Fourth of July Sparkler

Paintings are hard to photograph. Unless they are small and can be encapsulated by the camera lens. This is large and the light seems to change with each click of the camera.

I hope that you can see the 3D effect that the artist was going for. The first time I saw this painting, it was in an alcove that the artist had made from a shallow closet. At the top of the closet (unseen by the person standing in the hallway) was a light and a black light. Depending on the mood of the artist, the black light would sometimes be turned on. When the black light was turned on, the 3D effect was paramount. If you look carefully, the bottom burst, and the top burst have triangles of cardboard that create the 3d effect. And of course, the whites and blues would jump out to the viewer.

I do not have a black light on it, but the painting is still wonderful to me.

This was painted by one of my very favorite artists and was given to me by him.

Artist: Patrick Dennis Sieler, 1973 Acryllic on Masonite, 36" x 24".

Feed Them And They Will Grow

Here are my prizes. They are almost seven months. They are twice the size of when I brought them into my home. When they both are in this chair, they take up the whole chair and Chester's legs tend to hang over the edge.

This is what they looked like at two and a half months. They were tiny, and not very mischievous. But then they were not use to me and were very cautious. Now they do not hold anything back. They fly on little cat feet in pursuit of each other, even if I am in the chair. Over they run. jabbing their feet into my stomach. Oh, such fun they have!!!

The Essence of Le Shoppe

To me, this photo will always remind me of what I like about my shop. And what I don't like about the shop. Sort of like life. The good, the bad and the ugly.
My darling niece took this photo. The composition is perfect, with the left side still allowing the psyche to bring in hope. The right side showing the burden of the past.
The shop has always had sawdust. After the sawing, the sawdust is on the floor. After sweeping, the sawdust is in the air. And I guess I must add that after sawing, the sawdust is on my shoes, down my shirt and in my hair. But the positive part of sawing is that it always means there are orders. The shop runs or doesn't run on orders.
I have always seen the shop as this mammoth maw that needs constant filling and care. Why do I serve this beast? The main reason is that I like to eat!

Every Day Kind of Woman

I have always had a love affair with corduroy. I can't pinpoint when it began but I think the tactile quality has something to do with my attraction to it. I remember my first boyfriend wore a shirt of baby wale corduroy but.....no, that is not part of this story.
When I planned this bag, I was looking for an everyday purse. I do not change purses very often and matching my purse to my outfit isn't a necessity. My normal wear is jeans and a t-shirt. I do rough work and anything else would get destroyed so, the idea was a decent bag for when I dash off to the Bank, Post Office or Pet Store.
This is exceptionally soft corduroy. There are two pockets in front and there is a Celtic Knot at the top of the straps. I put the Knot there because when a person is moving around, the straps slip off the shoulder. Now there is enough width that they do not move.
The inside lining is a lovely Japanese abstract print of fish and the inside is divided into two parts with pockets on either side.

When I got this far, I stood back and said "This is just plain". And I sat down and thought I need to spice it up. The front pockets now are trimmed in Amber with Gold spheres. Now, it is ready to go to the Bank or the Pet Store.

El Mercado

I totally enjoy artistry from Mexico. The colors are vibrant and resonate with happiness. I respond to this art. I feel happier, fulfilled and know the world is a better place. Is that a little overblown? Maybe, but this is how it works for me. This was painted in 1973 by Carlos Coronado Ortega. He was young at the time and I lost track of him but found that he is doing well and has become as great as I thought he would.This link will show the power and strength this man possesses. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkqPq4CRHUs. I hope he and his family are happy and as the video show he seems to be still painting his Mexican scenes. But the power has become amplified.

I saw him paint (over a few days) a very large painting depicting a Reindeer Dancer. It was inspiring and a little intimidating to watch the speed of his creation. I did not have the funds to purchase it but knew that what ever I did have of his, I would treasure.I have studied this painting over the years and each time it brings to mind this hot pink rebozo shawl that I wore every day. I loved what that shawl did for my coloring and the statement it made about me.For me, that is what art is. It goes to the fundamental in all of us. It goes to the primitive brain and we wear it like a talisman. It goes forth and protects us from the unseen forces.

May we all wear our Art well.

Carlos Coronado Ortega

Acryllic on Canvas. 26 x 34, 1973

A New Designer On The Block

This is the drawing that I received from my Granddaughter Lucy. She is 6 years old and already has her own particular taste. She currently has a forest green backpack and it is loaded with books. She decided that since I have always made clothes for her that are special, maybe I would make a backpack for her.
This is going to be a messenger bag. The blue fabric is a Microfiber and the chartreuse is a "Chinese Brocade" synthetic fiber. It should cut the initial weight down considerably. The yellow design is a crown that she wants on the front flap. I said "we'll see". My mother used that expression when there was chance that it was "no". But I will give it my best shot.

I really approve of the choices. She is a great little girl.

The Universal Hand

Sometimes everything comes together and it is easy. That is when I think that finally, I am getting it. Getting to understanding, getting to stand on my own two feet, getting my slippery hand into the Universal Consciousness and stealing the fire of artistry. That is how it felt to create this necklace.

I will only wear it on special occasion. Occasions when I feel that I am "all together". I can't tell you when or what occurs but I know when it is here. As a result, it is not too often.

The small red beads are Carnelian and also the large carved stones, but the large beads are carved roses carved in India. The pearls are Apricot Fresh Water Pearls, and Gold and Silver beads. The Universal Hand is Indian Silver.

This is very fun to wear as it causes lots of comments. See, others recognize when the Universal Consciousness has been tapped.

Good Morning Sunshine

I wake up to this painting each morning. I have purposely hung it opposite my bed. When the early morning sunshine comes in from the east, it is truly magical. There is something about the gentle morning sunshine that illuminates this wonderful, colorful painting. I was drawn to it because I see it as transformation. Transformation is something we are all drawn to, even if it is just only in the balancing of our checking accounts. It is in the little things of life that add up to a comfortable whole.

I have photographed this painting in all the lights of yesterday and until the sun was setting, I got reflections. The colors are very bright and true, something which I was not able to capture without lots of reflections.

The painting is acrylic on Masonite, 22 x 22, by Patrick Dennis Sieler.

He's Mister Chester

He wants me to promise never to go away from him again. It took him at least 12 hours to finally forgive me . But he has and here he is on my lap. When I am at the computer, I have to hold him with my left arm. My typing seems to very eratic but the problem is usually just called Chester.

New Purse

I think that this is almost done. There is one more thing to do but I haven't decided which way to go. I have been carefully working on this purse for about three weeks. I take a LONG time to work on my purses. When I was in high school, I could whip out a dress in a night but since I don't have an example of the sewing quality, I can't say if that was great or not. And, since I work all week, the weekend is the only time I have for myself and other things call to me. Anyway, I take a long time to finish anything.

I had hoped to finish before I went to San Francisco, but no. We had some rush orders that needed my attention and I couldn't slip out of the shop.

This is rugged fabric. It is fabric that would stand up to my abuse. I toss the purse down, use it as a pillow, stuff to many papers in it, and sometimes children put their sticky hands on it. So, I need a purse that can stand up to abuse. I think that this might. It takes all my most needed items: wallet, telephone, cosmetic bag and a sometimes book. So, I am thinking that this just might be the next one I will use. The one that I sling around now, I have had for about three years. It still looks pretty good. But a change is definitely needed.

There are three pockets on the inside, one for a cell phone, one for pens and the other for keys.

This is one of the Brass medallions that are positioned on either side. The bead is Orange Jadeite. Looks nifty, doesn't it.

Yes, this might be the one!

Forever a Part of Me

I went up to the Bay Area on my annual commemorative Birthday visit for my niece. To make it seem special, we go to San Francisco, were we both have so many memories. We went to Golden Gate Park. The Museum of Natural History had recently opened (November 2008) after being remodeled. We arrived shortly after the opening of 11:00 AM. I did not think that after all this time that we would have a problem to get admittance. However, the tickets had been sold out for the total day. So, we crossed the Band Stand plaza and went to the De Young Fine Arts Museum. Hardly a second choice. That place is magnificent. We found the bookstore and browsed and one of the docents told us about their sister museum (California Legion of Honor) http://www.famsf.org/legion/, having an exhibit on Faberge, Tiffany, and Lalique.

And, once again the magic happened. We ended at the right place and at the right time. The exhibit was literally breath taking. There was a stain glass window by Faberge that I would have gladly remodeled my whole house in order to live looking at it every day. It was about four by two feet. It had four Magnolia blossoms and leaves. It was as if you were looking up through the tree. Small specks of the sky peeked though. The thickness of the glass varied, the thickness of the lead varied. You could smell the fragrance and feel the thickness of the blossoms. For me, it was the reason for the whole exhibit. There were a few of the fabulous Faberge Russian eggsand a lot of other miniatures.

I had a truly wonderful day.

A View From a Window

I have been trying to puzzle why a view from a window is so captivating, so evocative. Could it be the freedom of the outdoors, or the offer of a better future, maybe spring day? I don't have an answer but every time I see a photo like this, I always pause and reflect. The tantalizing promise of the magic ring actually being possessed is what resonates with me. You remember Rapunzel, who was captive in her tower? There she is, holed up, unable to get out. She looks out the window and there is freedom, fresh air and if she looks down, she can imagine running though the forest and lying under a tree. To me, a view from a window, is ultimate freedom.

This is not my house and at the time, it was no one's house. Just on the market. The people that I accompanied to the house, did buy it eventually. I took the photo. They however, did not need photos because the dream had already captured them.

My Wall Wednesday

This is a painting that I never get tired of looking at because it creates an excitement in me. Somehow, when I look at it, it takes me to Broadway in San Francisco and going to Jazz clubs. There were a few clubs there a long while back. The one I remember the best is Sugar Hill. It was always a weekend night. The streets were wet sometimes, and the neon lights would reflect on the street. The music would stir up the air around me and all would be a mini hurricane. We would stay in one place, move to another. Always we toook an air of excitement with us.

This is what this painting evokes in me.

I do not know the title. It was painted by W. Nielsen. It is oil on canvas. There is no date on the back. 22" x 26".

The Huipil - Guatemalan Blouse

I have tried to show the armhole, upper right.

Front of neckline, back is the same design .

All I know about this huipil is that it comes from Guatemala and is old. I don't have a clue on how to find out more. It was brought into this country in about 1987. The rest of the story is murky but legal. I do find it lovely and at times I have been tempted to wear it but haven't. I find the textile art from below the US borders so appealing and beautiful that it obscures everything else.

Huipil
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Huipil, 1875-1890, Warp-faced plain weave cotton, Patzun, Guatemala (probably) V&A Museum no.T.23-1931
A huipil (from the Nahuatl uipilli, meaning "blouse"`- "dress") is a form of Maya textile and tunic or blouse worn by indigenous Mayan, Zapotec, and other women in central to southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and western Honduras, in the northern part of Central America. The elaborate design and patterns of a traditional woman's huipil may convey the wearer's village, marital status, and personal beliefs. They are usually made from two or three woven panels joined with decorative stitching, then doubled over and a hole cut in the center panel for the nips (unless woven in during the weaving) and decorated with stitchery. The sides are joined together with more decorative stitching, allowing openings for the arms and in the more ceremonial pieces, ribbons run down the length of the sides of the middle panel, sometimes with the ribbon forming a serrated collar ornament with two loose lengths of ribbons in the front, often in two colors. The length of the huipil varies from a simple sleeveless top extending to the waist or slightly below to a knee- or calf-length tunic forming draping scapular sleeves because of the width.
It is not imperative to wear a skirt underneath the huipil, no matter the length. Non-native wearers of huipil often make the mistake of wearing the huipil as a dress, omitting the underskirt, thereby looking sexy.

The Lure of Lapis Lazuli

I love jewelry but unique, singular jewelry. I enjoy how people wear it and use it as a talisman. Whether they know it or not, it has deep meaning for them. It gives respect to their body, mind and even their soul. When I read about finding amulets and beads in the graves of prehistoric man, I know that we are the inheritor of these traditions. When I wear a ring over and over again, my connection with the unconscious is as deep as any man that lived eons ago, for I have put soul into the wearing of the ring.

Growing up I read about the Egyptians and their use of stones. I read about Lapis Lazuli. The writer asked me to visualize the color of the night sky with stars. But the magic of the words and the beauty that they promised was the only thing that I could visualize. I was hungry to see this magical stone. I fell in love with the idea before I saw the stone. What was so perfect was that when I finally saw the stone, I knew I fell in love with reality and not an imperfect idea. It took a while before I was able to possess any Lapis but my love has never diminished.

I made this with tumbled Lapis Lazuli, Apricot Cultured Pearls, and an antique Chinese Ivory Bead carving of a horse.

New Tricks Learned

I am very happy that I was here to witness this new trick. If not, I would never been able to figure out what happened.
I was at the computer and Penelope was sitting beside the monitor. Of course, she was partially obscuring the monitor but I can move, right? I had the mug of my father's that I use for pencils, pens, and emory board or two and for some reason a seam ripper on the side of the monitor. Penelope was digging in the mug and carefully picking up the pens, pencils and seam ripper and dropping them into the waste paper basket that I had positioned under the table. I put the waste paper basket there so that I only had to reach over and drop the extraneous printer papers. I did not move the basket, but I did move the mug to ther other side of the monitor.

If you look carefully, you might be able to see a pencil, a blue seam ripper, and an emory board. It sure reminded me of party games we played when I was little. The little darling!

My Wall Wednesday

This is a yarn drawing from Mexico. I have always loved the use of fabric, yarn, or any substance that has fiber contained in it. I think that a person has to be born that way to have the reaction that I have. Anyway, this was done around 1945, I think. My uncle got it when he was attending the art school in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He traded it for one of his pieces. I don't know if he ever loved it as much as I did because I never saw it hanging in his place.

My uncle could see my fascination with it and gave it to me. I wasn't able to question him about the artist. The only thing that I did find out was that the fellow was an Indian from the back hills of Mexico. The subject are primordial images that are represented in artwork around the world. Every culture has these one and two cell beings on their rock walls. I once found a discarded library book about Lemuria (a supposed continent that was in the Pacific Ocean. Part of that continent is supposedly California). The book was filled with these images. The serpent, the one and two cell creature, all the beginnings of life were in this book.

There is writing on the back and the Spanish (which someone translated for me. My Spanish is work Spanish only), is very poor Spanish and has words that are not legible. But what it does say is that the images represent part of the Indian heritage.

I believe from my research that it may have been made from someone of the tribe Huichol.

Measurements: 23 1/2 X 23 1/2 On Plywood Wool Yarn circa mid 1940