Time Flies...

(I tried to log in to DaveFM to see what's playing, but my computer is not cooperating.)

It's hard to believe I haven't written anything in over a month. I'd like to sit here and say I have no idea where the time went, but the truth is I've been busy moving and getting things settled in the new house.

Yes, It's finally a reality. After a couple of false starts and near cancellations, I finally closed on the house about 2 or 3 weeks ago. I've got most of it repainted on the inside and now it's time to get the closets and shelves organized.

But school is right around the corner...next Tuesday to be exact. And for that reason and that reason alone, I am tempering my crazy penchant for not leaving things undone, and actually leaving things undone! I know, it's not like this is some great epiphany or anything for most people, but I am forcing myself to just relax. Sure, I usually put in a couple of solid hours in the mornings getting things done around here, but then I force myself to either sit on the front porch with a book, or just sit and watch the world go by.

After all, that is why I bought this house isn't it? To enjoy the neighborhood??? The cleaning and organizing will still be there tomorrow (she said like a true Virgo :~)

Back on track

I realized that my last post was on a negative note so I thought I'd better jot something down to set things right again. My goal over the last month has been to surround myself with positive energy.

I'm taking a much needed break from everything and reading summer novels...Dorothy Benton Frank at the top of the list.

I've got loads of ideas swirling around in the noggin but right now I'm just enjoying my time off from school. I figure when the mood strikes me, I'll be ready to grab those paint brushes and set back to the work of making art!

Y'all take care!!

new dress pattern

Not going well. I broke down and purchased a skirt pattern (Burda 8677) that has a wide yoke on it...very simple to alter for what I was looking for. Except one thing.

I cut the damned thing too short. don't ask me how I did it. I wasn't paying attention to the measurements. Now I've got to scramble and see if I can add on either at the hem or below the bustline.

I'm so pissed. Did I mention I used hand dyed stretch bamboo? Yup.

Paint Colors and Petunias

on radio "When I dream of Michelangelo" by Counting Crows (honestly, you can't make this stuff up)

It's going to be a good day. I can feel it. Cleaning out debris, dusting off dreams, sorting thru stuff, and organizing priorities.

Also working on a new dress design for the dyed bamboo. I saw this dress in the title nine catalogue and love the idea of it. I've got some greige goods I'm going to play around with today and I'll definitly remember (fingers crossed) to document the process and keep you posted. I'm trying this without slopers or pattern so pray for me. I've got until the 18th to get everything finished and up online on etsy since I paid for an advertising day in their apparel section.

"sweet dreams" by the Eurythmics (is this the best station or what?)

Art and art making

.If I've said it once I've said it a thousand times...

Art must first and foremost come from within and have personal meaning. Otherwise it is simply an exercise in aesthetics and technique.

This seemingly random thought is in response to some who would say that an art blog should be all pretty pictures and how-to videos or directions. If you happen upon this blog today, please read on as you will get tremendous insight in to who I am as an artist and a person. Those 2 things are inseparable. Period.

What's with the eggs?

On the radio: Magick by Ryan Adams and the Cardinals

Ok. Since posting pix of my latest quilt painting, I've had several people ask me about the eggs. When I was first hit with that "aha" moment of inspiration, I was at a really low point in my personal life and was drowning in my head. I could just feel the entire weight of the universe crushing down on me. It was overwhelming.

music update: You're the real thing by U2

Pysanky eggs are hollow and although they are beautiful on the outside, they are very fragile. the eggs symbolize all of the people that I've been trying to save/take care of/fix and on and on. In the end I realized I couldn't/wouldn't be any good to anyone or anything if I didn't first take care of myself. Which I did.

Yellow Taxi new version by Counting Crows

The sky is full of symbolism as well. There are 3 zodiac constellations embroidered in gold thread and beads. To the left is a large phoenix that I copied from an old stone carving on a church in the Ukraine.

Hope that clears up some of the meaning in this piece. At one time I thought I'd never be able to sell it since it was so personal. Turns out, making it was very cathartic and I am totally ready to get rid of it. I hope it finds a good home somewhere!

Egg Quilt details

since taking this picture, I'll aready added much more embroidery to the angel and punched up the whites on her robe.