Cheralyn Darcey

lino fun :)

I have a stack on lino tiles someone gave me to recycle and though I SHOULD be working on new Goddess Sculptures... well this is a young Goddess.... my Punki aged about 4. I LOVED the orginal photo of her and decided to do a little lino magic with it. :) Think I will render my girls (the dogs) next!!
First I'm looking for some awesome colours to paint a few of my Punki Prints with ....

Tarot Collage Class

My theory on learning ANYTHING is to have fun in the process.
I have a lot of beginner students in my regular tarot workshops along with more experienced, some of who are stuck with certain elements or lack confidence at times. YES it is hard to 'remember' everything in tarot. I've found that experiencing it through artistic pursuits enables you to step into the cards!
This Workshop (held last night) enabled the students to create a framable Tarot Canvas. We worked closely with intuitive interpretations along with the many traditional layers attributed to the selected cards before setting off on our artistic journey.
None of my students described themselves are artistic and none had attempted collage before.  We covered basic collage and art theory to get us on the road!
A few examples of students work:
The High Priestess
(I ADORE her to bits!)


The Fool
(seriously, how wonderful! and LOVE love LOVE the 'dog')
student: "I am really drawn to the feeling of early spring"


Another...
Strength
the student was excited to find a background that encompassed the changeable feel of nature
I LOVE the way she melded the crocodile and woman together!

As I said... I KNOW it's easiest to learn anything when you are in a blissful state of fun and so I have created a new series of workshops "Creating Your Own Magical Deck" which begins 8th November in the Frenchs Forest area of Sydney. Suitable for any level of tarot, metaphysical study or artistic ability (stick figure drawers are my specialty!)
Each week we will journey into a different aspect of tarot and oracle and learn ways to incorporate these into our own deck. On our artistic journey we will find ways to express our knowledge in new styles and mediums.  There will be a Journey Journal (an art one no less!)
For more information or to book cheralyn@hotmail.com
COST: $30 per week (includes all materials and notes) 6 spaces left
more workshop information: www.cheralyndarcey.com

Book! The War of Art

The War of Art:
Break Through the Blocks
and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steven Pressfield

I don't actually suffer, thankfully, from artist block. I have WAY too many ideas and weird concepts floating around my brain. My problem is sifting through  it all and settling on ONE idea at a time to develop.
And then there is is STUPID amount of 'research' in the form of photography, sketches and web surfing I end up doing before settling into the real work. Funnily enough all of my research ends up having zero to do with my outcome! I have an incredibly small output of work compared to the amount of time I spend 'doing' art. I am aghast at the never ending stream of some of my peers.
Though I never want to become a production line, I do need to FOCUS!
This book is JUST the kick in the pants I needed. It covers it all though from what is stopping you from realizing your full potential to how to get over that blank page fear. LOVE IT!
For me? How to GET TO WORK!  So enough of me telling you... I'm off to the studio :)
Great for artists, writers, business people in fact actually anyone who needs to get ANYTHING done creative or otherwise.
I am reading mine on Kindle :)

Day Three Eco Conference ~ Artists in Residence

FIRST UP TODAY (Sunday) 10am to 4pm North Head Manly.  It's the last day... get off the couch and get up here!!!! I'm here, all your favourite Environmental Artists are here, the effort they have all put into creating their exhibitions is HUGE. Be inspired! Along with us, there are lots of FREE talks and activities....
A INDOOR BEACH!

an AMAZING display and exhibition by The Wilderness Society centering on the issues with saving the Kimberley. I'll bring you a post about that on my blog soon BUT you REALLY need to come and see this amazing artwork.
Yesterday started off with a gift... some guys bring girls they know flowers... mine bring me skulls! Oh and a walk to more bones.....

Who knows what it is??????
He is going into an artwork.... for my exhibition in January in Avalon. :)
And all day people do ask me, where do you find everything... well like above I'm given things but mostly I find them, because I'm aware, I look and I do something.
Carpark Eco Conference...

a rubber thingy-ma-jig but soon to be fine art material :)
VISITORS... I was very blessed with lots of friends coming to visit... gorgeous Lucy spent most of the day with me and provided as always, much laughter and word memory (I am terrible with place names, peoples names, pronunciation... though I never forget a face, place, feeling or time). I am very inspired by the work Lucy does (she's a writer) along with her friendship.
Gorgeous Karen... my BIGGEST supporter, awesome mate and cheerleader was there with the even more wonderful Pete and my awesome Pete (mmm I should of got him to bring his guitar!) joined us on the blanket of moaning (and laughter) in my studio!

YES I know... blurry picture! I think the photographer was laughing too much! I told you we are having too much fun at the Artist in Residence Studios!!!!!!!!!
We joined the Wilderness Society after learning about the wonderful work they do....
have a good look at their site with all the details... PLEASE.
I have been in discussions with other Eco Artists, Rachel Carroll, David Wiggs, and more from The Art Tree and we are putting together an exhibition next year to support their work and illustrate their messages. Stay tuned!
I was asked to be in another exhibition with Mark Rhodes and am very VERY excited! January 10th is the opening, Avalon ~ Save the Date. :)  Theme and more news soon.
TODAy? GET UP HERE TO NORTH HEAD!~ Last day, last chance.
What's in it for You? Interesting conversation yesterday.... People FLOCK to crystal shops, the 'new age' festivals because they are searching for something for them...
I've never owned a crystal that made me feel as centered, grounded, happy, connected and at peace as creating or looking at or read a piece of artwork  that sings the messages of our wildlife, spirit and earth.   I love retreats, rituals and gatherings but listening to talks or seeing the stands of people from all walks of life who have spent weeks, years and lifetimes exploring our world and doing something about it have opened my soul and made it dance.  I've burnt oils, beautiful incenses and candles and still do... but there is no replacement to a wildflower walk or a quiet wander through the bush while experiencing  the love the earth has for YOU.
Just be there.... connect with people... there are no free show bags of promises at these things... but you will go home with love, inspiration and happiness.  BE a Dreamcatcher!

Day One Eco Conference

What a wonderful day!
After a moving Opening Ceremony with Uncle Max and Cathy where I was BLISSFULLY smudged (ohhhh needed that after all the pressure!), the doors where flung open on the Artists in Residence studios.  What a wonderful collection! I've exhibited with many of them before so it was a warm day filled with smiles and laughter catching up.
I spent the day meeting people, creating and finally RELAXING in my studio. PS Ohhhh I'd love to permanently STAY on site, what a wonderful place for an artists colony!!! Studios, exhibition spaces, workshops... oh my... just bliss! mmmmmm thinking cap on. :)
North Head is gorgeous....... A flock of gregarious Cockatoos dropped by, followed by swooping Kookaburras. Wonderful.
  Everyone adored my Gasong Drum, the other artists couldn't get their hands off it!!
YES you can buy them from the very cheeky but totally amazing Col... they are $165  and you are saving Gas tanks from landfill while filling your space with the sounds of blissful happiness.
you can call Col on 0487736824 there are other Youtube clips just search Gasong Drum
(pictured David Jenkins and Mark Rhodes)

 

(pictured artist Midori Furze)
So my room was filled with Gasong happiness in abundance all day.
I met the very wonderful Polly Higgins... WOW what a gorgeous girl and what amazing work she is doing... you MUST check her site out and if you live in Brisbane or Cairns, she is heading your way this week!!
www.pollyhiggins.com
Soooooo all the PUBLIC fun starts Saturday... I know the weather is looking sad BUT we are dry and happy up on North Head, Manly... the studios are cosy, there are lots of Eco INDOOR displays and wonderful people to meet, and the Cockatoos are still here, so don't be a stranger. Grab a brolly and get up here :)  Saturday and Sunday ~ the details

 

Waste to Bike & next workshops

I'm not really a big fan of motorbikes... I like being comfy in my XR2 with the breeze through my hair... BUT this is awesome..... a bike made out of recycled materials.... as an "Alien" movie fan, it's got me right in!....check out the article at Juxtapoz Magazine!




NEXT ART WORKSHOP.... Zentangle Class... "Borders & Beyond"  Monday 15th August. beginners start at 6:30pm & experienced 7pm booking cheralyn@hotmail.com

NEXT TAROT WORKSHOP... "Tarot Bootcamp"
Monday 8th August 7pm

July/August Workshops

ZENDALAS! .. Art + Meditations           6 spaces left

  absolutely no art experience required to create stunning
artworks! based on the  Zentagle art form, the doodle
artwork of the 70s and mandala practice, Zendalas are
a wonderful meditative art  form that takes you away to
a space of peace, relaxation and easy meditation.
Once learnt, you will find yourself returning again to
your Zendalas and the joy and relaxation creating them
gives you.
I know the art tricks that take your mark making and patterns to stunning levels with eye
catching shading and light filled design.    
 

WEEK ONE:
Introduction Tuesday 26th July 7 - 9pm
we learn about different forms of meditation and practice them.
Then we focus on art as a meditation form using pattern and mark making. You
will be taught lots of zentangle inspired patterns and create mini  masterpiece.

   WEEK TWO:
Mandala from Nature (week one a pre requisite)  Monday 1st August 7 - 9pm
We slip back into our meditative art space, practice our zentangle designs and then each create a personal 30 x 30 mandala. Crop Circle images also available!
$30 per workshop includes lots of step by step pattern sheets, mini matts
to create small zendalas.
kit: .025 felt tip pen, a pad of drawing paper 30 x30cm, pencils 6B, 3B, 2H; kneedable
eraser, white gel pen.
*all available from Oxford Art Supplies, Chatswood or your local Eckersley's Art Store. If
you can not obtain your kit, please contact me and I will arrange.
I will be offering a workshop once per month that will contain new patterns, new design ideas
(eg introduction of colour, photos, totems, collage etc) We will have Art Meditation time
included!

 









There will be an exhibition at Yindela for those interested in displaying their Zendalas in October. I promise you, they WILL be THAT good.  You don't have to sell them! :)
TO BOOK:cheralyn@hotmail.com ph: 0408105864
****************************************************************************************

 TAROT BOOTCAMP
       no yelling
6:30pm to 9pm
Monday 8th August, 2011
Yindela Street Café,
2 - 6 Yindela Street,
Davidson (Frenchs Forest,
Sydney)
(cafe is closed to public
during workshop)
Suitable for complete
beginners to advanced
You have the cards or an
impressive collection of them,
you have been to a series of
classes, read books, watched
videos but still feel a little lost?
Or perhaps you have never even picked a deck up.
Maybe you are jaded with where you are in tarot and
need a fresh basic outlook?

In this workshop we will go back to the basics  in a fun,
interactive way.
TWO HOURS to get your Tarot Muscles working!
Numerology, Energies, Arcana and Achetypes, Court
Cards made simple.

please bring: favourite tarot deck (essential),
oracle deck (optional), tarot book with meanings
(optional)
mat/rug, cushion, notebook, pen
Chakra Balancing meditation included
$40 includes loads of study notes and spreads to take
home
TO BOOK cheralyn@hotmail.com / ph: 0408105864

Turning Point

lol nooooo couldn't sleep!!!! A. I LOVE parties, going out all that but B. I'm actually very shy when it comes to my artwork. Like ALL artists I've met!! This work represents a new phase in my art so it really means a great deal to me. You create art, you get ideas, you want to translate those into something, then the fire ignites, and it all comes together. I've been wanting to 'say' something and it's been on the very tip of my tongue. Been excited, happy and pleased with results, but I turned a corner this year and it was like understanding a complex mathematical problem. THIS is it... THIS is what I need to do. Eureka! BOOM!
I've really felt so happy that others have looked at "Sirens Song Rebirth" and without me uttering a word 'got it'.
This is very different... I had a glimpse of it at my Chippendale exhibition early last year but only dallied with it... (attached picture)
Can't sleep? Yes I'm nervous and excited  about tonight but I'm burning with the very fires of possibilities.
I'm always dumbfounded at those who present to me with "I don't know what to paint/create" ... I don't understand it at all... there isn't enough TIME for me to bring to life my ideas and inspirations. LOOK around you, listen, interact. 
What is exciting me is the feeling of falling love... yeap that's what it is. I'm in crazy lusty passion with my new ideas... now to get it settled into a long term relationship.
Good Luck to everyone tonight at the Warringah Art Prize... ahhhh we hate them, we love them, but we are ALL thrilled to be IN. :)
So what's next? Hints with this older piece and my new techiniques and style.
picture... "Bundi Makes me Gropy, The Desirable Unexpected series"
Grope Show, Chippendale, Sydney 2010

July/August Workshops

Next week: Intuitive Tarot 4th July is almost booked out... 1 space left
Astrology Necklace and Sun Pendant 25th July BOOKED OUT

Next Month dates TBA
Arty Crafty: "Tarot Art Dolls"  gorgeous collaged Tarot Totem dolls I guarantee ANYONE can make with fantastic results. Choose you Tarot card (eg Birth Year, Year Card or any you are drawn to or need to work with)  and make artwork filled with your intentions. $70 everything included skill level: beginner to advanced 
Tarot: "Reading Tarot for Others"  as a trained counsellor and tarot reader I'll teach you what I've learned in over 30 years of my experience with the tarot and reading for others. We will explore different styles, additional modalities & ethics. $40 skill level: beginner to advanced
coming soon.... ZENTANGLES! 4 week course starts August dates TBA Meditation & Art!
Does it get ANY better than that?!!
 *in keeping with my commitment of support as an environmental artist... I donate 25% of all fees directly to the Manly Environment Centre to assist in environmental initiatives and programs
TO BOOK: cheralyn@hotmail.com 10 spaces in each class only
Workshops held at Davidson, Sydney. (lower Northern Beaches/suburbs area)

 

New works from the SEA!

WARRINGAH ART PRIZE
TODAY: finishing off my Warringah Art Prize entry... it's been a year of work on this one... HINT? I was a finalist last year and it's a follow on with that concept. 
You may think you know but there is a surprise :)
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT CONFERENCE
I am also busy putting together my workshop for the Environmental Conference here in Sydney. LOADS of fun there... more details very soon and I'm happy to say the pieces for my section of the exhibition are really coming along well. Look out next week for a brand new series. I'm getting so excited about this... I know I've been quiet exhibition wise this year and as I said in December, I really needed to say lots of nos in order to give this my full attention. This after all is what my art work is all about. I have always believed the true beauty of art is to speak the passions of people. Mine is looking after our environment and what is already here. But you already know that ;)
 

Soooo.....Want to give a huge prompt to everyone to start looking at places like Reverse Garbage here in Sydney and other ways to recycle when you are doing things. I often see people suggesting ebay, etsy ect, which I admit I do turn to for elusive little pieces... but I know a lot of you who read my blog make craft items along with art and  ask you to think recycle or reuse first and to do it LOCALLY. These types of places are wonderful. Sometimes you have to think a little outside the box and you may have to adjust your ideas but you won't only be saving money, you will be saving our environment too. 
Reverse Garbage
If you are a Facebooker... their page is awesome as they actually list interesting new things.
The main webpage is great too and has links to Facebook ect.
If you are not in Sydney, do a search for similar place, your local council is a great start!
More ideas soon :)
Oh you want a sneeky peek at New Work? lol Come back tomorrow! ;)