Crow's Nests

All the trees at the Oak Park Art League have "Crow's Nests" made by one of the members. It was too crowded and too dark to get a photo of my favorite one (maybe when I return to pick up my work), but these photos give you an idea. I love the painted clothes pins. It has me thinking about what I could do with my trees. It is good to get out and be exposed to new things.

It's About Time

I inherited a lot of the family things that no one else wanted- a box of old photos, button jars, etc. I have had some things for years and other things more recently before my dad died. My children never knew these people and I know that they would not care to keep these things so I decided to create some altars/shrines using the things that I have inherited. The actual altars were created out of clay then I painted them (instead of glazing) to give them a worn look. At my show at ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Center, I met ceramic artist Gina Lee Robbins who creates incredible organic sculptures. When Gina contacted me about the Oak Park Art League's show It's About Time, I was deeply touched. Her comment that my altars were perfect for the show and that the community was filled with "wonderful, caring artists," convinced me to give it a try. However, I had to push through some fear to actually wall through the door. The welcome I got nearly made me cry. The executive director raved about my work, called it "perfect" for the theme and wants to showcase my work. Wow! I cannot wait to go to the opening tonight. A new adventure.