Morning Reverie

6"x6", wood panel, rust resist cloth, silk screened image using freezer paper, rusted string, gold glass beads, embroidery and machine stitching, painted netting. This piece turned out quite different than the supplies post of Oct. 19th. I did use the beads and gold thread but everything changed once the art making began. I try not to hold on to an image in my mind but rather stay with the feeling as in this case, a morning blessing.It's still important to me to create a piece that looks like a found object, or an ancient piece of sorts. So lots of stopping, looking and writing. I'm beginning the companion piece,' evening blessing' in shades of blue cloth. I've been working with cloth for over 2 years now and I think it's the challenge I have in moving the fabric around and placing unusual painted fabrics together and of course, the stitching and beads are the fun part!

It's my birthday today( the 25th) and I'm celebrating all day or actually all week! I bought a new comforter to celebrate these next years in warm peaceful sleep! Just for fun I've ordered two hooded sweaters and two vests, one knit and one quilted. I asked husband for red soft washable slippers and maybe tickets to an upcoming symphony. He asked me to dinner tonight and so I'd say turning 70 is going well! It actually means changes ahead but for right now I'm holding my own ... willing to hire help  around the house and making changes with lighter dinners and shopping. Have a new post-it app on my computer so its an easy reminder on all those things I must do each day! Still like this whole blog and Facebook exchange and hope to do more self publishing.  Most of the walls here are covered in my artwork and I change the images throughout the year. This may sound silly but I feel the warmth and peace in my home, in my life ... in these walls of art. I'm surprised how my life has turned out ...these days producing so much work ... truly grateful I've come this far and still a ways to go!

First day results

Working title: "Fields of Boaz", 20"x20", Rives BFK, light molding paste, bubble wrap impressions, collage painted tissue paper, acrylic.This is the result of first efforts in the studio for my ongoing autumn series. I had better get busy before I face the big winter sleep! BUT first, I'll create a personal mandala. I had lunch with my friend Florie and she impressed me with the balancing effects of creating a mandala. I have been so busy these past few weeks, both good and bad that I do need to get a better footing before going back into studio...I need to clear my head and heart and I think creating a mandala is a great idea. I plan on stopping at the party store and picking up cake rounds (cardboard) and having a go at it this weekend. I have a book "Creating Mandalas" but I think I'll just begin and see what happens, my goal is balance, centering, and seeing whatever else shows up!

Tomorrow is my last birthday celebration...a morning with friend Deena at the Sanderling's Cafe at the Seascape Resort. This place is a favorite of ours as it has mind bending ocean views, good food and all around welcoming spirit.
I have my new phone to figure out and my camera manual to read...presents to enjoy...this has been a great birthday along with all the good wishes from my dear blogger friends...thank you! Don't forget to VOTE!

Neptune's View

This one goes way back to the late 80's. The first time I remember combining my photos with my papers to create a scene or story. I took this photo of Neptune sculpture in Austria and placed him as the center view...I was trying to make art from vacation photo choices. It measures 5"x6", acrylic, photo, painted tissue paper and assorted colored papers.

Saturday Pablo and I put on a carport sale with 30 of our neighbors in our large complex. We hired a security man for traffic control and a few neighbors elected to hand out maps and direct for parking. Our clubhouse members dragged out the BBQ, bake sale items and drinks were available for a price. We had over twenty signs up, Craig's list and balloons. It was misty throughout the day but we got a good crowd...300 cars. OMG it was so much work to gather our crap, price it and bargain and then clean up! At the end of the day the Salvation Army truck came by and picked up what was left. We made about $200 ...the HARD WAY!! As for us...our last carport sale!

With a click here and a click there I have screwed up this computer...I have a call into computer guy. It never fails to happen and so I will be in limited circulation for a few days.
On a different note, today is my birthday! I am amazed and grateful I have had 66 years of living...living through storms and calm but still grateful! Out to dinner tonight and a new camera too!

Southern Exposure

Another canvas, more meditation and writing. 8"x8" canvas, acrylic, tissue, gold ink and stones. Some of the writing coming out of the meditation described imagery of crossing borders, floating along a lazy green river and calls from winged Gods. The writing also touched on longing hearts and exotic secrets of the mist?! The words exotic and secret are hand printed on the sides of the canvas. I admit to a very colorful palette but these little directions are feeling "bright" even for me. I'm tempted to take another look at the seven directions in a more softened grayed down palette but that will come later...for now COLOR!

personal update: I've had such a great birthday...65 being one of the big ones! Comments and cards filled with good wishes...packages, lunch, brunch all from dear friends. Pablo has been busy for days on my gift and I was surprised and so pleased. My Hebrew name is Miriam....bible heroine and Moses sister. She is known for her songs, dancing and tambourine playing at the Red Sea. Pablo wrote a beautiful prose piece titled "Song of the Sea" , illustrated with antique paintings of Miriam. The piece spoke of her life and brought out my connection. He added to this a beautifully wrapped tambourine...a perfect gift for me and out to dinner too!