Cathy Horner Collage Art

Back from the art show. Lawn needs mowing!

2011-04-19T05:14:00.000-07:00

I am home from the 4 Bridges Art Festival in Chattanooga and overall had a wonderful experience. It's hard work setting up and breaking down the tent but my friend went with me and that was so much help. The people running the festival were great. They fed us, were helpful, made everything easy and were friendly. The artists I met were awesome, very encouraging and I know I have made some new friends.

The first night it rained buckets on the pavilion tin roof, who-ah was that loud! I did sell one collage though and the buyer was so nice! The second day the weather sounded more promising but it was windy and cold. I think the visitors under dressed and looked chilled to the bone and miserable. By the end of the day I had sold nothing and felt a little defeated. We couldn't sell prints at this event and I realize originals are quite an investment.

Sunday was gorgeous. My booth was packed all day. And although sales were not happening I was really enjoying the people. I loved how they would study each piece and then I would see them begin to laugh at the humor in my art. People spent a long time in my tent and asked many questions. I felt really appreciated from all the kind compliments and notice of the details in my art. A few gallery owners came in too. Almost a full box of business cards, stack of brochures and postcards were gone by the end of the weekend.

Last five minutes of the festival the coolest couple came in and bought three collages! Then when I got home a very nice person contacted me and bought "Push Mower" the one I have posted here. Even though I only broke even, I feel like the festival was a huge success. I hope I am invited to come back next year. It feels so cool to know five of my collages will be hanging somewhere special and that I was able to meet the people that have them.

I though Push Mower was a good pic to post on this blog entry because with being so busy my yard is now a jungle of overgrown weeds and grass! I have lots of mowing and weed wacking to do and hopefully plant my vegetable garden this weekend too. If only I could make real robots..

:)
Cathy

My first fine art festival this weekend!

2011-04-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend I will be setting up my booth at the 4 Bridges Art Festival in Chattanooga TN. It has been rated as one of the top 100 fine art fairs for 2011. Last year there was 18,000 visitors! Only 150 artists were chosen out of 700 applicants. There will also be awards for artists.
The first night is a private art show party which oughta be really cool.

So I've been busy all winter getting ready for this event. I have 48 pieces of art to show. Last night I spent hours putting logo stickers on shopping bags, touching up frames and taking inventory of all the little things I'll need for the weekend.

Last week I bought a pop-up counter and directors chair. Most I looked at were either a fortune or black which I thought was too modern looking for my old fashion art. So, I spent a tad more and bought a gray counter (wood top) and found a gray and brown chair. The counter has a fabric front. I bought plastic picture hooks that have sticky paper to glue to the wall but replaced it with velcro. This way I can hang a few of my mini art on the counter front.
I have brochures, cards and post cards, a guest book and a banner. Once there, will buy some flowers ( gotta remember..pack a vase) and even bringing a small candy dish. So many details!

I rented a room for 3 nights and it has a kitchen so that will help with not eating out. My neighbor is feeding my cats. I think I'm ready.

I am really excited about going, although I may come home completely broke. I always have a "plan B" which is to raid my IRA for like the sixth time! (ouch) But there is no way I will miss out on something this cool and a great opportunity. Wish me luck!

4 Bridges Art Festival

OWOH the beautiful things I won!

2011-04-06T13:32:00.000-07:00

Things I won from the OWOH 2011 event were being delivered from near and far. Sorry it took so long to get to this post. I have a big art festival next week and have been spending much time in the studio. However, I am so thrilled with getting these treasures in the mail and making new friends. If you were part of OWOH this year, you may remember visiting these creative people and their delightful blogs. If not, I am excited to share with you the things I was sent and links so you can visit them too!

Christina Alejandro from Manila, Philippines sent me a pretty bracelet and necklace with sayings, a cat ring and clips she makes and sells at the papemelroti site . Would have done a close up but wanted to show her awesome doodles and the nice note book she sent too. How sweet to open this and find so many goodies! She makes awesome jewelry, photography, collages and sketches!
You can visit's Christina's blog at calej d'art

Isn't this adorable! Julie Stratton made this hat just for me! The stitches are perfect, she knows how to crochet! It sure makes me feel special to wear it. Her blog is full of great conversation, wisdom and recipes too!
Julie's blog is called Sugar and all that's Nice so you know it's a nice blog to visit!

Sabine from Germany made this super cool paper doll! The arms and legs are jointed and it is all hand colored. This beauty wants to dance to the sheet music she sent too.
I love how it spells "art" down the front. Her blog is all about her wonderful collage and mixed media art.
You can visit Sabine at her blog Stempeltanz , lots of art to inspire you!

Carol Hanson lives in Tennessee too! She made me this "Love Dove Mug Rug". That makes me smile! It's so pretty I don't want to spill coffee on it but I am going to use it. I will keep it in my art studio to remind me of my talented OWOH friends.
You can visit Carol and see lots of projects that she has done. I don't sew as much as I used to but know I can get lots of ideas at her blog
Stitch Across The Border

I am in love with this fox! Zan Asha draws and wood burns the most precious images. I am so proud to have a piece of her art.
I've never met Zan but feel an instant connection to her spirit and creativity. She has an open invitation to park her wagon of horses at my home, hope she brings me some Bronx Bees honey. You just have to go read her blog to learn about that!
Be sure to visit Zan's etsy shop vagabondcreations and her blog that is titled Beyond Vagabond .

I LOVE ATC's (artist trading cards), so I was thrilled when RosA from Australia not only made me one but NINE!!
And all of them so wonderful to add to my collection.
RosA is never out of ideas either, you can visit her blog
Paperc hase and see piles of materials turn into clever and beautiful cards. Wonderful!

I won these gorgeous notecards from Colleen Conrad who is an incredible watercolor painter.
I am in awe of her talent and creativity. I may mail a note card, which are nicely made, to someone special but these are so beautiful one or two may end up in a frame on my wall!
Colleen's blog is Edge Of The Woods Studio where you can also follow a link to her main on line gallery. I think she is going to be famous one day!

My dream to open an art gallery! need FB votes..

2011-02-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! I often say the gears in my head are always turning. I also believe that if you love what you do, work hard and believe in it you can make it work. That is my motto "some how I can make this work". My dream of having an old farm house with music and art rooms was thought up many many years ago..and here I am! Of course it is not without struggles, the last two years my income was about $6500, raided my IRA a few times and in credit card debt. My family and friends have been a huge support. Get teary eyed knowing they believe in me so much. STILL even with struggles, wouldn't trade it for anything. It is so rewarding when families bring their children here for guitar lessons, sit on the front porch reading or strolling in my yard while I see the smiles and achievements of my students learning. I teach adults too, everyone seems at home here.

Then I put on my artist cap, go upstairs to my art studio where I tear into my old papers and paint, think about my blank canvas as I watch the sunset over the mountain view out my windows. I've managed to support myself on art and music for about six yrs now.

I also have a hobby. It seems kinda silly but it is relaxing and fun. I enter contests. My mother and grandmother did too. Grandma called it her "job" and as a little girl can remember something always being delivered to the house. I think they are my guardian angels sometimes because when I do win something kinda big, it has to do with art or music! Exterior paint job to my house, guitar strings, festival tent, business video and printing...it's crazy! I do actively search out opportunities.

I have another dream for this big ol' house. It has a 3rd floor, never been touched, actually it is a mess. A beautiful staircase has been walled up, there is a hallway and two rooms. I would like to turn it into an art gallery and host shows here, not of my art, that can be seen in my studio, but of YOUR art. Realizing the big galleries have high overhead and have to take a high percentage of your sale price, I want to take just a small amount and make it work for you. This plan isn't about profit but about opening my home to the community even more. A place where music and art happens. The more my name is out there the more students and people see my studio. Already I have travelers call and want to visit my home and studio, just from reading about me or seeing my art somewhere.

My vision is beautiful art, live music and gardens for people to explore when they visit. I found a contest, but contest or not I will still work to make this happen one day. It will take a long time though, that is unless Mom or Grandma thinks the time is now! :) Anyway, there is the contest, it is on facebook and hosted by Dockers. My least favorite kind of contest is a voting contest. To me it becomes a popularity contest and I am uncomfortable about bothering people with it. This one is 100K to carry out a plan. This would not only make the art gallery happen but would put heat on the 2nd and 3rd floor which there is none (brr!).
If you don't mind the hassle, you log into facebook, like their page and you can vote everyday! In the first round I just need to be in the top 50. I promise to be a great gallery keeper and so open minded about art and suggestions! Thank you so much if you read through all this!

Voting through 3/15 for this round...

Dockers on facebook

OWOH Winners (yay!)

2011-02-17T15:21:00.000-08:00

A few observations about my journey through One World One Heart this year. We are a bunch of creative, imaginative, friendly people. Also between all of us we own many cats!

I've spent hours and days reading your blogs. I was so inspired that I found myself watching tutorials, researching art supplies and even getting in a bidding war for a book on ebay about art projects that I have never tried before. Thank you!

And for everyone that posted on my blog, I read everyone of them and enjoyed it so much. There are some of you I need to respond to and I will shortly. Thank all of you for all the nice things you wrote.

And finally, I am thrilled at all my new followers..yay! I learned a lot about blog keeping from everyone, so hopefully I can post some good stuff in our future together. Oh, and stay tune. I want to do something special for my followers after the dust settles a bit. :)

Without much ado, it is time to announce my One World One Heart winners. The Great and Oh Powerful Random Number Generator has spoken. (Is there really anything truly random or is it some twisted form of fate!)..................

1.Dorthe from Den Lille Lade (Denmark) matted print

2. Digital Misfit from My Hiding Place in Cyberspace (Canada) dream boy atc

3. Angie from Meriscrapper 13's Cottage (Louisiana)baby atc

4.Esther from E Makes Art (California) note cards

I will be emailing you in a sec...Congratulations!

One World One Heart 2011

2011-01-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog One World One Heart!

Note: 2/17/2011
Notice a few of our friends are flying in under the wire.
I'll do my name drawing tonight at 9:00 p.m.

My name is Cathy Horner and I am from Johnson City TN. I am a full time guitar instructor and collage artist working from my 110 year old farm house.

I've played guitar for over 38 years and my CD of original fingerstyle guitar compositions was broadcast internationally on radio stations. It was featured in Guitar Player magazine in 2003. I have been a performer doing songwriter showcases and other events. I now teach lessons beginner to advance.

If I could describe my collage art, I would say it "fell from the sky". I began making collages using actual vintage images (no scans), handmade papers, acrylic paint and found objects like real butterfly wings only four years ago! I've had gallery exhibits including solo shows, received awards, and juried into fine art festivals. My art has been featured in art reviews and a nine page article in Victorian Homes magazine last year. This Fall, six exclusive designs will be produced by Liberty Bottleworks and distributed nation wide.

The most important thing is I love what I do! Not only do I enjoy making art but making friends through my blog and the internet. I enjoy sharing my projects, experiences and exchanging ideas. I realize you have a lot of blogs to visit but welcome you to come back here and visit!

Now on to my door prizes!! I will randomly draw 4 names after 2/17/2011. All you have to do to enter is write a message on this post and have a blog. If there is a prize you prefer, you can let me know but no promises! Finally, please leave your email address so I can contact you if you should win. Easy!

1. "Tickled Pink" 8X10 signed print with mat. (made with dye based ink on fine art paper)

2. Original ATC I made in 2007 using real photograph and real butterfly wings on an old playing card.

3. Original ATC I made in 2007 using a real photograph on an old playing card.

4. Three blank greeting cards with images of my artwork.

Have Fun and thanks for visiting!!

For those not aware of this event Whimsical Bohemian explains..

"One World One Heart is a worldwide event for bloggers only. It gives all those who blog a chance to meet and mingle and form connections with those they may not have otherwise met from all over the world. In the past 4 years this event has grown to over 1,000 participants with lasting friendships (and even one love connection) formed along the way. Think of it as a GIGANTIC open house allowing you to travel without ever leaving your home........going from blog to blog(in various countries) seeing the wonder each one has created and meeting all the fabulous people behind those blogs. As a bonus each blogger participant will offer up a "door prize or prizes"....just for dropping by, saying hello and seeing their world. It's really that easy."

This event will from January 30th 2011 through February 17th. Open world wide.

Ho HO Ho!!

2010-12-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant

2010-09-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hi! Been awhile since I posted and have great news. I was awarded a $15,000 art grant from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation to help with living expenses for a year and continuing my art career.

I haven't wasted anytime stirring things up. I've done two festival shows this summer and my art has been accepted into the World Fantasy Convention Art Show, Oct 28-31, Columbus OH.
I've also been applying for several huge art festivals in the southeast for next year.

Busy in the studio too. Through this grant I was able to get some much needed supplies. Right now framing some new pieces and already excited about the next collage I plan to make.
Any of you that have known me for awhile knows I was freezing in this old house last year! With a possibility of getting approved for some insulation through the state weatherization program and this grant I am optimistic about being warm enough to be creative all winter! The studio only has one electrical outlet and using a power strip, so getting that fixed..more light! I am so looking forward to making art and scheduling lots of shows!

Finally there's a time consuming project of updating my website. Will be able to accept credit cards and it just needs some tweaking.

Oh..stay tuned..

What originally got me started in my collage art was an altered book I made. I plan to feature it here soon.

Thanks for visiting!

Pollock-Krasner Foundation Cathy Horner

World Fantasy Convention 36

I am the Official Prilosec OTC Collage Artist!

2010-05-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

Hi! A few months ago I won a sponsorship from Prilosec OTC to buy a festival tent! They sent me a check for $1000. WOW. Part of my obligation to winning this generous prize was to keep a blog on their site about how this is helping me reach my goals as an artist.
I bought a Trimline tent from Flourish and am wrote about putting up the tent for the first time. I'll continue to write about my experiences as I work on my display, apply for shows etc and provide some photos.
For my friends who are showing at festivals or thinking about it I hope you may find some useful information and would love to share stories with you either here or at the Prilosec OTC site.
Thanks!
Cathy

Official Prilosec OTC Collage Artist

Interviewed on the Empty Easel!

2010-05-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

Hi! I was interviewed about my collage art on the Empty Easel art-zine. It's not real long and very nice!

http://emptyeasel.com/2010/05/06/an-interview-with-cathy-horner-vintage-collage-artist/

We have a winner!

2010-04-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

Painted Lady Fingers won a print of her choice from my website. YAY! I'll be emailing you.

I want to thank everyone for voting to help me win the work cabinet. I came in 3rd, so close!! They are sending me a coupon for 50% off to buy one, great deal but not in my budget. If anyone is interested in this coupon let me know.

But I'm not disappointed at all! I enjoy having a giveaway and promise to do more. I'd also like to welcome all my new followers!! Thank you for joining. Look forward to visiting your blogs, hearing from everyone again and I sure enjoy your comments anytime. Cathy

Print Giveaway Ends 4/7!!

2010-04-02T13:07:00.001-07:00

I am giving away one print from my webpage, either a hand signed 8X10 or 11X14 matted print , winners choice! Here's my web site if you want to look around:

http://www.cathyhorner.com

My sister once told me it's not bribing unless you ask somebody to do something bad or wrong. I'm asking for a little help and it's for a perfectly nice thing. I am a finalist to win a really nice work cabinet for my art studio and would love to increase my chances. Any of my artist friends out there understand how messy our work areas can be!

Here are the different ways to get entries. You can put them all on one post if you like, I'll figure it out :)
Be sure to make a post below for each thing you do!

+1: Just post and say how groovy cool it would be to win a print

+1: Be a follower of my blog (post below that you follow)

+1: Anything you do to pass the word around about the giveaway (tweet, facebook etc)

+2: Vote for my entry to win a work cabinet. It is as simple as pie. Just go to this link, scroll down about 1/2 way and look for my entry, it will say "stacks of handmade papers" and I'm number TN14804. Just give me a bunch of stars!

http://drawersonwheels.com/blog/?paged=2

P.S. If you are not a blogger or your address isn't on your profile, please leave an email address in your post so I can contact you if you should win.
You can post it like: cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com for security reasons

Last day to enter is 4/7/2010 Thanks and good luck!!
Cathy

I won! Festival tent soon!

2010-04-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for your support. I won a $1000 sponsorship to buy a festival tent and fees to start doing art shows from Prilosec OTC.! Looking into tents now and know for sure I have a least one show lined up, maybe two. I'll be keeping a blog on their site about my experience with art shows and the new tent.

It's that time of year to be catching up on yard work so really busy. Plan to be posting up pics from my altered book soon though :)

love ya and see ya soon
Cathy

Hey, I play guitar too!

2010-03-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends! I just posted up a profile for a chance to play guitar at the 2010 Eric Clapton Guitar festival in Chicago this June. Votes are welcome, playing there would be a total freak out fun thing to do. But even if you don't vote, sure would like to share my guitar playing with everyone and there are mp3s there to listen to. Thanks!

http://www.playcrossroads.com/cathyhorner

The wonderful things I won through OWOH

2010-02-21T20:11:00.000-08:00

Wow, feel like it's my birthday so many awesome treasures my name was drawn for! The best part is the new friends I have made. I was also very inspired visiting so many creative people.

From Becca in Colorado and her blog Art Beckons I won Asian Ephemera and can't wait to see what I make with this! She is an artist that works in different mediums from altered art to oil pastels.
Great site and many great projects to see and get involved with.

Gale from Scribbleprints is sending a magnet with her delightful art. What may start out as a scribble becomes much more detailed work and the results are wonderful! My scribbles NEVER looked this good! Gale even has free coloring pages, how fun is that!

Kathryn Uster a collage artist from Arizona is sending me one of her original ACEO cards.
Her art is totally amazing and you can visit her on line gallery here:
Kathryn Uster Collage Artist

All the way from Hawaii Vicki sent me this "Dare Bottle". Her blog is Live Aloha. This photo doesn't show the detail, a bottle embellished with treasures all sealed with beeswax and I love it! My special bottle already has a place of honor on my fireplace mantel in my art room.

This adorable and beautiful bird was made by Jennifer Conway, a mixed media artist from Vancouver, Canada. I am so excited about this win, another treasure to inspire me! Don't you love this?!

This next cutie of a win was a special download of a felt tutorial from Cornit's Felt Blog and the creation of Corinna Nitschmann from Hungary .
You have to visit her site, beautiful felt work!!
See, a new craft and art to learn inspired by OWOH!

This is an original mixed media painting by Pam Aries. This is such a wonderful piece of art! The colors are amazing and can't wait to see it up close. Pam's site is Aries Gypsy where you can see her life in the Gulf Coast that inspires her art.
So very beautiful!

Ramona from Create With Joy surprised me with an email to go check out her blog only to see I had won this beautiful journal made of hand made papers. She is all about inspiring each other and being creative in all things in life.

I'll pause here a second. Am I lucky or what?! There's more...

What would One World One Heart be without a very special heart! This beauty is from Elena in California. Her blog is Miss Elena Eous and she is an inspiring writer. Lots of beautiful poetry, photos and other joyful things to read.

This is a limited edition print titled "Captain Jack's Wharf", 11X14 by Diane Hutchinson. This came in the mail this week and it is stunning!!I am extremely proud to have a print of her incredible art. Diane is from Pennsylvania and her blog is Cellar Studio where you can see more of her amazing talent.
Can't wait to get this matted and framed.

This wonderful charm was made by Claireabell's Blogtastic Blog from Yorkshire. I just love the frog playing cello and can't wait for it to make it all the way here to Tn! There's lots of creative eye candy to see on her blog! I'm a music instructor so perfect!! I love it!

At last but not least, is this beautiful rhinestone bracelet made by Alex from Piece. This four leaf clover has a special meaning to me too and know I'll treasure it forever. Alex is from Maryland, where I grew up! So this trip around the world brought me back home again, imagine that!

One World One Heart winners

2010-02-15T11:28:00.001-08:00

I was so thrilled to get so many entries and new followers that I drew names for two winners!
Thank you everyone, this was so much fun. Thanks to Lisa for organizing this too. Looking forward to visiting all my new friends! Here are my two winners!!

#60

WondrousStrange said...: Lovely,lovely! I would love to be entered to win your wonderful gift!

http://wondrousstrangedesigns.blogspot.com/

Please stop by and enter my give away as well! I'm number 290
#203
Colleen said...: Beautiful gift Cathy. This is my first year too and I am thoroughly enjoying the ride.
Thanks for visiting my blog.

Greetings to "One World One Heart " friends!

2010-02-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

I just discovered the One World One Heart event so a little late joining the magic carpet ride. This is an event where bloggers get to meet friends from all over the world who also have blogs. Amazing, funny, creative, loving people!
It has been a pleasure visiting your sites! If you haven't heard of this event be sure to visit the link above and learn how to join us for the next event. It's all about meeting kindred spirits and discovering talents from the whole world over.
This is what I am sending to one of my new friends, a signed print of "Butterfly Maker" 5X7 in a 8X10 mat. All you have to do is comment to this post by 2/14/2010 and I'll draw one name and announce the winner on 2/15/2010.
No extra entries and this is open to everyone!
I hope you enjoy my collage art and thanks for visiting!

If you would like to learn more about me or see more of my art please visit

http://www.cathyhorner.com

My art is also featured in this months edition of Victorian Homes Magazine, a nine page article titled "Piecing it Together".

Congratulations Amy and Thanks Everyone!

2010-02-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks for being part of my first blog giveaway last week. I enjoyed reading all your messages and am thrilled to have new friends follow my blog. I used a random number thingy and Amy won! Yay! I've contacted her and print is on it's way!

I hope everyone checks in with me from time to time and I'll try to stir up new surprises.

Right now I am part of an amazing event that is like an open house for bloggers world wide and each one of us offering a door prize. I am offering a print of "Butterfly Maker" and inviting you for chance to win it.

Thanks again I really had fun!

p.s i changed the date on this post so OWOH would be top on my blog 2/8/2010

Friday Hop!

2010-01-29T12:20:00.000-08:00

Howdy Friday Blog Hoppers!

What are you growing in your vegetable garden this year?
:)

Giveaway , your choice of an art print! Cathy Horner

2010-01-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the wonderful support I've received for my art I've decided it was time to give away a print!

Last year one of my collages was featured on Ovation TV "My Art". Now they are taking votes for the best of the 2009. The winner gets a whole gallery of their art featured on Ovation TV. Please vote. I am #46 "Cloud Nine" (Cathy Horner) This would be so awesome!Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's the link, only takes a second and the voting ends 2/5/2010

http://www.ovationtv.com/Events/myart

However, although greatly appreciated it is not a way to get an entry for the free print. It would just make me really happy :) Thank you for supporting my art.

The prize: One winner, your choice of any hand signed print, 8X10 including the mat.

Here's how to enter:.
Go to my website and come back and tell me which print you would chose.

http://www.cathyhorner.com

For an extra entry follow my blog. Make a second post and write "I follow".

If you already follow be sure to make a second post saying that you follow my blog.

Please leave your email contact in the post so I can easily contact you. You can shorten it for security reasons like cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com for example.

That's it! This is my first giveaway so hope you enjoy it. I'll pull your name out of a hat or if there are lot of entries will use a random generator. Last date to post is 02/06/2010.

Update! I am enjoying this so much, love reading all your messages and making new friends. I'm already thinking of new projects and future giveaways. So, I've decided if this giveaway reaches 100 entries I will draw two names for a free print of choice. Spread the word and thanks! This is fun!! Cathy

Starving Artist and Glue

2010-01-16T16:11:00.001-08:00

No, I'm not eating glue. Not sniffing it either although sometimes you would think I do..but no, not me. I'm not starving either but being a full time artist really has it struggles. This post is actually about getting support to continue doing what I love so much.

First is Plaid Enterprises. They have generously sent me a full box of jars of the Royal Coat Decoupage finish I use on every piece of art I make. I use at least four coats per canvas and it's the final thing I do before signing and framing the art. Plaid also sent a few other products to try out. Thank you so much!!

Next is Golden Paints for their seconds program. Another product I use on every collage is the Golden Gel Medium. I use this to glue down everything in the collage. Great stuff. Through their program I was mailed two heavy boxes filled with not only the gel medium but also their quality acrylic paints. I am so ready to make more art! Thank you so much!

I want to thank my family for not only their support but for believing in me. It keeps me so motivated and inspired to work harder. Linda and Joe, thank you. They knew I couldn't even turn the heat on in my house and commissioned me to make custom collages and prints of both of their families and sent me funds up front. My sister Barbara bought me a kerosene heater. Thank you thank you thank you! Not only am I warmer but it warmed the cockles of my heart!
Knowing that my family and friends believe in me is the greatest gift of all.

And finally but not least is the support from everyone who likes my crazy art, crazy guitar playing and likes me as a crazy guitar instructor. I love you all!

http://www.cathyhorner.com

My art featured in Victorian Homes Magazine

2010-01-16T15:36:00.000-08:00

On the newstands now! February 2010 issue. Wow, I was stunned how beautiful the article is and it's nine pages long featuring full color pages of my art. The article was written by Jennifer Myers and editor for the magazine. She couldn't have described me more perfectly!
The title is called "Piecing it Together". Jennifer explains where my art all started, details of my method of making art and in her words captures the love and fun I have creating it.

The magazine also features a side article about Victorian Photocollage that is being exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY through May then to the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. Also two books written about this turn of the century past time called "Playing with Pictures" and "The Marvelous Album of Madame B" that are available at the museum shop of the Art Institute of Chicago. Jennifer sent me a copy of the first book and it is awesome! It is also mentioned in this article how similar my collage art is to this museum collection. I knew I was born yesterday!

I am very proud to have my art published and such kind words written about it in a magazine I have read for years. I did all the photography too, and pleased how it turned out. I'm just tickled pink!!

http://www.cathyhorner.com

My Art Series 2009 Set 17 - Ovation TV Video - Make Life Creative

2009-12-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

My Art Series 2009 Set 17 - Ovation TV Video - Make Life Creative

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

This is "Pearl". I found the woman image in a 1922 newspaper, she was an actress but no name was given. She was standing in a pearl so that is why I gave her this name. I faded the image by erasing the ink off the print so she would look ghostly.

A video about me

2009-10-21T14:29:00.001-07:00

This is a video about me, my music and art. In the background one of my songs are playing. It is called "Zig Zag". I like this video, it was a generous prize I won from TurnHere. Of course I think I look funny :)

My art to be featured in Victorian Homes Magazine

2009-10-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled about this! I've read this magazine since I was in my twenties, back when I was only dreaming of owning an old house. At one point in my life I was married and we built a custom home. I saved every issue and used these to help me design that house. Now after all these years I finally have a 109 year old house and it's all mine!

I've always loved art and antiques. Never did I imagine that I would find my muse in making art and be using the vintage images I find so endearing. Victorian Homes Magazine is sure that their readers will enjoy learning about me and my collages. I've submitted photos of my work, and one of me. Also did a phone interview with the editor who was so nice and encouraging.

I am to be featured in the February issue, 2010.

http://www.cathyhorner.com

50 Artists/50 States/50 Mediums

2009-10-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

This is titled "Oh Home Early?" and will be part of a gallery exhibit through December. It's a long way from home in WI, I'm in TN. Here is the information about the show. I love the concept and proud to represent Tn and Collage art!

50 artists/50 states/50 Mediums

One artist from each state will represent a different medium, bridging the gap between the traditional fine art, craft, and design fields.

September 23-December 31, 2009

The Eclipse Gallery
507 Fourth St
Algoma, WI 54201

920-487-8060

www.theeclipsegallery.com

To see more of my art, portfolio and other events please visit:

www.cathyhorner.com

Thanks for stopping by!

Cloud Nine

2009-09-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

Ovation TV is going to spotlight a pic of me and this art piece titled "Cloud Nine" on their segment called "My Art". I won't know the exact time but they will also have it available to view at the OvationTV website. yay!

I love this giveaway! Check it out! Blank journal

2009-07-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! I usually don't blog about giveaways but this one is so cool. It is being hosting by "The Funky Monkey" and the winner get a choice of a blank journal from Ex Libris Anonymous. I love it so much because the journals are made with recycled old book covers. I love old images as you can see from my collage art, and these book covers are full of humor and nostalgia. Ex Libris Anonymous has lots to choose from so you can find one that fits your journal writing, recipe collecting or whatever else you need a special blank book for.

Click here to go to the Funky Monkey site

My home makeover grand prize!

2009-07-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

As I promised, I am posting photos taken after my grand prize win from Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (now with Dow corp) of a $20,000 exterior make over to my 100 yr old farm house. A very special thank you to them. Deborah Zimmer and Sharon Justice flew into my town on Arbor Day and not only presented this wonderful gift, but also offered their expert advise on painting and design. You can learn all about painting techniques and about paint at their site. I was also presented with a gift of a Leland Cypress from the Arbor Day Foundation, who also donated 10,000 trees to my community!

The Paint Quality Institute (PQI) was founded in 1989 in Philadelphia with the initial goal of educating consumers, contractors and retailers on the advantages of using the highest quality paints and coatings. Today, PQI also delivers information on cutting-edge trends such as color, decorative techniques, and innovative new ways to use paint.

http://www.paintquality.com/

I'd also like to thank Michael Moore Painting, a local contractor in Elizabethton TN who painted my roof and house. I chose Michael because of his extensive knowledge about painting. He was delightful to work with and really cared about this project. Also Ronnie Luttrel for doing all the carpenter work to the porch and Evergreen Nursery for planting my tree.

I can't thank my friends and family enough for all the support they gave by voting for me! I am so proud of my home now. In addition to the painting of the house, I also bought a porch swing and was able to do some landscaping around the house.

I am so happy. Thank you!!

Painting with paper

2009-05-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

I "paint" my images using tiny scraps of hand made papers. Sometimes I will use a vintage image, scan and size it then print it out on quality paper in gray scale ink. Then this image is cut out but not glued to the canvas yet. To color the image the hand made papers are torn in pieces, sometimes no bigger than a parsley flake so I can add shadows and depth. An example of this would be the shadow in the staircase in the first picture.
In the second picture the man and woman sitting at their desks are very small and detailed. The circus tent and sunset in the next two pictures are not as detailed, however there is texture. The easiest paper to work with is mulberry because it layers to blend colors but sometimes other papers will create interesting textures.
I use a gel medium to glue them in place, then trim the image before it is glued to the canvas.

I won the house makeover!

2009-05-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

Hi followers! I've been extremely busy with my gardens. First spring in my house and getting surprised daily by finding different flowers and shrubs growing in the yard of this 100 yr old homestead. The BIG news! On Arbor Day I was awarded a check for $20,000 to give my house an exterior makeover from Rohm and Haas (now with DOW) and was given a 6 foot Leyland Cypress from the Arbor Day Foundation. It was a wonderful day and I was front page news in the local paper.

The painters are prepping the roof and siding and I have a carpenter working on the front porch. I ordered wonderful gingerbread that will look like arches between the pillars. I'll be taking lots of photos to share. So happy!!!!!!!!!

Thank you everyone for helping me win this huge prize!

Art Print blog giveaway

2009-03-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

"She became a butterfly" is hosting a giveaway of one of my art prints. Be sure for your 2nd entry to mention you follow my blog. Have fun!

http://www.shebecameabutterfly.net/?p=1520

Art: Working with real butterfly wings

2009-03-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

First things first. I assure you I'm not a butterfly killer! With the exception of the Monarch most adult butterflies only live a week or two. There are butterfly farms, and as far as I know they don't hook them up to a plow or anything and just wait for a natural death before collecting them. I find the ka-put insects in my yard, the park and even parking lots where I've recieved an odd glance or two as I carefully pick them up. I don't limit myself to butterflies and have collected deceased moths, cicadas and even hornet wings for my art!

Butterfly wings are very delicate. They are covered with thousands of colorful scales that are so tiny it is almost powder like. With a very light touch, using a paint brush I coat both sides with a gel medium. I let each coat dry then add another coat. This makes them a little easier to handle. Since I am using them in collages, usually with a paper image on top of part of it, I cut away some of the thicker veins that wouldn't be seen anyway and would cause a ridge in my image.

In collage art, after arranging all the images that you have decided on, you have to take it all apart again before glueing everything down in the order it needs to be. The wings are still very fragile, sometimes I will use tweezers. Even once I have glued the wings in place, numerous times I go back and add more gel medium around the edges. If there is an air pocket I will carefully make a tiny slice with a razor blade and fill it with more gel medium.

Once an entire collage is finished I coat each one with about four coats of decoupage finish. If a collage has insect wings, I put this finish on thicker on the wings.

My intention is to perserve a beautiful part of nature in art.

You can help get my old house fixed up!

2009-02-24T05:12:00.000-08:00

Some time ago I wrote a contest essay on line explaining why I thought my house needed an exterior make over. One of the judges is from the show "Trading Spaces" the sponsors are Rohm and Haas and the National Arbor Day foundation. They chose 20 houses nation wide for the finalists which now will be voted on by the public. I am one of those houses!!!!!!!!!!!!!The grand prize is $12,000 to paint the house plus a $8000 check, also a 6' tree for the yard and 10,000 tree's to the winner's community. My house has yellow siding, red shutters and an orange roof lol!Please vote for me!!!! Also if you don't mind asking your friends, or any lists that you are on to vote too. I would love to win this contest and could really use the prize!! I believe you can only vote once through March 6th. I am "Johnson City, TN" tenth house from the top. This would mean so much to me to win, it would be huge! Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you! Here is the entrance page: http://www.paintquality.com/spruceup/index.html Here is the voting page: http://vote.mediagravy.com/votepage.php

Robots, Robots mowing the lawn

2009-02-21T18:56:00.000-08:00

I never thought about writing a blog. What is a blog anyway? Is it a journal? I'm not even sure what to write about, however the wheels that constantly turn in my head never seem to run out of things to think about. What is even more amazing, my Dear Followers, you have subjected yourself to my rambling of which has no clear direction as of yet. Maybe I am blessed and you will guide me. BTW, I can be very silly so don't take me too seriously. Feel free to join my silliness.

Robots. Robots mowing the lawn. Robots serving ice tea. I wish. I have 2.3 acres of lawn and rocks and only a push mower. I tell myself it's good exercise so I don't mind.

To make these loveable robots, I use many vintage industrial catalogs dated pre-1950's. Some of their parts even date back to the early 1900's. I cut out images of parts, and since I really have no idea what they are it may be why I see faces, legs, arms as I piece them together. I then think of a human situation to put them in with a retro feel.

I've done robots in the baby nursery, in the kitchen and playing guitars. In collage art, I am really at the mercy of the vintage images I find but sometimes with a little creativity, handmade papers and paint I can add things to my canvas.

Readers, what other retro situations should I put my robots in?

I won a beautiful heart from Prized Possessions

2009-02-15T09:34:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day was nice this year. Picked up dinner for me and my beau, he gave me a sweet card and Mario game for my DS (haha..he knows me well). I recieved a package in the mail from Prized Possessions, I had won a Swarovski Rose Heart Pendant from Mary Ann's blog contest. She is so nice and has also offered to help me figure out this whole bloggy thing. The pendant is very pretty and made a new friend too! I think these giveaways are fun, friendly and good way to meet new people. I also have been discovering lots of new things that are unique, original and that I want to buy!

Mary Ann's blog site is http://www.prized-possessions.blogspot/
and etsy site http://prizedpossessions.etsy.com

My first blog!

2009-02-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

My very first blog post ever, so be patient with my page here as I learn the ropes. I live in beautiful TN in a 108 year old farm house on several acres. Here I have a music room where I give guitar lessons and also an art studio where I make collages. I have a cat named Miss Thang.

I hope to write about art and music and make new friends.