A new Russia?

This is not the Soviet Union of my youth. This is Russia, THIS Russia, even has a beautiful sound to the name of it now.  Say it, "Russia".  No longer "Soviet Union or the Soviet Bloc".  Yes, it's back to Russia.

It has been decades since they had their ballistic missiles trained on my grade school. Let's go back in the recent past when Ronald Reagan, that chipper man with a blush in his cheeks, stood up and shouted, "Mr. Gorbechev, tear down that wall!" Remember that? Or if you're really young, you might just remember hearing about that. Well anyway, back on topic... I recently ran across a most beautiful photo story on  Inhabitat , an online zine related to eco awareness.  

The picture is of an architectural proposal for the Primorskiy Zoological Park, to be located in St. Petersburg, Russia.  Now this is some kind of beautiful.  The ethereal quality of the naturalistic geodomes is amazing,  I really, really, hope they can pull this off and build this zoo.  The plans are amazing.   Check it out.

More Jewelry I've made

Just a few pictures I ran across of some jewelry I have made.  

 

I had to take a hiatus from jewelry making to concentrate on working.  It is my dream to be able to do it again.  I am a nurse practitioner though, the job saturates me.  Need to pay bills, buy food, gas, and most importantly, health insurance.  Is more than a job, is a career and I have established a practice I have to maintain.  

Not much energy left over for creative efforts.

Someday... 

If you read this and like these designs let me know and give me hope that it is all worthwhile to keep hoping and dreaming. 

Indiana Artisans Expo

Yahooooo!  I just got this hot off the press...er... internet.  Anyway, I am clearing my calendar next weekend.  What more could I want Art + Food .  Wow!  Who came up with that idea?  I can't wait and if you are able to go and got a lick of sense, you will be there too.  Or be square.  Oh, I'm showing my age.  I can't wait to see the artwork, wine, chocolates... um what a combo.  Quick, hit the link below for more info.

Indiana Artisan Marketplace

The Indiana Artisan Marketplace is a chance to buy one-of-a-kind artwork and artisan food directly from the Hoosiers who make it, to meet the artisans and to share their stories. Visitors will be able to watch artisans create their food products and artwork, cultivate relationships with their favorite artisans and celebrate Indiana talent and creativity.

WHAT:	Indiana Artisan Marketplace
WHEN:	Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE:	Indiana State Fairgrounds, Expo Hall, Indianapolis
COST:	$8 admission (free for children 15 and under) and $3 parking





My house boat life

I don't really live on a houseboat, but if I did, I would be a full time artist.  I really don't know anything about houseboats or boats in general but living on a boat sounds so romantic.  I'm pretty sure it's not.  I bet there are really hundreds of reasons why one would not want to live on a houseboat full time.  But I can dream can't I?   Here is a boat I found that might do.  It's for sale and can be found at Elite Boat Sales .  They have lots of really neat boats for sale.

 I would string up some colored party lights in here.

 Doesn't this look fun?

 This would be a great place to sit and work on my watercolors!

 Wouldn't these beds look great with colorful quilts atop?

 The galley (hey that's an official term) is tiny but efficient.

Some vintage kitchen ware would light this up wouldn't it?

Check out these items from the Lake Forest Kitchen Lady's Ebay store

or at Retro Redheads Vintage Home 

Once I got the tiki lights up, the quilts on, the retro kitchen and bathroom goodies in, art supplies on board then I would have a party of course.  Cocktails, appetizers, and interesting people.  I would chart a course out of her slip and sail her to the a beach spot where we could have a bonfire and party into the night. 

I guess it costs a lot to park a boat in a Marina though, and I don't know what I would do with my husband and dog Max.  Just another daydream I guess.  But really, check out those retro shops above, you'll love them.

   

Jewelry I've made

My journey as an artist has taken me in several directions.  I've enjoyed painting in watercolors and oils, drawing, needlework, lace-making, hemp jewelry, beading, and currently am hoping to learn more about silver smithing.  Here are a few of my first jewelry creations:

 

When I'm not creating something, thinking something up, planning a new project, or dreaming of a new direction, I feel like I am missing something.  If you are interested in jewelry making and want to try beading, go to Fire Mountain Gems.  They have everything you need.  

My Favorite Watercolor Teacher: introducing Susie Short.

I used to paint with a lovely box of Prang Watercolors.  I still have the very first little me box of watercolors I got as a child.  Eventually I advanced to the big girl paints in the little tubes.  A watercolor block, paints, a couple of buckets of water, an old cloth diaper or paper towels, and some adequate brushes is about all you need to get started.  My favorite video watercolor workshop teacher is Susie Short.  I was inspired by her lovely watercolor seascapes.  She makes it seem easy and you can work right along with her.  But she does other subject matter as well, including landscapes.  She is fun to watch.  If you don't have the tubes, fancy paper, or expensive brushes, it doesn't matter.  You can get a box of Prangs, a pad of watercolor paper from the craft store, and use any brush that feels right.  The important thing is, if you are inclined to try this DO IT.

 http://www.susieshort.com

Just a Few Finds here and there

As we careen into the wireless information age, the virgin arts and the artisans that master them are disappearing.  To discover one such artist is serendipitous, a joy of inspiration.  My first exposure to sewing in general was my middle school sewing class.   My project was a turtle pajama bag.  I got the zipper in crooked, but the feeling of accomplishment I got lit me on fire.  I am inspired when I come across the evidence that art is still alive.  The spark of creation is still being struck all around us.  In a world of digital art, machine embroidery, mass marketed art prints, photographs, and clothing, it's almost a miracle to run across these artisans.  As I drink my coffee and troll the internet, I feel like an explorer of ancient artifact treasures.   Here are only 3 of my finds in this secret garden of the arts. 

Common Thread Cottage

Out of Orlando, FL, Amy Morrell is keeping the art of heirloom monogram embroidery alive.

To take up a skill such as hand embroidery,  intricate lace making,  heirloom sewing and learn this in a vacuum without benefit of a mentor is not easy. 

Custom Masterpieces original oil portraits

In an era of digital photography, isn't it wonderful to find the handiwork of a gifted artist?  A hand painted portrait captures a moment in time but also embues it with the essential personality of the subject.  The softness of the skin, purity of innocence, love of and between the subjects and the gentleness of the moment are all communicated in the portrait above.  The hand of the artist brings this portrait to a multi dimensional experience. 

Baby Blush Boutique

Aren't these little booties sweet?  Simple in design and structure, but the effect is priceless.  I'm inspired to search for adorable little fabric print, maybe Japanese or Hawaiin design?  Yummy.  I'll keep you updated.