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It was ten years ago that I made this as a color insert for Teesha Moore's The Studio zine. It was a great honor at the time. I miss that quarterly issue, as well as the self-imposed assignment to create black and white pages for it. Maybe I will revisit more of my work for it here....in case you weren't a subscriber way back when.
Yesterday at the check out a shiny penny in my coin purse caught my eye. It was then that I discovered a new 'tails' side. In that same purse was a wheat wreath penny as well as several Lincoln Memorials. Not only was it a moment of awareness of the new issue coin, but cool that I had the older one too (1945).
How many pennies have you forked over without looking at them? Did you know there are now seven different backs in circulation? The BiCentennial of Lincoln's birth (2009) brought four special issue tails.
I pay more attention to the postage stamp special releases than I do coins and bills. I remember coming across the new design for the $20. I was like, "what? when did that happen?" The large face and added graphics and color was jarring at first, looking more like foreign currency than U.S. Have you ever visited a U.S. Mint? We went to the one in Philadelphia a few years ago was a wonderful experience. Loved seeing the pennies being pressed. Loved seeing the oversized original engraving sculptures of the images as well as the sketches. Love American History.
I always do the covers of journals last. This is one of three of my RTs....simple design, but a fun narrative don't you think? Cool that it ended up matching up for this month. Below are a few pages I held back as I wasn't sure what would be in the recent article...
I just got my copy of the new Somerset Apprentice - great stuff! My sweet friend Linda Warlyn is featured, and you can find me in there too. It's been a couple years since I've written an article. I will have two more coming later this year in Somerset Studio and Art Journaling, then I will fade back into the shadows again.
Here is a sneak peek of my Table Scraps journal I'm sending off. Very hard to part with...had such a blast finishing it up. It was one of those projects you start and then you get distracted by something else. Felt good to give it the attention I had planned, using only materials that were on my work table (or nearby on the floor!) Feels like I'm always chasing some kind of deadline. Call me 11th hour girl. I like elevens.
And my latest favorite thing is hummus with Focaccia Sticks. In a pinch I'll be happy with celery for dipping but those sticks....swoon! Got the recipe online somewhere. Have a great weekend. It was 68* degrees here today....love THAT.
I have been collecting quotes for a hand-out and these rose to the surface. Other's thoughts on talent....which got me onto more subjects - being inquisitive, having interests....which reminded me of my fave: be curious.
Do you get the Painter's Key newletter by Robert Genn? If not, visit here. He shares his observations and insights as an artist. A recent favorite is THIS ONE. He addresses the concern that some teachers may feel, that by sharing what they know the field becomes more competitive. One might think that if you impart too much you are empowering those that might outshine you. I disagree.
A good teacher will inform and encourage, so you learn some new skills, and draw on your strengths to determine your own style without imitating theirs. Like the quote Robert shared from Thomas Jefferson, lighting your candle off someone elses doesn't eliminate the original flame. In fact, the world becomes brighter.
Have you ever been at an event, like maybe in church, when a room is transformed from darkness into a warm glow as participants each light their candle from just one? It is glorious. THAT is a perfect visual for sharing your light, your love, your talent, your enthusiasm. I say spread it.
The workshop announcements should be updated at VRAS today. Visit the site to learn more about the venue, how to enroll, and the full line-up of teachers for the 2011 season. Registration begins in March.
Hope to see you in Wisconsin this September!
Workshops announced Monday at ValleyRidgeArtStudio.com Fabulous instructors. Amazing place. Follow map above and meet me there! Registration begins March 5th.
EDIT: Valley Ridge site will update on Tuesday.
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The view from this morning. Ice-covered everything. The sound of ice on snow is louder than you would think. Luckily most of it melted off the trees and powerlines before causing too much damage. In addition to the frozen roads, my computer has been freezing up all day. Rrrgghhh. Frustrating because I was ready to post the new crusade, second in the Evidence Series...AND I have been on-fire with thoughts that I wanted to type up. What kind of thoughts? I have a new workshop that will be presented later this year (announcement coming soon) and the plans and preparations and ideas haven't stopped flooding in....three days may not be enough to cover all the material gathered in my mental files, and scribbled notes. OMG, I can't wait!
I was able to post the crusade....with additional new journal pages to follow. Come play!
