Journey Circles

Evolution of Art: Reception for Brian Legan's "The Tactile Atmospheric Sessions"

2012-02-04T20:42:00.001-05:00

Outside it's a rainy, chilly night. But inside Beanetics it's warm and cozy!
Lots of great conversation as artists and friends come in to celebrate the opening of Brian Legan's abstract narrative exhibition, "The Textile Atmospheric Sessions."

Tonight I've met musicians, painters, photographers, jewelry and clothes designers, and art critics. It's been fun eaves-dropping: stories of old college buddies catching up; a story of personal rebellion by a young college student that led to a comment that he should become a union organizer because he got the school administration to change it's policy on class scheduling; how exciting it is to be able to actually touch the art; how folks from Michigan are referred to as Michiganders; when is it appropriate to lie; what it's like working as a health administrator for the Navy; and how someone's parents used to drag him through the Louvre and he was forced to see the Mona Lisa. It doesn't get much better than this!

And still there's an added bonus for the evening... You know all those times you've ever wanted to touch the artwork, but knew you weren't allowed to do it? This is a different sort of show; Legan actually invites his viewers to take it all in, including feeling the paintings. You don't beleive me?

Check out this photo for proof:

Brian Legan (the artist, on the left) and his guests feel the texture
of his painting, "Aurora Borealis"

Want to feel Brian's paintings for yourself?
"Tactile Atmospheric Sessions" will be on display at
Beanetics Coffee Roasters (7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
through the month of February, 2012.
Be sure to fill out a comment card and let us know what you think!

Interested in purchasing Legan's art?
I bet you can see one of his pieces hanging in your office behind your desk, or maybe over your couch in your living room!
Whatever room you want it this great art for, I can help make that happen.
Contact me, Jennifer Judelsohn, at (703)273-0485 or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

Evolution of Art: Reception for Alex Berger's "Two Ways of Looking at the World"

2012-01-08T15:47:00.000-05:00

Here we are at Beanetics with Alex Berger and his many fans to celebrate his debut photography exhibit! Alex has been doing photography for the past 5 years, but the quality of his work is well beyond the typical high school portfolio.

Alex's interest takes two forms:
1. Manipulating Buckey Balls with LED lighting

The Buckey Balls photographs are interesting explorations of colored light and tessellation, often giving an other-worldly sense, reminiscent of computer-generated graphics for science fiction movies.

2. An exploration of light, shadow and line in the world around him.

Alex has a way of looking at industrial pieces and parts of nature and capture a symmetry of pattern and texture. This is evident in the juxtaposition of "Leaf" and "Bike Rack" currently on display across from the coffee counter.

Alex's work will be on display through January. Stop by and check it out and be sure to leave us a comment in the comment box!

And if you're interested in purchasing any of Alex's pieces, you can reach me at jennifer@soulworksstudio.com or (703)273-0485.

"SONGS AND LETTERS"

2011-11-09T06:22:00.000-05:00

Songs and Letters, a collection of my mandalas inspired by the songs of Debbie Friedman and the letters of the hebrew alphabet is currently on display at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church and Bethesda Jewish Congregation, located at 6601 Bradley Boulevard, Bethesda, Maryland 20817, through December 1, 2011.

Artist Statement

The works in this exhibit are original drawings and Giclee prints from two different series of Prismacolor pencil drawings, created nearly 10 years apart.

The images in the “Song Mandalas” series were inspired by the music and lyrics of the late Debbie Friedman (z’’l), who changed the face of Jewish music and liturgy in the United States and around the world. After Debbie’s untimely passing early in 2011, Rabbi Stuart Kelman gave a eulogy for her (streamed live over the Internet) in which he invited all those who were “attending” her funeral—either in person or virtually—to spend the 30 days of sh’loshim singing her songs, sharing her teachings, spreading her gifts. Because I am an artist, not a musician, I chose to accept this invitation in my own way: by creating works of art that are visual representations of Debbie’s songs. I decided I would create one drawing for each day of sh’loshim—each inspired by a different song. Some of these drawings are inspired by the subject of the song, some by a specific lyric, some by a melody; all of them, I hope, reflect the beautiful energy that Debbie Friedman brought to the world for an all-too-brief time.
Although the Aleph-Bet series may appear self-explanatory, there is a story behind it. The series began during a one-day silent retreat in the spring of 2001, when I drew the image for aleph. Later that year, in the summer, during another silent retreat, I created the image for lamed. Shortly after those retreats, through a connection my mother made, I had an opportunity to exhibit my artwork at the Jewish Community Center of Buffalo, New York (my hometown). Having created images for two letters, I decided that I would create drawings for the rest of the letters of the aleph-bet. The process for creating each images consisted of lots of study to develop a basic understanding of the meaning of the letters. Then I meditated on a letter, visualizing a symbol that reflected my understanding of the spiritual essence of the letter. The images in the series—which I later combined with text are contained in my book Songs of Creation: Meditations on the Sacred Hebrew Alphabet. These images are not intended to convey everything within the letters as each letter has many layers of meanings. For me, these images are not the culmination of my learning but the beginning of it.

About the Artist

Jennifer Judelsohn is an artist, psychotherapist, and educator and the author/illustrator of the book Songs of Creation: Meditations on the Sacred Hebrew Alphabet. She has been drawing luminous mandalas—visionary art in the form of a circle—since 1993, and she also does acrylic paintings, collages and assemblages, and mixed-media artwork. She has exhibited her art in solo and group shows around the country, and her work is in private collections worldwide. She also accepts commissions to create personalized mandalas for b’nai mitzvot, weddings (including creating one-of-a-kind ketubot), birthdays, and other lifecycle events. She supports other artists in the Washington, D.C., area by curating the “Evolution of Art” series.

Jennifer is a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia and Maryland and maintains a private psychotherapy practice in which she works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She uses a variety of modalities—including art and other expressive therapies—to help her clients deal with developmental and life transitions and lead more soulful lives. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Society for Spirituality and Social Work. She has presented numerous talks, seminars, and workshops on topics ranging from “Artmaking as a Spiritual Practice” to “Illness as a Spiritual Path” at conferences around the United States and Canada.

Jennifer has been working in Jewish education for more than 25 years. She has taught classes and workshops for young children, teens, adults, and families at congregational religious schools all over the Washington metropolitan area and around the country. She also provides teacher training, presenting workshops and seminars on topics such as integrating the arts into the curriculum for other Jewish educators at conferences and professional development events both locally and nationally.

Jennifer currently resides with her husband in Fairfax, Virginia.

To inquire about purchasing artwork,

contact Jennifer Judelsohn at (703) 273-0485 or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com

Visit our website: www.soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art: Price List for Designing Women

2011-11-08T05:30:00.001-05:00

1. Lynne Harris, “Beach Huts” 175

2. Nancy Jung, “Crocus in Bloom” 225

3. Martha Wills, “Cardinal in Winter” 185

4. Jody Kemp, “Winter Cardinal” 105

5. Cindi Kurtz, “Apples and Pears” 175

6. Lois Seegren, “Elephants” 75

7. Nancy Jung, “Fall Forest” 325

8. Jody Kemp, “I Love Paris” 275

9. Martha Wills, “Iris” 155

10. Vanita Venugopal, “Yellow Rose” 175

11. Rajam Nair, “Water Lilies” 175

12. Yolanda Saenz-Atkins, “Fresh From the Garden” 300

To inquire about purchasing artwork, contact
Jennifer Judelsohn at (703) 273-0485 or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

“The Evolution of Art” is presented by
Neshama Soulworks Studio.
Visit our website: www.soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art: Pictures from the Designing Women Artists' Reception

2011-11-07T13:31:00.000-05:00

Artist, Lois Seegren, checks out the
book of individual artist statements

Artist, Lynne Harris, with her entourage!

Young art patrons enjoy the show!

Artist, Lynne Harris, by her oil painting "Beach Huts"

On Left: "I Love Paris" by Jody Kemp
Top Right: "Elephants" by Lois Seegren
Bottom Right: Fall Forest" by Nancy Jung

On Left: "Crocus in Bloom" by Nancy Jung
On Right: "Beach Huts" by Lynne Harris

From left to right:
"Apples and Pears" by Cindi Kurtz
"Cardinal in Winter" by Martha Wills
"Winter Cardinal" by Jody Kemp
"Crocus in Bloom" by Nancy Jung

"I Love Paris" by Jody Kemp

"Elephants" by Lois Seegren
"Fall Forest" by Nancy Jung

A patron checking out the exhibit

From left to right:
"Iris" by Martha Wills
"Yellow Rose" by Vanita Venugopal
"Water Lilies" by Rajam Nair
"Fresh From the Garden" Yolanda Saenz-Atkins

Evolution of Art: Designing Women Artists' Reception

2011-11-06T15:01:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful day to have an art opening! The current exhibit on display at Beanetics is a group show entitled "Designing Women." This show features work by a group of women who have been taking oil painting classes together every Tuesday afternoon for several years. It is clear that this group of artists is more than just colleagues; they are deeply committed to each other and have become family!

The "Designing Women" in their studio

Here's what they have to say about their experiences in this group:

We are a group of artists who inspire each other; we have been painting together for many years. We paint as a way to express ourselves; at the same time, we believe we create art that is pleasing to the “eye of the beholder.” We paint to express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the beauty of the colorful world around us. We like the observer to visit the places or view the objects we paint.

"Designing Women" Exhibiting Artists

Yolanda Atkins

Lynne Harris

Jody Kemp

Cindi Kurtz

Rajam Nair

Lois Seegren

Vanita Venugopal

Martha Wills

Nancy Ann Jung (Instructor)

This exhibit is on display through the month of November.
Stop by and check it out!
Be sure to read the notebook with the individual Artist Statements
and leave us a comment in the comment box.
We love hearing from you!

To inquire about purchasing artwork,

contact Jennifer Judelsohn at (703) 273-0485 or

jennifer@soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art: A Beautiful Day To See "Colors in Bloom"

2011-10-23T13:25:00.001-04:00

Sharon shows how woodblocks become prints

Sharon explains one of her pieces

Beanetics patron enjoying the art!

Sharon explains the intaglio print process

It's a beautiful autumn afternoon today... sunny, colorful, a touch of crispness in the air! It's the perfect backdrop for this particular art reception... Sharon Safran's "Colors in Bloom."

A lovely crowd is gathering to celebrate this mini-retrospective of a lifelong artist's work. Sharon's collection on display here at Beanetics includes watercolors, mixed media, and woodcut and intaglio prints. Sharon brought some of the woodcuts and acid etched plastic pieces that were used to create the prints hanging on the wall across from the coffee counter.

Evolution of Art: Price list for Sharon Safran's "Colors in Bloom"

2011-10-12T16:42:00.002-04:00

Price List for Colors in Bloom: Floral Watercolors and Other Works

1. “Echinacea” ................. $325

Watercolor and Pen and Ink

2. “White Rose”................. 325

Watercolor and Pen and Ink

3. “Carnations #1” ............ 185

Colored Pencil

4. “Carnations #2” ........... 185

Colored Pencil

5. “Structure” ................ 275

Colored Pencil

6. “Indian Women” ......... 275

Ink and Conte’ Crayon

7. “Nigerian Women” ...... 185

Pastel and Pen and Ink

8. “Faces of Famine” ....... 150

Sepia Pen and Ink

9. “Cross Currents” ........ 275

Intaglio Print

10. “Sisters” ................... 285

Intaglio Print

11. “Pro Musica” ............ 300

Wood Engraving

To inquire about purchasing artwork, contact

Jennifer Judelsohn at (703) 273-0485 or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

“The Evolution of Art” is presented by Neshama Soulworks Studio.

Visit our website: www.soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art: Sharon Safran's "Colors in Bloom"

2011-10-05T16:31:00.000-04:00

The Evolution of Art presents:

"Echinacea"

“Colors in Bloom”:

Floral Watercolors and Other Works

Sharon L. Safran

On exhibit
through November 2, 2011

Beanetics Coffee Roasters

7028 Columbia Pike

Annandale, Virginia

Evolution of Art: Artist Reception for "First Light, Second Sight"

2011-09-11T14:43:00.002-04:00

"The masses are assembling!"

Long time friends catch up

These are the words Irving greeted me with as I walked into Beanetics a little while ago for his reception! Clearly he is excited and his enthusiasm is contagious! Family and friends are strolling in to enjoy Irving's debut show. Irving's audience includes people of all ages!

Friends and family come together to
celebrate Irving's talents together!

Eavesdropping is always fun when Irving and Virginia gather with friends... Topics so far have run the gamut from bug collecting to the War College to the anthropology of dance and writing novels.

And everyone loves the photography.
Check out the comments below!

Irving's artwork will be on display through October 3, 2011.
Stop by Beanetics (7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) and check out the show!
And leave us a note in the message box. we'd love to hear what you have to say!

If you are interested in purchasing any of these fabulous images, contact me at (703)273-0485 or
jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

Show your family and friends you care! Send beautiful, luminous Rosh HaShanah greeting cards!

2011-09-09T12:36:00.001-04:00

The High Holy Days are a time of reflection, a time for teshuvah (returning)--in particular, for turning inward and assessing our lives over the past year. They also are a time for celebrating the year to come--with all its possibilities.

Song Mandala greeting cards from Neshama Soulworks Studio (featuring artwork by Jennifer Judelsohn, inspired by the music of Debbie Friedman (z"l)) are the perfect expression of these themes and ideals. The sacred circle of the mandala invites the observer into the center--taking the observer into their own center, where their deepest truths and direction reside. The luminous, colorful images on these cards also celebrate all the possibilities of our lives as we begin the New Year.

Send these beautiful, unique cards to family and friends to let them know you are thinking of them at this special time, to share with them your own reflections, and to celebrate the colors of your lives!

These beautiful, luminous cards retail for $4.00 per card or 4 cards for $15.00 (plus standard shipping charges).

Final day to order is Thursday, September 15, 2011. Cards will be shipped no later than September 19th to ensure they are delivered to you in plenty of time for you to send them to your loved ones before the holidays.

View the catalog on Facebook. Mix and match your favorites.

The title of the image and a short description of each of the mandalas is included with each image in the catalog. This text will be printed on the back of each respective card. Cards are blank on the inside to allow you to write your one special message and wishes for the New Year.

Email Jennifer Judelsohn at jennifer@soulworksstudio.com
or send a message to our Facebook page with the subject "holiday card sale" and your order by September 15th.

Payment must be made at time of order. Contact Jennifer Judelsohn to discuss payment options.

This can be a fantastic fundraising opportunity for the charity or organization of your choice.
Email Jennifer Judelsohn at jennifer@soulworksstudio.com subject “holiday card fundraiser” for more information.

*If you miss the order deadline you may still be able to purchase cards; however, you will be limited by whatever is left in stock.*

Evolution of Art: Price List for "First Light, Second Sight"

2011-09-05T08:33:00.000-04:00

Interested in great art for your home, office, or studio?

Do you need a gift for a friend's birthday or anniversary?

Maybe you need an extra-special thank you gift, or a get-well gift to lift someone's spirits?

Perhaps you like to avoid stress by doing your holiday shopping early?

Whatever the reason, I know you will love taking advantage of this opportunity to get great art and support a very accomplished photographer. Irving Spitzberg has been hiding his talents away for years, but now he has decided to share his artist endeavors with the world, and we are all the lucky beneficiaries!

Art is a wonderful investment that lasts a lifetime!

Irving's photographs are more than just images...

They are "ART" in the best sense of the word!

Invest today!

Below is the price list. All of these pieces are available framed and unframed.

"First Light, Second Sight" Price List

Let There Be Light, Sunrise
$150/75

Four Rural Scenes:
Stone Wall, Where's the Needle, Yesterday's Barns, Leftovers
Group: $250/100
Individual Pieces: $75/40

Meandering Gunpowder River
$100/50

Irving's Water Fall
$100/50

Sensual Pond Lily
$75/40

Buddha's Easter Egg
$100/50

What A Gas
$100/50

Spiritual Colors
$200/100

Note: First (bolded) price is for framed photo; second (unbolded) price is for unframed photo.

To inquire about purchasing artwork,

contact Jennifer Judelsohn

at (703) 273-0485

or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

“The Evolution of Art” is presented by

Neshama Soulworks Studio.

Visit our website: www.soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art: Why "First Light, Second Sight"? The artist statement...

2011-09-03T12:00:00.005-04:00

Today we are installing the next exhibit at Beanetics Coffee Roasters. It's time to say good bye to the old show (Retrospective of Three Artists) and hello to the new one, Irving Spitzberg's "First Light, Second Sight." And as always there is a bit of excitement and anticipation in the air I breathe as we transition from one show to the next.

This new show is of particular interest to me, as I have lobbied hard to get Irving to exhibit his photographs. Until recently, though he's taken thousands of photographs over the years, he never thought of himself as an artist. This is a new venture for him... and I am excited to share his artistic vision with you!

Irving's Artist Statement for First Light, Second Sight:

This show reflects my interest in light. Usually, my eye is caught by something about the light in a scene. I just have to capture it. You can see this interest in light in my sky photos, my landscape scenes, and my flowers. The light emitted by or shining on a subject gets my attention. So "First Light."

Then I quickly take many photos, focusing on the special challenge of creating the most artistic composition in the moment. The digital revolution is what has made the next essential step - artistic fine tuning - possible for me, the amateur. At last I can manipulate the natural subject; I can crop it and change the exposure to focus the observers' attention. So "second sight."

Much to my surprise — and that of others — my photos do capture (and, on rare occasions, create) beauty to share with everyone. This is very pleasing and rewarding for me.

And for those of you who are curious about Irving as a person and an artist, here's his bio:

I started taking pictures not to create art but to create a visual historical record of my life. Since young adulthood I have wanted to illustrate visually my life story, both personal and professional, as it has intersected with the wonderful people who have helped create it. For much of the decade 1962-72, I traveled abroad as part of my academic life: Europe, Israel, Nigeria, Kenya. Then when I had kids, I became enthusiastic (from their perspective, overly enthusiastic) about chronicling their lives. Every activity prompted many photos. Throughout my professional life as a university professor, dean, higher education association executive, lawyer, civic activist, and business owner, I have taken photographs to chronicle events.

It has only been since Virginia and I married that I actually became committed to the art of photography. First, she presented such a wonderful subject. Then we always had flowers. And we lived in exceptionally beautiful settings. And we had friends with wonderful young children who became my spontaneous models. I have focused on sunrises, clouds, flowers, children, and Virginia.

In this show there are no children's photos because we decided not to use photographs requiring individual releases. There are none of my 12,000 photos of Virginia, because she is a very private lady. But, with these exceptions, you have a representative sample of my enthusiastic endeavors to explore the art of photography.

Is you curiosity piqued?
Want to meet Irving and Virginia and find out more?

Join us for an ARTIST RECEPTION on Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 2-4pmat Beanetics Coffee Roasters, (7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003).

Irving's work will be on display through October 3rd. Stop by any time to see his photos. And be sure to leave us a comment! We love hearing from you!

Interested in purchasing any of these pieces? It's easy to do:
Contact me, Jennifer Judelsohn, at jennifer@soulworksstudio.com
or (703)273-0485 to make arrangements!

Evolution of Art: An Interview with "First Light, Second Sight" Photographer, Irving Spitzberg

2011-09-02T09:17:00.001-04:00

A Note from Margaret Wells:

“First Light, Second Sight” presented by the “Evolution of Art” series by

Neshama Soulworks Studio, featuring the photography of Irving Spitzberg.

On display September 3 - October 4, 2011 at Beanetics Coffee Roasters

Join us on Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 2-4pm for an Artist’s Reception to share stories and see the photographic musings of photographer, Irving Spitzberg. Irving will be there with his wife, Virginia. I know you will enjoy talking with them as much as I did!

I had the honor of meeting upcoming exhibiting artist, Irving Spitzberg and his wife (and muse) Virginia at their beautiful home in Baltimore County. My first interactions with Irving were via email introductions and viewing his photography online; walking with him around his home I am surprised to find that his art work is not prominently exhibited throughout the house. There are of course stunning photographs of his wife Virginia. (Irving swears it is impossible to take a picture that does not highlight Virginia’s inner and outer beauty). But none of his photographs, including the ones featured in his upcoming exhibit, are framed and prominently displayed on the walls. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised as “First Light, Second Sight” is Irving’s first show (though the quality of his art might lead you to suspect he’s an old hand at the business).

So what finally made him change his mind? “Jennifer and Virginia persuaded me that what I had was what other people would like and that I would enjoy what’s involved in creating the show. They were right.” This was Irving’s first time working with a printer and framer and he loved the process. He is animated as he shares his experiences putting the show together: choosing which photographs made the grade and making decisions about what the final, framed piece should look like. Another part of having a show is getting the word out to your public; “Jennifer wanted me to try to let a lot of people know about this.”

Jennifer Judelsohn of Neshama Soulworks Studio, whose series “Evolution of Art” highlights the evolution of DC area (broadly defined) artists and their art, tells me that it took a lot of convincing to get Irving to agree to a show. And why is that? If you can believe it after taking a gander at his work, Irving never saw himself as an artist.

Irving has met numerous people throughout his rich life and works to maintain his relationship with each of them. Every year he sends out over 500 birthday cards to friends he’s adopted (into his family) over the years all around the world. He explains that this helps create and maintain a personal relationship. It certainly shows. Caught up in the excitement of preparing for his upcoming exhibit, Irving’s enthusiasm has spread to his friends all over the world. Apart from enthusiasm for Irving’s talents as a photographer and wishes for a successful show, the most common sentiment from Irving’s fans (commenting on the show’s event page) is for future exhibits accessible to people who cannot be in the area to attend the show, from Arkansas to his international fan base.

(Irving’s photography exhibited at his show and additional selected photographs can be

viewed online here)

Both Virginia and Jennifer saw Irving as an artist long before he did himself. When I ask Irving to think back to when his interest in photography took off, he tells me about his days attending Oxford as a graduate student. He frequently took photographs on his adventures and remembers paying attention to the composition of the image, but until 1999 the photographs were narrative. They had an aesthetic and emotional mark but the intent was always to chronicle events or places he’d been. Photographs were a method for telling a story in his reports to home or monthly reports on education he published for his job. Virginia points out that there is a marked difference in the way he has approached photography in the past 10 plus years. So what’s changed?

In 1998 Irving bought his first digital camera; this was the turning point between being the average camera wielder taking pictures to document his life to really thinking about the aesthetic value of the scene he was capturing. To Irving, photography is no longer simply about telling a story, where the aesthetic and emotional value of the picture is an outcome rather than the purpose. “Aesthetic has become much more integral to the process. Initially the purpose of my photography was to tell the story; it has evolved into understanding the aesthetic part of telling the story.”

It helps that digital photography allows the photographer to quickly take a number of pictures and immediately view the images. When the scene is right Irving snaps many images (easy to do with a digital camera) and goes through them to find the one that fits his aesthetic vision. As a result, “time is no longer as much of an enemy to photography.” And time is a real factor in Irving’s photography where much of the aesthetic of his photos comes from fleeting natural lighting hitting his subject in just the right manner, highlighting beauty of the subject. This brings our conversation to an explanation of the title of Irving’s upcoming show “First Light, Second Sight.”

First light. “What makes me decide to take the photo? The interaction between

light and the subject matter, be it Virginia, children, or nature -- the way the light

works.”

Irving views it as a challenge to use as much natural light as he can. After Irving and Virginia built a house in the Bull Run Mountains in Haymarket, VA, Irving spent a year waking up early every morning to capture the light at sunrise. At his home in MD Irving is surrounded by nature.
The vivid colors in his garden present many fantastic photographic opportunities. Irving is always ready with his camera to capture each beautiful moment when the light hits a subject in just the right way.

Second Sight. Many people these days (including myself) take the digital image from their camera and use a photo editor to enhance or completely modify the image originally captured. I’m interested to know if Irving edits his photos. The answer is both yes and no. He does not do much editing in terms of changing colors, because he does not want to change what nature presents. There is only one picture in Irving’s show that has been enhanced using a photo editor. He does “edit” the image when initially taking the photograph. When he sees a scene deserving of being the subject of a photograph he “edits” the overall space in which the photo will be taken. This “first cropping” is done while taking the picture using his intuitive aesthetic and emotional judgment. The “second sight” cropping comes when he reviews all of the photos of a subject and setting and then he crops to focus the photo to enhance its beauty.

Irving has no formal education in photography, which may surprise you after looking at his photos, but finds photography aesthetically creative and intellectually interesting. Irving lives surrounded by intrinsically gorgeous nature that allows him to create and share new beauty through photography.

Irving also uses photography as a medium to create, strengthen and enrich relationships. He takes photographs of people whom he visits or who come to visit, capturing something inside them.

The same day I visited Irving and Virginia I got an email from Irving with 9 photographs he took of our tour around his garden. During our interview he told me “taking pictures of people you really like creates a personal moment that endures through the photo.” In each picture of me with Virginia, Irving managed to intimately capture and highlight the emotion and expression in our faces using the light. Perhaps his next show will feature his photos of friends and their children.

Don’t miss Irving’s show at Beanetics Coffee Roasters in Annandale, VA.

I've seen the photographs; its a must see!

To inquire about purchasing artwork, contact

Jennifer Judelsohn at (703) 273-0485 or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

“The Evolution of Art” is presented by

Neshama Soulworks Studio.

Visit our website: www.soulworksstudio.com

Like us on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SoulworksStudio or by searching “SoulworksStudio”

As always, there's the usual extraordinary coffee and tasty treats!

Beanetics Coffee Roasters

7028 Columbia Pike

Annandale, VA 22003

(703) 941-4506

We look forward to seeing you at Irving's Reception!

Til Next Time,

Margaret

Evolution of Art: Meet the artist of "First Light, Second Sight"

2011-09-01T07:55:00.008-04:00

Meet Irving Spitzberg. I have known him for many years now, and have watched him photograph his world. His images are exquisite. He has a knack for this sort of thing. His enthusiasm for life oozes from him and is evident in his photos... He's probably taken over 50,000 photos since I've known him. (No, I'm not kidding.) Irving's approach to photography, and life for that matter, is a lot like eating potato chips. You can't take just one!

After years of asking, begging, prodding, coaxing, and making a general pain of myself, Irving ( I think mostly because his wife, Virginia, told him to do it) finally agreed to have a photography exhibit at Beanetics Coffee Roasters. This may be his debut show, but Irving is no amateur photographer!

Virginia and Irving in front of "IRVING" photograph

Join us on Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 2-4pm. Irving and Virginia will be there, so you can meet the man behind the camera and the woman who is his muse! Let us know you are coming... via Facebook or email.
If you can't join us for the reception, not to worry... Stop by the coffee shop anytime between Saturday, September 3 and Monday, October 3, and you'll see what I mean. Be sure to leave us a message in the Art Comments Box! We'd love to hear from you!

Beanetics Coffee Roasters is located at 7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, Virginia 22003.

And if you're interested in purchasing any of the artwork,
contact me (Jennifer) at jennifer@soulworksstudio.com or
(703)273-0485 to make arrangements.

Evolution of Art: Sabiha Malik discusses her Artist's Journey!

2011-08-24T11:55:00.011-04:00

Getting time to chat with Sabiha Malik is difficult because she has lots of family who all came to visit this summer. Now that the familial visits are ended, and just as her own group show, A Retrospective of Three Artists, is coming to a close on September 2nd, I finally had a chance to have her answer a few questions about her evolution as an artist.

When did you begin painting?

According to my mother, since my childhood I was always playing with colors and trying to match different color pieces of cloth to make them more appealing. As a teenager I was inclined towards art and crafts. During my college years my fondness for art and painting increased; I took classes in figure drawing, pottery painting, batik,tie dye, weaving.

What did you do after college?

After graduation I got interested in flower arrangement. I even earned a diploma in the art of Japanese flower arrangement called Ikebana.

When did you return to painting?

After I married and had my two girls, my painting took a back seat while I tendered to my girls. There was a lapse of several years. Now that my girls are grown up I have returned to my passion of painting.

How did you begin painting with Cindi and Yolanda?

During this time I met Cindy and she became a very close friend of mine, like a sister. Cindy was already taking painting classes with Nancy Jung and she introduced me to Nancy. Nancy and her painting class seemed to be what I was missing all these years.

You all speak of Nancy's class not as an art class, but as therapy. Why?

This class became a therapy for me and I found out that it was a therapy session for all the other students as well. We started to call our class not a painting class but a therapy class. In the class I met Yolanda and other students, each with a unique talent. Each student brought a new dimension and vigor to the class. The students in Nancy's class became both my critiquers and admirers; this sense of community was what I always wanted. It inspires me to paint more boldly and take more risks in what I paint.

There's still time to check out this great show, A Retrospective of Three Artists. When you go in the coffee shop, Sabiha's three pieces (Reflection, Red Roses 1, and Red Roses 2) are on the back wall across from the counter. I think you will see the influence of her Ikebana training in her paintings! Check them out and leave us a note in the comment box. We want to hear from you!

Interested in purchasing any pieces from the show?

Contact me, Jennifer Judelsohn, at

jennifer@soulworksstudio.com or

(703)273-0485.

Evolution of Art: Artists' Reception for “A Retrospective of Three Artists”

2011-08-21T14:35:00.003-04:00

It's a cloudy, overcast Sunday afternoon; the perfect kind of day to go for coffee and take in an art show!

Here we are at Beanetics Coffee Roasters and the place is filling up with artists and patrons, family and friends, all here to celebrate the artistic endeavors of Cindi Kurtz, Yolanda Atkins, and Sabiha Malik.

What I love about these artists, besides the quality of their work (which goes without saying), is the camaraderie of the women. They are not just artists. They are friends. And I think it is this passion and support that takes the whole experience to a higher level!

If you were unable to join us today, don't worry. This show runs through Friday, September 2nd. Be sure to stop by and leave us a comment in the comment box. We'd love to hear what you have to say!

And if you are interested in purchasing artwork, just let me know!

Evolution of Art interviews Yolanda Saenz-Atkins about her life as an artist!

2011-08-10T14:14:00.121-04:00

While setting up the current show at Beanetics Coffee Roasters, I had a chance to ask Yolanda Saenz-Atkins about her experience as an artist. Before beginning to paint, Yolanda was a kindergarten teacher. It's hard to believe, looking at her work, that she's only been painting for four years! Here's a snippet of our conversation...

How did you begin painting?

I started painting about 4 years ago when I joined an art class held by Nancy Jung. I happened to be in Michaels one day and noticed her art class. I inquired about joining a class and explained to Nancy that I had never painted before but I always had a desire to paint. I had taken an art history class and an elective art class at GMU. Nancy had an opening for a night slot and the rest as they say is history. From day one, I bonded with the art students. They were inviting, creative and made attending class fun. They have encouraged and influenced me to grow and take chances as an artist.

How did you, Cindi,and Sabiha come to paint together? What is the biggest influence on your artwork?

Cindi and Sabiha were already students of Nancy Jung when I joined the class. Through the years, I have enjoyed watching how all of our paintings have evolved. Nancy is key in our journey to become artists. She literally gives us license to paint. There are no barriers as we learn to create. Nancy's class is totally hands-on. She facilitates our learning to paint with oils. And she has expanded our learning into doing batiks and collages.
The best part of painting in Nancy's class is the group of women who make up our class. We are a diverse group of women who have families, children and grandkids. We come from different cultures (Indian, Pakistani, English, Hispanic, Texans). We make it a point to go out to dinner after our last class and have fun putting closure to 10 weeks of painting together. We can hardly wait for the next session. We all say, "It's therapeutic— our special time to create and bond with a wonderful group of women!"

Nancy Jung (in front row in the turquiose shirt)
surrounded by the women in her Tuesday class

How have you grown as an artist?

I feel I have grown as an artist and gained confidence in my choices of subject matter. I constantly see painting possibilities in all that I see, whether in my backyard, in my travels ( I visited Ireland recently and have done four paintings from photos of the trip. I just came back from Texas and brought a photo file of Texas missions from San Antonio that I intend to paint). My favorite genre is landscapes. I love the colors in nature, whether spring or fall. Since starting classes, I now see nature's colors differently. For example, I see Naples yellow, cadmium orange, cadmium yellow, and cobalt blue in the sky. I love taking pictures of clouds, tree textures, sunsets to use as references for future paintings.

Interested in finding out more about Yolanda and her art? Come join us for the Artists' Reception at Beanetics (7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) on Sunday, August 21st, from 2-4pm.

If you are interested in purchasing artwork from A Retrospective of Three Artists,

please contact Jennifer Judelsohn

at jennifer@soulworksstudio.com

or (703)273-0485

to make arrangements.

Evolution of Art chats with Cindi Kurtz about her journey as an artist!

2011-08-09T15:07:00.002-04:00

As we hung the current show, A Retrospective of Three Artists, I chatted with Cindi Kurtz about her journey as an artist. We had a lovely talk. Here are the highlights and a few pictures!

Cindi and Jennifer hang art

Cindi and Sabiha wire artwork

How long have you been painting?

As far as when I started painting- I started with an art class offered to Air Force Officers wives back in 1999 at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio. I began with charcoal, moved to pastels and made it to watercolor before we were transferred back to the DC area. I've always been drawn to doing oils. In 2002, I was lucky to get into Nancy Jung's class. That's where I found my passion! I used to be afraid to paint at home but not any more. I have to say that it is the best therapy in the world!

How did you three artists come to paint together?

Sabiha and I have been friends since 1995, the first time we were stationed in the DC area, but I had no idea she was as interested in art as I was! When Sabiha found out I was in Nancy's class she wanted in but had to wait a year for an opening. Sabiha joined the class in 2003 or 2004. Yolanda joined us in about 2007. We all sat near each other and often admired each others work. One day we decided to all work on the same painting using the same size canvas just to see how the three paintings would turn out. It was amazing how different the three paintings were! I think we are all good for each other— we inspire each other, share ideas and just have a great time painting together.

How do you decide what to paint?

I have to give so much credit to Nancy Jung, our teacher and our friend. She encourages us to paint what we want so 99.9% of the time each one of Nancy's 40+ students are each workingon something different! Though Nancy teaches oil, she has opened up many doors to us. That is why Yolanda has a collage and I have a Batik hanging in this show at Beanetics.

Atkins's collage (A Crimson Autumn) and Kurtz's batik (Black-Eyed Susans)

A Retrospective of Three Artists is on display at Beanetics Coffee Roasters now through September 2nd. Please join us for an Artists' Reception on Sunday, August 21st, from 2-4pm.

Evolution of Art: Price List for “A Retrospective of Three Artists”

2011-08-08T22:12:00.002-04:00

Here's the Price List!

Be sure to stop by Beanetics Coffee Roasters and check out the current exhibit. These three artists have been painting together for many years and their talent is evident! Support them in their first exhibit by purchasing these fine pieces for your home or office... It's a great opportunity to invest in local artists!

From Left: Rainforest Allure; Seaside Cottage;
Kurtz's The Beach; Atkin's The Beach

1. Cindi Kurtz, “The Beach” $100

2. Yolanda Saenz-Atkins, “The Beach” $100

3. Cindi Kurtz, “Seaside Cottage” $150

4. Yolanda Saenz-Atkins, “Rainforest Allure” $100

From Left: Crimson Autumn; Black-Eyed Susans

5. Cindi Kurtz, “Black-Eyed Susans” $275

6. Yolanda Saenz-Atkins, “A Crimson Autumn” $250

Reflection

Red Rose I and II

7. Sabiha Malik, “Reflection” $350

8. Sabiha Malik, “Red Roses #1” $100

9. Sabiha Malik, “Red Roses #2” $100

To inquire about purchasing artwork,
contact Jennifer Judelsohn
at (703) 273-0485
or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

“The Evolution of Art” is presented by
Neshama Soulworks Studio.
Visit our website: www.soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art presents “A Retrospective of Three Artists” Yolanda Atkins, Cindi Kurtz, and Sabiha Malik

2011-08-06T16:02:00.002-04:00

Margaret here again, this time to tell you about the current show on display at Beanetics Coffee Roasters, "A Retrospective of Three Artists."

This exhibit features three local artists who have been painting together for eight years have their first show! How very exciting for us all!

Kurtz's Black-Eyed Susans; Atkin's The Beach; Malik's Reflection

The collected works of Yolanda Atkins, Cindi Krytz, and Sabiha Malik
feature oil paintings, collage, and watercolor on batik.
It is a must see!

JOIN US ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 from 2-4pm
FOR AN ARTISTS' RECEPTION!
Come celebrate art and creativity, and hear stories about how these three women inspire each other!

Here's their collective ARTIST STATEMENT:

We are three artists who inspire each other; we have been painting together for 8 years. We paint as a way to express ourselves; at the same time, we believe we create art that is pleasing to the “eye of the beholder.” We paint to express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the beauty of the colorful world around us. We like the observer to visit the places or view the objects we paint.

On Thursday, July 28th Jennifer assisted these first time exhibiting artists Yolanda Atkins, Cindi Kurtz, and Sabiha Malik in installing their exhibit at Beanetics Coffee Roasters in Annandale, VA.

Jennifer’s told the artists after hanging the show:

“It was a joy being with you all today. Thank you so much for your generosity of spirit and for making the job of hanging the show fun and easy! I look forward to working with all of you to create a very successful show!”

Cindi commented on the thrill of hanging her first exhibition:

“I (too) am quite excited to be a part of this! We had so much fun with Jennifer on Thursday hanging our art.”

The show will be on display at Beanetics Coffee Roasters through Friday, September 2nd. Be sure to stop by on Sunday, August 21st from 2-4pm for our Artists' Reception. Stop by anytime, grab a drink and a snack, and peruse this lovely exhibit. Don’t forget to leave a comment using the comment box across from the counter. This is one exhibit you won’t want to miss!

To inquire about purchasing artwork,

contact Jennifer Judelsohn at (703)273-0485 or

jennifer@soulworksstudio.com

Beanetics Coffee Roasters

7028 Columbia Pike

Annandale, VA 22003

'Til next time,
Margaret

Evolution of Art: Follows up on Reinventing Reality

2011-08-03T07:48:00.007-04:00

Missed your chance to see Matthew Parker’s exhibit “Reinventing Reality” presented by Evolution of Art by Neshama Soulworks Studio at Beanetics Coffee Roasters? While that is unfortunate, because the show was fantastic and Matthew’s art is completely innovative, you haven’t completely missed out.

Presenting Matthew Parker’s ART TRIKE

DC’s 1st Mobile Art Bike Business!

Matthew with his One-Of-A-Kind ART TRIKE!

It’s what it sounds like, and more! Matthew’s inspiration for his Art Trike (as well as much of his work) came from his experience living and working around DC. What if he was to sell his unique DC local artwork where consumers live, work, play, shop and explore the city's sites? And so, in collaboration with Haley Trikes of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Matthew designed his custom made cargo trike. The Art Trike has three fundamental concepts: an attractive and distinctive design, the ability to unfold with an integrated display, and being environmentally friendly. Its an easy to move, easy to set up art display.

You can find Matthew around your favorite haunts in DC exhibiting (and selling his work). Click here for a schedule of Matthew Parker’s Art Trike appearances.

To inquire about purchasing artwork,

contact Jennifer Judelsohn at (703)273-0485 or

jennifer@soulworksstudio.com

Margaret reports on Jennifer's NewCAJE experience...

2011-08-02T15:37:00.001-04:00

Margaret here to report on the activities of the the lovely and talented Jennifer Judesohn who is in Greensboro, NC this week attending the 2011 NewCAGE Conference.

NewCAJE offers networking, fun, an opportunity to deepen your Jewish knowledge and to increase your professional expertise in Jewish education by learning from other educators in the field of Jewish education. Jennifer had the honor of participating in the opening ceremonies of the 2011 NewCAJE Conference. Here’s what she had to say about the experience:

It was wonderful to be among such a gifted group of leaders: Marge [Eiseman] sang everyone into the room to gather. Her melodious voice and minstrel spirit were inviting and welcoming. In a few short minutes, she had gathered 200 people together. Cherie Koller-Fox did a beautiful welcoming, setting the intention for out time together both then and throughout the conference. She shared her vision, inviting everyone to join her in creating a communal sacred space. I did the meditation calling ourselves in. Nancy Katz led a very interactive piece where everyone got into small groups and created colorful lists of words about their hopes, dreams, visions for Jewish education at its best. It was noisy, and full of sharing, passionate conversations. The words were all gathered up to make a "wordle," a design using the words at different angles to create a pictographic idea about Jewish education! From there I led us back into the individual realm, and participants wrote their own personal prayers for Jewish education. Then, because Judaism is a communal experience, particularly around the idea of prayer, I had everyone trade their prayers with someone else. Then they traded with 5 more people for a total of 6 trades. Then I asked everyone to pray the prayer they now held in their hands, and to keep the prayer in their name-tag holder, close to their heart, and to read it and share it and talk about it with others throughout our time together, so that these individual prayers become a communal reality. Cherie Koller-Fox and Ken Cohen then led us through a blessing where we blessed each other, and then received a blessing from them for our time together to be full of all things wonderful and sacred and, and peaceful, and holy. Marge [Eiseman] then led us in rounds of Oseh Shalom to close our circle. It was a very powerful, moving, welcoming experience, and I am truly honored to have been a part of creating sacred space.

The NewCAJE Conference brings together Jewish educators to share the best of Jewish education in theory and in practice. On Monday, Jennifer taught a class entitled: Jewish Spiritual Direction for Teachers: A Step on Your Journey with (my aunt) Marge Eiseman.

"Birth is a beginning; death a destination and life is a journey, lived on the way..." But how many of us were taught how to make this journey a life of meaning and purpose? And, can we teach this to our students? Is there a way to live and learn that can make the practice of teaching Judaism feel sacred and holy to us? Music, prayer, art, poetry, movement and meditation have been tools for enriching the spiritual life of Jews (and in this setting, Jewish teachers), and we will sample these during a session that just might change your life!

Jennifer shared her reflections on co-teaching the class with me. Here’s what she had to say:

It is delightful to once again be in a place of connection and community, to study and learn together with such dedicated, passionate folk. I love the AHA moments, the times of sacred space and deep connection. I appreciate all the positive, supportive energy from everyone for the work I do; and I am grateful to be able to be authentically myself, and have that be enough! I love spending this time with my friends, old and new! I am feeling truly blessed!

Teaching today with Marge [Eiseman] was amazing, as usual. Using the Sh'ma as the foundational text we practiced breathing exercises to center and ground us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Then we did some wonderful chevruta (paired) text study to parse out and expand the translation of the Sh'ma, bringing our own unique interpretations to share with others. We each wrote individual interpretations and shared them, adding yet another level of depth to our learning community experience. We concluded with sound and movement, creating a meditative "dance."

By the end of our time together, we had journeyed through the realms. connecting more deeply with our text, our community, our history and heritage, and with ourselves. If that's not a blessing, I don't know what is!

On Tuesday Jennifer is teaching a class entitled: Yes You Can! Integrating the Arts into Practically Any Lesson Plan:

In this informative and inspiring session, artist and educator Jennifer Judelsohn will describe how you can use the arts as a central aspect of your teaching--and you don't have to be an artist to do it! Regardless of what subject you teach, the level of your students, or the particular setting in which you teach, you can use art as both a teaching tool and a means of assessing your students' learning. Using a myriad of examples that span the gamut from painting to drawing to sculpture, poetry and creative writing, and other means of creative expression, she will show you how and inspire you to become a more creative, dynamic teacher!

Be sure to stop by Jennifer's booth in the vendors' area and tell her I said hi!

Margaret

NewCAJE... New Sacred Space!

2011-08-01T12:34:00.002-04:00

Having come to NewCAJE, I was wondering how it will be. What gifts from the past will be brought into this present. What new gifts will be made manifest? It all begins with the Conference Opeing Ceremony!

It was wonderful to be counted among such a gifted group of leaders to help set the stage for this inspiring conference. Here's what transpired... I know my description cannot really do justice to the experience, but perhaps it can give you a taste...

Marge Eiseman sang everyone into the room to gather. Her melodious voice and minstrel spirit were inviting and welcoming. In a few short minutes, she had gathered 200 individual people together into a community if learners. The many became one.

Cherie Koller-Fox welcomed us all, giving a nod to the past and setting the intention for our time together both then and throughout the conference. She shared her vision, inviting everyone to join her in creating a communal sacred space.

I did the meditation calling ourselves in. Though we were all physically in the room, it was clear that we were not all there emotionally, mentally, spiritually. The meditation was a chance to let go of all the experiences we had along the journey to get us to the moment of being at the conference. We connected to our own selves physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually --- breathing in calm centered energy, expanding tight spaces, releasing stress and tensions, settling deeply and comfortable into our selves.

Nancy Katz led a very interactive piece where everyone got into small groups and created colorful lists of words about their hopes, dreams, visions for Jewish education at its best. It was noisy, and full of sharing, passionate conversations. The words were all gathered up to make a "wordle," a design using the words at different angles to create a pictographic idea about Jewish education!

From there I led us back into the individual realm, and participants wrote their own personal prayers for Jewish education. Then, because Judaism is a communal experience, particularly around the idea of prayer, I had everyone trade their prayers with someone else. Then they traded with 5 more people for a total of 6 trades. Then I asked everyone to pray the prayer they now held in their hands, and to keep the prayer in their name-tag holder, close to their heart, and to read it and share it and talk about it with others throughout our time together, so that these individual prayers become a communal reality.

Cherie Koller-Fox and Ken Cohen then led us through a blessing where we blessed each other, and then received a blessing from them for our time together to be full of all things wonderful and sacred and, and peaceful, and holy.

Marge then led us in rounds of Oseh Shalom to close our circle.

It was a very powerful, moving, welcoming experience, and I am truly honored to have been a part of creating sacred space.

Yes! Jennifer is now doing sessions via Skype!

2011-07-27T07:40:00.000-04:00

Feel like you want to more than survive?
Rekindle your passion, your spirit, your drive?
Tap into those juices and really thrive?
Have a session with Jennifer on Skype!

Are things about life getting you down?
Need a session with Jennifer, but live out of town?
There's no need to fret, and no need to frown.
Have a session with Jennifer on Skype!

If you're ready to work and your issues are ripe...
It's not a gimmick. There is no hype.
Just make an appointment.
Have your session with Jennifer on Skype!

(Here's how to schedule an appointment)

Three Days Left: Super Summer Sale going on NOW!

2011-07-24T11:15:00.000-04:00

The Super Summer Sale is going on NOW!

(see event on facebook) at Jennifer Judelsohn/Neshama Soulworks Studio, LLC

When? Going on now through Tuesday July 26 at 11:30pm

Where? On line (Neshama Soulworks Studio Catalog)

Hurry! and take advantage of this great offer!

Check out the Neshama Soulworks Studio Catalog and choose your favorites.

Get 10% off all purchases, and FREE shipping (within USA).

The sale includes limited edition fine art giclee prints, original acrylic paintings, Jennifer's book, Songs of Creation: Meditations on the Sacred Hebrew Alphabet, meditation mugs, and prosperity journals.

If you are going to NewCAJE, Jennifer will bring your order to the conference and deliver it to you personally!

And of course, if you live around the Greater Washington, DC metro area (or are in the area visiting), and you would like to stop by Jennifer’s studio and see the art in person, she is happy to make an appointment with you to do that.

(E-mail Jennifer at Jennifer@soulworksstudio.com).

Here's all you have to do:

1. Check out the Neshama Soulworks Studio Catalog

2. Choose all your favorites.

3. Email Jennifer at Jennifer@soulworksstudio.com to place your order.

4. Put KUMSITZ in the subject line.

(That way, Jennifer will know to give you the 10% discount.)

5. Pay for your order by 11:30pm, July 26, 2011 to receive your 10% discount.

How can you pay? Jennifer accepts cash, checks, credit cards. Yes, she has a Paypal account. (All payments are to be made in US Dollars).

After that, it's easy. Jennifer will pack up your order and ship it to you (within US) or deliver it to you, at no charge. That's right! Shipping and Handling is FREE within the US!

HURRY! The sale closes at 11:30pm, Tuesday, July 26th!

A Message from Neshama Soulworks Studio's New Marketing Assistant

2011-07-21T12:10:00.000-04:00

Hi, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Margaret Wells and I’m the new Executive Assistant/Marketing Intern for Jennifer Judelsohn of Neshama Soulworks Studio.

We’ve got some really exciting news for all you readers out there:

The Super Summer Sale is going on now, but ending soon. Pick up a print of Jennifer’s artwork (or any of the other art and products in the catalog) at 10% off and free delivery (within the US). The sale includes limited edition fine art giclee prints, original acrylic paintings, Jennifer's book, Songs of Creation: Meditations on the Sacred Hebrew Alphabet, meditation mugs, and prosperity journals.

Hurry. The sale ends July 26th at 11:30pm. Don’t miss out! Here's all you have to do:

1. Check out the Neshama Soulworks Studio Catalog

2. Choose all your favorites.

3. Email Jennifer at jennifer@soulworksstudio.com to place your order.

4. Put KUMSITZ in the subject line. (That way we know to give you the 10% discount.)

5. Pay for your order by 11:30pm, July 26, 2011, to receive your 10% discount.

By popular demand, the show Reinventing Reality at Beanetics Coffee Roasters, featuring the photographic collages of Matthew Parker, has been extended to July 27. If you have not taken advantage of this fantastic opportunity to check out Matthew’s amazing limited edition prints, the time to do so is NOW!

Also, check out Matthew Parker's one-of-a-kind Art Trike around DC. Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Find Matthew biking around DC displaying his photographic collages on his environmentally friendly Art Trike, designed in collaboration with Haley Trikes of Philadelphia. Stay tuned for more details.

Last, before I sign off, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the wonderful Jennifer Judelsohn, who recently became the newest Board Member of Pathway Homes! Pathway Homes provides non-time-limited housing for individuals with mental illness and services to help residents achieve their individual potential. More about Jennifer’s inspirational work with Pathway Homes coming soon.

Margaret

Evolution of Art: Reinventing Reality (Part 2)!

2011-07-09T19:33:00.002-04:00

Here we are at Beanetics Coffee Roasters for Part 2 of Reinventing Reality!

Matt is here talking about a program he is doing at the Community Center in Alexandria, Virginia, one morning a week for the next two weeks. He's going to teach the kids how to take pictures, rotate the camera, and create photocollages... The topics for the collages are The Garden, Bikes, and Basketball.
The children are ages 7 -10, all from the neighborhood in the middle of Old Town Alexandria. The Garden photocollage will be showcased at Youth Day, at the end of July. The Bikes, and Basketball will be showcased at the end of October as part of Art on the Avenue. Matt says:

It's good to give back to the community... especially where it matters. Children need to be busy, especially in the summer time. And it's a great opportunity to teach them about the arts. It could be a lifelong hobby for them.

What else is Matt up to?

He's going to be at NOMA's summer movie series on Wednesday, July 13th from 7-9pm.
On July 23rd, he be at the Columbia Heights Farmers' Market. Check him out... He's the one with the Art Trike!

And if you're in Venezuela in August, you might catch his interview on Venezuelan television!

Evolution of Art: Come Reinvent Reality With Us!

2011-06-12T14:31:00.002-04:00

So we're here on this fabulous Sunday afternoon at Beanetics Coffee Roasters with
Matthew B. Parker to celebrate his exhibition, Reinventing Reality.

This is a great exhibit, depicting scenes we are all familiar with in Washington, DC and beyond: The Moongate Garden at the Smithsonian Castle; Cherry Blossoms in bloom at the Tidal Basin; The Supreme Court; The Brooklyn Bridge; NYC Uptown; and Inside the Glass Pyramid at the Louvre. And yet, it's unlike anything you've seen before. Matthew's approach is fresh and different.

As one viewer said,

"Does anyone else do this? What a smart person! Such a creative idea!"

It's really all about how Matthew creates each singular image. He photographs an image several times, turning his camera to get it from different angles. Then he collages the images together, overlapping them to create one composite image! His art is both innovative and accessible.

Come by to see Matthew, and taste his cheese straws! His mother-in-law brought them for him straight from Mississippi! According to Matthew, "You can't buy these in a Kroeger... They come straight from someone's kitchen... a home-made delicacy!"

And as always, there's the usual extraordinary coffee and tasty treats!

Evolution of Art: Price list for Reinventing Reality

2011-06-05T09:42:00.001-04:00

Smithsonian Castle – Moongate Garden

Reinventing Reality... Photocollages by Matthew B. Parker.
on exhibit at Beanetics Coffee Roasters June 1-30, 2011

Matt has an innovative approach to his craft. He revisits a scene repeatedly and photographs the same view at different times and from different angles. Then he takes all these perspectives and collages them into one picture. His work affords the viewer a new way to look at familiar scenes from the world around us.

Check it out for yourself: Reinventing Reality is on display at Beanetics Coffee Roasters through the month of June. We are hosting an artist reception on Sunday June 12 from 2-4pm. It's a great opportunity to chat with this native Washingtonian and find out what inspired him to view the world through photographic collage.

Matt's art makes the perfect gift for Gradutation or Father's Day. Or get some art for yourself for your home or office. His prices are so reasonable it makes getting fine art affordable for everyone!

Price List

1. NYC Uptown $35

2. Louvre – Standing Inside the Glass Pyramid 55

3. Smithsonian Castle – Moongate Garden 35

4. Two Springs Washington Monument 55

5. NYC Downtown 35

6. 56th Inauguration Obama 55

7. Cherry Blossoms from the Water – Tidal Basin 35

8. Eastern Market 55

9. The Big Three (Cherry Blossoms at Washington Monument, Visiting the

Lincoln Memorial, and Flowers at the Capitol) 350

10. Brooklyn Bridge 55

11. Supreme Court 35

12. The Rotunda – U.S. Capitol 55

13. Times Square 35

14. Strasburg 55

15. Let’s Go Caps 35

16. University of Maryland – McKeldin Library 55

17. Cherry Blossoms Curving Along the Tidal Basin 145

Multiple copies of these limited edition prints are available.

To inquire about purchasing artwork, contact

Jennifer Judelsohn at (703) 273-0485 or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

“The Evolution of Art” is presented by

Neshama Soulworks Studio.

Visit our website: www.soulworksstudio.com

SNEAK PEEK: June 2011 Evolution of Art: Reinventing Reality

2011-05-25T18:28:00.004-04:00

Here's an image to whet your appetite and pique your interest about the next exhibit at Beanetics Coffee Roasters. Matthew Parker, a local artist, born and raised in the Greater Washington, DC area, is not your ordinary photographer. He takes an idea of a place and turns it around, photographing it repeatedly at different times of day or year, and from different angles. Then he takes these multiple images and creates photographic collages like the image below:

Smithsonian Castle - Moongate Garden

Photographic Collage #104

Location: Washington, DC

34 individual photos taken over the following dates

and times collaged together to make one scene:

Mar 25, 2011: 2:50p – 3:15p
Apr 04, 2011: 5:43p – 6:02p

We will be hanging Matthew's show on Wednesday June 1st, and it will be on display through the month of June! Stop by and check it out!

And join us for his artist reception on Sunday, June 12th from 2-4pm. Matthew will be happy to tell you all about his artistic approach. Everyone is welcome!

Want to know more about Matthew and see more samples of his work. Check out Reinventing Reality!

Artsites at Gary Rosenthal's Hiddur Mitzvah Center

2011-05-15T14:14:00.001-04:00

Today I'm hanging out at Gary Rosenthal's Hiddur Mitzvah Project with my friends from Artsites, the Judaic Art Guild. We're here holding a one-day group show and there is a lot of great art packed into this gallery space.

The space Gary has created is open and spacious and inviting! On the walls is an on-going show Ronny Tabeka, and Katherine Janus Kahn. And Artsites has taken the center of the room for a beautiful, colorful, diverse show!

Check out our fabulous displays!

Evolution of Art: Sam Hurd's Photographs of New Zealand

2011-05-03T10:13:00.006-04:00

Have you ever wanted to travel to the other side of the world? During the month of May you can do just that at Beanetics Coffee Roasters. Come by and check out the panoramic vistas of Sam Hurd's photographs of New Zealand.

The broad, sweeping images are crisp and clear; very beautifully presented, printed on large canvasses.

Sunset

Reflection

Valley

Bridge

Water

Price List

1. Sunset 250

2. Reflection 250

3. Valley 350
4. Bridge 250

5. Water 250

To inquire about purchasing artwork,

contact Jennifer Judelsohn at
(703) 273-0485

or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

“The Evolution of Art” is presented by

Neshama Soulworks Studio.

Visit our website: www.soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art: Reception for Fresh Eyes

2011-04-10T14:13:00.007-04:00

JEB Stuart teachers, students and families
enjoying Fresh Eyes reception.

Photographs on display in Fresh Eyes exhibit

JEB Stuart students enjoying the reception

Here we are at Beanetics Coffee Roasters for a very exciting art reception: Fresh Eyes by JEB Stuart Photography Students. Before everyone arrives, I had a few minutes to speak with JEB Stuart's Fine Arts Department Chair, Kate Wallestad.

According to Wallestad, who joined the school 7 years ago, the photography program has doubled in enrollment, with approximately 125 students currently involved. This show represents the work of students in Photography 1, Photography 2, and IB Advanced Photography. In most cases, students participating in this exhibit have taken classes with Kate Wallestad, Charles Agel, Laura Muizneiks, and Allison Dreon.

While Advanced Photo Shows are typical for JEB Stuart art students, this exhibit is particularly exciting because it is the first one held outside of school. How exciting for Beanetics and the Evolution of Art series to be the first to host such an exhibit!

The students are beginning to arrive and Natlie Runnerstrom, a sophomore taking Photo 2, has agreed to chat with me. Natalie has two pieces in the show: Bite Me (a dog chewing a bone), and King of the Hill ( a tree in a mountainous area in the Shenandoah Valley).

Here's what Natalie has to say about the JEB Stuart arts program and her interest in art:

I've always liked art since I took art classes in middle school. I was always drawing, doodling, and painting so I signed up for Art 1. But it turned out that I didn't really like the class so I switched to Photo 1 to be with friends and in a more enjoyable class environment. I found out that I really liked taking pictures. Photography is like any other form of art... all artists have a favorite medium. For me, it's taking pictures. When you take a picture you have a particular point of view, an image in mind, and then it's really interesting to manipulate it and often the final result is better than the original idea. Next year, I'm signed up to do IB Visual Arts, involving both photography and painting for the first half of the year, learning specific techniques, and then the second half of the year involves doing your own projects, developing the techniques at a deeper level. I am definitely thinking about pursuing art as a major in college and as my career.

I've had the pleasure of chatting with another student, Ann Nguyen, another Photography 2 students. Her piece, Uncertaintree, is the second piece when you walk in the door. You can't miss it... It is purposely blurry.

The photo was originally taken for a landscape project.... scenic backgrounds, photos of trees... I don't usually take pictures of trees; I'm more of a portrait photographer. For example, recently I took headshots for the JEB Stuart spring musical, The Music Man. Currently I am working on a personal project of free senior portraits as a way to help other students and create a portfolio for my application to the IB program.

The tree that I was photographing for the landscape project had a lovely fence around it, but the criteria required for the assignment banned man-made objects in the photo. So I decided to do bokeh (intentionally blurring a photograph to make the multiple circled background) to obscure the fence. It turned out really well because of the lighting. Bokeh is usually effective when light seeps through objects or there's enough difference between background and foreground, with a prominent object in the foreground.

As for Ann's future, she plans to pursue art in college. "I think I'll always be doing art. Art will always be important, critical, fundamental, essential, and prominent in my life."

Another student who's work is on display is Caroline McLoughlin. She is a junior, taking Photo 1. She has two pieces in the exhibit: Christmas Eve in Washington ( a photo of the Capital taken by Caroline on Chiristmas eve) and Rainbow Spinner ( looks like ribbons flying in all directions). Caroline says she took Photo 1 as an elective just because it's something she's interested in.

I've always really been interested in photography and when the opportunity arose for me to take the class as an elective, I took it. In the summer of 2008, I took a two-week photography class to fill time, and found out I really enjoyed it.

Next year, Caroline will take Visual Arts SL1 ( IB Arts) as well as Photography 2. Caroline plans to attend VCU and major in the arts program... making photography her career.

Evolution of Art: Price List for Fresh Eyes... Photos by JEB Stuart HS Students

2011-04-04T08:25:00.015-04:00

Image of all the pieces in the exhibition...

Price List

1. Photo by Janiera Alexander $100
2. Photo by Ann Nguyen 100
3. Photo by Michelle Quisbert    100
4. Photo by Erin McDougall 100
5. Photo by Casey Duncan 100
6. Photo by Ernesto Gomez 100
7. Photo by Gaby Cabrera 100
8. Photo by Marie Chardonnet    100
9. Photo by Caroline McLoughlin SOLD
10. Photo by Caroline McLoughlin 100
11. Photo by Natalie Runnerstrom    100
12. Photo by Natalie Runnerstrom    100

To inquire about purchasing artwork, contact
Jennifer Judelsohn at (703) 273-0485 or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

Evolution of Art: Fresh Eyes... Photos by JEB Stuart HS Students

2011-04-03T16:54:00.002-04:00

Today is another exciting day in the history of the Evolution of Art series. It's what this series is all about... encouraging new and evolving artists. What can be more fitting with that mission than an exhibiting photographs by local high school students?

This exhibition showcases the work of JEB Stuart High School photography students, giving a snapshot of the diverse approaches these students take. Students enrolled in photography at JEB Stuart are taught an array of photographic skills that combine digital and traditional processes. The program begins by introducing students to darkroom black-and-white photography in which students learn to use a manual 35mm camera to shoot, process, and print their own negatives by hand. In addition, students explore digital photography, Adobe Photoshop, and alternative processes such as pinhole photography. More than just providing technical skills, however, the faculty at JEB Stuart teaches students to use the camera to critically examine their world and to create photographs that are visually and conceptually interesting.

Students are exposed to the work of historical and contemporary photography and are prompted to engage in today’s photographic discourse. The photography program at JEB Stuart encourages students to develop the critical thinking skills needed to navigate our complex visual culture, empower them with the ability to respond to their experiences and the experiences of others, and prompt them to re-imagine the world as perceptive and socially responsible individuals. As the photographer Dorothea Lange once said, “The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”

More than 125 students are enrolled in beginner, intermediate, and advanced photography courses at JEB Stuart, and that number is expected to grow to more than 150 students in the coming school year. Courses are taught by Charles Agel, Allison Dreon, Laura Muiznieks, and Kate Wallestad.

Students whose work appears in this exhibit:

Janiera Alexander
Gaby Cabrera
Marie Chardonnet
Casey Duncan
Ernesto Gomez
Erin McDougall
Caroline McLoughlin
Ann Nguyen
Michelle Quisbert
Natalie Runnerstrom

What a joy to see such talent and creativity on display!
Fresh Eyes is on display through April 30, 2011.

Join us for an artist reception on Sunday, April 10, 2011 from 2-4pm. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet these young artists and find out what inspires them as artists!

Beanetics Coffee Roasters is located at 7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003.

To inquire about purchasing artwork,
contact Jennifer Judelsohn at (703)273-0485 or
jennifer@soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art: Sky Study Reception

2011-03-20T14:25:00.003-04:00

Have you looked at the sky today? It is a beautiful shade of blue and the clouds are willowy and wispy. Want to see more sky? Spring has sprung and we're here at Beanetics enjoying a splendid Sunday afternoon for the artist reception of "Sky Study." Come on by and say hi!

David and Jean chat about Sanzi's art

Sanzi talks with patrons interested in purchasing
"bold red line over fuzzy yellow"

What a great day we're having here... So far a photographer from Patch.com came to take a picture of Sanzi and her art. Be sure to check it out.

And, the best news of all... wait for it...

WE SOLD A PIECE!

Yes, Katie and Jim bought "bold red line over fuzzy yellow" for their baby's nursery. How awesome and trailblazing to start an art collection for your child even before they are born!

If there is a piece that you've had your eye on, let me know so we can make arrangements for you to add it to your personal art collection. Any of these pieces would make a lovely addition for your home or office.

Sky Study will be on display here at Beanetics Coffee Roasters through April 1, 2011.

Evolution of Art: Sky Study by Michelle Sanzi Kermes... Artist Statement

2011-03-07T11:51:00.001-05:00

Artist Statement for Michelle Sanzi Kermes's current exhibit, Sky Study:

This series of work is based on my experience of living in Leeds, England, for three years (November 1, 2005, to December 31, 2008). Our home was on a steep hill overlooking the valley of the Yorkshire Dales. Truly a beautiful place! Near to us was Haworth -- home of the Bronte sisters. The English weather was ever changeable, minute to minute. The sky became my muse. I hadn't seen so much personality dripping from above until being there.

I work in series, creating as many as six new drawings or paintings at a time. These works are pastel drawings on fabric. I had effectively been away from my studio for almost eight years. In January of 2010, while looking through a flat file drawer, I found this "fabric," which I have always called pastel paper. No one knows what it is -- I have been to every art supply store, to an upholsterer, three fabric stores, Home Depot, and framing suppliers. Evidently, however I came to have this is meant to be lost in the ether by which it appeared.

The newer works are on more conventional fabrics, though not on conventional art papers. Fabric is 100% archival (the color won't fade, nor deteriorate) and is lightweight while being tough enough for the pastel.

About the Artist:

Michelle Sanzi Kermes received her Master's of Contemporary Fine Art Practice from Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, UK, in 2008. Her multi-disciplinary art practice includes painting, printmaking, film, collage, installation work, and collaborative work.

Sanzi is also a collector of "stuff." Her current collecting passions are postcards mailed to her from strangers, abandoned shoes that she notices along the side of the road, handmade artist books, and a documentation of every Scrabble game she has played since 2000. The concepts behind Sanzi's art practice relate to language, identity, sense of place, and the processes involved with art making.

You're invited to meet Michelle Sanzi Kermes
on Sunday, March 20th, from 2pm to 4pm.
Come have a chit-chat, see her work and learn more about her approach to her art.

Sanzi's work is on display at Beanetics Coffee Roasters through the month of March, 2011!

Evolution of Art: Sky Study by Michelle Sanzi Kermes... Price List

2011-03-03T19:02:00.000-05:00

Ilkley Moor, UK $300
two broken red lines 90
sky study (a) 90
sky study (b) 90
sky study (c) 90
broken red line 90
broken purple lines 200
bold red line over fuzzy yellow 90
bold red line 350
thin broken blue line below yellow 200
sky study (d) 90
broken blue over purple lines 350

If you are interested in purchasing any of these fine art pieces, contact me at:

jennifer@soulworksstudio.com

or (703)273-0485.

Evolution of Art: Sky Study by Michelle Sanzi Kermes... We've Hung the Show

2011-03-02T18:14:00.022-05:00

From left to right:
bold red line over fuzzy yellow; bold red line; thin broken blue line below yellow; sky study (d)

Today was a good day at Beanetics Coffee Roasters.
We hung a new show, Sky Study, by my good friend, Michelle Sanzi Kermes.

Sanzi is an amazingly diverse artist... multi-talented, multi-faceted.
She works in series, carrying a theme or concept throughout a body of work.

For many years, her work focused on the horizon, and there was always a blue or red line in her pieces as a "horizon" reference. It was intriguing to see how far she could take this concept, and play with it. As an artist, I am fascinated by what Sanzi does. It is not just that Sanzi finds ways to expand a basic concept. It is also that she experiments with materials, and is inspired by what she finds laying about. For instance, these pieces are done in chalk pastel on fabric she found in her attic. She liked the texture, and as you examine the pieces up close, you can see where the texture would lend itself to art studying something as vast, and yet, somewhat texturally specific, as the sky. As if that's not enough. It is important to note that Sanzi makes her own frames and does her own framing.

Sanzi also has a unique sense of composition, where the matting and framing is as much a part of the art, as the art, itself. In this exhibit, many of the pieces are small, 3"x3" squares of color and texture, mounted and then floated them in the middle of a matted frame. The effect is a sense that even though you're only looking at a small swatch of sky, you get the sense that it is endless and infinite... as the sky is. This is what intrigues me about Sanzi's art... the way she can make something small and finite feel infinite.

From left to right:
sky study (b); sky study (c); sky study (a)

The series in this exhibition takes the concept of horizon and broadens it out to the whole sky. When she was living in England with her husband and daughter, she began to study the English sky over the moors... the wet, drippy sky so often noted in British novels by Austen or Trollop.

When you see the current show, you will understand. Many of the pieces still have the red or blue "horizon" line, but the work is very colorfully and texturally "cloudy sky" indeed.

Sky Study will be on display through April 1, 2011.

An artist reception will be held on Sunday, March 20th from 2-4pm.
Come by and meet Sanzi and talk with her about her art. I am sure you will find her as interesting and intriguing as I do.

Beanetics Coffee Roasters is located at 7028 Columbia Pike in Annandale, Virginia 22003.

Evolution of Art: Scenes from "Nothing to Say, Something to Show" Artist Reception

2011-02-07T11:28:00.008-05:00

Yesterday was a lovely day at Beanetics Coffee Roasters. The place was abuzz with good friends, good conversation, good music, and of course, good coffee! It was the Artist Reception for the current exhibition, Ashira Malka's "Nothing to Say, Something to Show."

Here are scenes from the event:

Ashira's show runs through February 28, 2011.
Stop by and check it out!

And if you're interested in purchasing any of the pieces on display, give me a holler: jennifer@soulworksstudio.com
or call me at (703)273-0485.

We're here!

2011-02-06T14:04:00.001-05:00

Art lovers and coffee lovers are gathering at Beanetics for the artist's reception for Ashira Malka's show, "Nothing to Say, Something to Show." Today's reception also features live music by acoustic guitarist Ace Elijah. There's plenty of time before the Super Bowl starts, so why not come on down to join us for a little "high culture" before the game?

Evolution of Art: "Nothing to Say, Something to Show" price list

2011-01-25T16:12:00.011-05:00

Here's the price list for Ashira Malka's "Nothing to Say, Something to Show", currently on exhibit at Beanetics Coffee Roasters through February 28, 2011.

From Left: Four Worlds, Lake Anew, Wood Whorl

1.  Wood-Whorl     ($100)
2. Lake Anew   ($125)
3. Four Worlds    ($400)

From Left: Woman Arising, Desert Sunset, Treee!

4. Treee! ($100)

5. Desert Sunset ($300)

6. Woman Arising ($125)

From Left: Turkish Eye, Flame-Flower, Mayan Desert Day,
Arched Roots, Porthole to Adobe

7. Turkish Eye ($75)

8. Flame-Flower ($100)

9. Mayan Desert Day ($75)

10. Arched Roots ($100)

11. Porthole to Adobe ($150)

To inquire about purchasing artwork,
contact Jennifer Judelsohn at (703)273-0485 or
jennifer@soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art: About the Artist, Ashira Malka

2011-01-22T16:00:00.002-05:00

Artist Statement

Loving the look of languages expressed in calligraphy, I’ve wanted to bring a calligraphic touch to my paintings and hope I have achieved this by using acrylic paint markers to create all these works, plus some pastel for that connection to my past when crayons were all I used, and atoms of my own body’s fingers intermingled and mixed with the media, physically becoming part of the art while it became a part of me.… I am embedded here now, yours to see.

About the Artist

Ashira is an American-Israeli-American-Israeli-American-Israeli-American-Israeli-American (so far) sorta-Essene Jew who’s pretty into Zen, who for some reason has an identity issue or two. These issues sometimes surface in poetry, art, and whatnot. This poetry, this art, these performances do not come from the worlds of art or poetry but from life, both the experience of and meditation upon, bridging the contemplative and active, the potential and kinetic, while always retaining a kinesthetic aesthetic.

Evolution of Art and Beanetics Coffee Roasters is pleased to invite you to attend the Artist Reception for Ashira Malka's "Nothing to Say, Something to Show".

DATE: Sunday, February 6, 2011

TIME: 2-4pm

WHERE: Beanetics Coffee Roasters (7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)

Evolution of Art: Ashira Malka's "Nothing to Say, Something to Show"

2011-01-20T15:28:00.006-05:00

As we hung the new show at Beanetics yesterday, shop patrons stopped to comment on how much they liked the new exhibit. And with good reason! Ashira Malka is a poet, artist, photographer, videographer... really just one of the most creative folks you'll ever meet! The Evolution of Art, along with Beanetics Coffee Roasters, is thrilled to have the good fortune of being the first to show a collection of her paintings in a solo exhibition. "Nothing to Say, Something to Show" is definitely a show worth seeing!

Artistically, Ashira Malka is a creative risk-taker who likes to do things her own way. In fact, she is fond of saying she is not like other people. Several pieces are squares, hung on the diagonal.

From left: Turkish Eye, Flame-Flower, Mayan Dessert Day, Arched Roots, Porthole to Adobe

That this is not how most people hang their art is just part of what makes Ashira Malka such an exciting artist to see. It is to her credit that she stands up for her creative beliefs and visions, and we are the beneficiaries of all those creative juices. Viewing Ashira Malka's art, we can imagine a world in which everyone celebrates their own uniqueness!

Ashira Malka's colorful paintings are both deceptively simple and filled with a sophisticated complexity, drawing the viewer in deeply to explore their symbolism. Each piece tells a story. Sometimes the title gives a clue, such as "Lake Anew", which if you say the two words together, allowing Lake and Anew to blend into one word, sounds more like Le Canoe, and suggests to the viewer to take a closer look and find the little canoe on the lake in the foreground of the painting. It is things like this that make Ashira Malka's work witty and engaging!

Ashira Malka's show, "Nothing to Say, Something to Show", is on display at Beanetics Coffee Roasters (2078 Columbia Pike, Annandale, Virginia 22003) through February 28, 2011.

Do join us for an artist reception on Sunday, February 6th from 2-4pm.
Everyone is welcome!

Evolution of Art: Hiland's Regular Show reception... a montage

2011-01-09T09:10:00.005-05:00

A montage of Corinne Hiland's artwork currently on display at Beanetics

A conversation about the art

Some of the yummy treats!

Wren and her guests enjoy a lively conversation

Wren and Scott hang out as guests arrive

Rob writing a comment on the blog!

Afedziwa Hayford enjoys the art!

Evolution of Art: Corinne Hiland's Regular Show... The Opening!

2011-01-08T18:42:00.000-05:00

"Bayou" by Corinne Hiland
line drawing currently on display

We are here at Beanetics for the opening reception of "A Regular Show" by shop manager and coffee roaster Corinne (Wren) Hiland.

Already there's talk about "the really interesting pieces." When you come by, be sure to check out the assemblages on the wall across from the counter...

Take a closer look... Did you notice the teeth in "Petals"? Or "Time and Temp" displaying the vials of coffee beans at ten different temperatures of roasting.

"Lines" by Corinne Hiland
photograph currently on display

Wren's work is very diverse... photography, assemblage, drawing, collage. If you want to know more about Wren and her approach to art, check out this interview. And there's a fun article about the show on Patch.com!

The atmosphere tonight is joyful and cozy. Lots of great treats (cupcakes, eclairs, cheese and crackers, fancy cake, pastries of all sorts and sizes) and warm drinks... coffees from around the world, lovely herbal teas, and hot cocoa... It may be chilly outside, but inside it's warm and cozy. Great people! Great conversation! Come by and join the fun.

Wren's show is on display through January 18, 2011.

Evolution of Art: A conversation with Corinne Hiland

2011-01-06T13:10:00.003-05:00

Today, I walked into Beanetics. I haven't been here for a couple of weeks, and it has a new feel! There are new chairs and tables, and the place is tres chic! I caught up with the manager and coffee roaster, Corinne Hiland, and chatted with her about her exhibit currently on the walls.

How has this whole experience been for you?
Really scary! Really, really scary!

But you've been here watching the process for years. You've seen all the shows. And you volunteered.
That's just it. I've seen you put up show after show after show. You were really nice and I began to think that I could do this.

What about showing really bothers you?

I'm really rather reclusive and introverted. And I can be a rather harsh critic of other people's work. After taking so many art classes in college, I know what it takes to create a piece. I can see when artists take shortcuts, and it bothers me. But now, I'm on the other side, as the artist who's work is on display, and it really is scary to think of people being critical of my pieces. I'm concerned about what people will do if they don't like it. It's hard to put yourself out there. Sometimes people can be harsh. It's hard to take that kind of criticism about something so personal.

What do you mean by reclusive?

My favorite place to be in the store is in the roasting room. I can sit there for hours and not have to engage with anyone. After being a roaster for a while, I found out that most roasters tend to be introverted, like me. They like to spend lots of time alone. When I'm in the roasting room, I can see everything that goes on in the shop, but I rarely have to talk with anyone.

Do you engage in other creative pursuits?
I like to write as well as do art. Actually I prefer to write. I was an English major in college. In fact, I've written a novel, but haven't had it published. The thought is too scary. I usually use pen names. This is the first time I've put work out into the world under my own name.

Why do you prefer writing?
I am partly color-blind, and can't see skin tones that well. That's why my drawings of people ("Peter Rhinehart") are in black and white. I like working digitally because all the colors have a number assigned to them, and I can use the numbers to differentiate tones.

What experiences have influenced your art?
When I was growing up, my mother was an artist. She creating very large, photorealistic, oil paintinngs... larger than life works. I was an English major in college, but I took a lot of art classes. I used art as a way to relax and destress. I've had cancer for 4 years, with 4 major tumors. I just finished my last round of chemo on Monday. Hopefully I am now cancer-free. Doing the art has been a creative outlet throughout the process. In college, I also took classes in electrical engineering and arson investigation. You never see a class on arson investigation. Of course, I'm going to take that. Not that I ever get to use what I learned in the arson investigation class in my life. It took me five years to graduate because there were so many interesting things to learn. The administration was telling me to graduate already, but I wasn't in any hurry. Isn't that what college is for—to take the time to learn things?

Like so many of us, you are a transplant to the area. How long have you lived here? What do you like about the area?
I grew up in a Filipino community in California so I really like the Asian food. I've lived in several places (California, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia). I moved to the area about four years ago. One of the things I love about this area is the food. It's so easy to get good Asian fare in Annandale. I am very partial to Korean and Japanese. I can put sashimi away like there's no tomorrow. And I really like that I can walk to work.

You have a variety of media in this show. Let's talk about some of your pieces. Can you tell me about the photographs?
The photos of the sails ("Sheets" and "Lines") are from a boat we no longer have, and were taken while sailing on the Potomac. My husband and I spend a lot of time on the Chesapeake bay sailing... We recently docked the boat for the winter and won't be sailing again until March. It's another thing that I love about living in this area—there are plenty of opportunities for sailing! And I have a couple pieces that relate to coffee roasting ("Roastering" and "Time and Temp"). A lot of my photography relates to things I enjoy doing in my life.

Can we talk about the piece, "Time and Temp"? It's more than just a photograph. It's got vials with coffee beans.
That's right. The piece contains a photograph of part of the roasting apparatus. In front of this are ten vials, each filled with some beans from points along the way in the roasting process. Each vial has a little tag with the roasting temperature written on it, hanging off the vial. Progressively, you can see that the beans get darker as the roasting temperature and length of roasting time increase. It allows the viewer an intimate look into the roasting process and the stages from green, inedible beans, to the beverage so many love to drink!

I think the most intriguing, and risk-taking, piece here is "Petals." Are those real teeth in there?
Yes. They are real teeth. I named the piece petals, because the shape reminded me of flower petals. And the jeweler's loupe in the piece is a metaphoric way of inviting the viewer to take a closer look.

So where does someone get teeth to put into a piece of art? Did you get them from your dentist?
No. I actually bought them on the internet. I don't know where they got them, but they are definitely real. There's even some silver and gold filling material in them. They were pretty dirty when I got them, and I cleaned and polished them for this piece. I still have a bunch left for future pieces!

Thanks for the conversation, Corinne. It's been great talking with you, and hearing some of the stories behind the pieces. Your show is anything but regular!

There will be an Artist Reception for Corinne this Saturday evening. Here's the details:

Evolution of Art presents "Regular Show" by Corinne Hiland.
Corinne's work will be on display at Beanetics through Tuesday, January 18, 2011.

Stop by and let us know what you think. Leave a comment here, or if you prefer "old school" methods, jot a note on one of the colored comments sheets and leave it in the Art Comments Box on the counter.

Everyone is invited to the Artist Reception
Date: Saturday, January 8, 2011
Time: 7-9pm

Bring your friends and family. Come hang out. Have a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. It's the perfect way to spend a cold winter evening!

I

Evolution of Art: Corinne Hiland's Regular Show... Artist Bio and Price List

2010-12-23T14:08:00.000-05:00

Corinne Hiland is the manager and coffee roaster at Beanetics. She grew up in California, the daughter of a mother who specialized in large oil paintings.

Corinne has been around art her whole life. She has pursued mixed media, including epoxy resins, oil, acrylic, charcoal, and ink.

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English after finishing her first (as yet unpublished) novel.

At that point she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer (synovial sarcoma) that has required constant cutting-edge treatment. The experience of trying to pursue her love of coffee roasting, art, literature, and doting on her nephew has filled her days with happiness.

Price List

Bayou (pen and ink) $125
Tryptych (photograph) $125
Sheets (photograph) $100
Lines (photograph) $100
Scatter (digital art) $100
Branches (photo and pencil) $100
Picture Box (photograph) $100
Roastering (photograph) $125
Closer (mixed media) $125
Petals (mixed media) $100
Time and Temp (mixed media) $150
Peter Rhinehart (collage) $150

To inquire about purchasing artwork, contact

Jennifer Judelsohn at (703)273-0485 or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

“The Evolution of Art” is presented by
Neshama Soulworks Studio.
Visit our website: www.soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art: Corinne Hiland's Regular Show is anything but regular

2010-12-15T23:06:00.000-05:00

Today is one of those days at Beanetics... the old show comes down and a new show is installed. While every show is special, this current show has a few things about it that make it extra-special.

First, it is the artwork of Beanetics coffee roaster and store manager, Corinne (Wren) Hiland. She is the second Beanetics employee to have a show. Remember last year when Peter Flint had a very successful debut photography exhibit here? Like Peter, this exhibit is Corinne's debut exhibit.

Second, this show demonstrates a breadth of work. Most individual shows exhibit a single medium. the exhibit space in the store is limited and usually having multiple genres from one artist could look confusing and like a high school portfolio. But Wren has pulled it off... creating a multidimensional show that invites the viewer in, again and again.

While some of the pieces are conventional, like the crisp, clean photographs of sails (see "Sheets" and "Lines") other pieces show her talent at creating simple line drawings that are pleasing to the eye (see "Bayou"). Several of Wren's pieces have an unexpected twist: Like the line drawing collage, "Peter Rinehart," which is a portrait of a British shoplifter from the 1800s. Why does someone chose him as a portrait subject? Or her piece, "Petals," which includes real human teeth in the assemblage. Want to know about the roasting process? Check out Wren's piece, "Time and Temp."

Wren's exhibit, "Regular Show" is anything but regular! You need to see this one!

The exhibit runs through Tuesday, January 18th, 2011. Stop by any time the store is open.

We are having an artist reception. "When?," you ask.

DATE: Saturday, January 8th
TIME: 7-9pm
LOCATION: Beanetics Coffee Roasters (7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA)

Everyone is welcome. Come on by and ask Wren about her work. There are lots of interesting stories! And all of her pieces are available for purchase. Contact me if you're interested in purchasing any of these intriguing pieces for your home or office!

Evolution of Art: Melony Price-Rhodes's "My Favorite Things" reception!

2010-11-13T19:12:00.001-05:00

Here we are at Beanetics for the Opening Reception of Melony Price-Rhodes's exhibit, "My Favorite Things."

Melony is decked out in a fresh lei from Hawaii, and she has strewn fresh orchid blossoms about the countertops, creating a beautifully festive atmosphere. And she had set out business cards that capture another 150 of her favorite shots. Friends from her mission trips to Kenya have arrived.

Doug, Melony's husband, is telling the story of one of the photographs on display in this exhibit: the cheetah was about five feet away from them. The photo was taken while on safari trip to the Serengeti, during their recent trip to Kenya.

Melony is so enthusiastic about her photography... She is telling about two adult eagles (one male, one female) that she recently photographed on her recent trip to Chincoteague. Her passion is contagious. It makes me want to grab a camera and shoot!

Come on by... grab some coffee, have a nosh of dessert, and listen to stories from out in the field.
You'll be glad you did!

And if you are interested in purchasing any of these magnificent pieces, let me know... Melony is donating the proceeds of her show to purchase school supplies for the Oloosikon Primary School in Ongata Rongai, Kenya! You can get a great piece of art for your home or office, or as a gift for someone special, and you can help do some good in the world! How can you beat that?

Pieces are selling rapidly... If you see a piece that you want and it has a red dot next to it, don't worry. Melony has agreed to make extra prints for those who want them! Yea!

Evolution of Art: Melony Price-Rhodes's "My Favorite Things" price list

2010-11-07T18:46:00.000-05:00

Ten Amazing Photographs.
Each one more impressive than the next.

Check them out at Beanetics Coffee Roasters through December 14th.
7028 Columbia Pike
Annandale, Virginia 22003

Each of these photographs would be a great piece of art to display in your home or office. They also make great holiday gifts. And when you purchase any piece of art from this show, you help students in Kenya because Melony is donating the Proceeds from the sale of artwork in this exhibit to purchase supplies for the Oloosirkon Primary School in Ongata Rongai, Kenya. Everybody wins! You get great art and children in Kenya get school supplies!

Join us for an artist reception on Saturday evening, November 13th, from 7-9pm.

All Pieces in "My Favorite Things" are $150

1. Bird and Bedpost, Waterford, Virginia

2. Plumeria, Vienna, Virginia

3. Bee on Cone Fleur, Alexandria, Virginia

4. Lotus, Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens,

Washington, D.C.

5. Girl on Bike, Costa Rica

6. Bee on Cala Lily, Kenya

7. Sunrise, Chincoteague Island, Virginia

8. Cheeta, Masai Mara, Kenya

9. Lion, Masai Mara, Kenya

10. Boat at Sunset, Chincoteague Island, Virginia

"My Favorite Things" runs through December 14th, so there will be plenty of time to wrap up your purchase and put it under the tree for your "favorite someone!"

To inquire about purchasing artwork, contact

Jennifer Judelsohn at (703) 273-0485 or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

“The Evolution of Art” is presented by

Neshama Soulworks Studio.

Visit our website: www.soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art: Melony Price-Rhodes's "My Favorite Things" artist statement

2010-11-05T18:15:00.000-04:00

Recently we changed the exhibit at Beanetics. Now through December 14th is a photographic exhibit by Melony Price-Rhodes. The show consists of ten breath-taking images, each more stunning than the next. This is Melony's first solo exhibit... hard to believe considering the quality of her work.

"My Favorite Things" consists of images from recent travels to Kenya, Africa, Costa Rica, as well as more local sites as Chincoteague Island, Virginia and Washington, DC. Melony has been taking photographs since early childhood, and has developed an astute eye, and remarkable talent for capturing a shot.

Here's her artist statement:

Dr. Melony A. Price-Rhodes cannot remember a time when she was not interested in photography. As a young girl she was mesmerized with photos her father took when he and her mother lived in Germany. His photos of Europe were captivating and left an indelible impression that persists to this day. She received her first camera in elementary school, and the flame ignited a lifelong passion.

Dr. Price-Rhodes was self-taught until high school and college courses provided formal instruction in photography. True love came from not only taking the photographs—even with a home-made pinhole camera made from a tea bag container—but in the darkroom work that ensued.

The best times were shooting old barns, fences, and the countryside after school with her childhood buddy, Charles. Fast forward 30+ years, and the two of them are shooting his kids at soccer practice and doing the crazy things kids do, or riding the high seas on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers shooting F/A-18 Super Hornets as they break the sound barrier and trap on the flight deck mere yards away.

Dr. Price-Rhodes has taken thousands of photos over the years and made many memories. Trips to foreign lands have offered chances to shoot what few have the opportunity to shoot, yet she still finds wonder literally in her backyard.

Another interesting point about this show is that Melony has decided to donate the proceeds of sales from this show to help the students at the Oloosirkon Primary School in Ongata Rongai, Kenya. Melony has made several trips to that country and says, “The last couple of trips there, we have bought the school supplies and soccer balls. They love it!”

What a wonderful, generous thing to do: I love when artists use their talents to promote good in the world! Thanks Melony for your generosity of spirit!

If you are interested in purchasing any pieces from this show, contact me ASAP!

Jennifer Judelsohn

(703)273-0485

jennifer@soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art: Updates

2010-09-23T09:55:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday was a great day at Beanetics! It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day... a great time to enjoy the last bits of summer! The coffee was flowing, Italian classical music was playing in the background, and lots of folks were mingling about enjoying the bright paintings depicting life in the Italian Riviera. If you're interested in reading more about it, check out this article about Sarah's exhibit by Afedziwa Hayford on Patch.com!

Also, here's a chance to mark your calendars for the next shows:

Melony Price-Rhodes will be displaying her photographs from November 3 til mid December. We will be hosting and artist reception for her on Saturday, November 13th from 7-9pm. We hope to see you there!

And manager and coffee roaster at Beanetics, Corinne "Wren" Hiland will be closing out 2010 and inaugurating our 2011 Evolution of Art series with a mixed media show. Keep checking in because we'll have more details to follow as we get closer to Wren's exhibit!

Got any questions, want to purchase art you've seen hanging on Beanetics walls, or know anyone who wants to exhibit at Beanetics? Contact me, Jennifer Judelsohn, at (703)273-0485 or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

Evolution of Art: "On the Italian Riviera" artist reception!

2010-09-19T14:42:00.000-04:00

It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon and here we are at Beanetics for the opening reception of Sarah Bohn's debut solo exhibition, "On the Italian Riviera." We are very excited to be here along with Sarah's family and friends. The coffee shop is full of children and adults, all sharing in the celebration of Sarah's brilliantly colored paintings.

Sarah's artwork is joyous and uplifting, and that's the intention Sarah has when she paints. Sarah's palette is full of vibrant, yet muted, blues, mustards, and maroons. Her work is engaging and inspires the idea of travel. Many times today I heard people say that Sarah's work makes them want to visit the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.

As an added bonus: When I walked in today, Afedziwa Hayford, a freelance journalist for Patch.com was here doing a story on Beanetics! Patch.com is an online community gathering place that informs on local events in the area. Be sure to look for Afedziwa's articles on Beanetics, and Sarah Bohn.

Evolution of Art: "On the Italian Riviera" price list

2010-09-16T08:33:00.000-04:00

Sarah Burkle Bohn's "On the Italian Riviera" is like taking a stroll through the Italian Riviera. Inspiration for this show came from her recent trip to the Lugarian Coast in Italy. The pieces in this show are colorful, vibrant, and full of life! A must see exhbit.

Want a bit of the Italian Riviera in your own home or office? Here's the price list:

Portofino...............................................$250

Windows in Paraggi................................ 200

Rowboat................................................ 350

La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life)................ 350

Market in Santa Margherita..................... 250

To inquire about purchasing artwork, contact me at
(703)273-0485 or
jennifer@soulworksstudio.com

Evolution of Art: "On the Italian Riviera" by Sarah Burkle Bohn

2010-09-15T19:42:00.000-04:00

Today we hung a new show at Beanetics. Sarah Burkle Bohn's first solo show celebrates Dolce Vita, the sweet life! Sarah's acrylic paintings are colorful, vibrant, and happy, capturing scenes from her recent trip to Italy's Ligurian Coastline with her family. This exhibit will bring joy to all who see it!

Rowboat

Here's what Sarah says about her own art process:

I discovered the joys of painting after the birth of my daughter. A press junkie by trade, I covered my first canvas with the Washington Post printed the day my daughter was born and painted over it, allowing the fresh and vibrant colors to tell my story as a new mother. Since then, I have enjoyed this medium as a way of touching others. In addition to painting, I enjoy giving back to my community, seeing the world through my children’s eyes, traveling, reading and writing. I am married and have lived in New York; Aix-en-Provence and Strasbourg, France; Washington, DC; and currently live in Vienna, VA.

I find inspiration for my artwork from my family and life experiences. When I began painting, I worked exclusively on contemporary pieces and have slowly incorporated a more impressionistic style. I work mostly with acrylics and love creating texture with vibrant and bold colors on canvas. Throughout my life, I have been moved by many local, relatively unknown artists as well as internationally-renowned greats, like Chagall, Kandinsky and Matisse. If one of my paintings can bring joy to its viewer, then I believe I have fulfilled my goal as an artist.

Sarah's show will be on exhibit at Beanetics Coffee Roasters (7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, Virginia 22003) through November 2, 2010.

Join us for a "stroll through the Riviera" this Sunday, September 19th from 2-4pm at Beanetics for an opening reception. See you there!

The End of the Tale of the 'ART'ful Dodger

2010-08-26T10:32:00.000-04:00

Okay, dear reader, I promised you a happy ending to this woeful tale, and here it is:

Yesterday, at 3:32pm "And They Danced..." was delivered back to me via the trusty servants of the United States Postal Service.

I am grateful to have it back, and thank the 'ART'ful Dodger for finally doing the right thing and returning the painting.

I am sorry the 'ART'ful Dodger is going through a difficult time and felt the need to keep the painting and not communicate with me until the pain of not responding was too great, but I think we can all learn from this situation:

It's best to own your mistakes up front. Had the 'ART'ful Dodger told me the truth right from the beginning, I would have worked it out with them privately. I would have sent UPS or FedEx to pick up the painting, or had a friend go get it. We had options, if the 'ART'ful Dodger had only been honest. I wouldn't have liked it, but I would have dealt with it quietly and none of you would have known about this tale.

So dear reader, learn to respond rather than react. I encourage you to take the time to choose your actions thoughtfully and carefully. Whatever you do, there are always consequences, even unintended ones.

Always leave room to escalate. If you start with the most extreme reaction, you have no where to go. At each step and stage along this process, I tried to do the least confrontational response in order to resolve the matter, leaving myself plenty of room to maneuver. I am very pleased and grateful that I did not need to file a police report or bring a suit in small claims court.

Compassion has many faces. I think the biggest lesson for me is that sometimes the most compassionate thing you can do for everyone concerned is to take a stand and establish a boundary. Until I did this, I felt like a victim. I was angry, frustrated and confused. I didn't know why this was happening to me. I had bent over backwards to help this person out and make the situation right. All along, I took responsibility for my own actions. The freedom for me came when I put back on the 'ART'ful Dodger that which was theirs. By standing tall and calling them on their bad behavior, by not staying silent, by letting them know their choices were not acceptable to me (since I was affected by them), I found my own power and peace. Too often we think being compassionate means we need to turn the other cheek or rise above. Too often all we end up doing is enabling others to continue in wrongful, hurtful behavior. Too often we forget that sometimes taking care of ourselves is the most compassionate thing we can do.

And now I can let this whole thing go. According to Reverend Desmond Tutu, forgiveness is not about condoning someone's wrongful actions. It is not about turning the other cheek, or letting someone get away with harming you. It is about giving up the right to be angry. In that sense, I am ready to forgive the 'ART'ful Dodger and move on to better things.

And dear reader, as a post script, if you are interested in purchasing any artwork, my virtual art sale, "l'ART'ceny" is running through August 30.

Thanks Social Networking Media for Helping Me Recover "And They Danced..."

2010-08-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

Artist Credits Quick Recovery of Stolen Art to Social Networking Media

Fairfax, VA— August 26, 2010

After launching the virtual art sale “l’ART’ceny : a place to get ART for a steal without committing a crime” as a result of a recent art theft incident, artist Jennifer Judelsohn credits the recovery of her stolen piece, “And They Danced…,” to the power of social networking media.

Judelsohn has successfully used Facebook in the past to sell her artwork—including “And They Danced…,” in March 2010. Due to the artist’s own admitted mistake, the sale of “And They Danced…” was cancelled. Judelsohn refunded the purchaser’s payment, but the purchaser refused to return the artwork. Judelsohn made several private attempts to get the painting returned, but the purchaser refused to communicate and return the painting. Instead of filing a police report or going to small claims court, Judelsohn reached out to friends and family in frustration on Facebook, launched the “l’Art’ceny” sale, and blogged about her experience with the purchaser—who remained nameless but was referred to as “the ‘ART’ful Dodger.”

“When I began my blog and joined Facebook, it was to stay connected with friends and business associates. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d use social networking media to recover a piece of stolen art,” says Judelsohn. “As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to see that a social network, even in a virtual world, has the capability to influence someone to do the right thing.”

Less than 10 days after going “public” via social networking media, Judelsohn had her artwork back in her possession.

“L’ART’ceny,” Judelsohn's virtual art sale in response to this incident, includes acrylic paintings and prismacolor pencil drawings inspired by a wide-range of personal, spiritual, and natural subject matters. These original works are still available on Facebook through Monday, August 30.

A licensed psychotherapist, Judelsohn also is a working artist and author/illustrator of Songs of Creation: Meditations on the Sacred Hebrew Alphabet. She supports other artists by curating the "Evolution of Art" series for emerging artists in the Greater Washington, D.C., area and is a former board member of Project Create, a nonprofit organization that provides free, professionally taught art classes to at-risk children in Washington, D.C.

A nationally and internationally acclaimed educator and speaker, Judelsohn presents workshops, seminars, and classes on spirituality, art, and soulwork. She received a B.A. in 1985 and a J.D. in 1988 from the State University of New York at Buffalo; she received an M.S.W. from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1996.

Judelsohn is available for interviews. For more information, contact her at:

Neshama Soulworks Studio
Jennifer Judelsohn
(703) 273-0485
jennifer@soulworksstudio.com

A Response to the 'ART'ful Dodger

2010-08-23T09:37:00.000-04:00

I have heard from the 'ART'ful Dodger. This was posted on my Facebook wall:

"You have a right to be angry and frustrated. But thanks. I'm mortified that my life is unraveling before my eyes, and I see this posted to my dearest most treasured friends. I'm returning cans and bottles this morning. Hope it will be enough to send the art back to you and make things right. Yes, I suck and I'm embarrassed about my situation. Guess you felt the need to smear me for it. Shabbat Shalom."

I took it down, because I never had the intention of naming the 'ART'ful Dodger. I just want my artwork back. If the 'ART'ful Dodger had ever responded to my many private requests, I would never have taken this to a public forum.

The 'ART'ful Dodger also sent me a message on Facebook privately:

"I'm mortified that my life as I knew it is unraveling before my eyes, I hear your pleas for communication and feel terrible that I can't manage to talk with you, and then I see your post to my dearest, most treasured friends - and a blogging too. Thanks. Yes, I suck and I'm dreadfully embarrassed about my situation. Embarrassed enough to wait until I had it in the mail to tell you it was on its way. Guess you felt the need to smear me for my silence. Shabbat Shalom to me, eh? One more thing to add to the suck pile of my life. I can't make things right between us, but I think I can now manage to mail the painting back. You'll have a tracking number when I do."

Are you serious, 'ART'ful Dodger? Let's parse this out:

I am sorry you are embarrassed and "mortified that your life as you knew it is unraveling before your eyes." NOT MY FAULT! From the moment you cashed the refund check and did not send back the painting, YOU STOLE MY PAINTING!

How was I to know that you "heard my pleas." From where I sit, you chose repetitively to ignore my pleas! I could see that you were on Facebook, so I knew you saw my messages. I even IMed you on Facebook, and you didn't respond. I called and left messages on your voicemail. All these attempts on my part were done through private avenues. I did not want to "expose" you.

You chose not to respond to any of my messages or voicemails. You are the one who forced my hand. If you could have just told me whatever was going on right from the beginning, we probably could have worked something out.

My intention was never to "smear you for your silence." My intention was to get my painting back. I am calling you on your actions. You have chosen to do the wrong thing and you got caught. NOT MY FAULT!

You act like I should have understood why you were silent. I am a psychotherapist, not a psychic. From the time you cashed that check on July 2nd, you have stolen my painting. Still, if you had communicated with me at any point along the way, I am sure we could have worked something out. I could have sent friends to pick up the piece, or arranged for UPS or FedEx to pick up the piece. I wouldn't have liked it, but I would have graciously absorbed the extra costs. But not now.

At this point, I still don't know why you didn't send the painting, particularly after you received the refund check which included more than enough money for you to send the painting back to me. Remember, I sent the painting to you in the first place. I know how much shipping would cost, and I included almost double that to be sure you were more than covered. If you need to return bottles and cans, that's the result of your own action of not using the money I sent you to return my painting. You can blame me all you want, but it's NOT MY FAULT! It's the result of your own actions!

Since you chose to ignore all my requests and inquiries, I did feel the need to take this public. Yes, I began posting requests for assistance and support from my friends and colleagues. Yes, I did blog about my experience. This has been very upsetting for me. At every step along the way, I have considered your feelings and situation... That's why I started this process through private channels. That's why I was careful not to use your name in any of my postings. You are the one who actually named yourself when you posted the message on my Facebook wall (which I have removed.) I don't see where you've ever considered my side. You are not the victim here.

Yes, I did finally post a message on your wall asking you to return either the painting or the money. I knew no other way to get through to you. I was hoping peer pressure might help, and it appears that it did. If your friends think less of you, look in the mirror. You made choices. These are the consequences of your choices and actions.

With absolutely no communication from you, what did you really expect me to do? How long did you think I would stay silent? Do you really think I'm that much of a patsy that I would knowingly allow you to take advantage of my kindness and generosity that way.

Would you prefer I file a police report? I have enough evidence to do so.

I am sorry things are so tough for you. NOT MY FAULT! As someone who has watched your Facebook page, I can see that you have many wonderful things happening in your life. Please take time to count your blessings. You clearly have many.

As for me, I look forward to the return of my painting. Until I get it back, I will continue to consider it stolen. At this point, I have no reason to believe that you really will send it back. You have told me that before.

"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."

l'ART'ceny: Launched on Anniversary of Mona Lisa Heist

2010-08-21T23:27:00.000-04:00

l'ART'ceny: Thefts Prompt Local Artist to Provide Access to Original Works "for a steal"

Virtual Show Launched on 99th Anniversary of Mona Lisa Heist

Fairfax, VA - August 21, 2010

Local artist Jennifer Judelsohn today launched l'ART'ceny, a virtual gallery of dozens of original artworks for sale at reduced prices. Recent and past incidents of art larceny prompted the idea.

"At my first exhibit in the mid-1990s," Judelsohn says, "two of my pieces were stolen." After another similar incident, "I realized I had more in common than I thought with master artists, like DaVinci and others, who have had their work stolen, too," she admits. "Instead of filing another police report, I decided to create l'ART'ceny: A place to get 'ART' for a steal without committing a crime."

Judelsohn's artwork includes acrylic paintings and prismacolor mandalas inspired by a wide-range of personal, spiritual, and natural subject matters. These original works are now available on Facebook through Monday, August 30.

A licensed psychotherapist, Judelsohn also is a working artist who exhibits in solo and group shows around the United States. Her artwork also is in private collections around the world. She supports other artists by curating the "Evolution of Art" series for emerging artists in the Greater Washington, D.C., area and is a former board member of Project Create, a nonprofit organization that provides free, professionally taught art classes to at-risk children in Washington, D.C.

Judelsohn also is the author/illustrator of Songs of Creation: Meditations on the Sacred Hebrew Alphabet, a collection of meditative drawings of the letters of the Aleph-Bet along with interpretive text on each letter. She has composed numerous poems and is currently working on a fairy tale for children and adults.

A nationally and internationally acclaimed educator and speaker, Judelsohn presents workshops, seminars, and classes on spirituality, art, and soulwork. She received a B.A. in 1985 and a J.D. in 1988 from the State University of New York at Buffalo; she received an M.S.W. from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1996.

Neshama Soulworks Studio

Jennifer Judelsohn

(703) 273-0485

jennifer@soulworksstudio.com

Historical Moments in 'ART' larceny

2010-08-21T07:20:00.001-04:00

Clearly my art is good enough to steal!

Just ask the thief who stole two mandala pieces out of my very first art show in Baltimore back in 1996. I filed a police report. The pieces were never recovered.

Or ask the 'ART'ful Dodger, who has stolen "And They Danced..."

The 'ART'ful Dodger didn't like the piece after it arrived, and so I refunded her payment, and now she refuses to return the painting. The 'ART'ful Dodger even refuses to return phone calls. And she refuses to return e-mails.

I even posted something on her wall on Facebook:

"Currently you have both the painting and the refund. Send one or the other back."

The 'ART'ful Dodger took the posting down, but refuses to return my many requests for her to RETURN MY ART!

I began doing research on 'ART' theft. Stolen art is a multi-billion dollar a year industry.

Most stolen art is never recovered.

Back in May 2010, five masterpieces were stolen from the Paris Museum of Modern Art. The five paintings that were stolen:

1. Dove with Green Peas by Pablo Picasso (painted in 1911)
2. Pastoral by Henri Matisse (1906)
3. Olive Tree near l'Estaque by Georges Braque (1906)
4. Woman with Fan by Amedeo Modigliani (1919)
5. Still Life with Candlestick by Fernand Leger (1922).

To the best of my knowledge, none of these pieces has yet to be recovered.

And, 99 years ago on this very day, August 21st, the most famous art heist of the 20th century occurred. The Mona Lisa was stolen out of the Louvre by a janitor named Vincenzo Perugia. He was caught two years later.

Curious about what other master artists have had their work stolen? While clearly not comprehensive, here's an impressive list:

Van Gogh: The Fortification of Paris
Gaugin: Tahitian Lanscape
Vermeer: The Concert
Rembrandt: A Lady and Gentleman in Black
Manet: Chez Tortoni
Degas: Three Mounted Jockeys
Klee: Portrait in the Garden
Moore: Reclining Figure

Whether I get my painting back or not, clearly I am in good company!

An Open Letter to the Artful Dodger

2010-08-19T08:08:00.000-04:00

Dear Artful Dodger,

I realize that this all began as my own mistake for posting the wrong image in the first place. And it is clear that you did not like the painting that I originally sent you. You asked me to try painting it again, and did not want the second one either. I understand that. It's all part of being an artist. The normal protocol would be for you to have returned the painting and then I would reimburse you for the cost of the painting plus postage. I deviated from this because we are friends and I was trying to make it right for you. Twice I sent you a check as reimbursement plus more than enough added so you can send the painting back to me at no cost to yourself. I understand the check getting lost in the mail. Sometimes that happens. After talking to my bank, I resent you another check. You cashed that check back in the beginning of July. I have a copy of the cashed check from my bank. According to you, you've had the painting wrapped and ready to be sent back from the time you received it at the end of March. That was 5 months ago.

If you've changed your mind and wish to keep the original painting, that's fine. Please send me a check for $220. If you don't want the painting, which is my understanding from the various e-mail exchanges we have had, then send me back the painting.

I have done everything I can do to make the situation right. I don't really know what else to do? It has been 6 weeks since you cashed the check. Please send me back the painting!

I have other people who are interested in it, and it is rather unfair of you to keep it under these circumstances.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter!

Jennifer

The Artful Dodger's Capricious Caper

2010-08-19T01:47:00.000-04:00

I warn you, dear readers, that this story begins as a tale of woe. But don't be dismayed. I turned the woe into gladness.

Now, hang onto your stockings... it gets sad again. But don't be discouraged, dear reader. Read on... It all turns out okay in the end!

There are many lessons to learn along the way. I know because I have learned them. And in the end, it is a story of triumph and transformation, and we all like that!

It all began six months ago, when I had art hanging in a restaurant in Washington, DC and asked the owner if the restaurant would host a fundraising event for Project Create. He agreed to host the fundraiser in which the restaurant would give Project Create a percentage of dining sales on one specified day. We were promoting the event. Folks were making reservations. It was looking like a great success for all involved. And then the restaurant had to close suddenly, about two weeks before the event happened.

I was sad. I was disheartened. I was dismayed. But not for long...

"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." And so the transformation of a bad situation began. I ran a virtual art sale through my Neshama Soulworks Studio Facebook page called "Lemons into Lemonade." I sold twelve pieces and took a portion of the sales proceeds and made a sizable contribution to Project Create. Everyone was happy!

Or so I thought. It turns out that I made a mistake with one image. I had continued working on the painting, "And They Danced...," and didn't realize that the image I had posted was no longer the way the painting looked. OOPS!

A friend, who I will affectionately refer to as the Artful Dodger, bought the painting based on the wrongfully posted image. I didn't realize it. I sent the painting off and made the donation to Project Create. I was thrilled that another friend was going to own a piece of my art.

The Artful Dodger received the art. The Artful Dodger was shocked, "Why had the painting been changed?" I was shocked: What was the Artful Dodger talking about??? I checked my records. Slowly it dawned on me... OOPS!

I explained to the Artful Dodger what had happened. I apologized profusely and emphatically. I offered to refund the payment. The Artful Dodger said to keep the money and we would work something out. The Artful Dodger said that they still wanted Project Create to get it's donation. I said that Project Create got it's donation regardless, and that I wanted to clear this matter up and make things right so we would not have this hanging over our heads.

The Artful Dodger said the painting was wrapped back up, in their living room, and ready to be shipped back to me. I wrote the refund check and put it in the mail. That was March 27, 2010. The painting never arrived and the check never got cashed.

In June, I followed up with the Artful Dodger. "No, I never received the check," said the Artful Dodger. So I called my bank and put a stop-payment order on the check. I confirmed my address with the Artful Dodger so they would put the painting in the mail. And I sent a new refund check.

Yes, dear reader, I know. I can be too nice and trusting. I should have told the Artful Dodger to return the painting and then I would send the check. Clearly I missed the signs from the Universe. Clearly I was thinking that I could trust my friend. Clearly I was mistaken.

The check was cashed on July 2, 2010! I know this because I recently got my bank statement in the mail and a photocopy of the cashed check is part of the statement.

I contacted the Artful Dodger immediately. I was sure it was an oversight and a mistake: That with the birth of the Artful Dodger's first grandchild, weddings to attend, and an on-going job search, the return of my painting got lost in the shuffle. Trusting still, I gave the Artful Dodger the benefit of the doubt.

No response. I sent a message the next day. No response. I sent a message a third day. No response. I could see that the Artful Dodger has been actively engaged in Facebook activities. I even tried to IM (instant message) the Artful Dodger. They ignored my request for a conversation. I called and left a message. No response.

I posted a status on my Facebook wall asking what other's would do in this situation. I received an outpouring of love and support! Some think I should expose the Artful Dodger. Some think I should sue. Some think I should take the high road and let it go. Some hoped that peer pressure would have shamed the Artful Dodger into returning my artwork.

As a psychotherapist, I teach my clients that we create our reality by what we think, say, and do. While we cannot control everything that happens in life, we can choose how we respond.

I choose to see the positives in this experience and learn the lessons from this teachable moment.

"Gratitude: It's an attitude worth having!" At first I felt swindled by the Artful Dodger. I felt violated; the Artful Dodger has clearly taken advantage of my generosity and friendship. Rather than holding it in, I sought help from others. With such a profound outpouring of support and love, I feel truly grateful.

I am no longer angry at the Artful Dodger. Clearly they are dodging my requests for the return of my painting. Clearly they need to keep a painting that they have stolen. Clearly they need help. I hope the Artful Dodger receives the help they need.

"Business is Business:" From now on, I will keep the business boundaries in place, and not allow the feelings of friendship to interfere with my better judgement. In order for a proper balance of energy to be exchanged, I will neither send work off until I have received payment in full, nor will I give a refund until I have the merchandise back in my possession. I know this is common sense... but sometimes common sense isn't very common.

And here we are at the end of the tale, for now. It's a bit of a paradox: What the Artful Dodger has done is wrong, AND I take full responsibility for my part in this woeful tale.

I can see every step along the way where I made the wrong turn. And if I ever find myself in some similar situation, I pray I enact my role differently. I can live with my mistakes. I hope the Artful Dodger can live with theirs.

Artist Reception for Evolution of Art: "A Walk in the Woods"

2010-08-07T18:59:00.000-04:00

It's been a beautiful day today. Sunny, not too hot or humid. Clear skies. The perfect day!

And now, as evening settles in, it is a perfect time to come on out to Beanetics to see Lisa Lipkin's "A Walk in the Woods." Lisa is here with family and friends, and there is a lot of positive buzz about her work. Comments floating through the air include "inspired," "reminiscent of New York artists," "clever and creative."

Lisa is the first artist we have shown here at Beanetics whose medium is ink on paper. It is a fresh look: black ink, white paper, black frames. The show, Lisa's first, hangs together in a cohesive way.

As I watch Beanetics patrons interact with Lisa's art, I see them take a look, then a double take, and then move in close to study the pieces. Lisa's pieces are truly engaging, and ultimately, interactive... just like a walk in the woods!

Evolution of Art: "A Walk in the Woods," price list

2010-08-02T20:15:00.000-04:00

Here's the price list for the current show of ink drawings by Lisa Lipkin.

"A Walk in the Woods" consists of eight pieces of work....

1. Bush with Red Berries....................($325)
2. Summer Curtain.............................($325)
3. Fallen Tree in the Woods................($325)
4. Leaves in Motion............................($325)
5. Stem of Leaves..............................($150)
6. Wild Grass.....................................($150)
7. Trees.............................................($150)
8. Leaf...............................................($150)

If you are interested in purchasing any pieces from the show, please give me a call at (703)273-0485, or e-mail me at jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

Evolution of Art: "A Walk in the Woods," by Lisa Lipkin

2010-07-31T18:20:00.000-04:00

Today we hung a new show at Beanetics: "A Walk in the Woods: Ink Drawings" by Lisa Lipkin. It's different from anything we've exhibited here before.

Lisa's drawings are filled with subtle complexity. At first glance they are simple scenes of leaves and trees from nature. As you continue to look, you begin to notice the artist's creative interpretations, whimsical patterns, and juxtaposition of line and space. The overall effect is refreshing and pleasing to the eye.

The Artist and Her Artwork (in her own words):

My name is Lisa Lipkin-Hinkofer. I am a painter and I also draw with ink. I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, and I have been drawing since I was eight years old. I am a self-taught artist. I come from a family of artists, so I was surrounded by it as I grew up. I love art; it will always be a part of my life.

My artwork is based on my nature walks. Along the way, as I walk the trails, I take pictures of different kinds of leaves. I will also take home samples and trace them on paper, where I simply fill them in with designs. I will also take pictures of trees. Those are the best.

I will capture groups of trees—some standing, some lying down, and some in odd shapes and formations. Nature is my Muse. It’s where I find peace and ideas for my ink drawings.

We will be hosting an artist reception for Lisa on Saturday, August 7th, from 7-9pm.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come by. As always, there will be great conversation, coffee, yummy treats, and music. A great way to enjoy your Saturday evening... Bring your family! Bring your friends! Bring strangers off the street! See you Saturday!

Evolution of Art: Tretick Opening

2010-07-17T19:30:00.000-04:00

Here we are at Beanetics for another opening! Jim Tretick has finally arrived with his entourage: son, Dino, and grandson, Zach, and beautiful wife, Nancy.

It is very interesting listening to Jim discuss his photographs. According to Jim, two of the pieces on display have not been his typical style: "No Horizon" and "No Ticket Required." Here's the story of "No Ticket Required:" Jim and his wife, Nancy, were walking by a tour bus on Connecticut Avenue, and happened to see this tour bus sitting empty. According to Jim, he was startled by the light! So he asked the tour bus driver, who was sitting there smoking a cigarette, if he could jump aboard and take some pictures. This amazing photo is the result! The light in "No Ticket Required" is mainly from a stop light, after dark. To get the effect in the photo, he says he cropped the side windows of the tour bus out of the picture.

Folks are beginning to arrive... several local artists are stopping by: Jean Marie Barrett and her husband, Tom; Barbara Aigen and her husband, Richard; and artist and poet, Ashira Malka. More folks continue to arrive!

The place is a buzz with animated conversation. Jim has stories to tell about each of the pieces in the show. And he has taken the time to discuss his techniques... a great education for those of us who are novice photographers. But it also shows how certain ideas carry across media, like notions about sources of light, and whether and how much to crop a piece of work.

It's been a really great evening, talking about art and life! The energy tonight was contagious and inspiring.

See you for the next opening on August 7th: Pen and Ink Drawings by Lisa Lipkin.

Evolution of Art: Price List for Tretick Photos

2010-07-01T19:16:00.000-04:00

Recently we hung a new show at Beanetics: Photographs by Jim Tretick.

Jim's work has historically captured landscapes, flowers. Now he has moved back to portrait work. There's a great picture of his grandson, called "Oh Yeah!"

While Jim only has five pieces in this show, each piece is unique:

1. Cupcake (A delicious carrot cake version!)

2. No Horizon (It's a dock that goes off into the foggy horizon)

3. Oh Yeah! (Jim's grandson at a drinking fountain)

4. No Ticket Required (A tour bus on Constitution Avenue near the VietNam War Memorial)

5. Cuddle Up (A Glen Echo Landmark)

All of Jim's pieces are $185.

Jim's work is on display through July 30th.

If you're interested in purchasing any of these pieces, let me know.

You can contact me at (703)273-0485 or jennifer@soulworksstudio.com