November News

Grab a beverage and settle in for a long-overdue update from the studio of Rebecca Rebouche!

Growing Grove
I am still taking commissions for tree paintings - and have added two smaller size options. You can now get a 16" x 20" tree painting for $500 and a 20" x 28" for $800. The grand 48" x 72" is also still available. Please contact me to discuss availability. Essentially I meet with a person or family to learn more about them, and then make a painting that represents them. To learn more about the family tree paintings I've made this year, click here.

Give ArtI love this time of year with the chill in the air, hot chocolate next to my easel in the afternoons, and holiday songs coming from the radio on the floor of my studio. I don't want to be yet another business cramming holiday pressure down your throat (or inbox). But I truly feel warm and fuzzy inside around the holidays and I know that there are others out there like me. If you are on holiday overload already, feel free to skip this section. For everyone else, here are the answers to your holiday-art-buying questions:

• art pieces are available, shop online or at my studio
• wrapping service available
• limited number of special commissions are still available
• last chance to shop circus-style: Dec. 19 Palmer Park Art Market
• I can hold items until christmas eve if needed

Ideas that make giving art extra special:
• add a personal message to the back of your art-gift
• give a trio of small pieces from my etsy shop
• commission my art-wrapping service to make the outside as lovely as the inside
• go for the whole package - meet with me for a gift consultation that includes an original art piece and advice for supporting gifts to make a cohesive collection of gifts (Example: For your wife or daughter - A lovely timeless dress or blouse, one of my tree paintings with that same dress depicted hanging from a branch, and an actual tree planted in her name along the gulf coast or in the diminishing rainforest with a map that shows where her tree is planted.)

We all want to give a gift that's personal and special. We can't do that every year, year after year, but when the time is right, there is a way. I hope your holiday shopping is both joyful and meaningful. This time of year is about so much more than cheap gifts and parties, and it should feel as wholesome as it is. Merry happy holiday.

Updated EtsyNew originals and prints have been added to my etsy shop. It's a great place to get something from me if you are on a budget, or just looking for something small. In my etsy shop I sell unframed sketches, archival prints, and small works on canvas. Shop anytime, anywhere.

OK Enough about buying art. Time for sharing.

Moving Picture

I would like to share a project I did late this summer. This video was originally created for another purpose but unfortunately that project died before reaching its full potential. However, I am very proud of the video and the art piece showcased in it, and so I share it with you now. The video and the soft-sculpture art piece were both created in a 24 hour period. Filming took place at my home studio and at KK Projects - Life is Art Foundation. Special thanks to them for the use of the beautiful space. Extra special thanks and kudos to Jason Villemarette of Fire on the Bayou Productions for the complete and exquisite filming, editing and creative direction of this piece.
The braid was built on the floor of my shotgun house stretching from nearly one end to the other. I hunched over the heaps of fibers for nearly 12 hours straight and the physical act of braiding and weaving took me from the studio through the bedroom and living room, and at 6:00am I ended up in my kitchen where I brewed another pot of coffee before meeting Jason at 8:00am for the filming in the courtyard. The piece itself explores a type of ephemeral biography - through the stages of life, beginning with the fresh blooms of birth, through the brightness of youth, the change and darkness of adolescence, the calm surrender of adulthood and the eventual deterioration of old age and death. It seeks to represent the evidence that would be captured if someone were to metaphorically grow their hair and drag it along behind them for a lifetime.

Credits
Director/Director of Photography: Jason Villemarette
Gaffer: Clayton Nepveaux
Edited By: Fire on the Bayou Productions


SideshowI have two more public showings of my work this year. The first is gallery-style, the second is circus-style.
1. Northshore
November 14-15, Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 5pm
In conjunction with the Three Rivers Art Festival this weekend, I will be showing at a pop-up gallery in downtown Covington. 401 North Columbia St. (on the main festival drag, but inside out of the weather, with nice gallery lights :)

2. New Orleans
December 19, Saturday, 10am - 4pm
Art Market of New Orleans, Palmer Park, corner of Carrollton and Claiborne

Work it outI have led two workshops recently on "drawing in nature." If you are interested in taking one of my workshops and would like to remain on the mailing list for workshop invitations, click here and provide your contact information so I can keep you informed of my class offerings in the new year.

Alas, time to close.
Thank you for reading, perusing, commenting and keeping in touch.

oh-so-sincerely,
Rebecca

Recent Paintings

"Ariel", 16" x 20", mixed media on canvas

"Hampton", 18" x 24", mixed media on canvas

Hands can do so many things!

I love this commercial right now.

Falling

I am very excited to announce that I have recently acquired my new (old) studio space. I was making work in this space last year and then had to abandon it for a while. This year has birthed both highs and lows, but my return to this bright space is certainly the silver lining.
I'm most excited about my easel in the turret and the open doors for fall. Again, I am thankful for the people who believe in me and my work and make creative spaces like this possible. Merci.



Above: a recent painting - Traveling Tree, 18"x24" (sold)
Below: a photo from art for arts sake night, on magazine st. around 9:00.


A moment in the studio.

photo i love today

from the fabulous and inspiring french children's blog MILK

Dew Walking

A page from a new project of mine called the Leaf Album

my heart is my home

Drawing in Nature Workshop

On Saturday September, 12th 2009, I will teach a half day introduction to Drawing in Nature.

This is your chance to take the pressure off of creating a finished piece of artwork, and return to really seeing the natural world. We will approach drawing from the perspective of artist, explorer, student, botanist, traveler, gardener. This is a class for all skill levels that focuses on documentary-style drawing with just a pencil and sketchbook. The point is not how accurate it is, the point is: Are you really looking? Exercise your visual muscles by going from tiny leaf to big tree to entire landscape.

Click here for more info and to sign up!

Thanks, Rebecca

Camp Rules

A Small Orchard

Johnson Family Tree, 48" x 72", 2009, mixed media on hand-stretched canvas

I met the Johnsons in their living room over iced coffee on an early summer day to talk to them about their painting. After a few hours, I had so much more than a list of favorite colors or hobbies. I learned about their summers in Point Clear, about unfinished peach jam made by grandma, about dirt floor corner store memories and the rise and fall and rise again of a couple cultivating real love. I returned to my studio with my notes, and what followed became a journey for me too. I sat in the neighborhood pool, at my kitchen table, in the park, at the coffeeshop and tried to sketch the tree that might come to respresent this family. What resulted was a study of tree roots, white-blooming flowers, roots music, blues, country, swamp, funk, the changing light after a storm, care-instructions in soil, and the long stretching branches of a sturdy trunk tree at the center of it all. I photographed the painting on my porch before delivering it to the Johnson Family, where it now lives. I think about my experience with the Johnsons this summer and can't help but wonder, who's next?

To talk with me about a tree painting for you or your family, please write or call me at 504-669-8667.

Below is a small orchard of other tree paintings I have made.

Lemon Tree, 48" x 72", 2009, mixed media on hand-stretched canvas, SOLD

Sunday Tree, 48" x 72", 2009, mixed media on hand-stretched canvas, SOLD

Bayou Tree, 48" x 72", 2008, mixed media on hand-stretched canvas, SOLD


Couvillon Family Tree, 48" x 72", 2009, mixed media on hand-stretched canvas

True Blood

True Blood Opening Credits, by Digital Kitchen

Bits of Summer

A poem in which i will allow the words "loss", "yearning" and "pain", but just this once.

After Love

by Jack Gilbert July 7, 2008

He is watching the music with his eyes closed.

Hearing the piano like a man moving

through the woods thinking by feeling.

The orchestra up in the trees, the heart below,

step by step. The music hurrying sometimes,

but always returning to quiet, like the man

remembering and hoping. It is a thing in us,

mostly unnoticed. There is somehow a pleasure

in the loss. In the yearning. The pain

going this way and that. Never again.

Never bodied again. Again the never.

Slowly. No undergrowth. Almost leaving.

A humming beauty in the silence.

The having been. Having had. And the man

knowing all of him will come to the end.

We attended the Verge

Pictures from the Opening of Women on the Verge at Galerie Gigi.


Fellow Artist Marin Dearie and myself in the courtyard at the gallery.

Olivia Hill's beautiful piece. So dreamy and lovely.
Me and my tiny little stitched piece all lonely on the gallery wall.


Some random girls who rocked matching shirts. allright.

Thanks to Galerie Gigi who hosted the fete in style with complimentary wine and limonatas, finger sandwiches and snack cookies. Show is up through August 29, 2009.

The Art Melted

My piece is visible behind one of my favorites from the show: Jessica Danby's "Old School" knitted school desk.
A Very well-attended event.

Another favorite piece from the show: "London Bridge" by Erin Barker of Lake Charles.

New Orleans' Drum Cart Street Performance

I'm on the Verge... tonight 6-8pm

WOMEN ON THE VERGE July 18 – August 29 Opening Reception: SATURDAY, July 18 6 - 8pm Galerie Gigi 627 St. Peter In the Quarter between Royal and Chartres

	'WOMEN ON THE VERGE' SATURDAY, JULY 18TH FROM 6 TO 8PM www.galeriegigineworleanscom

Art Melt Me

One of my tree paintings has been selected as part of Art Melt 2009, taking place at the Shaw Center for the Arts, Baton Rouge, LA - July 10-20.

Preview Party is taking place on Thursday night, July 9, for Artists and Art Supporters and will be held at the Manship Theatre, with music by the Iguanas. Tickets are $50 and available through the Manship Theatre Box Office.

The Opening is on Friday night, July 10 from 6:00 - 10:00 at Brunner Gallery in the Shaw Center for the Arts.

The Art Melt is an occasion for all the senses - sights, sounds, smell, taste, and touch - guests viewing the selected pieces of art at the reception will also enjoy hors d'oeuvres, live musical entertainment, and performances. The event is free and open to the public, with a cash bar available. With a first-year reception attendance of about 800 having grown to an estimated 6,000 in the fourth year, The Art Melt 6th year will be the biggest and best yet. The selected works of the exhibit will be on display for one week in the Brunner Gallery which is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Click here to view the schedule of performances on Opening Night.

I will be in attendance both nights. Come say hello!

Women on the Verge

I am proud to be joining 8 lovely ladies for an upcoming group show at Galerie Gigi - 627 St. Peter St. (between Chartres and Royal) French Quarter, New Orleans (MAP)

July 18 - August 29, 2009

Contact Gallery Director Lindsay Viner for more information: GalerieGigiNewOrleans@gmail.com or by phone: 504-525-5299

Beggar's Oil

A mustard seed is (has been said)
All that men will need
A filthy boy in a bowery lane
Under the times in a drowning rain
Stealing bits of sleep again
Has heard this comon creed

Grows into the tallest tree
To cool down the sinner's heat
I know this man, he's much like I
A doubter's cusp, a braggart's pyre
Sweltering in brandy-mire
And selling bitter meat

Exemplary of faith I guess
Starts with naught but soil
Upon the shoes of wayward men
Ministers will not befriend
Smite the temple yet again
Spill their precious oil

I've thrown my seed out the window
Down in the dirt below
I'll water it with my distrust
My blatant well-worn rough-hewn crust
I'll mojo it with voodoo dust
And pray that it will grow

song by: Kelly Joe Phelps

The Ecology of Food
A Culinary & Cultural Monday

J. Burns

It's June 2009 and the family farm is under assault from severe heat and lack of rain. The soil in the corn patch was so hot on Tuesday afternoon that the dog squeeled and ran for a weedy patch when her paws first hit the open soil furrow. The farm is located in Washington Parish between Franklinton and Bogalousa, Louisiana. My father is recognized throughout the county, and by a few neighbors that live along a gravel road that winds through a hilly patch of woods and fields, for the sweet taste and monstrous size of his watermelons. He and my brother still ride a tractor, raise chickens and collect yard eggs, grow a few vegetables , and try to earn a few bucks each summer with several acres of watermelons. Today, the fields are filled with about three thousand melons that are beginning to show signs of heat stress and the crop may be lost. However, we did save most of the corn and for the first time harvested my favorite legume - the red bean.

Back in New Orleans, I start by shucking the beans from their light green and faded yellow pods. I then soak the beans in a little water to clean them. They are not dry and hard, like the ones in the cellophane package you get at the grocery, but I soak them anyway. I'm not certain why, but I was told to always soak my beans for about 30 minutes before cooking them. I then chop a white sweet onion, fresh garlic, and a little green bell pepper and sauté them in a black iron skillet with a little dab of pure butter from a creamery that still operates close to our farm. Next, I cut and brown a link of Andouille sausage and reserve it to the side for later and add a number of my favorite spices to the pot. The red beans go into a cast iron dutch oven with the sauted veggies and the mixture is brought to a roaring boil. I think about how the cast iron pot has been in my family for generations as I turn the gas flame down and begin to gently simmer the beans. While it cooks, the rice is put on the back burner to add to the aroma that fills the kitchen and then rolls from room to room through the breezeways of our creole cottage . It makes my mouth water. It won't be long, given the soft and sweet nature of these fresh red beans, before they are sliding down a white mountain of Louisiana long grain rice and the juices ceremoniously mopped up by a piece of French bread cut from a loaf that has been baked in this city for well over one hundred years.

The botanical world describes the red bean as Phaseolus vulgaris, a common bean - an herbaceous annual plant that was domesticated in ancient Mesoamerica and the Andes. It is a dicotyledon, one of the "Three Sisters" of native American agriculture (Beans, Squash, and Corn), and a legume that acquires nitrogen through an association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil. The common bean is highly variable that includes bush, pole, and running varieties in just about every color and pattern imaginable. All varieties have alternate, green or purple leaves with white, pink. or purple flowers that give way to green, yellow, black or purple pods containing 4-6 smooth, plump or kidney shaped beans. The common benn is high in starch, protein, and dietary fiber. It is also an excellent source of iron, selenium, molybdenum, potassium, thiamine, vitamin B6, and folic acid. Allthough red beans represent a healthy choice and an inexpensive source of protein - they also produce a compound that is a bit more problematic than a bad case of gastrointestinal bubbles.

Sometimes we go through motions in a kitchen that are based on time-tested recipes handed down through family and friends over generations. That's particularly true for red beans and rice in New Orleans. I'm not certain when the first plate was served up in New Orleans, but they have been on our menu for centuries. When we move from acquiring raw foods from farms and begin acquiring processed food in mass from grocers - sometimes it can change the taste, texture, aroma, or even how we prepare the food. (i.e., the recipe). Sometimes we even loose track of why we handle and process food the way we do. For example, why do we soak red beans in water before cooking? Dry beans are often soaked because we believe that a dry bean will cook faster and more evenly if first soaked in water for 30 minutes. That's true, but we may have lost the real reason we soak beans, fresh or dried. Check this out - common beans (raw or soaked) contain a toxin that is degraded when soaked in water for several hours and then boiled for at least ten minutes in fresh water. It is called lectin phytohaemagglutinin (see the structural image). The toxin causes sever gastric upset in humans and is especially concentrated in red kidney beans and Cannellini beans. Outbreaks of poisoning have been associated with the use of slow cookers whose low cooking temperatures may be unable to degrade the toxin. Sprouts of beans containing this compound should never be eaten.

Many of us also add a digestive aid to our red beans and rice - cayenne pepper. I add it for flavor, but maybe the original recipe called for it for more reasons than flavor alone. The active ingredient in cayenne pepper (Capasaicin) is used to aid digestion and to treat bleeding ulcers. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent to stimulate secretion of digestive juices in the stomach. In other places, like Mexico, Central America, and South America, the traditional spice used in beans is epazote. This spice is said to also aid in digestion of beans as well. Even in Asia, a type of seaweed called Kombu is added to beans as they are cooked to aid digestion.


This article is graciously borrowed from the New Orleans Hollygrove Market and Farm newsletter.

my hero for today

Maria Sibylla Merian

sketchbook lately

A Good Day begins at the Market

Yummy goodies I picked up at the crescent city farmers market today: heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, blueberries, peaches, lemongrass, lisianthus, smith creamery butter, pontchatoula strawberries, health bread. yum.

In the know

One of my blog subscribers "in the know" tipped me off to Young Beast's space: http://www.myspace.com/youngbeast99

word.

Young Beast

Last night as I was riding home on my bicycle, I spotted this homemade CD on the ground. For some reason I decided to pick it up, tote it home in my basket, and pop it in the stereo for a little late-night musical discovery. I didn't listen long, but this home recording is only half bad. The beats are elementary and sound like presets from a casio keyboard or background music from a haunted house, but some of the rhymes are actually street poetic. The first track begs the listener to let him (young beast) "get in the door" at which time he claims he will "get at your throats." But a slice of social responsibility creeps in as he instructs others not to talk about murder because we New Orleanians see too much of it on channel 15. In street culture style, he claims his jeans are fresh and his money is long, but I can't help but think of how his words really describe us all, claiming if we get our chance we will shine, that our taste in clothes should impress you, that we are tough enough for life. He even slips in a line about reading your testaments when you're scared, and that his dirty south hands are clean.
I couldn't find a myspace page for this young rapper, so, I guess you will have to wait until you happen upon your own found demo. In true hip hop style, the only way to hear this music is to find it on the street... atleast for now.

Moonlighting Music Critic,
Rebecca

good advice from etta

Trust In Me - Etta James

“Security is mostly superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the end than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
Helen Keller (1880-1968 Tuscumbia, Alabama)

vocabulary lesson

pathetic fallacy

 

–noun

the endowment of nature, inanimate objects, etc., with human traits and feelings, as in the smiling skies; the angry sea.

---

Origin:
coined by John Ruskin in Modern Painters Vol. III, Part IV (1856)




"It is an eerie night in new orleans,
with cloud cover and mirages on the horizon."
by Rebecca Rebouche

there are many who have been here

photo by Jessica Williams

a new love for denim

after some much needed shut-eye
i'm finding these blue almonds open wide-
looking, collecting and remembering.
blinking is like a short film these days

today i REdiscovered my love for alabama chanin

some of my textile based (wearable) art appeared in a fashion show alongside this amazing line a good many years back at the OGDEN museum of southern art.

it was a treat to meet Natalie and some of her team at that time
when i was wide-eyed and enthralled with handcrafted artforms.
an obsession which has continued to this day.

despite the summer heat already settling in all-around
i find a new love for this hearty denim
like a good pitcher for ice tea,
or a well-worn quilt at the foot of the bed-
denim seems like the answer.

all aspects of alabama chanin are enviable and notable:
beautiful hand-crafted garments, earth-friendly sustainable practices,
community-based business concept, high-quality raw materials,
and an aesthetic that feels at once wholesome and luxurious.

enjoy these photos from their website.

and then check out the entire collection here.

lastly,
I'm longing for a trip to their factory and store-
they're hosting an open house and sample sale in June.
Anybody up for a road-trip to Florence, AL??

Hearty,
Rebecca

Jazz Fest in Review

My first Jazz Fest showing was in incredible (and near sell-out!) success filled with good people, great background music, honors, and great weather. I've included some pics of my display from the show here for you. If you were not able to make it out to the fest, please enjoy this mini-sampling of my work. If I saw you out there, you might enjoy reliving the experience just a bit. I'm happy to share that I received the award for Best of Show in Contemporary Crafts. I am honored and thrilled to receive the award, and can now safely say that I will return to show at Jazz Fest again next year. But that's a year away! So much can happen by then.
I've been absent from my blog for a week since Jazz Fest as I took some much needed rest. But I'm returning to the studio slowly, where I will be working for the summer on commissions and new works. If you have any questions about availability of works post-jazz fest, or would like to schedule a studio visit this summer, please email me.
I will be providing more information about commissions in a future blog-post.
Thank you to all my customers, fans, supporters, friends and family who helped me to get to this point in living my dream. Many of you have thanked me for making my art, and I want you to know that it is that type of encouragement that keeps me going. It is because of your valuable support that I am able to make this artwork and this life.
With deep gratitude,
Rebecca

Merci!

Spring 2009 Collection

Midnight Drumroll Please....
I'm happy to announce the very first showing of new Spring 2009 paintings. What follows is a selection of works from my complete Spring Collection which includes about 35 pieces, all of which will be showcased at this weekends Jazz Fest in Contemporary Crafts, Tent F. If you love a piece, you do have the option of making a purchase before the work is officially released on Thursday, April 30. To pre-purchase a piece you see here, please call me before Thursday at 11:00am (504-669-8667). (my email/internet access will be spare this week) Thank You to all of my customers, fans, lovely blog and mailing list subscribers, friends, family and strangers for all the support and interest recently. and now, without further adieu, the work...

"Lemon Tree", 48" x 72", SOLD

"Swing Low", 24" x 36", SOLD

"Fed and Clean" Stitch, 13" x 13", $195



"Riverbed", 48" x 36", SOLD



"Ladder Cloud Swing", 16" x 20", SOLD



"Mercy" Stitch, 11.5" x 6.5", SOLD



"Apple Trees", 24" x 18", SOLD



"Deep Coffee", 18" x 24", $695



"Dish and Spoon" Stitch, 15.5" x 19", $272


"Sunday Tree", 48" x 72", SOLD

the preview is postponed

alas.
it is early, and yet late behind my eyes. know what i mean? my sincerest paint-stained apologies, but the preview from the studio is postponed. there are all these factors like internet access, digital camera memory cards and hard drive space that I won't bore you with. So, go on out there now to first week of Jazz Fest, (see you out there) and I'll be back next week with the preview. Thank you for all the inquiries, studio visits, words of encouragement and support. I'm very proud of the work I have created recently and look forward to sharing with you soon.

nighty night.
Rebecca

Stay tuned...

Cross your fingers, kiss my elbow, pinky in the sky, wish on a cloud, pat on the back, sugar smack, fortune cookie, stars aligned!!! Stay tuned folks because tomorrow, that's right, less than 24 hours, I will be posting an update from the studio (where I have been, in case you've been wondering!:) which will include a few images of brand spankin new spring collection paintings and stitch pieces. I know... I hate waiting too.
I'm back to the easel for a late one.

oh, and in case I failed to mention it enough, the grand revealing of these new works is in just one week-ish at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival! where I will be showing for the first time, in Contemporary Crafts area. (Look for me somewhere near the Blues Tent.) appropriately ;)
and if you want first pick, come early on Thursday (April 30), or send me a email requesting to be in on the pre-release.

ok, I really do have to go now. paint is drying. i'm stealing internet. these bones are tired!

xo
Rebecca

Showing Tomorrow

This will be my last showing until Jazz Fest. This festival has really grown in recent years! 3 music stages, food, beer, art, craft, thrift, produce... wow, I wish I were shopping. Come on out tomorrow, the weather looks grand for a day on Freret St, shuffle to the music, with a nice big sturdy fabric tote on your shoulder for all your findings! (don't worry, I deliver. :) I'm looking forward to: Zydepunks, Kermit Ruffins, Jeremy Davenport, crab cakes by Food from the Heart (mmmmm), pepper jelly, Pontchatoula Strawberries, and ice-cold gelato from La Divina... and of course showing my art you all of you! (my favorite thing ever ;)
This is what Spring in New Orleans is all about! (and why we live here!)

See you out there.

xo
Rebecca

SOLD

The sweet little yellow balloon I posted as a studio-peek last week is already gone to a new home. Thanks to Caroline of Perch, New Orleans.

rainy monday, yellow balloon

rainy monday.
working weekend at lake ramsey.
canvases all around me at home now.
they lean against the tv, kitchen cabinets, in every corner of my little lower garden house.
themes that are arising in this series:
trees, ribbons, bows, balloons, tightropes, flight, space between, sky, adornment, chairs, shoes, and of course some fruit, sweets, hats and garments as usual.

signing off with a preview of a new painting in progress-

Some Belated Mardi Gras Photos

Two Persimmons

by Rebecca Rebouche

Tonight

Muses Parade! The highlight of my Mardi Gras season.

Le Ballon Rouge

My Red Balloon painting is featured as part of this spread showcasing the beautiful home of the proud owners, in Des Moines Homestyle magazine this month. I love the way they hung the mammoth 48" x 72" painting in the stairwell, like a happy welcome home, or a hopeful au revoir.

the human race

I just listened to this recording of Maya Angelou, inspired by the nudging of J's sensitive guest blog-post at Miel et Cannelle, in which a piece of my art is included. (thanks J)
I feel the gentle yet solid nudging of Maya Angelou who says "I want to be a representative of the human race."

Hot off the Press

The new February Issue of Art Voices magazine hosts a feature story on me AND a rave review of the recent group show at SHH Space. Big thanks to Jessica Kinnison for her talent with words. I'm so honored to be a part of it.
Pick up your free copy on newstands in New Orleans.

Red Creme Soda

a. i've noticed that recession rhymes with depression, which also rhymes with aggression. coincidence? i don't think so.

b. i like that the word depression means the same no matter what you are referring to (economy, state of mind, that dip in the middle of your mattress.)

c. ok. i'll save the fudge round for a rainy day. but the red creme goodness was nearly gone by the time i got back from the corner store with 14 cents in my pocket.

Silent Film

My Spoon Dress piece is included in this beautiful treasury list on Etsy.com titled "Silent Film", and was included on the homepage. :) (toot toot of my own horn.)

Saturday Delivery

This sweet zebra cowl arrived via snail mail yesterday from my darling Rosetung! I was already dressed in my new vintage royal blue velvet jacket and heading out the door for some slacker-style Prospect.1 events on the last weekend, when I stepped out in the hallway to find a priority package with my name on it. (literally. :)
What could make me happier on Saturday morning than a letter and handmade goodness from my friend and fellow blogger!? A pic for the sharing. And for shopping: Check out Rosetung's Etsy.

Chic Geek

This little drawing of mine is included on the Chic Geek blog post today on Fierce and Nerdy! Thanks Delia. Check out her post right here and get some ideas for revamping your home on a budget in the new year. And of course, if you're interested, you can purchase a print of this piece for just $20 (free shipping) right here.

<3 rebecca

friday afternoon whistle

Mardi Gras in New Orleans - Rebecca Rebouche

New Year Newsletter

I began the Art for Breakfast Blog Project in June of 2007, when I was working as a graphic designer at an ad agency. The project arose out of an honest desire to keep making art, even without much "free time". I have loved making art for the blog for the past year and a half, but as the saying goes: all good things must come to an end. I'm happy to say that retiring the Art for Breakfast Blog will make "room" for me to focus on some new projects for 2009. Please stay tuned to this, my main blog, for what I hope to be a plethora of content, posts, projects and yummy items available for download, purchase, or just perusing. Time for Lunch!!

I'm sorry to say that I will not be going on the road this year. :( Due to the evil "E" word, my efforts will decidedly be placed close-to-home in 2009. To my many beloved customers and fans all over the country: Many of you have written thoughtful emails to ask if I will be passing through your town any time soon. Your inquiries do not go unnoticed! Believe me, if I could I would drag this honest soul and art all over the country and meet you all for tea!! It's not in the stars this year. What that means though is that I need your online support more than ever! Please stay tuned to my website and especially my blog, which is like the big heart pumping my career daily. And whenever you are able, purchases through my site and on my etsy shop are always an option.

It may sound over-zealous but I am truly so excited about 2009. These times may be uncertain in all the ways I don't have to tell you, but my right brain is super-saturated, and I can't wait to share what projects are in the works. A down economy may be the perfect time to get to the gooey center. Know what I mean? Subscribe to my blog if you want the constant update, and as always, I LOVE email. So, drop me a line anytime.

Cozy at home,
Rebecca

Let Etsy Tell Ya...

Hi friends!
Right this very minute one of my pieces is featured in an Etsy Gift Guide:
http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/over-100/37?&page=1

I'm flattered.
(thanks for the tip jelly!)

x
rebecca

It's Snowing in New Orleans!!!

flurries
wet feet
coffee and scone from the Boulangerie
Audubon Park white
shivers and shrieking
pictures and skipping
melting
sad
inside heat
a snow day down south
bittersweet

Wish List 4

Admittedly, I don't wear any jewelry, but how cute is this popsicle necklace?? Just my style of colorful half-eaten sweetness in the form of wearable art. Available from NYLON mag and Urban Outfitters.

Wish List 3

These ADORABLE little owlies are available from fellow crafter-artist-friend and blogger Rosetung, on her exquisite Etsy Shop. My long-time blog readers might remember the photo of me posing with my very own Rosetung owlie about a year ago. The darling still sits on my shelf at my desk, and occasionally, like a child, I will toss her in my bag for a day-trip (for luck and friendship). :)
Rosetung came for a visit last month and brought with her the latest of irresistable plushies to add to my collection, Elton the Lion!! and my new favorite cold-weather accessory: preppy arm-warmers, which I share with you here so you can say oooh and aaah (and then get in touch with rostung to order your own! (I would love to show pics of me with my new products, but my trusty dig. camera is broken. :( these borrowed from the always amazing Rosetung blog.)

New Paintings

Striped Plane, 11" x 14", mixed media on canvas, $95

Bunny Mask, 10" x 14", mixed media on canvas, $95

Fish-Scale House, 11" x 14", mixed media on canvas, $75

3-Rivers Show, Weekend Recap

I was thrilled that my tent looked like a dream-land, and the cold nip in the air was splendidly hopeful and perfect holiday weather! The show was fun and wholesome all around, topped off by the fact that I won the Three Rivers Award for 2D work! I got a big fat red ribbon that matched my coat perfectly. :) (can't find my pic posing with the ribbon).
Times are busy with creating ample holiday inventory and taking good care. Thank you to all my new customers, past customers and old friends who came out to say hello! and thank you to everyone for buying handmade this holiday!

Merry,
Rebecca

Wish List 2

I have visions of wrapping all my gifts this year in recycled brown kraft paper, and attaching these adorable (and reusable!) felt gift tags. It's a gift on top of a gift! These are available at SpoonSisters.

Get in the spirit this weekend

Covington Three-Rivers Art Festival a juried festival of fine art craft
Saturday and Sunday, Historic downtown Covington

I feel like this is my home-town holiday festival in a way. I have done a lot of large juried art festivals around the country this year, but my career really started with this one, one year ago.
I love the downtown area, the weather this time of year, and the hopefulness of the approaching holidays. I feel like this festival is the perfect way to get in the spirit. (I only wish I could do some holiday shopping too!) So, throw your pashmina around your neck, grab your fabric eco-shopping tote, get kettle corn and funnel cakes for the little ones, and bring your big-happy-heart for art and craft of all sorts. See you there!

If you are not in the area, or can't make it out to this show, check my calendar to the right for other shows I'm doing from now til the end of the year. or, as always, you can shop online via my website and etsy shop!

Your devoted elf,
Rebecca

Gallery Show - Opening Saturday Night

Saturday, November 8, 2008 | 6:00 - 10:00pm

I'm thrilled to be a part of the annual "By Any Means Necessary" Show at Home Space Gallery, curated by Terrence Sanders of Art Voices Magazine. Includes work by 8 New Orleans contemporary artists. Come on out and see what means are really necessary... to remain artists that is.
and if you haven't been to this gallery or the St.Claude arts district, its worth the step out of your comfort zone. new galleries, new artists, all happening now in nola. long overdue and very-much a necessary thread in the fiber of new orleans art.

Show will remain on view through Nov. 30 | 1128 St. Roch, New Orleans | 917.584.9867 | Tues-Fri, 6-10; Sat-Sun, 12-10

Wish List

Inspired by this Holiday Season, I have decided to publish a growing list of sweet, yummy, adorable, smart gift items that I'm adding to an imaginary wish list of my own. Maybe my suggestions will inspire your own creative gifting this season. I'll publish posts titled "Wish List" from now through the end of the year, featuring items that are making me swoon. If you have an item you'd like to add to my "wish list", please let me know! I love finding out about new artists, designers, crafters, and gift-items. Might I suggest that you try to buy handmade this holiday? and if you need sweet art from my shop, just message me or come to one of my many holiday markets in New Orleans! (new stuff every week.) Happy Holiday-time!
Here we go:
Book: Treehouses of the World. Available at this adorable shop and online store: ReForm School

Halloween and the 1st-ever US Biennial

The word on everyone's tongue this weekend seems to be a direct smash-up of Halloween plans and Prospect.1
My brain is reeling with how I'm going to fit it all in! It's like Mardi Gras for the Art world, during one of New Orleans' best costume-affairs: Halloween!!
I don't have much time to write this as I'm throwing together my last-minute costume (as usual), but I wanted to send something out into the void about my whereabouts this weekend.
Tonight will probably be a costumed city-crawl including Frenchman St, the party at the Healing Center (St. CLaude), the Orange Grove at KK Projects' "Brickyard", late-night breakfast at the Dew Drop Inn/Stardust Diner at 527 Julia, friend's parties, and other infinite unknowns.

SATURDAY
I will be showing my art at the Freret Market from Noon-5pm. Come on out and enjoy the Fall Weather and let the sun soothe your Halloween Hangover, along with art, flea, music, and great food and drink. Freret Market is at the intersection of Freret and Napoleon.

After that, I'll be doing the super-fast take-down to head on out to Prospect.1 events. And Late-Night I'll be kicking up dust at the All-Night Dance Parrty at Blaine Kern Mardi Gras World (11pm - 5am).
Breakfast at the Trolley Stop maybe?? (now open all through the night again).

Sunday
Who knows?

See you out there!
Rebecca

Showing in New Orleans this weekend

Come on out to the Art Market of New Orleans tomorrow at Palmer Park. 10am - 4pm. To find me out there, enter under the big arch and veer left. Booth number 97. I'll be showing lots of new work from my recent residency, Rare magazine, and other fall-inspired paintings. Hope to see you out there.

Join me under the trees of Coliseum Square Park on Sunday from 11am - 4pm for the Lower Garden District Home Tour, and the neighboring Festival at the International School. The Lower Garden District was just named a Louisiana Cultural District, and the Coliseum Square Association has re-formed its efforts in this historic area (which is where I live!). It's a beautiful weekend. See you out there.

So glad to be home,
Rebecca

Low Key, Big Success

I write to you now from my parent's house in Covington, just before making my return to New Orleans, and after an amazing weekend that marked the culmination of my month-long residency in Hot Springs, AR at Low Key Arts. There is so much that can be said about my time in Hot Springs, and so I will try to keep it short and include some pics and video from the big show.

First, my heart and thanks most certainly go out to Shea Childs and Bill Solleder for hosting me at their space. Thank you for the opportunity, your hospitality, and so much more! My stay with you was certainly unforgettable and life-enriching. I wish you continued success with your valuable arts initiative in the community.
And Secondly, my thanks to the people of Hot Springs, the buzzing community of artists, the youthful energy that permeates the scene, the many people devoted to perserving the creative spirit of your home-town. I have great respect for that, as maybe you can imagine.
And finally, to my new fans, customers, supporters and all those who now believe in Rebecca Rebouche as an artist and individual. I thank you for opening your arms to my efforts. I can only hope that my show on friday night was able to instill a bit of hope and inspiration for you all.

And now, for anyone who was unable to attend Friday Night's opening, you missed one helluva show! It was a mad rush to pull together in those final hours of hanging, hoisting, clipping threads, cleaning frames, signing artwork, and labeling and pricing. But by 5:00 last friday, the track lighting was illuminated, the music was buzzing, and the doors swung wide to a steady flow of visitors at 118 Arbor St. in Hot Springs, during the city's monthly gallery walk. At 9:00pm began an impressive selection of musical performances and the focus drifted from the gallery wall to the stage and back between sets. Performers included Austin-based alter-ego country darling Lurleen (of the alter-ego Luna Tart), second to the stage was local couple "Itinerant Locals" who got the crowd going with their horn-accord combination of polka rumps and rowdy vocal-antics. Third was Miss Luna Tart, straight from 20's Paris, who with ukalele and feather in her hair shushed the rowdy crowd for some clever cabaret. And lastly, headliner and local Brian Martin hit this stage with his particular brand of Blues Folk stomp slap jam and twist that had everybody moving in ways they didn't know were possible.
The crowd was nothing short of colorful with the Sadie Hawkins theme of the night... all the local cats came out in their best hillbilly get-ups, and made for some photo ops that lasted late into the night.
All in all, it was a long and unforgettable night of art, music and all-out seam-busting culture energy in the little valley of the vapors known as Hot Springs. who woulda thunk?

My video uploads are taking too long for the time I've got right now for this post... So, enjoy the photographs above for now, and I'll share the video with you later.

Rebecca

Special Preview of Friday's Show!

stitched words on fabric. (borrowed from hemingway). there will be a number of these stitched word pieces sprinkled throughout the show. some are quotes, some are my own writing, and some are just words or phrases.


a simple rain scene (in progress). 9" x 12" on canvas paper.


announcing the title of the show: "salt of the earth". this is the handmade "poster" for the show. stitched words on fabric with paper backing. duplicates will be available on various fabrics in limited quantities, all handmade. about 8.5" x 11". $10 each. email me to reserve one for yourself.


pin-cushion soft sculpture made with quilt piecing and red yarn. about 4" x 4" x 3".


new LARGE tree painting. (i think it is finished.) not yet named or priced. it's a big one at 48" x 72". i'm lovin this one.


well, sadly, that concludes the preview for now. stay tuned as i may get the urge to post a few more pieces before friday (depending on how many all-nighters i'm using to pull this whole circus together). let me know what you think so far. i'm ancy for your feedback. and overall girlishly excited about the opening. thanks for checking in!

your artist in residence,
rebecca

Day 22 in Hot Springs

A little glimpse into the studio (I took this pic just a few hours ago) after about 3 weeks of daily work. (looks a little different from that first shot). Lots of projects in progress, with one week left to pull it all together. I'm sailing along, and very excited about the range of media that I've been able to put into this show. Stay tuned for the final result. Show opens one week from today! Sadly, this begins my final week in Hot Springs (I depart on Oct.5, headed back to New Orleans). Before I leave: more hiking for sure, another round of thrift stores and maybe another soak at the bath house.


Another great sign. this one is an old hand-painted building facade.

southern fried music

On Tuesday night I went to see a local musician, Brian Martin, play at a local bar, Maxine's. I was told he had a blues folk style, and being one of the artists playing at my show opening on Oct. 3 at Low Key Arts, I couldn't pass up the weeknight show. I was so impressed with his southern-fried style of toe-tapping, waits-like wailin, strummin, and harmonica-squealin... creepin right down between your bones, with some homestyle folk pop apple pie for anyone to cut a rug on... I swear to you. for your own good... go see this guy. He plays solo round arkansas and north louisiana and also with a band and with guest artists... he's an arkansas native, never straying far from home, as far as I can tell. keeping his roots firmly in tact. i told him there's some people in new orleans who would feel at home hearing him sing. said he'd consider it. Can anyone in new orleans get this guy set up with a gig? ok. i'm done preachin. don't go to his website, don't go to his myspace... just go see him wail. (ok, here's his myspace, and here's his website)
enjoy the very unprofessional video i shot on my camera.

Dinner at the Studio

Concept photo. Empty slab at the top of a grand staircase up from the street.


a little lovely

Happy Hollow
Hot Springs (hence the name), has these great public-access spring water spouts round town. You are free to bring your own jugs and fill em up... take as much as you want. My fave is Happy Hollow, which comes out cold instead of hot, and has the faintest sweetness to it. This is a sign with the breakdown of mineral content. I love seeing the locals at the spring, with all their mismatch bottles they've collected over the years, loading up the whole truck with fresh water. :)


Thrift

Hot Springs must have the largest concentration of thrift stores in one little town! It's incredible. Without venturing too far from the studio for too long, I have managed to find some gems in the mashup. Here's a pic of a great quilt I found at the above shop. I then used it to make these market totes, and then sold a few at the farmer's market on Saturday morning. :)

Garland County Fair

Some fun pics from the county fair! I admit, I'm a sucker for the bright lights and whirling rides, cotton candy, candied apples, popcorn and bad prizes. While at this fair, I realized I had never been to a real county fair before... the kind with lots of big blue ribbons for the best: sheep, goats, cows, pigs, chickens, quilts, preserves, pralines, pie, upholstery, latch-hook, crochet, hot sauce, chili, salsa, peppers, pickles.... you name it, they've got a category for it! and a winner! someone from good ole Garland county! its so wholesome i could cry. :) makes me want to get a farm and make goats milk!

Art-Preview

It may be a little difficult to see all the sweet detail in this picture, but this new piece is a drawing made with tiny stitches and a little paint, on a piece of an old floral pillowcase, with the embroidery hoop as frame. Small darling of a piece at about 7" x 7". I'm doing a special pre-release of this piece. Soggy Pillow, stitching on fabric in hoop, 7" x 7", $200

A Bit of Sweet Press

Click here to read the write-up about me in Arkansas Vibe Magazine, promoting my solo show on Oct. 3.

Power Out = Rebecca Outside

Last night's storm brought a power outage that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. With no lights in the studio, I hauled the paints and canvas out onto the porch for a little daylight painting. It was so refreshing. The weather here today was perfectly hopeful: cool and brisk with that nudge toward fall, makes me want to skip down the street in a sweater holding hands. :)

Rebecca

Rainy Day pictures on Central Ave.

Hot Springs is one of those small towns with great old signage. I can't help but take some pictures. I snapped these pics from inside my car while in an unusual bit of traffic on their "main st.", Central Ave. It was calm even in traffic, the way the water blurred on the glass.

Fall Newsletter

I am happy to announce that I am an artist in residence for the month of September in Hot Springs, AR - graciously hosted by Bill and Shea Childs of the young uber-hip multi-disciplinary arts center Low Key Arts. I have just recently arrived in Hot Springs and set up studio in their 3,000 square foot warehouse space where I'll be making it rain until my solo show opens on October 3. Get to know Low Key Arts on myspace. Check out the musical acts that will be performing as well, and stay tuned right here for my...


Get a peek inside my studio and share in my daily experiences here in Hot Springs as a guest artist. Be the first to preview (and pre-purchase) a selection of artworks before the show opens, and be my connection to the outside world by leaving comments! (yes, I do read them.)


Many of you have contacted me about work that is available now. I'm happy to provide an update of available prints and originals which you can purchase right here on my Etsy Shop. Any purchases made this month will do extra work in funding my residency, and I thank you for that. Merci!


A final word for my New Orleanians,
I have missed seeing ya'll at the art markets and have sorely missed being around our beloved city. I am happy to see that nola-shaped light that is ahead for me and looking forward to spending my fall/winter in the city. My art career so far has been plentiful with blessings and my many-thanks go to my new orleans community of friends, family, and supporters. I'm so proud of myself right now and I hope you are too! Ya'll come on out to say hello in October.

Down-home,
Rebecca



Recent Articles: Rare Magazine , Evacuation , Thank You Jackson Hole
Recent Press: MYNLA Blog , Rare Magazine
Shop: My Etsy Shop , My Website
Contact: rebecca@rebeccarebouche.com

Evacuation

Due to the arrival of Gustav in the Gulf, along with my fellow New Orleanians, I had to gather all important belongings and evacuate last Saturday. I went to a house in the country of North Louisiana where there was no cable tv, no internet, and very little cell phone reception. Now that I'm sure my fair city faired well, here are some pics from the evacuation.Storm-tracking on the i-phone.
Borrowed games.
Walking down to the Red River in the rain.
Great old country house spotted on a drive.

I have since left North Louisiana, and said my grace for the spared crescent city. More on my wear-abouts in an upcoming post. Stay tuned.

My sincerest thanks to everyone who tried to contact me during the storm. and my heart for those in areas that were hit hard.

Rebecca

Austin Smiles

I have just returned to New Orleans from Austin, where we had a show celebrating the release of my feature in Rare magazine, in conjunction with Amanda Hyde of Montage Eco Fashion. The show was a lot of fun to put together with the mixing of mine and Amanda's aesthetics. We made circus-tent-esque dressing rooms, art-hula-hoops, sangria and many memories. My thanks go out to Amanda for co-hosting the show, and to all my loyal family, friends and supporters for coming out to the opening. We had a lot of fun.

Good news for everyone else, there are still "Rare" pieces available for purchase. They are all originals, about 10"x9", plus a white mat and frame, and range from $300-$475. Hopefully I will list them on my website and Etsy shop soon. In the meantime, to view these works, please go to RareAustinAugust

New York Re-Cap

Here are some pics from my time in NYC.

hot summer in the (ny) city

Tomorrow morning, I'm off on an art-focused jaunt in NYC for 7 days, and I've just spent Sunday afternoon happily filling my new Moleskin City Notebook with galleries, museums, artists, places and things to do while I'm there. I'm sure all of my plans will change the minute I arrive, but I'm looking forward to test-driving the new moleskin. For all who are moleskine devotees like me, I'm sure you know about the city notebooks. If you have any bits of advice, drop me a line. Otherwise, I'll let you know how the old leather and paper holds up when I return. Maybe I'll even share a page from the journal/sketchbook. ok. time to pack.

*
Rebecca

Rare

Hello world!

I have exciting news to share! This month (august), I am the featured artist for Rare magazine.
Rare is an Austin-based arts and culture magazine that's published each month chock full of glossy colorful happenings, cool people, good eats, and general aliveness in Austin, TX (a place I called home for a bit).
The feature is any artist's dream, including my art on the cover and on 10 full pages throughout, a playful pic of me (shot in New Orleans at Slim Goodies), and a sweet full-page write-up. Thank you to Rare for the awesome feature!
All artwork in the magazine (plus some) will be on display and for sale at the opening on Aug. 23 at Montage Clothings on North Loop in Austin.

If you're in the Austin area, come on out to Montage on Aug. 23 for sweet art and earth-friendly fashions, circus-tent dressing rooms, hula hoops, projected style show in the courtyard, refreshing tonics, and music to move you.

Anyone not in the Austin area who is interested in purchasing a piece from the magazine, just email me! rebecca@rebeccarebouche.com

rare-in,
Rebecca

Viking Coffee

New piece that I painted while in Jackson Hole.

This mug is copied from the one my dad used to drink his black coffee. Every time I go home to my parents' house, I reach in the way back of the cabinet to get this mug for my morning coffee.

I did the sketch for this piece while feeling bold (and a little disgruntled) in Denver, and finished the painting here in Jackson Hole.

Viking Coffee
mixed media on canvas
16" x 20"

Thank You Jackson Hole

I'm excited to say that my Jackson Hole Show wraps up my Summer 2008 Tour as my best show to date! I sold the new big Soft Serve ice cream painting (currently on my homepage), in addition to other favorites: Hot Air Balloon and Steps, Raining Leaves, Striped Shorts, 3 Tent Tops, and HouseBoat. (I'm updating my site as fast as I can, but some images are yet to be added.) Thank you to all my new customers! We had a great time in Jackson... what a cute little town.

Today, the traveling road-show-train departs Jackson on some unknown route that will eventually lead us back to New Orleans.

I can't wait to get back to the slippery south. There's so many things I miss about home. I'm also looking forward to some time in the old studio as we slide into fall.

Stay tuned right here for news on upcoming shows in the New Orleans area and beyond.

I will continue posting from the road as possible.

Down from the mountain

After an eventful stint in the mountains of Yellowstone and Grand Teton, I have arrived in Jackson, WY for the ART FAIR at JACKSON HOLE!

I'm having some internet time in the very sleek public library now before set-up.

This morning's breakfast was heavenly after 8 days of living outside, eating food from a bag, and enduring instant coffee. The great outdoors do make you appreciate the little pleasures of modern living. :) I'm only staying at a Motel 6 in Jackson, but I'm already looking forward to the simple joy of bed and shower.

There were many highlights from my time in the national parks, including perfectly-lit deer in stream crossings, herding 300+ bison from our path in the backcountry, waterways in all their changing glory, and of course - the people-watching! An occasional ice cream cone (when available) provided comfort and sugar-rush, while the luminous scenery left me even a little snap-happy with the camera.

Jackson is a charming place, and, after a winding and exploratory journey to get here, I'm happy to be setting up the old tent today for a little mountain-circus-show. Come all ye Jacksonians!

from an internet cafe in Montana

We slept beneath an immaculate display of stars last night beside a lake in Montana, on the edge of Yellowstone.

I share this photo with you from an internet cafe in Red Lodge, Montana while waiting for some clothes at the laundromat.

This morning as we were driving along, we spotted a Pronghorn Antelope right near the road. We slowed to a stop with the windows down, and out of sheer excitement, I said, "Oh, Hello!" (with upward intonation on the 'o'). Of course the cutie hopped away in a flash. :(

This may be my last blog post for a breath of 5 days or so while I retreat into the backcountry for some camping, bird-watching and general nature-living. Wish me luck! (and spontaneous athletic shape for the pack-hauling.) hehe.

Hope summer everywhere is all the right kind of warm.

Rebecca

Blog Feature

Check me out on the arts/culture blog: My North Louisiana Arts.

Thank you to Monica Crowe for the sincere interview and thorough write-up!

how honest to be?

Aaahh Denver. What can I say?

It wasn't exactly the best show ever...
but I was trying to be optimistic and grateful. Keep my chin up, so to speak.
and then on the third day... I bent down behind my tent and my little red shoe lace went POP! I looked down at my dirty tattered circus-girl shoes... and a tear ran down my face.

Why am I so emotional? I thought.
I know I have ten more pairs at home. It's so ridiculous this life.
But oh well. It's those little moments of weakness that get you right?

and this is me. broken shoes and all.

I did meet a couple of wonderful customers. Thank you to Drew and Catherine! and some old friends, Barboo and Pat. Thanks for your warmth.

and my gratitude goes out to our wonderful hosts Dave and Nicki. Thank you for your hospitality!

alright. packin it up, and headin on out again.

Tetons! Here I come.

(first, some new shoes).
wink.

signing off,
Rebecca

the wheat field in Paxton, Nebraska

New pieces... painted while in Paxton, NE

Studio is where the corn is...

Between my show in Des Moines and my show in Denver, I had about a week, 700 miles, and I needed to make some more paintings. SO, a room at a Days Inn in Paxton, Nebraska became my studio for 3 days. It turned out to be a haven of perfect road-living, art-making nothingness. A cheap hotel room with a mini-fridge, microwave, and wifi, with a gas station in front, a pond on the side, barbeque pits, and open air... what more could I want?


























It's difficult to describe the serene beauty of Paxton, Nebraska. Flat corn fields, backdropped by mountain-like hills, wheat-fields calmly waving in the wind, one grocery store, one main street, not much else.

Red Balloon Shaped Heart

Hello!!!
I finally have some time to post a little more, and revisit some subjects I wanted to elaborate on right here on the blog. It's a gray day in denver, after the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. I'm taking the day to rest and recoup after a blur of travel, set-up, take-down, show, sell, smile, shake, greet, pout, sink, eat, drink, laugh, cry, sleep, wake, coffee, hydrate, stand-up, sit-down, lucky-hard-work madness!!

The Red Balloon Painting in this pic was sold to a wonderful couple in Des Moines, and I just have to point out how sweet it was... I met them, and told them the story of the Red Balloon french film, and my own red balloon valentines story, we shared in our affinity of its perfect round red friendship symbolism, and they decided to purchase the painting. They said they would come back the next morning to pick it up, which gave me time to box it up neatly and write a thank you card. The next day was a beautiful sunny and windy hopeful day, and I was sitting in my tent, when they walk up, happily hosting a sweet little red balloon as a parting gift for me!!! It was the sweetest thing a customer has ever done for me. Thank you Steve and Karen! I hope your red balloon brings years of happy lightness.

Thank You Des Moines

Hello world!!

I only have a hot second to write a post. This train keeps movin. I'm heading out of Des Moines today, en route to Denver for my next show, the Cherry Creek Art Festival.

The first leg of this trip was awesome! We tent-camped at State Parks along the way of a drawn out three-day drive to Des Moines. The Art Show was a success with big sales and great people.

Here are some pics!

Pack up the truck boys, we're headin for Iowa.

Hello friends and lovely blog subscribers,
After a brief re-fueling break in nola, I hit the road again today.
This week Frank and I will be en route to Des Moines, IA for a show this weekend.
Our hearts go out to the lovely people in the surrounding area who are trying to dry out and recover from devastating flooding (we know what that's like).

For more info on the show, here's the fest site: http://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/

and of course, stay tuned right here for pics and stories from the road, and fresh new work, hittin the blog as soon as it comes out the oven (ahem... my brain).

happy summer!

Rebecca Rebouche

Last Day at the Beach...

... can't leave without jumping in the ocean.
5:00 was closing time, and at 5:01 I ran for the water and dove in.
best way to end the "work-day".
I also made this painting today (yellow shirt with sailboat).

Tomorrow we head on back toward southern louisiana.

Thank you VA Beach.

SOLD

at VA Beach Boardwalk Art Festival. Thank you to my new customers!

In the Tub

SOLD
in less than 24 hrs. since painted.

Thank you David and Elyse!

Day at the Beach

Today I made a painting in the tent, looking out at the ocean, between meeting people and talkin the talk. here it is in stages.

Get Ready, Set-Up and Show

We arrived in VA Beach yesterday for set-up, and then proceeded to turn the hotel room into a mini workshop, making last-minute table cloth and fabric bags with the sewing machine set up on the table and fabric spread out everywhere. (see pics) We used the hotel luggage cart to haul the paintings. (my mom's idea... I fussed at first, but then realized it was a good idea. ha!)
Other pics show some other boardwalk fest sights and some shots of my booth all set up for the first day today. Proud new paintings hang on the wall. (to be added to the website soon).
I took a dip in the pool midday... and returned to my booth after throwing some clothes over my wet swimsuit. every breeze turned into a refreshing gust... I sketched at my table and gazed out over the ocean from beneath my tent. beautiful weather was a clever blessing.
time for bed.
more tomorrow.
enjoy the pics.
sorry i don't have more stories. too tired now.

visitor quote of the day: "When you look at them (my paintings), they are just like, relaxing, you know? not so cluttered. they're nice."

Well Thank You Ma'am!

the blue waves don't sleep,
Rebecca

Still on the road...

My mother has been nice enough to be my traveling companion for this show, so she and I enjoyed a second day of driving today, and have arrived at my aunt and uncle's house in Franklin, VA for an evening with family. Tomorrow we will head on to VA Beach for set-up.
Some highlights from the road today: The bubble-gum ball machines and the "Footsie Wootsie" 50-cent foot massager. ha. the joys that can be yours for a couple quarters. nice.

Tomorrow I will set up for the show on the boardwalk, and possibly post a sneak-peak of new paintings right here.

Thanks for checkin in. Trip going well.

From a home in the country where the ponies are sleeping,
Rebecca

On the road...

First leg of this trip is underway. Uneventful day of driving, en route to VA Beach. Some pics from the road. Ahhhh american roadtrippin.

From a LaQuinta in Augusta, GA,
Rebecca

A rainy day in New Orleans

I ran out for a last-minute errand on the day before leaving for my big trip. A sudden downpour was a welcome respite from the heat... and soon the city streets were steaming. These lost ballet shoes were poetically laid out on the sidewalk, and this house in the Irish Channel was a lone reed of gleaming white and green. I love this city.

Circus Summer Tour

Hey ya'll, all and ya mama!

Breaking news:
The Rebouche Circus hits the road this summer for a tour of freakness and delight.
The art-train leaves Sunday, June 8 and will be stopping at these fab locales:

VA Beach
Des Moines
Denver
Jackson Hole
Austin

Yes Yes.
and you can READ ALL ABOUT IT right here!

So, go ahead and subscribe to the weirdest syndication since ya mama's meatloaf. It's sure to aleast be something to look at on your lunch break!

message me, email me, comment here or otherwise... send me cool pics, music, links and inspiration as your little heart desires. (I would be most grateful).

See you all on the other side of the moon.

your friend,
Rebecca

www.rebeccarebouche.com