Have you seen this one? It's been showing up recently on morning television. A 3-1/2 minute mini-film for Cartier. Beautiful. Reminds me of the Chanel ads from a few years ago.
Thanks for all the cookie chatter! I love that so many of your chimed in. More to come later this week. We aren't done with cookies yet!
If you haven’t already met him, I’d like to introduce Mr. Seth Apter. Our first exchange of blog comments dates back to 2007. Always encouraging and enthusiastic, his remarks were not only appreciated, they became a foundation of a friendship. In addition to being a mixed media artist, I’ve come to regard him as a curator and collaborator, which you will agree if you’ve frequented his Altered Page. He regularly presents his own handsome work, as created for himself (like the "making Waves" series above), or as part of a collaborative project. Some years ago he began presenting The Pulse – an ongoing self-imposed assignment where he surveys artists on a number of topics of interest. A visit to his blog is always fun and informative and you will find yourself hopping around to the many useful links he provides, to events, exhibits, and sites, while widening your circle of acquaintances.
The online project has now manifested itself in book form. Seth has once again culled from a community of artists, and invited many to share their art and their perspective by anwering many types of questions. I am priviledged to be among the spotlighted contributors. His book will be released this month so he is celebrating by presenting 31 artists in 31 days. Visit his blog for daily updates, plus a chance to win a copy of his book, HERE.
Queue the trumpets, sound the drums....
I have observed, both in the book preview available on Amazon, and the posts on his blog, that he doesn’t answer his own questions. Ok, he did participate in chapter one of the Pulse on his blog a long time ago, but since then we have not heard his opinions. Don’t you think it’s time we start asking him a few??? Pick up the pen Seth, (or poise your fingers over the keyboard), it’s your turn.
Later this month I will be one of the guests for the two hour podcast where Seth will be co-host with Mark Lipinski at Creative Mojo. And then I will join a group of artists for a live panel at The Ink Pad. Looking forward to celebrating creativity and what it brings to our lives....and finally meeting the man!
March 28: Podcast with Mark Lipinski on Creative Mojo. Seth will be Mark's co-host for the entire 2 hour podcast which airs live from 3-5pm EST (and which will be archived for listening anytime). They will talk all about The Pulse of Mixed Media and be joined by contributors Michelle Ward, Angela Cartwright, Pam Carriker, Julie Prichard, and Lisa Hoffman. Get your questions ready as this radio show has a live call-in feature!
March 31: Live artist panel at The Ink Pad in NYC. Seth will be joined by contributors Leslie Marsh, Karen Cole, Jill Zaheer, Julie Prichard, Roxanne Evans Stout, and Michelle Ward. The panel will be video taped and available for viewing on Create Mixed Media sometime in early April.
EDIT: HE HAS SPOKEN! Please continue to join in the conversation taking place in the comment section below. Seth has been a good sport about taking on the questions above...here are his answers:
1. I have always worked small and enjoy the challenge of having something small make a big impact. By far my largest piece to date was 3 feet x 3 feet and I made it as part of my Graffiti Wall collaboration with Julie Prichard and Lynne Hoppe. My most recent series of paintings, called Interior Angles, was created on 12" x 12" panels - and I have to say that I definitely liked working larger.
2. For my book, I wrote a very, very long list of questions from which I chose the ones that ended up in the book. They were all questions that came to me because I was curious about the answers and I felt that in all cases, the responses would really offer the reader insight into each contributing artist.
3. Autumn is definitely my favorite season in general and the one that is most inspirational too me. It is the combination of the feel of the season, the colors, the weather, the nature, the smells, the food, etc. that really gets me going.
4. One sentence huh? Now I know how my contributors feel when I ask them for only one instance of something. Here goes: Allow what is inside you to be your artistic guide, with a sense of playfulness, a feeling of passion, and not a trace of judgement.
APPLAUSE APPLAUSE! Thank you Seth. Hey, while we are clapping, how about the clever title of his sculptures at the top? "Making Waves"...get it? Waving hands. *dies at the geniusness*
While we are talking about things we love for Crusade No. 60, I have to declare my love for cardboard. I got to thinking about it the other day when I saw this dumpster outside the pizza place we go to every Friday. I must see it every week but for some reason it got my attention - Cardboard Only. I was so tempted to poke my head in to see what might be in there. I wasn't interested in the pizza boxes, I wanted to see if there were those divider things you get in a case of soda or beer. I love the circle indents - they make great pages.
EDIT: I forgot to include the last spread...now I have to finish the back cover and add some type of closure device.
I've started a new photo album - see sidebar on right - for my cardboard page journals.
I {heart} cardboard!
After a day of rain on Wednesday I was so happy to see the sun yesterday. I was keenly aware that it was the Winter Solstice, and seemed to feel the return of the sun, as we march toward longer days. It may have only been seconds more than earlier in the week but it felt brighter, cheerier. Maybe it was simply a case of enjoying a nearly 60 degree day when I was out and about, when it should be much much colder. All day I was humming "here comes the sun"....and it occured to me...the Son is also coming. Well, His celebration anyway.
Solstice. Christmas. And it's the middle of Hanukkah. Whatever it is you celebrate, I wish you the best. When I say Merry Christmas I always hope the listener hears what I'm saying, which is: I don't know the particular holiday you are celebrating this year so please take these words as wishes for a glorious season with loved ones.
I have loved buying and using these clever gift tags from Anthropologie. I scored my last stash on clearance (yay!) but that might mean they are no longer stocking these (drats). Since I am swifter on the computer than the sewing machine I replicated digitally and printed on ivory cardstock. A few cuts or punches and I replenished my tag source to go with the re-usable drawstring bags I use for wrapping up Christmas.
A little gift for you as a thank you for being lovely, smart, sweet, and funny readers. I'm going to attempt to upload a file here that you can download and print. It's a pdf @ 300 dpi, 8" X 10.5". Print on white or ivory cardstock. Hope this helps with your wrapping and tagging tasks.
Download MWlinedgifttagsBLOG Click on this...hope it works. It opens in Adobe Reader. Here's a close-up:
I'm excited to announce my new workshop for Valley Ridge! Their recently revised website officially launched today so I can share details about my workshop PLUS introduce you to my new collection: OnWARD & UpWARD. Two sheets are available for pre-order. Additional sheets will be revealed in February.
Visit Valley Ridge Art Studio site HERE to see all the fine offerings for the 2012 season.
And ta-da! Here are two of the first sheets from my latest collection. You can pre-order at GreenPepperPress.com.
Black and white and paper everywhere! Subtle sneaky details and high-impact-cleverly-crafted objects all fabricated from paper. Scholarly and scientific in theme, an altered artist had a hand in this one. Look at the evidence - numerous books have been sliced and manipulated with precision. The backdrop and inner lining of the display is a library wall reproduction, and the frame is comprised of reference book pages under an architectural detail. Handsome labels are posted throughout. Scores of animals are presented in pulp that has been cut, shaped, shredded, feathered, and embossed. A bespeckled swordfish, a proud peacock, dashing ostrich, and prancing zebra grab your attention at first glance, but stick around to see all the other remarkable creatures emerging from the shadows. I loved this one! Mr. Hoey is spied making some adjustments - he sees me taking photos and mouths "don't shoot". Ha! He is not only talented, he is funny too.
And because this was so amazing....
Demetrios ~ if you stop by here, *high five* to you! Spectacular!!
This glorious window was difficult to photograph since nearly every surface was reflective. Bronze, copper, brass and gold birds of every variety, sit on perches and in cages, and some are caught in flight. A band of animals, some with trumpets, horns, and an upright bass, pose and play. In the back a large metal set of a moon and sun oversee the performance of the feather and charm clad singers. Loved the music stands and microphones. It's a jungle of copper palm fronds and ferns, with a floor of pennies. And how about that frame assembled with fishing spinners? Heavy metal meets the Copacabana.
One more to go...I saved my favorite for last.
I wish I would have taken a photo of this block of windows from across 5th Avenue. The underwater scene stood out from the distance with its vibrant shades of blue. It looked like it was plugged in. This labor intensive vignette is encrusted with jewels from every angle. To begin at the bottom - the ocean floor is certainly not sand, but heaps of sea glass from bottle green to cobalt. Then every surface is mosaic-covered - the waves that frame the window, as well as each finned or clawed specimen found swimming or crawling amongst the pricey gems dripping from the abundant coral. Scales fabricated from glass, mirror, metal, faux gems, and pearls are applied in inventive and handsome patterns. Those iridescent shells of every shape and size, plus those starfish would be a treasure to find washed up on shore! Dress by McQueen, of course.
Winter in the mountains, in a lush velvet surrounded oasis, with a very posh dessert caterer with well-mannered monkeys....the thing of dreams, right? From full size friendly polar bears, and moose, to the smaller creatures who peek out from under the icicles, every inch is beaded or crocheted or tassled or fringed or lace-covered. The seal serves up the tea or you can have champagne, or both! Why not? The decadent treats, fit for a royal wedding, await you in this wonderland.
I'm not even sure how many windows surround Bergdorf Goodman...there are long ones on the two sides, then some small and some narrow ones on 5th, and there are many at the men's store across the street...but the stars are the five main windows. I've heard they work more than a year on the props and designs and details, and that it takes two weeks to install. We actually saw Mr. Hoey in one of the windows...crouched down on his knees...moving things around. Then we saw him in the store so I was able to bow down in a Wayne's-World-style "I'm not worthy" gesture. He paused with a questioning face and all I could say was "You are the Master". He grinned.
This year's theme: Carnival of Animals. Here is the first of five...
"Artists and Models" ~ You can imagine how amazing this was with layers upon layers of visual interest. Warm and wonderful with articulated figures and animals - frozen in poses in numerous scales. The frames are slatted shutters and pine cones - so clever. When you look closely, which you have to do, you spy old carving tools and curls of shaved wood. I could practically smell it. Genius.
NOW: So give this some thought....when you are snapping photos on Christmas, or your family get-together for a holiday event, move in front of the camera. Pass over the control and make sure you are in a few pictures. Simple. Important. Even if you don't participate on our street team, I hope you'll at least consider the challenge of CRUSADE No. 58, and get caught on film.
COMING SOON: less than a week....
It's a girls night out to see Wicked! Looking forward to the show, but first we will be off to see another wizard - David Hoey, the magician behind the windows at Bergdorf Goodman. This year's theme: Carnival of Animals. Sneak peek below. More HERE. *swoon*, right?
Ode to the Eleventh Hour
I used to be embarrassed that procrastination often left me frantically finishing a project at the eleventh hour. I used to get nervous that I wouldn't meet an obligation and would be branded unreliable. That was before I recognized that I thrive on the creative energy that surfaces while in crunch mode. Beginnings are never difficult; in fact, I love that step of the process. Seeing a project through to the finish isn’t the problem either. The issue is that typically I’ve gotten involved in something else that has the greater portion of my attention and I end up scrambling to make a deadline, whether real or self-imposed. Now I embrace that behavior. Oh yes, I happily wear The Eleventh Hour Girl label.
My creative process usually begins with an enthusiastic spark. Journals are filled with drawings and notes spelling out the numerous approaches I might take with a particular assignment or commission. I like to spend a few days thinking it over, letting the ideas simmer. I sketch out plans that are both realistic and fantastical. During this phase I generate plans that may or may not come to fruition, and may or may not be used for the task at hand – it’s all good. Then I embark on the mission, leaving wiggle room for whatever may happen along the way. Sometimes a project takes on a life of it’s own and tells you how to proceed. I make commitments and eagerly continue forward.
Creating quality work and getting to the finish line in a timely manner is always the objective. However, execution always takes longer than anticipated. Real life and other distractions impede progress and there I am again, at the familiar eleventh hour. I realize that is how I operate and I am fine with that. Why? Because when you are in high gear and under pressure you start to create from a different place. Your efforts are more intuitive and authentic when working under the wire. The artwork is more distinctive and less contrived. All pre-planning is a faint memory. A specific supply may not available so you improvise. You become resourceful. The mess on your table coughs up an answer you never would have considered. Inventing clever results only happens when you are open to the answers and willing to see possibilities. Desperation can be inspiring. And the eleventh hour promises thrilling solutions.
Here’s a story: back in college I had an assignment to draw architectural details in perspective. It required using illustration markers. The night before the presentation I realized I didn’t have the right brown. There were few hours left before the sun rose and all supply stores were closed. It was too late to call a friend and ask for a loaner. I was sitting at my drafting table with a cup of tea (to keep me awake). There it was…. you guessed it. I pulled out the teabag and started dabbing it around the surface. Awesome! During the classroom critique I got applause for the cool effect. It was a classic case of necessity being the mother of invention but it also reinforced my last minute routine. The eleventh hour rewarded my procrastination.
On another occasion, just a few years ago, I was in the zone, concentrating on an assignment. Firmly planted on the floor of my studio, I didn’t want to get up to search for a paintbrush as that might break the spell and delay my completion. A nearby shelf, just within reach, held a box of lonely supplies. No brushes, but a brayer that would not only do the trick, it ended up being a better tool for the task. I had that brayer for a handful of years and never used it. Since then it has become one of my favorite things. Was it ingenuity or the magic of the eleventh hour?
Regardless of how hard I’ve tried to develop work habits that establish ample timeframes, I always find myself pushing the edge. I have a love/hate relationship with deadlines. While I whine about an encroaching due date I secretly love having one. Experience has altered my perspective and I have come to regard deadlines as lifelines. I believe having a fixed time for something to be completed makes me do it. Rather than drown in the murky abyss of procrastination, I am motivated to get it done. A pending deadline can still conjure up a sense of panic, but the concept of a dangling lifeline makes me appreciate having an opportunity to engage and apply myself. Plus, I know that last minute breakthroughs are my constant companions. Making it happen is what counts, even if it is during the eleventh hour.
Thank You Eleventh Hour.
I will see you again soon.
The Nov/Dec Somerset Studio has arrived. Look for it on your shelves soon, or subscribe so you don't miss an issue. I'm so happy to see my friend Anna published in it for the first time! Yay Finn! Also inside: Artist Portfolio of Mary Beth Shaw (of Stencil Girl Products!) and my friend Lynne Perrella with her longstanding column. My article this month is about making your own wrappings - something to think about with the holidays on the way. Get out and spray paint some paper while the weather still allows.
Stampington sent their newest publication Mingle for a blog giveaway. It is a fabulous magazine - beautifully put together with gathering and party ideas for everyone. I think they hit it out of the park with this one! If you want to win a copy leave a comment. To order, visit the newly re-vamped (love it!) Stampington website. See this page for more details about Mingle, HERE.
TO WIN A COPY OF MINGLE, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW. DRAWING ON FRIDAY.
And one more update: For the House Book artists, I uploaded the first set of sample photos. More to come. Click on sidebar link or HERE to see.
I love this. Maximizing the scale of the logo minimizes the information conveyed....except here. There is no doubt what the name of the product is as we are so familiar with it, no matter what the scale. Two letters and we recognize it's Diet Coke.
I love to advocate for using multiple sizes of same imagery. I repeat it often in classes. We even did it as a crusade. I will chop up one of these special issue cans to put in my journal alongside the standard issue as a perfect illustration of how changing a scale not only works, the answer of how to reinvent a look came from the original design. Nicely done!
Special Issue Diet Coke design by Turner Duckworth.
This was the first project we did at Valley Ridge. Cool, huh? The point: it was a great ice-breaker to begin class, and to illustrate the point that we all need to march to our own drummer - especially in a workshop. Find your pace, then stretch it a little. Each artist made an awesome set of sticks...I wish I had taken a group photo! Drats.
I was a little late this month getting the new crusade posted. The challenge is to put into words how you feel about creativity being part of your life. And then, so we get to know one another better, I invite you to tell us about the different kinds of art you make. Isn't true we never really fit into one category? The umbrella term 'mixed media' seems to be a label many use...but I have never really liked it. Too vague. Be more specific...I am a painter, a book artist, a visual journaler, a found object manipulater, a constructivist, an amateur jewelry maker, a polymer clay player, an aerosol artist, a stamp, stencil, and graphic designer...like that. Gives you a better picture, right? Anyway, come play...Crusade No. 56 (warning: if you are at work, turn down your speakers before visiting the street team site.)
*waves* Hello! It's been a while. When we last spoke I was on my way to Valley Ridge. We had a terrific time - a full class of enthusiastic artists who painted and played for three whole days! It was rewarding on so many levels and filled my well for a long time. Love being in the studio and feeling the energy that gets generated when artists gather.
One of our assignments was to walk the gorgeous property in search of new shapes to inspire hand-crafted tools (stencils and stamps). It was a perfect break from the work, to take in the scenery, breath in the not-quite-fall-air, enjoy the sun, and observe all that was before us. I found my way to Katherine's garden - very much in hiberbation and decay, with amazing shapes. The once vibrant flowers and plants presenting themselves as dried pods and other interesting stages of non-life.
I later learned these were coneflowers - typically adorned with violet petals. My impression upon observing the dried evidence, was that the flower had possibly been a black-eyed susan, with golden petals. I am so glad I didn't know they were once purple, as the darker rustier color served as my inspiration for this painting. I used the river rocks stencil by Mary Beth, adding in a few larger stones to make it my own for the section of ground. I made my own stencils for the flowers, and included roots since my attempt at pulling a few to photograph came straight from the earth with entire stem and roots.
Some evidence of our walk around the perimeter of the VR property....Mom is there gathering weeds and avoiding coyotes. (Actually, we only hear them at night....haven't seen one there yet.)
Here is the group - thank you ladies! I loved seeing your individual perspectives, and your fabulous work. So much fun to see old friends and make new ones. I had a great time Raising the Bar with you :)
And just days after arriving home from Wisconsin we road tripped up to Canada. It's been a few years since we have been there and promised the kids a return visit to see our beloved friends, the orcas. You can read about our previous memorable visits in a past post HERE. It was so heavy with rain on the first day that the park was not even open. Drats. Luckily it cleared enough by the next day that we headed straight for Friendship Cove at Marineland, Niagara Falls, Ontario, to see Kiska and Ike. A happy ending.
I'm off to Valley Ridge. A full workshop! Time at a fabulous venue with old friends and friends I am about to meet. Mom arrives for a visit....and we make her participate. Full circle....as she had me finger painting in a high chair.
Got a few of these at the Minneapolis airport. So clever. You can score a few online at InventiveTravelware.com.
*waves* see you next week!
I just saw the commercial tonight. Maybe you did too. Three guys who crochet. They are so passionate and enthusiastic about it. Even better, they took their skills to Uganda and taught local women. Can you imagine? They established a platform, a product, a place for the women to sell their crocheted goods, and rise from their situation. Please visit KrochetKids.org to learn more about these cool dudes and their mission. Their motto: buy a hat, change a life.
With your purchase comes the name of the artisan so that you can learn more about her and her dreams, and you can write to her. So your dollar and your words can provide support. Visuals borrowed from their site:
Doesn't this inspire you? Makes you wonder how you can take what you know and make a difference. Got my thinking cap on.....and my black Waldo beanie on the way.
While in MN....walking the path to the North Point I was searching for new summer shapes. Found alot of cool thistles. Had to wrap in numerous leaves to break loose as the prickles were dangerous. My favorite part of the experience? My niece was with me and while curious about what I was doing, didn't give me the *you're a crazy artist* look I'm used to getting.
Stencils and masks made from tyvek or acetate. Will carve stamps next. Are you claiming some new shapes of your own?
I've been working on some more summer shapes and will show you those later this week. I dug up some older ones, from 2009. I hope it inspires you to look around at the interesting profiles and silhouettes that come with the season.
Speaking of silhouettes - I read in the exhibition catalogue from the recent Alexander McQueen show that he preferred designing a garment from the side view.
"I design from the side, that way i get the worst angle of the body.
You've got all the lumps and bumps, the s-bend of the back, the bum.
That way I get a cut and proportion and silhouette that works all the
way round the body." Lee Alexander McQueen
Isn't that interesting? Gives a much different perspective to look at a figure from the side. We tend to notice fronts and backs - but side view is genius. It was an amazing show - well worth the five hour wait in the broiling sun. You may have heard about the outrageous lines to enter the museum....Fallon and I were two of the thousands baking in the heat to see the exhibit on the very last day.
I loved this one - on display, and with a video to illustrate the painting process. See that HERE. (Photos borrowed from Met site.)
We are continuing studying color and names with the current crusade. It's been a fun investigation to review this aspect of our creative process. Come see what we have been doing HERE.
I love the change of seasons and how each one influences my perspective on art-making. Lighter and brighter colors emerge in summer....and I can spray paint outside which makes me want new stencils. I look around the yard and find new shapes to replicate with tyvek to use in my work. Stencils, masks, and stamps - quick, cheap, and easy new tools to play with.
I am currently away from home (typepad lets you pre-schedule posts!). I am in northern Minnesota for a Kelly family reunion - our first gathering that isn't a wedding or funeral. Thanks to the organizer, my brother John, we are having an early celebration of my Grandmother's 98th birthday.
I have my camera - I am certain I will be finding additional new shapes as inspiration in the deep woods. See you next week!
EDIT: I've gathered all my favorite hand-cut flora and fauna stencils and put together a collection of mylar stencils, available at GreenPepperPress.com
As I mentioned earlier, I met some friends, Andrew and Beryl* at the Princeton University Art Museum to see the Kurt Schwitters exhibit. I was very familiar with his work and looked forward to seeing it. As with any show you attend, there is so much to experience when in the presence of the Real Thing. I'm not talking about the man, known as a prolific artist in his vast arena of interests**, I'm talking about the art. It was a singular experience to really see all the layers in his work and the subtleties that can't be pulled off in a printed publication of his art. The shadows of paper edges that catch the light. The observation of a painty fingerprint. The transparent quality of some of the papers. The scale - larger or smaller than you imagined.
But can I tell you one more thing? I fell in love with the blurb writer. You know what I'm talking about....the descriptive narratives that hang on the walls, that accompanies a grouping of pieces? They were interesting to read, well composed, and enhanced my overall experience. Seriously. I hung on every word. I took notes since I loved the way the writer picked just the right terms or adjectives. Unfortunately they were sold out of exhibit books so I couldn't tell you if the copy on the walls came from the text of the book. If it didn't, you gotta give a *high five* to the writer. Is it the curator who writes it? Who is given that assignment? Never have I given so much attention to those blurbs. Being an article-writer myself, I can totally appreciate a finely crafted description. It's not easy to do. Kudos blurb writer!
* We missed you Katherine.
** In addition to working with collage and paint, KS wrote poetry and prose, children's books, self-published what we would call zines, he designed theater sets, and wrote librettos too!
For these Ruby Tuesday pages (started them yesterday) I tore the cover from the Princeton publication, then filled the pages with my note-taking evidence. I know this about myself - if I don't tear the little pages out and put them in a journal they will got lost in the shuffle and part of the magic of my experience will evaporate.
Here's one thing that rose to the surface: collage. It is a skill he was comfortable with and truly mastered. Collage - an artform I used to shy away from claiming for myself. Why? Not sure. I think because it has been an overused description of modern work that appears to be contrived and unauthentic. When I am among artists I would never use collage as a way to define the work I do. However, when I am with non-artists I mention collage and they nod along, somehow getting the picture. How crazy is that? When I was at this show I learned that KS used collage as a means to inform his segue into abstract painting. I could see how that would work. He used collage as story telling - using a train ticket stub to celebrate the advances in travel. He found richness and history in worn and faded ephemeral elements but equally loved the attractive freshly printed poster with bold typography. He used it all. Nothing was too precious, or too perfect.
I really resonated to this: He reclaimed for art things another artist might simply have discarded as by-products of the artistic process. Don't you love that? I'm thinking about the studio table scraps I put onto pages....or the grunged up craft paper that protects my table getting used in my art. I click with you KS.
Or another: Collage anchors the world of art to the real world of current events and everyday life with the mess and confusion that accompanies it. See? He's an evidence collector! A-ha. I get it. It's ok, you can call me a collage artist now.
The show runs through June 26. Get there if you can. The show is fabulous, there are many other terrific things to see within the walls of the museum, as well as all around the gorgeous campus.
See here: Princeton University Art Museum
EDIT: Andrew informs me the exhibit travels to Berkeley Art Museum in California, August 3–November 27, 2011
When summer settles in I find myself shifting not only the clothes in my closet, but my approach to art-making. I stockpile new paint colors and a handful of new supplies....but I also recognize the transition to a different way of thinking. Do you do that too? We are going to uncover the answers in Crusade No. 52. Come join in the conversation.
The patterned bag is from Marshalls. Love their reusable totes. This one caught my attention as it has many of the organic images I am connecting with lately. The yellow paper and paper spools are recent finds from Paper Source in Princeton. My summer palette 2011 isn't much different than 2010. I love trying on a new wardrobe of supplies....it totally spills over into other seasons....and I have summer to thank for that.
See more about the current crusade over at the Street Team blog.
Nine days of school to go. Happy Summer!
Reflecting today....this date, this birthday. For forty years Shannon and I shared this number, 5/17. This is my third one without her and it still feels so different. We are all learning to navigate a landscape that continues to change, aren't we? Of course we shared alot more than a calendar date. We shared a room, a wedding gown, a family....and very special connection that some sisters are lucky to have.
This art shows a partial peek at an assemblage box I made in her memory. The small deer is a gift from Laure because she knows it's one of my signs for Shannon. It's set inside a matchbox; that's how small it is. Raised above the trees, to symbolize heaven. Set over a paper wing. And there's the pink rose, of course. The red wire - did you spy it? An "x", a secret kiss from me. Another sign we have for Shannon is a snowflake, added in digitally because I couldn't resist.
In the last post Pat shared some wisdom, which I was so happy to learn. It was a perfect thing to focus on right now as I work in my sister journal today. Doesn't it amaze you when that happens? Something is dropped in your path just when you need it. Like this: "The Japanese have a concept "aware" that can't really be translated into English but means something like "the heartbreak of beauty of the moment"--the idea that something so beautiful just hits you in the heart when you realize it will be gone soon." That is new to me. I love that there is a word that captures the ephemeral beauty that is fleeting. Like a snowflake. Like a rose. Like a deer in the woods. Like a little sister who is dearly missed.
Look at these! There are dozens more....all reaching toward the sun, full of enthusiasm, full of beauty about to be born. Just days away.
So, the nineteenth letter....."S" is for Serendipity and Synchronicity. "S" is for Scholarship. September. Sister. Shannon. "S" is for Story.
A Story. As you know, my sister Shannon departed for Heaven in July 2008. With the sympathy cards came generous donations. The very large sum was submitted to the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in her memory, pinned with our hopes of advancing toward a cure. Looking back, I wish I would have thought about setting up a scholarship program, or some kind of foundation that would sponsor a program related to her interests. I spent so much mental energy trying to help her take of things while she was present, that I didn't give much thought to the stuff that happens after. But it is in those early hours of grief that one writes an obituary. It is a difficult thing for a family to do. It is at that time when consideration is given to where donations can be made in honor of the loved one - we make the best selection we can, given our state of mind.
Later, I told Graham that if I go first, please set up some kind of thing that would sponsor artists to be able to go to Valley Ridge.
Serendipity or Synchronicity? I sometimes fail to know which is the appropriate description...but either way, I found it amazing that just a short time ago Katherine established a scholarship program at Valley Ridge. How's that for alignment of energy? The program is growing thanks to generous donors. To get to make a difference to an artist before I'm dead? Oh yeah, I'm all for that so I was more than happy to donate a space in my workshop, joining fellow teachers Richard Salley and Jill Berry who have done the same.
So if you are interested in Raising the Bar with me, or want to participate in another workshop this season at Valley Ridge, APPLY HERE. The deadline for consideration of a VR scholarship is June 1st. Go for it, and good luck!
One last set of "S"s.....
Just saw this post at Another Normal, (one of my go-to blogs for New York window display reports). It's the first I read that Will Ryman, sculpture artist, created 38 epic roses from fiberglass and steel, and has installed them along Park Avenue (until May). Watch the CBS video report. I'm in NY next weekend. *adds to list of things to do*
Details: presented by Paul Kasmin Gallery, in conjunction with New York City's Department of Parks & Recreation, and the Fund for the Park Avenue Sculpture Committee. Installation: January 25 - May 31, 2011 on Park Avenue between 57th and 67th. What to see: 38 red and pink roses, some towering 25 feet high. Artist: Will Ryman.
More photos at Kasmin Gallery HERE. NY Times article HERE.
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.
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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!
EDIT: the videos are no longer available so I have removed them. Click on over to youtube to look them up.
My two favorites so far from American Idol. Chris Medina and Lauren Alaina. Great stories. Their performances gave me Goosebumps! How COOL was that? Singing with Steven. OMG. Great stuff....love when you get teary eyed seeing someone rock their dreams!!!
