E.Tobin Eckian

New Blog Destination

2010-04-02T07:20:00.000-04:00

Dear Blogger and Reader Friends. I have moved -

www.tobineckian.com/

wedsnesday

2010-03-17T13:39:00.000-04:00

Curried Coconut Chickpea Stew for a Cloudy Day

2010-03-11T13:53:00.000-05:00

Saute:
two onions
2 T finely chopped fresh ginger
2 stalks of celery
1 green pepper
1 zucchini
1 summer squash
4 carrots
1 cup mushrooms

Add in:
1 can good quality coconut milk
2 cans chickpeas rinsed
one quarter cup pureed pumpkin
1/2 to 1 cup water

2 T red curry HOT curry paste concentrate for sauces
a dash of super hot sauce such as Big Papi

salt to taste

just bring to a low simmer and cook on low heat to desired doneness!

Where am I? I am.....

2010-03-08T13:24:00.001-05:00

WoW. How is it that sometimes I can feel like I've just made it out of a vice grip? I just re-emerged from what felt like an overly stressful time - keeping my thoughts as clear as possible while watching in near horror at some of the thinking part of me was trying to do - out dated patterns for sure fighting to stay ingrained or in position. Growth and Freedom can really be quite the challenge tho always worth it coming out the other side.

As a painter and musician I get ample opportunities to try out the Trusting part of me. It is good to find that I am always finding my way and I always AM IT. Everything starts with that. The ultimate place of power within. That God/Source/whatever you want to call it eternal spark of creation everything has. The I AM IT place of power.

If you can name where I am with my bike I will give you one of my wooden blocks with an art print on it!

(the first person to name it gets it)

on drop cloth

2010-03-06T11:14:00.001-05:00

ondropcloth, originally uploaded by tobin eckian.

on the day i finished this (again - 4 times i think i finished this painting), the sun came out and i liked how the window pane fell across the faces.

Dressing well helps when it is dark and stormy out but doesnt really take the gloom away ~ saying to oneself "this too shall pass" and staying kindly and gentle, honest and willing to change ones mind when called for.

true love is not blind.

chickenonbox

2010-03-03T11:12:00.001-05:00

chickenonbox, originally uploaded by tobin eckian.

the chicken said "I'm on top of the box. I'm the winner!" and the other one's said "watch out for things fallin from the sky!"

Box of Good Thoughts said "I am just holding my ground and keeping my thoughts clean."

Happy wednesday xoxo

boston terrier with pink rabbit, hippo and super small tabasco

2010-02-28T17:12:00.001-05:00

boston550wpinkbunrabbit, originally uploaded by tobin eckian.

ah. always good to have power back on. seems super strange to have the luxury of it? not sure about it. i don't like this 'power from without' thing. i would rather be an energizer type of creature that could generate it's own power for all of it's personal requirements. do you ya know what i mean?

have a great week. and the balance of this sunday left.

bleh.

2010-02-25T16:50:00.001-05:00

bleh. , originally uploaded by tobin eckian.

ok, not really 'bleh.' just a little ready for some blue sky.

Who knew about ski Joering?

2010-02-19T09:36:00.000-05:00

I would have done this when I was young if I knew about it. Is it possible to do a redo?

What? we can't keep the pom?

2010-02-17T10:29:00.000-05:00

The Pug says "What?! We can't keep the pom?"

The Black and White contingency team meet and discuss the issue about keeping the pom.

It is discovered that sometimes a Fox comes and goes into one's life rather quickly, do you agree?

Holding Still, Holding Ground

2010-02-11T10:31:00.000-05:00

Holding Strong

taking a stand

thru the rest of winter

fiddle while i can

drink coffee

hold still

awhile

still

sill

hill, bump

smooth

Occurance Shifts to Invitation (a painting transforms while a person does)

2010-02-09T12:42:00.000-05:00

A painting, a person, a neighbor who paints, the planet...everything is connected. When I work as honest to the point of almost being brutal with myself but not that, still kind and gentle even tho' feeling a bit bumped about - magic happens over time in the process of painting. When my neighbor is painting and she changes for the better because of it, that makes it easier for me to change also.

A painting, an oil...about a woman and a dog called "frequency gown" started out being about the woman and the dog and their relationship. Over time, after some technical difficulties (still being worked out but getting there)....they both turned. They BOTH started looking out of the painting as an invitation to the viewer. I didn't plan any of this. I was just daddling along, doing my best to be present, listen to colors that i hear and see off the right side of my head.

Maybe it doesn't transfer as much as in person. These are small thumbnails. Yes, I know the one on the right is smiling more, that is not what I am talking about. lol. And yes, I know the person on the left looks way more extraterrestrial the the woman on the right. Am I over-exaggerating?!

Maybe a trip to my studio is called for where it can be seen in person until moving out to an unknown yet to be determined destination. Can you see why painting is a source of constant entertainment?

do do do the Diorama

2010-02-07T15:04:00.000-05:00

I think Diorama can also be spelled 'diarama' but it reminds too much of something that way.

The first Diorama I made was the first really magical 'artistic' happening that occurred in my life. I didn't know what I was doing but I had a plan and ideas kept popping in my head - I was making my first and only Shoebox Diorama. I was in 6th grade and my teacher, Mr. Daugherty instructed us to make one about a book we read. I only really half listened to the instructions as what seemed like a common factor I carried with me through my school life, so I was pretty much on my own in terms of what it was I was supposed to do. Things came together in a most extraordinary way: cotton balls, twigs, everything I needed I found literally at my fingertips. I got an A in the project for something I was entirely into. (A first in school life experience, being 'entirely into it.')

I have been working on some now for quite a few years. They are simple and meant to be added to (there is a small shelf behind the beaded wire balcony) with little artifacts. I 'upcycle' cardboard, tape, plaster-fy, glue a print from one of my paintings and paint it.

Baby Bunny

2010-02-04T14:14:00.000-05:00

"Rose with a baby squeak sounding rubber bunny"

I couldn't get over myself yesterday to blog so today I am.

2010-02-02T09:03:00.000-05:00

Something Happened

In these days, sometimes people might act unconnected to themselves and act in what seems quite abrasive ways. This is when I employ something called 'engaged detachment' (I permit the ALL-ONE to Be without assigning Critique, Condemnation, or Value Judgement: I understand the IS-ness and I Validate the ALL-ONE-ness) and also The Attitude of Mastery called "I Am Grace" (I Allow the ALL-ONE-ness to Be what IT IS regardless of whether it suits me. I Live Perpertual Forgiveness) - Ashayana & Azartan Deane.

Why? Because sometimes it is the only thing that helps.

Often, not always, a painting I am working on begins speaking about something that hasn't even happened or is about to happen. I put this up to the nearly common occurrence that I have come to accept, that being, a part of me, a part of my conscious intelligence is speaking through images. I have known about this for some time and it continues to be a source of excitement and comfort.

See painting above: A story about how i must (i am the black and white cow bunny) put many of my eggs in one boat (basket) and start traveling down toward my favorite watering hole (rt 1A south) to live at some point. The two fish heads on either side (appearing as two land masses on left and right) are talking to me with alert faces that it is time to get used to the idea of moving -

blackbunnywithcowbunny

2010-01-29T11:15:00.001-05:00

blackbunnywithcowbunny, originally uploaded by tobin eckian.

ka! cow bunny looks perplexed by it's canary egg cargo.

happy weekend xo

snippet

2010-01-27T12:32:00.000-05:00

That's the sound of hair being cut.

turn upside down
flip hair over with you
comb it all forward
snip snippity snip

out with some of the old. in with the new.

Blogging....

2010-01-25T13:43:00.000-05:00

   I have a secret back-up blog entry on a card near my table. I havn't used it yet but feel like I want to type it out. Then I have other things I like to talk about, like how much I value twittering....

(my secret is a cherished list from a birthdaycard from all the animals that currently lived within arm's length of the kitchen in 1999)

(why I love twitter? i find different artists who are tweeting and we keep eachother tweet sharp and focused on our work).

   My friend, Foxfire is leaving for Africa this week and is blogging about how many pairs of underwear she will pack (possibly one or maybe two) link here.

   Who do I think I am!?   Seriously, I am social media-ist. An Artist grateful for an audience and kindling kinship of others that are here on the Planet. I am an entertainer, entertaining first myself and then benefiting from the laughter or grins of others seeing my ridiculous antics - like a parrot with fat legs and funny feet walking, or attempting to run across a floor. I am like a Parrot - who desire full inclusion into a social network, full acceptance. Complete Love and trustworthiness going both ways.

picture "Red Fox"

Saturday - Inspired by the Theater Community in Newburyport

2010-01-23T15:08:00.000-05:00

   I get so inspired by being in the Firehouse. It is like a giant toy. I imagine moving little parts and things around on the walls and on the big projector screen. I wonder how I could create a giant scenario combining music and story, drama and visual art. I've had these thoughts and feelings before and it all came rushing in again unexpectedly last night while sitting in the theater during the opening of 'The New Works' festival (Playwrite James McLindon was in the audience, directed by Sherry Bonder with Astrid Lorentzon, Ashley Risteen and Eliot Johnston) Well Played!

   Later at the surprise reception (I hadn't known there would be wine and food after), staring at the blank bricks walls feeling a tangible longing to hang my new work up I realized the idea of submitting work for the Firehouse had returned full force.
While napping before driving to the show I was with my old friends from High School at a bar that overlayed my old neighborhood (Leawood Drive, New Castle, PA) where my actor neighbor lived adjacently, Mrs. Nord and my new neighborhood (Newbuyrport around the vicinity of the Firehouse). I had to leave my friends quickly to enter the Firehouse and looked down at myself and I was wearing a full length red dress, the same one that another person was wearing who was on stage getting ready to read. What?    I woke up from the nap feeling quite ready to entertain the idea of getting up on stage at some point. Maybe I will venture into 'The Random Acts" next November or audition for next year's "New Works shorts? Somethings to look forward to.

In the meantime, I am looking forward to Marc Clopton's written play "Alice in Wonder Glass" premiering this Feb 11th at the Black Box Theater in the Tannery. Dan Hanson has been making the lyrical and sculpted furniture for the event and they will be auctioned (time and place tba). http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=144078960640

polite or Rude? Playing at the Port Taven.....

2010-01-20T10:50:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize how much I had payed attention to the common courtesy of waiting one's turn until I found myself sitting at the weekly Music Seisun at the Port Tavern in Newburyport. Unlike some folks, I did not have the pleasure of growing up around this type of happening. Eamon Coyne, a rare treasure from Ireland runs it every wednesday from 7 until 10 pm. There is some element of waiting one's turn, ie: when Eamon calls on you...but that happens only when the slew of players have stopped for 12 seconds to catch a breath or if it is a slower night (not as many players). Rather, from what I can tell, it is up to me to jump in when the last song (usually a run of three tunes each played three times in a row) has just ended. There is no time really to think, just do it. Gah! hesitation can mean lost opportunity.

It is not ever a 'slow' night as the seisun is known for it's rapid speed, both a thrill and inspiration. I've been playing fiddle going on nine years now. Some pieces like 'The Swallowtail Reel' I knew to play fast. Now I spend my early morning getting everything up to speed so I am not only correct in jumping in to the playing pot, but also not rude in playing poorly!

If you like Irish (scottish, english, celtic, cape breton) type of traditional tunes you may be overjoyed to be at Port Taven on State St. in Newburyport on a wednesday eve. (with instrument or as listener - beginners are always welcome to sit on the fringe!)

"Boston Terrier Island"

Fluffy Monday

2010-01-18T12:25:00.000-05:00

first thing in morning. throw open the window, take photo, will post somewhere. fades in....singing "This Love Will Carry" by Contemporary Scottish Musician, Dougie Maclean.

I take my music as serious as my art. holding both lightly as fluff in one hand and as heavy as gravity would allow in the other. Singing and playing fiddle are like the blood for me. keeps things moving freely. My art-making is like my bones. They build me up. keep me here on earth. both are so important.

I have been writing from this window for some years now. There is a book floating around on the internet that took 5 years from this window. I still have the urge to write from here. This is where I do my blogs. I realized near the end of writing the book that what I was really doing was practicing blog writing. For that is the style of writing the book takes. A ridiculous and quite serious account of my life as a almost street person and basically a traveler, gypsy artist musician. Notice that even tho i mention this book i am not saying where it can be purchased, typical response to my ambivalence of being read. i think to date i have sold 12 copies.

Friday - resting while working

2010-01-15T12:45:00.000-05:00

i know i said i would attempt to blog everyday but i am thinking every other day now.. i am not going to capitalize my 'i's' because my sleeve will go into my paint if i move that way. my recent canvas is sitting in front of my this, studio laptop.

i also am finding the joy of typing a draft in the morn and not publishing until i have some kind of photograph to show for myself. yesterday i took some photos of the baby tiger, canary hastening back into it's nest. just like i did out of sheer exhaustion of pushing myself too hard re: paint and fiddle.

basically most capitol letters are out while i am typing in this manner.

i learned something valuable yesterday and this morning....(ice is falling off my roof right now)....the art of not working too hard. that's right. that's what i said. i think it is un natural to work to the point of too much. what is called for is a focus and refocusing of a particular goal, intended progress ----- not the overdoing.

i'm serious about this.

I think I finished the painting just now so now I can cAP.

There are plenty of environmental pressures that seem to squeeze in on my cells sometimes propelling me towards a desperate enbarkment - a ridiculous journey even for my mind, before I make a move. The best way to deal with this while it is occurring is to either clean up something and through out old stuff, or take a nap.

Wednesday Jan 13th - nearly in the middle of the month and the week

2010-01-13T14:04:00.000-05:00

I woke up and came downstairs and who was sitting on a little branch in the middle of the cage? Only the cutest little baby canary there ever was. This one is mild mannered and barely makes a peep. A quiet, sensitive little bird with bright black eyes. I wasn't there this time to see the baby's first hop out of the nest. Previous accounts (4 in all) I have witnessed first steps and flights.

softiebluebunnyandskip3

2010-01-12T17:37:00.002-05:00

softiebluebunnyandskip3, originally uploaded by tobin eckian.

the small wool stuffed softies serve as an inspiration by placing them in my new paintings. it appears the blue bunny bear morphed into the schipperke in the latest 12 x12 ! quite funny what can happen.

And back to the new canary baby, Tiger. simply so adorable and looked at me while i was talking to it today without shrinking back into it's nest like it usually did before when I attempted a direct conversation.

Happy January 11th

2010-01-11T12:35:00.001-05:00

The new little baby puff is adorable. I call him tiger. Super alert today, 3 weeks old and seems ready to jump out of his nest.

My interview with online Cool Newburyport Today blog came out today (I havnt read it yet! ;o) see following tiny url:

Artist Profile: Tobin Eckian http://bit.ly/8zhNr0

boxy friday

2010-01-08T17:30:00.001-05:00

boxy, originally uploaded by tobin eckian.

this is a little 8 inch square box i built out of cardboard, tape and plaster. i glued a print into it and painted it, wired a safety wire in case you were small enough to fit inside and be walking along the edge. there are some blue beads on the wire to look at also.

happy weekend.

tob

blue

2010-01-06T14:44:00.001-05:00

dailyjan5, originally uploaded by tobin eckian.

we're in a little boat coasting through the air
going somewhere new
a new frontier
a new feeling

Tiny blog entry

2010-01-05T16:39:00.000-05:00

because I said I would (blog everyday)

tho' that january winter has crept into my hibernation factor of the bear in the cave. It only lasts for a short while.

my daily blog

2010-01-04T15:33:00.000-05:00

i plan to do this everyday whether anyone notices or not. today, i put away some of my childish things and picked up my palatte once again. it seems a couple times a year i play for hours and dream about being a jeweler and rarely do i get any real product out of it. then i sit and ask myself 'what is the lesson here'? today i got - the lesson is to go back to painting! lol.

AFter all these years (over 30) it is ok to call myself a painter even tho, i always think i could be a better one and i've heard this said about painters. That they sometimes think they could be so much better and also, i usually don't make as much money on my art as say a plumber or someone who makes an hourly rate. So...I think I can duck out of saying i really am a painter because of that. And also, because I am a musician for real so can i be both? of course silly bird.

journal transferring transformation - how I do it.

2010-01-03T13:46:00.000-05:00

I have been making my own journals in the last year, small enough to pop into my little carry around bag (small enought to forget too if I don't commit to using it )

They are a wee bit on the smallish side. about 40 pages. A lot gets put down in them and easy to forgot what I do actually jot down and to even see it in low lighting. SO here is what I do, am in the process of doing right now

I enter things sequentially (instead of the way i used to do it by just opening it up where there was a place to write and jotting down a fiddle tune whilst looking in the dark at a Port Tavern session).

I am going through my last journal and pulling out the bits that need to be transferred into the new one: things like lists of jigs and reels I am working on, the names of the animals I plan to make into softies (small 6 inch stuffed wool handpainted things I make), Wall fluffers (new things I am making...same as softies only made with paper, both stuffed with wool)...and so on.

It's all very exciting.

Painting in the Land of 2010

2010-01-02T14:40:00.000-05:00

Hello my friends. It is 2010. May your wishes, hopes and dreams come to fruition in the best possible order and timing suited rightly just for you!

happy almost new year

2009-12-29T10:12:00.001-05:00

softiebostonterrier, originally uploaded by tobin eckian.

it got a wee bit chilly out there. windy, blustery. the tall strands of goldenrod leftover from the summer blow fiercely about and then stand quite still for a moment.

here's to a nice place of stillness within no matter what the wind blows.

Happiest of Holidays

2009-12-27T13:58:00.000-05:00

catbeardog

2009-12-23T08:54:00.001-05:00

catbeardog, originally uploaded by e tob.

"Have yourself a merry little christmas
may your heart be light.
from now on our troubles will be out of sight.
have yourself a merry little christmas
make your yule-tide gay
from not on our troubles will be miles away."

happy december 17th

2009-12-17T11:42:00.001-05:00

rosechairpose, originally uploaded by e tob.

sigh. i am packing up a box to send to my folks in western pennsylvania. wish i could help my mom decorate her tree this year. i sang 'o holy night' with maura at port session with her harp last night it reminded me of the years of singing it with my mom. was a true gift to sing it.

one more commissioned cat pillow to go out then finish some holiday cards and thoughts of stocking gifts and food stuffs to make.

take care everywhere.

e tob

ladywithpug - happy Holidays!

2009-12-11T19:10:00.001-05:00

ladywithpug, originally uploaded by e tob.

I've been oil painting in my newburyport studio...So glad to be using my grandmother's oils and a new red my friend Kathy handed to me.

Stay rested during these weeks, pace yourself. peaceful solace, loving comfort and joy of being to you this holiday season.

e. tob

catferretdogmouse HAppy dec. 7th!

2009-12-07T09:12:00.001-05:00

catferretdogmouse, originally uploaded by e tob.

a wee line up of 7 inch tall stuffing friends with french bull dog in a boat in a bathtub behind them.

smallsinabox

2009-12-03T14:39:00.001-05:00

smallsinabox, originally uploaded by e tob.

We're all in a box, fired up and ready to go. Now we are at Chameleon Gallery in Newburyport.

happy holiday season

2009-11-28T13:13:00.001-05:00

pillowtuxedocat, originally uploaded by e tob.

whether you celebrate or not, here is a happy wish for a nice late fall/early winter. I have been busy, tho' i tend to slow waaaaay down in a week or two just to compensate for busy time of year. I move in slow motion.

stay calm and move along

2009-11-19T13:23:00.000-05:00

or is it" keep calm and all is well?" no, that couldn't be it. oh! Keep Calm and Carry On. that is it.

zing zang friday :)

2009-11-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

happy friday folks. another week has rolled by with a weekend attached to it.

IMG_7475

2009-11-07T08:48:00.001-05:00

IMG_7475, originally uploaded by e tob.

good morning my online social network that i love so much.

happy saturday.

doing first official recital today for music students. very exciting.

a year from now i would like to rent out Marc Clopton's Blackbox theater for a recital performance if he will let me.

dog in a boat Norway

2009-11-05T12:46:00.001-05:00

doginaboatNorwayflash, originally uploaded by e tob.

Violet has made her way quite far on the coast of Norway.

Creatures in my Kitchen

2009-11-04T12:51:00.002-05:00

i think pod casting is cool. it seems like a pretty rad new thing to do so i am doing it. Click here ---> Creatures in my Kitchen

Let me know if you like it - you can twitter me at www.twitter.com/TobinEckian or comment here or as my notes here go automatically to my FaceBook page - there too.

luv ya.
have a good day.

TOb

Zoey the Boston Terrier Might Call Soon ( I hope)

2009-11-03T11:39:00.000-05:00

As online expert Chris Brogan says,'Blog about what you know and blog often' (paraphrase from his book called "Trust Agents"). Having just said this, I have no idea what I know the most about. I do know that I like to make art with animals in the art and enjoy hearing stories about People and their animal friends. I could talk endlessly with someone about their pet bird or dog mostly. (fish, not as much. And cats, as I do love them - something about their stories don't capture me quite as much as a story about a small dog).

I am waiting on a call about a new Boston Terrier named Zoey that might be coming to live with me and Rosie.

Forecast for today: mostly blue skies, lots of love coming from within - Look for it.

Happy Monday - it's a new month!

2009-11-02T08:28:00.002-05:00

good morning my dear fellow internet journeyers. What would i do if i didnt have the internet? It just makes for so much more fun and sharing, inspiration, levity and joy. Here is a random image from my archives - (have a great week lovies).

H H !

2009-10-31T11:26:00.001-04:00

plasterbt2, originally uploaded by e tob.

This Boston Terrier looks a bit bewildered because it is halloween and a time to be careful around goblins and ghouls. Stay close to the good fairies, the gold, blue and purple dragons and happy mermaids!

Sailing Forecast: good, stay close to your core.

dogs in a boat -hudson rivier

2009-10-27T13:14:00.002-04:00

dogsinboathudsonrivier, originally uploaded by e tob.

NYC on the right, the crew sent down a diver into the river to see what they could find. They found what they were always searching for:

Even when things may seem less than ideal, it is always perfect. (Asheayanna Deanne)

worrypug

2009-10-22T17:25:00.001-04:00

worrypug, originally uploaded by e tob.

Ok mr. worry pug, here is one: I just bought health insurance yet not really certain how I am going to pay for it. Please take worries about going into debt and the ins. co. being able to decide to not treat a pre-existing condition. I trust in divine right order and timing in all things. I am doing my part to not worry and be able to be graceful in floating this boat.

Forecast for tomorrow: safe journeying

Worry Cat Wednesday

2009-10-21T12:24:00.003-04:00

This particular cat is not very worried. But I do have a cat up on my etsy shop that i realized is a 'worry cat.' What is one? Oh, something that looks a bit worried that one can cast their own extra unnecessary worries over to. I have a couple 'worry dogs' that are pugs and are going up on my www.tobinart.etsy.com/ shop tomorrow. They had worried faces on them so instead of changing the faces - let them take on the worries of their owners? I think they will really not notice, because -

they are small
they are stuffed
they are inanimate
they aren't attached to things like worry? (maybe they are!)

Someone, please let me know if this is a bad idea.

doginboatmouthofmerrimac

2009-10-15T11:43:00.001-04:00

doginboatmouthofmerrimac6, originally uploaded by e tob.

happy thursday. a self portrait as a dog on a boat, obviously the current is working for me on the mouth of the merrimac (but i know differently from once putting in a row boat in up before route one bridge and had to hail 'may day may day' and get to shore asap).

sailing report: Looks good out ahead

dogs in boat - parker river

2009-10-09T16:17:00.001-04:00

dogsinboatparkerriver, originally uploaded by e tobin e.

There is a bunny named Blossom at the helm. 4 dogs, a moose and a bunny setting out for a boat ride, safe and sound on Parker River.

Dogs in a Boat and Star Island, NH

2009-10-05T15:09:00.001-04:00

dogsinboatstarisland, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

Some of my dog and friends mini pillows caught a ride in a boat passing star iSland
(represented by the mosaic square in lower right corner).

safe in a boat

2009-10-01T07:38:00.002-04:00

safeinaboat, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

happy october first! "rabbit rabbit!" a traditional saying that means good luck and is a game to see who can utter it first on the first day of each new month.

Here is a new painting of my series "dogs in boats". it is entered in the Chameleon Salon going on today through Sunday. Tomorrow is the Fete! 6-9. contact me for directions at teckian@tiac.net

babybirds

2009-09-29T10:04:00.001-04:00

babybirds, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

Betty finally hatched some eggs. She hatched Clementine, her first, in June. This was her third batch after that. She sat on two bunches of 4 eggs for months on end. She even layed 3 blue eggs over the Summer. What is up with that? She is not an Araucanian.

roseandpillow

2009-09-23T11:50:00.001-04:00

roseandpillow, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

My Rosie cracks me up the way she must jump on her chair to pose with new Violet Boston Terrier almost Pillow.

i take orders for boston terriers and friends (all animals are friends to bostons) . Please see my Etsy shop for more info:
www.tobinart.etsy.com

raccoon

2009-09-19T15:23:00.001-04:00

raccoon, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

i've been feeling called to paint a raccoon for two weeks now, i just love having it peer back at me now that it is painted (will be stuffed by monday). I was gifted with raising 4 different baby raccoons when i lived in the town woods of No. Reading. They are my favorite animal.

bostontpillowtwitterface

2009-09-19T11:50:00.001-04:00

bostontpillowtwitterface, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

yes, i am niched and postioned into the world of softie, soft sculpture hand painted animal pillows. I have been painting animals on fabric since 1984 ~ on silk banner and handpainted tshirts I used to make while standing in Harvard Square.

to see what is available please visit my etsy store at www.tobinart.etsy.com/

:)
e tob eckian

Silver & Rose

2009-09-05T08:27:00.001-04:00

Silver & Rose, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

five years ago -

Rose used to bring toys to the chicken and then play 'chicken' to see whether She would play. They were at a stand off here that lasted for sometime. I remember Silver the chicken eventually charging at Rose to show her who was the boss around here.

Good Morning

2009-09-04T08:09:00.002-04:00

Dear Bloggie,
I love you so much. Today I am working on finishing up two hand painted animal pillows and the Dancing Cardinal painting. I have two new paintings in the works for Chameleon Salon coming up Oct 4th. I would like to make more Boston Terrier Pillows because they are so cute and I might be able to make a good living off of them!

To visit my studio please email me to come by at tobineckian@gmail.com

Also, my favorite gallery in the world, CHameleon (map listed in upper right hand corner of blog) carries my pillow, pendants (soon) and Paintings.

We live on the same street!!!!

boston port

2009-09-02T12:40:00.002-04:00

boston port, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

yes. it is another bee you tea full day in the neighborhood of new england and here i am still concentrating on boston terriers and boston harbor getting ready for chameleon salon this coming oct 4th.

Mt Pugmore - thanks Christine Green for another idea!

2009-08-30T15:55:00.001-04:00

3pug3, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

finally, after years on the back burner, Mount Pugmore has finally emerged. Soon to be sewn up into a pillow (tomorrow?)

boston terrier paintings

2009-08-22T07:59:00.001-04:00

smallbtcollage, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

While organizing art files I was astonished at how many Boston Terrier paintings I have done in the last 9 years. Many of them commissions from Ebay that I had forgotten about.

I am now very involved with Boston Terrier Pillows -http://handpaintedanimalpillows.wordpress.com/

and offering my same rate of 8 x 10 acrylic paintings at $60 I did 7 years ago (yes, the price rose and then recently dipped down again)

Boston T party

2009-08-19T12:50:00.002-04:00

Boston T party, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

My friend Christine suggested I make this painting 3 years ago while we were brainstorming funny dog painting ideas sitting at the Artisans's In the Open at Ingrid Regina's garden.

available on ebay: http://myworld.ebay.com/tobinart

green frogs in the summer

2009-08-14T17:50:00.004-04:00

happy august

2009-08-11T09:21:00.002-04:00

good morning to you :)

I have been busy making niches for my art and music adventures and setting up new shows.

Here is my new painting subject with my art at The Ring's Island Artisan's in the Open show (every August).

pat.rota

2009-07-26T20:01:00.001-04:00

, originally uploaded by pat.rota.

pat put this painting up on flickr. i had forgotten about it. i did it back when he and my sons were all busy playing a type of metal music. it was really something exciting to have all the musicians about playing.

this is one of my blogs, my new blog is on www.teckian.com

friend

2009-07-15T12:24:00.001-04:00

friend, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

so much is happening below the surface of things it is barely noticeable yet i am ready to burst, the summer activity is so exuberant.

i have 8 tadpole frogs on my porch and a baby canary almost two weeks old in my kitchen. Out fiddling three times this week!

hampstead fiddle jam and contest this saturday coming up at noon, center of town. look for the tents.

beanforest

2009-07-09T13:05:00.001-04:00

beanforest, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

the real title is "giraffe on a sailboat in a bird tea cup near the green bean forest"

soon to be available on my www.tobinart.etsy.com/ shop after i take a better photograph of it!

Practicing Art

2009-07-06T08:58:00.002-04:00

The late Kurt Vonnegut wrote, "Practicing an art, no matter how well, is a way to make your soul grow."

I include music as an art.
Someone else said "art is something that comes out of refining the creative process and making a more finished type thing." i would call that 'professional' art, the kind one makes a living at!

the 'process of art' tho' is a healing journey. a purposeful one,

anyone can make a life a healing journey, tho' not everyone may have the clarity of mind to choose a life as that.

I know more of who i am because i have a chosen a life of art and a life of purpose.

2chickens

2009-06-29T12:25:00.001-04:00

2chickens, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

two of my ole gals, butterscotch and helga. i miss my chicken girls. I had an original brood for 9 years, Silver was the last to go at 10 years. tHERE IS NOTHING like having your friends walking around picking at bugs and sun bathing while working on the farm.

blackbirdoverchainlinkbridge

2009-06-28T11:21:00.001-04:00

blackbirdoverchainlinkbridge, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

the chain link bridge is my most favorite bridge in the world. Whenever it closes due to a barge or something running into it i miss it. and the time lost due to driving to route 1 and crossing the merrimac at the port of newburyport.

I feel included

2009-06-27T08:05:00.004-04:00

Thanks InvisableFountain for including me in your etsy treasury!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=66757

foxpendantfun

2009-06-19T17:45:00.001-04:00

foxpendantfun, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

while painting, inbetween the drying stages i amuze myself and somewhats aggravate too by making small wearable things from my original paintings. here is one of a red fox i painted last fall now a print on some plaster over re used cardboard.

i just listed it on etsy www.tobinart.etsy.com/

teaparty

2009-06-12T18:11:00.001-04:00

teaparty, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

Thanks Rose. was fun watching baby hummingbirds and baltimore orioles, ...tea chat.

sitting

2009-06-12T18:08:00.001-04:00

sitting, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

new painting. i went bigger than usual 3 by 5 feet.

on sale on my etsy shop www.tobinart.etsy.com for now, unless i get it into ....somewhere else.

little magnet i made today

2009-06-11T18:27:00.001-04:00

little magnet i made today, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

i did finish a HUmongous painting today too but too dim to take outside and photograph..so it will be coming soon.

i am being very brave, making stuff everyday even if it seems like a huge failure (alot of my experiments seem that way and then i have to do huge release for all the failures so that i can be grateful i can even be experimenting, and sending stuff to galleries and waiting to see whether they want my stuff or not....have to lift it out softly, i re discovered yesterday when i did this. and it really lifted! i felt so much better).

Singingland in the Summer

2009-06-10T17:33:00.001-04:00

sl, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

The greening has happened. Now things will continue to get more beautiful. It is damp and grey today. Tomorrow maybe i will plant zinneas, cosmos, butternut squash and beans.

tiles9 ( versa tiles)

2009-06-09T18:24:00.001-04:00

tiles9, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

here are some new tiles i made using old floppy's my theater friend gave me. they have multiple magnets on the back and a hanging thread too so they are very versatile. versa tile.

catsoft

2009-05-18T12:38:00.001-04:00

catsoft, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

One little hand painted soft cat.

redfoxredo

2009-05-13T10:52:00.001-04:00

redfoxredo, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

GOOD MORNING! this painting has undergone many repaints as well! hopefully it will be brought into chameleon gallery tomorrow.

re do of watchtower and bunny on chair

2009-05-12T13:08:00.001-04:00

re do of watchtower and bunny on chair, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

getting ready to bring three new paintings over to chameleon gallery in a couple days. this painting has been through 3 re-paintings.

redfoxpainting

2009-04-27T17:19:00.001-04:00

redfoxpainting, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

my newest painting. i like it! who knew a red fox was going to show up. It wasn't in the initial sketch at all.

taking it over to Chameleon gallery this saturday.

sheep

2009-04-26T13:33:00.001-04:00

sheep, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

Happy Sunday folks.

little tiny art.

second paint 'watching the watchtower"

2009-04-24T12:57:00.001-04:00

second paint 'watching the watchtower", originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

I just reposted this and put up on Etsy today

In the original sketch and into the first painting there were some walls from newburyport, i thought this building was the firehouse! only come to find out i think it is somewhere near Sarasota, Fla.

long story.

a coastal painting.

As usual, payment plans are available

18 x24 inches $375

my dog

2009-04-23T11:46:00.002-04:00

my dog, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

after years of messing about with plaster i came back to making small plaster frames for my small works (usually watercolor and/or acrylics on heavy paper and heavy varnish to hang without glass).

I have been in the studio more than not lately, feels so great to be on painting track again after what seemed like endless experimentation and showing (7 shows since last october).... The shows promote more manic experimentation which has happened whenever i put out my work in a big way.

today i sold a portrait commission off of my etsy site. yay!

i have held off twittering, it was getting to my nerves.

Anyway, i think the cost for this is $100 measures 8 x 8

per usual payment plans are available as little as $20 a month (or even smaller if necessary).

"Watching the WatchTower"

2009-04-18T14:32:00.002-04:00

payment plans always available. email me for talkie. teckian@tiac.net
ww, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

New Painting!

18 x 24 acrylic on canvas. Painted during Sarasota KS gathering.

Happy DOGBEAR in a box

2009-04-11T11:34:00.003-04:00

chocolate chihuahua ~ portrait commissions

2009-04-10T09:17:00.002-04:00

chocochihuahua, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

I happily got a call from an old collector friend of mine who commissioned me to do a dog friend portrait. What a great thing to be doing them again.

In case you or a friend you know is interested here is the break down:

(working from one or more photos -easily emailed in any kind of resolution)

5 x 7 $65
8 x 10 $100
9 x 12 $160

Acrylic on 400lb watercolor paper and varnished
($35 for handmade plaster frame)

16 x 20 on hand stretched canvas $325

18 x 24 on hand stretched canvas $375

Thursday & Chocolate Bunnies

2009-04-09T07:31:00.002-04:00

I Love the Color of Candy, the yellow of jellies, jellybeans that are spicy, ....

just thinking out loud about the baskets i will make soon.

bird and it's cat box

2009-04-04T15:31:00.001-04:00

birdincatbox3, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

the cat box is designed to hang on the wall by it's ears. this is a special little safe house for the needle felted bird to hang out when not out exploring kitchen tables and art shows.

have a good weekend!

podprint

2009-04-03T15:32:00.001-04:00

podprint, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

this is a new handworked tiny art print from an older mixed media painting. It WAS listed on Etsy until my friend saw it and said it was her favorite of everything i have done so far (that is a number in the thousands) so how I could NOT send it to her in trade for a huge box of wool roving she sent me up from Maryland in total trust of getting something back she liked?

The red fox is also going to traveling down to be with her tomorrow as well.

happy April 1

2009-04-01T11:30:00.002-04:00

Where the Blue Whale Sings

2009-03-30T09:28:00.001-04:00

bluewhalesings, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

how come our scientists do not know where the blue whale breeds or lives? Is it possible they translocate themselves? i wonder.

bunnycatbox

2009-03-26T08:10:00.001-04:00

bunnycatbox, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

bunny hopping in hangable cat box shelf going to the table at the carry out show tomorrow that is 'for this night only' offerings, since i ran out of wall space and am bringing in my newest 24 x 24 inch painting, two cat boxes, a horse, 2 rabbits and a wired bear (magnets, handworked art prints) and a bird.

table

2009-03-24T12:31:00.001-04:00

table, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

As the week progresses towards the Carry Out Cafe spring art show this friday the air becomes electric with excitement. wool projects are strewn around, the first success of a wire armature waiting for its wings by friday. my first batch of dyed wool on the left ready to make a red fox, a pile of wool to go to newburyport this eve inside my frame drum to accompany my music students with. Life is a joyful thing. There is joy even when there is sadness, chaos, confusion and death. I have to believe there is always joy found in the all oneness of the all of life.

tinyart garden

2009-03-19T13:43:00.001-04:00

tinyartvggarden, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

my Van gogh O ish rendition of my garden ~ being given away from loves notes written on - http://www.thematernallens.blogspot.com/

drawing will be next week!

thanks bluelime for the interview.

how much i love etsy

2009-03-17T18:56:00.001-04:00

bunnykar, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

IF i had a ka zillion dollars i would buy a little house in newburyport and fill it full of the many wondrous things that people make on the etsy shops. then i would post flyers around towns when i was going to open the doors and let people of all ages come and gets some of the art and crafts and honey, and wool, waxes, soaps, handmade rugs, dolls, paintings....

THEN, i would do it all over again.

felthorse

2009-03-17T10:48:00.001-04:00

felthorse, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

new feltie a sheltie, a shetland pony with llama alpaca fur. 9 x 7 inches. In Etsy shop www.tobinart.etsy.com/ and then the show at Carry Out March 27th just for the evening and maybe into Chameleon Gallery.

happy Irish day!

new tiny art

2009-03-14T13:23:00.001-04:00

new tiny art, originally uploaded by Tobin Art.

I've started doing hand worked prints again. Available on my
www.tobinart.etsy.com/ a fun thing to make and offer inexpensive pieces of work extended from recent original paintings.