IRMA GRANT - ART
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empty nest syndrome

3/13/2016

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I was very fortunate to showcase my work over the Christmas Holidays at Nonni’s Bistro in downtown Pleasanton. Three art pieces sold: “Mother and Child,” “Masked Dancer,” and “Cherry Blossom.” I know two went to wonderful homes and I’m sure the third one did too. Part of me feels elated knowing these pieces now light up other people’s lives. However, it’s an odd feeling when you “put” a part of yourself into a painting that then moves “out” and continues a life of its own. I wonder if this is what parents feel when their fledglings grow strong enough to fly out: they are ready and eager to influence the world, but you do miss having them around.

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Cherry Blossom 24" x 18" Oil on Canvas
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Mother and Child 46" x 13" Art Quilt
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Masked Dancer I 47" x 24" Art Quilt
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ARYA'S ADVENTURES

1/8/2016

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http://www.ascaryalabs.com/press-kit.html
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“Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.”

– Rosalind Franklin, Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry.
Do you like math and sciences? I was raised to believe that math and sciences were the answer to life; however, chemistry 11 and physics 12 didn’t feel very applicable to my daily existence. Why the disconnect?
 
Research shows that stories and anecdotes build interest in S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math), allowing students to view the scientific and technological materials as relevant and meaningful. With that in mind, our team of artists, teachers, programmers and engineers developed an app: Arya’s Adventures, to promote S.T.E.A.M. education through storytelling.

Arya runs into trouble on a journey to visit Grandparents. After a plane crash, Arya strands on a deserted island and must overcome challenging situations, unique problems that require creative solutions, to find a way out of the jungle. Will Arya make it to the other side and be rescued off the island?

Arya’s Adventures is now available for FREE worldwide on the Apple AppStore, with In-App purchases: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aryas-adventures/id1065404636?mt=8
 
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
– Benjamin Franklin.

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my 'dog' phase

12/27/2015

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Artists go through phases and I must be going through a "dog" phase. I know Picasso went through different phases: blue and rose periods, cubism, surrealism, and expressionism to name a few, each lasting anywhere from 1 to 30 years. Other artists, like Pollock with his dripped paintings and Dali with his melting landscapes, stopped pursuing artistic exploration and experimentation, preferring to stick with what worked.
 
I'm still in the exploration phase of my art journey, trying out different techniques and themes to find a signature style. I've used different mediums: acrylics and oils; experimented with different paraphernalia: brushes, kitchen utensils (spatulas, knives, even a crab pick), leather tools, and fingers to get that perfect line, unique texture or model curve. I’ve painted on different surfaces: fabric, paper, canvases, walls, glass, wood and utility boxes. Maybe like Picasso, I’ll never settle on one style.
 
Instead of clothes shopping; paint supply, hardware and kitchen stores continue to be my preferred commercial venues to frequent. I feel I'm getting closer but am still trying to figure out to what. Nevertheless, for the time being, I continue to enjoy my 'dog' phase. I love dogs, always have, and this might just be my way to stay connected with man’s best friend. For the time being!

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PROJECT PAINT BOX PHASE ii - hummingbirds

9/21/2015

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Phase II of Pleasanton's Project Paint Box is complete.

This time, the 'drive by' box, as I came to nickname it, is located on the outskirts of town, where First street and Stanley Boulevard meet. The hummingbird images were inspired from a photograph taken by Douglas Grant, our beloved grandpa, who passed away last fall. It was comforting to think of grandpa while painting the hummingbirds.

Thank you again Joanne and Bob Becker for sponsoring another box and for the steady supply of coffee frappuccinos to keep me cool in the hot, hot sun. Also, thank you Anna, for bringing me pizza for lunch one day.



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Alviso adobe milking barn boxes

7/22/2015

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Here are four fun, nature themed designs, painted on large storage boxes in the children's section of Alviso Adobe's Milking Barn.

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whirling dervishes

7/20/2015

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Sixteen Sufi dancers later, I feel like I traveled to Turkey and back. I highly encourage you to visit Casbah, Livermore­, and request a table in the big room. The surrounding energy will transport you into a different world: smell the warm, slightly sweet cumin blends; savor Middle Eastern fusion dishes; listen to the mythical blends of the setar, harmonium and tabla and watch the whirling dervishes come alive. You will leave, planning your next vacation to Istanbul. "Afiyet olsun," "bon appétit."

San Jose Mercury News Article 2015-06-30
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Project paint box i - CHILDREN AT PLAY

3/4/2015

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Fun, fun, fun! It took a lot longer than anticipated but I ended up meeting some wonderful people who either live near, hang out, or commute from and to the downtown Pleasanton area. Thank you Joanne Rossi Becker for sponsoring 'my' box. 

Click below to read local newspaper articles of "Project Paint"


Splash of Color
Artwork on Display on Utility Boxes in Pleasanton.


Pleasanton Painting the Town Red - and other Colors.
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DIY Art Display panels

2/4/2015

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How to Make Your Own Art Display Panels
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FIRST WEDNESDAY
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Materials:
3 (4) wooden, screen doors; size 37" X 80"
Black PVC Coated Welded Wire Mesh; 3' X 50'
Black Double Point Tacks; size #5
12 (18) Zinc Screw Eyes; 104 X 2-1/16
4 (6) Zinc bolts
1 Qt Varathane, Polyurethane Satin

   Optional: 3 (4) rubber door stops
                     nails

Tools:
Phillips Head Screw Driver
Hammer
Electric Drill plus 7/32 Drill Bit
Paint Brush
Tape Measure
Pencil
Pliers
Sheet Metal Hand Steel Cutter

   Optional: Plastic Drop Sheet
                     Saw Horses


STEP 1 - Using a Phillips head screw driver, remove all screens from doors, exposing the wooden frames. Paint frames following instructions on the can.
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STEP 2 - Cut 2" X 3" black PVC coated welded wire to cover the entire door frame. Remove extra wires sticking out from edges.

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STEP 3 -
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Step 4 - Turn panel on it's side and measure 8" from top of frame. Using a 7/32 drill bit, drill a 1/2" deep hole. Screw in a 2-1/16 screw eye.
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Following the above diagram, on the side of each frame, place A one screw eye 8" from top right and B one screw eye 8" from bottom left. Place two screw eyes, 2" apart, at 7" and 9" from C top left and D bottom right.
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STEP 5 - Attach panels by securing 2.5" bolts into all three screw eyes. Use either regular picture hooks or s-hooks to hang paintings from wire mesh.
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  • HOME
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