Crop Rotation

I have been entering a more creative phase after what I believed were a few art-fallow years.  I recently realized, though, that  actually I had been engaging in a sort of crop rotation of my many interests--mixed media wall art, beaded jewelry, writing, teaching, editing, reading, photo-scrapbooking.  This moment of enlightenment, of seeing how I rotated my interests, was uplifting in that it showed me how refocusing my energy on different tasks was not dilettantism, but was a means to allow those resting activities to recuperate and become ready for more growth. Crop rotation keeps the soil from becoming depleted of specific minerals and deposits and allows for less fallow time.  Similarly, vocation rotation has allowed me to enter a new phase of creativity--one that might be more integrative of all my interests.  As of now, I have started writing, begun an embroidery project, started beading again, continued kumihimo, and generated ideas for larger projects that will incorporate all these activities.  The fun is in seeing where this new journey will take me.  Here is to 2018's crop of artistic endeavors!  Photos to come ....

Color Memories

As the weather gets colder, I not only start wearing more black, but I also begin working with more color. This August photograph from the gardens around Boston University is the color inspiration for my next piece.

Kumihimo Braids

Lately, I have been playing around with Kumihimo braids. I enjoy the threads and textures and am really excited about mixing them with beads.  In addition, when I am trying to take my mind off of a migraine, they are soothing to work with and do not involve looking at tiny, shiny things.  That being said, some of the braids are definitely better made than others, both because of where my technique level was when making them and because of how well I was feeling at the time. Nevertheless, they are evidence that I "persisted" in my art-quest (if I may steal a phrase from our recent political situation).  And to be honest, I think persistence is 99% of making art. Inspiration is great, but having the tenacity to work through setbacks, knots, unravellings, and a myriad of other roadblocks is really what gets the job done.  

I always tell my children how much I hate finishing off the pieces with findings; but, as with proofreading, it is essential to how the piece turns out. I believe that both proofreading and finishing are difficult for many because these actions do not feel like part of the "creative process."  They occur after the aha-moment has passed and the adrenaline is depleted; yet, I have noticed recently that they can also be quite innovative in their own way.  

With writing, proofreading provides the author with a chance to embellish, expand, and, yes, correct grammar. With finishing, the artist can add to a piece, fix or embellish over any mistakes, and make last-minute changes to create an innovative work of art.  Few of the following pieces are "works of art" with capital letters, but they are a display of a journey in learning and playing with a new technique.

Thread and crystals with hand-made glass pendant
$45

Kumihimo thread with mixed beads, coral nuggets, crystals, and buttons
$175

Thread and specialty yarn with jasper pendant
$45

Silk Kumihmo thread with charm
$85

Silk Kumihimo thread with teardrop accent beads
$75

Back to work!

It's time to start posting more pieces.  Everything shown is available for purchase.  Please contact me for shipping and other questions.

Embroidered Cuff with Free-form beading.

$350

Camo Cuff, Free-form off-loom bead weaving

$195

Pair/Pear Trees: Celebrate 

Mixed-Media Wall Art

$15,000

This piece is my "baby."  It took over nine months to create and began as a photograph of Autumn leaves in the the crook of a tree.  With digital manipulation, printing on fabric, and loads of embroidery, painting, fabric collage, and beading it became a celebration of the intersection of Nature and Humans.  

Juror's Award show at NewTV in Newton, MA

These are the pieces that are being shown at NewTV.  I am so honored to be included with all the other talented artists!  Their work is breathtaking!

Wall Art: The first piece is being shown at Newton City Hall For Newton Open Studios' Juried Show

Fall Juried Art Fest! Nov. 5-6 11am to 5pm  The Fest is  this weekend: a free art show with 55 fine artists and craftspeople,at Newton City Hall.* See painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, textiles and more!    Newtonopenstudios.org has the full artist list, art samples, and directions.  There's Wheelchair access (Homer St elevator entrance), and plenty of parking all around the City Hall block.     Win $100 to spend on NOS artists' work!  If you're a FAN of the NOS Facebook page, you can get 2 free raffle tickets when you come to the Fall Juried Show Nov 5-6, at Newton City Hall.  Not A Fan Yet? Like our page , and get your raffle tix at the show! The raffle will be drawn at the end of the weekend, and the prize is good for a year, or can be applied to purchases at the Nov 5-6 2016 Fall Juried show. Save your receipts when you buy goodies Nov. 5-6 - you may be the lucky winner!