paragraph cove

taking a break

I will not be re-opening the doors of my shop in Wheeler next month. After much thought, I've decided to close up for good. I'm also taking a break from my Etsy shop. My heart just isn't in it right now.

Recently, my focus has shifted back to fine art. Last week in art class (see previous post) I fell in love with encaustic. I had forgotten how much I enjoy getting messy and experimenting with a new technique. My goal is to create a series inspired by a found photos and keepsakes.

Thank you to those of you who have visited my brick and mortar shop and/or Etsy shop. I greatly appreciate it!

"may no soldier go unloved"

Lately, I've been spending my spare time writing letters to soldiers overseas. I joined the Soldiers' Angels organization in an effort to support troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Twice a week I receive names and addresses. I make cards of encouragement and mail them off. I also "adopted" a soldier named Juana two weeks ago. I send her a letter each week. Tomorrow I will be putting together a care package for her. Soldiers' Angels does amazing things for troops, veterans and their families. Check out this page of touching testimonials.

re-learning

My first collage from my art class.

I'm trying to keep busy during these dreary and gray Oregon days. If I'm not too careful...I'll become a hermit. This winter I'm juggling several projects as well as taking an art class at the local community college. We are studying and making collages, frescoes and mosaics. It's been quite an adjustment for me. A couple years ago I attended California College of the Arts to study textiles and film/video. I was taught to spend weeks experimenting with materials, make a piece and then present the work in a critique. Sometimes I dreaded having to defend my work during critiques. On the other hand, I sometimes received feedback that helped me grow as an artist. My current art class is very relaxed. We come to class, work on whatever we like and then go home. There are no critiques. I never thought I would miss sitting through three hour long critiques. Who knew? I'm re-learning how to make art for the sake of making art. I am enjoying playing with materials and getting to know people in my class. My goal is to build up a solid portfolio to submit to galleries and shops.