a few days before Thanksgiving. We were given the job of preparing the turkey and taking it to my mom’s house where the rest of my family gathered. And here it is the week before Christmas. Where did the time go? I will show you just a sampling of some photos of our trip. I loved being on the top deck of the ship looking at the water and feeling the wind in my face. I appreciated the fabulous service of the cruise ship staff, their kindness and friendly attitudes. There were over 50 different cultures represented and over 140 chefs! Of all the countries we visited Costa Rica was my favorite. We had visited there before and always said that we wanted to return someday. The rain and cloud forests were spectacular as we hiked down and then back up to see La Paz waterfalls. I took photographs, sketched what I saw and wrote daily notes in my iTouch, later to be transcribed into the journal I made for this trip. It is good to be home even though our projects, art and otherwise keep us way too busy.

Trip to Panama Canal

2009-10-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi, this will be my last post for awhile as Al and I are leaving this Saturday, first stop in Naples, Florida and then on a cruise to the Panama Canal via Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Hualtuco Mexico, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and arrive back at the port of San Diego just in time for Thanksgiving. We will leave the sudden chilly weather of San Diego for 85 degree weather with 80 degrees humidity. Oh my goodness will have to wear my summer clothes again. Be well. Hasta Luego.

Art Exhibit November 21, 2009 The Ink Spot Gallery

2009-10-28T23:50:00.000-07:00

What I am working on these days...NEW WORK

2009-10-24T00:16:00.000-07:00

Art Show/ Art Classes

2009-10-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

The current show at the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park is very good, featuring two friends of mine who are outstanding artists, Judy Parenio and Betty Hock. I had an encaustic piece accepted too. The title was "Alegre" and I just heard today that it sold this past weekend. That makes me happy for sure. Selling our work is not the main reason artists make art, but it sure is a motivator! Another larger piece sold from my studio last week. I just mailed off a submission to a juried encaustic show—a process that took weeks, re-photographing the art, resizing images according to specifications, re-writing my artist statement and resume. I was happy to finally get it to the post office.

I may be teaching an Advanced Encaustic workshop at my studio December 5th, 2009 from

10-3 pm. If you are interested please let me know as the class size will be limited.

josierod1@cox.net

ART ARTIST ARTWORK ART MAKING

2009-10-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

October 9, 2009

I meet with a wonderful group of creative women once a month who have been challenged with the question, “What is my goal in being with other artists?” In order for me to answer that question I need to ask myself “Why do I make art?”

Making art and even calling myself an artist is relatively new for me. I spent close to 20 years working in healthcare. The people I hung out with were nurses, chaplains and social workers and our goals had to do with patient care. Anything that had to do with creativity—art, writing, music was extra and often looked at as a hobby. It was during this time in my life however that I saw how important art was to me and to patients.

I wrote a book of poetry honoring the many patients, families and staff that I met along the way. I wrote it to honor them yes, but to help me as well. The writing of these poems helped me make sense of what I saw everyday. Art (visual art, music, dance) as healing within a hospital or hospice was beginning to take shape and now is an expected facet of good health care. Waiting Rooms of the Heart can be ordered on line through Amazon.com or Barnesandnoble.com

Being creative—making something— be it a knitted scarf, mosaic step stone for our front yard, writing a poem, producing a piece of art that might find a home in a gallery has been a satisfying part of my life.

International Encaustic Artist Retreat, Carmel, CA

2009-10-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

International Encaustic Artist retreat in Carmel, CA this past weekend was a great experience filled with informative lectures, interesting encaustic demonstrations, delicious food and wonderful conversation with artist from all over the United States and Canada. The speakers were inspiring and thought-provoking. It was interesting to hear that as encaustic artists we test the boundaries of this ancient medium through exploration and experimentation—part of the artistic process that I love.

What is it about the medium of encaustic wax that is appealing to you? If not encaustic, what is your medium and why do you love it? Art takes many forms. What is yours?

Al and I attended a lecture last night at the SD Natural History Museum, part of a series on the Slow Food Movement. I had been interested in knowing more about this since visiting Italy last year. Here is the website for more information about the series: www.sdnhm.org/sustainableplanet

Do you grow your own veggies? Try to grow something easy like lettuce and see how wonderful it is to eat a salad that you grew yourself! How does your garden grow?

Craft in America

2009-10-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

Just saw Julie Chen, book artist from Berkeley on the KPBS program Craft in America. Yea!!! She taught a workshop in San Diego and stayed with us. An unbelievably inspiring artist and a delight to know!

Cortona, Italy Workshop June 19-26, 2010

2009-09-24T23:06:00.000-07:00

The Open Book and the Moving Pen

Join us for a week long workshop during which my husband, Al and I will take you on an inspirational journey for your creative spirit. You will be surrounded by the beauty of Cortona, Italy, where you will spend the mornings learning how to make a variety of journals and the afternoons writing poetry based on five poetic forms. Midweek we will take a train trip to Fabriano, the paper-making center of Italy and tour the Fabriano paper-making facility. By the end of the week you will have made several elegant book structures with beautiful covers. You will make a limited-edition book containing your and your classmates' poems and have a poetry reading at our sumptuous fare-well dinner on Friday night. I took an art class in Cortona in October, 2008. It was truly an experience of a lifetime. What a lovely combination of art, delicious food and wine, music and delightful people and surroundings. Tuscany awaits you! There may be a $150 discount coming your way. I will get back to you about that.

For details see: http://toscanaamericana.com/openbookmovingpen.html or email josierod1@cox.net

Welcome to my blog.

2009-09-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog! I plan to share ideas and thoughts about artistic process, research and experimentation regarding the exciting medium of encaustic. You'll find images of my art work and information about art classes, as well as an exciting trip to Cortona, Italy in June 2010. The artistic process beginning with an idea, doing the research and experimentation is what is most exciting to me as an artist. It is the doing of the artwork that brings the most satisfaction. Inspire comes from the word "to breathe in." Joy is what is breathed into me when I am working on my art.

Teaching Encaustic and Mixed media collage workshops gives me the opportunity to see the budding creativity in others.

I will be attending the International Encaustic Association Retreat in Carmel, CA next week and plan to return with new ideas and images to share.

I read a quote recently that I like, "All I need to do is show up on the doorstep of each day. Serendipity shall orchestrate the rest. Perhaps I will miss a bus or two along the way. Fortunately, the future is not a bus, and there is no call now to shove skyscrapers aside with my shoulders in an unquiet quest to climb aboard a different life. No call to jingle the moments in my pocket impatiently, like spare change. There is time to wait without wishing." Pavi Mehta