Sunday, November 16, 2014

Being With "Morning Poem," by Mary Oliver

I was just reading aloud the  Mary Oliver poem "Morning Poem" to my husband, Karl.  It made me realize that I misspoke recently when I said I didn't like this book as well as later books. In reality, I just had not taken the time to feel it, read it, appreciate it and "be with it." I believe there is a life lesson here that I get to think more about and be with longer.


7:20a.m. Morning, Birch Lake, Minnesota

Morning Poem

Every morning
the world
is created.
Under the orange

sticks of the sun
the heaped
ashes of the night
turn into leaves again

and fasten themselves to the high branches ---
and the ponds appear
like black cloth
on which are painted islands

of summer lilies.
If it is your nature
to be happy
you will swim away along the soft trails

for hours, your imagination
alighting everywhere.
And if your spirit
carries within it

the thorn
that is heavier than lead ---
if it's all you can do
to keep on trudging ---

there is still
somewhere deep within you
a beast shouting that the earth
is exactly what it wanted ---

each pond with its blazing lilies
is a prayer heard and answered
lavishly,
every morning,

whether or not
you have ever dared to be happy,
whether or not
you have ever dared to pray.


                      Mary Oliver
                      New and Selected Poems, Vol. One, 1992

Monday, November 10, 2014

The Muse



The Muse, Nov. 10, 2014

"Images of the past came to her mind,
And her future dawned upon her.
She felt the light again and remembered-

'Live in the present moment.' " 

from the poem titled: "Experience" by Jasmine Kang
FB Page Source: Women's Spiritual Poetry


Sunday, November 9, 2014

Stronger For Karen

Stronger Together For Karen B., Nov. 2014

STRONGER TOGETHER

"You are surrounded by love,
By acceptance; a force-field of support.
You are strong on your own.
You are stronger together."

~ Mariann Martland~
FB Page Source: Women's Spiritual Poetry

For my dear friend Karen for whom I'm attending a Zumbathon Shake It For Scleroderma Fundraiser today.  We'll all be dancing to the zumba instructors beat to raise money and awareness about this terrible disease.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Two For The Road

Two For The Road, Oct. 25, 2014




TWO FOR THE ROAD

Two cameras were wanted, film and digital.
Two hats, one for him and one for her.
Two cups of coffee for the two hour drive, his black and hers white
Two pairs of mobile devices, large and small, new and old. 
Tools or toys? 
Either way road trip necessities now.
 
Bags of groceries for her short-order style of weekend meal preparations.
Two canvas bags of handyman tools, all his, for Sunday's seasonal chores.
Four books of poetry because she wanted, no, needed her favorite poets on either side of her 
as she birthed a new poem that her friend Doug said needed to come out.  
And lastly, a blank journal and red pen to record the poem in all its messy variations.
 
These twosomes and more were wanted for their October road trip "up north."
For this was to be their last two glorious, end of the season fall days together 
at their Place In the Pines!

And so it was!

Friday, October 24, 2014

Fall Reflections

Fall Reflections, Oct 24, 2014

The fall colors this time of year are truly irresistible, especially when Karl brings home a lovely table arrangement for our dining room table.

But before it can sit too long on our table it needs to be photographed while it's still fresh.  And what doesn't finish off an arrangement better than reflective glass with some liquid in it!

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Pickled Peppers

Fall Harvest, October 18, 2014

Pickled peppers, pumpkins and all things fall harvest.

I'm so lucky that Karl and our friends Allen and Judy spent the afternoon cutting up vegetables. I was worthless because the light was calling me and I was focused on creating fall photo.

We all have our talents and should play to our strengths.  LOL

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Autumn Brew

Autumn Brew, Oct. 12, 2014

Autumn brew, fall apple harvest and colored leaves all elements of our short little road trip to Bayfield, Wisconsin.

The morning light was so bright and crisp I couldn't resist creating this image first thing Sunday morning and taking a sip or two of the variety of beers.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Vases, Light & Shadow


Vases: October  2013  (available for purchase)

As I go through my photo archives of last year's initial experiments with still life compositions this image keeps calling me.  I cannot tell you how beautiful the lines and colors are in that center rear vase that is made from wood. 

I love it!  The other pieces are lovely on their own but the vase is so singularly striking and precious.

When I started to collect items for this still life I wasn't 100% sure what I was going to photograph.  I went through Karl's collectibles upstairs in his man cave and pulled these items from a variety of different corners and shelves.  On their own they were nice but together they really complimented each other.

It feels important to document these collectibles that he has accumulated over the years so they are remembered in an image so that  they have a second life beyond their short life on our shelf.






Light & Shadow images on display

Bottles on Green, #8740, September 2014 (available for purchase)

I am so excited to announce that the day has come to select a few of my recent Light & Shadow still life photography series images and share them with my local community and online.

Join me
October 4, 2015 - Opening Reception

October 16, 2015 - 6:30 - 8:30p.m
KBEMfm Radio hosts GALLERY GROOVES, music and art

November 1, 2015 - 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Meet and Talk to The Artists Closing Event
Vine Arts Center

GET BEHIND THE WORK, II, a member show of the
Vine Arts Center
2637 - 26th Avenue South, Mpls., MN  55406


Friday, October 10, 2014

Last Door Standing In the Wood

Red Door, October 10, 2014

Ahhh. The Red Door, how did I love thee let me count the ways.
Karl relocated the door from a friend's property in Trade River, Wisconsin fifteen years ago and installed it in the back woods at the cabin.

It has always been the doorway to the woods and countless friends have been photographed with their hand on the door knob with the question always "Are you going in the forest or out of the forest?"

It has suffered through the hottest summer days, strongest winds and deepest snow storms.

Two days after it received a fresh coat of red paint it fell over for the last time.
The impact of the heavy, wet wood pushed it apart at all the seams.
I loved it.

Next spring when I look out to that spot I'll imagine it still there.
I'll remember all the friends who have put their hand on the door knob and walked on.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Ceramics on Blue, Light & Shadow

Ceramics on Blue, #8649, September 2014  (available for purchase)


Blue, blue, blue.
I don't know exactly why I wanted this image to be so blue but typical black and white seemed so, typical.

The surrounding area was actually very green and I guess that made me go so far on the other side of the color spectrum. It was the brightest time of the morning when the sunrise light is the harshest but if I was shooting film, the film would have soaked up the light like a sponge.  Digital image capture isn't quite as loving but I've learned to love the harsh contrast and what photographers call "blown out highlights."  If we were shooting film, they wouldn't be blown out or, if I was bringing a suitcase of special filters I could tone it down. But I don't want to for this effect.  Got sun?  Love it!

All these ceramics  have been used for floral arrangements up at our cabin at one time or another, except maybe the one that is my husband Karl's ceramic wine glass.  Rarely used for drinking if I remember correctly.

Ahh, the painting with light and color in the glorious moments of sunrise.

It doesn't get much better than this (unless it was sunset.)







Still Life with Fruit


Still Life with Fruit, #8740: September 2014

What an awesome experience to transition to a new photography series that excites me just as much as some of my past work.  I guess an artist CAN change.

After two decades of focusing on the beauty of the human figure in various locations and lighting patterns I've discovered the quiet beauty of  the still life as a serious body of work, not just an occasional random portrait.

No surprise really, if one looks at the countless number of floral studies I've done.  Again, simple beauty and about as minimalistic as one can get.

But now, let's add quantity, quality, light, shadows, reflectors and a life time of experience and see what comes up.

Let the journey begin.

Invite to Light and Shadow series images on display



I am so excited to announce that the day has come
to select a few of my recent Light and Shadow still life photography series images
and share them with my local community and online.  

JOIN ME
October 4th - Opening Reception

October 16th 6:30 - 8:30
KBEMfm Radio hosts GALLERY GROOVES: music and art
November 1st - 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Meet and Talk to The Artists Closing Event
Vine Arts Center

GET BEHIND THE WORK, II MEMBER SHOW
2637 - 26th Avenue South, Mpls. MN  55406



Sunday, September 28, 2014

Cat In The Light

Cat in the Light, Sept. 2014


Still life, Cat in the Light was not intentional. Not planned. But simply a few elements that came together on a bright, well lit Sunday morning in late September.

Not a high brow, well thought out fine art composition.  The light makes it, truly. Nothing else is really important but I'm thankful for every little bit of fall color that is evident.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Books for Vacation

Checking out books at the Library

Checking out books at the library.

How many books do you take along with you on vacation?

I've got 4 printed books (3 art, 1 poetry)
and 3 eBooks (1 fiction, 1 art, 1 business)
I know which one I probably will never open.

I think that's enough.

(photo created at the main downtown Mpls. Hennepin County Library.)


Friday, July 25, 2014

The Light. The Lens. The Love.

Still Life: The Light. The Lens. The Love. July 2014


The Light. The Lens. The Love.
Truly a labor of love to create this still life portrait.

We all have our challenges to create our art work. Yes. I believe it.

These roses were a gift from Anne P., a friend and a client. I loved them when they were freshly presented to me. But since that time they had been moved around several times and were no longer fresh when I finally had the time and the natural light available to create the still life.

As always, I experimented around with 10 different variations of light at sunset aka "the golden hour" and finally fell in love with this one.

I hope it is obvious that the lens theme spanned a variety of technological eras.
All of which I've lived with and loved at various times. Even my iPhone had to get in the picture because that is my image capture device now more often than it should be.  And I wanted to bring in my oldest camera because the camera, like the roses, were past their prime, but both still loved, nonetheless.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

All About The Light

All About The Light, July 2014


I was laying in bed thinking about making a still life picture, got up, dressed and saw the light coming in from the east window into the purple room aka the guest room.

I quickly grabbed a couple of things, like my camera and my tripod, and hid a couple of other things.

Here's my first photo of the day. It was ALL ABOUT THE LIGHT.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Technology: too little, too much, just right

Okay, I've downloaded the Blogger app to my iPad mini (again.)  I think I did this before but disabled it for some good reason, I'm sure.

So let's see. Technology? How much is too little, too much, just right? To manage a group art exhibit what do I really need / want.  Who else will be on board with it anyway? Just me?

I honestly don't know. Here's my inventory of technological resources  for the moment:

(1)My Desktop has all the standard Word, Microsoft Office, Excel, plus my trusty old Adobe Photoshop and Picasa.
(2) the iPhone I'm trying to minimize the app installations now that my old phone is pretty filled up.
(3) It's this nifty little iPad Mini that will need to be monitored a bit, I supposed, so I don't go overboard with apps and RSS feeds from too many "how to manage a group art exhibit" websites. LOL
(4) I also need to study up on Evernote.  I know a biz woman who uses this to the max for team projects, which might be comparable to this effort.
(5) I'd like to give some thought on how I will use Facebook and Twitter, of course, and possibly LinkedIn.
(6) We'll see. And of course, I'll be creating, editing and manipulating digital images that I'll be exhibiting for the show.

All technology demands.
All great learning experiences.
Coincidentally today, for the first time in a year, I put on the t-shirt that says,
"The journey is the destination."

I would say that managing a group show and participating as an artist myself will certainly be an amazing journey. 

I'm ready.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Art Exhibit:Worse Case Scenario - Why Nobody Came

WHOA: I found this site while researching  "art exhibit promotions."
She (Allyson Stanfield) has everything and more.

Nothing like posting the bad news, Wendy.

"WHY NOBODY CAME"
http://www.artbizblog.com/2014/04/why-nobody-came.html
by Allyson Stanfield, April 2, 2014

But it's perfect because I always like to think BIG PICTURE, best case/worse case scenario and then plan accordingly.

So make note of this and don't let it happen for the Art Salon For Fertile Minds group show.


Sunday, June 15, 2014

Art Exhibit Tip: Know Your Audience

Thinking and researching all the fun details of putting together an art exhibit.

Here's 10 Ideas for How to Promote Your Local Art Show or Group Exhibition
http://emptyeasel.com/2013/09/17/10-ideas-for-how-to-promote-your-local-art-show-or-group-exhibition/
Thank you  www.EmptyEasel.com

Fortunately, I know my specific audience:
Artists who have been engaged aka visited the Art Salon For Fertile Minds between inception, February 2011 until the approximate exhibit time in 2015.

woot hoot!
I'm excited!


Sunday, June 1, 2014

Curating an Art Exhibition

I've given this a lot of thought and I've decided that I want to commit to curating an art exhibition sometime in 2015 consisting of the artist members of the Art Salon For Fertile Minds.

My goal is to curate an art exhibit with members that encourages
*personal creativity and group collaboration between the members,
*community engagement among local residents and, for myself,
*a new goal to create 5 - 10 new fine art images that follow within the same theme
*a platform  to display and sell new images reproduced on canvas

I think the artist members are ready to take on the challenge and would welcome the opportunity to work toward a fine art show for many of the same reasons I do.

Yes, I can.
Yes, we all can.



Sunday, February 23, 2014

See the Beauty As We Age

Since February 2011 my husband, Karl and I have hosted a monthly gathering called the Art Salon For Fertile Minds.  Essentially we have recreated the essence of art salons from the 1920s in Europe and later occurring in the US.  Until very recently, we were truly a discussion group.

At the suggestion of our member, Becky W. and the enthusiastic support of some of the other members we are now adding in a "show me" element.  We are adamant that we are not there to "critique and criticize" people's work.  We allow the show me element as another way to deepen relationships, get to know each other and have a greater appreciation for each artist's talents and artwork.

At the February 12, 2014 gathering we showed "art from the heart." Members brought poems, paintings, photography, collage and more.  I showed images that were true labors of love and important to me. 

Still Life: Valentine's Roses, February 2014  (available for purchase)

These roses were a delight to receive from my husband, Karl for Valentine's Day and later, to photograph.  For several days I moved them around the house to capture the sunrise light and sunset light and also to enjoy their aging process.  This still life on our library table was the final one and my favorite because the flowers had started to brown around the edges which give more texture and definition to their whiteness.

Isn't that a bit like real  life?  We change over time and hopefully develop a new beauty as we age and start to brown around the edges.

I hope you agree.




Monday, February 17, 2014

Valentine Variations 2014

It sounds like a musical performance but it's not.  Instead it is Valentine Variations of a lovely bouquet of white roses that I received for Valentine's Day.  It is a gift that I enjoy and photograph many different days in many different ways.








Sunday, January 26, 2014

Love - Still LIfe


Thinking of LOVE


Thinking of a  LOVE and Valentine's Day theme still life.

Originated because our Art Salon For Fertile Minds friends put forth an art challenge.  Create something that represents who and what you love.

This says it all for me except that the cats are there symbolically.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Fruits and vegetables still life

Fruit and Vegetable Still Life





While husband Karl was cooking a delicious Egg Drop Soup in the kitchen,
I was working in the dining room.  I painted the backdrop canvas and then borrowed some food from
his kitchen so I could create ...

Still Life with fresh fruits and vegetables.


Makes me hungry looking at it.

Hands Are Full

  petrichor   heavy in the air   fills our hands