Trace Hanson Designs

Nadja Gustafson

Being a huge fan of Nadja’s work, I have already directed a mini spotlight towards Nadja and her metalwork shortly after she opened up her Etsy shop, you can read about here.

Nadja’s Artist Satement

When I was three years old my Grandfather, a coppersmith and sculptor, put a hammer in my hands and let me bang on some metal. Thirty-eight years later I am still hammering using the technique called chasing and repoussage, the forming of flat sheets of metal on the “back” and “front” to create a three dimensional relief.
This ancient way of working is basic and direct yet can result in complex, detailed forms. I use copper and sterling silver for their malleability and color.

Links

• www.nadjagustafson.com
• http://www.Hammeroogirl.etsy.com

How would you describe your work?
My work up to today is technically based on hammering narrative images and object over flat sheets of copper using variously shaped hammers and tools on a bed of leather covered sandbags.  Most recently I have been letting go a bit of the technique and have been using paint on the hammered surfaces, using other metals for color and layers like collage.

How would you describe your artistic journey up until this point?
I feel my work has a long way to go - I am still inspired and excited by what is coming next.

What inspires you?
Art, nature, things that happen to in the course of a day.

Which part of your work do you most enjoy?
When I get on a roll - whether it is thinking about new pieces to make or hammering and making progress on a piece.When I can get lost in it.

Which part do you find the most difficult?
I find the constant rejection from shows hard, and the difficulties with selling the work to be discouraging from time to time.  I try not to let it get me down - and making art is something I can’t help but do whether it is in a show or hanging on my own walls instead of someone else’s !!

Tell us a bit about you, the parent?
We have a daughter who is almost 4 named Ula.  I am not sure I am the real mother - even though I was there at her birth !!  She is so different - so assertive and confident.  She is proud to be a dual citizen of the US and Australia.

Are there any other materials and/or techniques you would love to explore someday?
Yes. Someday I want to go to the Michael Kohler Center and be a resident artist there - work in either the cast iron/enameling section - or the slip cast ceramics side.  I want to explore more with color.  I want to work larger and more and more sculptural.  Pursuing drawing and printmaking a bit more interests me as well.

Where are you located and what do you find special about the area you live in?
We live in Adelaide Australia - in a suburb called Aberfoyle Park.  It is very quiet here - despite my hammering !  The neighbors are amazing.  There are a good number of bike tracks to run on with our dog Baxter that are full of gum trees and colorful birds.  There is  small stream as well full of noisy frogs.

2 current favorite pieces

2 random facts about yourself:
I really crave kale now that it is hard to find here
I loved the movie The Wrestler

2 places you would love to visit someday
Japan and it is a toss up between France, Italy, Sri Lanka and Portland, Oregon !

When not hard at work, what would you most likely be doing?
Running with  Baxter the dog, suffering at the gym,  and taking care of our daughter Ula, and cooking

What are you most grateful for?
wine

How would you describe your inner dialogue?
Oh my goodness -  constant gears going about what I should be doing instead of what I am doing !  Except when I am running and I think about making art.

Favorite artist or craftsperson that you truly admire?
Rebecca Brame at www.rebeccabrame.com
Daisy Youngblood, Nancy Grossman, Frida Kahlo, Francis Bacon Antony and The Johnsons

Do you sell or show your work elsewhere?
Currently having a show at Fox Creek Winery in McLaren Vale here in Australia

Any bits of wisdom or advice you care to share?
Look for Coonawarra 2005 shiraz - yum

Is there anything you would like to add?
Thank you so much for doing this and for being so supportive of artists around you !

My thanks to you, Nadja, for taking the time to to participate in my Featured Artist Series so others may have a chance to learn a little bit about you and your work!

Just checking out some of UnaOdd’s new nature inspired jewelry and artwork! Wow!

She is working with polymer clay and silicone molds to create a new production line. If you would like to read more about Lynn and her new piecess, you can check out her blog.

Verdigris on White Rustic Nature Herb-of-Grace Necklace

Moleskin journal painted with acrylic paints

Lucky Cricket Moleskine Journal

close up Lucky Cricket Moleskine Journal

An engraved acrylic bracelet

Algal Bloom Emerald Green Bangle Bracelet

These last 2 items are not new in terms of Lynn’s technique

Silvery and Spring Green Oak Leaf Pendant

Crystal Series Yellow and Blue

I know this may be a bit early for Christmas, but I just received my first order of the year for one of my personalized ornaments available through Mudpuddle Twins. I am so happy! I forgot how much I enjoy creating them.
This is an original design I created many years ago, and have since been tweaked numerous times to keep them fresh and to my liking. They are especially perfect for the toddler aged crew.

Double the Holiday Joy 2009 Twins Ornaments

Below are a few sample choices for this particular design. I have other designs that I will showcase another time.

Feel free to Email me if you have any questions, or would like to request one for yourself.

If you request an ornament(s) before October 31st through the provided email link (right above), I will knock $2.oo off the $15.99 price!
$13.99 for a personalized ornament, not found anywhere else, made of high quality porcelain, red ribbon included. Each one measures 2 7/8 inches across and is handmade (not by me, unfortunately). They feature a round, flat shape with a 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Once I have all the information needed, I will have all ornaments ready for secure and safe ordering within 24 hours.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

One evening I had an urge to photograph something. I looked around and my eyes quickly landed on my Peace Lily and a new bloom that had recently sprouted. The first time it flowered in over 5 years (I do not have a green thumb, that’s for sure). I promptly lugged the huge plant outside so I could play around with my camera for a bit using natural light.

Usually I have to crop and edit most of my photos, but not this one. Not a spectacular photograph in terms of macro photography and originality, but I still like it.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia
at the University of Georgia

The boys and I love to spend mornings at the Botanical Gardens. There is so much to explore and we never know what creatures we will spot along the way, such as a surprisingly huge Rhino Beetle (yikes!). We have saved a black snake from being run over by a car, we have also helped put a tiny leopard frog out of harms way. The itty bitty frog was at risk from being squashed beneath an unsuspecting person’s shoe along the path in the Freedom Plaza. The boys have “eagle eyes” and love to spot as many creatures as possible.

Here are some of the statues from the Field Trip bronze composition near the front of the Visitor Center. The sculptures of 6 life-size children, and 1 teacher engaged in typical field trip activities, were created by Gregory Johnson. I adore these statues!

No matter how often we go, the boys love to stick to the same ritual of where to go first. After checking out the Bronze Statues above, they love to throw a penny into the fountain in front of the Visitor Center, so they can make a wish. I must admit, I often join in if there is a spare penny to be found.

The current Exhibition of paintings inside the Visitor Center by Veva Dunckel

I will do several installments about our lovely gardens over the months and years to come.  There are simply too many details, sculptures, flowers, not to mention the new section that has recently been added, to discuss in one measly post. Please, stay tuned…

Upcoming Events:
All American Brass Concert
The Athens Brass Choir
Sunday, August 2 — 3:00 pm
Visitor Center & Conservatory
Admission is Free

The Athens Brass Choir returns to the State Botanical Garden Conservatory with “All-American Brass”, a concert of American music including Copland fanfares, Sousa marches, music from the movies, and more. Come join the Athens Brass Choir’s celebration of the diversity of our nation’s musical heritage.

Friends Flea Market
Saturday, August 22 – 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Visitor Center & Conservatory
Admission is Free

Come to the Garden to find an assortment of treasures: garden décor and tools, linens, jewelry, books, furniture, toys and more! Call 706-542-6138 for more information or to donate items to help support the Garden.

Etsy Project Embrace is a community-wide project to help raise money for cancer research and to promote awareness benefiting The American Cancer Society for Etsy sellers who are currently fighting cancer.
This worthy fundraiser is the collaboration of an amazing community which has come together in honor of Laura, a fellow artist and seller who was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and is now undergoing chemotherapy. Even though I do not know Laura, my heartfelt thoughts are with her and her family. Upon reading her blog, I have come to find out that she too, has lost her mother to ovarian cancer. I can’t help, but feel a connection.

A portion of all sales will go towards the Etsy Project Embrace Team to help in the fight against cancer.

I found out about this cause through my amazing friend, Lynn, who was also diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I am happy to report she is doing well! She has undergone surgery and had a hysterectomy, appendectomy and numerous biopsies. She was diagnosed with stage 1A, which means she was diagnosed early! Her shop, UnaOdd, is participating in ‘etsyprojectembrace’ along with many others.

Very Petite Orange Blossoms Pendant from UnaOdd

Gemini, a 2 personality flower watercolor art pendant from Laura Slocum Painted

Hope Necklace - all sterling silver - etsyprojectembrace from PianoBenchDesigns

frame purse - ovals on teal (OOAK) from oktak

Touareg Blue 3 from fleur fatale

Himalayan Pink . salt bar . goats milk soap . EtsyProjectEmbrace from Dancing Mooney

STRENGTH EtsyProjectEmbrace Recycled Magnetic LOCKET SET By Polarity

SUNSHINE POPPY GARDEN - Beautiful Bright Flower Vase from love art works

AthFest is an annual non-profit music and arts festival held in downtown Athens Georgia featuring local musicians and artists. This year it was held on June 23rd through the 28th.

Ok, this post is really behind the times. 22 days, to be exact! I love going to AthFest each year, but it is always so unbearably hot. The 98 degree temperatures really takes a toll on my usual excitement and enthusiasm for this sort of event. This is such a major event for Athens, oh how I wish they would move the event to the spring time.

KidsFest, which takes place during AthFest on Saturday from 11:00am til 5:00pm features children’s activities and music. There are also activities that charge a fee such as the Climbing Wall, Spidey Jump, Moon Walk, small Petting Zoo.

There were more than 50 artists exhibiting their wares and I am sorry to say, I did not stop at one booth to browse. When you have kids in tow, sometimes, you have to weigh what is doable and take your cues from them. The boys were not even excited to do the crafts that were being offered, never thought I would say that! They love doing anything creative, any time, any place.

This truck is completely covered in bottle caps

Christine Weir

New Mexico Study 2009 Graphite on Clay Panel 10x8 inches

I am so fascinated with Christine’s drawings…the textures, the layers, her use of circles. My eyes just love to take in all the details of her intricate pieces, all the nuances of her gradients. I am always left with an overpowering desire to reach out and touch them.

To find out about her artistic journey, what inspires her and where her pieces are currently on exhibition, please read on.

Christine (far right) at the Opening for her Exhibition at SCA Project Gallery 2009 in Pomona, CA

Nothing Grows Here Anymore (Empty Circles), 2007 Graphite on paper 11 1/4 x 15 inches

What materials do you use?

Graphite pencils (from 9H to 9B); rulers; compasses (including an extra-large one, hand-made especially for me by my husband); Arches 140lb hot pressed paper (individual sheets and watercolor blocks); paper cement; masonite-faced, deep cradled, wood panels

How would you describe your work?

Post-minimalist, obsessive-compulsive, sci-fi based realism.

How would you describe your artistic journey up until this point?

Haphazard. I had given up all dreams of “being an artist” after moving to NYC in the early 90s. I didn’t have what it took to do anything really interesting so I decided pretty quickly to return to grad school to study art history. I interned and worked in museums, galleries and other non-profits until I wound up with a career as an art appraiser in the auction industry. I worked in that field for about 9 years until I quit to stay at home with my then newborn son. A friend taught me how to knit when my son was 4 months old and I realized how much I missed working with my hands. I was pretty burned out from the auction business but, thankfully, the thousands of artworks that I looked at over the years really gave me a new perspective on creating my own work. Once I was able to conceptualize my creative needs, the work just started to come out.

What inspires you?

Looking at good artwork. Music. Deadlines. Positive feedback.

Which part of your work do you most enjoy?

All phases of it. They each have a purpose and fulfill a need.

Which part do you find the most difficult?

Keeping myself in line - not overtaxing myself to get something done or biting off more than I can chew.

Tell us a bit about you, the parent?

I feel really lucky to have been able to quit my job to stay at home with my son, who is now 3 1/2.  My husband is a screenwriter so we are both at home all day, although he does spend his days out in his office (garage). But because we adults don’t have to leave the house on a daily basis our family life is pretty close-knit.  If I need to get something done or want to go to lunch with a friend, Michael will come in for a little while and let me do my thing. Also, my son goes to a co-op nursery school that is about a minute walk from our house. The parents are really involved, each family has to work there one day a week, and we all have lunch with our kids every school day.  I love being able to be there with him, and to be around the other families.  It’s kind of an old-fashioned community filled with creative, progressive types.  So now parenting for me is not as isolating as it was in the beginning.

Are there any other materials and/or techniques you would love to explore someday?

Constructions

Where are you located?

Los Angeles

What do you find special about the area you live in?

So many things- weather, amazing (real) people, access to nature, good food

Tell us about an a-ha moment

Waking up at 3am and finally understanding how to simplify form.

2 favorite pieces

This is one of my newest works. This series is all about artificial bodies of water and was my biggest challenge. Previously, most of my drawings were much more geometric and I found it a little hard to break away from that formula. Once I was able to get past that I really came to fall in love with the organic form in conjunction with geometry.

Heron Reservoir, NM 2009 Graphite on paper mounted on panel 10 1/4 x 7 inches

This drawing is my first large work. The process was a lot of fun and even though it’s an older work I still love it.

The Great Battle 2007 Graphite on paper 22 1/2 x 90 inches

2 random facts about yourself

I do OK on 5 or 6 hours of sleep, as long as it’s solid.
I hate shopping.

2 places you would love to visit someday

Iceland
Australia

When not hard at work, what would you most likely be doing?

Wasting time online or tending to my son

What are you most grateful for?

My family (cliche I know, but true) and LASIK

How would you describe your inner dialogue?

I don’t really have a working dialogue. I kind of go on autopilot when I work.

Favorite artist

Too many to detail. I’m all over the map.

Do you sell or show your work elsewhere?

Currently I am in a group show at the Richard Levy Gallery in Albuquerque in conjunction with the LAND/ART festivities.
http://www.levygallery.com/landart/air_cube.htm
http://www.landartnm.org/

Any bits of wisdom or advice you care to share?
Nothing of any consequence, sadly.

Is there anything you would like to add?
Only thanks.

Frenchman’s Flat, 2007 Graphite on paper 15 x 11 1 /4 inches

I want to thank Christine for taking the time to participate in my artist feature series. Although I remember printmaking as her main area of concentration from our college days, I absolutely love the direction her artistic talents has taken her thus far. She has remained true to herself and I know her to be a very passionate person.

Well, I did it! I finally did it!

I registered for the 5K Walk that is being held on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Sanctuary Office Park in Alpharetta Ga. I have been wanting to get actively involved with raising money and awareness for this cause ever since my Mom, Barbara, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and lost her battle on September 1st 2001. She was 51 years old.

I remember every detail about the morning my Mom found out there was a chance she had cancer. She had gone to her doctor the previous week after experiencing persistent pain in her side. While waiting for the test results to come back, we celebrated her 50th birthday and Mother’s Day which happened to coincide during the same weekend, it was a good weekend. I was home visiting and she had wanted me to stick around Monday morning so we could have breakfast together before I drove back to Philadelphia. After I dropped my nieces off at school, I was to meet her at her doctor’s office since she had an appointment first thing. I’ll never forget pulling up next to her car in the parking lot, looking over, surprised that she was done already and seeing her face. She broke down when she saw me. I am so thankful that I was able to be there and she was not alone. Although she was mighty brave and had a positive attitude, I know how scared she was and saw some of the pain she endured.

This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. I want all women to educate themselves and know the signs because early detection is crucial and saves lives. They say that Ovarian Cancer is not silent, it whispers, but you have to be listening. Symptoms are often ignored or misdiagnosed. I will include lots of facts and statistics at the end of this post, I hope you take the time to read through it.

My current T-shirt design

Almost 8 years later, I finally got my act together after a friend was recently diagnosed, so I am walking for her as well. She is in my thoughts and I have faith she will overcome ovarian cancer!

Now, here is where I ask for your help…
- If you would like to make an online donation, please visit the official I Wear Teal team page. No donation is too small!
- If you live in Georgia and would like to join this team, just visit the above link to the team page and click on the Join Team button. Anyone is welcome to join! If you are walking for someone, I would be happy to add more names to the t-shirt logo that we will be sporting. Just send me a message.
- If you would like to cheer me on, please visit My personal fundraising page and post a message or post one here. It would mean a lot to me!

If you have any questions, please send me an Email.

Okay, did you know that Ovarian cancer occurs in 1 out of 57 women? Over 22,000 women will be diagnosed this year.

Facts from the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance
Ovarian Cancer is a serious and under-recognized threat to women’s health:

• Ovarian cancer, the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers, is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women.
• Ovarian cancer occurs in 1 out of 57 women.
• An estimated 14,000 American women will die from ovarian cancer each year.
• Currently, about 50% of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer die from it within five years.
• Three out of four cases are detected in late stage when five-year survival is about 25%.

Ovarian cancer is very treatable when it is detected early, but the vast majority of cases are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries.

• In cases where ovarian cancer is detected before it has spread beyond the ovaries, more than 90 percent of women survive longer than five years.
• Only 25% of the ovarian cancer cases diagnosed in the United States are detected in the early stages.
• When diagnosed in advanced stages, the chance of five-year survival is only about 25%.
• Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are easily confused with other diseases, and because there is no reliable, easy-to-administer screening tool.
• Raising public awareness of ovarian cancer by educating doctors and women about the disease saves lives.

Ovarian cancer often presents with symptoms that include abdominal pressure or bloating, constant and progressive changes in bowel or bladder problems, persistent digestive problems, excessive fatigue, abnormal bleeding, and pain during intercourse.

Early recognition of symptoms is the best way to save women’s lives. Without increased education about ovarian cancer, many women and their doctors will continue to ignore or misinterpret the symptoms of the disease. Recognition of women who are at higher risk for developing ovarian cancer is also important. Risk factors also include: increasing age, personal or family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer, and not bearing a child.

Ways to find ovarian cancer early;
Regular gynecological exams

A pelvic-rectal exam is the still the most reliable regular screening for ovarian cancer. Although a pelvic-rectal exam is recommended, most early ovarian tumors are still difficult to feel. Pelvic exams may, however, help identify other cancers or gynecologic conditions. Women should discuss the need for these exams with their doctor.

A Pap test is not a test for ovarian cancer. It is effective in detecting cervical cancer. Only very rarely are ovarian cancers are detected through Pap tests, but usually these are at an advanced stage.

See a doctor if you have symptoms

Ovarian cancer, in its early stages, tends to cause symptoms that are very similar to less serious conditions. However, when the symptoms are caused by ovarian cancer, they tend to be more severe and different. These symptoms include abdominal swelling or bloating, pelvic pressure or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, or urinary symptoms.

Prompt attention to symptoms may improve the odds of early diagnosis and successful treatment. If you have ovarian cancer symptoms frequently for more than a few weeks, report them to your health care professional, preferably a gynecologist, right away.

Screening tests for ovarian cancer

There are 2 tests that are used most commonly to screen for ovarian cancer. These tests, transvaginal sonography and CA-125, are often offered to women who are at high risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer, such as those with a very strong family history. In studies of women at average risk of ovarian cancer, these screening tests did not lower the number of deaths caused by ovarian cancer. There are no recommended screening tests for germ cell tumors or stromal tumors.

Transvaginal sonography is an ultrasound test that places a small instrument in the vagina. It can help find a mass in the ovary, but it can’t actually tell which masses are cancers and which are not.

CA-125 is a protein in the blood that is higher in many women with ovarian cancer. The problem with this test is that conditions other than cancer can also cause high levels of CA-125. In addition, someone with ovarian cancer can still have a normal CA-125 level. When a CA-125 level is abnormal, many doctors will repeat the test to make sure the result is correct. The doctor may also consider ordering a transvaginal ultrasound test, or even taking samples of fluid from the abdomen or tissue from the ovaries to find out if a cancer is really present.

Portrait Artist: Ellen Lougee

About the Artist: Ellen creates such original and refreshing portraits of people and animals. She strives to create a unique background for each piece she creates, taking the time to find out each subject’s favorite activites, toys, nicknames etc. When said backgrounds are combined with her awe-inspiring talent for capturing the likeness of each subject, the end result is truly a work of art with so much personality shining through. Even with the 5 examples of her work featured in this interview, I do not feel it is possible to fully showcase her amazing range without adding her entire portfolio from her website; ellenlougee.com.

Choice of Medium: pencil & gouache paint on paper.

I have been a great admirer of her style and artistic talent for many years now. We have bonded over our creative endeavors, and being moms of twin boys. Read on to discover more about Ellen’s inspiration, where she dreams of living, and what she most enjoys about her work.

How would you describe your work?
A combination of realistic portraits and more whimsical bodies and backgrounds that allows me to represent more of the subject’s personality.

How would you describe your artistic journey up until this point?
A search to find a way to make a living from my art without killing all the enjoyment it gives me.

What inspires you?
Plants, patterns in the natural world, pine cones, looking at art by other people.

Which part of your work do you most enjoy?
Seeing something I did years before. I can see it in a fresh way that allows me to appreciate the piece without focusing only on the “mistakes”.

Which part do you find the most difficult?
Making portraits flattering and fun to paint at the same time.

Tell us a bit about you, the parent?
I am the mother of 7 year-old identical twin boys. When I was first thinking about trying to get pregnant, a friend asked me if I wanted a boy or girl. I answered, “I want two mini Chads (my husband’s name).” I got my wish — but not in the way I’d expected. They are really fantastic kids who I love spending time with. I really lucked out!

Are there any other materials and/or techniques you would love to explore someday?
I’ve always wanted to try wood carving. But, it seems like a good way for someone as distracted as me to lose fingers.

Where are you located and what do you find special about the area you live in?
I’m stuck in southern California, because this is where my husband’s dream job is. We are a few blocks from the beach, which is nice. We live in what many people consider paradise, but I dream of moving to the mountains.

Tell us about an a-ha moment
A friend asked me to do a portrait of her 4 kids. I struggled and struggled to find just the right style and composition. I had a million ideas and completed 3 completely different portraits, but still felt like I hadn’t captured them. One weekend I went to a show of Deborah Barrett’s work. She did beautiful, whimsical pencil and gouache portraits on old book pages. I loved them. In the middle of the show I had a vision of the portrait I wanted to do. I went home and ripped the end pages out of a couple books and whipped out this portrait, which is still one of my very favorites. (Emily and the Triplets)

Emily and the Triplets

2 favorite pieces?
See above for 1.

Six Year-Old Caden

Another one that came to me in a flash and ended up looking just like it had appeared in my mind is “Six Year-Old Caden”. He is a good friend of my boys, always wore camouflage shirts and loves military helicopters. I love that he both disappears in to the pattern and allows his delicate coloring to come forward.

2 random facts about yourself
I’m going back to school to study speech pathology. I’d like to do something with more security and benefits that also allows me time to do my art. And I rock climb (which is why I’d like to move back to the mountains).

2 places you would love to visit someday
K2 basecamp, in Pakistan: I’d like to see a mountain that big in person. Mongolia: I saw the movie “Gengis” and it’s been stuck at the top of my wish list ever since.

When not hard at work, what would you most likely be doing?
Studying or watching the kids at the beach or skateboard park.

What are you most grateful for?
My health, strong body, my family and good friends.

How would you describe your inner dialogue?
“Why did I walk over here? What was I going to do? What am I forgetting?”

Favorite artist or craftsperson that you truly admire?
Two recent loves:
Zachary Rossman http://www.zacharyrossman.com
and Eric Nyquist: http://www.ericnyquist.com

Any bits of wisdom or advice you care to share?
For me art is a necessary meditative exercise. I can go long periods without doing it, but I’m not as happy or peaceful during those times.

Is there anything you would like to add?
Thanks for your interest Trace!

Thank you so much for stopping by and learning about Ellen. And thanks to Ellen as well, for taking the time to participate in my featured artist series! I had to chuckle with the description of your inner dialog…could have written those exact same words.