This is a WIP (Work in Progress). I am going to be setting up a second Etsy shop to sell the many wonderful strands of beads I've collected over the years. I recently made the decision to focus on my visual art, and, while it's difficult to see my beads go, I'm going to be selling them on Etsy. I have everything from semi-precious to Czech Glass, to bone and shell. My hubby, David, photographed a picture to use in my banner. It gives you a sense of the lush quality of the beads I have. I'll keep you posted and write an update when I open my new shop.

Primal Grace

Grace comes of its own. You may want it so much; you may even pray for it. But it will come to you in the most unexpected way at the most unexpected time. It will overtake you and fill you with Beauty and Love. Receiving Grace is one of the most primal, basic experiences we may have. When the experience is over you are left breathless and filled with Gratitude.

This mixed media assemblage is done on a piece of tree bark. It includes paper and a feather. It shows the hands reaching up to receive Grace. It is 14 x 3 x 5/8 inches.

Welcome Spring

Today is the first day of Spring. Here in Lowell, Massachusetts, it's still grey, cold and wintery ... all the more reason to finally put my Spring Heart Tree up. For those who are not familiar with the origin of my seasonal trees, the impetus began over a decade ago. I always loved to play dress ups with my house at Christmas, and along with the tree, which had a few quilted hearts on it, I also had hearts scattered around the house ... in bowls, on shelves, and in nooks and crannies. But when I took the Christmas decorations down, I would inevitable get a let down. Not only was my house no longer dressed up, but outside the weather was grey and blah. For years I thought I should make some Winter Hearts, but was deterred by my lack of a sewing machine. For some reason, this year, nothing got in the way, and I happily made Winter Hearts by hand. For anyone who wants to see the Winter Heart Tree, scroll down a bit and you'll see it.

I'm in love with my Spring Heart Tree. The colors and the feeling of Spring really make me feel as if I am welcoming the new season with all of my heart.

The Silence

In the ancient Vedic literature of India there is a concept referred to as the "Cave of the Heart." This sacred space is both the seat of our higher Self, but is also the location of an intimate connection to the Source. The Vedas urge people to spend as much time in the Cave of the Heart as they can. One way to do this is meditation; another is contemplation. And sometimes, some people may just find themselves there as it is also a magnificent source of creative energy. Here are the words to a song I once wrote:
Listen in the Cave of your Heart
the Silence echoes your name.
Do you answer the Call
to come home again.

This mixed media piece, "Cave of the Heart," is an ACEO assemblage. ACEO stands for "Art Cards Editions and Originals." ACEOs are small 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. Usually they are flat, and I have done some ACEO colored pencil drawings (you can look back through my blog to find them), but this was my first attempt to translate my larger assemblages, which I can no longer do because of lack of studio space, into a smaller format. The components are: mat board, dirt with aluminum foill, paper, paint, mother of pearl star, matte and gel medium. My "Cave of the Heart" is very earthy. The lotus is also a sacred symbol in Hindu art and literature; it stands for the purity of the Self rising out of the muck of the ego.

Celebrating Winter

My family and friends are familiar with my collection of quilted hearts. I have a set for the fall and a Christmas set. I tuck them into nooks and crannies, put them in bowls, and for Christmas, put them on the tree. Then, every year, when I take down the Christmas decorations, I get this let down feeling. For two months I have been playing dress ups with my house, and, suddenly I'm left with the Winter blahs. Everything seems dull and grey (unless, of course, it's snowing). So every year, for about the last 15 or so, I have had the same thought ... if only I had some winter hearts. For some reason, this year I did something about it. I made a collection of Winter Hearts, in shades of blues and whites, each one made totally by hand, one stitch at a time, because I have no sewing machine. So now I have my celebratory Winter Hearts and a Winter Tree as well. My husband likes it so much, he wants me to continue and do one for each season. So look forward to my Spring House dress ups ~ they'll be ready about the same time crocuses are pushing their little heads through the soil.

Choo Choo

My DH (dear husband), Dave, is really into miniature trains ... no, I mean REALLY into it. He has built about an eight foot square that sits at about chin height (for me). He recently added another eight foot square (3 X 3 approximately) across from the bigger one, which he is connecting with a wooden link so that the trains can go back and forth, and of course, 'round and 'round. I am fascinated by this grand work in progress. Dave has boxes of trains, train parts, miniature buildings, and cars and trucks.

This definitely a work in progress. So far he has his track laid out, though he is still futzing with it a bit. He's got trains hooked up that can actually run around the track, and he has some buildings and train stations set up. He hasn't even begun to get to the trees, grass and people stage, because he is just so in love with the trains. There is no such thing as too many trains, and he continues to buy and collect more and more. He uses the HO type trains, which means his model trains are 1/87th the size of real trains. Eventually there will be tunnels and a bridge, and of course, a landscape. With his trains he is like a kid in a candy shop.

Snow Song

I love wolves, and really wanted to make a drawing of a wolf in the snow. This one is entitled "Young Wolf Snow Singing." And I really wanted the wolf to be "singing." This is, in a sense, a mixed media piece, as I used Prismacolor Colored Pencils and an oil stick. It was my first try at combining these two, and I want to experiment some more, using conte crayon with pencil. Where is his pack? Close by no doubt. Maybe I will show some more of them.