gratitude
Here’s a little thank you to my family, friends, and followers! I must’ve worked at Hallmark in a past life; I am so fond of making cards. If you haven’t already gotten one of these in the mail, send your snail mail address. I am grateful for all blessings, big and small, especially the folks in my various circles of life. May each of you have happy and safe travels today. Any journey whose destination is the welcome arms of loved ones is worth it. We normally travel on this day, but with no Nana destination, we are staying put. A relief given today’s weather, but...
Read Morelearning moments
I’ve never met a library I didn’t like. When I arrived at the Patten Free Library in Bath, Maine, I knew I was in for a marvelous time. It was too good to be true: a model of a boat from Time of Wonder, by Robert McCloskey, begged to become the backdrop for a slide show of my illustrations for Ice Harbor Mittens, shown while author Robin Hansen read the book, to a small but appreciative audience. Robin led an orienteering activity, in which pretend sailors could find little lobster trap clues throughout the room. Her brother, Scott, shared some knot-tying techniques. The library...
Read Morefiber & fashion
I think I started drawing girls in clothes in junior high. I thought I’d be a fashion designer right up until touring the apparel design department at RISD and noticing the sewing machines. Sewing? Me? I don’t think so. I didn’t have fond times in home ec. And yet, the fervor of Project Runway caused me to buy fabric, thinking I would retrofit an old coat, um, about two years ago. Finally opted to show this battered sketch to Susan Hanley, proprietress of the renowned Peaks Island Fiber Arts Camp. Repurposing is all the rage, so why not update a dolman-sleeved coat bought...
Read Moresacred and profane
Should anyone think island living is without it’s adventures, here are recent happenings on Peaks that have shined with mystery and magic. This lovely installation by Alicia Eggert was part of the recent Sacred & Profane event, an annual art celebration within the tunnels of Battery Steele on Peaks Island, around the harvest full moon. The Peaks Island Land Preserve graciously allows the property to be taken over by pagan howlings that echo into the depths, which were about 4 inches deep with fresh rain. The above neon piece flickered, with the word “on” going off...
Read Moredem bones
I’m in sort of a lull between deadlines, waiting on the green light for three projects. But no dull moments here. A recent lunch with Curious City at El Rayo got me in the mood. That place is so cheery, it makes my week. I brought home a candy skull to fuel the spirits. Made me think of an illustration I did back in my collage days for Chris Hadden, designed for a promo for Spectrum. I was asked to interpret the phrase “dead on.” I once lived in the Mission District of San Francisco, where there’s a year round Mexican flavor. With skulls on the brain, I’ve had...
Read Moreon the drawing trail
I drew this still life while waiting for Judy LaBrasca to join me last week at the Portland Museum of Art. Drawing is the best thing I know to create patience and awareness. It occupies and lightens the mood, anytime, anywhere. We sat in the newly renovated cafe and caught up. Judy was my first mentor at Maine College of Art when I began teaching there several years ago. She shared some of the sketchbooks she’s made for her Narrative Sketchbook class in Continuing Studies. Lovely! A couple of days later, I joined with another MECA colleague, Mary Anne Lloyd, who shared a batch of...
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