Mary Becker Weiss : Mixed Media : Assemblages : Encaustic Paintings

2011 Year in Review

2012-01-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

For the past year, I have explored mixed media, photography, drawings, assemblages and encaustics to find my own artistic voice. My new work with assemblages and encaustics has encouraged me to not only "loosen the reins" but to actually "let go of the reins" altogether in trying to control the outcome of each piece. There have been happy surprises as a result, which may be a metaphor for life. Happy 2012 Everyone!

"Members Holiday Exhibition" at Harlow Gallery, Hallowell, Maine, December 16, 2011 through January 14, 2012

"Harlow for the Hall" Exhibition at Harlow Gallery, Hallowell, Maine, September 28 through October 1, 2011

"Pentimento", Summer 2011 Mixed Media Exhibition, Bagel Mainea, Western Avenue, Augusta, Maine

Riverfront Art Show and Sale at Hallowellness Riverfront Celebration, Sunday, June 26, 2011

Art2011, 16th Annual Juried Art Show, May 2011, KVAA, Hallowell ME

Spring 2011, Members Exhibition, Harlow Gallery, Hallowell, Maine

"Muse" © 2011 Mary Becker Weiss at Harlow Gallery's Holiday Members Exhibition

2011-12-19T06:18:00.001-08:00

"Muse" © 2011 Mary Becker Weiss

Mixed Media Montage with Encaustics honoring the friendship of Henri Matisse and his muse Monique Bourgois (Sister Jacques Marie) for whom he built the Vence Chapel.

"There is no explaining this tenderness between us.
It needs no words at all and yet all overflows from them."
~ Henri Matisse

Kissie Kissie to Found Art Assemblage Artist Ed Mackenzie!

2011-11-02T05:39:00.000-07:00

What a treat to see the turn out for Edward Mackenzie's new exhibition at his Richmond Store Gallery last Friday evening. A wonderland of assemblage art, each of which tells a fascinating story. If you didn't have a chance to stop by the gallery to meet Ed and Runa in person, go to Ed's site for a brief video of some of his new work. Look for Kissie Kissie, one of his many tongue-in-cheekies! Did I mention Ed is a dead ringer for Henry Miller! (Henry Miller wishes...)

Montage of Frontenac in Old Quebec City 2011.09.05

2011-09-19T11:37:00.001-07:00

"Meet Me at the Frontenac on Sunday If You Love Me"
Mixed Media Montage © 2011 Mary Becker Weiss

Don't miss "Harlow for the Hall Exhibition" scheduled for September 28

2011-09-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

I am just now starting a new assemblage called "Long Journey Back to Myself" which I plan to present to Harlow Gallery in its exhibition to support the expansion of Johnson Hall in Gardiner, Maine. The opening reception will be September 28, and will run through October 1, 2011.

Scrumptious Bagels, Fresh Roasted Coffee and Art to Go at Bagel Mainea in Augusta ~ Nourishment for body and soul!

2011-06-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

You haven't lived until your try Marianne Butak's breakfast sandwich on lightly toasted garlic bagel and fresh roasted hazelnut coffee at Bagel Mainea on Western Avenue in Augusta. While you're there munching and sipping in her relaxing sunroom, please enjoy a provocative new mixed media exhibition called "Pentimento" by Maine artist Mary Becker Weiss. Nourishment for body and soul ~ it doesn't get better!

"Pentimento Series" ©2011 Mary Becker Weiss

"Old paint on canvas, as it ages, sometimes becomes transparent. When that happens, it is possible, in some pictures, to see the original lines: a tree will show through a woman's dress, a child makes way for a dog, a large boat is no longer on an open sea. That is called pentimento, because the painter 'repented,' changed his mind. Perhaps it would be as well to say that the old conception, replaced by a later choice, is a way of seeing and then seeing again." ~ From Lillian Hellman's Pentimento A Book of Portraits

Work in Progress: TAOS by Mary Becker Weiss

2011-05-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

I am working on a new painting for the upcoming Annual Riverfront Art Fair in Hallowell in June called "Taos." Hovering over my work light is a bee the size of a buick. She has become my new muse who whispers "more color, let go, let go." I have been listening to her, but I don't like these unfamiliar sensations...

"Taos"
© 2011 Mary Becker Weiss

Art2011, 16th Annual Juried Show @ Harlow Gallery May 6-28, 2011

2011-05-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

You Are Invited!
Art2011 to Showcase 43 Maine Artists
16th Annual Juried Show
Harlow Gallery in Hallowell, Maine
Opening Reception May 6th from 5 - 8 p.m.
Exhibition will run through May 28

M. S. from Baltimore, Maryland said...
"Your assemblages are particularly strong. I love the detail and cleanness of the small pieces, intimately put together in "Two Prospectives and One Vanishing Point." It is somehow very soothing." ~ M. S., Baltimore MD

R. M. from South Bristol said...
Mary, the lower portion of your "magic box" assemblage plunges my mind into the memories of travel all the way back to my days as a North Dakota farm boy who 1st opened the drawer (previously always locked) to my foster father's great old desk. In the drawer was stuff of "wonderment" for me. The top portion of the "magic box' sends my mind out over the travel memories that can never be forgotten. I hear train whistles and see images that only can be experienced 1st hand. ~ R.M. South Bristol
May 5, 2011 4:12 PM

Mary Becker Weiss @ Corniche said...
I am so pleased to know that my new assemblage has brought back such pleasant memories for you. That to me is the joy of working with this medium; each element of an assemblage means different things to different people who view it. "Two Prospectives and One Vanishing Point" is about triumph and perserverance through adversity. Look very closely; you'll see it all. With much of my work, you may know that there are other metaphors in place that are not readily visible to the eye (as it should be.) I'll look forward to seeing you at the Harlow Reception tomorrow night! ~ Mary
May 5, 2011 4:19 PM

UNICEF Downloadable Form to Help Children in Japan

2011-03-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

UNICEF for Children in Japan

NYC Art Show @ Pier 92 and 94

2011-03-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

After the International Art Show at Piers 92 and 94 in NYC, my mind is a whirl (probably before the trip for other reasons). So much to see and absorb. I felt my senses were satiated by day's end when I tasted tears strolling down my face. Felt this was an opportunity of a lifetime and took advantage of every moment.

A documentary photograph for Time by Jodi Bieber was breathtaking. Shows an Afghan woman who had been mutilated by the Taliban for trying to leave her abusive husband. They held her down and hacked off her nose and ears. Her name is Bibi Aisha and she has since come to the United States for reconstructive surgery. Bieber's powerful photograph illuminated this young woman's inner strength, inner beauty and power.

In the process of my trying to capture Bieber's photograph for my journal, a young African-American woman stood in the frame. Her silhouette of a strong, confident young woman is super-imposed on Jodi Bieber's original photograph ~ no words to describe the impact of that serendipitous juxtaposition.

TWO PROSPECTIVES AND ONE VANISHING POINT by Mary Becker Weiss

2011-02-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

I'm adding the finishing touches to "Two Prospectives" hopefully in time for consideration at the end of the month for the upcoming Art 2011 16th Annual Juried Art Show set for the first week of May. Jurors will be Colby professors Veronique Plesch and Margaret Libby. This has become a knuckle-biter. I need chocolate!

Corniche : 2010 Year in Review

2010-12-01T05:52:00.000-08:00

Harlow Gallery "Members' Holiday Art Show and Sale" December, 2010, Hallowell, Maine

"Gardiner Holiday Artwalk" December, 2010, Namaste, Gardiner, Maine

Harlow Gallery "Art of Duality: Hunger | Sated Two Sides of a Canvas" November, 2010, Hallowell, Maine

"With Soothing Hand" Portland Press Herald Photo, September 5, 2010

"One Smile from Elizabeth and All is Right with the World" Portland Press Herald Photo, August 29, 2010

"Tremulations Blue" Portland Press Herald Photo, August 29, 2010

"Chapel at Fortunes Rock" Portland Press Herald Photo, week of August 22, 2010

"Speechless" Purchase Benefits Grieving Children," The Lincoln County News, Damariscotta, Maine, July 22, 2010

"10 on the Water Visual Arts Along the Kennebec 2nd Collaborative Exhibit," The Valley Voice, July 7, 2010

"What's Not to Like About the ArtWalk?" The Capital Weekly, Nancy McGinnis, August 6, 2010

"Gardiner Artwalk" May and August, 2010, Corniche, Gardiner, Maine

"Pictures at an Exhibition," collaborative exhibition and performance of the Augusta Symphony Orchestra and the Kennebec Valley Art Association, Hope Baptist Church, Manchester ME, March, 2010

"Gubernatorial Candidate Libby Mitchell Wants Your Support" The Valley Voice, March 1, 2010

"Storm of the Decade" Kennebec Journal, Staff photo by Joe Phelan, January 2, 2010

Quotable Quotes
"Mary, A Love Letter to Victor Hugo and Harry du Jur Settlement Playhouse are very provocative, evocative autobiographies that speak to me." ~ BL

"Mary, the Untitled 09.06.29 was my favorite (the one that looked like pick up sticks gone wrong). Love you, love your dog." ~ JH

"Mary, I have your picture of "the pedant beholding big man" (my moniker) on my desk where I do a lot of my work, so my eyes fall on it frequently. It always brings me a smile." ~ MSR, Tampa Bay

"Dear Ms. Becker-Weiss, I think your "Speechless" has left me speechless. Actually it's truly bizarre (though I have gone back to look at it at least a half dozen times.") ~ MER, NYC

"OMG, Mary, what have you done this time?" ~ RS, Gardiner

"I like your "Yawp." I am in favor of disturbing work always." ~ NT, Gardiner (not for Speechless, still one of my favorites!)

"Speechless has created quite a stir ~ it certainly stops visitors in their tracks!" ~ R.M., South Bristol

"Mrs. Weiss, I like your paintings. They make me really dizzy." ~ From a 4th Grader in Gardiner

"Exhilarating and frightening at the same time, a creed by which to live!" ~ RC, West Village NYC

"Corniche is visually rich, emotionally resonating and full of the unexpected. A pleasure for the senses and the intellect." ~ CD, Gardiner

"I'm new to this place, I like everything I see, and you smell really good. I'm going to leave now." (Tell me, dearest readers, where do you go with a comment like that?)

AND THE WINNER IS....

"Smut." ~ BMcE, Slapout, AL

Corliss418 said...
Ooooooo! I want to see what prompted "Smut" from McE in Alabama. Sounds like something I would like!
December 2, 2010 8:26 AM
Corniche said...
Corliss, Mrs. McE has her knickers in a twist over Speechless. If he had any, Big Man would have his knickers in a twist over her!
December 17, 2010 5:48 PM

Update on "Speechless"
The Lincoln County News
Damariscotta, Maine
July 22, 2010

Maine artist Mary Becker Weiss and Richard Munson, owner of both the Unique Yankee Inn in South Bristol and Green Comfort Safe, which offers a green solution for home insulation, have forged an unexpected new friendship in support of HealthReach Hospice & Volunteers of Kennebec Valley’s Grieving Children and Teens Program, which offers support to children from ages 3 to 18 who have lost a loved one.

Mr. Munson recently purchased Ms. Weiss’ mixed media montage called Speechless which Weiss had placed on sale at Corniche Gallery to benefit the Grieving Children and Teen Program in Gardiner, Maine.

This provocative montage, which incorporates the image of a 7’ male figure created by sculptor Ron Mueck, has a place of prominence at the Unique Yankee Inn in South Bristol as part of an extensive display of art work that Cheryl and Richard Munson have collected in their travels around the world. “Speechless” has created quite a stir,” says Munson. “It certainly stops visitors in their tracks!”

“I am delighted,” says Weiss, “that Mr. Munson saw in “Speechless” something that touched his heart and encouraged him to support our program. It really is an artist’s dream come true!”

In HealthReach Hospice & Volunteers of Kennebec Valley’s Grieving Children and Teen Program, participants learn to express their feelings through the arts as well as play in a safe, confidential environment.

Call to Volunteer:
Blythe Edwards
HealthReach Hospice & Volunteers of Kennebec Valley Grieving Children and Teens Program
207-626-1780

Visit "Speechless" in person at the Unique Yankee Inn
Richard Munson
Unique Yankee Inn
53 Coveside Road
South Bristol ME 04568
1-866-644-1502

See and Support Harlow's Exhibition for Hunger through November 27

2010-11-23T10:40:00.001-08:00

"Art of Duality: Hunger | Sated Two Sides of a Canvas"
Harlow Gallery
160 Water Street
Hallowell ME
Exhibition runs November 5-27, 2010

Through November 27, the Harlow Gallery in Hallowell will present "Art of Duality: Hunger | Sated Two Sides of a Canvas," an artistic exploration of the issue of hunger in our communities. Proceeds from art sold during Art of Duality will be split three ways, between the Hallowell Food Bank, the non-profit Harlow Gallery and the artist. Call 207-622-3813 for more information.

Artist/Teacher Nancy Barron encourages creative vision with aspiring young artists

2010-09-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

On a picture-perfect afternoon in front of Corniche, aspiring artists had a field day in creating artistic rubbings of objects, shapes and textures that they discovered in their travels. Their teacher, Nancy Barron, has encouraged them to see everyday objects with a new perspective. Through the eyes of these students, we are again reminded that beauty abounds everywhere we go!

Corniche says:
I say "two snaps up in a circle" for teachers like Nancy Barron! I grew up in the deep south with rigid teachers who wanted pink flowers and green leaves or nothing. I actually had to write on the board after school in the 6th grade "I will stay in the lines." (I lied...) At long last, I had a 7th grade substitute teacher whisper in my ear after an art project, "Mary, you don't see things like other people, do you?" "No sir, I don't." "Well, good for you..." Patrick DeJean, if you're out there, I'm still riding on your message! ~ M. Weiss

$3.13 Donation for Farmers Market and Boo Hubbard ~ Priceless!

2010-05-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

It's hard to crack the heart of an old bird like me, but two little girls at the Silent Auction on Saturday for our local Farmers Market and Boo Hubbard did just that by pooling their money together in the amount of $3.13 to place a bid on a $100 cosmetics basket donated for the occasion. Sometimes there are just no words to describe the generousity of spirit in eagerly turning over all that you have for another person. Reminds me again of Mother Theresa's quote, "at the end of my days, I want to be able to say, 'Lord, I shared all the gifts you gave me.' " Amen, babies.

P. S. The girls won the cosmetics basket at the end of the day and they looked breathtaking by night fall. Oh yes.

Some days make you want to sing, others not so much...

2010-03-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

"Corniche is visually rich, emotionally resonating and full of the unexpected. A pleasure for the senses and the intellect." ~ CD, Gardiner

"I'm new to this place, I like everything I see, and you smell really good. I'm going to leave now." Tell me, dearest readers, where do you go with a comment like that?