New Projects for 2012!

Ok, the new year sort of snuck up on me... while putting away Christmas stuff and thinking about how to run the kids' energy into the ground over the holiday break. But, I didn't want to pass up a chance to start something new. Fresh starts and new calendars have an effect on me.

So, after much thought over the past few days of January, I decided to break up the year into 3-month chunks. For the first 'quarter' (ug, it sounds so 'financial'!) there will be a series of woodcut faces. I'll be posting them on Thursdays... no real goal per week, just how ever many 'happen' over the week. You can also see them over at my Flickr page... I'm going to post all of 'em there. This is going to be exciting! The next 3 quarters? Who knows... they are up for grabs. I hate to commit to something this soon for the whole year so, this is the 'wiggle room' that's necessary to keep things spontaneous.

My other project this year is to find more venues for showing art and get myself 'out there' much more. I mean, if I'm going to make it, then... people have to see it! :)

Happy new year, everyone! Please don't be shy, leave a comment if you like. I love to read them and really appreciate hearing from you :)

Settling In

Our son's new hobby :) Had his first lesson today. It's not going to make the neighbors happy!

Well, school's been in for about 2 weeks and I'm finally getting into the new 'groove'. It's amazing how you think you've got it covered... when everything changes again. With our little girl now in pre-school 3 days (half days, that is) and our son doing more after school activities -

Mama's adjusting to a newly formed schedule - with art making included, of course!

Today I got up while the house was still quiet and gave myself an hour to mess with the Akua ink that's been waiting to be used down in the printing studio. SO much fun! I'm already hooked and will plan on getting up even earlier tomorrow :) However, the bed is calling much earlier in the evening. No one around here does very well without ample sleep.

We are so thankful for the great weather that has returned this week. Life is good! How's your September going?

Dream Dive

Here are a few sketchy drawings that sort of poured out of my as a 'free write' would. Trying to tap into more subconscious subject matter as a way to get some ideas for new work. I was surprised to see what spilled onto the paper... I'm hoping to move in another direction this year with subject matter... but, am not demanding it from myself. What are your art plans for the new year?

New Wool and Silk Mittens

Here are my second pair of mittens (the first was a bit wonky) made from a wonderful yarn called Grace Hand-Dyed by Lousia Harding yarns. 50% merino wool, 50% silk. Absolutely decadent... a real luxury if you want to pamper your hands this winter. (no, I don't work for their company :) I already used them yesterday on a nippy stroller ride and they were very warm. That's my son in his 'motorcycle jammies' helping the hand model.

Still working on the Xmas ornaments... the embellishments take more time than you'd ever think but, it's fun. Happy hump day! (we're supposed to awaken to the first snow in the morning. not ready for it!)

PS I added a few new things to the shop this morning... and free shipping on all cards and small prints. Stop by and say hi.

Sunshine and Televisions

This little painting is close to being done... it's another in the repetition series. I was actually thinking of fabric and quilts when I was making these - they came out very spontaneously! The quilt pattern, New York Beauties and went on from there... I'll try to find a photo of NY Beauties and post it later today just for fun. I'm hoping to get some Christmas shopping done today... So far I have bought one gift. Better get busy. Happy Sunday!

To Be Carved...

Candelabra - 'shadow drawing'

I've been painting a lot lately and have not had a chance to carve the other woodblocks in the shadow series. But, a few days ago, I got a call from an old friend who used to have an art show at her house twice a year... but she stopped last year much to all our dismay! Now, she has moved, settled and has decided to have a Christmas show! ('When the gods want to punish you, they answer your prayers' - Isak Dinsen)

Anyway I'm really going to try to have these done and printed in about 3 weeks time - allowing 1 week for drying. I hate to be in a show and not have something brand new! Wish me luck my thumbs don't go numb :)

New Woodcuts...

Cicadas

River

I've been doing some mulling and sketching lately and finally committed a few to my Shina wood... and started carving today. I'm continuing with the water - ocean - beach theme. This time I was thinking more about river stones and what water looks like in a slow moving river - how it twirls, moves, shines, 'separates' etc. As well as what you can see underneath. The cicadas or crickets are sort of a wild card. We've been listening to them a lot around here and my daughter is saying 'cricket' now, which I love! (One of her favorite books is The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle.) I'm thinking about how these may look printed on fabric. Hmmmm.