Maria and her Art

Chicagoland

2009-09-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

My son graduated last weekend from Navy Basic Training in North Chicago. We drove down to see his graduation, by way of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and to spend a few precious days with him before he had to leave for Monterey, CA. The graduation was moving, full of fresh young faces, full of confidence, and eager to jump into their new lives, leaving behind the ordeal of bootcamp. All that youthful ambition and energy, it was a wonderful experience I'll never forget. My son is quite a foodie, no idea where he gets it, so he wanted to try out some regional cuisine that is not available in Traverse City, unless you make it yourself!
We started out with Dim Sum at the Happy Chef in China Town, in Chicago. The traffic was awful, but the food was worth it. Sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves was my fav. We wandered around this particular part of Chinatown for a while, it was a long corridor of chinese restaurants, import shops and bulk Chinese groceries. One shop offered well over 50 different kinds of ginseng...leaving us to wonder why? Lots of Hello Kitty and most of the restaurants had windows full of "fake" dishes, to show what they offered. For the most part, quite appetizing. I made the mistake of trying one kind of black licorice, which I usually love, that was salted, not my cup of tea. The experience was incredible though, it was like being NOT in the USA...we loved it and hope to go back again sometime. Next, we went to Uptown Chicago to the Vietnamese area, but that has to wait until another day...Adios for now!

National Cherry Festival 2009

2009-07-08T18:18:00.001-07:00

It has been a crazy busy week here, lots of lovely tourists and visitors here in Northern Michigan. I worked at the Open Space Cherry Market tent this week, unbelievable! The attendence has been outstanding and everyone is in such great spirits, wanting to support Michigan and Michigan companies like Benjamin Twiggs, the oldest purveyor of cherry products in Michigan! I've met some lovely people who love this area and love cherries. The store has also been hoppin' with customers, so the days are flying by this week. I did get to watch a couple sunsets and got my Gibby's Fries fix(heard my arteries complain a little about That!), and enjoyed the view of the Grand Traverse West Bay while working at the Open Space, what a lovely benny. If you're in town, drop by and say "hi."

My friend Karen of Beadkeepers just posted a new entry on her blog. If you're are feeling less "beautiful" with age, I hope you will make the time to read it, I am truly amazed by her creativity and writings. Beadkeepers Blog. True beauty is within and it is within each and everyone of us...

Recycled Art Jewelry

2009-06-29T15:08:00.001-07:00

I have always loved the concept of creating art through everyday materials and discarded items. You have to think outside the box and not be afraid to combine what our society considers "valuable" materials with "trash." But once you start, you see possibilities in everything, onion bags, junk mail, tin cans, etc. It is a lovely place to be...exciting on the edge. These are my new wind powered earrings, moving pinwheels created from recycled plastic and sterling silver. They spin in the wind and weigh practically nothing! More recycled chic earrings in my Etsy shop.

Memorial Weekend in Traverse City, Michigan!

2009-05-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you are coming up to the Traverse City, Michigan area for the upcoming holiday and want to know where to go for great shopping, art, food and views...let me help you out. Let's start with the roads first. Division St., aka US 37/31, is down to one lane between 14th St/Silver Lake Rd and the Grandview Parkway, so you might want to use Airport Rd, Garfield, 3 Mile Rd or M-72 when coming into town. Gas prices today are about $2.46/gallon for regular...sorry about that. Hurts us locals too, believe me!

The cherry orchards are in full bloom right now, so bring your cameras and be ready to stop and take photos. Nicest blossom drives right now are everywhere! Both east and west Grand Traverse Bays are spectacular, all shades of turquoise and blues, just breathtaking, and beaches have just been graded and cleaned up, perfect for strolling and beachcombing. If you are in town and see Wayne St., just off Division, just before Grandview Parkway, take a quick drive and you will get an amazing view of the West Grand Traverse Bay and all downtown TC, it loops around, but residential, so drive slow and be respectful of the neighborhood. The drive up Old Mission Peninsula is a "do not miss," with all the orchards and wineries, not to mention the views of both bays at various points. Take 37 to Center Rd all the way or stay to the left on Peninsula Dr.

Shopping for gifts, mementos, cherries or art? Let's get started...Love the clothes and shoes at What To Wear, an adorable boutique on Front St. in downtown Traverse City. They just moved to a new location, 152 E. Front St. Fabulous footwear, clothing and accessories, my favorite clothing/shoe shop in all of Northern Michigan! Looking to add something to your home, try Stewart Zack's, Nest, Cottage Garden, Penny Lane or Nifty Things. Votruba Leather for any travel goods and of course, leather. In the new Warehouse District, check out The Red Dresser for a wide variety of eclectic gifts, some handmade, but all fun and unique. And if you are looking for some fun Cherry products, don't miss Benjamin Twiggs, the oldest purveyor of cherry products in Michigan. The new owner has revamped the shop and it is light, bright and incredibly inviting with vintage aprons, cherry dishes, towels and incredible coffee, Michigan dried cherries, blueberries, chocolate covered cherries, cherry salsa, cherry butter, jams, jelly and more. Benjamin Twiggs in located in the Campus Plaza, just north of downtown, 1215 E. Front St., between Eastland Drugs and the Omelette Shoppe, across from the Civic Center, with lots of free parking!

Is art your passion? Don't miss the Inside Out Gallery or Rebecca's Studio and Adornments Gallery in the Warehouse District, they have incredible works. Located on Garland St., they are easily accessed right behind the TC Visitors and Convention Bureau on Union St. Belstone Gallery and Evergreen Gallery are both located right downtown on Front St., Belstone just north of Park St. and Evergreen sandwiched between Union St. and Cass St. If you drive north of town, towards Elk Rapids, be on the lookout for Twisted Fish Gallery, they will come up on the left and are definately one of my favorite galleries. If you are going towards Suttons Bay, check out The Painted Bird in Suttons Bay and The Secret Garden in Empire. All the above mentioned galleries carry a many works by local Northern Michigan artists.

And now my favorite part of this blog, where to go for food and meals! As I already mentioned, Benjamin Twiggs for take home goodies, but add to that Fustini's, an incredible purveyor of amazing balsamic vinegars and olive oils. They are located in downtown TC, right on Front St., between Union St. and Cass St. You will want to drink them, they are so incredible. They will combine flavored olive oils with flavored balsamic vinegars and you won't understand how you could have lived this long without having these in your life. One of my favorite combinations is the peach white balsamic with garlic olive oil...even my 14 year old son, who never goes for this kind of thing, loved it! Make sure you try the pineapple, blueberry and of course cherry balsamics! Also worth checking out is American Spoon Foods on Front St., their cherry poppers, maple sugar candy and local wines are lovely, as well as their lemon curd and lime curd. They are also right downtown on Front St. If you can't leave without some fudge(you fudgie you!), my favorite fudge in town is Doug Murdicks, on Front St. between Union St. and Cass St., it is the creamiest most decadent and flavorful fudge in all of Northern Michigan. I have been to Mackinaw Island, where there is a fudge shop for every visitor(yes, I am exaggerating), and I can honestly say that no one touches the creaminess or flavor of Doug Murdick's Fudge, period. Chocolate Cherry, Plain Chocolate and Maple Walnut are some of my favorite flavors, but try them all!

On to Dining Out! Let's start with breakfast. I love the breakfast options at Cuppa Joe's in the Warehouse District. Low Country Shrimp and Grits is my fav, might be too spicy for some, but works for me. They also have Migas, Creme Brulee Oatmeal(to die for!) and other great choices. Coffees and teas can't be beat. Love their frozen Chai. Opa! is another great place for breakfast, they are located in Cherryland Center, at the corner of Garfield and Airport Rds. Sandwiched near Younkers, they also have great Detroit Style Coney Dogs, Greek Food and Polish Food, we love their Calamari. Mustard's in another terrific place for breakfast, located at the corner of Cass St. and State St. in downtown TC. My kids love this place, great home fries and very fresh and healthy options that taste wonderful. Looking for lunch?

If you're craving burgers and fries, the new Slabtown Burgers and Cafe on E. Front St. might seem too good to be true, but I have been there 4 times in two weeks, and I can tell you, it is the real deal. Their Burger Bags, with a Burger, seasoned hand cut fries and a large fountain drink runs $4.90, yup! And the fries are excellent. Not quite crispy, but so flavorful, I forgive them. A Cheeseburger Bag is $5.25. Make it deluxe with lettuce, tomato and mayo for an extra .35 cents. If you are on Division,(yes, the one laner I mentioned earlier, turn left if you are approaching the Bay and right if you are headed out of town. Slabtown is just past Ace Hardware on the right hand side. I have to warn you though, if it is lunchtime, there will be a line, but it moves fast and it is well worth the wait!

Wishing for some Indian food, a lovely curry or two? Don't miss the Wellington Street Market on the corner of Front St. and Wellington St., across from Jack's Market. They serve the BEST Indian food in town! I crave this at least once a week and indulge at least every two weeks. It is fabulous! Right across the street(sort of), on Front St., is The Cook's House. This place is just incredible. Open for lunch and dinner, they use as much local and sustainable food as they can in there every changing menu. My Asparagus Soups was literally local asparagus cooked and blended, with a buttery Morel Mushroom on top, amazing. You might need reservations in the evening, so I'll give you the phone number(231)946-8700, don't lose it! Tell Eric and Jen that Maria(Karl's Mom) sent you. No alcohol license, but you can bring your own and Jack's right across the street or the Blue Goat and little further down the street can provide you with something quite easily.

My favorite sandwich shop is Grand Traverse Bakery and Deli, GT Bakery & Deli, located on Munson Ave., in the Tom's East Bay Shopping Mall, right by Joann Fabric. They have the freshest, tastiest, most incredible homemade sandwiches, soups and breads! When I work and 8 hour day, this is where I get my lunches from. Dijon dumpling soup, gold Italian soup, golden mushroom soup, Rachael's and Ruben's, Smokin' Jack, these are some of my favorites. And they sell wonderful cheeses too, don't be shy, try something! And...they are the nicest people on the planet! Sandwiches are big, you might want to share the first time and see how much you can finish.

I also love Phil's on Front(Incredible fresh fish and desserts, on Front St., between Park St. and Cass, probably need reservations for dinner.), Red Ginger(Fabulous Sushi and Sakis, located downtown right on Front St., definitely need reservations for dinner.), Trattoria Stella(Incredible Italian and wines, located in historic Building 50, off 11th St., probably need reservations for dinner.), Red Mesa(Tex Mex, you have to try their smoky refried beans and fresh corn salsa as well as their fruit Margaritas), Scott's Harbor Grill(Bananas Foster and Fish Tacos, not in that order! Located right on the Bay, on Grandview Parkway and Cherrybend Rd., heading towards Suttons Bay), Silver Swan(Dolmas, hummus, baba ganouj, plus German foods and desserts! Located on Grandview Parkway, just past Tom's West Bay, before Scott's Harbor Grill, on the left hand side.), Firefly(Great specials, sushi and small plates for sharing, located on Cass St., just past State St.), Agave(authentic Mexican, located on Garfield Rd, north of Airport Rd.)

Well, I'm sure I forgot a few places, but I'll update at a later date, this novel should keep you all busy for quite a while!

Girl Scouts

2009-05-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was a Junior Girl Scout way back when and now have the pleasure of being a Brownie Scout leader for my youngest daughter. Tonight is the Bridging Ceremony, where all the scouts who are ready, move up to the next level and my youngest will be bridging to Juniors. Since I am a leader, I will get to participate in the ceremony, and I am so excited. It has been a wonderful year, watching the girls gain self confidence, through badge activities, games and crafting. They are all like sponges, just soaking up all the new things they are introduced to at every meeting. Fairy houses and flower fairies, nature mobiles, food self portraits, yogurt flavor inventing and tasting, soap making, international games, role playing, recycling crafts, cookie math, camping, singing...and so much more. I love to see them start, some quite shy and unconfident, others with enthusiasm and bullish charm, but all through the processes, learning and helping each other, by the end, all very happy and with a new sense of accomplishment.
I will also be moving onto the Junior leader position this summer, and I look forward to the our "garden" meetings at the library because we adopted our own 8x9ft patch! So we will be gardening, crafting with nature and having picnics all summer, save for those rainy days, when we will explore the inside of the library!

Big News!

2009-05-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

If you live in Northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Porcupine Press just published its monthly issue of UP Magazine, and there is a two page spread on my lampwork beads with an interview I gave them a few weeks ago! I am so geeked, the photos are huge!!! Unfortunately, you can only see the article if you can get your hands on this current issue, they do not publish online. There is a link to my Etsy shop at the end too. Here is a photo of the "Fairy House Bead" they included in the article.
I have joined Twitter and really enjoy how easy it is to use anytime. Made some new foodie, Michigan and bead/jewelry friends. Fun to hear what people are preparing for dinner or having at a restaurant. It is attached to my facebook page, which, unfortunately, I rarely update, but the Twitter comments are updated on my Facebook page automatically...
Rendezvous is this weekend and two of my kids are in the performances, so we'll be enjoying the music all week, should be a lot of fun! Can't believe how talented these kids are these days, I think many of them could easily be on Idol.

Easter Parade

2009-04-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

My favorite things about Easter are 1.) Family Time 2.) Excuse to buy chocolate for the "kids" & 3.) The opportunity to create a memorable meal. I don't normally have a lot of time to make a meal that takes more than thirty minutes, so a holiday, when I am off for the day, is a perfect time to peruse my cookbook library(it IS a library) and spend time creating something my family will love! Yesterday, it was Pastitsio, a Greek Lasagna with two layers of pasta, a layer of spiced meat(I used lamb and lean angus beef with cinnamon, allspice and cloves), and a rich creamy bechamel sauce. Thanks to my Twitter friend, Kalofagas, whose blog I also subscribe to, for the wonderful bechamel sauce recipe, it turned out perfectly! In the past, my bechamel sauce would not "fluff" properly and I couldn't figure out why. Then, with my Peachtree Inn cookbook, by Cynthia Collins Pendregon of Fredericksburg, TX, I made a lovely Black Raspberry Cobbler. We picked the black raspberries last summer and they were so sublime, the kids and DH loved the cobbler, some had seconds!

Although this is not what many would call "art," I feel that cooking is an art...you are creating a memory of family and occasion, which will stay with all partakers for years, if not forever. I have many memories that are tied to food, and sometimes, in a restaurant, at a friend's house or just walking down a street, I will get a "whiff" of something that pulls out a long ago memory, appearing with feelings and all, like magic. Food is art, the kind you get to see, smell, taste and literally take in, be a part of, I love it!

Road Tripping From Michigan to Georgia

2009-04-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

Wow,
We had a wonderful trip! I think road tripping is sooo underrated. A cooler full of sandwiches and a case of water, what else do you need besides a camera and a full tank of gas? Ok, a map can be useful as well I admit. But after Michigan, we just followed I-75 and did just fine. I already posted my brother's home, where we were camped out for our trip, it is a beauty, thanks again to my brother Liano, you were a wonderful host!
When we first arrived in Milton, Georgia, we stopped at a darling little shop called The Paisley Farmhouse. It was full of adorable and charming gifts and home decor, lots of Easter treasures too. Dianne Harvey is th e owner, she is the one in this first photo of the shop. I highly recommend stopping by if you are in the neighborhood, my girls and I were just delighted with her shop.
We also stopped by My Sister's Gifts, another wonderful Milton, Georgia, shop. They were so friendly and had lots of samples of local foods, we loved the raspberry chocolate bark and locally made miniature cookies. Bought some peach preserves, lavender tea and a southern praline. They are located right next door to The Paisley Farmhouse. In the same little shopping district, was a wonderful pizza place called "I  NY Pizza," where we had some of the best Pizza and the Garlic Knots were out of this world, definitely stop by and try this place, even my pickiest kid loved it! They don't have a website I could find, so here is the address and phone number, you can Google it! 980 Birmingham Rd, Milton, GA 30004 (770) 442-9699. Cupcakes!We also stopped by the local
Whole Foods Market and there was a
showcase of cupcakes that I had to photograph,
either that or buy them all and eat 'em!

And then we hit the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world! It was amazing, we were in awe
of all the wonderful animals, exhibits and information. I think we spend five hours there, at least. I have a lot of Aquarium photos, so I'll just post one today and a slide show tomorrow. The trip was very inspiring, so much to see and do and learn in just a few days. The family time was priceless, they really do grow so fast. The oldest is already out of the house, he was missed, but he was visiting his grandparents in Texas, so I know he had a great time for spring break too. I think it is time to revisit my jellyfish pendants...Sea Horse at Atlanta Aquarium

Al's Gotta Go!

2009-04-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

You have to check out my brother's new blog, Al's Gotta Go, my DH and I helped him set it up tonight. He is looking to sell his gorgeous house in Milton, just outside of Alpharetta, Georgia. And...he is offering a $5,000 finder's fee to whoever finds him a buyer! Even if it is a realtor...but it would be nice if it was someone who heard about it from someone who stumbled on his blog...you know what I mean, that's the kind of stuff Oprah would even embrace! Anyway, if you know anyone looking to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia, forward his blog to them, you never know, it could be YOU who gets the $5,000!!! What does this have to do with art? The art of selling of course...what a fine art that is.

Atlanta Georgia

2009-04-02T06:59:00.000-07:00

On a whim almost, we decided to take a road trip to see my brother, Al, who lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, just outside Marietta, which is just outside Atlanta. The drive was simply spectacular, blue skies and sunshine all the way down. We saw beautiful landscapes, starting with an incredilbe brilliant fuschia and orange sunrise over Cadillac, Michigan, then lush, newly green sprounting fields in Ohio, lovely, hilly horse farms throughout Kentucky and then those cool rocky carved walls along the Tennessee highway, which you can see with your headlights, since it was dark by then. In Ohio we drove by Traders World, a ginormous flea market kind of complex, and all over the roof were giraffes and other strange things you just don't seen on roofs. In Cincinnati, Ohio, we saw The Ascent, an unbelievable piece of architecture, just stunning. We got in around 2 a.m., exhausted but feeling great. Today we plan on exploring some of downtown Atlanta and reatively. enjoying the warm weather, who cares if it is raining, everything is GREEN! I'll have to post photos after we get back home...

Traveling always makes me feel like creating something new. There is always something that I haven't seen, smelled or heard before. All my senses get a new perspective on possibilities and seem to trip over themselves in my head. A million new ideas start leap frogging over each other, trying to get my full attention and intention...beads, jewelry, seweing, mosaic, garden, cooking, decorating...just not enough space to catagorize it and save for later. So I end up scribbling ideas onto receipts, napkins and empty wrappers, lol, just getting them out seems to help. If I'm lucky, I have one of my idea journals on hand, but alas, not yesterday. I do love to road trip, the adventure as I live it in the moment, and then all the creative adventures that come after!

Pamela Dueweke

2009-03-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

My friend Pamela Dueweke makes the most intriguing face beads out of clay, with interesting glazes and markings. I wired one up with one of my beads in a contrasting but complimentary color. There is something about faces that pull people in. Several gallery owners have mentioned this to me, about the popularity of "face" jewelry. I used to make face jewelry a long time ago, I might have to revisit those faces again sometime. Maybe we are all looking to see if we recognize someone in these faces, or wondering if we can see any sign of ourselves in them. I am drawn to peaceful faces and loud laughing ones.

Well it is high time I updated my blog!

2009-03-30T14:56:00.000-07:00

It has been a rough year for my family, some health issues with my kids, but things have really improved lately, giving me the opportunity to start melting glass again and continue on my journey to find art and inspiration in everyday life. Check out my newest works on Etsy at http://www.queenglass.etsy.com. Let me know what you think, I can always use some critiquing, just be gentle...

Two weeks ago I purchased this lovely print from an Etsy artist, Tuscany Studios. Here it is, although you probably cannot copy this without her permission, I am only posting it to promote her work. I love the aged look of the film and the color palette. The description of this photo states that the look is part of the result of using expired film, who knew? Anyway, I love this photo, can't wait to have it matted and framed, although it is only 5 x 5 inches big, it makes quite a statement. I am thinking some beads and jewelry in these colors would make me very happy!

Charles Murphy

2007-08-11T16:02:00.001-07:00

Today my friend Lynn and I attended a luncheon for Charles Murphy, a wonderful painter who lives here in Northern Michigan. The luncheon was a celebration of his 30 years as a painter, with a movie showing a history of his work and a personal tour with Charlie of his works on display at the Twisted Fish Gallery in Elk Rapids. It was just incredible. I have always loved Charlie's works, they are in restaurants and galleries downtown and also grace covers calendars and other printed media for various shows and events here in Northern Michigan. But what was so wonderful to me, was to hear Charlie explain his inspiration for each piece on display, some of them were absolutely charming and made more so by his stories. He described on painting he titled "Flightpath," as a series of directions for butterflys, which became the most charming piece. The riot of color in so many of his pieces is inspiring in itself for any other artist, and artists here like to own a piece of Charlie when they can afford it or more than likely, when they can trade. Just a perfectly lovely day, tempted to created some Charlie Murphy inspired beads and jewelry!

Art Therapy

2007-08-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed my Visual Journal class tonight. More gluing, cutting, writing and drawing. Focusing on my intention to "get a regular" job next month. I really need a job that requires some kind of creativity and lots of it! Felt good to explore some of this through my class, in my journal. A lot like therapy, only I'm both the patient and therapist. Good to get out my hopes and fears and then look at them and go forward. So hard to make a living as an artist, but there are a few good careers around that let you include your artist persona. At this point, I'm looking at web design. More about writing the code than actually doing much design, but I have to see what I can do once I learn how to use various codes and programs. Might have to take some art classes down the line, but I won't mind a bit.

By the way, Happy Birthday Lynn and Maggie!

Heat Wave

2007-08-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been so hot, 90's with lots of sunshine. I find it hard to be creative in the heat, just keep thinking about how to cool off. What do artists in the south do? Working on some new "art paper" shoes. Wearable, but not finished yet. Hopefully by Friday. Did I mention that the caramels were so incredible I am ordering another box? Working on PMC rings again tomorrow and maybe I'll get started on my mermaid clasp. My knee is getting better, but somewhere near the patella is hurts and my PT says that if I walk with a bent knee, I making it worse, but I walk with bent knee because it hurts!!! LOL, need to get off this merry-go-round.

Food Art

2007-07-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

My friend Karen of www.beadkeepers.com recently sent me a link to Das Foods, a website that sells salts from around the world and homemade caramels, finished with salts. The pictures of these caramels are so enticing, they feel like art you can eat. The salt crystals, like glitter, scattered over the tops of these luscious caramels sucked me right in. I ordered some salts and the ginger/pistachio caramels, I have to try them. There is an art to presentation, on nights when I can leisurely make a family meal, I try to add something to make it special, and that usually means garnishes and contrasting colors. Do we all want to add art to whatever part of our day that we can? I'd like to think so, although time can be such an issue. I'll let you know how the caramels are when they get here!

Comic Books

2007-07-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

My son has discovered comic books. He read one out loud to me and then had me read another out loud to him. The art work is so good, it just pulls you in. I try to imagine those artists that chose comic book illustration as their creative outlet of choice, do they have fun drawing super heroes, action scenes and background? Is it still exciting? It sure looks like fun. Maybe for my next visual journal entry, I'll work on a "comic."

Paper Towel Art

2007-07-23T18:53:00.001-07:00

Today I had a lovely visit with my friend Julie, we followed some great directions in a new magazine to create some new paper towel art paper. It involved reinkers, plastic, a brayer, paper towels, and water. When I left, a couple sheets had dried, but they should all be dry by now. I'll see the results tomorrow, when we then rubber stamp the heck out of them to finish the effects. I have to say it was absolutely a ball to play with inks, dyes, water and paper. I felt like a kid in preschool, only with control and intention at my side. I will take a photo of the paper tomorrow and post it later. I want to cover a few items with m new paper, modge podge style, and then add some rhinestones, newprint punches and a few more things for a great layered look. I think everyone should create something everyday. Could be anything, just let it out and get in the habit of creating, you'll become your own inspiration over time.

I am thinking of purchasing the Paper book above to add to my library. The projects look like fun and very achievable. So many things to do with handmade papers...

Women in Art

2007-07-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this wonderful youtube piece. Thought it would be cool to share here. Amazing how similar women can be and yet so different, beauty in every one of us.

Garage Saturday

2007-07-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen one of those garages that is so full of stuff that there is no way a car or two could ever use it? Welcome to my world, until today. We spent the day emptying it, sorting it and cleaning it. Long exhausting day but we had great weather, sunny and blue with a little breeze. I found lots of "art" supplies that I had been gathering for the last several years, fabric, paints, found objects, parts, you name it. I kept wanting to start all kinds of new projects, but managed to stay on task, lol.

I don't think I know how to work on one project at a time, and I don't think this is in my best interest. I can't seem to finish any one project, because I'm constantly being distracted by all the other projects, books, cooking, kids, yadda, yadda, yadda. I think I need to start making a list of what I want to accomplish each day, art and non-art priorities and see what I can achieve. The ideas always feel so wonderful when they come, even better when I start working on something I've imagined, but somewhere along the way, I lose my commitment due to distractions. So new mission for me, complete the projects(how many can I reasonably juggle?) each week, with a list to help me stay on track and on task. How hard could it be? And still, I wonder, is it ok to abandon art projects? Do we owe it to ourselves to finish and keep working at it until it is something we love? Visual journaling makes me think that adding layers until it is something to love is a good thing, but would you rip out a page that 10 layers later was still not what you wanted? I like a fresh start personally, but when I see 30+ abandoned projects around here and there, time to think about this a little more.

Art in Muscle

2007-07-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

Things getting better more quickly now. I can walk for very short distances without my brace and walk without the crutches for longer distance with the brace. Rode the stationary bike at my physical therapy on Wednesday, feels good to make progress that I can actually measure in some way. The photo of the knee is something that I think would make a great visual journal entry, with lots of layering of color and words, so I think I'll print it out as well. Amazing how just creating simple details, like the ligament structure in a knee has beauty and interest. What else should I be taking a closer look at these days that normally I would pass by as too mundane or unappealling? Computer printer, bathroom cabinet, pair of flip flops?

Irony...

2007-07-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

So, I get started on a new blog, have lots of wonderful summer plans with my kids and family, dying to make art and then on the kids last day of school, I tore my ACL and MCL, two VERY important ligaments in my right knee. So I have been unable to use my computer until yesterday, since my knee wouldn't bend enough to let me sit at the computer, sigh. But today is a great day, I have been going to physical therapy for almost 4 weeks and since my ligament tears were only partials, I probably won't need surgery, yippee!

I signed up for a class with my friend Rebecca at her studio that started last week. It is a visual journal class, and last night was the second class. It is once a week for 6 weeks. I am really enjoying it so far, feels good to create something again. Now I get to explore how this injury is going to impact my art this summer and fall. Should be interesting. I feel like I need some Mexican milagros, the little "miracle" metal charms Mexican catholics buy when they are praying for some kind of miracle healing. They would be wonderful in my journal I'm thinking...

Shakespeare

2007-05-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight, my 12 year old son was in a play at school, Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors. All 6,7 and 8th graders in the production, with only 3 eighth graders, the rest were 6th and 7th graders. They did such a wonderful job, can't believe that kids can put on this kind of production, with practices only twice a week, for two hours. My son was Aegeon, the father. And thinking about how Shakespeare had such a gift for language, creating phrases that are still used to this day, what an artistic legacy. Do I want to leave any kind of legacy? I used to think so, but now I just want to be art and help all my friends and family find artistic outlets for themselves. Maybe that is kind of a legacy in itself. Check out the photo of my son and the cast, he is the one in the bright red squared vest.

New Video of Baby Bunnies

2007-05-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Took photos and one short video of the new baby bunnies, just too cute, can't wait to be able to hold them safely!

Brainstorming

2007-05-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

I spent the morning brainstorming with a couple friends. We had two hours to just churn out ideas and spark off of each other. So energizing when you have ideas flying through the air, possibilities just poring out of each other and the excitement of planning for success, all though art. My friend owns a studio here in town and it is just the most wonderful space. http://www.rebeccas-studio.com. She is currently offering glass lampwork classes and PMC(precious metal clay) classes. But she really wants to start some visual journal nights/classes, which I am so pumped about! Love, Love, Love visual journaling, but no time or space at home, so a weekly night at her studio to create would just be wonderful. Check out the front page of this site, so cool! http://www.sigilation.com/

Vegetable Garden

2007-05-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

Spent the day planting the largest garden to date, double the last garden two years ago, and we plan to double the size of this one tomorrow! Felt wonderful to plant tomatoes, pepper, acorn squash, watermelon, green bell peppers, yellow squash and cucumbers! Now on to the seeds, we bought so many, we'll never be able to get them all in is seems. The earth was so warm and inviting, ready to be planted and start birthing fruits and vegetables. Just a glorious day all around!

Rabbit Creative

2007-05-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

We had five "surprise" baby bunnies born on Sunday night/Monday morning, so they are almost 6 days old. Eyes are still closed and aren't expected to open for ten days. Looking at these tiny little naked mouse-like babies makes you wonder about the miracle of life on this planet. Birth is such a miracle and it happens everywhere everyday.
Art is the birth of individual feelings, emotions and ideas, also a miracle. Getting something out of your heart and/or head and giving it a tangible existence, amazing. So when I start my new visual journal next week, I think the bunnies will play a big role in the beginning, and hopefully, the rabbits will signify the abundance of creative play that will continue to give birth to a plethora of my own art! Photo is the babies less than twelve hours old...one black bunny in the litter.

First post

2007-05-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

I spent my childhood thinking I couldn't be an artist. In kindergarten, I wasn't able to "stay" in the lines while creating a red crayon colored set of balls(10 pages of paper, each with a round circle from one to ten to color in) Christmas present for my parents and I remember the teacher pointing it out, and feeling so frustrated that my present would fall short of it's potential.

Who knows why some people can color in the lines and some can't or choose not to? Art is so personal, I don't think anyone can "judge" anyone else's creations or artistic expressions, only enjoy them or relate or react to them, or not, and that is ok. So, here I am 35 years later, come to art in my mid 30's as a jewelry designer and now, finally feeling the confidence to explore other areas of artistic expression that seem to want to just burst out of me lately. Could be hormonal, I don't really know, but it is there and I'm going to enjoy every minute of this wonderful heady artistic ride, as long as it lasts!