 |
| Sunset in Rear-view by JaMax (With every sunset there's promise of a sunrise) |
Friday, December 30, 2011
Happy New Day!
Some of us need deadlines and points in time to re-evaluate. Many people take this time of the year to assess their situations. I would like to challenge you to do this more often than once a year. Everyday that we awaken gives us a new fresh start. If only we could do a clean wipe of the slate more than just once a year. Believe me I'm talking to myself as well. Start fresh starting today. Even if you did something great yesterday, let that be in the past and start anew with each new day. Take the time to look back if only to see how far you've gone and to decide how much further you have to go to get to the next goal. I know this doesn't sound very artsy but, art is creation and now you have the task of creating a new tomorrow! Enjoy and Happy New Day!!!!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Commission Update
Hello, all. Quite a while back I shared that I was working on a new project, well now I've had some more time to work on it and thought I'd show it as its progressing till finally I'll reveal the finished work. The pics below represent a piece I've been commissioned to make called The Hand-Off. It's the arm of the runner holding the baton and the arm of the next leg in a relay.
It will be painted in the colors to match the room that it will go into. I ask my patrons to send me paint swatches that match the colors in the room so the piece is literally made for the wall that it will go on. Each arm of the runner will be on it's own canvas 12x30 canvas. The arms are also one complete continuous piece of muslin folded in the shape of the uniform and arm. The plan is to also have the baton be continuous from the one hand. Because the hands will be the last details to fold, secure, and paint I'm not sure whether the baton will continue or need to be its own piece of cloth. There is much to do still as the canvases have to be painted and then the torsos attached. Enjoy the early photos and remember I'm not through yet.
It will be painted in the colors to match the room that it will go into. I ask my patrons to send me paint swatches that match the colors in the room so the piece is literally made for the wall that it will go on. Each arm of the runner will be on it's own canvas 12x30 canvas. The arms are also one complete continuous piece of muslin folded in the shape of the uniform and arm. The plan is to also have the baton be continuous from the one hand. Because the hands will be the last details to fold, secure, and paint I'm not sure whether the baton will continue or need to be its own piece of cloth. There is much to do still as the canvases have to be painted and then the torsos attached. Enjoy the early photos and remember I'm not through yet.
 |
| Initial fold 1st canvas - arm with baton |
 |
| more folding done 1st canvas |
 |
| More folding of 2nd canvas |
 |
| 1st canvas with some paint and the initial folding of 2nd canvas |
Friday, November 4, 2011
Be Kind Don't Judge Me!
Recently, Nov. 1, 2011, I walked into a Target and was agasp at the sight of Christmas items for sale. Then I just had to laugh at myself because I knew that I had to write a blog talking about Christmas cards in November. I remember being among the many who say, "It's not even Thanksgiving and they're already putting out Christmas stuff!" Well, here I am blogging about Christmas cards and - It's NOT even Thanksgiving! Ouch!
Friends, I would like to justify this act by saying that I make hand-made, custom to order, cards and I just can't start taking orders after Thanksgiving. So please forgive me as I tell you that you can order a fantastic card/gift for the many who are on your lists. Nothing says, "You're special to me" like a custom made Unique Cloth Sculpture item!
For more info on cloth sculpture items that would be great for Christmas go to http://clothsculptures.com/Services.html
Friends, I would like to justify this act by saying that I make hand-made, custom to order, cards and I just can't start taking orders after Thanksgiving. So please forgive me as I tell you that you can order a fantastic card/gift for the many who are on your lists. Nothing says, "You're special to me" like a custom made Unique Cloth Sculpture item!
For more info on cloth sculpture items that would be great for Christmas go to http://clothsculptures.com/Services.html
 |
| Christmas card - Baby Jesus is made of cloth |
 |
| mirror tile covered in cloth |
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Art Terms
Here are some terms that are often used when describing Unique Cloth Sculptures by JaMax.
Abstract*: Abstract art uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world.
Mixed Media*: Mixed media, in visual art, refers to an artwork in the making of which more than one medium has been employed.
Soft Sculpture*: Soft sculpture is a type of sculpture made using cloth, foam rubber, plastic, paper, fibers and similar material that are supple and nonrigid.
Cloth Sculpture: Cloth sculpture is a type of sculpture made using cloth, hand-folded to achieve the finished product.
*From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
| Red One by JaMax Acrylic paint and muslin cloth folded into shape |
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Spiritual Connection
Recently a friend who did not know my whole story about how and when I started doing cloth sculptures wrote and told me, "I can feel a spiritual connection through your art." It was then that I explained the spiritual side to my artwork.
It is true that I pray over all my pieces since 1996 especially for the area of healing. Not only do I sanctify (set aside for the use and purpose of God) the cloth, but whenever possible I have even had ministers pray over the cloth that I use. I believe just as people brought cloths for Jesus to pray over and they took them back with the anointing over them for healing, I asked God for the same to be over my art made of the cloth that has been prayed over.
Because of how I first got started doing this art form (see "The First Piece" blog) I always acknowledge God in thanksgiving and prayer before I work on the pieces. I then submit myself to Holy Spirit and ask for him to guide & direct my hands while creating. It is truly a commune with God while I work on these pieces. I thank God for His presence being acknowledged before I could fully share my testimony. As for me, I find it difficult to separate God, creation, & art. For He is the ultimate creator and everyday He paints a new sunset.
JaMax
It is true that I pray over all my pieces since 1996 especially for the area of healing. Not only do I sanctify (set aside for the use and purpose of God) the cloth, but whenever possible I have even had ministers pray over the cloth that I use. I believe just as people brought cloths for Jesus to pray over and they took them back with the anointing over them for healing, I asked God for the same to be over my art made of the cloth that has been prayed over.
Because of how I first got started doing this art form (see "The First Piece" blog) I always acknowledge God in thanksgiving and prayer before I work on the pieces. I then submit myself to Holy Spirit and ask for him to guide & direct my hands while creating. It is truly a commune with God while I work on these pieces. I thank God for His presence being acknowledged before I could fully share my testimony. As for me, I find it difficult to separate God, creation, & art. For He is the ultimate creator and everyday He paints a new sunset.
JaMax
 |
| Sunset - sold |
Monday, May 2, 2011
Mother's Day - Do Something Unique!
Do something unique concerning flowers, try Unique Cloth Sculptures by JaMax. Here's a calla lily that was made for a special grandmother for Mother's Day!
Each original work of art is "sculpted" with hand-folded cloth and painted. No wire, dyes, or sewing is used to fashion these creations. Truly, these pieces are for the consummate collector of unique art works. JaMax has developed an innovative style that blends painting and sculpting together with the use of cloth. Each of these freestanding pieces are individually signed by the artist.
Pick her favorite flower and favorite color to surprise her!
*Please note, all flowers are commissioned and not pre-made, so place your order now .
http://www.clothsculptures.com/
http://www.facebook.com/cloth.sculptures
 |
| Flower by JaMax* folded from a continuous piece of cloth |
Pick her favorite flower and favorite color to surprise her!
*Please note, all flowers are commissioned and not pre-made, so place your order now .
http://www.clothsculptures.com/
http://www.facebook.com/cloth.sculptures
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Viewing Art Can Reduce Stress
In UK there is an increase in the number of people suffering from stress and other related symptoms. Professor Angela Clow, from the University of Westminster studied the stress levels of 28 participants.
They were all under increased stress. The researcher tells us that saliva cortisol levels are the best indicators of one’s stress level.
The participant’s saliva cortisol levels were tested after they spent their lunch hour viewing art. It was very surprising to see that their saliva cortisol levels reduced by 32%.
But usually it would take about five hours for the cortisol level to fall to this extent but this was possible in a short time period of 40 minutes. These people had visited the Guildhall Art Gallery in the City of London and wandered for 40 minutes.
Read more: Art Reduces Stress http://www.medindia.net/news/view_news_main.asp?x=7012#ixzz1BhR8wUoK
Related : How to use Art Viewing to Relieve Stress
http://ezinearticles.com/?Art-Imagery-Can-Reduce-Stress&id=4813349
They were all under increased stress. The researcher tells us that saliva cortisol levels are the best indicators of one’s stress level.
The participant’s saliva cortisol levels were tested after they spent their lunch hour viewing art. It was very surprising to see that their saliva cortisol levels reduced by 32%.
But usually it would take about five hours for the cortisol level to fall to this extent but this was possible in a short time period of 40 minutes. These people had visited the Guildhall Art Gallery in the City of London and wandered for 40 minutes.
Read more: Art Reduces Stress http://www.medindia.net/news/view_news_main.asp?x=7012#ixzz1BhR8wUoK
Related : How to use Art Viewing to Relieve Stress
http://ezinearticles.com/?Art-Imagery-Can-Reduce-Stress&id=4813349
 |
| The Sun, The Son by JaMax |
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
New Commission - 1st Folds
My current project is a commission for a track enthusiast. The nice part about a cloth sculpture is that they can be free flowing abstract pieces, people, and/or things. Moving into a new home is exciting, but even more exciting is decorating a new home. I spoke to my latest client over the phone and asked for him to email me pictures of a relay exchange. It was already established that he wanted a track theme that could cover quite a bit of wall.
While shopping I suddenly had a vision of using two panel canvases to create a larger work. Each runner will now have their own panel. Roughly, the work should be about 16 x 60. Here is an extremely early peek at the beginning of a cloth sculpture.
 |
| 1st Folds |
Upon completion this should resemble a relay runner's arm passing a baton. Stay tuned as I post more progressions.
 |
| A little more folding |
Saturday, March 5, 2011
How to Have Commissioned Art on a Budget
Often people think of commissioned pieces and they think wow maybe one day I can afford to do something like that. When the truth is you can afford to do it right now! Why? Because with a commission you are already establishing up front what you CAN afford. It truly is creating custom art just for you.
One of my favorite commissions was when I was brought on to create the focal point of a room. The couple was redecorating their bedroom. They had already picked out a favorite sheet pattern so the color palette had already been established. From there I received a pillowcase and that's what influenced the creation of the piece. To begin the process, we negotiated the size artwork that they could afford. This is what most people don't understand. They didn't commission a $3,000 piece they commissioned what was within their means. If your budget can only handle a certain amount then that's what is established upfront, it's up to the artist to let you know if that's possible. In most cases the artist can control the price by size and complexity. It's up to you to decide if the cost is within your grasp.
As with most cases this couple had a decorating budget, so they had a price in mind for art within that budget. After the focal piece was created, we then picked a wall color to complement the piece. The couple loved their piece so much, that they decided to have another complementing work commissioned for another wall in the room. This second work was smaller than the first and had the same exact colors so as to color coordinate the room. The final touch was for me to create a hand-painted cloth throw pillow to match the sheet design. Keep in mind that swatches were used from the time the original sheet pattern was picked so the wall art colors custom matched the store bought sheets. Once the cloth was painted it was ready to go to their seamstress to create the custom throw pillow. However, when I returned I found that the couple had put the cloth on stretchers as a third original piece. They had fallen in love with the cloth and had decided that they wanted it on the wall instead of on their bed.
Their room had been transformed into a master bedroom art gallery! All they needed to complete their look was a comforter, throw pillows (store bought), and curtains. All these items were purchased with the original artwork in mind. Three of the four walls were commissioned art based on their budget. Indeed, the budget did expand as they fell in love with adding additional pieces. But the bottom line of the story is, that they only spent what they were willing and able to spend. They now were the proud owners of unique, commissioned artwork.
You don't have to be a Rockefeller to own original art pieces, you just need to have a room, a wall, and a budget. No one decides to redecorate a room without a budget, just make sure you include artwork with your calculations.
What's your favorite hobby? Favorite colors? Favorite destination? Why not have a commissioned piece created as the focal point of a room.
By: Jayne Maxwell - Unique Cloth Sculptures by JaMax http://www.clothsculptures.com
One of my favorite commissions was when I was brought on to create the focal point of a room. The couple was redecorating their bedroom. They had already picked out a favorite sheet pattern so the color palette had already been established. From there I received a pillowcase and that's what influenced the creation of the piece. To begin the process, we negotiated the size artwork that they could afford. This is what most people don't understand. They didn't commission a $3,000 piece they commissioned what was within their means. If your budget can only handle a certain amount then that's what is established upfront, it's up to the artist to let you know if that's possible. In most cases the artist can control the price by size and complexity. It's up to you to decide if the cost is within your grasp.
As with most cases this couple had a decorating budget, so they had a price in mind for art within that budget. After the focal piece was created, we then picked a wall color to complement the piece. The couple loved their piece so much, that they decided to have another complementing work commissioned for another wall in the room. This second work was smaller than the first and had the same exact colors so as to color coordinate the room. The final touch was for me to create a hand-painted cloth throw pillow to match the sheet design. Keep in mind that swatches were used from the time the original sheet pattern was picked so the wall art colors custom matched the store bought sheets. Once the cloth was painted it was ready to go to their seamstress to create the custom throw pillow. However, when I returned I found that the couple had put the cloth on stretchers as a third original piece. They had fallen in love with the cloth and had decided that they wanted it on the wall instead of on their bed.
Their room had been transformed into a master bedroom art gallery! All they needed to complete their look was a comforter, throw pillows (store bought), and curtains. All these items were purchased with the original artwork in mind. Three of the four walls were commissioned art based on their budget. Indeed, the budget did expand as they fell in love with adding additional pieces. But the bottom line of the story is, that they only spent what they were willing and able to spend. They now were the proud owners of unique, commissioned artwork.
You don't have to be a Rockefeller to own original art pieces, you just need to have a room, a wall, and a budget. No one decides to redecorate a room without a budget, just make sure you include artwork with your calculations.
What's your favorite hobby? Favorite colors? Favorite destination? Why not have a commissioned piece created as the focal point of a room.
 |
| FSB by JaMax This piece was created to match a already painted room and included the clients initials repeated in all the paint colors. |
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Oversized Canvas Wall Art - How To Decorate Your Office
Decorating your work space or office building can pose a challenge even for a professional designer. You'll have to deal with large spaces, big empty walls, and buying decor pieces and canvas wall art. Furniture can easily fill up floor space but your walls can be more difficult to decorate.
Hanging paintings or canvas prints in small rooms is easy but decorating bigger spaces like walls in a high ceiling lobby or a long hallway can be difficult. There is a solution to decorating huge walls in an office building by hanging oversized paintings.
You can get one single piece of painting or use canvas art sets. These canvas sets compose of 2 to over 8 pieces of canvas to make a bigger artwork. It's practical in a way because it will be easier to hang sets due to smaller sizes of the canvas pieces.
Imagine the trouble of installing a wall sized painting at an office lobby. Hanging several smaller canvas pieces makes more sense since the artwork will be divided into several pieces that are smaller and lighter. These canvas art sets also come in different sizes.
There are rectangular sets that go vertically or horizontally. Some are square and others are offset. Offset canvas wall art are made of several pieces of canvas in different sizes. Making them look quite interesting and creative.
Abstract canvas in offset, oversized or in sets are very in demand for decorating offices, but you can also get other themes like a seascape or other subjects for a more casual look. A large seascape canvas would look great at a travel agency office.
Other places you can place oversized canvas art sets aside from offices are at hospitals, large restaurants, clubs and even in a residential home with a high ceiling. When buying your canvas wall art, remember that canvas sets can be hung inches apart making them wider or bigger.
Get paintings that would go with the surrounding. Abstracts would go well in a modern office, and traditional paintings for a more conventional look. Get artwork painted on gallery wrapped canvas so you can hang them as soon as you get them.
Hanging paintings or canvas prints in small rooms is easy but decorating bigger spaces like walls in a high ceiling lobby or a long hallway can be difficult. There is a solution to decorating huge walls in an office building by hanging oversized paintings.
You can get one single piece of painting or use canvas art sets. These canvas sets compose of 2 to over 8 pieces of canvas to make a bigger artwork. It's practical in a way because it will be easier to hang sets due to smaller sizes of the canvas pieces.
Imagine the trouble of installing a wall sized painting at an office lobby. Hanging several smaller canvas pieces makes more sense since the artwork will be divided into several pieces that are smaller and lighter. These canvas art sets also come in different sizes.
There are rectangular sets that go vertically or horizontally. Some are square and others are offset. Offset canvas wall art are made of several pieces of canvas in different sizes. Making them look quite interesting and creative.
Abstract canvas in offset, oversized or in sets are very in demand for decorating offices, but you can also get other themes like a seascape or other subjects for a more casual look. A large seascape canvas would look great at a travel agency office.
Other places you can place oversized canvas art sets aside from offices are at hospitals, large restaurants, clubs and even in a residential home with a high ceiling. When buying your canvas wall art, remember that canvas sets can be hung inches apart making them wider or bigger.
Get paintings that would go with the surrounding. Abstracts would go well in a modern office, and traditional paintings for a more conventional look. Get artwork painted on gallery wrapped canvas so you can hang them as soon as you get them.
 |
| Peach Swirl by JaMax |
Article Excerpt from: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ana_Trenas
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Don't Make This Mistake on Valentine's Day
One in five guys will text their loving message on Valentine’s Day and one in ten will take to email. That doesn't even factor Facebook and Twitter professions of love. As sweet as 140 characters can be, old-school letters are more romantic. One survey found the obvious: women would be disappointed by an electronic gesture of affection.
Why it’s bad: In terms of effort, it’s minimal. It also brings a third party into your affair: your P.D.A. (your Personal Digital Assistant, not public displays of affection). It should be a given to turn it off during your candlelit dinner, but using it to profess love is detached.
The fix: Buy a blank card or take a photo of the two of you and write a message on the back. It doesn't have to be long, it can even be a quote from your favorite song. But in this technological world, handwriting holds a certain intimacy. If words just aren't your thing, make a mix CD and write out the songs in pen. Your music choices will do
Why it’s bad: In terms of effort, it’s minimal. It also brings a third party into your affair: your P.D.A. (your Personal Digital Assistant, not public displays of affection). It should be a given to turn it off during your candlelit dinner, but using it to profess love is detached.
The fix: Buy a blank card or take a photo of the two of you and write a message on the back. It doesn't have to be long, it can even be a quote from your favorite song. But in this technological world, handwriting holds a certain intimacy. If words just aren't your thing, make a mix CD and write out the songs in pen. Your music choices will do
The Real Fix - Love Notes and My Heart cards by JaMax
They're blank inside so you can really say What's On Your Heart!
They're blank inside so you can really say What's On Your Heart!
little note cards that come with adhesive to stick a little love around
or
little notes with envelopes to seal that special message
My Heart cards by JaMax
blank on the inside - awaiting your most intimate thoughts
excerpt from: Yahoo! Shine http://shine.yahoo.com/
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Number 4 of 6 Mistakes Men Make on Valentine's Day
Here's an excerpt from an article on:
One in five guys will text their loving message on Valentine’s Day and one in ten will take to email. That doesn't even factor Facebook and Twitter professions of love. As sweet as 140 characters can be, old-school letters are more romantic. One survey found the obvious: women would be disappointed by an electronic gesture of affection.
Why it’s bad: In terms of effort, it’s minimal. It also brings a third party into your affair: your P.D.A. (your Personal Digital Assistant, not public displays of affection). It should be a given to turn it off during your candlelit dinner, but using it to profess love is detached.
The fix: Buy a blank card or take a photo of the two of you and write a message on the back. It doesn't have to be long, it can even be a quote from your favorite song. But in this technological world, handwriting holds a certain intimacy. If words just aren't your thing, make a mix CD and write out the songs in pen. Your music choices will do the talking.
The Real Fix - My Heart cards by JaMax
They're blank inside so you can really say What's On Your Heart!
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/valentinesday/6-mistakes-men-make-on-valentine-amp-39-s-day-2446085/
Mistake #4: Sharing the day with your BlackBerry
One in five guys will text their loving message on Valentine’s Day and one in ten will take to email. That doesn't even factor Facebook and Twitter professions of love. As sweet as 140 characters can be, old-school letters are more romantic. One survey found the obvious: women would be disappointed by an electronic gesture of affection.
Why it’s bad: In terms of effort, it’s minimal. It also brings a third party into your affair: your P.D.A. (your Personal Digital Assistant, not public displays of affection). It should be a given to turn it off during your candlelit dinner, but using it to profess love is detached.
The fix: Buy a blank card or take a photo of the two of you and write a message on the back. It doesn't have to be long, it can even be a quote from your favorite song. But in this technological world, handwriting holds a certain intimacy. If words just aren't your thing, make a mix CD and write out the songs in pen. Your music choices will do the talking.
The Real Fix - My Heart cards by JaMax
They're blank inside so you can really say What's On Your Heart!
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/valentinesday/6-mistakes-men-make-on-valentine-amp-39-s-day-2446085/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)