Breaking ground and covering ground

Spring is marching full on finally here in Montana (even though it did snow almost an entire day just last week...but that has not stopped the bulbs from pushing, the trees from waking and the birds from singing their Spring songs each morning.

I've been trying to take advantage of the softer (wet) ground to work at a few new flower beds I'm digging in this year...gratefully accepting other garden's split-orphans and dreaming of the world I hope to create in our new 'gated' community where the deer are no longer invited.  (they are still honored guest outside the fenced area mind you...but now my garden beds will look a little less like man small prison camps...and for this, I rejoice!

I've also been hitting the pavement, the trails, and the 'alongside the roads' as well, trying to get myself ready for Bloomsday again this year.  I did the race last year for the first time and had a blast, so why not go at it again this year?  I first wanted to shave 15 minutes off of my time from last year...but honestly, my goal has shifted...I now just want to show up....run...have a good time and not pressure myself into an end achievment...other than crossing the finish line.  I was starting to be a bit too hardline with myself and discouraged with my training and my lack of speed.  Frankly, I think there is enough pressure in life, and I decided I didn't want to add to it.  The simple fact that I'm running a 12k for the FUN of it, should be reward enough don't you think?!  And I'm happy to say that I went out the day for distance and made it 9 miles...I'm pretty dang proud of that.  So what if I could have been passed by small children learn to walk or grannies with walkers...I was still standing at the end of 9 miles...for this, I am grateful (and yes, a little bit proud).

I've also been busy at work, work and work...a quilt on show at the library, one of the featured artists in a textile show in Polson as well as hanging a bunch of new work at the gallery in Kalispell.  I also taught a thread art class at the quilt shop the other day--what a fun bunch of students and great work too!! (see above)  and now I've been trying out a new technique for translating some of my photos into applique pieces....here are few photos of works in progress....

 

 Hope you are all well and enjoying your own Spring projects!  I'd love to hear from you!

Coming Soon....

Bear Grass (thread painting on sun printed fabric)

So next up in the line up of deadlines, is getting ready for my showing at The Sandpiper Art Gallery in Polson.  I was invited to be one of the featured artists in their Mulitmedia show that runs from March 27th through May 4th.    This has been great for making sure that a bunch of new work has gotten out of my head and onto batting as I need to make sure I have enough work to hang in this show, as well as new pieces to put in Paint Metal and Mud (the artist's co-op of which I'm also a member).

I think I'm close to having enough new pieces created....but until I know more about the wall space I have to wonder.....

I'll be sure to post a few photos of the new pieces as I get them finished! 

And if you want to know more about Sandpiper you can see their web site HERE.

The next step....

I have been invited to speak and show my art quilts at my local quilting guild tomorrow night...On top of my crazy work schedule and creating new pieces for my upcoming showing at another gallery, I've been doing my best to prepare for this talk as well. 

Part of me knows that my 'trunk show' for the guild will be casual and full of friends who support (and inspire) me...and a part of me knows that it is also another step in the direction of taking my art more seriously, of introducing myself as an artist, and being recognized as such by my peers. 

My goal....my promise to myself is that I will not appologize for, or joke about my abilities.  That I will stand and let people see me as I am--uneven stitches and bad tensions along with areas of beautiful quilting and striking compositions....because to do art is to stand up, raw and vunerable, to both criticiscm and praise--working ceaslessly to remember that the only one you need to make happy is your own creative heart.

The simplest things....

...are the biggest blessings.

The bear that I was hired to create for a customer turned out great--but you always wait to hear what the buyer thinks.  It was fun to work on, but I was a bit nervous as I was trying to match the style of another artist (from whom he had purchased another piece--that he wanted this new piece to pair with).

He picked up the piece at the gallery when I wasn't there, but I heard that he enjoyed it.  *whew!*  Then, come last night I got an email from him and I have to admit my first thought was "OH NO! What is wrong with it!"....sad, but true.  But upon opening the email I got a very sweet note saying how much he loved his new addition to his wall, and a photo to show me just how great they look together.

While it didn' take him long to send such a note, I can't begin to express what a beautiful gift it was for me to receive.  There are few things better than feeling appreciated for our art...but the frosting is being given the opportunity to appreciate your own work. 

I'm in the middle of gearing up to do a trunk show and talk at my Quilt Guild about my art quilts...and my deadline for the April show in Polson is fast approaching as well.  Thankfully, I've been busy and able to produce a number of new pieces that I'm very happy with.....

As always, I love to hear your thoughts.  Sometimes it is one small and simple comment that can fill my day with joy.  Thanks for visiting and for reading.  It's good to know you are out there!

M

Back on dry land

Thanks for the support and love sent my way during my past few weeks of darker days.  It may not seem like much at times...a small note left in the comments section of this blog, or a little "heart" icon on a facebook post,... but it is a gathering of small and lovely things that find their way through to the heart. 

I've been creative again and creating again, and most importantly have welcomed the 'silly ' back into my daily life.  Here are few photos of what I've been working on lately, as well as proof postive that I'm well, and my heart is filling back up with the joy that is open and ready for us to take in at all times...even when we shut off our hearts to it. 

I think I almost ran myself out of thread on this piece!  The trees on the mountains in the front is all thread work!!

working on a challenge piece for an upcoming retreat...it has to include a number of different type of "stars"...perhaps I'm taking it a little too literally!  LOL

A consignment piece for a customer who bought a wallhanging a few years ago from another artist (see the photocopy above the piece) I did my best to match the style of the original artist, while still making it my own as well.

My two best girls...best friend/chosen sister, and Godchild.

Love and blessings to you all!

If we're not careful...this is what we'll be seeing more of...

Click here to find out more.

waiting for the dawn...

It has been a little dark in my world the past week or so.  Sometimes 'blue' just sneaks up on you and starts to color how you see everything, or deal with the little setbacks of day to day living...for me it has hit my patience and my compassion---mostly with myself.  And when you are easily angered by and mean to yourself, you can't be an open and shining light for others.  I miss being that light...feeling that brightness in my everyday as I encourage others in their projects at the quilt store, guide new sewers toward future projects and answer questions for those who are facing their own walls in search of a door.  I know this feeling will eventually lift...but the living in it is tiresome and I'm weary from the weight of it.

In other news, I am excited to be part of this fun event...(even if there isn't an exact time for it yet...most likely March). 

If you are an artist...or just have an artistic passion I highly recommend getting involved. 
Click HERE to learn more information....otherwise keep posted for more info on my blog, and if you have a little extra to give....send a little light my way.  I promise to return it when you need it.

Peace.