Word Play

I'm between series and willing to play and explore. In my journal I have pages of little three, four word lines...could be titles, could expand into a poem or could inspire a cloth adventure. Here are a few: roses of return....following footprints....garden of mist....between stars and stones smooth embrace. I've gathered some pieces of cloth from my leftovers box and with a little this and that and thread and beads...playtime for sure. I'm willing to make a few and see where they take me...maybe a new series?

Rocks, Pebbles, Stones

10"x10", foam core, crackle paste, acrylic, photo transfer (not emulsion) and KIWI brown shoe polish. My father is smiling in heaven about me using his shoe polish for my art but I needed a wax finish! ha

My new/old obsession with rocks, pebbles and stones has begun again. I'm taking a break from the compass series as I have posted the set in the sidebar...if you go to my flickr account and click on sets you will view my other sets as well. I am fascinated by the archaeological discoveries at Masada...talk about rocks, stones and such. In my journal writing the concept of familiar yet ancient home is a running theme and Masada discoveries carry the mysteries even deeper for me. So my vision of resting (oasis) and rocks, stones and pebbles play an important role in personal peace making and art making in this summer 09. I'll share some of what I've written as it poetically speaks of my new/old vision. The pebbles photographed and transferred are what I have found on the beach and placed in my bird bath.

Wednesday's Wall Tour

"Coral Variations" # 4 hand dyed, machine stitched, hand stitched textile piece by Dijanne Cevaal of Musings of a Textile Itinerant . I began my blog life by searching, finding favorite sites and following them regularly...rarely leaving a comment as it would be anonymous and I didn't have my blog up and running. I noticed Dijanne was selling a series of these Coral Variations in various color combinations at a price I could afford and I jumped right on it. I paid for it with PayPal and Dijanne was very gracious and sent me this beauty. I was so thrilled to receive this piece and rushed out to frame it and get it on the wall to appreciate. I am a big fan of oranges and blues but she also had beautiful purples and blues and reds. The whole purchase online was a big event for me and I felt so empowered to be a part of the great big world of blogland. Look at me now!!

I've been out to the shed bringing in old work to hang on our walls. I needed what was on the walls for the upcoming show so now to fill in the gaps. It was like seeing old friends for me and Pablo now lives in new rooms!
Because I stopped working and framed, I tried today to return to a piece I was working on but for me I had been away too long and lost my way....it hurt but I covered it in one color and will return with fresh eyes and heart. ..maybe some journal writing. I don't believe in mistakes but rather all things lead to where I need to be for the next project.

"Baby It's Cold Out There"

Massive walk in fireplace in Yosemite's Ahwahnee Lodge...truly a warm and cozy spot! Actually I'm being a big baby...It's been sunny and pleasant here but in the evening after dinner, I begin to apply the layers, socks and slippers, afghan and hot tea! I just can't warm up in the evening.

Here we are approaching the end of the year. I celebrate the new year in my spiritual life in the fall but now the calendar year and I plan on using it as a statement of intention concerning new art. I'll let this blog keep me honest as I'm vowing changes. My plan is to spend 3+days a week in studio...all day. I am focusing on 4-6 pieces of work each on my three subjects of interest: Restoration of the Soul.....Angel's Remarks.....Mapping the Unknowable. Late March or early April will be a time to re-evaluate but the plan is to work, research, write and work some more. This is a process that is best for me....I also plan on returning to writing in my journal everyday because I've found it fuels my creativity. Now I've done it! ha Now tell me blog friends about your New Year creative hopes, wishes, plans and intentions? Is there a big or little dream that just needs to be realized and this is the year? Please share here by this warm cozy fire, I'm all ears!!

BirdSong

A garden complete with tile, palm tree, windows and a singing duet. A place to stop, pure pleasure, soft morning light or afternoon breeze...a place to come back to, yard, patio, home. The song is also simple, not looking forward or back but timeless serenade. This is the beginning and ending this is the call, this is the sanctuary of needed rest, available heart, available song.
Writing is a big part of my art making. It leads me to the imagery and sometimes defines the images. I'm in a place in my life where I still love painting but I'm no longer as interested in building a career. I have kept a journal well over 25 years...almost daily writing. It has served as my true sanctuary, my mentor and my learning tool. I wrote the above piece shortly after gluing down the two yellow birds. It gives me joy.

Sales equal Encouragement?

Mixed media on paper...Arches printmaking paper. The finished look, matted, under glass has a polished and sophisticated appearance. This piece is important to the series as it is the mother to the next 10. I had worked with the concept of the human & divine in abstract forms but this one showed me so much potential. Right away, I wanted to explore more ways to express these odd shaped stitched circles within squares as a way of clarifying the spiritual mix. I was also encouraged to continue when this piece sold off my studio wall!
This is my second post and it has taken me nearly a week to get to it...I am humbled and want to congratulate all you bloggers that post lively, interesting blogs with regularity. I don't feel my life is busy...just Pablo (new husband) and me here at the beach. We have our routines but slow paced for sure. I've kept a journal for over 25 years so I thought it would be an easy transition for me only I find myself concerned with spellcheck, making sense(not easy for a visual artist) and fun...things that never concerned me when I was keeping my journal just for myself. I have on my list to see about flickr and some ways to spread out into this vast new world. I promise to get to fun soon but for now I'm glad to be out here taking my first few rides!