Objects of Desire

As the mother of boys who loves sports, it's all about the sneakers.  They know what they want and they "must" have them.

Black & Yellow Zigs, 201
Acrylic on canvas
10" x 10"
©2011NanciHersh

These are Nate's.  He is like a puppy with BIG PAWS that he will grow into.  He bought these with his birthday money from Grandma and Grandpa, promised to take care of them. Of course, I still find them laying all over the garage floor.  Fortunately, Dini has not used them (yet) as a chew toy.

Here's a pair of Scott's tried and true winter boots that were not so lucky. He has had for 20+ years.

Unfotunately, they did not escape Dini's radar this year.  Scott was not too happy.

He takes VERY GOOD care of his things as you will see in a future post.  Luckily, he likes Dini

(at least for the time being.)  Nanci, the wife in me feels badly that Dini got them.  Nanci, the artist, sees this as a compelling subject for my Walks thru Life: Shoe Portraits Series.

Have you ever lost a favorite pair of kicks to a pooch? 

I know my friend Shelly has (achem, right Lor?!) Sorry, sore subject.  

Red Hot Red

These shoes were bought on a whim a few years ago. Everyone woman should have a pair of red shoes.
They're fun, they have sex appeal without one of those 4" heels which would just make me topple over!
It's like trying on a blonde wig if you are brunette.  Do blonde's have more fun?  Do red shoes sizzle?
Maybe, yes, yes, yes.....

I am going to wear them to my Salsa Dance class tonight with my Valentine. 1,2,3,4...

Red Hot Red II, 2010
Acrylic on canvas
10" x 10"
©2011NanciHersh

Red Hot Red I, 2010
Acrylic on canvas
10" x 10"
©2011NanciHersh

Happy Valentine's Day!

Do you have a pair of shoes that make you feel like dancing?

Not Your Mother's Avocado Green

The title and (coupling of my subjects) may seem a bit random. But as my son often points out, Life is pretty random.  Plus, I have taken the liberty of changing the title of this painting sinced I posted it in Pay Attention earlier this month.

Not Your Mother's Avocado Green, 2010
Acrylic on canvas
10"x 10"
©2011NanciHersh

Perched on my kitchen counter, this cut avocado caught my husband's eye.

Appreciating it from a visual (and not culinary!) perspective, Scott suggested that I paint it.  It's lovely green meat and rich brown pit seemed like the perfect companion to my pseudo biker boots. A staple in my fall and winter wardrobe, they are hip, easy to slip on, and cheap (shhh!)

I wear them all the time, and no animals were harmed... perfect for the animal lover and non meater that I am!

Do you have any boots that look like this?

What fruit or veggie would you pair them with in a painting?

Walking the Walk for Kidds

Walks thru Life: Shoe Portraits 

 

paintings by 
Nanci Hersh



a portion of all proceeds to benefit Supporting Kidds 

Center for grieving children and their families

Shoe Portrait Series on exhibit at 

 CrazyCatwalk for Kidds on March 6, 2011 

or visit www.facebook.com/NanciHersh.Artist

Surrender to the Season

My kids love the snow.  I am trying to channel some of their enthusiasm!

Skates, 2011
Daily Painting #22
Acrylic on Canvas, 10" x 10"

Changing More than Diapers

One print at a time.

Art for Social Change as defined by the Leeway Foundation is:

                                                                

                                           "... art with a vision. 

It is an artistic or creative cultural practice that may operate in traditional or 

nontraditional mediums, modes, or disciplines.  Art with a vision impacts people in many ways. It can: 

• Raise consciousness  

• Alter how we think about ourselves, our society, or our culture 

• Create a vision of a more just world 

• Be a tool or strategy for organizing and movement building 

• Preserve or reclaim traditional cultural practices using one’s artistic practice as a form of resistance or empowerment 

• Create space for expression and build a sense of community  

• Challenge racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, ableism, or other oppressions 

• Question mainstream culture and beliefs 

• Shift or transform the perception of power and/or privilege and the dynamics associated with justice, equality, and/or  

     accountability 

• Engage and utilize a reciprocal process—where there is teaching and learning simultaneously and the consent for  

     engagement is mutual as is the benefit for yourself as an artist and the community you are engaging "

Thursday was my first session with the Teen Mom group at The Garage in Kennett Square headed by Lisa McMain.

7 Moms, 6 Babies, lots of extra helping hands from wonderful volunteers, including photographer Carolyn Viens who took these photos of our session. 

What changes have you made lately?

Pay Attention

In the begining of each yoga class we are asked to form an intention, a word, a phrase a feeling that may come up for us.  It could be patience (always a good one) trust, laugh, find joy.... etc. whatever resonate with you at the time.

Avocado Green with Brown Boots, 2011
Acrylic on Canvas,
10" x 10"
©2011NanciHersh

One of my yoga teachers, Susan Smith shared hers with us recently - Pay Attention.  I liked it when she said it. Simple Direct, like Be Present.  Pay Attention invites us to open our eyes and notice the world around us. Like in the daily paintings I am doing of shoes the past month and a half. I must pay attention to the relationshapes of color, line and form on these small canvases.  I find that this return to some art basic or foundation is like returning to breath in yoga. The essential.

And when you pay attention to breath or to color or form, that attention allows the stories within these objects the time, the space and the grace to reveal themselves.