HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

To all the mothers out there, Happy Mother's Day!
For me, it's always a day that I'd like to skip over. My daughters don't live close and as the years go by, we know we love each other deeply, but the distance between us causes distance between us. We don't really see each other very often at all. They have their own lives to live and I have mine and although we talk every couple of weeks, it's not the same.
I really have no idea anymore what their daily lives are like and vice versa. I am REALLY lucky if I get to see them two or three times a year.
Somewhere in my head, I thought I'd be able to spend more time with them, but it hasn't worked out that way.
I'm not sure what time we'll get together this year. I'm starting up this new business and it will be taking more and more of my time. Both girls have told me to go for it and make a life for myself. So, I'm taking their advice and at least making an attempt. This business will be an uphill battle and could become all consuming shortly. This is a huge commitment and I've failed at things before and really don't plan on failing this time.
I also lost my mother five years ago so there's a void there as well when it comes to this day.
It's almost midnight and the day will be over...whew!
I did speak to both of my daughters tonight briefly and will have to be content with that but it's just not the same as having them close by.

A ROARING SUCCESS!...

Well, this morning was my 'Keene Artists Meet and Greet Brunch' held here in our home. The weather didn't cooperate as it has poured rain for the past two days, nevertheless 17 people came and we all had a terrific time! There was two woodworkers, two woodcarvers,three fabulous oil painters, two acrylic and water colour painters, a quilter, a sculptor,a mutimedia specialist, a weaver and rug hooker,a woman who handpaints on silk scarves, a tole painter, an illustrator, and a woman who designs and makes amazing lamp shades. We got to network with each other and there is now a supportive network to help each other get their art 'out there'.
The feedback from each before they left was so positive and all were so thankful that we held this brunch and commented on what a terrific idea.
We then went to see the new 'Canal St. Gallery' that is in Lang,a village just north of Keene for their Grand Opening today. We met two more women who own and run this new gallery. It's a blend of antiques and then they plan to add to the local artists works in the gallery. They, too, will be another resource for all the local artists. I'm taking some of my work in for her to see in a couple of weeks. I'm providing them with a list of all the artists that were here at the brunch and they will in turn contact them about their shop. A mission accomplished.
I'm really tired now, but am so happy I put this event together for many reasons.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day and for me it's just like any other day pretty much. There is too much distance between me and my daughters. I send them both cards as they, too, are now mothers. I wonder where their children will be when they are my age. I'll never know as I certainly won't be around by then. I must admit I was a bit envious of the women here this morning who have their children close by and were telling what has been planned for them tomorrow... hopefully, they'll have nice weather for some of their plans involving outdoors.

CINCO DE MAYO..........

My first and only experience with Mexico and the Mexican people, I can honestly say it has been one of the absolute highlights of my life! In 2005, I spent one month in San Miguel, Mexico and would go back in a heartbeat. There are times when I think I could actually live there! The people have so little and yet are so happy and SO hospitable! The children are probably some of the happiest little people ever! They laugh and play with very little and are so genuinely enthusiastic!
I've included one of the hundreds of photos I took while there. This was one of three festivals held in the town square while I was there.
I will say, however, that the Mexican food that was original wasn't all that tasty...it's actually fairly bland and very little colour on one's plate...
San Miguel has quite a few ex-pats from both Canada and the United States so there are some excellent restaurants there and the culture and the arts are just amazing. I think one of the things I loved most, beside the people, was their love of colour. I'm sure all the colour used helps boost them mentally....just beautiful.

IF IT'S MONDAY...IT'S INSPIRATION .......#10

I'm late getting this inspiration posted, but it is still Monday...whew!

My inspiration shop this week is 'Copper Leaf Studios'. Can I just say I am so taken with this artists work. For me, it draws me in and I'm totally fascinated by the process and the end result so obviously speaks for itself....beautiful, beautiful works! You MUST go visit her shop and her website! It is definitely worth taking the time to admire and even buy some wonderful art. I had asked the artist to provide a picture of her favourite piece, but I'm hoping she'll forgive me and let me put in my favourite! Some day I hope to own a piece of her work!

Here are her links to go see for yourself......

www.CopperLeafStudios.net

www.CopperLeafStudios.etsy.com

And now, in her own words from questions I asked her is her 'inspiration'...thank you, Chris. I really appreciate you taking the time!

1. Who has been your biggest influence and encouragement?My critique group, a group of five friends/ colleagues that has been together for nearly 14 years now. We all grew up as artists together. Each of us has our own medium & style, but we seem to interweave ideas every so often. It’s been an incredible experience to challenge, encourage, and refine each other as artists.

2. What or who inspires you?Tons of things! Lines, shapes, colors, and texture. Mostly texture. Some of my best work is completely void of color, with subtle textures layered on top of one another. A lot of my work is derived from nature, and carefully balanced with an architectural geometry. So inspiration can be anything from a crack in the sidewalk, to the metal beams underneath a bridge, to the edge of a continent.

3. When did you realize you had artistic creativity?It’s always been a part of my life; I took it for granted for a long time. I didn’t consider it seriously as a career option until I was at college. I would bring embroidery or sketches to work on in during lecture classes. I suddenly felt self-conscious when I realized I was the only one doing this! It hadn’t occurred to me to not be constantly making something. I realized at that point that I had better find a way to integrate it into my future career.

4. What haven't you tried yet that you'd like to try?Working with glass – slumping, fusing, stained glass. I’ve done the tiniest bit, and I would love learn more.

5. Who would you love to spend a day with to study them at their art?Maya Lin, Sabrina Ward Harrison, Erika Carter, Nancy Crow… a ton of people! I’m sure it would be an incredible learning experience, no matter who it was.

6. Did or do you have a mentor?Chris Pekoc has been an inspiration – he is a local artist that has risen to international acclaim. Although he’s not a mentor in the formal sense, I’ve been fortunate enough to watch his career develop. He never lost his enthusiasm, and was just as excited to be involved in a local show as a solo exhibit in Europe. And he creates his incredible work from everyday supplies in a humble basement studio.

7.What have you learned about yourself while on your own personal journey?That my work comes as much from my mind as from my heart. Some artists are all about the emotive side, but I love to balance intellectual stimulation with creativity. Some of my work is created as if I am solving a visual puzzle. I think that analytical side and attention to detail has made me a better artist, and a better businessperson.

8. What's the best advice you've been given that has helped you?“Do what you love and the money will follow.”

9. Where would you like to be in 5 years?Living in my little house, making a lot of artwork! Spending my summers sitting beside my koi pond, and my winters in front of my fireplace… enjoying life.