Friday, January 22, 2010

What a Difference a Few Years Make....

I had the chance to photograph a piece I created the first year I worked in paper mache thanks to collector, Cynthia Biere, and place it by the piece I just completed this week, "Wellington Wabbit." Isn't it amazing how much things can change in just over three years? My early pieces were all about little heads and big over-sized bodies with a more primitive look, and they were originally made with celluclay. I hit some speed bumps with celluclay plus it didn't allow me to work in the detail I wanted so I went hunting for a new paper mache mix. I eventually found fastmache, which allowed me to do so much more in the medium and seemed to suit my evolving artistic needs. I have to give fastmache credit for the sculptural appearance of my work changing so much in the last two years. Thank goodness for collectors and family like Cynthia that supported me through the early work so that I have had the opportunity to take this artistic journey.

The figure below is the newest addition to the Monkey-Cats figures, "Wellington Wabbit." Wellington is related to the Easter bunny on his Mother's side....something like a second cousin twice removed (it's hard to be certain because rabbit lineage changes with such great frequency records aren't always accurate). Wellington likes glitter and sparkle so he has a German glass glitter bow tie and green garland grass in his basket supporting his special egg.

I'm pretty happy with this year's first spring rabbit. Hope you like him too.

Have a great weekend. I'm off to work on the next "wabbit".
He-he-he-he!!!!
Laurie

19 comments:

snippetgirl said...

It's wonderful to see how your work has evolved! It is really cool to see that progression. Both are equally fabulous, of course. I just LOVE Wellington Wabbit...his expression is sort of sweet and bashful but i know he's mischevious too!

Yalco (Chris) said...

Really incredible work! Even your earlier piece shows your impeccable craftsmanship. Fun to see the progression. Thanks for being an inspiration to those of us just starting out.

Yalco

~Tonya said...

OH Laurie, Wellington Wabbit is ADORABLE!! I love that face, that smile and he looks so proud!! I have always loved your wabbits.

Your early work was very detailed and equally is nice, but your work now is more Folk Art, maybe? I love the whimsical works you do now.

He is adorable. How very sweet of your customer to let you snap a pic of them together.

Have a great weekend.
~Tonya

Isn't it amazing to look back to see how much you have grown ;)

Jennifer MacNeill said...

I LOVE HIM!!!

mary helen said...

"Like", I LOVE him, he's great!

Unknown said...

Wonderous Wabbit!

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Thanks Carrie!!! Yes, for some reason my works tend to look like they could all be a bit mischievous...hmmmm!

Go get'em Chris. We all start somewhere!

Thank you sweet Tonya...hubby suggested I needed to send her a new piece while I was on the phone with her earlier this week.

Thank you Jen!!

Thank you so much Mary Helen.

So glad you stopped by Deb!!

Have a great weekend all!
Laurie

yoborobo said...

Oh, your wabbit is definitely on the wascally side. :) It's so fun to see how your style defined itself. ALL your stuff is just amazing. xox Pam

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Thank you Pam...he is a wascal!!

I was shocked to see the old bunny and felt very thankful she still loves him. It was one of the very first pieces I sold and I can remember how excited I was that people liked them. I did 3 that year and they all sold...I'm sort of shocked they had a market now!!!
Laurie

Unknown said...

Soooo amazing! I don't know Laurie--even the FIRST one is amazing!

Marie Patterson Studio said...

Your Wabbits are amazing! Thanks for sharing.

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Thank you Zan and Marie....I like the holidays that give me a reason to explore new figures.

I also had noticed Johanna's Parker recent post of her past work so when I finished Wellington and put him by Cynthia's bunny...I had an "oh my" moment as well. I think it is good to see we all started somewhere and that the journey leads to changes and hopefully improvements.

Thank you both for leaving a message!!
Laurie

Anonymous said...

I love to see how artists evolve in their artistic adventures. Wellington seems much more whimsical.

Fun to be able to see them together!

I love everything you do Laurie!
Pattee

Dana said...

Hi Laurie,

This is my first stop by your blog (I followed a link from Tonya's blog). I really like both of your pieces ... but it is really neat to see them side-by-side. Even though your form has changed some, your craftsmanship shines through. I love the expression on Wellington's face. Super cute!

Have a great day,
Dana

By Way of Salem said...

I love your new rabbit. The other was cute too but you definitely can see a "polish" to your new work. I think it's your talent - not so much the product - but I'm sure that helped as well, but you've got talent too!!! Your wabbit is adowable!

Lisa said...

How fun and look he's smiling at us all!

Lisa

Chicken Lips said...

Actually, they are BOTH wonderful - but I have to say that the new bunny is SO much more expressive! You really have developed a style all your own.

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Thanks Patti...so funny because 3 years ago I thought my style was already defined. Guess I just like to experiment and try things too much!

Not the 13th yet Christine! Wellington will be on STJ though!!

Welcome Dana!!! So glad you found me and left a message!

Lisa...love my smiling boys!!

David....they have changes and I think they are becoming more animated in their own way!

Thanks all!!! Have a great week!
Laurie

Skeleton In My Closet said...

Hi Laurie,

I adore the coloring in both of these pieces and each is equally wonderful.

I use Master Mache from Aves & really like it for the cement-like appearance and thought you used it too (having seen a piece in person at last years Haunters Convention).

Is Fast Mache powdered? I'll have to give it a shot - it definitely has a better price!

Josie