A full life

I missed you all last week! I had some unavoidable health issues, and then we had the terrific pleasure of driving out to pick up my son from school - all of which prevented me from updating here like I had wanted to.

My son is a ballet dancer who attends UNCSA for their high school dance program, and he just completed his freshman year. We are incredibly proud of him, and he has LOVED his time there so far.

Its so nice to have him back home, as brief as it is. In a couple of weeks, we have to drive him down to Miami for his 5 week intensive with the Miami City Ballet. A dancers life is a full one, and we don't get to seem him much anymore.

Postcard Friday

My son goes to school out of state, and I send him these postcards every week. Its really my way of sharing pieces of who I am with him.

Praise of Morning is in the shop

Praise of Morning
9 x 12
Acrylic on canvas sheet

This painting is a one of a series of hand studies.

This contemplative piece appreciates those moments when you take pause and enjoy the quiet. This lovely painting is loaded with texture and depth.

Available in my shop for $30

-->Click here to buy<--

Link of the Day - Jonathan Harris : Today

I've always enjoyed the photos from folks who participated in Project 365 and DITL. There is something really intimate and telling in such pictures and I always feel that I know the individual better than I otherwise would have.

Jonathan Harris takes his project to another level in this short film. He narrates as all of his gorgeous and otherworldly images pulse from one to the next. We get to hear his feelings on the work, the process and how it evolves into its own philosophy. Its moving and all together wonderful.

Swap goodness

I've been having such a good time swapping mail art with Jessica Gowling! Last time we traded one of my postcards for her wonderful first zine. This time, I received her envelope full of original art and delightful ephemera!

In turn, I sent her a mini print, an original drawing, and some paper goodness of my own.

There really is something magical about getting a little bit of art magic in the mailbox. Anyone else want to swap? :)

Studio time

I wanted to share with you how I organize my paint tubes. I got cheap little crates from the dollar store and turned them on their side so that all my tubes would face out. Because they are tubes, they taper, and I haven't found them to work so well standing up.

I also painted the tops so I could easily see which color to grab as I'm painting, which is awesome in more ways than I can describe. Being such a visual person, it really helps to be able to see what I want as I'm mixing colors without really having to think about it.

How do you organize your colors?

Postcard Friday

My son goes to school out of state, and I send him these postcards every week. Its really my way of sharing pieces of who I am with him.

Heron Blues is in the shop

Heron Blues
4 x 4 inches
Acrylic on canvas panel

This little painting glows with layers of brilliant colors and strong silhouettes!

This is from a stamp series that uses hand carved block stamps and acrylic paint. Its a multi step process involving several layers of paint for an image with depth and exuberance.

Available in my shop for $20

-->Click here to buy<--

Link of the Day - Between the Folds

Origami is far more than paper cranes these days. With a thriving community that pulls the best of art and engineering together, the boundaries are getting pushed further and further in ways that are both beautiful and exciting.

The documentary is a little slow paced, but I recommend sticking with it because it really does deliver. Just seeing what can be done with a single fold is worth the price of admission.



To add to the story, there is a copyright dust-up between popular origami artist Robert Lang (seen in the documentary) and contemporary artist Sarah Morris. Morris took the folding patterns from dozens of origami creators and turned them into vibrant 2D paintings that have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lang and others are suing Morris for copyright violation.

Copyright in the artistic domain has always been a tricky issue. It will be interesting to see how the issues of derivative vs. transformative work shake out in front of a judge.

Lost my stride

Have you ever been in a rhythm of life that works and supports you, only to lose it? That just happened to me! I had an art groove goin on, and I was able to keep pushing forward in spite of family obligations, mini meltdowns, and all those obstacles that life inevitably throws at us.



I had the most amazing weekend. I cleaned the house with my kids until it was sparkling and ran all the important errands on Saturday. Then on Mothers Day I went kayaking on three lakes for several hours.



We saw different kinds of heron, red-wing blackbirds, canada geese, humming birds, yellow finches and a big fat groundhog.



There was grand adventure when we found our own hidden pond through the brambles, off of a main lake. It took me back to my childhood and longing for my own Secret Garden.



It was all so beautiful, and like being pulled into another world - which has kindof been my problem. I can't seem to find my footing back in my daily reality.



Hopefully I can find my way back soon. In the meantime, I'll be daydreaming of being on the water with the sun at my back, the scent of spring flowers, and birdsong filling my ears.