New Sculpture: Goddess Fragment Series

“The only journey is the one within.” ~ Rilke

The long road of winter led me away from home, hundreds of miles away to warm Florida sunshine and tropical breezes. As ever, I continue to choose the rockier paths, the road divided, and it does make all the difference, to paraphrase Robert Frost! I've turned in notice to the gallery day job, made other changes: and sat at a sidewalk cafe downtown Sarasota, leaves fluttering in sunlight over head, and felt free, open, and that it will all be alright in the grand scheme. Two art shows are coming up, so I've come back to get work ready for those. It dawned on me, during the time I was away, that paintings and sculpture I've been making have become solely an extension of myself: simple and true, a statement. Life is short: make art. Follow your dream; don't be afraid. Spin the wheel, walk into the day.

This sculpture is part of the "Goddess Fragment Series" and is fired clay, concrete, barbed wire, mixed finishes mounted on rebar/black walnut base. Collection of Joyce Fox, Sarasota, Florida.

A New Dawning

The new year has come, and with the cold days of winter, new journeys and paths open up. Old doors close, others in the meantime open. All things are changing, and under the snow, crocuses, daffodils and buds yearn to break free. Such a metaphor for life! Winter is a pensive time, a time for thought and understanding that bare branches hold green leaves. This month, I'll be heading for a respite from ice and cold here to warm sunshine in Sarasota, Florida again...thanks to a generous friend who's a supporter of the arts. In driving those many miles betwixt here and there, I'll take time to think about all roads, including those that are metaphysical. As ever, I'll be taking the one less traveled, and that will make all the difference. What's your road ahead?

“When it's over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.

When it is over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.

I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.”
~ Mary Oliver

New Work: The Landscape

"Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving." ~ Kahlil Gibran

This is a new landscape in progress from the "Esto Perpetua" series I began several years ago. The paintings keep evolving and transcending...and each one becomes a new love of mine. This one will head to the Southwest to Santa Fe when I get it done to Patricia Carlisle Fine Art, Canyon Road. It's 36 x 36 in a muted soft palette that dances in the evening woods.

The Landscape: New Work

“I am a forest, and a night of dark trees: but he who is not afraid of my darkness, will find banks full of roses under my cypresses.” ~ Nietzsche

This is one of many new landscapes I've worked on with oil and cold wax finish, either on linen or gessoboard. Some have been sent out to Santa Fe, to the Patricia Carlisle Gallery, and some are being worked on now. Also, I just finished up a bamboo grove: a commissioned painting where the buyer has been willing to let me do my thing, without heavy demands or a forced viewpoint. By going with the flow, and letting the paintbrush find the way, it's become a beautiful piece!

Color & Light

Color and light shine beside one of my new paintings on a late fall afternoon, fleeting summer flowers peek through brilliant maple leaves, the golden painting alongside. For me, color and 'feel' are much of what give a particular piece 'soul', plus that extra touch that is without definition. It just 'is'...

The Landscape: New Work

Do you love this world? Do you cherish your humble and silky life? Do you adore the green grass, with its terror beneath? ~ Mary Oliver

The Landscape: New Work

'Let choice whisper in your ear and love murmur in your heart. Be ready. Here comes life.' ~ Maya Angelou

More leaves tinged with scarlet, gold, russet hues brush softly through the fall grass; the sky today is impossibly blue...colder weather brings a melancholy, a time of remembering to the heart, as it does every year--the changing of all things is constant. Seasons have their time, as do we. This painting is in progress: a gold gesso ground, with layers of oil paint and Gamblin cold wax. Those falling leaves whisper secrets of the road ahead--a underlying desire to pack up and head to parts unknown, to be a gypsy spirit. Yet, as an artist friend of mine reminds me: it's always good to have a place to hang your hat. And your paint brush!

The Landscape: New Work

'The artist does not see things as they are, but as he is.' ~Alfred Tonnelle

Fall has arrived; summer a blur of warm days. The sun shines today in a high blue sky; the morning mists long gone. Leaves and acorns are beginning to fall, a crescendo of rustle and nature's songs, reminding me that change always comes. Fall tends to make me pensive, thinking. All seasons have their own beauty, their own 'feel'. Again, I'm reminded of the shortness of life, and the continuing drive to make art while here...to stay true to purpose and course. This is one of a number of smaller oil paintings I've worked on lately to get ready to send out into the world. Some have cold wax: all have many layers.

Art: From A Different Point of View

'A leaf fluttered in through the window this morning, as if supported by the rays of the sun, a bird settled on the fire escape, joy in the task of coffee, joy accompanied me as I walked.' ~ Anais Nin

September brings cooler nights here, blue-skied days growing shorter, and a sense of change in the crisp air. Sunny mornings find spider webs sparkling over the boxwoods out front. While sitting in the front porch swing, surrounded by late summer petunias, trailing geraniums, and lush ferns, I watch all of nature with my cup of hot fresh coffee in hand. No hurry, only the soft whisper of the swing, a sense of peace, of realizing that all things change: that this moment is beautiful, to be enjoyed in the present.

These days find me creating art from a different point of view, you could say. The eyes have been having issues, causing blurry vision (this will be fixed at the end of the month!) So, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I've found a chance to see things a bit differently. Hey, Matisse and Monet did the same when their vision worsened. Here is one of two new portraits of my neighbor, Joni. To make a long story short, she'd had a portrait done by someone who used a projector and painted her 'literally'. It was her, yet lifeless. Could I do something, she begged. So, I took her out on my front porch and snapped pictures...the wheels in my head turning (of course!). So here is one of the resulting images from that moment--she has no clue that she's getting a whole new painting, and it's going to be her birthday gift: painted with love (money can't buy some things). It's Joni, as I see her. It's a surprise, so don't tell! : )

**If you're interested in having a "AS I SEE YOU" portrait: I'll fix you one up. I can work from your favorite photo OR take one of you if you're local. Just inquire...

New Work: The Landscape

Hints of fall color blue-sky August afternoons; mornings grow a little cooler, a welcome respite after the merciless heat of summer. I've been moving things around after the Open Studio tour, trying to get back to 'normal' (if such a thing can exist!). The dining room has been undergoing some transitions, too: curtains pulled down, sculptures rearranged, and a gas stove added for those frozen days of winter ahead. While pulling curtains down, I found Jungian symbolism in letting more light in, a clearer view. Changes.

New Work: The Landscape

'When you possess light within, you see it externally.' ~ Anaïs Nin

This is a small painting I worked on recently, with gold gesso subtly shining through layers of rich color. It evokes Monet and spring, and something about this piece touches my spirit, the spring that still blooms in my heart, despite the odds. The touch of indigo blue? A trace of green? The hint of water, of willow? Perhaps defining things are not as important as just knowing.

New Work: The Landscape

This small landscape hung in my study for the past year; I'd look at it and think about doing something else to it a number of times. Finally I took it down before the open studio weekend, added touches in fresh rich oil hues, then framed it in a plein air frame. With a few brush strokes, it transformed into a piece I loved. It sold, to someone else who loved it too! Thank you, K....and I hope to hear how you're enjoying the piece, when you come to a resting phase on your journeys. Ah, when a piece finds the 'right' home, I feel good about it! Sometimes paintings find the right person, and vice versa.

New Work: The Landscape

Here's a new painting I just completed for the open studio event, along with several larger pieces with the same color fields. As I was working on the first one, I applied paint directly to the canvas, then added a bit of this, a bit of that. Luscious effects happened. I like this! By going with the flow, so to speak, I found that something happened: my mind was free, I wasn't worried about the finished piece, and magic happened. These are deceptively simple, yet I have found over the years that less says more. Sometimes there's too much information going on in our lives, and it's time to take a step back to simple and beautiful.

Open Studio Tour: 2011

Mark your calendar! Art Trek 2011 open studio event arrives July 30-31 at artist studios all over the area! I'll be one of them again! The fabulous preview party will be held at Upstairs Artspace, Tryon, NC featuring all artists and a corresponding gallery show on display for two weeks. Open studios will be July 30, 10-5. Then July 31 from 12-5. It's a great time to get in the car and visit lots of artists, ranging from painters, clay artists and potters, a luthier, wood-turners and more! I'll have both painting AND sculpture. Plus, as a special treat, will have note cards featuring four different bird paintings, and a moon hare note card, too. Here's a new piece I'll be putting in the gallery show along with others--it started out as an abstraction of a computer circuit board, then evolved to an orchid painting with gold gesso background and many layers of finishes.

New Sculpture: The Goddess Fragment Series

This is my latest sculpture: it's almost completed, with the exception of applying English wax on the wood--that'll give a soft sheen and velvety texture to the finish. Today, I put the pedestals together, after drilling my finger just 'a little', but it's all in the name of ART! Luckily, I still have ALL ten fingers. At some point, I must get more handy with the tools. The figure is fired clay, with acrylic washes. Using spalted-maple base, I drilled through as far as I could, then configured another hole on the bottom...therefore meeting in the middle...the rod could then be inserted into the bottom piece as well. No engineer around here: only artistic brain, means this is always a big puzzle to me. However, it worked, and so far, I like the new piece. The base is finished with genuine milk paint, wiped down carefully to show the grain of the maple. Thank you, Packard Woodworks, for your generous support of my art, for wood supplies and more! In this world, there are good people who believe in us struggling artists, and make sure we have materials to work with. Bless 'em. Bless 'em.

New Sculpture: The Goddess Fragment Series

From my new goddess fragment series, this piece is finished as of today. Mounted on steel rod in spalted-wood maple base, the clay figure is finished with multiple layers of acrylic washes, then paste wax. Rusted wire detail on back. Next goal is to build these larger, as I teach myself more. One thing that I will work on is making copies of pieces: my first attempt with a silicone mold support technique failed...the mold process is extremely complicated for my simple mind! There must be an easier way. Like life, it's often a rocky road. Learning, failing, and trying again is all part of the journey. To make self feel better, I did smash the failed experiment with a hammer--after I'd spent untold time chiseling it off the silicone encasing the original sculpture beneath!

**This piece won First Place, Tryon Painters & Sculptors Member Show, Peoples' Choice, Sculpture Category. Thanks to all who voted for her!

Open Studio Tour: In The Life of an Artist

These photographs are by dear friend and wonderful photographer Elaine Pearsons, from last summer's open studio event with Art Trek. Over 40 artists were on the tour, and it was one of the hottest weekends of the year. Yet, people came out, enjoyed art and visited! I'll be doing it all over again this summer; although my little helper Pooh won't be with me this summer. That silly Shar-Pei boy greeted each and every person who came through the door, and he will be missed by his adoring public! Thank you, Elaine, for sharing your photographs: they capture an essence that is both magical and a Faulkner-esque Southern Gothic feeling!

New Sculpture

This is a new sculpture, fired clay with barbed wire and found wire, acrylic washes, paste wax finish. She'll be mounted on metal post to antique wood pedestal. This figure was loosely built by the Bruno Lucchesi coil method. Ever symbolic, the rusted barbed wire wings symbolize flight, spiritual growth, a sense of yearning. As ever, I find pure magic in the metaphysical.

"Inside myself is a place where I live all alone, and that's where I renew my springs that never dry up." ~Pearl Buck

New Work: The Landscape

'The song of the brush.'
~Chinese saying

Landscape

'Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.' ~ Buddha

Art Exhibit: Upstairs Artspace

"Something To Crow About" and "New Waves" will be on exhibit through May 28 at the Upstairs Artspace, a contemporary, non-profit art gallery downtown Tryon, NC. That's my sculpture "Crow Angel" in the window, composed of barbed wire, concrete, steel mesh, and other elements with fired clay crows. Enjoy the show if you're in the area! There are many notable artists in both exhibits; truly something for everyone.

Bohemian Spring

The warmth of spring and lush green sings in the veins, and life renews...an ancient pattern: over and over, again and again. Sunny days find me busy doing yard work, pulling vines, more vines, and then MORE vines. Creating: painting, sculpting. Thinking about what's next...excited over what is. Spring serves as a metaphor for internal change, and hope. This season won't last, but reminds us that life is beautiful, and we have the now.

Something To Crow About: New Exhibit

"Something To Crow About" and "New Waves" opens April 15 at the Upstairs Artspace gallery, with a public reception on April 16 from 5-8. I'll be in the crow exhibit with paintings and new sculptures...this is my first public showing of sculpture! Take a peek at "Crow Angel" in the gallery's front window. Downstairs, for "Crow Face", I took a hammer to a full-size fired clay head and gave it a new direction. You'll have to see it--talk about taking art in smashing new directions! Also this month, I'm in "Studio Visit" magazine, page 10. Lots of new ideas are percolating with the advent of spring time...and thanks to a generous donor, I'm getting sculpture and painting supplies this month, too. THANK YOU to all who continue to believe in me and my work!

New Sculpture

Meet "Rotator"...a crow with barbed wire wings/feet; fired clay body. Nest has nutmeg 'eggs'. This piece will be in "Something To Crow About" at the Upstairs Artspace's next exhibit that opens April 15. I'll have crow paintings too. This is a piece I've worked on over the weekend, carefully handling the rusty barbed wire with gloves. Have a little more finish work to do on the piece, but it's close to finished! The great thing about this sculpture is: the clay was GIVEN to me. The barbed wire was GIVEN to me. The nutmeg eggs in the nest came from an exotic island: GIVEN to me. People are so good to me!!! Thank you, generous spirits out there: to those of you who buy my art, to those of you who believe in me and give me materials. THANK YOU.

Spring Ahead

While the silver fog hangs low over town today as rain drips off my front porch roof, I can see hints of tender green budding out, daffodils smiling, and my heart knows spring is coming. It's been a long winter here; month by month I remind myself if I can just make it a little longer through the cold days, spring will come. The heart blooms. There are paintings to be done; any kind of blue sky sunshine-kissed day will find me outside painting. Yard work is a distant side chore! While it needs to be done, somehow I am reminded that my clear purpose in life is to make art, which seems more and more pertinent in the state of events throughout the world. Simple, clear, connected: the thought is direct and pure as a bird call upon the early morning silence. Make art: live. Here is a photo I just took of a Nora Ephron novel amid pink roses...both things I love: delicious books, fresh flowers, vases of brushes in the house.
“What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” ~ Mary Oliver

Spring, Cupcake Outfits, Art Thoughts

Did that headline above get your attention? Spring is coming, so on Monday, I dressed up like a cupcake. Full of hope and pink color, eager to be rid of the winter grays and blacks for a while! Perhaps I'm pushing it, but I am living for longer sunlit days that are warm enough to allow me to work with clay and paint outside, with blue skies and birds singing. Maybe a little Bob Marley on the tunes...or something going in the CD player! It's time to think about doing open studio on Saturdays again; if you're interested, call ahead for an appointment. I'll be working steadily on work for an upcoming "Crow" art show at the Upstairs Artspace; opening in April. And tomorrow, I'll deliver two pieces: one sculpture, one oil painting to the Tryon Fine Arts Center for Tryon Painters & Sculptors member show which will open this Sunday with a reception from 5 to 7. Come on by if you're in the WNC area...it's always a good show, and fun to see what other artists are up to.

Hope of Spring

Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.
~Theodore Roethke

The day dawns sunny, with promises of spring in the chill February air. Frost sparkles on crushed winter grass, but the dogwood buds turn their hearts to the blue sky above, waiting, like I do. Upon discovering a delicate blue flower out in the snow melt, the first flower of spring ahead, I smiled. Despite the harshness of winter, there is hope of spring ahead, of promises. Warmer days will get me outside to paint new canvases and work with clay in the sunshine. On nice days, I can set up my art out on the back deck, and spend the whole day working. Those are the best of days: simple, in the 'zone'...timeless. Birds singing, the rustle of quiet breeze through tree leaves. Warmth touching the spirit. Art is what saves me, through the hardest of times: it's a form of therapy and my way of giving back to the world. Artists do that; whether they are writers, musicians, poets, visual artists, you name it. There it is: what they create and send forth. May spring find your heart this day, wherever you are.

Moon Hare

This is my first "Moon Hare" painting...I recently completed a similiar commissioned piece; of course, no two paintings will ever be alike. However, I find the Moon Hare to be a spiritual creature, and will work on yet another. February is now here, and I find myself continuing to contemplate the 'road ahead'. Having just returned from a stay in Florida thanks to good friends, I had time to think about where I'm going. The main focus is MAKE ART, despite the economy, and what goes on around me. In order to bring in extra income, I've thought about doing workshops, teaching a class, or finding art patrons--if there is such a thing in America these days. It's a struggle for serious artists, every day. One thing I know is that I'm not alone. Art makes this world a better place; for those of us who make it, it's essential, as much as breathing. Please support us starving artists--there's so many of us out there: musicians, artists of all genres, writers. It's all part of the circle.

The Road Ahead

All we need, really, is a change from a near frigid to a tropical attitude of mind. ~ Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Winter cold pulls her blankets over the land...delicate tracings of snow in the air today. My heart longs for warm sunny skies, colorful blooms, and time to create outside. Sometimes hopes do come true: a generous friend and fellow artist has offered to host me a bit in Sarasota, Florida...so I'm already going around looking for what art supplies to pack for the adventure ahead. Clothing seems much less important! I've already got ideas going for "Florida" work...more women paintings with luscious pinks, corals, peach tones...whatever is around me serves as inspiration.

The Road Ahead: Happy New Year!

The earth has disappeared beneath my feet,
It fled from all my ecstasy,

Now like a singing air creature
I feel the Rose
Keep opening. ~Hafiz

A Happy New Year ahead to all! Doors close, others open. Where will the road ahead lead? It's up to each of us to find the path, no matter how rocky or narrow it may be. For there it is. The road beckons.....

Happy Holidays To All

From me to you, wherever in this world you may be...a blessed and happy holiday season...a warm heart and hearth...and may there be ART in your life. Always!
~ Bonnie

New Work: The Landscape

Thanks to all who made it out for my open studio during the town Christmas stroll! Someone left a pair of eyeglasses in my powder room, so if it was you, let me know. Winter is here; snow today. Art projects get a bit harder in a cold house...but I'll be working on new ideas, dreaming of driving Route 66 in the desert. So, now, it's time to be reflective, to listen to nature's quietness.

“I am a book of snow,
a spacious hand, an open meadow,
a circle that waits,
I belong to the earth and its winter.”
~Pablo Neruda

Open Studio/Art House Dec. 10

Mark your calendar for the evening of December 10; that's the Saluda Hometown Christmas evening when shops are open from 6-8 p.m. One of my favorite Saluda events! This year, I'll have open studio at my "Art House" on Greenville Street-- featuring paintings and new sculptures along with introducing great work by Moonshiner Metalworks/Mike Cowan, and also maybe a surprise guest artist! My neighbor Joni at the Saluda Inn & Wine Cellar will be featuring local artists, writers, and live music from 6-9...and the Oaks Bed & Breakfast will be open too. Plan on visiting us all!

New Work: The Landscape

A small landscape: evocative of remembered summers...and now, winter ahead. Take your pick.
"The artist's world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep." ~Paul Strand

New Work: The Figure

This painting came about from a vision I had during a recent medical procedure...while lying face down, draped with a white blanket on a not-too-comfortable table (and wishing I could escape): I could see my reflection in a wall painting--the lights were dim and my eyes were shining like stars: all in the glass. Let's just say the painting changed from that initial view, although the dreaming/angel figure of a woman remains at the bottom of the painting...she's transcended into a feeling of absolute peace, tranquility and love. That's what we artists do: take an event from the world around us, and translate it into our own language--into something 'more'.'

New Work: The Landscape

Random Thoughts: I'm trying to keep my chin up these days....and continue making art, despite the economy and struggle with art sales. I'm not alone out there, so I know we're all in the same boat. It's hard, though...thinking of winter coming, the cold...the bills that seem to increase despite the lack of increase with income! There are those who are worse off, though...and I continue to give thanks that I've gotten up in the morning, Pooh the dog is still with me and has another day too; that I have paints, good friends, a roof overhead, and that the car will crank (we hope). So, pensive thoughts aside, here is a small landscape, now framed...and more sculpting projects percolating...I've now come up with the "Sentinels", tall figures standing silent, peaceful. What do you think?


"I get up every morning determined to both change the world and to have one hell of a good time. Sometimes, this makes planning the day difficult." ~ E.B. White

Recent Work: The Blue Shawl

"A leaf fluttered in through the window this morning, as if supported by the rays of the sun, a bird settled on the fire escape, joy in the task of coffee, joy accompanied me as I walked." ~ Anais Nin

"The Blue Shawl" is a painting I've worked on and off with for a period of months...a number of layers, deceptively simple...rather like life...many layers indeed. She's not finished yet, so keep an eye out for what's next! Enjoy.

New Sculpture In Progress

"Heat lingers
As days are still long;
Early mornings are cool
While autumn is still young.
Dew on the lotus
Scatters pure perfume;
Wind on the bamboos
Gives off a gentle tinkling.
I am idle and lonely,
Lying down all day,
Sick and decayed;
No one asks for me;
Thin dusk before my gates,
Cassia blossoms inch deep."
~ Po Chu-i (772-864), Autumn Coolness

The turning of summer to fall brings pensive thought and a turning to working with hands: concrete, rusted barbed wire, mesh, clay, plaster cloth, paper mache, and more find their way into my fingers to evolve and transcend into something more. This new piece is built on metal armature with a concrete and burlap core...she's a dancer...a fairy...an angel...I'm thinking of making a fired clay face to add, or may refine the face a little more with paper mache. However, the abstraction and 'rawness' of the piece match my painting style--I like her! She'll be going on a heavy square polished wood base, and will twirl in the stand if turned. Inspired by my friend Jan, who had extra armatures, concrete, and a great outside area to work, this piece has continued to change since day one.

September Musings

September: it was the most beautiful of words, he’d always felt, evoking orange-flowers, swallows, and regret." ~ Alexander Theroux

Ah, September. After a record-breaking summer of heat, September brings us warm days, cooler nights and a turn to the season, to the senses. The changes of nature tend to make me pensive, to go to the inner-self...the heart of things. Longings, yearnings, a remembering. I am reminded of the coming of fall, of winter. Perhaps a reminder of the shortness of my own life, of all that is...the impermanence of things. Yet, that is the way of the natural world--the ceaseless turning of the seasons, of change inherent. Not something to fear, but something to embrace. The sunlight warms my face another day--a leaf spirals to the earth, the hummingbird rests on a branch. I inhale the dry sweet afternoon breeze, a coral zinnia in my hand, reflecting the glow of my heart and the bittersweet scent of longing.

New Work

'I walk without flinching through the burning cathedral of the summer. My bank of wild grass is majestic and full of music. It is a fire that solitude presses against my lips.' ~Violette Leduc, Mad in Pursuit

Art Trek 2010: open studios and gallery exhibit

A successful Art Trek open studio event! Thanks all who came out in the summer heat. The gallery exhibit of all 41 artists who participated will be on display through mid August at Upstairs Artspace. I truly appreciate those who came in my house/studio and loved my work.

“Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come.” ~Chinese proverb

New Work

July finds me painting as hard as I can for the second annual Art Trek event: an open studio tour featuring 41 area artists: myself included! Starting with a preview party at the Upstairs Artspace on July 23 from 5-8 p.m., the open studios are Saturday and Sunday. All artists will have work featured at the gallery for six weeks, so if you miss the tour, you'll be able to stop in to see the show! Here's a sample of new work in progress...enjoy.

New Work

New Work

This painting is one of a pair. Right now, I'm thinking it doesn't need much more, but I'll continue to work on it along with the companion piece. So far, I like it! When I fall in love with a painting, I know it's right. That doesn't always happen....sometimes I go back and redo a piece, and am willing to take a piece on a new journey. Kind of like life, isn't it?

Esto Perpetua: Night Spaces

As a recipient of a grant from the Regional Artist Project Grant made through The Arts Council of Henderson County, I wish to thank all who made it possible for me to purchase art supplies to further the “Esto Perpetua” landscape series I have worked on for several years. I wish to return the help I've been given in a concrete, meaningful way. My project was funded, in part, by a Regional Artist Project Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, administered by the Arts Council of Henderson County.

As of April 2010, I have chosen to donate a percentage of each “Esto Perpetua” painting's proceeds to Saluda Community Land Trust which is a tax-exempt non-profit organization dedicated to preserving my town's rural small town character by protecting its unique natural heritage. 90% of private donations to SCLT are dedicated to land and easement acquisition.

About the Esto Perpetua series: started several years ago, the paintings are based around the Latin phrase of 'esto perpetua' (it is forever) which is written within the painting, worked into many transparent layers for the viewer to find and ponder. These canvases, both large and small, are always one of a kind, and depict nature and the sacredness of our earth. No trace of mankind is ever found in these landscapes: only mystery and peacefulness, quiet beauty, a sense of timelessness and spirituality. My belief is that nature is omnipresent, precious, powerful, and sacred. This series has become my language, my message to a world that needs to hear it. While a quiet, contemplative message, I hope it comes across loud and clear.

New Work: Sculpture

Life-size hand-built clay head from a Mike Lalone workshop I did at TFAC....it had been many moons since I'd touched clay....but found I loved the feel, the textures...the finish was experimental: tonal acrylic washes over the fired clay surface, then paste wax, buffed.

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures." ~ Henry Ward Beecher

Of Spring & Thought

I am spending delightful afternoons in my garden, watching everything living around me. As I grow older, I feel everything departing, and I love everything with more passion. ~ Emile Zola

It is true: how one feels the ticking of time...the shortening days of life...of all things departing, the impermanence, the immediate click of a moment. Living in the now. In spring, the impossible lush greens, the vibrant blooms, the high azure sky...the hum and whir of life all around: you feel it, you inhale it. It makes you dizzy with love for life. As for me, I want to simplify even more now. What matters to me? Not things. All I really want is to be able to create, to paint...to have my dog under my feet, to just live in the day: in the moment, to take this with me. To be honest, I care less and less for the 'real' world: that of incessant cell phones, the jarring blare of talking heads, of people who are insincere or out to use others, of cluttered roads, crowded malls, and over-developed space...I find my salvation in the songs of birds, sweep of breeze, ray of sun warm on my face, the dog's soft ears under my hand, of artistic spirits all over the world, of quiet thought and brush stroke whisper against the canvas. "Make art, live now" it says. As for me, I'm going back to the garden.

The Painting World

"It is not the moon, I tell you. It is these flowers lighting the yard." ~ excerpt from 'Mock Orange' by Louise Glück

Welcome to my blog, paintings, poetry, photography, thoughts, plus those who inspire me and my work daily. Welcome to the front porch swing....visit a moment with me. Come into my art studio...stay awhile. Feel free to touch the brushes...to look around...that is, if you can possibly find your way through the canvases, easels, piles of paint jars.