Happy Newest Year!

This has been one of the longest breaks from the studio that I have taken in quite some time.  What makes a giant break happen? Well, for me it was a filling up of my life with all good things that I am filled with gratitude to report.  I accepted a position as a Visual Arts teacher in a private middle school, ran a marathon, had a one-woman show, turned 45, traveled to Cambodia, Arizona and Florida - and now I am welcoming the New Year with a gentle look back and much excitement to move forward.  

Welcome to 2013. 

Back to the studio.

Street view of my show

On the way back to mainland Cambodia from Rabbit Island

Flying above the shores that raised me

Holiday Elfin Magic

 A few years ago, my family decided that we should all start making our gifts for one another.  Granted, my family is decidedly heavy with professional artists, so in deference to the engineers among us, we did not make this a hard and fast rule.  Even as years have passed and some of us have reverted to buying gifts again, I loved the opportunity to mediate on whom I was giving to as I crafted this or that and have made it my own tradition.  Here are a few examples of the Elfin Goodness that the holidays brought forth.  Holiday cards, adornment, and whimsical creations.  Making things is magic with love.

Winter waits.

Winter waits...

12" x 12"

Mixed Media on Canvas

in progress

I am enjoying exploring the structure of branches - remembering waking up inside the Redwood Forest this past Summer and seeing the understory that arched above our tent skylight.  These paintings were all intended as one part of a lager idea but I am finding that I want to rest with them just as they are for a bit - simple, quiet, spare.  I got a fortune the other night from a Chinese dinner that read:  "Stop searching. Happiness will come to you."  Sometimes painting is like that.

...before calm.

After smooth, before calm.

mixed media

12" x 12"

I am working on some small pieces today while I wait to know what is next for the larger ones.  

When I opened my eyes...

From the Forest Floor
in progress

100 Artists Hit the Street

Here is a link to the Facebook page for the exciting group show that I am in curated by Todd Jannausch. It opens Oct 4 in Pioneer Square.  The Seattle exhibit is one night only and then the whole show travels to two other cities.  Hope to see you next week at First Thursday Art Walk!

https://www.facebook.com/SmallVoids?ref=ts

Small Voids

"Wake"

Mixed Media on Paper

12" x 12"

I am super excited to be a part of another one of Todd Jannausch's projects, "Small Voids".  This is a piece inspired by the sure to be incredible upcoming group exhibit.
More details coming soon!

Quiet Flight

Forest (listen)

38" x 30"

Mixed Media

in progress

I should know better than to post what I am going to do next ahead of time.  Here's to the quiet flyers.

Forest

in progress

I am still working on this one... Experimenting with pulling more woodblock printing into it as I develop the layers but I know the owl print will not last long in this piece even though he continues to be a strong metaphorical presence for me.   I can already tell that he wants to be heard and not seen.  Taking him visually out will make his presence louder.  Listen...

Listening

The Thrush Sings (listen)

acrylic on cotton panel

14" x 52"

in progress 

Venus Greets the Sun

Still working on this one - 

decided to keep it vertical while enjoying letting the layers slowly develop...

"Stand (together)"

Mixed Media

24" x 24"

The sky is grey but the heart is red

Work in progress today...

"Forest"

38" x 40"

Mixed Media

Up up up!

Reach

38" x 38"

Mixed Media

Stand

38" x 38"

Mixed Media

Movement

Climb 3 (in progress)

36" x 36"

mixed media

Climb 1, 2 (in progress)

12" x 12"

mixed media on canvas

Whimsey

Song and Dance
48" x 12"
acrylic on raw cotton

What I did with my Winter Vacation...

Whew! November to January has been a whirlwind of activity and it feels good to be aiming for the studio again. I am currently moving my studio which involves a great deal of spatial negotiation and the thoughtful release of materials and objects that are simply not serving me any longer. Great way to start the New Year! Let the next leg of the journey begin!

Many rides through the skies - such inspiration beyond the window...The ever-comforting embrace of the Gulf Coast

While I was away the 206 Gallery was temporarily installed outside of the Seattle Art Museum.Arizona - what an oasis in the midst of Seattle Winter.

So much fun taking apart my old bike chain and making many whimsical gifts for my bike-riding buddies! Painting time was spare, but the making never stopped.!