occasions! by design

Cynthia McCrory's "Field Study 1" Encaustic

Cynthia McCrory’s new work is entitled “Field Study”, which appears to be based upon organic images and the landscape with an occasional reference to a horizon or tree like shapes. The works are small (14” x 14”) and subtle inviting the viewer to look closer at the heavily layered and textured surface.

The “Field Study” series is distinctive in their use of encaustic paints on canvas.  Encaustic is a wax based paint (composed of beeswax, resin and pigment), that is kept molten on a heated palette. It is applied to a canvas then reheated in order to fuse the paint.  Cynthia’s surfaces are alternately polished to a high gloss, carved, scraped, layered, collaged, dipped, cast, modeled, sculpted, textured, and combined with oil.

Enjoy her new series only at Occasions! by design now located in the heart of the Scottsdale Arts District. Open 7 days a week, feel free to contact us anytime at 480-423-0506 or 800-482-2532, We are happy to receive e-mails at service@occasionsofscottsdale.com.

Cynthia McCrory's "Field Study 2" Encaustic

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"Submariner" by Ray Maseman Printmaking

A print can be made in either two ways. One basic process is by adding a design in ink, oil or acrylic paint to a plate, screen or paper and then transferring it with pressure on to your final paper. This can also be called a monotype or silkscreen.  

The other basic way is by extracting the image from a metal plate or stone by etching or engraving the image onto the surface with fine printmaking tools. Once the image is created ink, oil or acrylic paint is added and then transferred onto a damp cloth or paper, creating your print. This type of printmaking is also be referred to as an intaglio, aquatint and dry point just to name a few.

In order to get to the final printing stage there are many important prepping and rigorous steps to follow in order to create a perfect screen, plate or stone to duplicate from. Treating the stone, plate or canvase and screen with insolvable chemicals, oils and emulsions takes much patience, skill and experience.

As with all art—practice, experimentation, imagination and natural skill allows for experts in their field of printmaking. A print maker has to think in the revers. Almost everything is backwards when it comes to printmaking. The negative space, or the background, is as important as the actual image itself.

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Avoid boring and cookie-cutter table settings by mixing dinnerware patterns, colors and style.  Fine china isn’t just for fancy dinner parties or special guests any more; fine china and your best porcelain are some of the most durable types of dishware on the market. Spruce up your daily everyday dinners by mixing fine china with your everyday dishes to create bold and unique table settings.

If you already own a collection of fine china or everyday dinnerware and are looking to update your look with out breaking the bank, consider adding dessert plates. Rosanna has salad/dessert plates in a wide variety of colors with beautiful motifs in unique shapes. When paired with the simple elegance of a solid color Vietri plates of the sophistication of a Versace patterned plates transforms an ordinary table setting to an extraordinary table display.

Mixing plate shapes adds an element of interest to your table setting. 

Add a little spice to your dining, visit the well stocked tabletop section at occasions! by design located on Main St. in the heart of the Scottsdale Arts District. Creating the one-of-a-kind look you want takes a bit of effort and trial and error to get the combination just right. Come into occasions! and let our  knowledgable associates help you find your perfect mix of dinnerware for any occasion.

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To begin there are three basic categories in dinnerware: china, stoneware and earthenware. Depending on your lifestyle and how often you entertain will help you decide which type is best for you.

Vietri Earthenware Dinnerware

Earthenware – is the least expensive option. Earthenware is heavy and opaque. Fired at a much lower temperature than china, all earthenware is thick, porous and covered by a bright glaze.  Earthenware is the oldest form of dinnerware and has a very natural look to it.

Stoneware – Stoneware bridges the gap between earthenware and china. Like china, it’s fired at higher temperatures so it’s hard, smooth and non-porous.  It has an earthly appearance, but lacks the delicacy and translucency of fine china.

Fine china – Fine china is ceramic ware made from super refined clays and powder. Fine china is beautiful and sophisticated; it can come in basically any style with many embellishments such as silver and gold leaf patterns.

The two different types of China:

Wedgewood Bone China Dinnerware

Bone China is fine china with bone ash added to the clay. Bone ash makes the final product whiter than other china and porcelain. Bone China is the most durable. It is an upscale choice for everyday dinnerware. It does perform well in the dishwasher and microwave as long as there aren’t any metallic detailing to it.

Porcelain is also made from refined clays and minerals. The main difference between porcelain and china is the temperature of firing. Both porcelain and china are equally durable. Porcelain has a unmistakable sophistication and elegance.

Occasions! by design

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