All Images copyrighted by Bonnie J. Smith and not to be used without permission!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Home Gallery

                                    Series of "Control Works" and various other fiber art works.
                                           "Thoughts of the Mind, Interpretations in Indigo"

Today on the Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) yahoo group, the question came up about purchasing property one can work/gallery space and live from.  I have exactly that kind of living arrangement.
Our downstairs and also street side in San Jose, Ca. has 900 square feet and the upstairs has 1900 square feet.  The entry way has a room that is 18 x 16 feet and that is used as my gallery.  What I really love is I always have somewhere to bring people where my work is staged and I can stage new projects that I am working on.  Also the lighting is wonderful because of the overhang I receive no direct sunlight so my photographer also likes coming to my home to photograph my work and I also welcome him to use it for photographing others artwork also.  We purchased a hanging system that now goes all the way around the room offering me quick up and down hanging of my work so I can always see exactly how my finished work will look.  The entry door is the same style of door one would find at a department store all glass with side windows also in glass.  Any passerby can easily see what my next creations are at all times. 

I do keep the doors locked and have a by appointment sign prominently placed and yes people do want to stop, come in and look around and sometimes make a purchase or just contemplate what is gong on with my work. When friends visit this is always the first stop in the house to see what I have been up to lately.  I do not work downstairs in the other rooms as I prefer working upstairs always keeping a distance from the area but I have been thinking lately of moving my studio to one of the lower level rooms.  In the past I have been approached by other artist to use the exhibiting space but I am pretty selfish about my little gallery and how I can always be changing the gallery and exhibiting new artworks..

Monday, May 21, 2012




 My family land I celebrated Mother's Day this
 weekend in Carmel, California.

 What a beautiful day it was.

 Carmel was not crowded and the sight seeing was so delightful.

 We all had a wonderful time.  I highly recommend
 Spanish Bay to anyone wanting a romantic or just relaxing
 getaway!

 We also met a amateur astronomer at Spanish Bay who set up     
 his equipment so we could all get a glimpse of the eclipse.

 Dinner and later coffee around one of the fire pits was so indulgent
 and yes we all enjoyed every minute of it.

 Deer were everywhere and later a gentleman playing a bagpipe emerged
 from the moor.
                                                    
 Wonderful day and thanks to my family!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Long over due is the announcement that my work is now represented by GaulSearson Ltd., located in the San Francisco Design Center, Ca. 
GaulSearson Ltd.

Joe Gaul and Doug Searson have a magnificent designer show room that is a must see.
Please check out the link and see for yourself.

This just one of the new pieces of art works at Gaul Searson Ltd.


"Flow" 40h x 30w



Friday, March 9, 2012

Lucky me the lovely ladies who post on the blog http://www.seehowwesew.wordpress.com/ asked if they could place my artwork from Quilt National 2011 on their blog.  I was very flattered needless to say.  Please take a look at SeeHowWeSew as it is a interesting blog with information about exhibits and instructions on techniques.

Thank you Darra, Laura and Christie!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Another great art day! Today the MOMA.  So much to see and I tried to take it all in but went into overload.
I am attaching a picture of Frida K. A self portrait I do not think I have ever seen before, it was magnificent! Frida painted herself as a strong confident woman.  The color and details were wonderful.  What a life and what a woman!  Please take a close look at the frame.  Also, at the MOMA was Rivera's work like I have never seen before.  The installation was a artists dream in that they had his drawings for many completed murals.  I have never been a fan of his work but seeing the process turned me around!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

I went to the 9/11 Memorial today.  Whew, what a beautiful site they have created!  Every time I was in New York I just had to pass on going to the site, but I was ready and glad I went today.  I recommend a visit for everyone.  Very humbling to say the least.  Aso, so many small memorials out side the Memorial. that are so thought provking.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Well another great day of sightseeing!  I am showing you a picture today of a artist who creates installations using dishes.  This was large very large about 30 feet tall.  Don't you just marvel at the work others do!

Friday, February 17, 2012

Today was the best at the Museum of Art & Design in New York. Glasstress New York: New Art From The Vinice Biennales is not to be missed! I was in that building for about three hours and dreaded leaving as they always have the best and most exciting exhibits.  I will post pictures later as I am just beat today!

Great Chocolate Bobka today!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Finally, my challenge is finished.  Karen Musgrave put out a call for a challenge using this wonderful 50's fabric that I used in the Cafe Curtains.  I also used the reverse side of the fabric in the background. The idea behind the work is to highlight what advertisers suggested would be wonderful gifts for women for the holidays especially those that made her life easier. Really!
Well, what to say about that?  Love this challenge!

Also, no that is not Pat Nixon in the photo, some of you are just to funny and I get it!