Artist Talk today at Long Beach Island Foundation

I'm off to NJ later today to give an artist talk at the Long Beach Island Foundation of Arts & Sciences. http://lbifoundation.org/displayproducts.asp?cid=952&pid=150 Apparently, I am the first in the series of artist talks/ pot lucks/ get-to-gethers. I will be gathering up some new work in progress. While thinking about the work it occurred to me a couple of things... the first being the influence of the painter/sculptor Ed McGowin. I had the opportunity to assist Ed in his studio when I was a student at Pratt Institute in the the early 1980's. Ed's diverse use of materials and narrative tableaus has shaped me through the years- without me even realizing it until very recently. I googled him yesterday, there he was with a fabulous website http://www.edmcgowin.com/

I have also been thinking alot about the use of narrative in my work- and how there is a continuity between past and present, the physical body, transcendence, faith and fear. Off to load up my car... more on this another time.

Barack,Eva,Elvie & Me- Inauguration Day 2009

What a day! Sharing this historic moment with Eva and Elvie...basking in the moment (in the warmth of my house)... the pundits are critiquing his speech, discussing their outfits (fabulous Michele) you name it. But there is no denying it- this was truly a great day for America, for everyone in the world. And at the core of his message, and my belief, is that he is where he is, because we as a people are ready for this change, for this coming together to heal, serve, rebuild, and renew. Let's all hold that in our hearts and minds....Onward and upward.

Hope* Healing* Renewal- InaugurationDay 2009

Just got back from taking Griffin to the school bus stop this clear, bright, and crisp January morning. The DJ on the radio was talking about the Inauguration of Barack Obama and asked what it means to you (us). That question permeates the air as I come back home and see the crowds already at the Mall since dawn (and probably earlier) on CNN.

The words Hope, Healing, and Renewal come to my mind. Pride. So many emotions and thoughts that shine with optimism and possibility.

God Bless the Obama Family. God Bless America, God Bless Everyone in this world. Can one person turn the tides of generations of history... perhaps the time is right, where we can come together and he is where he is - because of where we are. HOPE.

A Leap of Faith- Thanks Boss!

I was in my studio yesterday. It had been a while that I had a chunk of time and was committed to working on my wire and encaustic pieces. Things weren't going quite as I planned/hoped/

"saw" in my head. I was starting to get a bit frustrated but had enough presence to not let those negative tapes start running in my head. Working on my yoga off the mat and in the studio can be a challenge for me, especially when I am not "in the zone." I reminded myself its like when I swim laps...the first 20 or 30 are more of an effort, I am counting, strategizing, etc. but then there is this subtle shift in consciousness- and I am there. Can't force it to happen, just happens.

But there I was in the studio, frustration yapping at my heels, when The Boss- my old Monmouth County "neighbor" Bruce Springsteen starts singing on my CD player...

It takes a leap of faith to get things going

It takes a leap of faith you gotta show some guts

It takes a leap of faith to get things going

In your heart you must trust

Sure enough...with a little patience and trust some interesting things started to happen...images forth coming in the near future. In the meantime here is my piece titled Walkabout.

Thanks for the reminder Bruce!

Showing Up

One thing you can count on this time of year is the proliferation of suggestions of how to approach the new year- tips and such for self improvement, setting goals and resolutions. Some may have merit, others are fun to read and still more...whatever, you can pick and choose.

One that I am putting out there and taking in is....
1. Showing up. whether it is my studio, my yoga mat, the pool (for getting in a routing on those laps) or being present with my family, it all begins simply with that.

And, with that, here I am, showing up at my blog. Committing to showing up, being present, and who knows, where it will all lead to. But as the title of a beautiful book that I was gifted years ago, suggests....
The Journey is the Destination (the journals of Dan Eldon, edited by Kathy Eldon, Chronicle Books)

New Beginnings- Happy New Year!

It's a clear, crisp New Year's Day 2009 -WOW! This is the year I turn 50- not for another 6 months but in all honesty I think I may need to the time to get used to the idea that I am no longer 25! This is a good thing anyway. I was in Hawaii then and grooving on being there, but there was a lot more angst in my psyche and soul. Now I am much more comfortable with who I am and at peace in my body- (though cosmetic surgery is beginning to sound alot more appealling!)

My friend and yoga buddy, Christian emailed me an interesting questionnaire to reflect on the past year and use as a tool for the New Year. I love this kind of stuff! It's like a fun homework assignment for me- brings presence into my life and allows me to slow down and reflect. It also prompts me to regroup and look at what is important to me. I also find that when I write things down it lays down the path for it to happen...

This is a monotype that I did a month or so ago when my new friend Eva Ygfeldt came over to print with me in my studio. It is titled "An Afternoon with Eva." Simple. Simple is good, I have been know to overthink things. (hmmm) So here I am putting it out there; One of my biggest intentions/ goals for 2009- to create and enjoy the process, be in the process, have fun, be open and stay out of my head. That's not to say content and all that other art school jargon won't play a part of it, but it is the act of creation I want to be a part of and see what path that leads me.

Happy 2009... and may all beings everywhere be happy and free.....

The Om that Got Away

Trying to hold onto that Om this holiday season is probably futile and against the whole philosophy of Om or this time of year- if any of that makes sense. The truth of the matter is I needed to do a small print for an upcoming show in Guatemala and had this idea for a small drypoint. Then I had some fun printing the plate various ways with chine colle, handmade paper, and monotypes. I like the way this one came out and plan on donating it to Young Audience of NJ's spring fundraiser which I will write more about when I know the details. In any event, always one to plug fabulous programs and people that support the arts here is their link http://www.yanj.org/

I received an email from a good friend today saying that she didn't know what my new address was to send me a holiday card. The truth is that I have not been good about giving anyone my new address or contact info. I come home and maybe there is one message on the machine, and most of my emails are from Dubai telling me that I have won the lottery (!) but for some strange reason that is fine with me. Just trying to get organized and settle in. Feeling a tad guilty about not being my normal highly motivated self- but not enough to do anything about it.

Johnny at yoga, as been talking alot about committment and I do know that I need to be and am committed in various places in my life beginning with my relationship to God/Spirit, followed by my health, family and art. Just for now art is not at the forefront, probably because connecting to my new home and helping my family settle in has been vying for my time and attention. And community. The Kennett Consolidated School district has some wonderful Adopt A Family programs at this time and I feel so blessed personally that this the best way for me to share my resources. HOWEVER, I do feel my creative soul chomping at the bit, and getting stronger everyday. My studio is set up, I have begun some new work and will update this site- though I can't promise when.

So until then.... HAPPY HOLIDAYS-PEACE to all Living Beings Everywhere. and LOVE
Ooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm