A New Year - Week One

Happy New Year.  Who knows what is ahead in 2021?  I hope it is a joyful year for all of us.

I have decided to retire from my day job this year. The decision is partially based on the pandemic, but also on the clear realization that I have one short beautiful life to live, and I have many things that I wish to do that are impossible to do working Monday through Friday. 

This year I intend to share my creative adventures with you more regularly with photos, text and hopefully some videos.

I want to indulge myself with good books and art this year.  

I want to support and encourage you on your creative adventure.

And I want to share with you each week. 

I am reading The Louvre by James Gardner. It was a present and I was a bit intimidated by the thick volume, but I am enjoying it immensely.  The author takes the reader on a grand adventure from its earliest days as a fortress until current time. If you have been to Paris (or want to go) I think it is must read. 

I am also becoming a hooker. This may come as no surprise to some of you.  This is an image of my first attempt. I used Monk's cloth as a base, a punch needle hook (more on that later) and wool yarn that was leftover from other projects. 

I also want to pass along a Call For Art for ARTRAGEROUS!35 June 18, 2021 - the Montserrat College for Art Annual Art Auction - here is the link:https://www.montserrat.edu/auction/call-for-art35/

I submitted two artworks for consideration with sale proceeds to be donated to Montserrat. There is also a 50:50 option (donation:artist).

The deadline is January 31, 2021.

Stay Sane - Make Art

Most of us have been self-isolating for weeks. My office reduced hours and furloughed personnel back in March, so it has been more than 8 weeks of this new reality.  I am working every third week. It is strange.

Last month Bustle published this article: Making art helps your mental health 

Are you working from home?  Have you been furloughed?  How do you stay focused and productive?  Please share your strategies.

Even Mona Wears a Mask - Image from Pexels.com

Daily Calm in a Jumbled World

Hi friends.  I know this is tough. I hope you are finding a place of joy and happiness in your home. I have been doing daily projects from making fabric masks for donation to painting and watching inspirational podcasts. Oprah's Super Soul Conversation series are excellent.

My studio is my happy place where I am at peace focusing on creativity. Today the rain on the roof provides an extra pleasant sense of tranquility.  

My word for 2020 is Connection. And although we are social distancing I can continue to communicate through letter writing, phone calls and texts, and of course social media. 

I am grateful to be home with my dear husband, Dominick, and our cat, Matilda. We are safe and have food, books, internet and art supplies. 

Mask Making

Painting 

Matilda 

Ice Sculptures in Vermont

Art comes in many forms created with all types of tools. 

These sculptures were part of the Ice Festival at The Farm Table in Bernardston, VT last Saturday. 

And yes they were made with power tools including chainsaws!