Mixed Media Postcard Swap and Friendship

Shannon Ganshorn is once again hosting her International Mixed Media Postcard Swap Version 4.0 so of course, I signed up. You can too. Deadline for signing up is May 10.  You send out 10 postcards and get 10 in return. I've been working on mine. Each is a little different but the overall design is the same. I made two new friends last round. Jill is now a member of heARTist Trading Cards which is also the reason I will continue to do these kinds of trades.

Today was also my interview for becoming a resident artist at ClaySpace. I will admit to being a little nervous but there truly was no reason. Theresa was warm and welcoming and Sharon who sat in unofficially was a jewel as always. I will be presented to the board for a vote then placed on the waiting list. Not sure when I will become an RA. Hopefully I will only have to wait a couple of months. I feel strongly that ClaySpace is going to continue to help me grow as an artist and a person. I love the people I am getting to know. I've been putting poems on Hannah's shelf, a 26 year-old with an old, caring  soul, after learning we shared Mary Oliver as our favorite poet. Today I found on my shelf a gift from Hannah. I am blessed and sad. Hannah is moving to upper Minnesota at the end of May.  I am sure we will stay in touch. We have shared such a deep connection. When was the last time you made a new friend with someone much younger?

Life, Simple Pleasures and a Winner

Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. - John Lennon

On Sunday, I gave myself permission to do little except read a book. The book, Turn Coat (Dresden Files, Book 11) by Jim Butcher, was simple pleasure reading. I like to read books that my sons have read. It is just another way of sharing. Anyway, I cannot remember the last time I spent a day reading a book. It was delicious. I did not think about anything other the book until 9 p.m. when I was well into Changes (Dresden Files, Book 12) and started making 4" x 4" collages for the next side trade with the heARTist Trading Cards. Two hours flew by so quickly.

Sidebar: The one thing that has really struck me about Jim Butcher is that his writing got better with each book. I wonder why he picked Chicago as the location for the books. He lives in Seattle.

Yesterday, on the other hand, was not much fun until my pottery class. After nearly two hours and seven painful x-rays looking for a spot on my breast (never found), I was declared fine. I had just enough time to woof down some dinner before heading out to my class. I was exhausted by the time I got home so please forgive me for not announcing the winner of Fiber Art Now yesterday as promised. Drum roll please....Julie! Congrats! For those of you who didn't win have heart. I'll continue to have blog giveaways.

Serendipity Strikes Again!

It is my job to betray people's expectations. - Koie Ryoji, master and "rebel" Japanese ceramic artist (born 1938)

The side trade for heARTist Trading Cards this month is to create spring themed thrinches (called because they are 3" x 3").  The last three years spring has meant a relationship with a female crow so I used her as my inspiration. I love thread painting which I have not done in quite a while. My first attempt was too small. At first I was discouraged until I realized that it fit perfectly on top of a box (3" x 2.75" x 3") I had created just for that purpose! Serendipity again. Rejoice! I want to continue to explore ways to combine clay and fiber (beads, wire, buttons, etc. too).

This was my first time creating thrinches. After spending so much time thread painting the crows, I decided to keep the backs simple. I thought using the words "Expect Magic and Miracles" was perfect. Spring is a magical time and the rebirth of everything always seems like a miracle to me. I hope the people in the group enjoy them. I know that I love the treasures I receive from them each month always brightens my day and challenges me to be a better artist. When people ask me why I participate in these kinds of trades, this is my answer. Besides, who does not like going to the mailbox and finding a treasure? With Nina-Marie Sayre's Off the Wall Fridays, it has more to do with accountability and supporting another person's efforts. What motivates you?

Blog Giveaway and Thoughts on Time

I need more hours in the day as I seem to be in overdrive with ideas. This may be the reason (at least it is the story I am telling myself) I thought my subscription to Fiber Art Now had expired. I did not find what I was looking for at Barnes and Noble so when I saw the new issue, I grabbed it. Unfortunately for me, the same issue was waiting for me in my mailbox when I got home.  Don't you hate when that happens. Fortunately for you, you have a chance to win it!

1. Leave a comment about your thoughts on time. It seems to be speeding up for me. You?
2. Make sure I know how to get in touch because I am not going to spend the time tracking you down.
3. Not advertising so you probably have a better chance at winning.
4. I'll post the winner on Monday. If I don't hear from them by Tuesday, I'll pick another person.

Wordless Wednesday- Spring Surprise (Unplanted but not unwanted)

Magic and Miracles Altar

As with my fiber work, I also have been setting goals for my ceramic work. It took me three attempts to create this altar which has a workable drawer. "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life," by Picasso is in yellow. Being able to create this alter was a real confidence builder.
 
Having it around is also a great reminder especially since I got a recall today on the mammogram that I had yesterday. I wish I did not have to wait until Monday for the follow up x-rays to be taken so I am thankful that I have lots of projects to occupy my mind and time.

The other day I realized why I like pottery so much. It is tactile. It requires me to use both sides of my brain. It puts me outside my comfort zone. It helps me create things that I could not make in fiber.I have so many ideas rattling around my brain.

I have also been asked if I now consider myself a potter. The answer is "no." I consider myself an artist who uses whatever medium works best to express what I have to say. Isn't just important that we create?

Expect Magic and Miracles

"I like living. I have sometimes been wildly despairing, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all  I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing." -Agatha Christie, An Autobiography

Progress! It has been a busy week with a couple of days of caring for Tom who had knee surgery. (He is doing well.) I have made some progress on the Carol's feather. I so appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions. I abandoned trying to make the figure work (she will end up in a piece of art since she keeps calling to me) and have moved it from a piece on loss to a piece on hope. The crow will have the words "Expect Magic and Miracles Everyday" on the piece of cloth it is holding in its mouth which will not be sewed down. The words are also on an alter I created in clay (I'll share tomorrow). Adding some other elements is still floating around in my head. It will be fun to see how this piece evolves. I cannot wait to get started on the feather on the black fabric. It is good to have this to focus on since the days have been rainy and cold. I am in need of spring and green.

I will once again participate in Nina-Marie's Off the Wall Fridays. Hopefully this piece will be completed by next Friday.