Along the Novitiate Trail

A little break in all the great rain we’ve been getting was the perfect chance to get my painter’s body moving! A hike up the Novitiate Trail, though a little muddy, was just the thing – and bringing my camera made it all the more fun. Inspiration can be so fleeting and it’s good to store it up for another rainy day!

Novitiate Trail Trees on the Precipice- Marie Cameron 2016

Novitiate Trail Mud Puddle - Marie Cameron 2016             Novitiate Trail Moss - Marie Cameron 2016             Novitiate Trail Wet - Marie Cameron 2016

Novitiate Trail - Blackberry Leaf - Marie Cameron 2016

Arbutus and Moss 3- Marie Cameron 2016

Arbutus and Moss - Marie Cameron 2016

Arbutus and Moss 4 - Marie Cameron 2016             Novitiate Trail Hiker- Marie Cameron 2016             Arbutus and Moss 2- Marie Cameron 2016

Novitiate Trail Arbutus and Lichen- Marie Cameron 2016

Novitiate Trail Mushrooms 1 - Marie Cameron 2016

Novitiate Trail Mushrooms 2 - Marie Cameron 2016

Novitiate Trail Water Beads - Marie Cameron 2016

Novitiate Hummer - Marie Cameron 2016

Studio Visit with Shannon Amidon

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit - photo Marie Cameron 2015

I was so happy to enjoy a visit with artist Shannon Amidon in her San Jose studio preparing for her upcoming show, Diary of a Naturalist at TechShop 300 S Second St
San Jose, CA 95113  where she is currently artist in residence – the opening reception is Friday, September 4 from 7 -10 pm with live music by Mark Camp!

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit - Diary of a Naturalist prep- photo Marie Cameron 2015

In this series Amidon has used laser cutting tools to create artwork inspired by Victorian naturalists, exquisite silhouettes cut away from the top layer of vintage book covers.

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit - mile's o book covers - photo Marie Cameron 2015

I adore the period feel of these pieces and am quite taken by how environmentally friendly  they are too.

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit - Back Plate - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Here’s a sample of the back  in which a wooden panel has been applied to provide a secure base for hanging hardware.

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit -  insect silhouettes - photo Marie Cameron 2015

I love this array of laser cut insects in front of one of her encaustic paintings featuring a silhouette of a tree. No matter which medium Amidon is working with, there is a strong voice running throughout, a respect and love of nature, of materials and of the silhouetted form – a modern Victorian perhaps?

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit -  entomology - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Here the insects are pinned to a wall like an entomologist had passed through…

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit - butterflies and beetles photo Marie Cameron 2015

…maybe one had.

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit - still life - photo Marie Cameron 2015

Oh, and a biologist too.

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit - etched glass bottles- photo Marie Cameron 2015

These lovely specimen bottles were also laser etched by Amidon at TechShop.

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit - book planters- photo Marie Cameron 2015

So much to discover in Amidon’s studio – like these planters she’s created out of vintage books…

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit - cascades of creative paper work- photo Marie Cameron 2015

…and cascades of printed pages in a variety of different treatments.

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit - Inspiration Wall - photo Marie Cameron 2015

It’s always fascinating to study an artist’s inspiration wall – it turns out someone was a ballerina!

Shannon Amidon Studio Visit - Wall of Tools- photo Marie Cameron 2015

A ballerina with a wall of power tools – my kind of artist!

Marie Cameron visiting Shannon Amidon Studio  - photo Marie Cameron 2015

I’m really looking forward to the reception – I dare say there will be more than a few red dots! the exhibition will run until September 25 and Amidon will be teaching some classes at TechShop too!