To Live Well

 

Featured image: Flowers from the Garden

“The purpose of life is not to be happy.  It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”  Emerson

Thought

 

Featured image: Along the Shore III

“The ancestor of every action is thought.”  Emerson

"Thought is the concept is the beginning of all things, it is original, it is the unique."  CEA

The Imitator

 

Featured image: The Stone Wall

"The imitator dooms himself to hopeless mediocrity. The inventor did it because it was natural to him, and so in him it has a charm." - Emerson

THANK YOU!!!

 

Featured image: Snowbird River

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the arts within our communities and culture. I truly believe it's crucial to avoid a monochromatic culture where we all blend in with our sofas. Sharing art with you is always a joy, and having three whole days to discuss art was incredibly fun.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Blessings to all,
Christine

The Wait is Over!!!

 

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫! 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

Join us on October 11-12-13, 2024, from 10am to 5pm daily for a mesmerizing adventure through the vibrant world of art. Each stop is a gateway to extraordinary masterpieces and inspiring creativity. Meet the brilliant artists behind the works and uncover their fascinating techniques. Who knows, you might discover that perfect piece to take home!

Don't miss out—swing by and see me at stop #15! For more details and to plan your art-filled journey, check out the brochure here: Northwoods Art Tour Brochure. Let the art exploration begin!

Rolling Stones Receives Award

 

Featured image: Rolling Stones

I am truly honored to share that my piece "Rolling Stones" has been awarded 1st place by The National Society of Artists, with juror Richard Williams selecting my work. This recognition means the world to me. Juror Richard Williams had this to say about my work, "Rolling Stones":

"The person series of six works associated with Rolling Stones submitted, demonstrates a unique persona iconography, excellent in mark-making and decision-making. Their vision is similar to Kandinsky, leaving behind recognizable images and relying on sheer elements and principles of design to establish a visual dialogue. The verve, I am sure, was developed over a long period of trial and error, developing an intimate knowledge of balance, unity, variety, emphasis contrast. The reward of perseverance that drove their creativity, their muse, has finally paid off, making one's voice being raised above inter serving heard."

I am deeply grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to share my creative journey with all of you.

Yourself, an Artist

 

Featured image: How Do I Get There

To be yourself

Who I wish to be

An artist 

I work hard

I read

I listen

I think

I observe

I trust myself

But

Does that make me 

Who I wish to be?

An artist.

I imagine

And artist for me

Sees the invisible

Feels the intangible

Achieves the impossible

And most importantly creates

Originals.

But 

Again I ask myself

Am I that?

That which I

Imagine?

"Your Inner Compass" Receives Award

 

Featured image: Your Inner Compass

I am honored that my work, Inner Compass, won first place in the Lakeland Art League's annual membership exhibition at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau, WI. Judge Diana Weber-Osypowski offered these thoughtful comments about my work: "You consistently challenge us to open our minds and allow the imagery to tell the story in its own way—your work and accompanying narrative work in harmony to enlighten and challenge your viewer to contemplate. I am not the first to congratulate you and compliment you on your unique and forceful way of entertaining, please, challenge, and confuse. I appreciate your talent, skill, and expertise. You are a dynamo."

I am deeply honored to receive this award and truly grateful for Judge Diana's kind words.

Good Bad

 

Featured image: Ocean Sunset

“Nothing is neither good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”  William Shakespeare

Save the dates!

 

Set off on a captivating journey through the Northwoods Art Tour, where each stop reveals stunning, exclusive works of art. Immerse yourself in the creative world as you meet talented artists and delve into their intriguing techniques. You may just stumble upon a unique masterpiece to bring home.

Join us October 11-12-13, 2024.

Learn more: https://christinealfery.com/pages/northwoods-art-tour

Wandering

 

Featured image: Lily Pads on Kasba Lake

Wandering

wandering

enchanted woods

nature's

serenity

wandering

winged

wanderer

In the pearly

Sky

wandering

patches of black-eyed

susans

scattered

about

wandering

water still stretching

far beyond

wandering

my heart wanders

in the gallery of nature's

palette

it holds new mysteries

treasures

every day

More on Surrealism

 

Featured image: Cloud Berries

Surrealism presents the familiar as unfamiliar and uncanny. Surrealism is the juxtaposition of seemingly unrealized imagery. 

Artist Marcel Duchamp said this after the father of Surrealism passed; “He was a love of love in a world that believes in prostitution.”

Oh, I love that quote—a lover of love in a world of prostitution.  

Write Your Own Story

 

Featured image: Falcon

“Be yourself; no base imitator of another, but your best self.  There is something which you can do better than another. Listen to the inward voice and bravely obey that.  Do the things at which you are great, not what you were never made for.” 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Surrealism

 

Featured image: Bluebird III

The other day, when I talked to an art lover about the inkwork on my smaller pieces, she commented, “These are so surreal.”  I had never thought of my work as surreal, so I started once again to travel down the path of surrealism. It wasn’t hard because I have so many favorite surrealist artists.  The artist Miró was the first I explored because I understand and can read the visual language in his work. It’s tough to know if he is painting a person, tree, or bird, but once you start to look at his work and study Miró, you begin to understand what he is conveying..

I went online and saw this quote: “The laws of reality don’t apply to his work.”  No wonder I relate to him; the laws of reality don’t apply to my work. Miró has his own reality, as do I.

So, I offered a couple of pieces to you all and would love your opinion. This first one is a new one called “Bluebird III.” The other one is an older one that has been accepted into several exhibitions and won prizes. One judge told me the work was surreal.

Wow, talk about listening to the voices speaking to you. So, what do you all think? I went through some of my portfolio because there are two surreal exhibitions I might enter. I found several that fit the bill of surrealism. I will share those with you all later.

image: Talisman III

Monarch

 I was so excited when I saw this monarch butterfly in my flower garden a couple of days ago. She is still flying around in the garden but is quite illusive for photos, so I am glad I got this one.  

This year, I didn't have my monarch caterpillar camp simply because I found no caterpillars.

Did anyone else have trouble finding monarch caterpillars this year? Last year, I had about 15 in my camp and released them when they were ready. Maybe this one is from one of the ones I released a year ago. I am so glad she is in my garden enjoying herself.

Captivate

 Featured image: Birds in the Garden II

Mystery, and secrets

Found in

Mr Crow your shiny

Plumage

Purple, black

Green

Captivate 

Your beauty

Your mystery

Birds in the Morning

 

Featured image: July Rose Breasted Woodpecker

Joyful choruses
Tunes from the soul
Lifting heavy hearts
Birds in the morning

The Wolf

 

Featured image: Don't Fence Me In - Wolf II

 Teachings from the wolf

ritual and

order as well as

harmony

trust

shelters

The wolf disciplines 

with respect

the wolf is extremely

intelligent

intuitive

the wolf is friends with the 

raven …go figure

the wolf understands how 

to govern with

freedom

and

wildness

in the true spirit of

freedom

we would do well to

learn from the

wolf,

Art is LIfe.... Life is Art

 

Featured image: Adrift IV

“What strikes me is the fact that in our society, art has become something which is related only to objects and not to individuals, or to life. That art is something which is specialized or which is done by experts who are artists. But couldn't everyone's life become a work of art? Why should the lamp or the house be an art object, but not our life?”

― Michel Foucault

“Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it.” – Ai Weiwei.

"The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity." - Alberto Giacometti.

Artists create their life, they give it form. Everyone should create their own lives and think it is art. Unfortunately, not many do. Christine Alfery

Light Has Dawned Accepted into Exhibition

 

Featured image: Light Has Dawned

I am thrilled and honored to have my work, "Light Has Dawned," selected for the exhibition at the Lexis Gallery at Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento, CA, running from October 2 to November 3, 2024. 

This exhibition delves into the profound theme from Genesis 1: "And God said, 'Let there be light.'" In a world where darkness often prevails, my piece seeks to interpret this divine call to light, inviting viewers to reflect on the transformative power of illumination. 

It is a privilege to contribute to this inspiring showcase which echoes the eternal promise of light overcoming darkness.

Zephyr Winds Accepted Into Exhibition

 

Featured image: Zephyr Winds

I am truly honored and thrilled to share that my artwork, "Zephyr Winds," has been accepted into the prestigious Arizona Watercolor Society's Annual Fall Exhibition. I'm so thankful to showcase my work at the Exposed Studio and Gallery in Phoenix, AZ, from September 21 to October 17.

Subject

 

Featured image: Snowbird River

What is the subject that gets me excited to create? 

It's the relationship I have and I know others have to the harmonies and discords of the natural world.

Blossoms

 

Featured image: Just For You

blossoms 

please my eyes

soothes my spirit

bold display of colors

orange

purple

red

yellow

pink

wind playing gentle

music

through the garden

all

a breath of fresh air.

My Journey of Love

 

Featured image: Wind Breathes

This land and the healing it brings. 

To mingle with the earth and feel hope

To be still and hear the silence

To be playful with and dance of the wind

To see the diamonds on the grass

To see endless skies and endless waters

To be with the sun beams through the pines

These things and more

Fill my soul

And I shout I love you, I love you

I love you.

Rich Tapestry

 

Featured image: Earth's Tapestry

As we journey through life many of us, including myself, find solace in the wonder and its power to tell the visual story that we and others can relate to. Art embraces life and makes it worth living because nature embraces us, inspires us in the very rich tapestry of the human experience. 

Trees

 

Featured image: Yellow Trees on a Peninsula

trees
alchemy
transmitting
sunlight
water
air
into
leaves
branches
fruit
seeds
For us to breathe …
Nature is the magical
creative
process
the alchemy
of a
miracle

Blissful Flight

 

Featured image: Blissful Flight

i watch, i see

a white 

feather

drifting

with the wind

pausing in the updrafts

gently

lifting

floating

tossing in the breeze 

hovers  …..

water below

to watch, to see

triggers

imagination

August Garden

 

Garden in August.  I watch birds, especially hummers, coming to the garden every day while I have my coffee. A great way to start the day.

Birds in the Morning

 

Featured image: July Hummer

Joyful choruses
Tunes from the soul
Lifting heavy hearts
Birds in the morning

What an exciting day!

🎣 What an exciting day! I just reeled in my biggest lake trout yet—an impressive 14-pounder! 🐟 Caught it on the sand flats outside the finger bays. This catch is definitely one for the memory books! 🌊👏

#FishingAdventures #BigCatch #LakeTrout #FishingLife

Pondering

 

Featured image: We Are What We Wonder

Pondering

Sitting in the fully

emerging silence

gazing, pondering, gentle 

Peace

nothingness

yet

everything-ness

yes, yes, yes

It Takes Courage

 

Feature image: Caught Between Chaos and Order

It takes courage.

“Ii take courage to grow up and become who you really are.’’ e.e. cummings

Don’t grow up to be what someone, everyone else wants you to be.

To be an artist, had I known how hard it would be I wonder now who would I be?  Someone else’s idea of me and who I should be?  Been there, done that. As hard as it is for me not to be an artist, I am glad I found my independence, and glad I followed my heart and instincts, even though it is hard.

My life has had choices and risks, the path to be an artist has not been smooth, there is chaos . There has been change, and creativity and imagining. There has been honoring curiosity, and wonder and spontaneity, delight and spirit. My life honors trusting your heart. 

Dinner Honored at Exhibition

 

Featured image: Dinner

I am truly honored to announce that my work, "Dinner," has received an Honorable Mention at the Manito Art Show in Manitowish Waters, WI. 🎨🏆 This recognition means the world to me! 

Exciting update from my fishing trip! 🎣

 

Just landed my first lake trout and enjoyed my very first shore lunch! Nothing beats the taste of fresh trout straight from the lake! 🌊🐟

#FishingAdventures #FreshCatch #LakeTroutDelight

Renew

 

Featured image: Springtime Flowers 2024

may your heart

bloom like

springtime flowers

in the garden,

renew, rebirth, awake

fill the day

to love and give joy.

Raindrops

 

Featured image: Rain

Rain drops

rain drops crystal clear 

hanging all in a row pink

morning glory curling

Disappear

 

Featured image: Endless Sky

Disappear

in balance

with the

oneness of things

entangle-ness

and

emptiness

disappear

The Woods

 

Featured image: Boreal Forest Shoreline

it's full of

solace

and

mystery

never looks the

same way

twice

after a rain or

in early morning

sunlight

filled with shadows in

the 

evening

lines blur when 

dancing with

the wind….

the woods

In Balance

 

Featured image: Balance

when in balance

with the oneness of

things

entanglements

and

emptiness

disappear

Save the Dates! 🎨

 

Will I see you there? 🤩

📅 July 26-27-28, 2024

🕙 10am - 5pm Daily

Immerse yourself in captivating paintings 🖼️, intricate sculptures 🗿, and unique artistic expressions during the tour. Engage with skilled creators, delve into their techniques, and who knows, you might just discover a special piece to take home with you! Embark on an artistic journey amidst the serene beauty of Wisconsin's breathtaking Northwoods. 🌲

Get more information here: https://christinealfery.com/pages/northwoods-art-tour

Red Umbrella

 

Featured image: Under My Red Umbrella

As I sit under my red umbrella, drinking my coffee, I feel the gentle breeze across my neck I think this thought:

“I believe in a loving and kind God who mysteriously and miraculously is interested in the well being of each and every one of his creations.”

This thought gets me through the day. I feel and think in my heart and soul that a divine force of love and light that follows me and tells me never to give up.

So today dear friends, I wish to plant a seed of hope and faith in your heart, faith in life's goodness and hope for a creative life, creating for whatever purpose.

Loving Power

 

Featured image: We'll Sing in the Sunshine II

loving power of

        creating

interconnectedness

        of all things

the beautiful curious

divinely intimate

mysterious

power you have

        it is you light

        your blessing

Control

Featured image: Searching for Golden Nuggets

Do you go to extremes to taste freedom?  I do…. My search for freedom is everlasting and always seems just around the corner. 

Sometimes I think I have found it, but am only fooled by its shiny disguise.

All of us quest for freedom in our lives, some find it, some never do.  The trick is to keep searching.

Strong, Intelligent

 

Featured image: Journey of the Blackbird

Strong intelligent

strutting down the

Path

tawny pebbles, majestic 

purple and blue black

feathers

catching the sun

regal, beautiful

strong

intelligent

black bird

Buds

 

Featured image: Lily Jitterbug

pink
and
   purple
buds
floating in
the  sky
caught
my
eye
nature's 
way

I just love spring, renewal, rebirth.

An Artist's Creativity

Featured image: Two Roads Diverged

an artist's creativity 

radiant

innocent

pure

artists know nothing

but to be

creative.

creativity is life’s 

mysterious gift of love 

and 

hope and rebirth

Turquoise Jacket Accepted into Exhibition

 

Featured image: Turquoise Jacket

Excited and honored to announce that my artwork, "Turquoise Jacket," has been accepted into the prestigious 54th National River Road Show by the Art Guild of Louisiana!

Gray Squirrels

 

Featured image: Squirrel

Gray squirrels came up and just looked at me this morning as I was having my coffee reset. And they just stared. In the beginning I thought, “What do you want? What are you telling me?” So, I looked them up on AUNTY FLO. It says that squirrels remind us to have some fun. The Native Americans believe that the gray squirrels often are seen as a symbol of resourcefulness, agility and adaptability. 

Hmmm… I totally agree with Auntie Flo. I think I will have fun today.

Sacred Rock Accepted into Exhibition

 

Featured image: Sacred Rock

Thrilled and honored to announce that my piece, Sacred Rock, has been chosen for the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society's 45th Annual International Juried Exhibition! 

Only 80 pieces out of 331 images submitted by 258 artists made it to the exhibit at the Lancaster Gallery of Art. The exhibition will run from August 2 to September 15, 2024!