"ARROYO"

A dry channel through which water flows intermittently and irregularly. Kind of like this blog.

My art is an infectious need for me, sometimes a burden but most often a blessing.

This blog is about me and my obsessions, my loves, my need to create and my need of JUNK. I'm addicted to thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets and all roads leading off the beaten track to discover that perfect piece of junk. I recycle old license plates, old shovels, wheelbarrows, saw blades and anything else that's funky using my hand held plasma cutter. I love working with steel, sculpting, photography, watercolor painting, stained glass, and turning everyday utilitarian objects into art. Junked cars ~ I will always veer off the path to search out the beautiful wrecked Arroyo JunKers throughout Arizona, New Mexico and anywhere else the road may lead. When I'm not searching for those JunKers
I ~ RESURRECT ~ STEEL

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

I'm glad their in my life ~ They make it better!!!

These two crazy buddies of mine keep me sane and also drive me nuts.  Harley (my Corgi) is my best buddy.  He watched over me during my down days when I had Chemo and always laid quietly next to me for hours .. somehow he just knew I couldn't play on those days.

 Now Jaydie (my Queensland) ~ she's nuts!  Full Speed 100% of the time.  She always wants to please you, but her AttentionDeficitDisorder get's her in trouble.  She's every bit a heeler ~ always on mine and always behind me.....Too quietly I might add.

Monday, April 26, 2010

What is a Resurrectionist?

One who brings something back into use or notice again

Someone a few weeks ago asked me "what do you do with all your scrap steel"?  Here's just one of the answers.....

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Tonight is an exciting night for me.  My first showing ever in a Museum.  I feel a little guilty about this however.  I'm more of a "Closet Artist" -  I create my work and most of the time just think someone will stumble upon it.  Like what?  Walk thru your living room and backyard and notice all of it!  (that's me talking in the 3rd person).  Yes, I've done art shows and galleries, but I dislike what it actually takes to get into one of those.  That's truly the part of this business I hate.  Everyone wants a piece of your creativity.  I just don't know how to change or get around that.  My perception of what artists made before I become one was quite different than it is today.  You have to pay to be juried into a gallery, then pay to actually put your stuff in a gallery, then you have to pay 30% to 50% commission to the gallery when they sell something.  No wonder we are referred to as STARVING ARTISTS.  I guess that's why the price is so high for some art.  You've got to pay Peter, Paul & Mary before you get payed. 
 Oh well, it is what it is - What's nice about the Museum is I sent one email then they decided they wanted my stuff and they picked it up and will return it when their done.  If they sell it great if not.... one more item on the living room wall.  No Fee's, No Hassle, No Overhead.

What do the rest of you starving artists do about showing your work?

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Spring time in Arizona with Hummingbirds Nest & Rattlesnakes Nest!!! OH MY

I love the spring time here in Sunny Arizona.  I get to watch this beautiful little hummingbird on my porch who decided that this candelabra would be perfert to raise her young in.  She's right outside a window so I'll get to see the progress.


 
THEN you have this to contend with!!!!

Monday, April 5, 2010

We ALL Can Get Along... Here's Proof!

I took this photo in Bisbee, Arizona a great old mining town.  These three characters roam the town and are a real landmark there.  They'll stroll all thru town on each other's back with no problems what so ever.  At one point the little mouse looked like he was asleep on the cats neck. 






This photo was taken while we were eating lunch at Wildflowers.  This little dog was so at ease on the back of this motorcycle.  His master went in to get lunch and he laid in his basket never budging for at least 35 mins.  I couldn't believe he never tried to get his goggles off.  


Takin' the back road from Greer to Morenci was gorgeous. This was waiting at the end.

Takin' the back road from Greer to Morenci was gorgeous.  This was waiting at the end.
Alpine Cliff Jumper

Don't you just love bugs! My first car.... but RED.

Don't you just love bugs!  My first car.... but RED.
Lamy, NM

This was a great old Studebaker Truck in Lamy, NM . It has seen better days. I love Lamy,

This was a great old Studebaker Truck in Lamy, NM .  It has seen better days.  I love Lamy,
Studebaker in Lamy, NM