The Lovely Bones

This book The Lovely Bones and movie The Lovely "bones goes perfectly with my illness. Yesterday I read The Lovely Bones by Alice Seabold and today I watched it on Pay Per View. It was sad, haunting and beautiful story about the murder of a young girl. I had this book for years before I felt in the mood to read it. The screen play was naturally different timelines changed and there were not the layers and depth to the story but the acting was good and the visions of the inbetween world were well done, I recommend it.

It has been at least four weeks and I am still sick coughing myself silly and drinking my special concoction, Theraflu, lemon and honey tea, yummy! Today I finally went to see the doctor after coughing, chills, fever, and feeling generally horrible. The Doctor said I have bronchitis. Now I have the antibiotics and cough medicine I need I'm sure to feel better soon . Why am I so stubborn when it comes to visiting the Doctor? So after weeks of milking this thing getting sympathy and being waited on I'm getting sick of being sick.
Television is my companion and my guilty pleasure, from Dr. Who to Nurse Jackie, The United States of Tara, True Blood, The Office, Regis and Kelly, the Independent Film channel lots of movies and when Peter gets the remote its the History channel and how things are made. I have watched so much television it makes me embarrassed to admit it. I have an urge to throw it out the window. Well folks thanks for listening to me whine
I wish you all a long and happy life.

Blue Landscape

Encaustic

8" x 10"

85.00

This is my little creation it shines like a jewel and is in a wooden frame with silver accents.

Charles M. Russell and Me

When I was a little girl I got plenty of artistic encouragement, when I drew a good picture they would say she gets her talent from Charley. That's Charles M. Russell Americas most beloved cowboy and Western painters from yesteryear. He comes from my mothers side the Montana relatives. Russell greatly admired the American Indians, especially those of the Northern Plains. He spent the summer of 1888 visiting often with the Blood Indians in Alberta, Canada. This experience affected him for the rest of his life, and can be seen in the many detailed works he created of Plains Indians. As my latest acquisition showed he may have loved the Plains Indians a little too much. It most certainly explains the Indian in the woodpile we always laughed about as a family. My 1/8th Blackfoot Indian blood is explained in graphic detail. In Russells lifetime he painted more than 4,000 paintings. Charlie's works were popular because of their narrative subject matter, unique style, and dynamic action. In addition, he had the ability to accurately depict specific times or events in western history. Russell died on October 24, 1926 at his home in Great Falls, Montana

These two paintings are in a beautiful antique ornate frame with a suprise inside. The first one shows a cowboy waiting for the Indian maiden, unlock the frame and hidden under the painting is another painting. Oh my heavens look! they are getting busy on the blanket with the horses and the dog getting excited also. What a rare find! This comes with certificates of authenticity. An artist friend of mine found it at a yard sale and sold it to me for only fifty bucks.

na na na na na na naaa (Twilight Zone Theme)

The Twilight Zone

12" x 12" x 2"

Encaustic Wax

Judy Vars

"You're traveling through another dimension a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land who's boundaries are that of the imagination. That's the signpost up ahead next stop the Twilight Zone"

This is is my creation for the next First Friday in Anchorage where I will be a part of a group show for the Alaska Chapter of International Encaustic Artists (A.K.I.E.A.).
Friday May 7th @ Virtu Gallery, 400 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska

Broken Wings

Broken Angels
For
Bobby Nichols
1976-2010

You came to life a little angel with the scent of heaven still on your head and stardust upon your sweet body. You still rememberied where you came from and what your mission is on Earth is.

Alas, the material world is tough with all its twists and turns, we get dirty, our wings get broken, people betray our faith, circumstance steals our hope. The good, the bad and the ugly all rolled into one ball, everyday life gives us more challenges that think we can handle. Still we love this existence and do not want to go or see our loved ones go.

Yes, it’s hard to remember and keep faith alive, but still life is dear to us, so everyday we do our best to offer a little peace and love - shining our little light into the darkest corners of our existence.

So with your wings broken and your garments dirty it’s off to the repair shop for you.
It’s time for an overhaul, to get your wings repaired, clothes replaced with new, and your spirit washed clean and your memories restored, then all your questions will be answered and things will become apparent.

What really hurts you know is the empty space you leave in our world.
We will remember the kind and loving boy with stardust upon his countenance and true love in his heart.

Bobby we will miss you for along time (HOPEFULLY).

Love
Aunt Judy

ART FOR SALE

Encaustics, Oils, Assemblages

Judy Vars

Firefly Gallery

419 L. Street

Anchorage, Alaska

First Friday - April 2, 2010

Fourth annual Encaustic Painting Conference at Montserrat College of Art

Jasper Johns: Detail of Target with Four Faces, photographed in the exhibition, "Focus: Jasper Johns," at the Museum of Modern Art, New York City, 2008-2009
This is my first Encaustic conference and I am excited to be attending. Encaustic Wax enjoys an almost cult like following so I will be meeting the other wax followers in Boston! Since I have not traveled to the Northeast it's even more exciting. Beverly Mass is right next to Salem, Mass. you know where the witches live, old houses, ships and fishermen. I plan to see The House of the Seven Gables, a cemetery, museums, galleries, ships, mast heads - everything.

Besides presentations and lectures for three days I will also attend some more intensive post workshops; Miles Conrad an exhibiting artist and a gallery owner, he well understands what artists need to do to get their work into the world, information he shared in his talk, "Critical Feedback," to 10 artists who are serious about moving their work forward to the next level. THATS ME!
Another passion of mine is portrait painting in encaustic: Homage to Fayum with Francisco Benitez of Montreal is my other post workshop .

The conference is literally 84% full as of today but there is still time to attend if you hurry.
Last year I snoozed and didn't get in this year I'm getting all psyched up to go network, learn, play, yay!
Last night I got the best deal on airfare 501.00 RT Anchorage to Boston do I know how to get a good deal or what. I know I will suffer when flying coach, waiting for connections etc. but today I feel happy. Here's the link: http://montserratencausticconference.blogspot.com/2009/11/were-up-and-running.html

Romando's Story

The further adventures of Judy, Peter and Marty aka Pippa who knows the greatest people in Costa Rica. We took a boat ride across the gulf to a jungle paradise known as Dolphin Quest this is 600 acres of virgin rain forest only assesible by boat. On this tropical estate are horses, toucans, cranes, hummingbirds, butterflies, tapirs, iguanas, tempasquitlleys, howler monkeys, fruit trees and the ocean to provide food. This is Romando's place he has been there for about 24 years a true Renaissance man, he is the real deal! His oldest son was born in the ocean on a birthing raft built epically for Amy his former wifee, this whole birth was documented by a film company. When Raymar came out be was underwater for a full 14 minutes until the umbilical cord stopped and then he swam to the surface and into his mothers arms. Thats amazing! Because Ramondo has a personal connecction with the dolphins they visit him regularly and people who visit often get to swim with them also.
The cabina we slept in was nice with a bug net on the beds the noise of the jungle is so loud at night and early in the morning it's hard to sleep. Raymondo is a great cook we ate like kings afterword there was interesting conversations about life in the jungle, great stories.

My only problem is that I am too sweet and the bugs in Costa Rica had a feast of my flesh.

The Story of Cordovado Paradise (photos to follow)

Go to the end of the road by collectivo a cattle truck for humans last stop Carate a way station for refreshments and a short rest then proceed west on foot along the coast of the pacific for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Next to the entrance of the Corcovado National Reserve one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet is a fresh water lagoon which marks the boundaries of my friend Ricks piece of paradise. He said this is the only place on the pacific coast from Alaska to Chile where the rain forest meets the ocean.

When he found this property there lived a very old woman names Mahatma and another younger man named Alvero, their exact relationship is obscure but he was wild eyed and scared the local people because seemed crazed. Mahatma had run away from her abusive husband to this piece of land and lived there for the past 37 years. Local people called her a witch and told stories about her and her powers. She lived simply sometimes selling lemonade to the hikers passing on the beach. Otherwise she had little need for money just the provisions that money could buy, beans, rice, socks. Rick and Cynthis provided these things when they came by.

The land was owned by a sketchy German named Rudger Schultz described as a big man with huge hands and when he touched you it felt icky. From all apperances he was one of those guys into young boys and quite possibly a machosist. Romando their very old friend they met at a Rainbow gathering found this for Rick and his wife. They are old hippies from the bay area and like many had done very well in business. Rudger and Rick struck a price for this place 10 years ago (ridiculously cheep) and the process began. There are some very complicated things take place for Americans to own in Costa Rica.
Upon first sight of this place it was littered with glass and 37 wild starving dogs running the place.They were all shot and placed in a mass grave except for Peggy.

Later on Mahatama got sick and was taken to the hospital where it's noisey and indifferent and where old women die neglected and alone. The only person th hospital could find to call was Rutger the perverted German, he surprisingly came. Mahatma had one request, that she be returned to her home to die. He refused her dying wish. Mahatma placed a curse on him and at the same moment she died and as he was leaving he had a massive coronary and died on the spot. Alvero was lost without his mistress and wandered off into the hills to find gold.

Rick and Cynthia delt with Rutgers daughter who hated her father and just wanted to get his affairs out of the way. This place is one the most beautiful spots on the planet when I met Rick he had been there all alone going on 30 days. The wild life simple comes to his porch, every kind on animal on the OSA it's magical he shared the most amazing stories of monkeys, pumas, birds and frightening lightening storms. He eats mango's, pineapples, starfruit, lemons etc. all produced on the land. Oh to just sit quietly and let life come to your porch. I had a taste of paradise on earth for three days thanks to this generous old hippy.
Today we are going to Romandos to swim with the dolphins going to a butterfly farm and an orchid farm.
Austa luego
baby

Art In Puerto Imenez

Did I mention that my artwork has gone international. I showed my painting of Anita Polanca to Jose C. Fallas proprietor of the "Artes De OSA Gallery" in Puerto Jimenex, Costa Rica and he comissioned me to do several paintings of my impressions of Costa Rica. So if you're there ask to see Jude Vargas (that's my Costa Rica pen name)

This happened a week ago and I'm healing nicely more stories later

We are safe and secure in our little motel Cabinas Marcelinas in Puerto Jimenez it feels very comfortable and welcoming all the town folk seem to remember us and are happy to see us.
But I got a story to tell. On the way back from the Arenal Volcano we went to a hotel in San Jose a nice Clarion by the airport. We were going to dinner and the hotel had a ramp down to the lower level it was the same color as the floor and there were no railings. I was looking at the artwork and slipped and sprained my ankle, It hurt so bad I cried like a baby. The bell man ran over and got me some ice and then the manager came and said we should call an ambulance and take me to the hospital there the ambulance arrived and there was much cross talk all in Spanish over me finally they took me to the state hospital Mexico. This hospital wasthe huge old scary edifice I had seen on my way out of San Jose three days prior. I said OMG look at that building "how would you like to have to be in there" Me and Peter were the only Gringos there and a little tico girl helped translate taking passports and information. It was a waking nightmare really when I went into the trauma room with no shoes there were all sorts of infirmery old women in pain, some waiting on gurneys, a girl with a head wound, a man with a face wound, a woman heaving into a plastic bag and we with my ankle swolen up line a tennis ball. They took XRays on a 1960 machine the place was lets just say not sanitary and everything was very old OMG, the residents just sat around bullshiting and looking busy. I waited five hours after everyone else had been treated and I was finally getting indignant then they told me they lost my XRays and needed to shoot more. My husband complained loudly and they only said sorry and seemed slightly amused. Finally the orthopedic surgeon said no fractures, keep ice on it,take ibprophen stay off it and wrap it. Nothing was provided not even ice.
I wonder if they had a motive to teach the Gringo a lesson? Yes I learned my lesson on many levels: do not temp the fates and say things like OMG I'll never or desparige any other culture or their architecture.

Good news the Clarion paid for the hotel, ambulance ride, emergency room, taxi, and stay on the way back on the 13th, we went back the the hotel at 3:00am and I slept very soundly on demoral.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Yesterday we went to the hanging bridges and walked for miles in the rain forest canopy, OMG I am so afraid of heights it was espicially thrilling, later we swam under a waterfall 500 steep steps down and 1500 steps up,also looked at Arinal volcano and saw just clouds, in the evening we went to a hot springs resort and played in the hot mineral pools. We went down a very fast scarry water slide. Today It's been raining for about 24 hours straight everything is damp and the temperature is cool. Even though the Linda Vista is very remote I have the luxury of my little PC on my bed in my room with movies, music and books programed onto it just for rainey days like this one. Tomorrow it's back to San Jose for a night then we are flying to Puerto Imenez.

This is my view for the last few days it's just like the Garden of Eden except the snakes really do bite and the food is not free.

44 Ways To Give a Blow Job or How to Please All the People All the Time

Sure I am a little pissed! I've got the right to be, it's just not easy trying to people please instead of learning to trust my instincts. It is time to set myself free. Thank God I have a holiday starting February 14th Costa Rica baby.
Ahhhhhhhh rain in a rain forest, hot molten volcanoes, cloud forests, chocolate, fruit and my beloved.

My hilarious, eccentric, writer friend Evonne (name changed at request of my friend) and I had a fun conversation about silly people and our own reactions to situations, she told me her idea for a short story;
"44 ways to give a blow job" so I used it in my blog title. There is a double entendre there an intellegent person (you) will not fail to see the hidden meaning. So if anyone wants to comment on blow job techniques, people pleasing, setting yourself free, or holidays, I'm collecting data for her short story. Set yourself free say whatever you please there is no censor on this blog and you can remain anonymous.
I love you!***where is my fluffer.

Encaustic Wax Art (my article for Make-A-Scene)

If you haven’t heard of encaustic wax art you are not alone. It was Greek to me once. The art form has been around since Marc Anthony and Cleopatra had their fateful love affair. Encaustic means to burn in pigments made from pure organic beeswax, mixed with damar resin and fixed with heat. The exact formula was lost until a modern chemist reinvented it in the 1940’s. The earliest surviving examples are the Fayum mummy portraits, head and shoulder portraits painted onto wood panels for the mummy casing - an early Greek version of the funeral makeup artist.
Currently at the Metropolitan Museum of Art there are more than 70 on display until May 2010. This funerary is a fascinating blend of Roman and Egyptian culture and is a rare glimpse into the faces and eyes of an ancient civilization.

Encaustic wax art fell into obscurity by the seventh century and was forgotten with the invention of more practical methods such as oil and tempura. Electricity and pre-made pigments have made encaustic more available to everyone. Now in the 21st century encaustic is back in a big way. This summer there are several major exhibitions on the East Coast and at the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts in Oregon, in June, encaustic art is the cornerstone exhibit. My work is on display at Bagels Alaska, 6177 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy, The Alaska Gallery, 105 Arctic Ave, Palmer, and The Firefly Gallery, 419 L Street, Anchorage.

The qualities of the artwork that can be achieved with encaustics are unique. The beeswax is pure and organic, perfect for artists concerned with the Green Revolution. The methods are more like alchemy and magic than painting. It can be layered with translucent pigments to mysteriously reveal what lies partially hidden. The depth and luminosity that can be achieved is remarkable. Modern artists have taken the wax to amazing places. It also appeals to artists who want to carve, sculpt or collage.

As encaustic goes more main-stream, collectors and galleries are becoming more interested in the medium. Encaustic art is losing some of its novelty - which is good. Collectors will not shy away from this medium as more people hear about it and understand its unique qualities which include durability and permanence.

My mission is to spread the “cult of the wax”. So, fired up with enthusiasm and new techniques, I am planning a 2 day workshop in the late summer. I have taught encaustic wax techniques to artist organizations and art teacher groups. Also at Art on Fire and the Alaska State Fair. I teach children through the Alaska State Council of the Arts. I have taken several intensive workshops locally and in June I will be attending the 4th annual convention of encaustic artists in Massachusetts. Please keep on the lookout for more information in this Make a Scene paper.

Only you, the artist, knows it is not the paint that makes the painting but the artist who creates. Imagination and will are all that is required.

All Things Waxy - Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, welcomes the Obamas

Michelle Obama is showing her pearls and pearly whites

Who do you have to be anyway to get your image cast in wax? http://www.madametussauds.com/NewYork/ check it out! I went to a wax museum a long long time ago in good ole London. Here is my encounter with Alfred Hitchcock. Wax figures are more than just a little bit wierd, that's why I love them!

A Sentimental Valentine

A Sentimental Valentine
Encaustic /Collage
16" x 20"
320.00
This piece is layered with antique photographs, love letter, peacock quill, pearls, pocket watch and silver boxes. The Valentine says; When you find this heart from me I hope you'll very happy be, and if you are twill mean that you will be my Valentine so true From Isabelle with a pink kiss.

Raven Sisters Aurora Raven and Sunrise Raven

Aurora Raven

Oil

8" x 10"

Judy Vars

sold

Sunrise Raven

Oil

8" X 10"

Judy Vars

sold

The Raven Sisters are Getting Closer to Completion

Today I spent the morning painting the ravens and the branches. The Northern Lights Raven started to resemble stained glass, this gave me the idea to give it even more drama so I applied another layer of glaze in the negative space behind the branches. The glaze was mixed with Pearl Ex pigments to make it literally glow. I mixed Dorlands Wax Medium with black oil paint to do the branches. I wanted to use the wax to give it a more dimensional effect like a stained glass window. Making this painting not strictly an indirect painting. Sorry Connie I'm in love with wax.
The Morning Raven is so beautiful with pinks, lavenders and baby blues. The Ravens cavorting in the sky makes this painting especially appealing. One represents the night with rare Northern lights, the mystery of the unknown the subconscious. The other is a painting of sunrise, a new day, hope and possibilities lay endlessly before one. The theme of duality in my artwork reoccures quite frequently. I find very satisfying the Yin and Yang philosophy; that in opposites lay the paradox that we are related to each other, in creation we need both sides. The Ravens are mythological birds which carry messages to the spirit world. Nothing is ever black and white. Yes these are this things I contemplate while creating my art. Or are they just a couple of pretty paintings? "Art is in the eye of the beholder."

The translucent Mars black pigment, I painted the Ravens with will take a few days to dry completely. Then I will add some finishing touches and deliver them to their owners one will go to Florida and one will stay in Alaska. Just think of the opposites in those two extremes, but still part of the same system forever related and intertwined.

The purples are not showing up in the photograph. Stay tuned for the finished pieces.

Here in the dark days of winter are a few words that might just keep your sunny side up:

"Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive, because your words become your behaviours. Keep your behaviours positive, because your behaviours become your habits. Keep your habits positive, because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive, because your values become your destiny." (Mahatma Gandhi)>Another later is glazed onto the canvas, it is important to add oil into the turpentine as you go otherwise the turpentine will remove paint. Tomorrow I will add some of the higher values to the clouds and aurora then paint the foreground. I'm thinking a few coats of varnish will add even more depth. It should be ready in a few more days. You can't rush an indirect painting.

My Encaustic Wax Artwork is Currently Showing @ Bagels Alaska

6177 East Palmer-Wasilla Highway
Across from the Mattress Ranch and next to the bus barn on the Palmer Wasilla Highway.
Stop in for some authentic New York style bagels and see my artwork..