8/13/09

Alternative Communities II: The Bowl People

These are the Bowl People and here are their stories.....

They were young and carefree, and after all, what could be better?

She was pleased to represent the County Fair as Queen in the parade, but was secretly anxious to get back to her gardening.

She wrote horror stories after her work was done, and hoped to be the first in her community to be published.


She simply worried too much.



Every evening she fed him, and he soon learned to trust her completely.

They looked forward to the future, which promised to be brighter than ever.


They traveled far and wide, the three of them.


“Fact is,” he said, “I like them both, and they get along too.”

It was a gentlemen’s agreement, even if they were not.


It was grand to have such a devoted grandson.

While others her age dreamed of prince charmings, she longed to see the world.

She could wait for hours like that – her patience and determination were great.

He would stand by them the rest of his life. He hoped it would be a long one.


They tried to convince him he would like having a baby sister….


He was happy to have a new family, new friends, and a new suit – but he would ditch the bow as soon as he could.

Dexter was not happy to start school this Fall – but "what was the alternative?", he wanted to know.


He was under their tutelage, learning the ways of the world – according to them.


He was a good guard dog, but he was free to show his gentle compassionate side with many waggings, grinnings, and kissings.

They didn’t have much –not by most people’s standards – but they never complained.

In her hand she held the photo that she would pass down to her children. “It is the only reminder of our roots,” she explained,” and I think it will inspire us to keep our faith.”

They were eager for their weekly tennis lesson, and practiced at home after school.

She was still single. People were confused by this: was it her choice, or her fate?



They walked alike, they talked alike, at times they even shocked alike.


It was a gorgeous night under the stars – just the two of them – and he proposed all over again. This time, she accepted.


He was not really a patient man, but he knew how to look unfettered.
She daydreamed shamelessly and often.


His bark was worse than his bite.

They rode comfortably together: daughter feeling snuggled and secure, father enjoying teaching her to ride, and the horse munching contentedly on all the fruit he could find.

She waited patiently.


A dapper young man wears a bowling hat for almost any occasion. He was no exception.



“Mother dresses me in sailor suits,” he whispered, “but when I am older, I want to be a farmer!”

Now that he had his diploma, he intended to broaden his horizons.

He asked her to marry him that very day – and she accepted!


It was their first quarrel, and she was not about to give in.

Their haircuts matched their favorite shape!


She knew perfectly well what they said about her -- they called her "a heavy thinker", but she was only mildly musing.

People mistook them for married, but they were after all, brother and sister.


Sister Kittie wore her winner’s ribbon everywhere. “I feel so proud!” she exclaimed, “that I am afraid I might burst!”

She vowed when she was old, she would wear purple.


She was always prepared for a formal invitation.

It was the only home they could afford, “It’s small, but we’re happy,” they told their friends; “we wouldn’t have it any other way.”



It was she alone – well, she and the fruit, of course. “There is plenty of room,” she would champion, under her breath.


They preferred the dining room chair, and could share it easily.



She didn’t quite fit in. “Even the fruit is out rolling about!” she cried.


They had always wanted a baby girl. They were proud parents.


Father put his foot down. Sometimes he just couldn't believe what this world was coming to.


They knew they would be happy here. “We have many plans for the future,” they said, “including additions to the family!”



As their family grew, they added on. “The children each have their own space, and this works out well for them, “they said. They lived in complete harmony this way.



Lanky and freckled, he clowned around constantly. “Aww,” he said,” it’s harmless funnin'.”


They were a family of four. “We believe that two children per family is just right,” they told their friends.




“He is very comfortable here with me,” she said. “He always behaves and never begs,” she added.

The youngest slept soundly at night,and played safely in the day.


She came from a long tradition of sitting in wait. Her flowing skirt spilled out of the bowl, as she perched among the pomegranates.


Blue seemed a good color for the baby’s room.

8/12/09

Alternative Communities Series: The Rock People

The Rock People: These are their stories...

“I’m really a modest man, “he explained,” but I feel I am bound for something great.”

Criticism was just one of the many services she offered.

The boys tired her, true, but the dog was just too much.


Here was the one place he could completely concentrate on his dream: he knew that some day he would, too, fly like the birds.




He had been kept waiting before, and was not sure he would tolerate much more.





“Oh yes,” she said, “we take our daily exercise and practice our favorite sport at once.”


They were meant to be together, they were as certain as the day was long.



Though they were merely poultry, they were never foul.


She was the best baby - sitting and smiling and admiring the view from all angles.



“Well, how did I get myself into this pickle?” she wondered, as she gazed about.

She carried her umbrella; he carried his carpetbag. They were always ready for an adventure.

They walked together holding hands, never noticing the miles.

He was building his dreams on these little trips to the far shore.


They had just finished the book and had found the end very satisfying.



They came down from the mountains and enjoyed complete safety..now where did he go?


She knew how important sun protection was for her health, and carried her parasol with her.

It was Spring, and they looked forward to the Annual Egg Hunt.


He had remarkable strength for a two year old.



He saluted at every turn.

She was recovering in record time. “I don’t mind it so much now,” she said,” but at first it was a hindrance!”

They stuck together when it came to important matters.
He was always grinning – as if he had just swallowed a frog and had enjoyed every wiggle.


Family vacations were always the most fun.


Her favorite sport was polo, but she would join in any activity if it was outdoors.


She would meet him there every Sunday afternoon.


They often admired the view. “We like the golden hills best,” they agreed, “and we can spend as much time here as we like.”


She had always had a green thumb.


She carried the letter with her everywhere. No one but she knew its contents.


Accordian was their favorite party music of all. “We don’t care where we go, really, as long as we bring the accordion player along!” they clamored.


She had impeccable taste in clothes and in home décor.


It was as easy as skipping stones, and he remembered his first wobbly baby steps with humor.



Father spent time with her after work whenever he could. She was frequently fussy at this time, hungry for dinner and tired from finishing her homework.



Although he was a popular young man, he preferred his strolls quite alone.



They were a casual couple in their comfortable coats.


Her favorite colors were those of the eastern sunrise in Fall.



He liked miniatures, and took a platter with him everywhere for their display.




His hair was always slicked and his checked shirt was freshly laundered.


She dressed tip to toe and wore her best feathered hat.




The cat accompanied her everywhere. “Kitty is one of the family,” she beamed.



She wore her big brim hat, and let her legs dangle freely in the air.





“I don’t mind at all wearing glasses,” she said, “because they are so very modern.”


They traveled all about, but preferred the old places where they had spent time together in their youth.





He often thought about traveling - perhaps somewhere in France.


“Family is the most important possession,” said Father; “family and health. We are very fortunate to have both.”


She wore her heaviest coat with the matching tam and her boots. It was a grand day to be out!


She carried an extra wherever she went. “I like to be prepared,” she recited.



He could wander for days and not feel frightened.

Grandma took the Girls out to play when Mama and Papa were busy. “We play all day long!” they trilled.


He sat calmly while observing everything around him. There was nothing to fuss about.


She could play with her building rocks in complete contentment for hours at a time.


He sat quite comfortably, reciting and perfecting his letters one by one: “B is for Balance, Boy, and Bird…”

The rock floated gently down. “I was sitting here minding my own business, when this rock fell from nowhere,” he smiled.


This was his main source of pride. “I like to be very tall!” he trilled.


He removed his hat for a fresh breeze.



Their wedding was perfectly synchronized for sunset at the bridge.


It was a family of four. “We had them late,” said Papa, “but we are so proud!”


“He hopes to be an engineer some day,”she boasted, “and build tall stepping-bridges that span the widest seas!” He replied judiciously,” my sister and I will work side by side, as we often do.”



She made her way across the little stream, contributing her bits as needed.

She felt just a little lost.


The men made themselves comfortable on the largest of the rocks after a hard day.


He brought his little pail and carried his very own backpack.


Life was like a never-ending holiday in the Summer of 1910. “We meet every year and frolic,” they boasted; ”we have known each other since grammar school.”

Sisters gathered to enjoy the day.”We all get along fine,” said the oldest, “even when we have to share.”

The ladies enjoyed spending their Summer days there. “Sometimes we jump in,” they said, “and the water is always refreshing.”


They had gone to school together. “we’re hoping to go into business this Fall,” said one; “this is what we have been preparing for.”

Sundays were spent together, and they wore their most flattering hats.



Many an afternoon was spent together far away in their favorite place.”We love the fresh air,” they said, “and the water is a beautiful color.”

They went everywhere together. “We are very proud of our little community, and we plan on living here the rest of our lives,” they told everyone.


Mother often lingered awhile to enjoy quality participation with her youngsters. “Keep your clothes clean, children,” she reminded them gently. They did the best they could.


She would take her dog out and park the car nearby. “Molly and I come out here every day in the Roadster, just to be together,” she said, and Molly wagged in agreement.

Her dress was too tight, but she liked to think of herself as the perfect hourglass.

She brought her book everywhere; her read-alouds and her posture were impeccable.

She stood for hours in contemplation. “There really is no place like Home,” she said.

She always knew she would be a performer. She was destined for the stage!

They loved to dress up and perform as the sisters they always wanted.


They preferred to share. Everything.

They were BFFs.


They liked to place pennies on the tracks and then watch.

He desperately needed to escape, and brought his bottle and little tin cup everywhere. “You know what they say,” he laughed; “All work and no play makes Jack a blooming idiot!”


All images and text are copywritten by the artist and may not be reproduced in any form without prior express written permission by Anne Seltzer. Thank you!

4/27/09

Recent Abstractions

Some recent work, an extension of my MFA work, incorporating images of abstracted still lifes.
"Two Plate Abstraction" 24"x 20" $500


"Vessel Abstraction" 30"x 24" $650


"Condiment Os Revisited" 16"x 20" $500



3/7/09

Mar 09: It's Spring! Flower Paintings

My studio garden is full of Purple and Yellow Iris Blooms!
Iris Garden I 10"x 10" $165


Iris Garden II 10"x 10" $165

Spring in the Studio Garden and at Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens



Monkey Flower Palette 7"x 5" $75


Tulip Mags 2 Blooms Palette 10"x 8" $145




Nasturtiums Palette 5"x 7" $75




Lupines 2 Yellow Blooms Palette 7"x 5" $75




Wildflower Meadow I 10"x 10" $165




Wildflower Meadow II 10"x 10" $165




Wildflower Meadow III 10"x 10" $165



as a Wildflower Meadow Tryptich 10"x 30" $450




Lily Palette 7"x 5" $75





"Iris 2 Blooms 2 Buds" 10"x 8" $145





"Iris Yellow Bloom and Bud" 10"x 8" $145




"Poppies 3 Rust-Orange" 7"x 5" $75


"Iris Bloom and Bud" 7"x 5" $75




"Lupine on Orange" 7"x 5" $75





"Lupines Blue and Yellow" 7"x 5" $75








"Bird Visits the Lupine Field" 7"x 5" $75






"Lupines 2 Stems RSABG III" 10"x 8" $145




"Poppies Lupines Palette Ab" 8"x 6" SOLD





"Lupines 2 Stems & Poppy RSABG" 10" x 10" SOLD


"Freesias Palette II" 12" x 6" $145


"Lupines 2 Stems RSABG II" 8"x 6" $85







"Lupines Palette Stems" 12"x 6" SOLD







"Tulip Magnolia Palette" Box 8"x 8" SOLD






"Calla Palette" 10"x 8" $145






"Poppies RSABG in Turqu Field" 8"x 6" $85




"Tulip Palette " 8"x 6" $85




"Poppies RSABG" 8" x 6" SOLD

2/7/09

"The Jugglers"

This body of work follows the Still Life Abstractions, and is a playful re-arrangegment of tradition. Tables have become animated, flipped, and taken liberties with the role of "support". Bowls and fruits are now not-so-still, as their new positions are at the mercy of the re-invented tables. Please note: all text and images are copyright Anne Seltzer 2009.


"The Jugglers" 48" x 72" $2600


"Juggling Table Two" 10" x 10" $245


"Juggler West" 18" x 18" $365


"There is a Slight Crack in my Favorite Vessel" 48" x 36" $1200


"Juggler Blue Vessel Martini" 48" x 36" $1200


"Rocket City Kindergarten" 60" x 40" $1800


"Calvin's Table" 40" x 30" $950


"Confetti Vessels" 48" x 36" $1200


"Tower Vessels" 40" x 30" Sold


"Vessels, Tables, Fruit" 40" x 30" $950


"Vessels, Tables, Fruit II" 40" x 30" $950


"Vessels Tables" 30" x 24" $650


"Large Vessel" 48" x 30" Sold


"Ghost Vessels" 48" x 36" Sold


" This is How I Paint a White Wall Rachel" (2 panels) 72" x 96" $4500


"The Centerpiece" (Installation View with Bricks) 80" x 36" $2600

"Still Life Abstractions" Paintings

New smaller studies of Still Life Abstractions, including my Jugglers theme. For information on purchase, please contact anneseltzerart@yahoo.com . All work, including images and text, is copyright Anne Seltzer 2009 and may not be reproduced in any form, including electonically, without express consent from Anne Seltzer.
"Yellow Pier Abstraction" 8"x 6" $125



"Tee Vee !" 14"x 11" $245



"Olive Vessel Study" 10"x 8" $225



"One Lemon Left" St 8"x 10" $225



"Juggler 3 Orange Things" 10"x 8" $225




The "Still Life Abstractions " paintings followed the "Bubble" paintings, as I incorporated the round forms into the familar genre of the still life while creating a contemporary conversation with the elements. Please note: all text and images are copyright Anne Seltzer 2009.

"Upside Down Bowl Fruit Yellow Table" 12"x12" $ 275


"F Squared" 6" x 8" $125


"P Squared" 6" x 8" $125


"Green Tabletops View" 36" x 24" $800


"Orange Vessel Sunrise Bridge" 24" x 30" $650

"Two Plates Vase" 36" x 8" $345


"Two Plates Poms" 16" x 8" $325


"The Yellow Vase" 14" x 11" $245


"Tables on Yellow Floor" 10" x 8" $225



"Table on White with Cheese Strip" 10" x 8" $225



"R" 10" x 8" $225


"Pussy Willow Branch" 30" x 24" $650



"White Patch on Blue" 10" x 8" $225


"Light Yellow Patch" 10" x 8" $225



"Holler" 12" x 9" $245


"High Table Fruit" 60" x 30" $1100


"Fruit Offering" 16" x 12" $325


"Fruit Scale" 16" x 12" $325


"Banana Still Life" 72" x 48" $2600


"Cheeto Bowls" 40" x 20" $600


"Bouquet Under the Table" 7" x 5" $75


"Yellow Bowl Two Tables" 40" x 30" $950

"Bubbles" Paintings

Directly following the "Sensible Emptiness" paintings, I painted the "Bubbles" works, which are really an extension of the Emptiness. Please note: all text and images are copyright by Anne Seltzer 2009.

"Puddles and Stitches" 12" x 9" $245



"Os Gray and Green" 6" x 4" $65




"Omotions" 72" x 48" $2600




"It Came Along" 40" s 30" Sold





"Bubble Actions" 16" x 12" $325




"Bubbles Float Upward" 20" x 16" $450




"Bubble Series on Panel" 48" x 17" Sold