A tiny little video I made to promote my vintage shop Nostalgi

Sometimes my photography is spontaneous and unrehearsed. Sometimes I like to stage little dioramas and scenes . I like to evoke strange stories with my photography and will put myself in uncomfortable spaces to achieve this. I have a wonderful space I found in Paris, I call the dungeon. I can spend hours down there waiting for something to take off.

Some of my photography for sale  Outlook8studio Gallery – Outlook8Studio

I use beautiful archival Kodak ENDURA Metallic paper which has a glossy finish and metallic appearance. I use it because it creates images with visual interest, richness and depth and I’m unable to achieve this quality with other papers.

Razor Gang

Imperial No. 2

Wax n String

Un Altered Object

Found EM

Dismantling

Bunch of Dirty Books

Seven

Hardplace

Isn’t it amazing how life sometimes gets in the way of doing what u really want to do?

I remember writing this email to a friend some time ago, about one of those days…

Today, when I woke up I decided I was going to do creative stuff all day in the studio.

Instead…
The Postie came and I had to ring electric company to re-assess my payment plan. 1-2 hours later they still needed to ring me back.

Made an appointment for my car service so it coincided with breast screen appointment.

Rang the house people who keep taking out double payment each fornight. This was the 3rd time they got it wrong.

Made an appointment with council for mowing and cutting fallen tree branches.

Went to “Switch” website site to see if I can get electricity cheaper. Decided too complicated.

Cleaned cat poop from back porch.
Clean cat poop from shoes.
Cleaned cat trays.
Put out rubbish.

On the way to the studio,

I cleaned the car mats that had mud on them.

In the studio I gessoed 7 small canvases twice.

I walked up and down the driveway 10 times, fast, for exercise.

Layed down on lounge chair outside for 20 mins. with cat to get the required amount of vit. D for the day and to keep the doctor happy.

Stood on slanty hill and pulled up big tarp to collect twigs to bring in with trolley. Did 4 loads of wood so I didn’t have to do it later.

Talked to myself, very loudly and even discussed what I was doing more than I should have.

Re- did a written section about shipping on 176 pieces of my art online at my website.

Dreamt about:
Being a well-known artist

Having pretty things around me , like artist, Margaret Olly

Piles of new canvass’

Being a healthy person like in my 30’s

Having a full-time gardener for wood. A bringer-inner-a and chopper of wood, a cook and…

Chocolate

Now, because it’s getting darker ( I have bad lighting inside to create) I will start the fire, feed the cats, find food for dinner, check telly programs, Face book, Ebay and Etsy for possible sales, watch something on telly, maybe online, then take all the new pills I have too. Then go to bed and sleep on the electric blanket with the cat.

Oh, I did eat breakfast ,forgot lunch, but had late afternoon snack dry biscuits and hommus.

Of course if someone asks the usual question…

What did you do today?

I will probably say the usual… Nothing really

Tomorrow I WILL do what I want to do, stuff life!!! 🙂

Does this sound familiar to you?

Latest Update!

I just got chosen as a finalist and proceeded to the next round of “Bright Lights City lights” showcase on Saatchi online, for a chance to show my work at Saatchi Gallery in London with my painting ‘Spirit of Melbourne”

The next round will be voted on by a jury led by Rebecca Wilson, Director, Saatchi Gallery, London.

Hi everyone,
Spirit of Melbourne  is a painting I entered into the “Bright Lights, Big City’ Showcase at Saatchionline for a chance to show my work at Saatchi Gallery in London.

If you like my entry please vote for me here  Jenny Davis

Thank you and I appreciate your support!

SPIRIT OF MELBOURNE
An abstract feeling ….
In this painting I wanted to capture the “Spirit of the Melbourne” in an abstract way.

What is Showdown?

Showdown, an online competition at Saatchionline where artists can showcase their work and be given the chance for it to be judged by internationally acclaimed artists and curators. The winner will be invited to display their art at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

No cost art supplies and ideas for mixed media, collage, bookmaking and all your creative projects.

A list of things that cost next to nothing and maybe hanging around.
Packaging material
Old school books
Old books
Old board game
Wallpaper
Vintage sheet music
Junk mail
Needle and thread for mark-making, texture and line
Tea bag paper
Sweet wrappers
Travel brochures
Maps
Cards
Buttons
Vintage papers
Envelopes
Newspaper printed in another language
Magazines
Tissue
Toilet paper
Old dress pattern tissue
Fine wire mesh
Sea glass
Driftwood
Seed pods
Bark
Coffee sleeves
Discarded computer print outs
Fabric offcuts
Wool
String
Bubblewrap for printing & stamping
Old photos
Serviette
Parisian essence for dying paper & fabric

What else can you think of?

Thank you !

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery

for the recent

“Abstracts Special Recognition Award”

for my painting 

“Underground Systems Paris”

Jenny Davis

Size- 80 x80 cm.

Med. Acrylic paint on board

When the fire season comes around I try to be prepared for the sudden need to leave my house because of nearby fires. I’ve packed my important things and they are all stored by the back door in case of a quick get away. Unfortunately, I have to leave all my art behind as I have too many to cart about. At least 500 pieces. Then, I found this article full of good ideas, on how to “store art and other precious items” in bushfire areas.

Prepared by the AICCM Victorian Division

Storing collections in high bushfire risk areas
When preparing for the onset of a possible bushfire, you may want to consider
shifting precious valuables off-site to a location less vulnerable to bushfires.
Otherwise, choosing the right kind of storage furniture may make a significant
difference in the event of a fire. In general, wood and glass provide better protection
against heat and soot than plastics and metals. Closed and sealed containers
provide better protection than open shelving.
Storage furniture
• Choose furniture that can be well-sealed, for example wooden boxes, trunks
and heavy wardrobes, rather than using open shelving for storing items.
• Furniture made of thick, old, seasoned hardwoods are best as they take
longer to ignite and burn and are less likely to discolour paper and textiles.
This discolouration is caused by the acids released in freshly cut timber.
• Similarly, wood products like chipboard, Masonite® and MDF are fire resistant
but emit formaldehyde and other damaging vapours in storage and during a
fire.
• Position storage boxes low to the ground but slightly raised, about 10cm
above the floor to avoid water damage.
• Aim to create as many layers of protection as possible between your precious
items and the external environment. For example, store items in acid-free
cardboard or paper pockets, folders and boxes. These can then be placed
within a wooden enclosure and kept in a heavy cupboard.
A note on fire-proof safes
Fire-proof safes may provide some degree of protection in smaller, less intense fires.
However, in extreme bushfires and at very high temperatures, the materials stored
inside tend to burn, char and even vaporise – even if the safe itself remains relatively
intact. As fire-proof safes are often made of metal, during intense heat they conduct
heat to the interior. For this reason we do not recommend that you rely on fire-proof
safes to protect your collections.
If you choose to use a fire proof safe, look for one meeting the Underwriter’s
Laboratory (UL) standards. UL standards specify the external temperatures safes
can withstand and the internal temperatures and relative humidity they can maintain.
UL-rated safes can maintain safe temperatures from half an hour to four hours in
environments of up to 1093ºC. Different models are rated specifically for the
protection of paper (UL 350), tapes, cartridges, microfilm and microfiche (UL 150),
and computer diskettes (UL 125). Model numbers specify the temperatures in
Fahrenheit, just below the temperatures at which these materials melt, scorch or
burn. To be UL-rated, safes must meet or exceed their test standards. Bear in mind
that bushfires can reach temperatures of up to 1200ºC.

Storage materials
• When enclosing materials within a crate or trunk, use cardboard and paperbased
boxes, folders and pockets where possible.
• Use the best quality material you can afford – acid free materials will provide
better long-term protection to your collections.
• Archival plastic storage material (polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene) has
many advantages, but in a fire most plastics melt at relatively low
temperatures, lower than temperatures that char paper. Different plastics
melt at different temperatures. PVC is harmful as a storage material and it
melts at 80ºC, well below archival plastics. Paper and cardboard tend to char
before they burn. Polyester (Mylar®), used in high quality photo pockets,
melts at roughly the same temperature at which paper ignites, making it the
most heat resistant archival plastic.
Frames
• Use wooden frames. Even though they become charred and will need
replacing, wooden frames have been found to provide the best protection to
the art work inside. Often, the art work will remain relatively unharmed.
• Metal frames may warp or distort, allowing protective glass to fall out and thus
expose the contents to soot and fire.
• Use 3mm or thicker glass for protection within frames, and use it for as many
works as you can. Combined with wooden frames, glass provides much
better protection than acrylic (e.g. Perspex®), which melts. Glass will
become soot-covered and may even crack, but can sustain higher
temperatures than acrylic.
• Be aware that glass is heavier than acrylic and shatters on impact. Make sure
framed works are secured in a manner appropriate to their weight.
• Use cardboard back boards, rather than plastic – 3mm or thicker, where
possible.
• Seal frames with gummed paper tape to protect the artwork from dust and
soot.
Remember that fire is only one type of risk your collection will face. Fire fighting
measures may cause water damage to items already charred and soot damaged
and increase the risk of mould.
There are many good reasons to choose plastic and metal storage furniture and
enclosures, including cost and ease of access. You may decide that the benefits of
using plastics and metals outweigh the potential risk from fire damage.
If you would like more advice about storing collections safely, please contact your
local AICCM Division or contact the Conservation Department of one of your State
collecting organisations.

The Australian institute for the conservation of Cultural material, inc.

Based on information from Kim Morris of Art & Archival, Queanbeyan; and ‘A Burning Issue’ by David
Thompson, History Victoria e-news no. 4 July 2006

Back to “Free Tutorials”

Different ways to use postcards of your work.

I usually buy 100 postcards of my work at a time to give to people at my openings and whenever I sell something I always throw in a postcard or two into the parcel.

On the back of the card I include my name , artwork details, blog, website and email address.

People are more likely to keep a postcard (affordable art to frame) than a business card.

More ideas for using postcards or notecards of your work  Here …

Interview with Outlook8Studio

by Kristina Law on Feb 18, 2013

What is your shop name and what do you sell?

The name of my shop is Outlook8studio and I sell original abstract paintings, drawings and sculpture.

What art do you most identify with?

Abstract Expressionists especially Rothko, Pollock, the Surrealists, Dada, Vincent, Tapies, Joseph Cornell, Picasso, Manet, Ian Fairweather, Max Ernst, Basquiat, and so many more.

What themes do you pursue?

Themes that’s a hard one to answer. As abstract art is more about getting to the essence of something, feeling the emotions and being moved enough to create. I guess, it’s about resolving and figuring out problems. Many years I was looking for a nothingness,

Read the full interview  Designstyleguide  (more…)

Handmade Books & Journals – by Jenny Davis.

I’ve made over the years, varies styles of recycled, handmade books/journals  to scribble, draw, glue & stitch in and I sometimes sell them … When overseas I make little transportable books from found papers, objects, advertising materials and packaging I find lying around.

Trash Books

In my trash books you may come across scribbles- an idea – a thought –budgets – numbers old exhibition invites- a collage- drawing-artists postcards – catalogue covers-fabric swatches-tags, botched print outs- advertising materials-art and travel catalogue pictures- junk mail –stickers- wallpapers- newsprint-tags and baguette bags -computer keyboard keys-old cheque butts and more….stuff I get inspiration from

Urban Cave Books

A collection of bits and pieces inspired by my interest into underground and abandoned spaces. Tunnels, derelict warehouses, dilapidated factories & industrial spaces. Created from my collection of debris left behind in the streets. Graffiti,  graphics and  consumer packaging.

Vintage French Couture Books

I made these when I was living in Paris. Original collage on cover created with vintage Parisian fashion style papers with traces of gold embossing. Authentic French baguette bags made into pocket pages, recycled envelope pages, large re-cycled tags aged with tea, decorated with cut-outs and writing from vintage magazines, small punched tags made from designer papers,blank white paper +re- cycled brown paper pages with a collage bookmark

Chambre des Secrets Book

A very special hand made book inspired by old Paris and made in Paris. French inspired hand- sewn and hand bound book. The cover is created from vintage deep purple, brocade silk wallpaper with French cafe seam binding, hand stamped with French text.

Pages embellished with vintage and silk wallpapers, brocade fabric swatches and a gold pocket full of vintage wallpapers. A vintage lace bookmark finished off with a paper gold crown from a Brittany “Nouvelle année” hat . The book is all tied up with Paris stamped, frayed ribbon and a tulle glass- glittered pin. This almost completes the story… 18 mixed round and luggage style decorated tags. All tags are hand dyed or aged and “décorées” (decorated) with vintage “botanique” wallpapers, original antique French monograms and royal coach stamps with glitter, crowns and delicate scrunchy ribbons in mocha chocolat, deepest rose pinks and pastels.

Vintage Wallpaper Books

Old potato sack book,tattered and torn

Rustic, vintage industrial style books, created from old Australian potato sacks, with beaut graphics. Some have added scraps of text reclaimed from old tablecloths depicting, Australian places and wild flowers.

Each journal is handmade and loaded with vintage papers , recycled from an old business ledgers,handmade brown papers & tea stained white paper pages .

All lined inside with vintage papers from French decor magazines I found in Paris. Hand and machine sewn.

All topped off with a tag written, Old potato sack book,tattered and torn…then finished off with a string or leather loop, with vintage upholstery button to close.

Fabric books from French vintage fabrics and hand dyed canvas.

Baguette De Paper bag books made in France… Unique hand made books inspired by France and recycled bits and pieces from day to day life, in Paris plus, a love for raw honest materials and hand stitching. The books are made from blank crinkly, brown paper, salvaged from packaging. Hand sewn together with scraps of indigo blue denim fabric and coptic stitching, using coloured wools and beads. Includes, raw, unused coffee filters, fragile stickers, Middle Eastern cupcake papers, candy papers, coffee stained tag with original image from vintage French magazine, patterned correspondent envelope candy tags and more.

A pile of little books created from scrap vintage encyclopeadia’s

Cottontail Books

In Australia I am inspired by the rustic, the vintage, patinas and rusty weathered surfaces of urban cities and country landscapes.

In France, I am very much inspired by the quality, handmade feel and look of things. Raw fabrics, cottons, muted colors. My little pocket -size books are homage to all the things I love about both countries.

Chambre des Secrets 2 Book.

A very special hand made book inspired by old Paris. Hand and machine sewn. The cover and pocket, has been created from antique French tulle netting, with embroidered edges. Next, a layer of sheer chiffon, in deep ecru, with vintage cotton trim and French silk tassel, in rose pink. This is used as a bookmark .Beautifully embellished and hand embroidered with French silk cording, in deep pinks and purple. All topped off with, handmade silk fleurs and a rose in various shades of rose pink with more silk tassels in French green. Inside the front cover the Eiffel tower glitters on top of a piece of antique cotton lace.

The journal closes with an aged doily medallion, hooked over a vintage gold Pierre Cardin button. I added 2, 1950s, iridescent crystal- glass, clip on earrings to close the front pocket. Inside you will find 112, lined pages of aged Italian paper with lines.

When I have an idea, I have to get it down as quick as possible before its forgotten so, wherever I go, I take my handmade journals, pieces of paper, or anything I can quickly jot things down …I use bags, my pockets and little boxes to collect found objects, street litter and of course would be lost without my camera…

How do you document your ideas?

A few pages from my European journals over the years.

Art myths & making a living from your art

A few of my thoughts about making a living from art…

The old myth about the “starving artist”, is just that and doesn’t have to be that way. Of course you can go around thinking like that, but in the end you will become the kind artist you believe. If you believe you can be successful in what you do, you will be.

To be a successful artist, as well as, make a living from your art, I believe, you need to treat your arts practice, as a business.

From my own experience I have learnt. (more…)

Cosmic Collision Collection . New black paintings from the studio.

“Cosmic Collision” Collection
Bursts of high-energy particles in outer space. Links to my interest in Astronomy, space travel, solar systems and atmospheric science.

Little abstract paintings on canvas,(12″ x 8″ – 30 x 20cm.) with black backgrounds, painted with bursts of brilliant colour, in rich, deep aqua, cad. reds and yellows, that seem to glow. Acrylic paints and sealer on gallery stretched canvas.

Please click on image or title to go to full size view & details.

Cosmic Collision 1

Cosmic Collision 4

 Cosmic Collision 5

 Cosmic Collision 3

 Cosmic Collision 2