Special Delivery

Artists are often asked to donate their work for fundraisers.  I am happy to help when I can.  It's my way of giving back.  Here is a small piece that I just finished for the Hirsch Wellness Network in Greensboro, NC.  It is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a cancer support community connecting cancer patients and survivors, caregivers, family and friends.  My friend Mary Beth Boone asked if I would contribute to this organization that has made a difference in her life.  This little bird will be included in the Hirsch Silent Auction September 14.  Proceeds from the auction go toward supporting free art classes for cancer patients in treatment, survivors and caregivers.

Beloved Idiots

Christmas* in July! The 2012 Penland School of Crafts Ornament of the Year   *Or Hanukka, Solstice, Kwanzaa, New Year, Festivus, Chrismukkah, Yule, Birthday, etc.          This is the fourth in our series of annual Penland School of Crafts ornaments. We hope that each of these ornaments will capture and share the spirit of creativity that lives within the school's community of artists and friends. So far we have had two ceramic ornaments and one glass. This year we are proud to offer a little something from the book arts world:         Beloved Idiots, created by Margaret Couch Cogswell (You can click here to visit Margaret's website for more information about her, and more images of her work.) 2-5/8" high by 2-1/4" wide x 1/4" deep This little ornament book is a limited edition made exclusively for Penland School of Crafts, containing original pencil and gouache drawings on Rives BFK paper.  It is bound using a drum leaf binding.  $50 each, plus tax when applicable, includes gift box as pictured. Shipping is via USPS, $5.35 for one or two book ornaments (shipping cost adjusted for more than two). To order: Please call the gallery at 828-765-6211 or email penlandgallery@penland.org. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. You may also purchase a book ornament in person at the Penland Gallery.

Fun With Paper Mache

My friend, Gail, brought her granddaughter, Natalie, to the studio last week for a visit.  Natalie decided she'd like to make a paper mache cat for her dad in memory of their dearly departed Fozzie cat.  Gail joined in by making a dog modeled after her pup, Chessie.  The first afternoon they made the shape of their animals with newspaper and making tape.  They left with paste and instructions on how to coat the  animals with layers of paper and paste.  At the end of the week they returned to put the finishing touches on Fozzie and Chessie.  We had such a fun time and their animals are adorable!

Fun With Crowns

A few weeks ago our friends Karen and Craig Morgan brought their son, Justin, and his girlfriend, Mali, to visit my studio.  Justin and Mali were in town from San Francisco.  Mali was immediately drawn to my crowns.  A fashion show commenced with much laughter and fun including Justin modeling a "Tess" crown.  Thank you Mali and Justin- my crowns never looked better!

Time Out

My husband and I recently returned from 2 weeks in Colombia, South America where we visited our son who has been living there for the past year.  I was stunned by the beauty and color that abounds in this vibrant country.  Americans rarely travel to Colombia because the perception is that it is dangerous.  While that was true 10 years ago, now it is very safe.  This was the best kind of vacation- fun and challenging at the same time.  I was completely taken out of my world and thrown into a swirl of people, striking landscapes, exotic fruit, and bright colors every where.  The creative recycling/repurposing/living-by-your-boot-straps that goes on out of necessity was exciting and inspirational.  A sure way to put things in perspective and to remember "there's more than one way to live a life."

Dogs On The Brain

Dog With Ideas    8" x 10" 

acrylic on board

Mr. Brown Dog    20" x 24"

 acrylic on board

Dog  8" x 10"

acrylic on board

New work delivered to Penland Gallery.

Journal Pages

My journal is about images rather than words. I try to put something down on the page each day I come to the studio- that's the goal anyway, but I'm forgiving if a few days go by without an entry. Journaling, for me, is an exercise in openness to what comes without agenda, expectations or editing. The usual suspects on my studio table- paper scraps, gouache, pencil and glue stick are the materials utilized. I can see the direct relationship between the images in my journal and finished work in the studio. The journals contain the seeds of my work and have become a personal history, a graphic memoir that explains who I am in a way words never could.