Categories
Art

Reign Fancy

Fancy

Fancy is such an interesting word. In my mind when I hear the word fancy I think dressed up, but fancy means a lot more than just how nice something looks.

Fancy is defined as: elaborate in structure or decoration, also created from the imagination rather than from life. It comes from the word Fantasy, which comes from Greek phantasia ‘imagination, appearance’, later ‘phantom’, from phantazein ‘make visible’. 

When you are fancy, you decorate or rather make with your imagination. To be fancy is to make your imagination visible.

Reign

Reign is the quality of prevailing and overcoming opposing forces, to live with sovereignty which is a state of self governing.

Reign Fancy was painted using my imagination. Imagination is the action of forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses.

Intuitive Painting

Bringing my imagination to life through the use of my intuition, I created this painting without knowing exactly what it was going to be.

I first began with a lotus flower shape, and slowly added layers of colors while flipping the canvas different directions. Slowly I started to see a woman figure from the flower and realized it was an indigenous fancy dancer.

  • Fancy
  • Fancy

Fancy Dancing

When I was young we would go to powwows and I would dance the fancy dance category. Fancy dance, or shawl dance was first a men’s dance but after a while women adapted it. The women’s fancy shawl dance represents the opening of a cocoon when the butterfly emerges. The shawl is usually the most extravagant piece. The fringed shawls are colorful and flashy, often featuring embroidery or ribbon work. The fringe on the shawl have movement that coincides with the dancer.

The fancy dancers shawl represents the wings of the butterfly. The butterfly is a metaphor for transformation and hope; across cultures, it is a symbol for rebirth and resurrection, for the triumph of the spirit and the soul over the physical prison, the material world. Among the ancients, is an emblem of the soul and of unconscious attraction towards light.

When I dance I imagine that I am swirling energy up into the ether vibrating peace, love, unity, harmony, balance and bliss. I feel supported by the energy of those who came before me, the energy of lives lived on this land. The rituals of everyday life, charging the land with intention.

When I dance I feel uplifted by the energies around me, and it feels like a new dawn.

Spirit Name, Raining in the Dawn woman

At age 11 my parents sent my sister and I to North Dakota. While out there we receive our Spirit names from our tribes medicine woman in a naming ceremony. As my name was being presented to me, our giiwa had to take a moment to explain that it was unusual for our Ojibwe Spirit names to be the same as our Christian names. She said that Creator told my mother to name me Raine Dawn because that was who I am. My Ojibwe name is Raining in the Dawn woman. When I think of what Raining in the Dawn means about who I am… there is no shortage of synchronicities, it is who I am.

As this painting emerged I felt the true meaning of raining in the dawn… rising above into a new dawn. Dawn is the beginning of a phenomenon or period of time, especially one considered favorable. Dawn is to come into existence.

When I think of raining I think of the purification rain brings. I think of the ions in the atmosphere and how they change before and after a storm. How they rebalance themselves to bring back equilibrium.

The title evolved through all of this as the painting unfolded. I decided to use the word reign over rain because I’ve always had the inclination to think of the word reign just as much as rain. Being able to prevail in any situation, to have a growth mindset, is one of the most important things in my life.

Lets all reign in the dawn of our own lives.

If you’re interested in purchasing a print of this painting you can go to my Etsy Account here.

Categories
Art Southern York

CULTURE ON THE LINE

Back in August I completed an artist questionnaire to be featured on Culture on the Line’s Creative Five series. I discussed how life is my medium. Art is the journey of life. The expression of self. I really enjoy expressing myself through paint, photography, henna, writing, dancing and singing… among so much more. I share my top 10 favorite books, and new ways of thinking.

Culture on the Line

An online site that brings light to local artists, and culture.

South Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland are separated by the Mason-Dixon Line, and this location and its settlers have had a historical impact on the arts and culture of its communities. The county lines seem to bring along their own subtle differences as well. Culture On The Line aims to share & document the area’s cultural highlights.

It is part of the Visual Realia, LLC – family, which includes the Visual Realia website featuring the art of Andrew Smith, and the Hanover-Adams-York On The Line Facebook page.

Culture
Credit to Andrew Smith, Culture On The Line. Works by Kest, Valentine, and Tompkins are part of the Hanover Area Arts Guild’s September 2022 exhibit.

Change of Perspective

I was also apart of an exhibit at the Hanover Art Guild, where artists share their unique diverse voices through their artwork. This was a beautiful example of diversity, equity and inclusion.

You can see the artists work here.

Community Asset

The founder of Visual Realia, LLC, Andrew Smith, is a true asset to the artist community here in Southern York Pennsylvania. He created the amazing online platform Culture on the Line, and facilitates so many amazing projects. I am so honored to know him and to be apart of this community!

Andrew and Deb Smith on the left.
Categories
Astrological Insights Art Spirituality

Birth Chart Astrology Painting

I have been painting birth chart’s for people for the past two years and it has been such an honor and privilege! When people connect with their painting so deeply, it is such a beautiful feeling. Knowing that my art allows others to connect with who they are at a deep level, is the greatest reward.

Here are the paintings I have created so far!

The Process

So to being the process I use the birth date, time and place of the individual to generate an astrology reading of their time of birth. This is known as the birth chart or natal chart.

Then I read the aspects of the chart which includes the planets, houses, and constellations. Generating an over all view of the energy of the person. From here I begin the intuitive painting process.

Painting

Intuitive painting is a process in which I get into a mindful state of being, and allow the paint and tools to lay the ground work for the energy I am focusing on. When I read a persons energy through astrology I often receive visuals that I incorporate into the work. The constellations and the symbols of the zodiac signs are also included into the work.

Birth Chart paintings are $250.
*they will increase to $300 in 2023.

Order Today,

More information will be sent to secure order.

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Categories
Art Art Class Education

TAB Camp Mid-Atlantic 2022

WHAT IS TAB?

TAB stands for Teaching Artistic Behaviors, which is a teaching method for Art Education.

TAB

Choice-Based Art Education is student centered and based around teaching through the use of the Studio Habits of Mind.

The Studio Habits of Mind are ways in which we process our experiences, here is a great project example. They are very similar to the Scientific Method, or the Mathematical Practices.

TAB CAMP

Teachers in the Mid-Atlantic area came together the first weekend in August for a retreat, to reignite the flame before school begins. When Pam Ehrenreich asked if I knew of a place to host a retreat for teachers in our area I was THRILLED to offer my studio space.

TASK Party

When everyone arrived we started the weekend with appetizers and a TASK party! It was a nice way to get into the weekend… start to make art and open ourselves up new ideas.

Silk Screening TAB SHIRTS

Tracy Skeels shared her method of silk screening. We created stencils from paper and worked together to print our designs.

We shared different projects and resources with each other, creating examples for our students. Julie Dimino shared all of her amazing resources with us!

There were presentations on Cold Finishes on Clay, Gelli Printing, Weaving, and Cyanotypes. Each presentation was so insightful and inspiring.

Cold Finishes for Fired Clay

Jen Byrne shared a few awesome tips for cold finishing clay! Mixing metallic acrylic paint with water in buckets for a quick dip in the shimmer bath!

Gelli Printing

Tracy Skeels presented on gelli printing, and we were able to explore and create to our hearts content.

Cyanotype

Kate Heuston presented on cyanotype, and her experimentation with the process as an artist. We tried new techniques like drawing on acetate, and using transparencies to create different layers of prints.

Weaving

April Pink presented weaving, and we learned quick and easy ways for our students to be able to weave on cardboard looms.

We also shared the many resource for how we structure our classrooms. The reflection and discussion time were super valuable.

Aside from all the learning, it was great to meet like minded individuals and also have time to create art of our own.

Painting Flow and Glow Party

On Saturday evening we had an intuitive painting party. Each teacher created their own work of art, and then we discussed how we could use this in our classrooms.

The weekend was so amazing. 10 art educators coming together to share and create!

If you missed out on this years, keep an eye out for next! It will be the first weekend in August 2023.

Categories
Art Indigenous Knowledge

Channeling Indigenous Teachings

Channeling: to be inspired by, (of a person) serve as a medium for (a spirit).

It comes from the Latin root word for reed. A reed was used as a channel, to allow things to flow from one place to another.

When I start painting, I tap into a flow of energy that is coming from one place and being directed into the canvas. I use many techniques to allow this energy to flow out … such as dripping paint, spraying it with a spray bottle, scraping with a card, moving it with my fingers across the canvas, turning the canvas… tapping into the energy and allowing it to flow from my hands onto the canvas.

Channel Flow

I am the channel for the flow of energy that is around me.

Recently my ancestors have been coming through heavily. The paintings showing up are based on the connection to my Anishinaabe heritage.

This image represents the Seven Generation Prophecy, along with transmuting the energy of the children lost at the residential boarding schools, and balancing the feminine and masculine energies within each of us.

When I paint, I can feel the energy of these experiences… I can feel the story they want to tell. It has been a powerful experience and I am so excited for the energy that wants to be shared!

This painting represents my Sundance experience. I feel as though there are still a few things that need to be added to this painting but this image has been speaking to me for a while. The man in the middle represents the dancer, we had sage wrapped in red cloth around our wrists and ankles, as well as a hoop that we carried. The middle of the circle was a tree with our prayer flags tied to it. This tree was a Y shape and represented duality coming together. We danced in a circle and a dragonfly pattern, sending our prayers out into the ether through each movement and breath.

Channel

The next painting shows the Fancy Shaw Dance, and energy of the pow wow. The energy and current that flows from dancing in circles with intention and prayer. This one is also unfinished at the moment, but I am really happy with the story thats showing up.

The energy I feel from these paintings is so intense…. I am honored to be in their presence.

Categories
Art

Karnival of the Arts

What’s a Karnival?

  • a public event or celebration, typically held outdoors and offering entertainment and exhibitions.
  • an exciting or riotous mixture of something.
Karnival of the Arts

The Karnival of the Arts Organized by Kollective Grounds, a diverse group of individuals, music festival contributors and true fans of music dedicated to enhancing the community and human condition through art appreciation and inclusion.

https://www.karnivalofthearts.com/

This was my first year at this event, and it was such an amazing experience. I set up my area to paint, sell my prints, and do henna. As people arrived, the campground slowly turned into a beautiful scene of color and life!

Live Painting

This was my first festival that I did live painting at! There are a few artists and friends that I know who are really amazing Live painters, who go to MANY festivals to paint while jamming to live music! Jenny Mathews was the amazing artist that invited me to be apart of this experience.

Artists in photos from top left to bottom right:

It was such an awesome experience painting live at a festival. I felt a freedom and excitement that I hadn’t felt before. I am so looking forward to doing it again!

I was also asked to create an interactive mural for everyone… so we did the flower of life!

The weekend was so perfect to bring people together through the arts. I got to spend some nice one on one time with a few friends and make art!

The Karnival of the Arts is such an amazing experience! The next one is going to be Sept 1st-4th 2022 at Kempton Fairgrounds, Kempton, PA.

Categories
Art

Holiday Print Sale

Prints on sale until Dec 10th 2021.
Guaranteed to arrive before the Holidays ❤
Order by Friday December 10th, 2021 and get free domestic shipping!!

Please include your address with your payment information in the note!

Holiday Sale

Balance-2

Balance

8×10 print of an original painting by Raine Dawn.

$35.00

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The Star

8×10 print of an original painting by Raine Dawn.

$35.00

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Goddess Nuit

8×10 print of an original painting by Raine Dawn.

$35.00

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Hope

8×10 print of an original painting by Raine Dawn.

$35.00

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Elemental Flow

8×10 print of an original painting by Raine Dawn.

$35.00

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Seek Truth

8×10 print of an original painting by Raine Dawn.

$35.00

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Fire & Water Woman

8×10 print of an original painting by Raine Dawn.

$35.00

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Lavender Buddha

8×10 print of an original painting by Raine Dawn.

$35.00

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Buddha Code

8×10 print of an original painting by Raine Dawn.

$35.00

frames

FRAMING OPTION

Select this option to have your prints framed!

$25.00


You can also purchase 11×14 prints from my Etsy Shop!

Categories
Art

The First 7 Prints

I have been extremely fortunate to come across a family owned printing and framing company in Hanover Pa., M2M Innovations and Martins Gallery.

Working with Adam Martin has been a pleasure. His attention to detail, and ability to explain the process is extremely helpful! Adam walked me through the process of how the prints are created and even printed examples of the different paper styles before we decided on what to go with.

The Gallery is a beautiful space where artists are showcased and frames are made! I am excited about our partnership and looking forward to working with them more in the future!

The First 7 Prints

Since I have been awarded an artists grant, I have been working on editing pictures of my paintings and creating new pieces. Learning to use my iPad and Procreate has been fun! My students have really helped me learn the program pretty quickly, middle schoolers know about all the newest technology.

Prints available for the following pieces:

There are three different size prints available, message if interested!

Giclée printed on Matte or Luster Paper
8×10
11×14

Giclée Printed on Canvas
16×20

Categories
Education

Saturday Academy

Our school has been given a grant to open up on Saturdays for students who are struggling a little with virtual learning.

We have had 6 Saturday sessions, and I worked the last three in May. It has been awesome being able to spend more time with kids one on one. I have had 5 or so students in my group and it has been wonderful watching their missing assignments go away, and seeing their faces as they catch up on their work!

Students were given half of the time to work on missing assignments, while the other half was used for doing a STEAM activity! Our first week we made roller coasters, unfortunately I did not get any pictures of that project. But we did do a mini painting party and Gyotaku Japanese fish printing on teach shirts!

Saturday STEAM

The mini painting party taught students how to mix colors, use paint and a brush as well as express their interests!

The students were hesitant at first, as most are when they do not have a lot of experience painting. But I was proud that they stick in there and were actually super happy with their final paintings! They all took them home!

The last week we did fish printing which was a lot of fun as well. Gyotaku is a traditional form of Japanese art that began over 100 years ago as a way for fishermen to keep a record of the fish they caught. They would apply sumi ink to one side of a freshly caught fish, then cover the fish with rice paper and rub to create an exact image of the fish. We used acrylic paint on t-shirts!

Categories
Hampton National Historic Site Art

Watercolor Workshop

On Sunday, I taught an online watercolor workshop as a fundraiser for Hampton National Historic Site, through Historic Hampton Inc.

This was our first zoom art workshop, and I have to say it went really well. There were 19 participants that created beautiful paintings of spring flowers, inspired by the watercolor paintings of Helen Ridgely.

Helen Ridgely’s Watercolor Paintings

In many ways, this lady was a model of the modern woman during her time. It was said that she could work at the farm tending chickens all morning, go back to the Mansion and change clothes, then catch the train for Washington and have tea at the White House with her friends, the President and Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt.

She traveled independently, continued her studies, managed the estate and its finances, formed her own opinions and expressed them openly, was active in civic endeavors, kept an apartment in Baltimore, was Chair of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Maryland Delegation to the 1907 Jamestown Exposition, had a telephone installed in the mansion, and learned to drive an automobile.

She took great interest in the natural world, whether depicting landscapes nearby and abroad; in the science of botany, taking courses in the subject; managing, reorganizing and enhancing the formal gardens at Hampton with an astonishing array of varieties; participating in gardening clubs, including founding the Amateur Gardeners; or simply observing local plants and flowers. She used her great interest and knowledge to manage the flower and vegetable gardens, orchards, and trees at Hampton. Years later, Helen was awarded a Diploma from the prestigious Maryland Academy of Sciences based on her studies and achievements in botany and horticulture which she had put into practice at Hampton.

https://historichampton.org/

After discussing Helen Ridgely and looking closer at her watercolor paintings, we dove into watercolor tips and techniques. Participants became familiar with different ways to use watercolor and everyone created their own flower paintings.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and thank you to HHI board for being such a wonderful team to work with! Together we raised almost $400 for Hampton!