Sandy Shelly Upcycling

Ebb and Flow

2011-10-17T16:10:00.007-04:00

This piece was created in response to the work of Beverly Buchanan who is being recognized for her life's work by the Womens Caucus for Art. "Ebb & Flow" deals with an individuals "pure expression" that is often hidden. Our interior life can be very different from the outside appearance that is shared with others. I have created this piece on the reverse side of a stretched canvas symbolizing the "hidden side." The small copper hand reaching, yet blocked, represents trying to live true to oneself.

Reliquary: Matilda's Pearls

2011-09-12T17:40:00.004-04:00

This piece was created for a show entitled "Memory" which was held this past spring at the Riverside Gallery in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
It recalls the weekends that my sister and I would spend at my Aunt Mat's house playing dress up with her gowns, high heels, hats and jewelry. She allowed the two of us to "borrow" just about anything in her closet except her genuine pearls. I remember clearly the birthday--having achieved "womanhood"--that she gave me those very same pearls as a gift for my birthday.

Ann Arbor Women Artists Summer Show

2011-05-28T08:44:00.008-04:00

After entering three pieces in the AAWA Summer Show, I just learned that all three were accepted! The show will be held at the Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan beginning June 30 and ending July 30, 2011. An Artists Reception will be held 0n Sunday, July 9th from 5-7pm. A talk will be given by the jurist and awards will be presented.

The first two entries above are altered books. "Waken But To Weep" is about regrets. The second piece, "Periodic Imbalance" addresses the necessity that we need balance between the "natural" and "man made."

The third piece, entitled "Mute Zephyr," is inspired by the poem "The Angels" by Rainer Maria Rilke.

Ann Arbor Women Artist Spring Show Entry

2011-03-06T16:21:00.004-05:00

"After the Fire" is one of the pieces I have entered. It is a mixed media piece created within base a discarded cigar box. It is the story of a young boy who experienced the loss of all but one of his toys in a fire that destroyed his family home. He is longing for the single toy, a stuffed rabbit, which is out of his reach.

WCA Balance: An Artist's Collaborative Game

2010-11-04T13:36:00.005-04:00

The three photos above are of the final piece created. I have played off the idea that as our personal life history evolves, so does that of the earth. And so, while humans travel through their lives, each one must consider the impact they have on the natural world. This altered book is titled "Create Artificial Balance."
This is the second piece I created in the "game." Playing off the color orange and the concept of "being carried" from my partner. Titled " The Love Song of the Mosquito."

WCA Balance: An Artist's Collaborative Game

2010-02-26T10:18:00.005-05:00

This is my first (of 3 pieces) created for the WCA-Michigan Chapter Artists' Collaboration based on the theme of "Balance". Each pair of artists creates a series of works with the process of collaboration recorded through "call and response exchanges". This will result in a final work by each participating artist.
A "traveling" exhibit is to be presented at 3 different galleries throughout the state of Michigan. The first incarnation of the exhibit will be hosted by The Gallery in the Duderstadt Center at the University of Michigan, opening May 7 and closing May 31, 2010.
My theme for "Balance" in this altered book piece is Natural-Man Made. Highlighting the idea that it is necessary for humans to balance these elements to live in harmony with the earth.

valentine love

2010-02-12T08:56:00.006-05:00

Altered tins with "loving" themes for this Valentine month.

Michigan Chapter - Women's Caucus for Art

2009-03-31T10:40:00.011-04:00

Reliquary: Maria's Key to Home -- representation of the journey of my Italian grandmother (nonna) who travelled across the Atlantic, alone, to connect with her future husband in the United States. Eventually, finding the "key" to her home.

Home Land -- the traditional image of a "home," with references to comfort, roots, continuity, the sense of security, feeding our souls and a chance to rest. Bubble wrap and "houses to rent" ads suggest the ever present change that will come.

These are two of the three pieces that were accepted by the jury for the "Home: Loving it, Losing It, Leaving" Exhibition sponsored by the Michigan Chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art. The WCA is a national arts organization whose mission is to support women in the visual arts professions. WCA has focused attention on the contributions of women and people of color throughout the history of art. WCA has affiliates in over 40 states. Being juried into this show is a great honor for me--and all three pieces! The third piece that was accepted is "Dumpster Reclamation" which appears in a previous blog.

This show asked the questions,"What does it mean to families, children women and men to lose their physical surroundings? Home is often considered the "woman's domain." What does it feel like to lose that center of control? Is there freedom in leaving everything behind?"

This exhibit is hosted by The Gallery in the Duderstadt Center on the North Campus at the University of Michigan. For more information about the gallery, etc. go to: www.dc.umich.edu.

The opening reception will be May 8, 2009 (6 - 8 pm).

bamboo domino designs

2009-02-21T16:42:00.003-05:00

Collage necklaces made out of bamboo domino blanks that were salvaged from place mats found in a junk shop. Additional beads were added and waxed cotton was used as the "string".

the sketchbook project 3

2009-02-03T20:09:00.007-05:00

Two views of my entry to the Sketchbook Project 3. The theme of this show, which will travel to eight galleries during the months of March through June 2009, is "Everyone we know." Each artist received a 3.5 x 5.5 moleskin sketchbook to alter which will be returned to the Art House Coop in Atlanta. As a group show, the sketchbooks will then travel to each of the following galleries: Museum of Contemporary Art D.C., Laconia Gallery in Boston, Atena Gallery in Chicago, Soulard Art Market in St. Louis, 3rd Ward in Brooklyn, MODA in Atlanta, and finally the Chicago Art Source Gallery which will be its last stop.

In my sketchbook, I have created a niche with a door that opens to reveal an accordion strip with words and phrases that evoke ideas that "everyone" shares. Some of these are," being-ness," "precious body and soul", 'to the heart", "society"," ones who matter"," Light and Dark" (a reference to the good and evil in all humans) and the all encompassing "WE."

"art on the move"

2009-01-19T16:47:00.009-05:00

I just received word today that two of my altered books have been juried into the "Art on the Move" show at the Grosse Pointe Art Center. I am jumping up and down with excitement! The opening is the Friday, January 23, from 6:30-9:30pm. The show will close on Saturday, February 21. All are invited to see the show and enjoy the new 3600 sq ft contemporary gallery space. Below are the two pieces.

Dumpster Reclamation

Non Verbal

gilda's club metro detroit fundraiser

2009-01-06T15:43:00.007-05:00

altered altoid tin shrines to inspire "peace" & "faith" in those dealing with cancer -- April 2008

lovely recycling

2009-01-03T21:04:00.005-05:00

altered altoid tin with thoughts of love -- february 2008

bada bing

2008-12-29T12:06:00.010-05:00

"protect your secrets" from altered book round robin group -- January 2007

" dangerous women" from altered book round robin group -- January 2007