postcards from the edge

Although I often find myself fantasizing about a studio somewhere separate from my home with a built in supervisor demanding that I keep certain hours, forcing  me to inform my family, "Mom's off to work! Sorry, the laundry, meals, grocery shopping, rides to friend's houses and doctor's appointments will have to be done by someone else!" ... I would not be able to have as much fun as I have this summer. Being an artist and a parent, family member, friend necessitates  that you carry a sketchbook in your mind at all times. It's this file in my memory that keeps notes on color, form and inspiration whilst at the same time, having conversations over tea or walking with my kids in a sculpture park or museum.

We rented a house outside Culpeper, VA for a week this summer from where we were able to take day trips to historical and cultural must-sees. At the Natural History Museum in DC I discovered 'crinoids' which frankly, blew my mind. I became separated from my family for a while as I snapped as many photos as I could of these prehistoric-linked beauties. I was struck by their sturdy nature while being so delicate and graceful at the same time. The implications for my current 'Nurture' series had me shaking I was so inspired and grateful to have discovered them. I was able to do a few simple sketches which will develop this fall into larger more abstract pieces.

My kids were inspired by something they'd seen as a trend online to "plank" in random spots around D.C.

Art is where you find it!

I was tempted to ask the staff at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello if I could lock myself in here for a bit and paint. 

We made a visit to the deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Licoln, MA with friends and a picnic. Watching kids interact with art and listening to their reactions is always a huge inspiration to let go and have fun with my own art.

Finally, we visited family in New Jersey and as always, I was inspired by the reddish/orange of the Jersey tomato and the pale yellow of her corn. 

While in New Jersey I was able to schedule a few commission meetings with new patrons. I look forward to these new challenges from increasingly wider nets being thrown! I am working on a few commission pieces in my studio and a large new piece in my new series...will post photos when they are ready for their close-ups!

Be well - enjoy the fading days of summer.