Blog Posts

Just A Little Closer

10/31/2017

It’s Tuesday. Halloween. Hearing from folks who won’t be able to make the opening this coming Saturday. I knew it was going to be tough to get people to show. The holiday season is kicking into high gear. Tack on normal everyday family-friend-other gatherings and availability further constricts.
That’s okay. It will be what it will be.
In the meantime, I've been focussing on finishing up a few frames for larger paintings made from salvaged mahogany planks from a 1940 Chris Craft Utility named “Spirit” (As in the cheerleading variety, but I choose the soulful meaning as it supports the Jungian Synchronicity references in the titles of most of the work in this exhibit). The bung holes on two of the framed pieces make for interesting character and sanding has been soothing, meditative. Overall, I love the grain of the wood and color brought out by a simple coat of linseed oil.
Thirty three pieces of art - monoprints, paintings, and mixed media pieces - and labels are ready to go, which means I have days to fret about stuff like food and wine and other beverages and what types and quantities and... You get the idea. The art is what it is. People will see what they see in it. Or not. However, there must be tasty bits and plenty of them.
Here's where I have to remind myself to breathe and that it will be what it will be.
See you Saturday? There will be tasty bits.

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In One Week's Time

10/27/2017

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Opening Reception
Saturday, November 4, 2017
6:00 to 9:00 pm
Maple Valley Creative Arts Center

Getting ready to print show labels, reminding myself to order tasty nibbles, and updating the website while epoxy on frame stock dries downstairs. After many months of working on new pieces - nearly all of which turned out to be what I had originally planned for (of course!), my first solo exhibit in decades is taking shape.
Why decades? That's a bit of a long story. In a nutshell, I traded in my passion for a 9-5 steady income. Yep. Sold my soul. My reasoning? Massive student loans to pay off, newly married and way too codependent, needed health insurance...oh so many excuses that all boiled down to FEAR. That "evil corrosive thread that runs through all things."
But the Universe has a funny way of snapping us between the eyeballs, yelling "WAKE UP!" I had to let go of the codependent, emotionally abusive relationships. I had to let go of employment as I knew it. I had to let go of being comfortable yet burned out. I had to let go of fear. And because I couldn't let go fast enough, the Universe gave me a gentle push.
In the past two years I have been given the gifts of space, resources, and time to make art. When money started to be in short supply, I was given the gift of teaching art to and amazing bunch of kids who want to learn art and an employer who is kind, thoughtful, and creative. I have so much gratitude for everyone and everything in the path that has led me to this moment in time.
And I'm very curious to see where this goes next.

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UPCOMING SHOWS

6/23/2017

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4 Corners ArtWalk July 5

Join me for Maple Valley Creative Arts Council's bi-monthly ArtWalk! Starting at The Nutty Squirrel at 6 pm, a group of us will enjoy art from nearly a dozen local artists and sample tasty treats as we walk to five local businesses in the 4 Corners area. Route will be: Nutty Squirrel, Bellissimo Lashes and Nails, ChocElan fine chocolate and dessert bar, Eagle River Interiors and Vintage Vino and Espresso. I'll have about one dozen abstract paintings on display at Eagle River Interiors - all available for purchase!

Elegant Beauty: Five Millennia in the Making July 5 - September 15

Shadow Lake Nature Preserve seeks to engender an emotional bond between community and the green spaces we preserve. This multi-media art exhibition inspired by the wild beauty of the Nature Preserve explores this bond. Immerse yourself in the photography, collage, painting, and sculpture that make up this unique collection of art and take a walk through the historic Shadow Lake Bog, to see the natural space that inspired the works.
This diverse collection allows visitors to view the Nature Preserve’s grounds through the eyes of local artists, including the three paintings you see here created by your's truly! Come explore the ways that SHADOW’s distinct ecology has influenced South King County culture and keep in mind that this wetland complex has been forming since the last ice age.
Works will hang for sale in SHADOW’s Ritcher Education Center from July 5 thru September 15, 2017 with a celebratory reception on September 9, 2017 from 1 to 5 pm.
Click here for more information about Shadow Lake Nature Preserve.

New work in progress.

Save This Date - November 4

Make plans to join me on Saturday, November 4th from 6 to 8 pm* at the Maple Valley Creative Arts Center for a little nosh, a sip, and...MY FIRST SOLO OPENING RECEPTION! (I promise to have more available than a fruit and cheese platter and water. :) I'm working on a series of new landscape paintings just for the occasion. The reception is free, family-friendly and open to all so please bring friends and family. More information to come! Click here if you'd like to receive an eVite.

*Time is subject to change.

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Just A Little Closer

In One Week's Time

UPCOMING SHOWS

4 Corners ArtWalk July 5

Elegant Beauty: Five Millennia in the Making July 5 - September 15

Save This Date - November 4

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