Cheralyn Darcey

Samhain

As the veil lifts...



I created my Absent Friends Fairy a few years ago, actually for an exhibition, then quickly withdrew her from sale on opening night as I loved her too much!

She was created in greens for a different reason and though not traditional with Samhains' colours of harvest, she still says it all for me. Her green is tinged with the coming winter rust hues that will slowly envelope her.

A look towards the last of Summer warmth.

She (name my secret!) now always  enjoys pride of place on my Samhain Alter.
The rest of the year, she stands watch over the Magic Workshop.

TONIGHT! A night of communication, reflection, the death of that not wanted or needed anymore. The year ends, time to retreat a little and look within.

Blessings,
Cheralyn
xx

Anzac Day Pendant

Oh I DID forget to post this pic.... Thank you for reminders. :)
This is the pendant I created to wear on Anzac Day. Thank you for all the nice comments on the day.
It features many layers of items that I procured from certain boys and ones I created myself.  Found much appreciation for my Dremel while cutting up those tiny badges to tell my own story!!

Really loved wearing this one.

AND....This was the pendant I made to wear to the Clearance Diver Dinner the week before.

Birth Moon Phases

I had a friend (hi Sue!) VERY excited about something she saw at the Easter Show in Sydney. A company selling pendants featuring the phase of the moon you where born under. She didn't understand what it meant or how it worked so asked me yesterday. Yes it's handy to have a Witch at work. :) A great idea,  I wished she had of purchased one so I could of seen it and now I've explained it,  she wants one!
I'm at once a little sad but very happy.... firstly at another realization of our disconnection with the world around us and then elated with the increasing interest to relearn what was always there.
We all pretty much understand our "Star sign", actually our Sun sign. It relates to the position the Sun was in at our time of birth, which star constellation it was moving in. I'm a Leo, yes surprise!, and so the Sun at that time was within the Leo constellation.
NOW, don't get confused with this Luna Phase 'thing'. It DOESN'T relate to to the position the Moon was IN at the time of your birth. EG, My Moon was in Cancer at the time. shhhhh! :)
AND if you want to know what your moon sign is... try this site Moon Sign Calculator.
Sooooo.....What your Luna Birth Phase relates to is the PHASE OF THE MOON on THE DAY of your birth. So was it Full? Was is crescent? Mine was a Waning Crescent... ALMOST a New Moon...


ohhhhhh Pretty!
To find out? Well don't we love the internet! There are lots of Moon Phase calculators online. Now BE CAREFUL, to get the right view, (the phase will be the same  it just looks a little different) make sure you are using the one for your hemisphere. Most of my blog readers are here in Australia, so it's the Southern Hemisphere for you...
The Sydney Observator has a great one with a nice collection of Luna information.
You can see any date you are interested in from the past, present and future.

http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/category/astronomy/moon-phase-calendar/

and at www.moonconnection.com you can look at Northern Hemisphere dates as well.So now we know... what next?
Well I am strongly aware of the phases of the moon and it's effects on me. What is interesting to note is the personal effects connected with your Birth Phase.
As an example, I was born coming up pretty close to a New Moon, so that is my most energetic time. When I feel most at ease, active, alert and 'myself'. I seem to be at my most creative then too. The opposite, the Full Moon? Well I guess I fit right in with the typical 'Full Moon' personae! I'm restless and not always myself. But I know why. :)
Keeping track and planning ahead...
I always purchase a Luna Diary of some sort... this year I tried and loved Stacey DeMarcos' one... very stylish, full of wonderful seasonal and moon information... I dont think it's too late to grab one, try her site.
www.themodernwitch.com

Another friends book!

I've been waiting for this one and rather think it's a nice time with Lucy and Serene's book coming out too! (more info soon!!)
SOOO....Very Oceaniac time at present.

Always loved Paul's life story as I totally get the drive to overcome a perhaps self destructive or negative past and really make something of yourself and life.
Never giving up and just getting on with it.
Everyone fails, stuffs up and life can throw you many curve balls but it's never where you start in life, its where you end up and how you live it as you go.
There's a lot more to Paul than just his 'shark story' and it's really worth a read.
It's out now "No Time For Fear, Paul de Gelder"
... ask your book store.

Earth Day

 
Happy Earth Day!

While many of you know I consider myself a 'Pagan' artist, the heart of what this really means to me is that I'm an environmental artist. My art is my 'craft' in every sense of the word. 
Each piece I create, be it a sculpture, a piece of jewellery, a painting.... has a deep connection via intent and process with my concerns, love and energy for our environment.
Am I always successful? Am I ALWAYS achieving 100% Eco 'safe' best standards in my practice? No I'm not! BUT I get close most of the time and the closer you are, be it creating artworks, running your home or a corporation, the better it is for THE EARTH.
It's not about close enough is good enough either... it's about every tiny step counting.... learning along the way and being a seeker. How can I do better? How will my endeavours effect the environment? What can I do to make the impact smaller.
I do create things out of found items and 'rubbish' :) ..... for example....YES they are drink cans I've actually found on the beach and in the bush and street in my Nichos. I use these as a way of changing that energy. Something carelessly discarded, impacting negatively on our precious earth is removed, cleansed and then becomes the message of what we can make of anything. It's all about that moment of choice. Lots of layers!
Everyday practice for me... well I am earth friendly in my home, as much as I possibly can be and always trying to improve.
My art practice itself, while using found objects and recycled materials also includes the use of eco safe best practice. No paint dumping for starters!  I'm happy to have found lots of new Eco safe products, paints, adhesives and mediums coming onto our market this very year and will be talking about them soon as well.
Enough about ME.... it's all about YOU today.... take time out from those Easter treats and think... "What can I do better for the Earth"
You don't have to be the perfect Eco Warrior but every tiny change is needed.
Happiest Blessings!
Cheralyn
xx

Pothole Art!

So now some art fun!! I'm LOVING this story and especially after the pre election roadworks scramble we have been witnessing here in Sydney...                                                  
From the country that is known for fine art, French artist Juliana Santacruz Herrera creates these amazing installations. Recycled yarns woven into potholes. GLORIOUS! 

Challenge... NOW BE mindful of what materials you use and where it is for safety sake (no roads please!!) ... go find a pothole create something and share it with the world...
If your materials will create a hazard or a be a litter problem PLEASE, sit back and enjoy the onlookers, take photos and then remove.

I'll share mine here this week and yours too if you send me pics/link  [email protected]

Want to Exhibit your Art?

So excited about this! I am now the curator of a new art space in Sydney "art space @ Yindela". It's a beautiful space in a gorgeous cafe in Davidson, Sydney.
Yindela Avenue, Davidson, if you would like to pop in.  It's complete with tree filled cockatoos  peeking through the windows.... Perfect!
What I'm really excited about is the opportunity to get many of the unseen artists out there too. There is no 'hanging fee' or rent,  so it's magically affordable.  Opening nights - yes you can serve wine and yes the cafe will be open for food and coffee etc for your guests on these nights. As the Cafe is so large, extra easels (free standing and table top) can be set up for additional sales on Opening Night.
Yindela features an amazing full tea service as well! Oh and all coffee teas etc are Fair Trade. Great hey? Although only just opened, Yindela is already very busy, so loads of people to see your amazing work during your show.
Once we get established, I will be announcing a few group shows later in the year so stay tuned for those.  In the meantime I'm looking for artists who would like to hold solos over the next few months.  ANY 2D medium.
If you have NEVER exhibited before... so much the better.  I'm really looking at showcasing unseen artists. But if you have been around.... I won't hold it against you either!
The space is 5 meters long, so it's a manageable, friendly size. Very well lit, white wall with professional stainless steel gallery hanging system so all work will need D hooks to hand on Cobra hooks.  See example of current exhibition for ideas.  I'll give you all the help you need getting things together too.

more info www.yindela.blogspot.com and you can email me at [email protected]

Rhiannon Commission

I know it's been a while since I've shared pictures of one of my girls/guys. So here is a commission that is going to her new home today! Ohhhh I don't want to let her go!! I ALWAYS do this... :)
Maybe that's why it's raining so heavily in Sydney today. Making it very hard to organize her photo shoot!
Rhiannon is created from found objects and a few treasures that Linda had given me to include. To give you a better idea of my process... these are the items Linda gave me....Rhiannon's head circlet was created from a bracelet that her brother brought for her in Asia. The gemstones around her hips and the jade flower at center are from that bracelet. The silver bracelet around her waist (the tiny joined flowers) was a gift from her parents when she was very young and Rhiannon's necklace was refashioned from one given to her by a Aunt. The silver bracelet on her lower hips was provided by Linda as well.
Everything else? Well I found all those treasures to compliment.
I hand dye and paint the textiles that I use to dress my sculptures and they are all from recycled clothing.
The hair? SECRET! But my process begins with a recycled building material.
The faces? Ceramic. I sculpt them by hand.

"Rhiannon"
for Linda
56 x 28 x 18 cm
sculpture and assemblage of found objects
Cheralyn Darcey 2011

hand dyed and painted recycled textiles, glomesh purse c1960s, brass liquor cup c1970s, brass incense burner c1970s, trophy c1990s, clay covers wine bottle c1970s, owl brooch c1980s, doll arms c1980s, reclaimed metals and wire, ethically collected bird feathers, leather strap, ceramics, paint, necklace and  bracelets - client provided.

Although I am very busy at present I can slip in a couple of commissions over the coming months.
You can contact me on [email protected] 

STOP PRESS....I have now found that Domayne (the home-ware store) sells glass domes with fit over my sculptures for $85. I had been asked about this. It's really not necessary for my sculptures but if you like the added protection/look of the dome, they are perfect.


OTHER FAQs of late...
Can I layby?
Yes you can
Can I pay with a credit card?
Well I take paypal so yes
Can you make anything?
lol.... just about
Do you make Gods (guys?)
yes I do
I don't have any treasures to give you is that ok?
sure it is

Nyctimene Nicho

Nyctimene Nicho        
The darkness lights,
I see with wisdom and insight.
My path is sure, protected, illuminated

26 x 24 x 6cms
empowered & blessed sculpture -
preserve bottling lids c1950s, bird cage pendant, teaspoon c1950s, ethically collected bird feathers, found metal fragments, faux pearls c1980s, metal leaf found at Manly Lagoon, Sydney, drink can collected from Shelly Beach, Sydney, clays, nails, paint

This piece features the depiction of the  full moon as a large white pearl in full view on the leaf at the bottom of Nicho and the New Moon (a black pearl) partially hidden behind the bird cage in center.
Moon: all phases
Tarot: Justice
Flower: Queen of the Night, Evening Primrose
Crystals/Stones: Hemiker diamond, diamond, pearl, moonstone
Herbs/plants: sage, angelica, myrrh
Dieties: Athena

Included is her  Meditation Journey and information leaflet.
No two could ever be the same due to the very nature of their creation.
$80 + postage via paypal or bank deposit (I post anywhere, if in Sydney you can collect)
Contact [email protected]
Commissions undertaken entwining your ideas, wishes and dreams.

 

CUSTOM NICHOS - THIS FULL MOON 
And so Nicho number two is ready!
Created during the last Luna Cycle. Which brings me to this, I am creating three Nichos this coming Full Moon and if you would like one based on a diety, animal or anything that inspires you, please let me know.   I can really only begin the creation of three at a time and the whole process takes at least a week. My Nichos are created with many layers and painted with a multitude of glazes. I then empower and bless each and at times I need to take them for a trip in the bush or the to the sea.
)
You will need to let me know via facebook or email: [email protected]  this  by Thursday 14th. ONLY TWO PLACES LEFT!
 (detail from Nyctimene)

HANGING
Ohhhh there was a question re how they are hung.... On the back of each I do affix a small D ring. I hang my Nichos above my alter from a simple wall hook. I am working on stands for them at present.

WHAT IS A NICHO?
I've created and exhibited Nichos for a long time... they are based on the Mexican Nichos, a little shrine used to display saints and icons, usually the Virgin Mary.  I fell in love with them after living on the border in San Diego, USA. The Mexican people make them out of what ever they can find and you will mostly see them in missions and Churches but I've also experienced amazing creations protecting homes and businesses. Beginning usually with a base of tin, they then use paper, paint and found objects to create these very sacred and precious little  shrines.

HOW I CREATE NICHOS
Like all of my sculptural works, my Nichos are a combination of ceramics and found objects. after a lifetime of creating art in many mediums, I found complete synergy with the art form of assemblage about 10 years ago. Using what is already here in combination with fine art materials delights my heart and adds many layers to the stories I wish to share in my art. You can see more of my works www.cheralyndarcey.com

Aphrodite Dreams Renewed Nicho

I've created and exhibited Nichos for a long time... they are based on the Mexican Nichos, a little shrine used to display saints and icons, usually the Virgin Mary.  I fell in love with them after living on the border in San Diego, USA. The Mexican people make them out of what ever they can find and you will mostly see them in missions and Churches but I've also experienced amazing creations protecting homes and businesses. Beginning usually with a base of tin, they then use paper, paint and found objects to create these very sacred and precious little  shrines.

My  nichos are created in the magic workshop from found treasures and objects then brought to life through meditation, ritual and lots of love.
Blessed and Empowered.

Aphrodite Dreams Renewed Nicho         SOLD
I slowly awake to a new dream of love,  it comes from within, constant, strong.

26 x 18 x 6cms
empowered & blessed sculpture
sailcloth trim c1960s (found at RMC Newport, Sydney), sworoski crystals, pearls and shell pieces from necklaces c1980s to present, map c1950, teaspoon c1960s, lamp base leg c1940s, drink can, clays, nails, paint

Love, new love, renewed love of another and self
Moon: Waxing
Tarot: Ace of Cups, Lovers
Flower: rose, gardenia
Colours:  pink, orange and red
Animal: swallow, turtledove, lynx, deer
Crystals/Stones: rose quartz, rhodochrtite, moonstone
Metal: silver
Herbs/plants: milk-thistle, violet leaf, sage
Additional Dieties: Kwan-Yin, Erzulie, Venus

Included is her  Meditation Journey and information leaflet.
No two could ever be the same due to the very nature of their creation.
$80 + postage via paypal or bank deposit (I post anywhere, if in Sydney you can collect)
Contact [email protected]
Commissions undertaken entwining your ideas, wishes and dreams.