Holiday Studio Happenings

Every year I make a huge effort to produce my own holiday cards...and yes, I'm a big believer in sending out a holiday card at this time of the year.  It might be the only time I connect with many on my mailing list and therefore what I send should be something special.  I feel that way, not sure everyone that receives one does, but that's OK also.  In the past I have block printed a card, painted a card, created a fabric tree, created puzzles, printed off my own creation as the subject matter on the front of the card and so on and so on.............................................this year I wanted to do something simple but different, so I'm machine sewing a loose interpretation of a holiday tree onto the front of the card, writing a message at the bottom, cutting my own star to adhere to the top and I've printed off on my HP printer a message for the inside.....working up a dozen at a time...and I'm only on my second dozen.   Usually I have them all complete and in the mail by this time of the year, but I'm a bit behind, but they will be done by the end of the week for sure.

Not many folks put our holiday cards any longer...in fact not many send out anything any longer..it's all done through the internet or facebook or ???????     I really like the personal touch and I hope that those I send to know that and get the spark or idea to do the same.  It's a tradition that shouldn't end because of the times, but carried on.  Just like sending out Thank You cards...always do that, but many do not.  I just want someone who takes the time to think of me to know that I care that they did take that time. 

Although I'm a social bee and like to be around other people, this year for Thanksgiving hubby and I spent it alone...just the two of us.    I good a small type turkey dinner and we were perfectly happy;  no mess, no fuss, no huge clean up.  Not that we weren't invited somewhere, it's just that hubby is having a bout with anxiety when it gets in crowds...therefore, we just can't attend those types of events right now.  He even opted out of his own families holiday party later this month (usually has a minimum of 40-maximum of over 80)...too many people.  We are planning on having a dinner here at home on Christmas day and we're hoping adult kids and grandkids will come...plans are in the making.

FORCE OF NATURE Exhibit

 Last night was the opening reception of "Force of Nature" exhibit that I shared with my fiber friend Marjan Kluepfel...we had a moderate crowd and several good friend stopped by the see what we had put together to show.....Marjan and I have known each other for over 12 years and she's on the teaching circuit throughout the US and Internationally...I was flattered when she asked me to share this exhibit space this year and I hope we do it again next year.  I pulled work from my past and created some newer pieces also....these four pictures are work that is in the larger room...I'll post some individual images toward the end of what is in the smaller conference room.  I did sell a piece of work;  Marjan sold a piece also.........so, all in all it was a successful reception and we appreciate all the folks who came out Friday night working against the traffic and the semi-bad weather.

Commicare Health Center is a clinic and art gallery by day....that's why you see all the chairs against the wall space.  But their walls a tall, huge amount of natural light , perfect place to install an exhibit the size we had.  Thanks to John Bonner, Exec Director for all he did to make this all happen.

Thanks for my sister Kim and her entourage (Susan, Linda and Joan), friend Cathy Cederlind, ex-FEDEX friend Linda Robbins (from LA), gallery friend, Marcia Ruth, CFA friend Martha Wolfe, my daughter Gail and grandchildren Ricardo and Daniela and all the new friends I met that came out for Marjan.  All in all a great evening.  And a huge thanks to my step daughter, Christine for helping out at home caring for my hubby so I could have a short evening out without worry.

 The above pieces are some of Marjan's work...she sold her sunflower.

 The two larger pieces of the right are mine....the three on the left belong to Marjan.

The three above are some of the smaller and most recent pieces that I have hanging in the adjacent conference room...........one of my black/white snow scenes was sold last night....yeah!!!!!

Ehren Tool / Ceramics and more

This fiber collage is of Ehren Tool.   I was watching Craft in America:Service about two weeks ago and it featured Ehren Tool from Berkeley, who was in his masters program at Berkeley...a ceramics major who created cups depicting war, battle, soldier memories....a returning soldier who found his way through schooling paid for by the GI bill.....I was really struck by his work and what he believed in as a man/soldier/warrior and as an artist.  I went on line to find him to see where his work was for sale as I really wanted to purchase a piece for my bother-in-law, Val Schiele...a true blue 100% Marine who fought in Vietnam on several tours of duty...I have his name in our family  holiday draw and I thought this would be something he didn't have that I knew he would love.  Surprisingly Ehren responded to my email saying he didn't sell his work, but that he'd be honored to work up a cup for my brother-in-law....I responded back saying OK and thanks, but how about we do a trade....so I created a fiber collage of him which just went out via FEDEX and he's creating a cup for me to give to Val...................the perfect trade.  I hope Ehren likes his collage...I enjoyed researching him on the internet and using images and words to put together his collage.  "Anyone who has witnessed war, is a changed person forever"...his words, not mine.  I love the Craft in America series and recommend anyone to view them...you learn so much about people and why they do what they do. 

On my own quest.....I'm struggling a bit, but loosening up....it's difficult when I have to be "on" all the time watching and caring for Lynn.....but I've gotten more studio time this week and I will say it helps me make through the day care wise.  I don't like the interruptions, but they are going to happen and knowing that makes them come a little easier.  I'm planning "what next" and working up some fabric to use...pictures to come later. 

Tomorrow I hang about 16 pieces of work at the CommuniCare Health Center in Davis, Ca with my friend and fellow fiber artist, Marjan Kluepfel....."Force of Nature" is our title and it runs from Nov 21 to Feb 6, 2015...reception happening Fri Nov 21.....I hate receptions, but I'll work this with Marjan and I'm sure we'll have a good time.   I have Lynn youngest daughter coming in to care for him and that makes it much easier for me to ease up and spend some time with others selling my work. 

Enough for now........picture and more information as time goes by.  11/14/13

PASSION

I realized something yesterday that really has me totally upset....I have such a huge passion for so many things in my life and my husband has none.  And that saddens me terribly.  I am a bit naive at times because I think everyone leads the same life as I do, until I stop and talk with others or think about what they do and don't have in the lives. 

My passion stems from my art work...I appreciate others art work and am passionate about finding out how and why they do what they do....just like I think about why I do what I do in my art form.

Example...last night I was watching Craft in America: Service...fantastic series and this episode was wonderful....featured a young new artist, Ehren Tool who lives in Berkeley and creates ceramic cups with images of war and his experiences while he serviced in the Marines.  Fantastic work, fantastic images and a fantastic person....and I got very excited about what he was doing I wanted to share what I had learned about him with my husband, the only other person I live with in this house, and he wasn't interested in the least, just went back to sleep in his recliner.  I had no one to share my excitement with............so, I emailed Ehren himself and now I have an ongoing conversation going with him about his art.    I found a new friend.

I realize I have a lot of passions in my life....passion for my family, passion for my friends, passion for my art and passion for how I live my life..................and I totally refuse to give in to anything else at this point in my life.