In the Beginning...Mon Idee de Genie

                                                        Artist's Private Collection
                                Le Mariage Shibori Kimono in Bronze/Orchidee Grid
                                    Crepe de Chine  Handpainted and Batik Dress
                           Logo Ensemble for Le Mariage Shibori Silk Couture, 2002



Bonjour, Tous!

It's Tuesday, Tuesday, as Al Roker would say.  In my last two blogs, I have spoken my mind about getting back to Day One and my own personal creativity, as well as asking patrons for appreciative support of dedicated artists and their individual expressions.  This morning as I sat down to watch Good Morning America with a hot cup of Celestial Seasonings' Acai Mango Zinger, I mulled over a few options for the subject matter of today's blog.  I finally settled on the origin of Le Mariage Shibori Collection, formally introduced in May of 2003.  Many years in the making, I thought I would tell you how it came to be.  This is the story of my Le Mariage Shibori Collection.

I have been a painter since junior high school.  Actually, longer if you count the Smokey the Bear poster contest in elementary school when I was eight.  Loving art, naturally, I carried this love with me through high school and throughout college as a Fine Art major.  My emphasis, at university, was on drawing and painting.  I studied the typical curriculum of art history, drawing, painting and design using the accepted media of pencil, ink, oils and acrylics at that time.

Later, I studied independently, in Mendocino, California with award-winning watercolorist, Ken Michaelsen, as his apprentice using gouache (opaque watercolor) medium.  Gouache is a wondrous medium with its creamy consistency and it's invaluable property of reworking the surface as one progresses.  It was a match "made in heaven", and a saviour for an artist who likes "slow art".  A slow approach where I stay connected to the medium in a measured process.  Maybe I'll coin a new phrase, "Slow Art".  "I like it...oh, yes. I like it!"

I credit this apprenticeship with my dear friend and mentor, Ken Michaelsen, as the catapult for my entrance as a silk painter and textile artist.  After 10 years of doing wall art as a silk painter, my students cajoled, nagged, begged and quite literally pushed me into the clothing design field.  "All right. All right.  I'll do it.  Just stop with the cacophony"!  So, I studied, researched and manipulated a lot of cloth in the interim.  I locked myself in my studio for one long (and very Hot) summer...whew, three months,  and came up with the idea of combining all I had learned as a traditional painter with batik, resist silk painting and shibori techniques, in order to create a cloth with its own unique signature.  Mine.   I dubbed this cloth/technique, "Le Mariage" ... the marriage of textile and techniques.  Voila.  The birth of my Le Mariage Shibori Silk Couture Collection.  Oh, tres bon!

Okay, I had the concept.  I was discovering the cloth along the way.  Now, I needed to introduce the clothing line to the world.  So, what would be the title for the debut?  This answer was provided by my former French instructor, David Milroy (an Irishmen, no doubt).  Go figure!  When I called him and told him what I wanted, David reminded me that English does not always translate exactly into French.  I was positive that I wanted a reference to brushstrokes in the title.  I wanted something like "stroke of genius", sort of a double entendre or, "epiphany".  Ever the teacher, David explained that the translation might not sound title worthy.  We finally settled on the title of, "Mon Idee de Genie", my genius idea.  Merci, David, merci.  (I apologize to tous mon amis francais for the absence of the accent marks in the title.  They are not on my keypad.  Pardone moi.)


Will be back after a short writer's break.  C'est bon, mon amis?  D'accord.



All images, text and content copyrighted, 2011, all rights reserved

Hey! Hey! Let's go Back to Day One!

Sold to Private Collector

Le Mariage Shibori Kimono in Off the Grid

Cassandra Classics Swarovski crystal bracelet

with Sterling Silver bangles

Hey...hey, hey!

"Let's go back. Let's go back to Day One!!!"

There's no better time than the present. Quite, literally. It's a new year and a new opportunity to grow. "Can you feel a brand new day...can you feel a brand new day?" Take a look around you...the sun is shining! (excerpt from The Wiz, eh, Dorothy?)" Getting back to Day One is simply getting back to me. Joyous me, creative me... ever enthusiastic me. It's a way of grounding myself, and allowing the memories to surface.

As in "The Clan of the Cave Bear", I find if I sit quietly, walk in the sunshine or gaze at the cornflower blue sky speckled with multi-colored clouds, the "memories" come back to me in surprising colors, tones, shades and limitless combinations of the spectrum of light that lay just beneath the surface of my consciousness. Always there awaiting my summons, a continuous thrum, a rhythm, a muted drumbeat ("Like the rhythms that you find...in the circles of your mind").

The "memories of the people" they called it in the book. I draw from that source, that memory, when I begin to work from concept to inception to the final art work. It is intuitive, and I discover the "masterpiece" along the way during and throughout the process. Many times my students have asked me, "When do you decide this or that? How do you know when it is finished?"  I can only answer that by quoting Michelangelo.  "When it is finished!"  When the Pope, referring to the painting of the Sistine Chapel, repeatedly and insistently queried Michelangelo, "When will you make an end?",  Michelangelo, unhesitatingly answered, "When I am done!!!"  Bravo, paisan...Bravo.


Hold this thought, and I will be right back. I can't say it any better than this excerpt from an African American poem: "Don't you be what you Ain't. You just be what you Is...and go your Own way!"   'Nuf said... Amen.


1/12/11 (8:30 a.m.)
Hey, I'm back, and on second thought, this blog is complete as is.  Being true to oneself is a unique and valuable thing.  Michelangelo knew this.  Da Vinci knew this.  Like stepping to the drumbeat one hears, it takes confidence and dedication.  Dedication to artistic creation.  Dedication to a life lived well.

"So, let it be written...so, let it be said."   Suvate.


All images, text and content copyrighted, 2011, all rights reserved

December Nights was Ah - May - Zing!

                                                       Sold to Private Collector
                                     Le Mariage Shibori Silk Kimono in Sol y Cielo
                                    Cassandra Classics Swarovski crystal bracelet
                                                    with Sterling Silver bangles



Oh What a Night!

A super big "Shout Out" and "Merci, merci" to all of you who turned out for the big celebration, and for visiting Studio 32 at this year's "December Nights" !  Yea!  The Village was lit up like a "beacon" from the North Pole with much merrymaking, kettle corn, Swieners (Swiss wieners in a baguette), St. Louis style barbecue, tamale, homemade ice cream eating, hot cider and cocoa drinking, and a veritable Stampede (...I told You!) of Christmas yuletiders and art lovers!!!  I saw many old friends and met newcomers to Spanish Village Art Center.  They were just astonished at the detail that our members had put into the creation of a Winter Wonderland in Balboa Park, San Diego, California.  Not the  usual vision of sunshine and beaches. 

Perfection, my fellow Villagers.  Perfection!

But, hey, wait a minute!  Hold the bus!  It isn't over, yet..."It's only the beginning" !  Having kicked the season off right, we have 19 days to go before Christmas day, so grab your best gal or friend...come to see me at Studio 32... and, "Get your Shop (ping) On" !  You haven't lived until you have gotten "Pia Zza(ed)!"

Oh, and many thanks to those of you who came and gave me great encouragement on my new line of hand felted scarves and wraps.   Your appreciation and kind support of my work is cherished and welcome.  Remember, there is always more to come from Pia Zza!, Le Mariage, Cassandra Classics and Always a Bride!

See you at the Studio.  Come shop.  Mix and match.  "Bling with Fiber and Fiber with Bling".  Now, would that be Bliber or Fling?  (Things that make you go, hmmmm).   So, Bliber or Fling, "Get Your Layers On (scarves, wraps and jewelry, that is)" !  And, don't forget that "jaunty" hat or clutch.

Remember...Self Expression is the Texture of Life.  Adorn yourself in the textures of  "Pia Zza!, Le Mariage and Cassandra Classics.  Dream of a "White Wedding" in Always a Bride.  'Tis the season to "Express the Elemental in You" !


Happy Holidays from Cassandra.


All images, text and content copyrighted, 2010, all rights reserved

Tai Chi, Anyone? Or, Strut Your Stuff !

                                                         Sold to Private Collector
                                        Le Mariage Shibori Silk Kimono in El Tigre
                                     Cassandra Classics Swarovski crystal bracelet
                                                     with Sterling Silver bangles



Hello, hello.  And, Christmas Greetings All!

Gonna get this one in fast, before I run out the door to the studio... everyone's rushing about getting ready for "December Nights" at Spanish Village Art Center in beautiful (be-you-tee-ful) Balboa Park.  This wonderful tradition has been taking place every year for over 35 years (more, actually), and is the "Don't Miss", "Must See" event of the year!!!  Our celebration runs 12/3 - 12/4, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00  p.m. at the Village.

Each year, we (the members of Spanish Village Art Center) go all out to decorate and recreate the North Pole and Santa's Wonderland brought to life in the Village.  This year the Village is bedecked in White Light with presents on every tree we could find!  It reminds me of that old Christmas carol ... "and, presents on the tree".  Actually, when I think about it,  this year's theme is "reminiscent" of my decorations last year, when I placed gift bags and wrapped boxes along the path to my studio, softly lit with votive candles to guide the way.  I guess this is what they mean when they say, "Art imitates Life".  If you missed it last year, the pathway to Studio 32 will be there welcoming you to visit.  Ah, well, it's a Jolly - Happy - Caroling - Hot Chocolate drinking time in Spanish Village Art Center!!!

So, come ring in the Yuletide, and "Strut your Stuff" in Pia Zza!, Le Mariage and Cassandra Classics.  Of course, you will find all of those in Studio, #32, in Spanish Village Art Center, located at 1770 Village Place, San Diego, California.

As for the "Tai Chi" plug, people always ask me, "Are you doing Tai Chi in the photos"?  I smile and say, "No. Actually, I am recalling a finale dance performance in my third year of college, where we performed inspired choreography to Michael Olfield's, Tubular Bells".  (Bless you, Hanea, for your choreographic vision).  The hand and arm movements of that performance seemed perfect for showing off the fluidity of my shibori silk kimono, wraps and boas.  So, I took a walk down memory lane.  For those aficionados of Tai Chi, my sincere apologies. 

I guess that leaves us with "Strut Your Stuff"!   Yay!  You go Girls ... You are Fierce!  Especially so, in Pia Zza!, Le Mariage and Cassandra Classics!  So, make Spanish Village Art Center your "home for the holidays", artfully done.  And, as we Villagers say every Christmas, "DON'T GET MALL(ED)"!  See you there, along the path to Studio 32, and your holiday shopping delight!


All images, text and content copyrighted, 2010, all rights reserrved

Holy Smokes! And, Holiday Greetings...

Sold to Private Collector

                                         Le Mariage Shibori Silk Wrap in Woodbine
                                     Cassandra Classics Swarovski crystal bracelet
                                                    with Sterling Silver bangles



Hello the House!

Is time flying or what?!!  Thanksgiving was divine...spent with my family and wonderful friends.  I simply "wallowed" in the delectable delights (...I told You!) served up by my friend and host, Dawn Lewis.  This woman is not only a "star" of stage and screen, but a sorceress in the kitchen!  The "Caribbean Queen" of seafood stuffing, jerk turkey and glazed walnut sweet potatoes that make you forget all about dessert!  (Is your mouth watering?  It should be.)

As if that wasn't enough, we all languished about, after the blessed meal, catching up, sharing love and goodwill  until 8:00 p.m., when it was time to go on to the next stop.  The grand "dessert party" hosted by my other friends, Harold and Hattie Wheeler.  Now, folks, let me tell you that this is the most "extravaganza, banana pudding, sweet potato pie, pumpkin pie, coconut cake, devil's food cake, ice cream, cookie eating fest that ever was!  And, I didn't even name all of the desserts ... let alone mention the standing "island of turkey, dressing, macaroni and cheese, greens (oh well, you get the picture)" in the middle of the kitchen.

The doorbell chimed incessantly as guest after guest arrived.  There was a cacophony of cheers, squeals and peals of laughter as old and new friends were lovingly greeted by Hattie, Harold and their charming daughter, Samantha. The house literally overflowed with people.  I chatted with old friends like Jackee Harry, Robert Hooks and  Loretta Devine. Shared banana pudding in the kitchen with Judy Pace and listened to Oz Scott discuss the pros and cons of good versus bad directing .   We played Taboo in the media room, discussed theater, politics and, of course, the  much beleaguered results of "Dancing with the Stars".  A wonderful evening with wonderful friends, family and new acquaintances, and just a GREAT Thanksgiving all around.  I am blessed.


All images, text and content copyrighted, 2010, all rights reserved

"Self Expression is the Texture of Life"

                                                         Sold to Private Collector
                                     Le Mariage Shibori Silk Kimono in Sonar Azul
                                       with contrasting Lapis Neckband and Cuffs




Greetings, Everyone!

Welcome to my "day to day" art and creative expression blog.  It has been a long time in the making, but I am so happy that I have finally gotten started.  Okay, first things first.  My name is Cassandra Pia Shepard, and I am an artist first, last and always.  It's very much like "once bitten".  But, more accurately described, I would say, "Once smitten...forever written"!  Hmmm.  I like that.  Forever and ever, amen.

So, what I hope to express here on my blog (through my paintings, free form fiber arts, shibori and jewelry design)  is my "individual and personal self expression" of the colors, moods and textures of life that I experience while bringing my art pieces to fruition.  I don't imagine it will always be an easy thing to do..."expressing in words what I feel or think, as I create".  But, where I falter in verbal expression, perhaps, the artwork itself will speak to you in volumes.  Shhh!  Did you hear that?  I can almost "hear the textures" now.

Artist's Private Collection

"Chrysanthemums and Cranes" Wedding Uchikaki

Handpainted with Gutta Resist and Shibori techniques

I, also, welcome you to visit me in my art studio at Spanish Village Art Center, Studio 32, located at 1770 Village Place, San Diego, California in beautiful and picturesque Balboa Park.  Drop by any day of the week between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  I, or my talented studio partner, Judy Starr (metal smith and jeweller par excellence) will be there to greet you.  A visit to Studio 32 is truly an experience in "texture, color and brilliance" as all of our patrons tell us.  From original drawings and paintings to fabulous fiber art and textiles to exquisite and unique jewelry design, Judy and I have, as they say, "got it covered".   It's "all in there"!  We welcome you to visit, and "Express the Elemental in You".  You'll see what I mean when you get there.  It's high time to stop by and "Texture Up" your self expression!



All images, text and content copyrighted, 2010, all rights reserved