The Delicious "Taste Of Ashland"

This is an annual Ashland event . . . the Taste Of Ashland, a city wide sampling from restaurants, bakeries and caterers as well as various wineries (and even an organic Vodka!). This year their kick off event, the "Gala" which incorporates the "Quick Draw"(where artists create, ready for hanging, a piece of artwork in just one hour and auctioned off for fundraising) took place at our new "Ashland Art Center".

Since this is where I have my second floor studio I was present for the wild, gregarious and thrilling evening. There were drink and food samplings everywhere, two bands and 17 artists who participated in the "Quick Draw". I chose to watch, paint casually and take photos while encouraging my peer artists. It's one of the decisions I did make to lessen stress in my life (now, believe me that lil inner critic squawked about my not participating, but I'm acknowledging those comments and moving into happier, healthier commentary) and I got some hilarious images.

You can see how packed the space, even with three floors, was with celebratory guests and artists. Guest began piling in at 7pm and flooded every open area. Artists had been decorating the entire day in prep and psyching up for the "Quick Draw". At 7:30 the "Quick Draw" began and here are a couple of our artists at the onset of the event.

People milled around nibbling and enjoying watching the artists sweat it out. The public was requested to refrain from talking with the artists but, you can guess how well adults sipping wine, vodka and festivities followed requests!

Most artists finished on time and with all the flurry of energy and spontaneity ~ we had only one disappointment in the art creations. Susan's sculpture ended up being a bit to moist and just collapsed onto the floor. Our artist maintained an optimistic attitude and smiles, as you can see. My nearest neighbor, Sylvia Trujillo, completed her rolling hills oil piece and it sold immediately for the full asking price!

What a night to remember ~ ~ and, perhaps I'll take part in the "Quick Draw" next year. We'll see . . .

One Show Comes Down, the Next Goes Up

This lovely venue, the Palace Cafe (http://www.palacecafeashland.com/), came to me on a quick spurt and I was able to fill this pleasant, well-lit wall. The owner, wanted new work on his walls, had contacted the Ashland Art Center, and they gave him a couple of us artists who have large format pieces. The other artist was "spread a bit thin" right now with lots of Spring shows, so mustered together ALL the bigger pieces I could and well ah!! All fourteen framed filled his walls with pleasant breathing room.

There was some confusion on when I was to take down the show and I double checked, mentioning I'd be able to leave my pieces there for another month if necessary. But I received a call, letting me know another artist was anxious to hang and I could come pick up. I was a day of flurry, because that very same day I was to hang for the upcoming May Ashland First Friday at the new Boulevard Cafe.

This venue I also heard about thru the Ashland Art Center. A newly redecorated end of the Strafford Inn on the south end of Ashland has long, well lit walls and will be on the Artwalk too. The have fabulous coffee and delectable eats along with a spacious room with overstuffed, comfy accommodations for patrons. They are very kind and accommodating to their month artist as you can see from their website: http://boulevard-coffee.com/cafe/events/

Because of the open, wide cafe and an awaiting audience available in their Inn guests, I had a flash idea. So I've proposed to them, my offering to their guests, along with any of my previous students who'd like to partake, a "Journaling Clinic". I'd offer a short presentation in a class-like manner and then, just be available for questions and helping anyone who had requests. We are now bouncing back and forth the idea and may or may not incorporate this "Clinic" idea into their newsletter for the upcoming Shakespeare Theatre patrons and Souther Oregon tourists.

Life IS full of great opportunities and gifts . . .

I'm learning and trusting I'm open to all to the Universe's abundance. Join me won't you?

"Jacksonville is for the Birds" ~ A Birdhouse Project

The Winter's Project for our "Art Presence" group, focused on highlighting fine art in our historic town of Jacksonville, was "Jacksonville is for the Birds". We'd solicited artists to create an inventive birdhouse to be auctioned in benefit for the "Jacksonville Woodlands Association" (10%), "Art Presence" (10%) and the individual participating artist (80%).

In February we previewed a portion of the completed birdhouses at the local Jacksonville entryway display case. From there, the thirteen various birdhouses nested into windows of main street retail business windows for a period of 6 weeks.

The culmination of an entire project took place on April 17th in common celebration with Jacksonville's Annual Hike-a-thon. In between all the gregarious out-door celebrations of Spring was our Birdhouse Auction. This year not only was there a hike followed by a breakfast, but an additional hike to dedicate a new trail to a local woman, who'd operated a long time business here in town, and recently lost her fight with cancer.

Our Auction went pretty well. Not as many bidders as we'd hoped but our professional auctioneer, Steve Wall, conducted a lively and humorous fundraiser. All in all, ten of our thirteen birdhouses found homes and we raised $261 for the Woodlands too!

Our "Art Presence" group learned alot about how to improve our presentation and effectiveness for next time. We'd succeeded with our first Birdhouse Project!! Next year we're thinking of "The Chair Affair" ~ ~ want to participate? Just start dreaming about your most magical, imaginative chair, table or even ottoman.

The First "Frit" Sighting

Those of you familiar with wildflowers may understand that "call". Living here in Jacksonville, OR, I've come to be acquainted with this silly sounding name for a plump, richly colored, trumpet-like rare flower. We here in Jacksonville even have an entire month we celebrate this blossom, we post children's drawings of the flower all over local business windows and have a hike-a-thon in April in search of the first "frit". The Scarlet Fritillary (Fritillaria recurva) is from the Lily Family.


So the other day, when Roland, Cody and I'd gone on a short hike and I'd stumbled across my very first "frit" sighting, I was thrilled. We've lived nearly 5 years here and on most of our hikes, it was more in the heat of the Summer, when all the lilies were long ago wilted. Among nothing but grey sticks, stretching across a dry, high ridge, this lil beauty glistened with it's robust color. Of course, she had to be the beginning for a new journal first entry.


My painted version shares the page with the starting sketch from our Ashland First Friday Artwalk for April. These pigment tubes are 'on sale' from a peer studio artist and was something I could quick sketch out on a bustling Friday evening. I played with the copper metal flakes to add the sparkle of the metal lid in which the tubes lie. A pleasant, colorful start for a new journal. And you know . . . the journal continues and continues :)


Happy Creating!

Ten Days from Hell

I was looking forward to the month of April, when the drama of Winter storms stirs excitement and an aching for more of the Spring "sneak-peeks". We'd been taking lovely hikes up the trails behind our home near the Britt Festival grounds and savoring the green. Well, something else re-emerging for the Spring was also lurking . . . yes, and old friend who'd remained distant for several years. Personally, I'd preferred it stay that way - but - you guessed it. It showed up just when I was packing and getting ready for my trip down to the Bay Area for the reception of my group show, "A Year in the Secret Garden" (see: http://www.harlandhandgarden.com/Frenett.htm) - without invitation - my ole friend, poison oak. Yep.

I wasn't going to let it stop me tho. I nursed, washed, bandaged, oozed and . . . just kept going. Total of 5 spots, neck, shoulder, one face cheek, left thumb - and, most uncomfortably - on the one cheek of my 'bum'. Yep. But like I said, I wasn't going to let it stop me. Our lil family, Cody (the Retriever), Roland and I set out for California anyway. Me, just kinda grinning and bearing it. Then, (you know how the "Universe" just has a way of saying things that you already kinda have a feeling about?) about 3 hours into our 7 hour trip, the car starts missing. The farther we went the more lil lunges it seemed to take. Finally, I opened my mouth saying, "I'm ok if we just turn around and get the car back home safe to have it fixed." The vote was unanimous - we turned around.

So, now back safe and cozy in Jacksonville, I'm licking my wounds (at least the emotional ones of not getting to see my dear artist friends at the Reception) and progressing along with the poison oak healing. I did want to pass along to all of you a NEW and wonderful poison oak treatment. I'd been talking with my long time friend, Ron, about my challange and his caring partner, and avid gardner and nurse himself, called me with h-i-s best ointment. It's featured here with two other fairly successful thearpies. I've used "Technu" for years, but it didn't seem to be cutting this episode. The NEW "Zanfel" is a miracle - after just one treatment (you moisten the gritty scrub then, scour the effected area for 2-3 minutes, then rinse) I saw and felt improvement. I can tell you I highly recommend this stuff!!! The third item pictured is called "True Tamanu" from a nut with soothing and healing qualities. I used it several years ago after a dermatological treatement that left my face with crusty,red patches - this oil was wonderous. This is what I'm using on the dried poison oak blisters as they heal. Well, so much for my medical recommendations.

It hasn't been the most fun period of 2010 so far, but it has taught me both more gratitude and more compassion. Now, I am in awe, thinking of the amazing system the human skin is, soft, flexible, sensitive and beautiful. What must it be like for those with burns or life long skin conditions? My heart goes out to them in a new way.

I'm again, blessed with health and over and over and over, remain thankful! I have been creating during this "down time" and I'll get to sharing those next. Meanwhile, stay out of those lovely, red 'n green bushes thriving along hiking trails at this time of year :)

Journal Version of Recent Trip

My goal today was to complete this final double spread page in my journal, the last enty into this journal which began on 7-21-09, nearly a full years worth of life. Those of you who caught the previous version of my "photo" version of the trip to San Jose will, sorry to say, see some replications. But I thought you might enjoy seeing the watercolor translations into my journal.

Of course, we start with the amazing vision of Mt. Shasta. I love how watercolor depicts clouds, with that heavenly transparency that only transparent pigment can. I've added some white wax crayons for edges of the clouds and it simplifies the process when I'm painting - don't have to be concerned with my white edges so much.

Next is the completed version of my two dear friends at the restaurant table. I'm totally happy with the portrait on the left and finally, with Floy on the right. I had to shorten her chin abit, and nip off the tip of her nose, to make it more delicate. Check out the in-progress version of this twosome on March 21st blog post.

And the memory I most wanted to capture for my hike at Uvas Park was one of the glistening creeks. I loved the small, intimate cascade into this pool with the ferns softening the edges of the pool and the image. I'm fairly pleased with this image.

I'm asking for input on the presentation of the final page. As you know I'm not the happiest with my Micron pens right now. They just wear down so quickly on this watercolor paper - so on this page, I've tried out the Ultra Fine Tip Sharpie. Yes, it was consistent with the same amount of ink BUT, the thing I didn't like was that even with the Ultra Fine tip, I still got a real heavy text. I'm unhappy with the overall final full 2 page spread. I really want the images to have the strongest presentation in my journals. But, to me, now this page has strong text that battles with the images for priority. Hey, it could just be me. But . . . I'd love to hear your ideas and opinions.

But, just keep creating and experimenting . . . life continues to be full of lesson, artistic and spiritually. Trust the process!

Valentine's Day & Mentoring Sweetness

I've wanted to share this page in my journal for awhile - - but you know the "getting-to-the-computer" challenge. So, finally here's the entries for my Valentine's Day and the ending of my Mentoring with my Dear Kiri.

Valentine's Day was a bit unpredictable. I'd received this lil flier from a fellow at the February Ashland First Friday in my studio, and it intrigued me. The presentation of film shorts included beautifully hand-colored films and - I thought - perhaps Roland, my Valentine, would find that entertaining. So it put me into action of reserving dinner at his favorite lil Ashland restaurant, Lela's (http://www.lelascafe.com/) with a brisk early dinner in mind. That way we could wisk off to the University Campus and see the shorts. But as the day approached, I realized, to be open, compassionate and self-less (well, at least an effort towards that), I asked him to make the decision as to whether we'd hurry a single course, or revel in a slow, "muse-ful" dinner. When we got to the restaurant and he saw the menu (did I tell you, he's a "closet" fabulous chef?) - you can guess which direction won out. Yep, the leisurely dinner. And it felt calming, pleasing to watch him savor his dinner and my company :) I've kept a portion of the tender card Ro gave me at dinner, to complete this entry.

Now the ending of my mentoring project was pretty tender too. I'd been invited by both Kiri and her parents to be present for her formal presentation of the "Mentoring Project" that she and I'd endeavored to fulfill over the past 40 hours and 3 months. I was so touched and amazed at the maturity of the 3 earlier presentations - I could hardly contain myself. But when Kiri took the stage, she'd framed beautifully her final piece (the triptych) and matted uniformly in dramatic black mat all the exercises and sketches we'd every developed.


Her presentation took awhile as she dialogued what she'd learned, opening with profuse compliments for me. I delighted as she unveiled each piece and heard the audience exude a "wow". I was immeasurably proud of her and impressed by her progress when viewed this way in entirety. Following the assembly, her mom and dad handed me a lush and gorgeous rose bouquet and thank you card. Of course, I teared up :)


Over the next few days I pondered our whole endeavor and came up with the word "worth" - because out of all that investment and interaction - what I felt most and saw Kiri beam with - was worth. Increased worth.

So, now for the new technique - I'd been aching to try this new technique with Golden's Light Molding Paste. I understood you can spread the paste onto WC paper, then, carve in different textures and words. It dries white, light weight, and absorbent. When dry I dropped in various colors that went along with my feeling of "worth" and lastly, some delicious acrylic liquid bronze. Yippie - did I have fun! LOVE this new process - so unpredictable and luxurious in texture. I did find tho, that after it had dried and I'd dangled my dried rose on string (to add movement), the rose petal stuck to the paste, tearing it off my yellow string. But I'll use this again, guaranteed.


Looking at the page . . . can we have too much sweetness in our lives . . . heck NO!!! Go enjoy!

A Trip Full of Planning and Play

I really have not fallen off the planet. I have had planned for several weeks a trip down to the Bay Area to satisfy many requirements. With plans to participate in three (yes, actually THREE) different shows down in my ole stomping grounds, the San Francisco Bay Area. I left early in the morning and pass the gorgeous Mount Shasta en route. There was an incredible northward wind pushing the cluster of clouds around the peak into mesmerizing patterns. I did sneak a shot as I drove by. Nature truly is astonishing with it's ever changing visions.

The first show upcoming is "A Year in the Secret Garden" that will be the culmination of a project involving six artists who painted monthly in a beautiful El Cerrito garden full of exotic, amazing greenery. I was honored to be among these amazing artists (including Jane Hofstetter, Charlotte Britton, Charlotte Panton, Jean Warren, Anne Fallin and Ruth Beeve). The show will take place at the "Glenn Gallery of Art", http://www.theglenncustomframing.com/ running from April 1-30, artist reception April 10th, 1-4pm.

During my visit I met/stayed with my very dear artist friends, Jean Warren and Floy Zittin planning our collaborative show in Los Altos, July 6-30. This show I'm so excited about - as we three have kept in communication since we all moved five years ago via painting! YES, I did say painting! We have been mailing full sheet pieces, each contributing a 6 x6 inch comprobable space. Here's a sample of one we've completed, "Puzzling Nature". Also, we have an ongoing dialogue with 5 x7 inch pieces, responding to the previous artists entries or just where we are in our lives. Those we now have 67 pages!!! And along with hanging challenges we plotted out a workshop we will make available on the Saturday,July 10th after our Friday Artist Reception at Viewpoints Gallery (http://www.viewpointsgallery.com/). I've just begun this journal sketch of us planning at the restaurant table - the poor waiter never knew what hit him :)

The day before I left I joined and dear friend and her hubby on a hike of Uvas Park in the Almaden Valley. It was a lovely day and the park offered lush fern with numerous waterfalls. The Madrone trees were blooming with their tiny with flowers and scents of various bushes filled the air. I've got some juicy images for paintings now gurgling in my mind ... here's a sample.

But my home was calling ... after I'd picked up the two (yep, not just one) of the favorite pizzas from his most-missed-Italian-restaurant for my hubby and a cup on my favorite Starbuck's Chai Tea ... I was on the road. I've got it down to just under 7 hours travel between San Jose, California and Jacksonville, Oregon. So now I'm tucked sweetly back with my two boys (the hubby and the furry one, Cody) and relishing what a beautiful, full and joyous life I have - on a pretty gorgeous planet.

So just take a moment and especially during this springtime, savor the goodness and wonder of our world. Blessings?? beyond counting ...

First Plein Air Painting of this Spring

Well, according to the calendar, it's not r-e-e-e-e-a-a-a-l-l-y Spring yet. But I'm ignoring that. One of the artists who is my dear neighbor at the Ashland Art Center, Sylvia Trujillo (http://www.ashlandartcenter.org/pages/homeSylviaTrujillo.html), 2nd Floor Artists Studios, set out to have our first plein air session on her birthday, Sunday, February 14th. She sent off invites to her students and other interested artists. I got there just after her suggested meeting time, 1pm, giving the morning chill a chance to burn off.

We all met at the southwest end of Emmigrant Lake, near Ashland, Oregon. It was a warm afternoon with only the breeze coming off the lake to cool us. I treked around with my camera to catch potential paintings. Although I favored some of the views right on the lake, I opted for the south side of a knoll with exaggerated, bare trees and a manzanita bush with gorgeous cast shadows.

I'd planned to work on a flat format 12 x 16 inch block, plotting out a design that would eventually wrap around 6 x 12 x 1.5 inch stretcher bars. The drawing took me awhile but I did get in my sketch and the majority of my wax crayon resists. I've been working on the piece on and off for these couple of weeks and finally feel about 3/4 done.

At this point, I seperate the single sheet from the block. First, I wet only the back of the paper (remember, the image is already on the other side), readying to wrap the paper around the stretcher bars. I center using the sun streaming in my kitchen doors to position the paper, centered over the bars. Gently, I lay down the face of the painting on a soft, plastic wrapping and begin pulling the opposite sides of the paper tight before stapling with a staple gun. When I've got the corners tucked and stapled back, I let the piece dry, braced back up, while resting on any object about 1-2 inches high.

I've spent some time finishing up details. Softening some hard edges, darkening focal point values and dotting in some color to balance out the painting and increasing interest in my area of focus. Here she is from the right side, demonstrating what I love about these lil' "intimates" as I like to call them (no frame or glazing to seperate you from the painting surface). When you walk up to these, because of the wrap, the side of the painting introduces you to the image and it changes as you walk by ~ ~ even from the top or bottom. I believe her name will be "Early Spring Break". What do you think?

Ending of a Month ~ Beginning of an Adventure

Ok, here's another awkward post ... but, we're aiming at honesty here, so here we go ...

It's been peculating probably for a year, this episode in my life. At first I was startled by it, resistant, then, realizing that it truly was a dream of my husband's, I've now begun chewing on accepting it. This episode (are you ready?) is, the possibility of moving to Mexico. Yep, waaaaaaaaaaay down south, out-of-the-country Mexico. He's been sampling homes, cities, villages, health insurance etc. for over a year. Together we've begun talking about our needs/wants and now have taken steps to go spend some length of time down where we'd both consider possible.

The first step was getting a vehicle that got better mileage (yeah, I was ALL behind that, good for the planet). So over a period of weeks, we stumblingly (is that a word?) acquired a new red (I'd gone for a more earthy color, but buying used ...) PT Cruiser. It's mileage is around 28mpg as compared with the 11mpg of Roland's truck and it functions better for me to carry paintings/art necessities than the sedan we'd first considered. Now, I'm finding this zippy lil' PT kinda fun ... and ... she will be a vehicle we can tow. Yes, tow (are you ready again?) behind our newly acquired [gulp] 28 foot RV.

There, I've said "it". I've never been one for the ostentatious, nor a "giant" carbon footprint, nor what feels like extreme extravagance but, here she is. After considering value for re-sale and storage and quality, this was the best option. I still waver between embarrassment and acceptance when I walk out in our yard and see her. But my husband has always been so very attentive to our "nest" and requiring quality in our home, I'm settling into this. Just the other night we enjoyed our first dinner and movie in "Tiffy" (yes, we've named her). And it was a pleasure ... warm, cozy, even romantic.

We plan to test her out on a couple local camping expeditions this Spring/Summer, followed by a Winter trek to Mexico. There we'll sample the reality of this dream for both of us. I've spoken to many artists/friends and am finding there is a huge ex-pat number who do and have done just this. One of my students worked in a Mexican bank, another artist's friend found much more success after moving to Mexico and other's have told me of the numerous possibilities of teaching classes. So I'm chewing, I'm chewing.

Love to hear any and all of your input ... I have learned, my opinion/perspective may not be the only or best one in existence. So "The Travels & Learnings in the Life of an Artist & Spiritual Seeker" continue ... appreciate your traveling along by my side :)

To Pay Homage to My Beloved

I'd planned to sit down on Valentine's Day for this post . . . but as you can see, I'm a tad late. HEY, but none the less sincere. One of the songs I love the most is "Wind Beneath My Wings" and this post I hope will send a similar message.

My Beloved, my dear husband Roland, has and is such an intense support behind me being an artist. When we first met he encouraged me to continue following my professional career in Fine Art (I'd graduated with my BS in Illustrative Graphic Design and had illustrated for a brief while). Over the years he has always been there helping me sit up my panels and tents, assisting with my mat cutting and framing and a morale steadfast when I was stuck in a creative logjam.

Now that he is more or less retired and I continue at my continual dedicated, driven pace, he is none the less my anchor. Over the past few months he has begun to exhibit some of his "workings in wood" much to satisfy my frugality and requisites for studio displays and projects.

First, he was the total foundation for my "Birdhouse Project". Together we researched finch birdhouses online and we chose one he would build for me. He did a lovely job although he nearly had to stand on his head to get his band saw to cut the angle necessary for the roof pieces to meet. With his continual drive for animals, he even created an angled hole for the finch entry which creates privacy and protection for the youngsters. To finish off his end of the aviary home, he primed and painted the lil' wood abode. From there ... it was all mine to complete ... and I was really pleased with the outcome of our mutual project.

Again, he came to my rescue when, in an attempt to downsize my print rack for my studio, he designed and built me a beautiful oak print rack. It was more compact and just peeked out from under my tall drafting desk. With a more narrow cradle, I double stacked my smaller prints and it presents nice and airy, while professional. He was, again, a God-send.

And just recently, when I moved into my new Studio Space (I believe we are going to number my studio "Studio 13" which has some historically lucky references: In the Great Seal of the United States there are 13 olive leaves (with 13 olives), 13 arrows, and 13 stars. These form a triangle over the eagle with the number 13 on each point. On the reverse the pyramid has 13 levels. And some equally interesting international references: It is an honored number in many countries throughout the world. There are 13 occurrences of the quantity 13 in the design of the Great Pyramid of Gizeh in Egypt, the largest stone edifice ever built. In the Indian Pantheon there are 13 Buddhas. The mystical discs that surmount Indian and Chinese pagodas are 13 in number. Enshrined in the Temple of Atsuta in Japan is a sacred sword with 13 objects of mystery forming its hilt. And 13 was the sacred number of the ancient Mexicans – they had 13 snake gods.) Oh my, sorry about that aside ... but, in my new studio I needed a very shallow, tall display table with two shelves. And who came to my rescue? Once again my sweet hubby. With tape measure in hand, and caring hands at work ... he proceeded to craft a lovely Oak Display Table for me. Without knowing it he had provided a shallow back support perfect for me to attach a clap-on lamp to spotlight my tiles.

How does he know to do these functional details that end up satisfying needs I'm not even aware of? Is he Divinely guided? Are we psychically connected? I could venture to answer those questions ... but what I can declare without any inkling of doubt, is that he is the wind beneath my wings. And I can never totally express how indebted my heart is to how he loves and supports who I am. Amongst so many blessing, my Beloved is one of the greatest. Thank you Universe, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Spring Thaw - or - Spring Tease

I know it's only early February . . . but I've been noticing occurrences outside. Not only have we been having one of the most mild winters since I've been here (this is my 5th), but Spring flowers are coming up way early. The earliest I've seen my crocus up was February 14th ... this years new record is February 4th. And they were probably there before that, only I'd not been even looking for the until I was Downtown Jacksonville for a meeting and noticed several happy yellow heads bobbling in the sunshine! As soon as I got home I saw my sweet lil' buds all up, just awaiting to open.

It's taken me many days to get them in my journal but, here they are with my take on the blooms.

And once I was aware that things were poking their heads up in ready-ment for Spring I began looking everywhere. We have a herd of SnowDrops that have been ripening outside my studio window since mid-January and now they are in their full prime. These are adorable poisonous plants that were in existence when we moved here and each year they provide the very first hope of Spring to come. The surely make me smile each time I peer out my home studio windows.

So you see, "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Clause" ~ and ~ Spring is really going to come. Not to rain on this cabin-fevered parade, but this could and probably is our usual, what we call February Tease, that starts us drooling, planting Summer flowers and wearing shorts (I'll admit, I even found myself sitting in the warm sun for awhile yesterday). Then, shortly after this, Winter returns, laughingly almost with her freezing temperatures and grey skies. But for now ... I'm smiling and wigglin' my toes in the cool, sun lite grass.

Watching Life in It's Evolution

This is a difficult post for me to write ... but, I want to be authentic and hopefully, with that intention, encourage all of us to more be and share who we are along life's path. So, here goes ...

I'm sure you recall my thrill and sheer enthusiasm nearly six months ago when I had the opportunity to share a studio space in the new Ashland Art Center's Second Floor Artist Studios. And for me it was a huge jump, finally believing I could possibly afford and had something to offer the public in sharing openly my art and my process. I began being asked to teach more, I grew in focus abilities so that I could paint with more outside stimuli taking place around me, and I loved the juicy stimulation of being around the other fantastic artists in studios adjacent to mine. I felt I was really in the right and perfect place to blossom and thrive.

First, conflict and then, growing friction began to appear between some of my peer studio mates. We attempted to have meetings where miscommunications and misunderstandings came to the surface. I was hopeful, really looking at what I wanted to understand, discuss and clarify. Weeks went by and I grew more uncomfortable, alienated, and sad. When finally, there was a meeting where, the only resolution to the problems came, I needed to leave the shared studio space and there was no further communication.

For a couple miserable days, I watched myself and this old pattern I had learned and apparently carried into adulthood, became crystal clear to me. "I'd volunteered to be the victim!" Slowly, suddenly I woke up! I was volunteering to be the victim!! And within hours, I had a new mantra/affirmation running thru my head knowing that "I have the perfect studio space surrounded by supportive, stimulating professionals with high standards, integrity and communication skill"! I was NOT giving up my dream!

Back at the studio (remember, I still have students and a mentoring commitments to fulfill), I spoke to some of the other artists, telling them I'd be leaving. I was astonished and comforted to see that they didn't want me to have to leave either. But I didn't see any option ~ ~ all the studios were full with a waiting list for any vacancy. One very sensitive and kind artist even suggested we trim down the "Artist's Lounge" at the top of the stairs and carve out a new studio space for me. I appreciated her soft, warm thoughts. In a few days, I received a call from the Art Center Executive Director. She said there was a movement afoot that wanted to reduce the Artist's Lounge size and use the available space for a studio - my studio. Was I interested? I was near tears. Yes, of course I was interested! Next time I went up to the studio floor, there she was: a sweet 7 x 12 foot empty space, taped off and totally vacant, offering herself up to me. For me, a miracle had happened.

Today, I moved into my new, totally autonomous space. I now have room to hang my bigger pieces, still teach private individual classes and feel unencumbered with how I show my cards, prints, tiles and journals. I feel new and free and like my quickly formed mantra/intention came to fruition faster than I ever could have believed possible. But - it was true, my dream already existed right there in front of my very eyes! Only I hadn't seen it.

So, in my journal entry ... I wanted to express the full spectrum of emotion I was experiencing. I've chosen to use symbolism or metaphor to illustrate the feelings I was having in the previous shared studio space. And although I used representational images, I've coupled them with my own expression and meaning. This is a really considerate and professional (and actually, very intimately personal - because only I understand the exact meaning I intent) to use when there is the possibly people involved in the situation reading or seeing your journal. The image of my NEW studio space is my more colorful and precise vision . . . probably more a view from my heart than my eyes. Anyway, you all understand . . . but it's a challange for my heart to do the typing.

Appreciate your open and receptive hearts in sharing this episode of learning . . . and hope it can help you along your path of lessons as they present themselves.

"Jacksonville is for the Birds"

Last year three of us "upstart" local artists created a group entitled "Art Presence", to bring about the awareness of Fine Artists and Professional Crafts persons and enliven business in Jacksonville. We are continually inventing events and the most recent is our upcoming "Jacksonville is for the Birds".

I've just finished my Birdhouse ... using polymer clay (what fun and the colors made me salivate). First, I started out deciding a theme, Victorian houses (perfect for our lil Historic Jacksonville which is full
of Victorians). Then, I researched motifs I liked or thought were applicable for my size and shape of house (a finch birdhouse). Next step was to draw an exact-to-size layout of the pieces and, along with my very generous polymer clay teacher (Sarah Waldron - do check out her lovely oil work at: http://sarahwaldron.com/) endeavor to shape, size and process all the parts. She hasn't heard the story yet of how, when attempting to warm my clay, I placed it under my very warm studio desk lamp and cooked the clay (it usually cooks in a toaster over at 265degrees). Overall, I was pretty pleased with it considering it to be my first clay project - I really got into the detail, as you can see. The last day working on it ~ I had to stop myself from making a ladybug for the roses - ha,ha!

The six birdhouses completed early, as a sampling, are now on display at the local J-ville Library for a month, then, May 15th, will go into various Jacksonville businesses for viewing and a final auction, April 17th, in the park with a professional auctioneer to jazz up the event. This event is in concert with the annual Woodlands Hike-a-thon, and dedication of a new trail. Pieces that sell will donate 10% to the Woodlands, 10% to the Art Presence and the rest goes to the artist.

So we're off to see what the next adventure "Art Presence" takes us on. For now, I'm lovin' the new medium of polymer clay and having day dreams of how to incorporate it into my journals. Creativity never ends . . . savor follow where it leads you.

Work in Progress

Whoa, I can't believe it's past mid-January. There have been many things percolating and this project has been in the makings for five years.

In 2005 my two good friends, Jean Warren (http://www.jeanwarren.com/) and Floy Zittin (http://www.floyzittin.com/), and professional artists, were separated by family moves. To keep in touch we mailed a sketchbook between our homes in Jacksonville, near Ashland (OR), Cupertino (CA) and Bodega Bay (CA). The rule of the communication was that no written explanation was to be provided; the challenge was to communicate our lives simply through the use of images.The sketchbook was started in 2005 and continues on today.

Finally, we are having a show of these "Sketchbook" images as well as several other collaborative and "spin-off" pieces at the Viewpoints Gallery (http://www.viewpointsgallery.com/) in Los Altos, CA in July of this year! Part of the show will include 3 "spin-off" pieces (larger paintings stimulated by the small "sketchbook" pages) by each of the 3 of us. I've begun one of my "spin-offs" taking from one of my very favorite Spring images of cherry blossoms. Above is the small, 5x7 inch, "sketchbook" entry and below is the start of the larger piece.

These bigger pieces will be 8x8 inch, stretched over stretcher bars. And like many of my lil 5x5 inch pieces, I will spill the image all the way around the sides of the stretcher bars to create a changing, continual viewpoint from every side. Yep, even the top or bottom, should you want to attach yourself to the ceiling or lay on the floor and take a peek :)

I began this larger painting during the "Ashland First Friday Artwalk" of January. I'm finding I'm even capable of painting, somewhat intelligently and spontaneously while engaged by conversation. A huge accomplishment for this artist!

So, as usual, I'm delighted to find what our spirits are able to accomplish when pushed to expand our "comfortable envelope". Here's to recommending you take some kind of risk and try creating in a more public venue . . . I'm betting you too will be astonished and pleased with that amazingly confident spirit within you.