Breathe

I was struck by a column in the Denver Post yesterday by Natalie Constanza-Chavez, titled "Find holiday spirit in a single breath," -- about slowing down and focusing on nature and your breath to center yourself in this crazy time, in this busy season, of this increasingly difficult year. It's a well-written and timely reminder of what is most important. 

It reminded me of a moment a week or so ago when I spotted a huge red-tailed hawk sitting on the ski rack of my car in the driveway in our very urban neighborhood. It was so large and stately and unexpected that it took my breath away. It was an amazing sight and I keep thinking it must mean something. Sometimes nature rushes in to speak to us in some way.

Anyway as the holidays approach and the year draws quickly to a close, I plan to slow down as much as possible and thoroughly enjoy my work, friends/family, and holiday preparations. The matriarchy in my family is renowned for creating beautifully wrapped and decorated holiday packages and I love that tradition. I plan to spend time making fewer gifts more special this holiday. Who knows how many batches of spiced pecans may need to be stirred up?! 

Figments...

of my imagination! Crazy papers that suggest a mouth, an eye, hair -- somehow come together into a wild facial expression or abstract portrait. A lot of serendipity is involved.

After my Mom saw some 30 or so pieces of the Foundling series on display at the Arvada Center Holiday Art Market a couple of years ago she jokingly said, "Maybe I never really have known you all that well...!" But then I was the kid that saw faces in the clouds and the wood grain of doors.

So while this series is rather whimsical, compared to some of my other work, it is fun to explore what can come of parts and pieces. I think they could be displayed singly or in "families." Some people have had very strong attractions to specific pieces that reminded them of someone specific.

Foundling Series Available on Etsy

Well, I got busy today and began to post some of the collages from the Foundling Series on Etsy for sale. They can be found on my new and experimental online store. Above is a snapshot of a series of the collages in my studio. They are a motley crew but fun to work on and send out into the world. Create your own wall of wild family members, eh?! More to be posted as time allows.

2010 Addendum: These collages are no longer available through Etsy, but are available via my website here.

Constant Companion

Well, here is a recent scene of artwork at the front door, ready to be shipped out, with supervision by our "Director of Homeland Security" -- my constant studio companion -- who somehow has never been featured in this blog! Millie is a nearly-8-year-old standard poodle with amazing athletic and ball-handling abilities, as well as good company!