Category Archives: art news

Lotus Again

It’s time to purchase more wax, damar resin and colors to continue on the path of the lotus.  I have expanded to include thistles this time, as well as Japanese lilies.

I have a thing for Ancient Egypt.  I also have a thing for Scotland.  And everything Japanese.  My paintings do tend to blend these cultures like a reincarnated melting pot of who I might be.

Sharing the current in progress situation.  Paintings situated on my living room floor.  It is good to take a breather from inhaling beeswax (which is completely intoxicating) and ponder my next decisions.

In a perfect universe, I could have all my pancake griddles going a once so that I can access every color in my repertoire, but I don’t have the room in my studio nor the electrical power to accomplish this – or do I?  Maybe I just need more extension cords and another table and another griddle or two….

I will figure it out.  Love that art can be both challenging and fun.

James Rosenquist Is a Cat

Karen Tashkovski, “Gentleness”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
Karen Tashkovski, “Benevolence”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage

I adopted Jameson James (Jamey) Rosenquist from Every Cat’s Dream, 2101 Vestal Parkway West, Vestal, NY 13850.  Jamey was never feral.  He, along with his three sister kitties, was born inside the cozy home of a foster mother.  Jamey is a very healthy, loving companion and I am so grateful for Every Cat’s Dream and for the volunteers who rescue and foster so many cats and kittens.

They rely on donations and often sponsor events in the Binghamton, New York area.  The next one is tomorrow at the Vestal Library.  For information on these events you can visit their website or follow them on Facebook.

Karen Tashkovski, “Mon Dieu”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
Karen Tashkovski, “Love”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage

I am donating these paper collages to support the organization.  I created them back in 2001.  I used embroidery floss to sew paper to paper and added text, as well as playing cards, sand dollars, coins and sea glass.  They are delicate so, I am going to trust that the right people will value and care for them – adopt them – the way I value, love and care for my Jamey.

They are placed on foam board in acetate sleeves so they will need to be framed.   I priced them at $75 each, which in today’s money would be $136.81 according to Google calculating the inflation rate.  So, that is quite a bargain!

If you do purchase one, please let me know and I will put you on my mailing list for future art events.  It is helpful to have a provenance when curating an art collection.

Karen Tashkovski, “Bon Voyage”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
Karen Tashkovski, “Love Bird”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
Karen Tashkovski, “5”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage

In addition to my art fundraising efforts, I have entered Jamey in a contest to get his photograph in a calendar.  The money donated by voting for him goes to Every Cat’s Dream.

https://gogo.photo/616249

https://www.gogophotocontest.com/everycatsdreammewsandmeows/entries/616249

Karen Tashkovski, “6”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
Karen Tashkovski, “Trustworthiness”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
Karen Tashkovski, “Jack”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
Karen Tashkovski, “Touch”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
Karen Tashkovski, “La Reine”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
Karen Tashkovski, “9”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
Karen Tashkovski, “Leniency”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage
Karen Tashkovski, “4”, 2001, 9″ x 12″, paper collage

ROCO 6 x 6

Karen Tashkovski, CHIP, 2025, encaustic & collage, 4″ x 4″ painting mounted on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard (with stand)
Karen Tashkovski, FULL HEART, 2025, encaustic & collage, 4″ x 4″ painting mounted on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard (with stand)

I’m sending these four paintings to the Rochester Contemporary Art Center for their annual 6 x 6  fundraiser.

The exhibition and sale begins in May 2025.

Rochester Contemporary Art Center,  137 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14604

Karen Tashkovski, CRISS CROSS, 2025, encaustic & collage, 4″ x 4″ painting mounted on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard (with stand)
Karen Tashkovski, BUTTERSCOTCH, 2025, encaustic & collage, 4″ x 4″ painting mounted on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard (with stand)

Cazenovia Art Trail Preview

Karen Tashkovski, “SHREEM”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 9″ x 12″ chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, “LOVE”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 9″ x 12″ chalkboard

I will be participating in the Cazenovia Art Trail this year.  My station will be at the American Legion building – I was told it is on Mill Street but Google says the address is 26 Chenango Street, Cazenovia, New York 13035.

Karen Tashkovski, “BE”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 9″ x 12″ chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, “DO IT”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 9″ x 12″ chalkboard

The Art Trail is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2024 and Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM both days.  There will be about five artists inside the building.  In addition, there will be food trucks in the parking lot.  Not sure which ones yet, but I am sure it will be great!

Karen Tashkovski. “OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 8″ x 10″ hardboard mounted on 11″ x 14″ chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski. “CHANCE”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 8″ x 10″ hardboard mounted on 11″ x 14″ chalkboard
$55 – HORSE #1

I am planning a horse theme – in both paintings and jewelry.  Here is a sample.  They are encaustic and collage abstract horseshoes (stands not included).

Karen Tashkovski. “SUPER”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 8″ x 10″ hardboard mounted on 11″ x 14″ chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski. “GUSTO”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 8″ x 10″ hardboard mounted on 11″ x 14″ chalkboard

I will also have a few of the horse paintings I created in 2012.  See them here.

Karen Tashkovski. “BANANAS”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 8″ x 10″ hardboard mounted on 11″ x 14″ chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski. “HALF A MIL”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 8″ x 10″ hardboard mounted on 11″ x 14″ chalkboard

Please spread the word – this is the first time they’ve invited artists to display and sell work in the American Legion building and it would be lovely to start and be a part of a continuing tradition.

Karen Tashkovski. “STEPPING STONE”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 8″ x 10″ hardboard mounted on 11″ x 14″ chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski. “HUNDREDS”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 8″ x 10″ hardboard mounted on 11″ x 14″ chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, “AUM”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 9″ x 12″ chalkboard
Karen Tashkovski, “YOGA”, 2017, encaustic & collage, 5″ x 7″ hardboard mounted on 9″ x 12″ chalkboard

 

The New Chapter Begins

I was at the grocery store yesterday and when I was about to begin a hike today I remembered that I’d left my umbrella on a shopping cart.

After the hike, I returned to the store and inquired at customer service and – good news – my umbrella was there!  In addition, the September issue of Syracuse Woman hit the stands and I’m in it!  I’m a Mover & Shaker!!!  So cool.

And, this happened…

One euro, $3.10 in Canadian coins and eight cents more including a 1943 steel wheatie!

I am now up to $8.26 in found money for 2024.  Pretty great start to the new chapter in my life.  #nobacktoschoolforme