L’ATELIER

Artiste Studio: Past commissioned courthouse project in progress – schematics and ceramic tile prototypes.

“It is always wonderful spending time at Nefertiti’s studio.  I feel like a little kid going into a candy store, but this is a studio with many beautiful works of art, desiring to consume them all.  She is truly a professional artist: dedicated and passionate with high standards.”  Natalie Johnson Alves, MD

“Art is both the taking and giving of beauty; the turning out to the light the inner folds of the awareness of the spirit. It is the recreation on another plane of the realities of the world; the tragic and wonderful realities of earth and men, and of all the inter-relations of these.”  Ansel Adams

Studio

“I see more and more that my work goes infinitely better when I am properly fed, and the paints are there, and the studio and all that.  But have I set my heart on my work being a success?  A thousand times no.  I wish I could manage to make you really understand that when you give money to artists, you are yourself doing an artist’s work, and that I only want my pictures to be of such a quality that you will not be too dissatisfied with your work.”  Vincent van Gogh

Artist Does Work: blessed with seven days a week.

“A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his mind is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.”   St. Thomas Aquinas

Framed artwork on display for a visitor

“Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.”  Andy Warhol

A solitaire moment before the creative process begins

“The master of the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his education and his recreation, his love and his religion. He simply pursues his vision of excellence in whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him, he is always doing both.”  Lao Tzu

To be continued……

©Nefertiti

All photographs and artwork are copyrighted.  Please do not use for any reason unless you have the artist’s permission.

Indelible Impressions: Les Oiseaux Au Jardin D’Or

Les Oiseaux au Jardin D'Or ©Nefertiti

By Jan Feighner

Nefertiti’s “Les Oiseaux au Jardin D’Or” is part of her “Tapisserie Florales Suite,” an extraordinary nine-piece series that demonstrates the talented artist’s gifted eye for detail, beauty, nature, and ancient cultures. Her love of printmaking, painting, sketching, and color translates into large works reminiscent of the finest Persian tapestries.

I first viewed her work at Ursinus College’s Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art in Collegeville, Pennsylvania several years ago. Immediately noticeable were meticulous designs and vibrant tones situated within exquisite borders. Many sported traditional Near- and Far-East shapes and symbolism. Others spoke of modern ideas presented as bold, lavish illustrations. All lured me further into their individual stories.

These images are reminiscent of the splendid Arabian Nights collection each narrating a part of everyman, requiring us to view life in different ways, to dream of what could be, and to appreciate what we know in our collective consciousness.

“Les Oiseaux au Jardin D’Or,” a 44 by 36 inch, 50-print edition, is no different. Its ovular center background draws the eye inward toward the main subject, an Oriental vase bedecked with bi-colored oceanic swirls and angel-winged Ryukin goldfish lightly plumed with two kinds of orchids.

Delicate tri-colored flowers drape the vessel’s sides like a flock of low flying gulls skimming water while six larger, more ostentatious blooms similar to graceful egrets taking flight flutter overhead. Their stalks anchor them to the vase’s fluted striped neck as if trying to chain them to the manmade earthenware: taming the wild within and around us.

Immediately framing this scene are two-toned leaves akin to feathers with birds in the corners and center feeding communally, reinforcing the print’s avian theme. Two at each end and four on both middle sides allude to nature’s pairing, that no creature is alone in this universe, sharing even basic necessities.

The border is very much Nefertiti’s: elaborate, detailed, and remarkable. Here she truly demonstrates her skill at recreating the feel of old world Persian rugs. “Les Oiseaux au Jardin D’Or” entails two rows of markedly different patterns not readily apparent at first glance that unite her inner shades with outer and create an edge that seems woven not painted.

Nefertiti begins with many sketches that she eventually transfers to linoleum plates. She cuts them with extreme precision and has prints made professionally due to her works’ large dimensions. Once the high-grade rag paper dries, she hand paints each usually with watercolor and gouache so every one is unique.

I have loved Nefertiti’s art since that first moment I viewed it years ago.  Although I have not kept abreast of her progress until recently, her haunting images have remained emblazoned on my mind.

Jan Feighner: Writer and art critic residing in Pennsylvania.

dark5star(at)comcast(dot)net – email

PRICE ON REQUEST

ALL IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHTED ©NEFERTITI.  THIS MEANS THAT THESE WORKS ARE NOT TO BE LIFTED BY SNAPSHOTS, USE FOR REPRODUCTIONS OR ANY OTHER INFRINGEMENTS WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE ARTIST!

HOLIDAY SALE WITH DEEP SAVINGS!

HOMAGE II                                                                   ©Nefertiti

Exquisite Original Prints and Paintings on Sale

Art Lovers, take advantage of this very special opportunity to purchase artworks at deep discounts, to give as a gift or to acquire for your personal collection.  Enjoy.

Happy holidays!

Nefertiti

A New Release, Obama: Making Waves III

Obama: Making Waves III                                            ©Nefertiti 2009

Obama: Making Waves III is the most current addition to the Making Waves suite.  This giclée print is a fusion of Making Waves I and II.  The deep cobalt blue and green are reflective of nature, which complements the Obama administration’s determined advocacy of a healthier environment.

Medium:   Gicleé print
Size:        19.5” x 15.5”
Edition:    250
POR:        Available for purchase
Artist:      Nefertiti

©Nefertiti

The Passionate Collectors: Part I

Brett Cook: commissioned painting of the collectors

Sharon Burton-Turner: the First Vice Chair of the NJ State Council on the Arts. Chairs the African American Cultural Committee at the Montclair Art Museum and is a docent as well.
Lincoln Turner: Businessman and entrepreneur.

By Nefertiti

Lincoln and Sharon Burton-Turner, an elegant unassuming couple has been gracious in allowing me into their contemporary home to interview them about their passion for collecting.   Artwork and collectibles selectively appointed every wall, and rooms resonate their personal journey around the four corners of the world with panache.

Seated in the family room with the late morning sunlight flooding into it, I proceeded to ask them the following questions.

Both started collecting while in college.
N – When did you start collecting?
LT/ST - First we strongly believe in collecting artwork from artists in New Jersey (Ben Jones, Russell Murray, Janet Taylor-Pickett, Roy Crosse etc,) as well as other established artists.
ST - I have always been a collector and started in college.  It’s been one continuum.
LT – We collect antique furniture, such as Early American Oak, African sculpture and artifacts, antique dolls, Black Memorabilia and contemporary art.

N – Who are some of the artists in your collection?
Thornton Dial, Hale Woodruff, Elizabeth Catlett, Romare Bearden, Nanette Carter, Charles Seebree Jacob Lawrence, Brett Cook- Dizney, Charles White, William Carter, Verna Winslow, etc.

Hale Woodruff

N – Do you have a favorite work?
ST - Hard to say because we love them all.  We have art and artifacts from all over the world.  Sharon continued by naming a few of the countries: Holland, South Africa, Indonesia, China, Italy, Greece, Cuba, etc…

N – How has having art transformed your life, if at all?
LT - Meeting artists and art collectors has become our extended family.
With shared affinities, communication is easily facilitated at functions.
ST – For example: our trip to Cuba, and viewing the various architecture in Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa the Eastern part of the island with Afro-Cuban culture was just wonderful.  Seeing performing artists and visual artists was awesome.  We did this with the Metropolitan Museum travel program, “Travel with the Met” and the Center for Cuban studies. Saw the Cuban Biennale in 2005 too.  Visited artists studios.  Viewed the work of Manuel Mendive at his home, perhaps the leading Afro-Cuban artist and the famous Wifredo Lam.
N -They have several Cuban works of art in their collection.

ST– We have literally seen the world through art.  Have been to Spain, Amsterdam and  Italy visiting the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, The Rijksmuseum and The Sistine Chapel.
ST – Talking about our travels and experiences makes me want to do it again
In South Africa we visited the “Bag Factory,” a non-profit residency that has permanent studios for artists, located in Johannesburg.

Montebravo

N – Do you believe that art has the power to heal?
ST - Absolutely!  Just to give you an example, I had a friend who had cancer, and when she listened to music it would sooth the pain.  Just seeing art being created is… like adding life; it extends your life.
LT – On the flip side, inappropriate art can drain your energy or spirit.

N – Do you seek any particular aesthetic when purchasing work?
LT – We are eclectic.

N – Is it important to collect African-American art?
Both gave an emphatic “yes.”
ST – Our collection is comprised 95% of the Diaspora.

N – Do you look at what you collect in general as an asset?  And if so why?
LT - Yes, it appreciates in value and gives an emotional payback everyday.  In fact, I initially saw art as an investment.

N - What are the advantages of going to an artist studio to purchase for a collection versus an art gallery?
ST - You establish a relationship with the artist.  It is an opportunity to speak directly with the artist and get their insights and sometimes it can lead to viewing a wider selection of their work without an intermediary.

Charles Seebree

N – Do you feel that an artist has a social responsibility?
LT- Artists are the vanguard of social responsibility.

N – Why do you think arts are important to a society or culture?
LT - I think that they echo what goes on in the moment.  They are the visual historians and reflect who we are at a point in time.
ST - I simply could not imagine a world without art and a house without art.

N – I assume that there is a certain amount of status or glamour to being a collector?
LT - Yes, there is glamour attending openings, art events and meeting extraordinary people, __ the best and brightest.  There is instant communication without saying anything.

N - Are African-American artists an endangered species?
ST– Yes!  I don’t think that they get the recognition, support, compensation nor appreciation.

N – How can the dynamics of African American art have a more positive prominence in American culture?
ST - Education and inclusion   …you have to start recognizing and advancing art/artists within museums/galleries, so that the glass ceiling can be broken.  Having a mentoring program (trustees mentoring new members) would make a difference. Selecting collectors who are knowledgeable and are trustees (of the institution) to the acquisition committees.

Thank you Sharon and Lincoln!

WATER, EAU, ECHAR AGUA, WASSER, The Essence of Life

Haiku Waves: Birth

This is one of nine works from the haiku water suite of paintings with watercolor and gouache on paper.    Size: 20” x 40”

Work is available for purchase.

Inquiries are welcomed.

©Nefertiti 2008

NEW LIMITED EDITION PRINT for REBIRTH of LIFES CYCLE

Vibrations II  ©Nefertiti

“Vibrations II “ is a captivating sensual image of a hand painted giclée print inspired by my past suite of paintings “Haiku Waves” and Vibrations.”

Medium: Giclée print on archival paper

Hand painting with watercolor and gouache

Image size: 16” x 15.5”

Edition: 250

Published and Printed by Nefertiti

Price On Request

©Nefertiti 2010

INDIGO WAVES IN SHANGRI-LA

“Indigo Waves in Shangri-La”

Waves flooding land,

swallowing that not needed,

nourishing earth for rebirth.

Nefertiti

One of seven prints from the Haiku Tapestry of Waves Suite

Medium: Giclee print on archival paper

Hand painting with watercolor and gouache

Image size: 20”x 16.5”

Edition: 100

PRICE ON REQUEST

©Nefertiti 2010

Monsoon Season in the Himalayan Saffron Gardens

MONSOON SEASON IN THE HIMALAYAN SAFFRON GARDENS I

Medium:  Giclée print on archival paper and inks

Hand painting with watercolor and gouache

Image size: 20 ”x  16.5”

Paper size:  22” x  17”

Edition: 100

PRICE ON REQUEST

©Nefertiti 2010

LIBERATING___, CHILLING OUT AMIDST THE CASCADING WAVES

Liberating___, Chilling Out Amidst Cascading Waves is the most recent original giclee print that is part of the Haiku Waves Tapestry Suite. Having a female resting on the tapestry with surging wave elements gives this particular work an elegant tour de force, while at the same time being tranquil.

Medium: Giclee print on archival paper

Hand painting with watercolor and gouache

Image size: 16”x 20”

Edition: 150

Price on Request

Contact: nefer(dot)Nefertiti(at)verizon(dot)net

©Nefertiti 2010

THE TRANSCENDENTAL GENIUS: QUINCY JONES

© Nefertiti

Just a little over two years ago, I decided to create a series of original prints representing influential dynamic personalities, who have had a sublime impact on our culture and the world with their contributions.  The series commenced with my Obama linoleum cut and giclée prints.  Now here is the release of my most recent work from this series, Quincy Jones, who is in a stellar class of creative geniuses.

Medium: Giclée print on archival paper with watercolor and gouache.

Image size: 16”x 20”

Edition: 150

Price on Request

©Nefertiti

THE METAMORPHOSIS OF AN ENCHANTRESS_, EMPOWERED

The Metamorphosis of an Enchantress___, Empowered

Unraveling the mysterious threads of life within the dark cocoon

to shed the past,

rebirthing a new destiny with wisdom

gliding like a butterfly

and when need be

emulating the prowess of a leopard.

© by Nefertiti

Medium: Giclée print on archival paper: hand painting watercolor and gouache

Image size: 16”x 18”

Edition: 150

Price on Request

Contact: by leaving a message in the comment box

©Nefertiti 2010

THE FRAME OF MIND IN FRAMING

Home of an Art Collector: Painting. Jazzy Harmonies, artist, Nefertiti.  Framer: Jacklyn Kling

Art is not a luxury, but life’s necessity for fulfillment.  The need for expression and visual enlightenment goes back to ancient times. The Pyrenees caves and the Asian, Egyptian and Grecian wall paintings are prime examples.  In the past, art was directed to and orchestrated by the aristocracy, but today the playing field is somewhat more egalitarian, especially with the evolution of printmaking.  With a wide range of choices from giclées to original prints to high-end paintings, anyone can indulge in collecting fine art.  The only drawback, if it is to be characterized as such, is that the valuable works have a built-in imperative; they need to be framed.

Before fall arrives and entertaining starts, especially for the holiday season, you might want to give some thought to uplifting your environment by acquiring artwork, framing works in storage or reframing.  For now, I am going to discuss the importance of framing artwork and how you might want to proceed, especially if this is outside of your area of expertise and if you have been procrastinating!

WHY FRAME?

Original hand painted print, Bird of Paradise, Artist, Nefertiti: Framer, Makeready Press

• Protects your investment
• Conserves artwork from the natural elements, such as moisture, sunlight, and dust
• Enhances the artwork, as well as the setting
• Harmonizes the environment: style of furnishings, time period and color
• Increases the longevity of artwork
• Influences the aura – the mood of your residential or office environment
• Amplifies the essence of a work that otherwise might be somewhat dull without a frame

Framed Homage II – in the collection of a patron.

SEEKING A FRAMER

Since framing can be an investment, especially these days, do not hesitate to shop around or go into the establishment ahead of time to see if it has what you might be looking for.  Do not be reluctant to ask questions and, preferably, interface with the proprietor, instead of a gallery assistant. Do not be intimidated to ask questions, no matter how simple! Most frame galleries will have framed artwork showcased in the window or on the walls, which will give you some sense of their aesthetic and craftsmanship. Sifting through the Yellow Pages is the unknown, so ascertain a framer using personal contacts first, such as friends whose framed artwork you have admired.  In addition, consider contacting local museums, historical societies, and artists or making inquiries of your interior designer, in order to find reputable and professional framers.  Upon checking your local listings, substantiate that the framer is equipped and knowledgeable about conservation and, if the artwork is very large, beyond 32”x40,” inquire if oversized matting is available.

It is important to have positive synergy between you and the framer, so that you will feel comfortable asking questions.  The goal is to ensure that desired outcomes are reached, keeping in mind aesthetics and price-points.

Now open your closet door and get to a framer with your artwork.  Allow for at least one hour to make a selection.  Remember, this can be a fun and enjoyable adventure with a positive frame of mind!

This exquisitely framed artwork is in the home of a Boston art collector. Painting, Haiku: Waves I, by Nefertiti.  Framer: Chestnut Hill Framing, Inc.  (Painting photographed at the Berman Museum, while artwork was on loan from the collector.)

This is a three part series.  The next segment, The Art of Framing, will be available in August.

©Nefertiti 2010

Artwork is copyrighted

MASTERING THE FRAMEWORK OF FRAMING

Magical Dreamweaver by Nefertiti   In the collection of NJ art collectors.

To preserve and protect your investment for longevity and permanence, your artwork must be properly framed. Works on paper, such as, charcoals, drawings, pastels, photographs, prints, watercolors or any other valuable art, can be enjoyed indefinitely by utilizing  conservation materials. Although a framing venture can be initially overwhelming, given the range of tactical, emotional, and financial choices, the payoff will be worthwhile in the long run.  I am going to make a few suggestions regarding the technical side of framing to facilitate your journey to the framer.

Meanwhile, if you are unfamiliar with the process of framing art, I invite you to look upon it as a learning experience and as an adventure!

Hand painted linoleum cut print in the process of being matted and framed.

Proper framing can protect your artwork  forever.

Conservation matting, i.e., the use of acid-free mat board, is essential to protecting artwork from the air, dust, bugs, and moisture.  Furthermore, it is capable of functioning as a deterrent to deterioration.   If one chooses non-acid free/non-archival mat board, the chemicals in the mat can cause yellowing and discoloration around the image.  Four-ply or eight-ply matting can hinder buckling and keep moisture from creeping close to the image area.  In addition, it is a good idea to keep the mat at least one-fourth to one inch from the image area, as a means to increase protection.

A general premise of framing is that the artwork should never hit against the glass or Plexiglas.  The window mat board, so-called because it is the mat on the surface of the image, acts as a barrier and protects aspects of the image from transferring onto the glass. Charcoal, pastels, and wax crayons are mediums with especially sensitive surfaces that would readily adhere to glass/Plexiglas surfaces, if there is not enough distance.

The mount backboard, which is beneath the artwork, needs to be acid-free as well, along with the tape that allows the image to adhere to the backing.

Making a decision between Plexiglas and glass, what is best?  While the answer may be one of personal choice, here are a few factors to consider.  Plexiglas tends to be more expensive, but glass is breakable and very heavy.  As a caveat, one should never think of using Plexiglas with sensitive surfaces because of the likelihood of a medium adhering to the surface.  Allowing a little “breathing room,” to prevent moisture from accumulating inside the glass is very important. Since all works of art on paper and canvas should be protected from continual exposure to direct sunlight, give thought to using ultraviolet (UV) Plexiglas or glass.  To enhance aesthetics, steer clear of non-glare glass or Plexiglas, which tends to distort the image.  Also, if you are a purist and want to ensure that the glass you choose does not reflect the surrounding environment; ask your framer for advice and product suggestions.

A competent and well-stocked framer should have on-hand samples of the different types of glass or Plexiglas, so that you can select what is best for your needs and budget.

Now may your trip to the framer be more fruitful and adventuresome, with these ideas in tow!

In this photo: artwork, archival matting, fillet, frame within a frame.  An art patron shot this arrangement, along with several others to reflect upon the possibilities, before making a final decision.

TIDBIT

Picture framing dates back to ancient times, as early as the 1st century Roman era and the 2^nd century AD in Egypt, but so unlike the frames that started evolving during the Renaissance and what contemporary framing is today. The ancient Egyptian frames were portraits painted on wooden panels and then placed on the mummy, called fayum mummy portrait.

“Mummy portrait of a young woman, 2nd century, Louvre, Paris.”

©Nefertiti 2010

In September, the next related article will be about the aesthetics of framing and installation.

THE AESTHETICS OF FRAMING

Above:  Home of Dr. James and Clemmie Cash:  Artwork by Nefertiti   Framer: Chestnut Hill Framing, Inc

“Personally, I experience the greatest degree of pleasure in having contact with works of art.  They furnish me with happy feelings of an intensity such as I cannot derive from other realms.” Albert Einstein

Framing for some folks is void of a labor of love.  This feeling is understandable considering the amount of time it might take in selecting a frame and the exorbitant pricing based on the type of moulding selected, almost exceeding the price of the artwork itself.  Like the artwork, it is an investment for enjoyment, but more importantly your acquisition must be protected.  In doing so, why not enjoy the journey and empower yourself with knowledge about the possibilities of framing so that you have the best outcome?  I want to share with you my perspective on the aesthetics of framing, and by this I mean melding the frame selection with the artwork, ideas on selecting frames, and meshing your framed picture with your environment for harmony.  Lastly, I will share a few suggestions on the installation.  Keep in mind that this is my perspective, the artist’s voice.

By giving you enough positive ammunition before hand, I hope that the process for you can be expedited with a constructive and gratifying outcome.

Detail of the elegant frame with Asian decorative elements for the painting Haiku: Waves I.

Before selecting the frame reflect on where the art is going to hang by walking around your apartment, loft or house and select a location that works well for the art to be appreciated in the room itself, as well as your home overall. (In the long run, you might decide to rotate the artwork to different locations, especially as you grow your collection.)  If your environment is inspired with African, Asian and other ethnicities via furnishings and artifacts, consider selecting a frame to emulate the spirit of these different cultures without distracting from the artwork. Inevitably, the imagery has to be supportive of this concept.

Make sure that you have ample lighting for the picture and that it will not be impacted by direct sunlight, unless there are UV windows installed in your home or the artwork will have UV glass/Plexiglas with the frame.

Once you decide the location, determine if the wall can support the framed artwork, especially if it is exceptionally large.   If you have a 19^th century or early 20^th century home, consider hanging the artwork from the ceiling moulding, instead of placing a nail into the wall.  When wall space is not available due to too many windows or the walls are completely occupied with art, consider displaying the artwork on an elegant easel.

Contemplate the following before going to the picture frame gallery:

• Picture location
• Wall size
• Lighting
• Hanging method
• Wall color, furnishings, size of the room
  

With the above in mind, you are ready to have an exciting experience.

Rhapsody, a hand painted linoleum cut print, framed in a pale oxide  chromium green silk mat for a patron.

Arriving at the framer’s shop can be a heady experience viewing so many beautiful frames, but you have already thought about the above-listed items, which you can share with the framer.  Allowing the framer to have information about your environment can be valuable in selecting the appropriate frame,  especially upon viewing your artwork.   As a result, the possibilities will have more fluidity and  will allow everyone to be on the same page, hopefully.   At the same time, do not hesitate to let the framer know that you desire to stay within a certain price range.   In this way,  the selection can be realistically confined and time is not wasted showing frames that are over the top in price, if staying within a particular spending range is your objective.

To be continued

©Nefertiti 9/26/10

AMPLIFYING AN AURA THROUGH FRAMING

Enrapturedly Entwined, commissioned painting, artist Nefertiti

“What was any art but a mould in which to imprison for a moment the shining elusive element which is life itself – life hurrying past us and running away, too strong to stop, too sweet to lose.” ~Willa Cather

While the main purpose of framing is protecting the artwork, it is capable of heightening the essence of a work of art and simultaneously accenting the environment for harmonious continuity.  This is the artfulness of framing, assimilating the frame with the environment because, for the most part, artwork is acquired for its sole essence by the serious art collector. The desired outcome is for the coalescing of the two, the framed artwork with the ambience of the space when thinking about framing.  In this segment a few framed works have been chosen to share with you regarding how framing can influence the aura of the work.

The painting above, Enrapturedly Entwined, was commissioned for an elegant corporate environment.  The frame completes the totality of  presentation without distracting from the intricacy of the image, by echoing the beauty of this artwork. The fine craftsmanship of the high-end frame company Larson Juhl, the fillets, and the corner cutouts furthers the enhancement.   This three and half inch-muted copper/gold texturized relief frame complements the gold background color in the border design of the painting.  The frame’s horizontal relief lines articulate a quiet rhythm, while the fillet elegantly embellishes and camouflages the mat bevel, creating a deeper inset.  The archival/conservation warm antique ivory mat board is at least six  inches, allowing for enough distance between the frame and imagery, so as not to compete.  The desired effect is to have the viewer drawn to the frame as an aperture to the artwork and to be captivated.

Detail: frame, mat and fillet

©Nefertiti 10-31-10

Frame detail: two frames clasped together outside the mat and a fillet attached to the mat’s interior border.

LA FIN ~ 2011

                              HOPE ~ RENEWAL ~ TRANSFORMATION

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.”  ~  Confucius

“The great renewal of the world will perhaps consist in that, that man and maid, freed of all false feelings and reluctance, will seek each other not as opposites, but as brother and sister, as neighbors, and will come together as human beings.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

                                           HOPE

“Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity.”   ~   Louis Pasteur

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between 2 “wolves” inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.”  ~  Carl Sagan

TRANSFORMATION

“If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.” ~  Maya Angelou

“Transformation literally means going beyond your form.”   ~ Wayne Dwyer

“Man, alone, has the power to transform his thoughts into physical reality; man, alone, can dream and make his dreams come true.”  ~  Napoleon Hill

                                                                                                  RENEWAL

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”  ~  Carl Gustav Jung

“Inside myself is a place where I live all alone and that is where I renew my springs that never dry up.”  ~   Pearl S. Buck

“It is the function of art to renew our perception. What we are familiar with we cease to see. The writer shakes up the familiar scene, and, as if by magic, we see a new meaning in it.”   ~  Anais Nin

All images photographed by Nefertiti

©Nefertiti 2011

REFLECTIONS: Moving Forward

                            Beauty Thru Mesh ©

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”  ~ Steve Jobs

Things can fall apart, or threaten to, for many reasons, and then there’s got to be a leap of faith. Ultimately, when you’re at the edge, you have to go forward or backward; if you go forward, you have to jump together. ~ Yo-Yo Ma

Zavolu: A Silver Lining II   ~ painting   ©Nefertiti

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
- Waldo Emerson

Reflecting on Reflections, a Rainy Day  ©Nefertiti

“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”
- Muhammad Ali

With unpredictable tsunamis, weather patterns and collapsing world economies, we must strengthen our will power, be warriors to overcome and win!

~Nefertiti

All images are copyrighted and created by the artist.  Please do not take or lift images without permission from the artist.  Thank you. ©Nefertiti

CHANGE

Escape from the Aviary

“Change is not merely necessary to life – it is life.”
Alvin Toffler

“The illiterate of the 21^st Century will not be the person who cannot read.  It will be the person who does not know how to learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
Alvin Toffler

Let’s not fool ourselves, Mother Nature rules, no matter how much you pray to your god or tinker with 21^st century technology; man has no control of the manifestations of her unpredictable calamities. Just before Halloween the Northeast was overpowered with an unprecedented fall snowstorm yielding two feet of snow in some areas, and destroying approximately 1000 trees in Central Park.  One does not have a choice but to change and adapt to the fluctuations of the economy, scientific and technological breakthroughs, as well as crazed weather patterns.  Being frozen in time will only extinguish and diminish the possibility for growth and survival.  To avoid becoming extinct too soon, perhaps a rapid transformation with a different way of seeing and acting will be needed as the modus operandi: for the relentlessly swift changes taking place on our planet and the New World Order.   Thus far, I do not think Cliff Notes or the How to For Dummies are available for these metempirical experiences. ~~  Nefertiti

Escape from the Aviary: Chine collé, multi-plate linoleum cut print with hand painting. ©Nefertiti

CAMOUFLAGING STARK REALITY: Body Politicks

Haiku Waves: Liberté

What spirit is so empty and blind, that it cannot recognize the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe, and skin more beautiful that the garment with which it is clothed?
Michelangelo

Man is the sole animal whose nudity offends his own companions, and the only one who, in his natural actions, withdraws and hides himself from his own kind.  ~Montaigne

A Statement About Haiku Waves: Liberté

Cutting to the chase, Haiku Waves: Liberté is a subtle metaphor about isms, institutions, mores, etc controlling the female body on so many levels, but especially her genitalia.  Women from all over the world need to be free from these primitive constraints and tyranny on our gender. Simultaneously the body should be accepted for what it is, in any color or form, nothing more or less, without the provincial pretenses and contradictions.   Nefertiti

A lot of people refuse to do things because they don’t want to go naked, don’t want to go without guarantee. But that’s what’s got to happen. You go naked until you die.
Nikki Giovanni

Haiku Waves: Liberté, watercolor & gouache ~©Nefertiti

UNLEASH: Power from Within…..

           Ryu-Kyuan Waves: linoleum cut print *

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking, and don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart,…you’ll know when you find it.” — Steve Jobs

Mother Nature has been busy accelerating her dark side by relinquishing the powerful Hurricane Irene and the earthquake of 5.8, touching down in Virginia with tremors extending all the way to Maine last week. The possibility of releasing our creative gifts at the velocity of Mother Nature is very slim, except perhaps through Twitter.  However, we are endowed with power, but it is a rarity for most of us to master all the gifts that are inherent in our DNA or develop the wherewithal to learn new skills that are far beyond our comfort zones.

There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns. Edward de Bono

To be continued…

* Multi-plate linoleum cut print by Nefertiti    Ryu-Kyuan Waves @Nefertiti

TRANSGRESSIONS

Passages: mixed media print     ©Nefertiti

DEFAULT

Seismic fault

a parting of the Parties,

stalemate, squandering ethics, draining sustenance, clipping wings,

emaciated souls starved as if photographed by Dorothea Lange,

empty storefronts and barren landscapes permeating America the beautiful.

by Nefertiti

 

 

 

The Thrill of It All: Living Creatively

  Enchantress Aligning Her Chakras While Floating in the Water    ©Nefertiti 

Unraveling the mysterious threads of life within the dark cocoon
to shed the past,
rebirthing a new destiny with wisdom
gliding like a butterfly
and when need be
emulating the prowess of a leopard.  by Nefertiti

“The sorcery and charm of imagination, and the power it gives to the individual to transform his world into a new world of order and delight, makes it one of the most treasured of all human capacities.”  Frank Barron

“No matter how old you get, if you can keep the desire to be creative, you’re keeping the man-child alive.”  John Cassavetes

“In the creative state a man is taken out of himself. He lets down as it were a bucket into his subconscious, and draws up something which is normally beyond his reach. He mixes this thing with his normal experiences and out of the mixture he makes a work of art.”    E.M. Forster

Safary Tapisserie

Safary Tapisserie is a painting with a harmony of exotic jewel like prisms entwined with gold fillets offsetting the taupe colors.   This work is soothing and captivating, which would heighten the elegance of a home or office environment.

Medium:  Watercolor and gouache on 100% cotton rag paper

Image Size:  38”x16.5”

PRICE ON REQUEST

Inquiries are welcomed.

Contact: nefer(dot)nefertiti(at)verizon(dot)net

©Nefertiti 2011

HAVE ART WILL TRAVEL

If you were all alone in the universe with no one to talk to, no one with which to share the beauty of the stars, to laugh with, to touch, what would be your purpose in life? It is other life, it is love, which gives your life meaning. This is harmony. We must discover the joy of each other, the joy of challenge, the joy of growth. –Mitsugi Saotome