A little late with the weekly details post. I just acquired a mannequin for a new art show display. Don't you love her real glass eyes? Wonder what she sees?
"I shut my eyes in order to see."
Paul Gauguin
Saturday, February 7, 2015
A little late with the weekly details post. I just acquired a mannequin for a new art show display. Don't you love her real glass eyes? Wonder what she sees?
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Details of life #2
Here is your weekly installment of the details of life. Above: I love this gazing ball-the images reflected seem otherworldly-like some place out of a dream. I imagine chasing a rabbit and stepping though it into Wonderland.
"Develop interest in life as you see it; in people,
things, literature, music-the world is so rich,
simply throbbing with rich treasures,
beautiful souls and interesting people.
Forget yourself. "
Henry Miller
Friday, January 23, 2015
Image for the day
I found this image at a local horse ranch(it was on a stable door-How appropriate-The Duke next to a saddle. -Who doesn't love that!
Monday, January 19, 2015
The details of Life
Recently I have committed to the 12 step program "The Artists Way" by Julia Cameron.. Now I had read this book through at least 3 times but never followed the program chapter by chapter. If you have never read "The Artist's Way" I highly recommend it. This book can be used by artists or anyone that is attempting to find more creativity within.
" One of the great misconceptions about the artistic life is that it entails great swathes of aimlessness. The truth is that a creative life involves great swathes of attention. Attention is a way to connect and survive" Julia Cameron-The Artist's Way"
She is talking about paying attention to details of everyday life. Your life right now. Finding delight and wonder in the little things even when your life is falling apart. As you do this you realize that every moment is "not without its beauty".
Paying attention, seeing the details is a way to connect with life around you and in turn it helps "fill the well" of your artistic creativity.
I don't know about you but after 4 or 5 shows I feel completely drained. I find myself devoid of new ideas. To help refill my well I start to flood myself with images, sights, sounds, smells. I give myself permission for artistic play dates or mini vacations: read a book, take walks, take photos, go shopping, catch up with friends, burn a fragrant candle while I'm working, listen to some music I haven't heard for awhile, go bird watching, walk on the beach, go to the vintage paper fair, go to the thrift store or flea market, go to lunch and people watch while I'm eating...anything I can do to flood myself with sensory input. Most importantly while on my artistic play dates I try to pay attention to detail.
To this end I have also designed a project for myself. Every week I will take images of details around me.. These images will be printed out and placed in a journal that I can reference when I need to. They might even end up in new collages or assemblages. I will also put these images up on my blog weekly so that anyone reading this blog may see them as well.
For anyone that is blocked artistically or just looking for more creativity in your life I invite you to "see the details" and start your own detail journal. And just like Julia Cameron states in The Artist's Way " The reward for attention is always healing".
Image above: I found this great vine curl this week. Symmetry of life.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Grendel-a dog's curious life in pictures.
Possessive Grendel-never touch the pig!
Proud parents of a Demon Dog.
Playful Grendel and best buddy Dynamo.
Smiling Grendel.
Beach Walk Grendel-look he's found a stick fish! Grendel continued to walk 1 to 2 times a day until the last day of his life.
Handsome Grendel.
Bah Humbug Grendel.
Patriotic Grendel.
Silly Grendel.
Cone of Shame Grendel.
Loving Grendel.
The Great Dog Grendel
R.I.P.
We love you forever.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
The best Christmas present I've ever received.
I have long been a believer in Angels. I'm not really talking about the spiritual ones. I'm talking about the human ones. Those people who for whatever reason come into your life to help you when your need is greatest.
This Saturday the 20th it became clear that my beloved dog Grendel was dying. I had always hoped that my almost 17 year old dog would die at home perhaps in his sleep. But this was not to be. I called the Half Moon Bay Veterinary Hospital to make the appointment. Dr. Laurie Mckinney was the first vet that Grendel saw as a puppy and she always had a special way with him. I so hoped that she could see him on his last veterinary visit . My hopes were disappointed as I was told that Dr Mckinney was not taking calls this day but she would be in and out of the office.
We brought Grendel into the office and we were told that Dr. Mckinney was in and that she would be taking the appointment from a colleague.
I really can't express how relieved both my husband and I were. She wasn't asked to be there; she didn't have to be there. But she cared enough to see Grendel one last time. When the appointment was over she thanked us for the priviledge of getting to know our dog and care for him.
This is true dedication. This is everything that a vet should be. This is love. This was the best Christmas present I have ever received. Dr. Mckinney, her colleagues and staff will always have my respect, admiration and gratitude for their loving care of my dog during the last minutes of his life.
The real point to my little story is to remind you all that at your lowest moments there is an angel waiting to help you. You just have to allow your heart to be open and your eyes to see it.
And God bless us everyone.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Its time for The Colony of Coastside Artists annual Open Studios. This weekend both Saturday and Sunday 19 studios housing over 30 artists will be open offering their unique art for sale. This is the perfect start to your holiday shopping. It's also a fun way to spend a day or two as you visit the studios, purchase gifts, talk to the actual artists about their art and as every studio will offer nourishment you can eat and drink to your heart's content. How perfect is that?!
This year I will be at Patt Sheldon's studio (jewelry and fiber arts) along with Deanna Adams (Beautiful Sunlight catchers) and Karen Taylor (Joyous hand painted mirrors) at 238 Palma Street in El Granada. And just up the street at 464 The Alameda Ellen Silva will be selling her amazing painted "fence chunks " to beautify you house and garden.
To print out a map to all the studios please go to the CoCa website at www.colonyofcoastsideartists.com. or you can pick them up at each studio location. This year promises to be another great open studios. I hope you will join us!
Also here's a little preview of just some of the items I have for sale:
assemblage: "Mothers Love"
Beautiful Pockwatch glass and antique card Christmas Ornaments
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