Doors open to artist house

Suzie Harrison

Ever wonder what the artist’s life is all about?

Those curious about a look inside the “nontraditional” will get a

chance on Sunday, when the Community Art Project will provide a peak

inside the lives of two Laguna Beach artists.

From 2 to 4 p.m. Community Art Project members will get a private

look at the studio and lives of Gavin Heath and Michele Taylor Heath.

“The Heaths and their lively and colorful artwork, along with

their charming home/studio in Laguna Canyon, will be the focus of the

event,” said Rebecca Meekma of the Community Art Project.

Gavin Heath said he is looking forward to the event because he’s

never really promoted this studio to the public before.

“It’s becoming more prevalent, people want to see studios and get

an opportunity to see how the artists live, and see the process of

making their art,” Gavin said.

Michele Taylor Heath is a glass artist who recently won an artist

competition and was commissioned to create a sculpture at Bluebird

Park. She is creating a land tortoise as a place for children to play

and sit. It’s also big enough for adults.

She explained that she really likes the idea and is excited about

doing a public piece of commissioned art, so the art will be

accessible to everyone.

“Michele designed a 9-foot-long tortoise to be made of glass

mosaic on a concrete base,” Meekma said. “The mixed-media piece

promises to be both beautiful and durable. Children who go to the

park can play on this functional art.”

The tortoise will probably weigh about two tons, Michele Taylor

Heath estimated.

“Michele Taylor Heath’s ‘Laguna Tortoise’ is scheduled for

installation at Bluebird Park on March 28, 2003,” city arts

coordinator Sian Poeschl said. “Michele was the winner of the

statewide competition for her sculpture, which will be created of

ceramics and hand-blown glass.”

She was also recently named a runner-up in the Treasure Island

artist competition for another one of her pieces. She exhibited in

the Winter Fantasy Sawdust Festival and will be exhibiting this

summer at the Sawdust.

“The lifestyle of an artist is so nontraditional,” she said. “It’s

a good opportunity for people to see how we live and see the whole

idea of the crazy artist -- that we’re normal people, I garden, cook

and I’m a full-time artist.”

She said that it’s a privilege to work at home and collaborate

with her husband, be there with her children and be able to work any

time she wants.

“It’s a privilege to open my studio and home to CAP members,”

Michele said. “My studio is very personal, they’re really an

extension of us.”

Gavin Heath is originally from South Africa but has lived in

Laguna Beach for more than 10 years. He is a well-known artist who

exhibits in both the Sawdust Art Festival and the Festival of Arts.

His work offers colorful pieces that often depict African animals and

totems, and he has been perfecting his technique of creating

hand-blown, near life-size lions and giraffes.

“This event is a good opportunity all around,” he said. “I am

privileged to be here and do what I do, and appreciate the people

that promote the area and art in Laguna Beach.”

The Sunday event will feature demonstrations by both artists.

Members will be served wine and hors d’oeuvres. The event is for

Community Art Project Members only, but memberships are available at

the door for $25. For information, call 497-9806.