Unbound Art

Ithaca Made

2012-02-29T07:53:00.001-08:00

Look for our work at Ithacamade in March.
Ithacamade is located at 430 W.State St., in Ithaca NY, next to Mama Goose and Mimi's Attic.

More to come on this when we get everything set up, hopefully this week.

The Book

2012-01-23T17:58:00.000-08:00

If you would like a small copy of the Inside Itself exhibit, the exhibition book has been printed and is for sale. There are images of the 8 paintings and texts that were in the CAP ArtSpace exhibit in December, plus an essay by Fernando and an introduction by Kim. The books are $35 and can be purchased by sending us an e-mail. You can also purchase directly from Lulu, the printer. The link is on the side of the blog.
If you did see the show this is a more relaxed way to spend time with the images and ideas, and if you didn't get to the show, well here it is!
Thanks for your purchase. It does help to cover some studio costs.

Open Studio in January

2012-01-03T16:57:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays are over, and we all have a little more room to breathe, we hope you will think about stopping by. Kim won't be back to work at TC3 until later in the month. Fernando has hung over 30 stone poems, and many are new. There are some interesting portraits, which is a new development in this long running series of stone assemblages. unboundart

The house is full of artwork, so stop by for tea, and a little creative boost!

While on a Walk

2011-12-20T08:20:00.001-08:00

While On A Walk

The Gallery View

2011-12-11T13:53:00.000-08:00

click on the image to get a larger view

This is the view of the Community Arts Partnership, ArtSpace, in Center Ithaca, on the Ithaca Commons, where Kim's show Inside Itself , is now on display. The opening was well attended, especially since it was Gallery Night in Ithaca, and there were a lot of people downtown for all of the exhibits. We enjoyed seeing so many people and many of them really seemed to appreciate the show. If you haven't gone yet, the work will be up through December 22. We are waiting for the first Lulu books that we ordered to arrive and if you have interest in seeing the paintings and reading the text that goes with them, the book may be of interest to you. Let us know.

You can now see the images and texts on the Embracing Life blog. Not a substitute for the real paintings! but good if you can't get to Ithaca.

CAP ArtSpace

2011-11-23T19:39:00.000-08:00

There Is No Separation

The opening reception for Kim's show:
Inside Itself,
is on
December 2, 5-8 pm.
Gallery Night in Ithaca
at
The Cap ArtSpace, 171 The Commons

The show will be run from Dec. 2-22.

Come see the 8 new paintings that have been created in the last year.

The New Aristocracy

2011-11-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

Click on the image to read the text if it is too small.

A little satirical piece in support of the 99%.

Elemental

2011-10-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

Rebecca Godin has curated another show for CSMA in Ithaca.
Elemental: Fire, Water, Air & Earth.
Opening Gallery Night in Ithaca, November 5, from 5-8pm.
Hope to see you there!

Elemental
Community School of Music and Arts
330 E. Martin Luther King/State Street
Ithaca, NY
November 4th - November 24th, 2011

New Blog, Embracing Life

2011-10-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

We are starting another blog, Unbound Art, Embracing Life, which expresses how we see the interface between the human mind and life. We will continue to let you know about our current activities and new work, on this site. If you are interested in the content, inspirations, and motivations behind the work, you might want to check out the new blog which will include visual art and writing.
Please comment on anything that touches you and hitting the subscription button on either blog will allow you to get new postings when they happen.
Kim and Fernando

Greater Ithaca Art Trail

2011-10-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Art Trail is this weekend and next, October 8-9 and October 15-16. We are not on the Art Trail, but if you are out and about, stop by. We are at 32 Elm Street, in Trumansburg. It's probably a good idea to give us a call, 607-387-9691, to let us know you will be coming by, so we don't miss you. We have a tendency to go out for a walk or down to the creek in nice weather.
Mary Ellen Salmon's pottery studio on Main Street, in Trumansburg, will also be open.
These are the other artist who are out this way, who are on the Art Trail:
June Szabo(#43), Hilary Gifford(#16), Duran Van Doren(#45), Linna Dolph(#14), Julie Crosby(#12)and Carol Bloomgarden and Gordon Bonnet (#3,4). The numbers refer to the art trail map.

Stone Poems and Coffee

2011-09-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

Stone Poem to Joy

Stone Poem to an Engaging Couple

We are the Earth, We are Life

Stone Poem to a Silent Child

Could I offer you a little stone poem with your coffee?

This is the last week for Fernando's show at Gimme Coffee! in Trumansburg. There are some unique pieces (portraits), as well as the dancing figures that everyone loves.
Hope to see you in Trumansburg!

Kim and Fernando

The Face of the Mystery

2011-09-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

I often think that if we were truly aware of nature,
there would be no need for Art.
Nature, not painting, is the ultimate artistic expression.

The Whole Messy Busyness

2011-09-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

I love this composite that Fernando took of my studio. (click on the image to see a larger version) Yes, maybe I am a little embarrassed by the disorder, but that is the reality of the studio. The picture captures some new paintings that I have been working on at the end of the summer. The Sunflowers finally came into bloom and I was able to work with them in the garden for a while, but then I finally moved them into the studio, where it is easier to paint for extended periods of time. I noticed the bugs came in too and I had to be mindful of the limited time I had before they devoured the leaves. It was also interesting to notice the gradual, but steady wilting and drying of the leaves and petals. Nature is always moving on.

Fernando at Gimme!

2011-09-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

Balancing Act

Fernando has a nice little show at Gimme, in Trumansburg, with some new work and some favorites from recent shows. The exhibit will be up through September.

Balancing Act, was commissioned by our neighbor, Jean Taylor. It's not in the show at Gimme, but a beautiful example of a family portrait in stone.

Garden Studio

2011-08-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

There is No Separation

It has been a long time since I have drawn or painted from actual subject matter, but this summer I couldn't stay out of the garden. This garden certainly has its own mind and I haven't always been resigned to what it has produced. My expectations were that after a few years of building the soil I would have beautiful vegetables and flowers, more than we needed to eat and enjoy. However, with Black Walnut trees all around the yard and dry soil conditions (even when watering daily) my efforts weren't matching my expectations. At the Farmer's Market I would see the beautiful produce the farmers were selling and feel a little defeated. But this spring, after the sweet blue Forget-Me-Not's took over a quarter of the garden, I decided that whatever happened this year was fine. I like being out there. A stillness takes over, and I just watch the birds and insects, listen to the sounds, and notice what has decided to grow with or without my help. It is a reminder that Life is in charge.

Thank goodness, because it is certainly more complex and beautiful than my small imagination.

As you can see in the photos, I started drawing on board in the garden. Right away I knew it was going to be a challenge. Setting up the easel, gathering all of the supplies, dealing with the blinding sun and trying to avoid sunburn were all issues I had to solve. I really didn't know where I was going with this piece, but after the drawing, I came back to the studio and took Fernando's suggestion to put in the figure. I see this as an extension of the Inside Itself series that I was working on in the last show.

Fernando Llosa at the Corners Gallery

2011-07-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Stone Poem to a Summer Day on Cayuga Lake

What You Are Looking For Is Where You Are Looking From
print from a sumi-ink painting on glass

The studio has been overtaken in recent weeks with the production of stone poems and there are two new beautiful stone assemblages in this show. Fernando is also, for the first time, showing three prints from the sumi-ink glass plates, in a large scale format that really allows the viewer to enter into the details and space of the images. The gallery will also display a portfolio of 60 smaller prints, from the sumi-ink glass plates. Looking through the portfolio is great way to see the scope of this project that Fernando has been working on for over 7 years.

The show will be up until August 31.
Kim and Fernando

Gallery Night tonight

2011-07-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

Fernando has just put up an exhibit of Stone Poems at Multifaceted Minerals, 218 The Commons, in Ithaca. The opening is tonight, during Gallery Night. The work fits right into the focus of the store. Hope to see you there tonight!

Looking for the Adventurous

2011-06-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

Swirling Moon, oil on plaster

Looking for the Adventurous...
Have you had some basic Art instruction?
Do you have an interest in further artistic explorations, but not sure how to proceed?
Maybe you feel that you need a little direction, some critiques, some hand holding just to take a few new steps, some good pointers in material processes, or just someone to check in with regularly to keep you focused.

I am interested in working with students who want to push their own artistic explorations, who are interested in experimenting, and who want to develop their own artistic voice. I would like to work with students in short sessions, in which we discuss the work that is in progress, and brainstorm possibilities for further experiments. I could also work with the student in studio sessions (3 hours), in which we both work together, using similar materials, in order to discuss the work as it is happening, and to share possible approaches.

I am available for:
· regular consultations about Artwork in progress
· critiques
· brainstorming
(ideas, concepts, themes, subject matter, references to other artists)
· material and process advice in Drawing, Painting, and Mixed Media
· studio explorations

Fees:
$35 for consultation/critique(11/2 hours)
$75 for studio session (2-3 hours)

My story:
I have been teaching art for over 25 years, creating my own art for over 30 years, with an emphasis on Drawing and Painting, and some adventures in mixed media and fabric design. I have a MFA from Cornell University in Painting. I am currently teaching Drawing and Design, and Independent Study at Tompkins Cortland Community College. You can see examples of my work on the website www.unboundart.com and the blog, http:// www.unbound-art.blogspot.com

Contact:

Kim Schrag
schragk@gmail.com

Unbound Art Studio
32 Elm St., Trumansburg, NY 14886
607-387-9691

Inside Itself

2011-06-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

The Great Unfolding

Inside Itself II

Inside Itself I

Who's Looking?

Falling Away

Accumulation

Self-Centered

The opening for the show Inside Itself, was this last weekend, at Unbound Art Studio in our home in Trumansburg. Thanks to everyone who came and the weather for being so beautiful that we could sit out back and talk around the picnic table. If you didn't see the show and would like to, give us a call, the work is still up and we will turn the lights on for you.
Kim and Fernando

Open Studio

2011-06-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

Inside Itself

A Year of Painting
by Kim Schrag

Please join us for the first public showing of 8 new oil paintings.
Friday, June 17, 5-8
Saturday, June 18, 1-5

Unbound Art Studio
32 Elm Street, Trumansburg, NY

Some of the paintings have been posted throughout the blog recently, and I am excited to see them all up on the wall together. They are quite large, 36x48", oil on board. Hope to see you at the opening!
Kim

Color On/Color Off

2011-05-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

Should I focus your attention on the beautiful spring flowers in the garden in front of our house, or the new painting I recently completed on the porch? I wonder if this is the way perception works....

Although we have been a little tired of all the rain, it has produced beautiful blossoms. This weekend, I finally decided that there was little chance of another frost and have moved most of the plants onto the porch. We have been putting paintings on the front porch easel to lure visitors to the studio. Stop by if you are in the neighborhood.

For a better view of the paintings on the porch, visit our other blog, Embracing Life .

Who's Looking?

2011-05-18T13:58:00.001-07:00

Who's looking?

No Frack

2011-04-28T17:29:00.001-07:00

Pass this image on!

An All Inclusive Presence

2011-04-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Fernando has completed a clam-shell box portfolio, An All Inclusive Presence, that contains an essay and a selection of 60 (13 x 19") prints from the series of Sumi ink paintings on glass that he has been working on since 2004. This portfolio is intended as both a book prototype and the proposal for an exhibit in which the prints could be seen at their ideal scale (around 40 x 60").

The following text describes the process of the sumi ink painting on glass and the motivation behind the work. For more examples of the images created, visit the website Unbound Art

Let me first give you some idea of the process that leads to these prints.

First, a very rough sketch of the human form or a landscape is made by painting with water on 6 x 8” or 8 x 10” glass plate. Then, this hardly visible and very basic form is tinted with highly and differentially diluted acrylic pigment or sumi ink.

Subsequently, a heat gun (an industrial strength hair dryer) is used to raise the temperature of this mixture and to gently push it around. Brushes and other tools are also utilized throughout the process.

This manner of painting creates a very thin emulsion of paint that is to a great extent the actual record of tinted fluids rolling across the flat, nonabsorbent surface of a sheet of glass.

The plates that survive inspection are cleaned, protected with an acrylic fixative (the painted surface is extremely fragile) and then either used as large format negatives to create silver gelatin photographic (black and white) contact prints made by exposing photographic paper placed directly under the glass plate serving as negative; or, more commonly, they are scanned at high resolution, further processed in the computer and then printed, either as color photographs or as inkjet prints.(The ink emulsion is read as rich and varied chocolaty, sepia or golden tones in the scanning process).

The very nature of the the elements and processes from which these rather complex images emerge is intended to draw attention to the fundamental physical and psychological similarity of all human beings. There is no form in the inherent transparency of water—no-thing—and there is no form in ink—total darkness, no-thing as well. Form emerges as wind and heat animate unthinkable steps in a flowing dance of nothing with nothing.

Awareness of the fundamental commonality of all human beings, challenges our irrational proclivity to exaggerate the presumed uniqueness and pedigree of our particular identities. Unless the overwrought value we each attribute to our relatively different experience, knowledge, belief and desires,is radically cut back, we will never have the sanity without which harmony in our relationships and peace in the world are but a chimera.

Throughout the ages, we have been persistently told by spiritual masters that beyond our obvious perceptive and cognitive limitations and beneath the superficial differences of our inherently antagonistic psychological and tribal identities, there is a formless and therefore indivisible—yet infinitely lively and creative—state of being (An All-Inclusive Presence) in which mental suffering as a result of conflicted and conflictive separation, cannot possibly exist.

Collaboration at Elmira College

2011-03-22T08:28:00.001-07:00

The oil paintings,Interior and Exterior, are on display at Elmira College, in the George Waters Gallery, as part of a group show on Collaboration.

Open Studio Exhibit and Sale

2011-03-06T12:48:00.001-08:00

A New Era Is Coming, A New Heart

The days are longer, the weather warmer, and never have so many Stone Poems gathered under a single roof. We have now about thirty of them looking for a better home and at excellent, discounted prices. Come to see if there is one with your name on it, or come just for a visit.

Saturday March 12 and Sunday March 13
from 10:00 to 6:00

32 Elm Street
Trumansburg NY

For further information please call or write
(607) 387-9691
ferllosa@unboundart.com

To preview the pieces available please go to www.unboundart.com
click on "Fernando" and then on any of the three galleries under the Stone Poem banner.

If you happen to think of anyone who would enjoy seeing this work, please pass this invitation on. Thanks.

Self-Centered

2011-02-25T09:23:00.001-08:00

Self-Centered
Oil on Board, 36 x 48"

Stages of Production

2011-02-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

Accumulation Series
Falling Away

This is the most recent oil painting on board, 36x40". Fernando photographed several stages of the production and while I don't want to put the emphasis on process, it is interesting to see the changes. The last few paintings have started with a charcoal drawing. It seems much easier to develop form and space with charcoal and eraser than with slippery paint.
Kim

What's happening

2011-01-16T17:16:00.000-08:00

Enfolded

New Generation

Garden Party

Last year when I quit a teaching job that I had for many (23) years, I had one day a week less employment, and I was unsure if I would be able to sustain that financially. I kept thinking that I would have to start looking for work, but I would just paint until something came up. Nothing has come up yet, and I have been painting since August. These are the first three paintings (oil on board, 30x48") and as soon as they are photographed I will have 2 more to show you. They were surprising to me. I'm sure you can see some garden influence, from the bird house gourds I was growing, but otherwise I really don't know where the ideas came from. I fought this weird imagery a little, but after a while I just gave into it. It has probably been underground for a while, waiting for me to catch up.
Kim

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T17:36:00.000-08:00

This is one of Kim's most recent paintings. To see her other new paintings, completed in the last days of 2010, you can visit the website, www.unboundart.com. Gallery V

Balancing Act

2010-12-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

This stone poem is now in the collection of Mike and Kim Taylor. Jean Taylor, Mike's mother, commissioned this piece as a Christmas gift for them.
It is a wonderful balancing act between parents and children, with the dog getting in on the fun too. Too bad about the kicked thimble of water!

Non-Duality America

2010-11-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

Recently we have discovered this interesting site, Non-Duality America, and we will have some postings there of art and writing. You may find something that engages you. Let us know!
New Post

Found in Ithaca

2010-10-06T18:35:00.001-07:00

It was a great opening last Saturday at Found in Ithaca. See more photos on the Found blog.

Found!

2010-09-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

A New Era is Coming, A New Heart

Fernando Llosa and Mark Oros will unveil their recent collaboration of Stone Poems and lapidary work this Saturday, October 2, 10-6, at the grand opening of Found in Ithaca. Found is a new business, selling antiques, vintage, and unusual objects, located at 227 Cherry St., in Ithaca.

The idea of upcycling, "The practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value" From the book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart has recently become mainstream and inspiring for those of us who want to go beyond over-production and over-consumption. Fernando poses a challenge in this show to take the concept to another level, with the title, Upcycling Our Very Selves.

I'm sure you will enjoy these new pieces. Fernando transforms the natural flow of stone into the fluid movement of humans in nature, with the added beauty of the unusual colors and textures in the stones that Mark has provided.
Found in Ithaca

Hashnu Stones

Show Opening Sept. 17th

2010-09-16T18:44:00.001-07:00

1+1=3/Birth

New show opening at Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery in Canandaigua this Friday, September 17th. Kim will be showing this new painting and many folded and constructed paper paintings. The show, called New Perspectives, will feature 6 artists and a rich variety of work. Check out the PRR blog to find out more. We've been having a good time getting to know the Canandaigua waterfront, which is only a few blocks from the gallery. Last week, after dropping off the work for the show, we stopped at the Red Dove Tavern in Geneva, where we found a relaxed atmosphere and deliciously creative food.

Stones to View

2010-09-05T17:44:00.001-07:00

Sonora Sunset Jasper
Bolo Tie and Belt Buckle

Mark Oros has started a website that will feature his lapidary work, as well as stones he has collected. You can see the collaborations he has done with Fernando and other craftspeople.
Hashnu Stones
It will be interesting to see what new stones Mark finds to show us.

Summer Job

2010-08-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

Three Grids
Oil on constructed paper, 36 x 46"

It's hard to believe that summer is coming to an end. Maybe I sound dramatic, but I hear the school bells ringing in my head.
Kim's show at Fine Line Bistro in Ithaca, has been extended and will be up until August 23rd. A lot of people have seen the show, but if you haven't we hope you will and there are still a few days left.
Kim did manage to get a few paintings done this summer and we are posting one today. The grid has been a constant companion in the recent image making process and this painting is no exception. Three Grids, is still part of the Learning to See series, which you can see on the website in Kim's Gallery III.

Spirit Boost

2010-07-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

Spirit Boost

This piece made its debut at the Grass Roots Festival last weekend in Trumansburg. It is another collaboration between Fernando and Mark Oros, using both Cayuga Lake Stone, and semi-precious stones, Chrysoprase (small green stones), Ocean Jasper (red slabs), Amethyst, Sage Chalcedony Dendrite (body) and Pyrite Sun Crystal (balloon).

This piece is meant as a spirit boost to all those who have felt fear, anger and an inescapable measure of responsibility for the recent desecration of the Gulf of Mexico. May we have the courage to see that, in the end, it is only the individual who is capable of bringing about relevant change.

Friday's Featured Abstract Artist

2010-07-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Ithaca artist, Lynne Taetzsch, has a blog in which she features an abstract artist each Friday. Kim is this week's featured artist on the Abstract -Art-blog . Check out Lynne's website, Abstract Art by Lynne Taetzsch. Thanks Lynne!

Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery

2010-07-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Fight or Flight
Kim Schrag, Oil on plaster relief

Tomorrow we are taking work to the Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery in Canandaigua, NY. This is a new gallery for us. Fernando will show Stone Poems there and Kim, paintings. We will both be in shows in the fall, but they will have some of our work there now, so if you get to Canandaigua, look up this new spot.
Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery

Earth Landing at Brookton's Market

2010-07-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

Earth Landing

Fernando is showing at Brookton's Market, in Brooktondale, NY, until August 7. We had breakfast there after we hung the show, scrambled eggs on a bagel and blueberry strudel. Delicious! If you need to relax, go to Brookton's Market, it is both a reminder of a slower time in life and a preview of a healthier lifestyle.
Brookton's Market

Learning to See

2010-07-16T07:40:00.001-07:00

Interaction/Resistance

Kim is showing oil paintings on folded and constructed paper at Fine Line Bistro, in Ithaca, from July 15-August 10. Fine Line has a beautiful brick wall and warm red accents, that pick up the hot colors in these paintings. I hope you get a chance to see this show and enjoy the food!
Fine Line Bistro

Here is a link to the show Looking to See ( you'll notice that I changed the title) that is on our website. It talks more about the ideas behind the paintings, and gives you a good preview of the show. unboundart

Hooray!

2010-07-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Fernando just sold, Her Heart Is In the Right Place, to a client who already had one of his leaping stone figures. This piece was in the Fine Line Bistro show that we just took down. A big thank-you to all of you who support our work. We can't survive as a small, local business without you.

Collaboration in Semi-Precious Stone

2010-07-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

The Book of Earth and Sky
Cayuga Lake stone, British Columbia Ocean Stone, Tiger's Eye Quartz, metal, canvas, cherry frame

Fernando and Mark Oros are working on a collaboration together, using semi-precious stone.

Mark Oros, who also lives in Trumansburg, has been collecting agate, jasper and assorted fossils over his lifetime. Mark and his daughter started making jewelry from semi-precious stones using diamond saws and arbors. Over the past year, he has used his lapidary craft to make larger pieces that become elements for craftsmen and artists. He primarily works with agate and jasper and collects his raw materials from several sources worldwide, including Madagascar, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Uruguay and the western regions of the USA.

Hand-bound journal with Ocean Jaspar Madagascar

The first pieces are posted here. Stay tuned for more work to come.

New Paintings 2010

2010-06-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

The Map is Not the Territory

Thought Divides,
The Inevitable Rise and Fall of Empire

Kim Schrag
Oil on folded and constructed paper

The Newest Guest Books

2010-06-26T13:58:00.001-07:00

front and back cover details

These are the newest guest books that Fernando has created. Each book has 85 sheets of 24lb. acid free paper. These guest books were designed for wedding receptions, but Fernando's hand bound books could also be used as personal journals or for guests to sign at the summer cottage.

Reception Books

2010-06-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know Fernando's work, you may remember the handbound journals that he was making a few years ago. Recently he was commissioned to make a wedding reception book with stone artwork on the cover. It was greatly admired at the wedding and will be a nice record of the guests and their congratulation messages. Fernando is making several more right now, so if you have a wedding or anniversary party coming up, this might be just what you need. Prices start at $150, depending on size and complexity.

Fine Line Bistro

2010-06-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

Annoyed Mama Bird

King of Fossils

The Next Dominant Species

The Third Age - The Ultimate Extreme Sport

Yesterday we hung Fernando's Stone Poem show at Fine Line Bistro, in Ithaca. It looks great! There are over 20 pieces, most of them new work. Some of the new Stone Poems are posted here. Stop by Fine Line Bistro and see the whole show.

New Exhibits

2010-06-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

All is Life/The Garden

Lost in Thought

The Unknown Moving through the Unknowable
Collage Series

Brookton's Market
Fernando and Kim are both having shows at Brookton's Market in Brooktondale, this summer. This is a great little deli and organic grocery store that we were introduced to when Harry Littell had a show of photographs there earlier this year. Kim will exhibit a series of small collage paintings, starting June 15-July 10. Fernando will show Stone Poems, July11-August 7. This is a great place to go if you need something interesting to do. Call us, if you want to meet there.

www.brooktonsmarket.com