collage

My Animal Oracle Art Partners with Non-Profit Shop to Benefit Animal Welfare & Nature Conservancy

Posted by Barbara Techel

I’m so delighted and honored to share this exciting announcement!

I’ve partnered with a local non-profit shop called LaValley Home and Garden and they are now carrying my Animal Oracle Art!

$10 from every purchase of my art goes to their grant program that benefits animal welfare and nature conservancy.

My collages blend together thoughtfully chosen images often inspired from animals I observe in nature and around my Joyful Pause Cottage studio, dried florals and leaves, plus natural elements I discover on my walks such as acorns, feathers, stones, and tree branches, along with bits of discarded ephemera creating a three dimensional effect that is nestled with care into a shadow box. On the back of each piece you will find an oracle message written by me as a guide to deepen the connection with yourself, animals, and nature.

I loved this comment from one of the co-owners of LaValley Home & Garden, “I just want to climb right into them!”

This is exactly what I wish my art to convey – to remind us that we are a part of nature and the animals and that we indeed are nature itself!


For a more detailed view of each piece please visit my website here.

About LaValley Home and Garden

Two extraordinary and heart-centered young women whose mission is “to create a world where home, garden, natural habitat and community come together.”

They specialize in native perennials, gardening, unique houseplants, home goods & decor, pet supplies & wellness, and meaningful gifts with store proceeds supporting local animal organizations and wildlife conservation efforts.

And if you are local, stay tuned as they will be offering outreach workshops! Learn more on their website here.

XO

Barb

    

Collage is Life. Inspired by Cardinal’s and Artist Joseph Cornell.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Collage equals life. ~Joseph Cornell

There is something magical when an animal appears in my world and gives me the gift of pausing to ponder which then leads me to want to create something tangible from those moments of reflection.

And this is how this cardinal collage came to be. While it has its personal meaning that began my journey to wish to create this piece, it would take on another meaning after sharing the “collage in progress” on my Instagram page.

A long-time friend saw it and asked if it wasn’t yet sold that she would like to purchase it.

She said, “I have always been drawn to cardinals. Their song brings a familiar comfort. I love to watch when the male shares a seed with their mate. And, their beauty in the cedar branches when dusted with snow, is something to behold—beyond what any Christmas card could ever hope to capture. Since Dad died, these birds have taken on a deeper meaning for Mom, my sister, and me. I love how you placed the branch outside the church window. Can’t wait to see how you complete your latest piece!”

Knowing how much her dad meant to her, I was excited to finish it along with writing a personal oracle message I included on the back.

A few days later I shared some of my artwork in a collage community I recently joined.

A lovely man commented on a different piece I recently completed saying, “This is like a little icon/altar to nature and bird song. I love that you combine collage and collected objects from nature as it really creates a sense of a moment in nature captured. The blue frame invokes the sky as well. This reminds me of the work of Joseph Cornell. A really lyrical piece.”

I was so touched and was even more curious about the artist he’d mentioned as I’d not heard of him before.

And into the world of Joseph Cornell (1903-1972) I’ve submerged myself watching a documentary about him and books I’m waiting to read that I ordered from our library system.

Joseph Cornell. Photo Credit and photos of some of his artwork here.

I love that Cornell was self-taught and how he said of his work that they were based on everyday experiences and “the beauty of the commonplace.”

And why I appreciate the quote from him, “Collage equals life.”

It was the young collage artist that started the collage community who mentioned that in her research collage isn’t always seen as a “valid” art form. Though that is changing.

Yet Cornell was seen as an accomplished collagist and one of America’s most innovative artists according to Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Joseph Cornell piece titled A Parrot for Juan Gris

A private man and one considered eccentric, I admire he followed his heart and thought “outside the box” in regards to his shadow box collage pieces. He didn’t care what others thought, but just had to create which gave us a glimpse into his world. Though I can’t say I understand all his pieces, they do intrigue me and leave me to want to ponder which I appreciate.

How one comment from a kind man opened my world to Joseph Cornell and has inspired me to want to create even more collage artwork.

And how collage created through my lens can then take on a whole other meaning for another. Well, that is indeed a delightful opportunity to open to all the wonders of life as seen through the eyes of many and all the perspectives this can bring.

Leaving an impact that changes us.

Collage is indeed life.

XO

Barb

    

Introducing my NEW Dimensional Animal Art!

Posted by Barbara Techel

Just as I sat down to write this post these lyrics went through my mind: “What the world needs now is love sweet love.” 

Love for the animal kingdom and opening myself to their teachings has definitely brought more love into my life.

My new dimensional animal art is inspired by the idea that animals offer such diverse teachings. They guide us to open to different perspectives and encourage us to welcome in the many different dimensions of ourselves.

This is a good thing! Because each layer and facet of who we are shapes us and has something of value to offer us. Even the parts of us that we may struggle with.

And the animals are here on this planet as loving messengers and most willing to serve us every step of the way toward loving all parts of who we are.

There have been many different animals that have guided me to go beneath the surface and explore with love what it was I needed to heal. I’m forever grateful to them for this. And why I was inspired to create these new pieces of art that are now for sale.

You can see more photos of these in my Etsy shop, plus a short video of each to view the dimensional aspect with the layers and how the animals ‘pop’ from the wood surface.

They are mixed media on 3 x 5 wooden templates and include pieces of nature I collect on my walks or from around my Joyful Pause Cottage such as flowers, feathers, branches, and stones.

Each piece also includes a few sparkly gems, because the animals most definitely are masters at helping us to shine our light and live with more joy!

Available now in my Etsy shop here!

XO

Barb

P.S. My Etsy shop will be closed from March 4th through April 10th as I take some time away to enjoy myself with my husband in our Rpod camper and a warm climate.