• One Year Journey Throughout the Continent
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Benefit
• New "Inhibitions Series!
• Open Studio Update
• Artemisia Gallery
• Florida Gulf Coast University
• Contact artist for studio visits

CONTENTS:

* Artist Plans For A Year of Travel

 * Fine Artist Joins Local Shops to Benefit Fort Myers Leukemia   & Lymphoma Society

* HAND-PAINTED CHOCOLATE, HAND-PAINTED CANVAS

* ENTER THE ARTIST'S STUDIO

Enter the Artist's Studio To Experience the Completed Series Entitled Inhibitions

Visual artist, Kristin Abraham, plans her last Open Studio Exhibit. That is, the last Open Studio at her Lehigh Acres location. The fine artist, along with her husband, Alfonso, departs, in November, on a one year trek through North America.

Kristin explains that the journey is a conceptual art project that involves a year of painting and living out of a bright, orange Honda Element. Initial thoughts of pulling a small travel trailer were overpowered by the idea that the trip should truly consist of "roughing-it." However, the husband and wife team have budgeted an occasional stay at an economy-rate hotel (to clean up and recuperate).

Abraham will leave behind her signature by painting and placing a piece of art in every state. Kristin's recent series, Inhibitions, is a fitting goodbye, as the artist leaves her own inhibitions in Southwest Florida, she explains, "It is not like planning any other series, I have no idea what to expect, therefore, I don't know what my themes or subject matter will be. My current paintings are filled with cool colors, but I've never been out west, so red and yellow might sneak into my palette again! All I know for sure is that I will continue to use symbolism to express emotion."

Kristin and her husband are selling all of their possessions and budgeting a modest twenty-thousand dollars for the entire year. Concerns with rising gas prices and changing weather conditions won't stop them as they celebrate their two year wedding anniversary (November 29th) with the trip of a lifetime.

Discover how Abraham expresses human emotion in her latest series entitled Inhibitions. The complete series is being revealed, for the first time, to the public on Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th, at Abraham Studios, just off Lee blvd. in Lehigh Acres, FL.

Kristin's work is available for purchase at Tonic Salon in Fort Myers. She will continue to sell her work through her web site and select locations throughout the country. Contact Kristin at abraham@kristinabraham.com to join her mailing list. 

Saturday, October 8th, from 4-7 p.m., a silent auction will be held to benefit the Fort Myers Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The auction will take place at Tonic Hair Salon celebrating the opening of Beachwalk Shoppes (located between Gladiolus and Summerlin). Along with a cruise and golf clubs, one of the items donated is a symbolic painting by Kristin Abraham.

This self-taught artist uses a symbolic imagery in her paintings to portray emotion. In this piece, one end of a rope is tied to a familiar exit (Colonial, off interstate 75), while the other end is tied to a seagull. The entire painting has a wash of irridescent silver; creating the illusion of a downpour. Abraham explans the piece as a feeling of being trapped in a "miserable paradise." However, with a bright blue sky peeking through the streams of rain, there is a hint of hope.

Kristin has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember, and, at only 22, looks forward to a fulfilling career as a visual artist. "It is important that when I donate my work, it goes towards making a difference. My husband's nine-year-old cousin is a survivor of leukemia, and knowing that the money is going towards research gives me hope that there will be more survivors like her." Kristin's work has also been displayed in Florida and New York galleries such as Artemesia Gallery, Venice, FL, and the Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, NY.

Along with Tonic Hair Salon, Biscotti's Ice Cream & Coffee Bar, Apex Physical Therapy, and Lucky 7 Arcade are just a few of the seven new shops participating in the grand opening celebration. Hourly free giveaways and prizes will take place with entertainment provided by Groovin' Oldies 102.9. After the celebration, several of Kristin's pieces will remain available for purchase at Tonic Hair Salon (15751 San Carlos Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL).

For directions and further information about the Grand Opening, contact Tonics Todd Bowers at (239) 274-8633.

                                    More pictures from the show

When local chocolate artist supports local starving artist, no one goes hungry. On August 26th and 27th, 2005, visual artist, Kristin Abraham, invited the community into her Lehigh Acres, FL studio. Visitors from Naples, Fort Myers, Lehigh, Cape Coral and Tampa all enjoyed two days of fine art and fine chocolate.

The gourmet chocolate was donated from Norman Love Confections, where each piece is handmade by Norman himself, and his team of artisans. Cookies by Design also made a donation of two trays of cookies. Kristin credits these sweets for the overall success of the show. "I think that people were able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, which led to quite a successful event."

Over two days, fine artist, Kristin Abraham sold five original canvas pieces and several original drawings. Guests also walked away with a free, signed print of a displayed piece. Kristin admits that even with her work displayed in Venice gallery, Artemesia, she has never experienced sales like this. She had many new patrons and a new collector (return buyer).

New Patrons include:

• Caroline Fay, Tampa, FL- Desolate, 31 x 38," acrylic on canvas

• Brittany Gydosh, Cape Coral, FL- Drumming, 11 x 8," acrylic on canvas

• Aaron Keefauver, Ft. Myers, FL- Kelly's Paradise, 22 x 30," acrylic on canvas

• Michael & Christine Del Toro, Lehigh Acres, FL- Sorrento, 30 x 40," acrylic on canvas

Al & Bandi Llamas became collectors with the purchase of Scenes From An Italian Restaurant #1 & #2, 24 x 30," acrylic on canvas.

Experience the completion of the "Inhibitions Series" at Abraham's next open studio on Friday, October 28th (5-10 pm) and Saturday, Oct. 29th (10 am-7pm). Also, visit Norman Love Confections off Daniels Pkwy. for a free sample or check out NormanLoveConfections.com.

ON: August 26th (5-10 pm) - August 27th (10-7 pm)

AT: 4015 10th St. West, Lehigh Acres FL (DIRECTIONS)

 Well before Leonardo da Vinci ever picked up a brush, artists everywhere had welcomed guests into their studios. Imagine enjoying original artwork without having to set foot in an intimidating gallery. Kristin Abraham's "Open-Studio Event" provides art-lovers with the opportunity to do just that.

On August 26th, 2005, visual artist, Kristin Abraham, takes her work off gallery walls and back to her Lehigh Acres studio to create a casual atmosphere for viewers. Whether you are searching for new art or just love free food, the artist encourages you to stop by. Find yourself surrounded by original pieces from Kristin's first drawings to her most recent paintings.

Although Kristin has enjoyed displaying her work in galleries throughout upstate NY and Southern FL, she believes that galleries and museums can seem uptight or impersonal. The intimacy of a studio and direct contact with an artist can create a warm and positive environment. This may lead to relationships, otherwise not created, between the artist and the viewer. "Because my pieces are born from within my deepest emotions, they are like children. How many people enjoy sending their children away with people they have never met?" explains Kristin.

While viewing work and enjoying refreshments, visitors may ask questions, pick up printed materials and receive a free signed print of a displayed piece. All work will be for sale, with prices ranging from five dollars for a small sketch to $1700 for a 72" x 48" painting on canvas.

To learn more about the artist and future open studio's, visit www.kristinabraham.com or contact the artist at (239) 275-7361.

Read Artist's Commentary

Upon the Submersion of All Thought And Belief                                     This painting was the beginning of the "Inhibitions" series. In the quietness, feelings of detachment can be seen. Unaffected by society, there is a calmness. The figure is submersed in her own beliefs, so as not to be influenced by society and the world that surrounds her.

Defenseless Descent                                                                                         My mind has always been tormented by all of the horrific experiences in this world. For that reason, I have struggled to create and regulate my surroundings; convincing myself that somehow, my decisions could change the hideousness. This painting  portrays letting go. Releasing that hold, and accepting societies deformities. Here is a portrait of surrender.

Beneath the Weeping Waters                                                                          The background of this painting was actually inspired by a desktop image on an Apple computer. The drop of water appeared to be natures tear. The figure is small, helpless and troubled. She holds herself in anguish. Compared to her surroundings, her emotions are so trivial.

Enclosed by Perilous Days                                                                           There are times that life appears overwhelming. Anxiety paralyzes the mind and body. This painting was created to illustrate that hollow confusion. The figure's hair is meant to take over the painting, almost as if suffocating her own thoughts.

Aurora Borealis                                                                                              In this piece, I tried to portray our insignificance in relation to time and space. Sometimes we are put in a situation where we have no control, and are only left to watch and wait. The use of Aurora Borealis in this painting came about when a close friend of mine was stationed in Alaska. He is first lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and was recently sent to Iraq. Regardless of my feelings about the war, or his involvement in it, there is nothing I can do or say to change the outcome. All I can do to avoid negativity is enjoy his presence in my life.

Silver and Cold                                                                                                  "I came here by day, but I left her in darkness and found you on the way. Now, it is silver and silent. It is silver and cold. You, in somber resplendence, I hold. Your sins into me, oh, my beautiful one now. Your sins into me. As a rapturous voice escapes, I will tremble a prayer and I'll beg for forgiveness. Your sins into me, oh my beautiful one. Light, like the flutter of wings, feel your hollow voice rushing into me as you're longing to sing, so I will paint you in silver. I will wrap you in cold. I will lift up your voice as I sink. Cold in life's throws. I'll fall asleep for you. Cold in life's throw. I only ask you turn away. Cold in life's throw. I only ask you turn as they seep into me, oh, my beautiful one." Davey Havok, AFI (From album "Sing the Sorrow")

See Lemmings to the Sea                                                                                   This painting is based on feeling powerless. The lemmings are meant to symbolize the U.S. Military as they follow faithfully; knowing that they are heading down a path filled with death. The figure in the bubble looks on hopelessly as if pleading for the horror to stop.

Inside This Shell                                                                                                           In this painting, the figure is hiding within herself. Her shell is cleansed by the water washing over her, however, inside, pain and sadness does not wash away. Years of fear, hatred, and hurt remain inside this shell.

Artist's Commentary on the "Inhibitions" Series

Written by Kristin Abraham

The "Inhibitions" series is based entirely on feelings of vulnerability and emotional confinement. The female figure humanizes the painting, while her nudity symbolizes vulnerability. The coloring of the figure contributes to the overall mood of the series as well as providing us with a non-sexual nude. Some of the issues illustrated will be: fear, helplessness, desolation, estrangement, alienation, and complacency.

"Inhibitions" recognizes and embraces "unacceptable emotions" that are too often suppressed in today's society. The use of symbolism, mood and subject matter is meant to transfer those feelings into a visual, tactile form. These paintings are meant to challenge, along with comfort onlookers as they relate to each piece.