Snowstorms and other distractions

Well Juno hit and left a lot of fluff in the wake. I love and hate snow all at the same time. Giddy to have everything fresh and white mired by displacement of routine and disappointment of makeup classes all wrapped into one. And the cold cold of the cold.

But it's only weather and so obviously what can one do?

READING is a good option - which brings me to Heather Ross's book that I just finished. Loved it to pieces. What courage and sheer will to survive. Forget WILD. well no - that goes too far because I loved that book too and well it was a magnificent telling of a tough tale and loads of courage there too. Loved it. Excellent non-fiction writing which is my favorite.

But Heather's book hits a nerve with me as I lived in those parts growing up. Her hardships were immense for a child. A small child - which I guess really made it tough to read and imagine her getting out alive and able to do all that she has done..  I didn't live the way as she did in Northern Vermont -  but I knew those who did and remember it well - from the edges.

I loved the essay fashion of her writing and the way she illustrated her book. It's heart breaking and triumphant all at the same time. I highly recommend it to anyone who is feeling sorry for themselves.

The icing on the cake with this book is that it is also very beautiful. I have always admired her work and her delicate drawings - I always felt they had to come from an intimate relationship with nature. Now I know her story and know it's true.

So the snow day was not bad at all. I am still torn on the idea of actually naming winter storms. Seems a little strange. I hope it doesn't replace phrases like "The storm of '78" and other significant years! Maybe it's just that I am so bad with names?

Final thoughts for today: You can now register for my NEW online mixed media class! My class at artstream has been producing some beautiful works (see above by Celeste) - that I will be sharing the processes and methods via videos in my new online class (Starts March 2!!) Sign up here (and get all the juicydetails) for the earlybird pricing!! 

Art {retreat} Camp 2015 :: A time of Wonder

ARC is held at a very special place. A private island filled with a forest and beaches in the middle of a pristine lake. It's the experience however - the people on this blissful island which makes the retreat so incredibly magical. When you are part of - and I mean your comfortable place be it center stage or fringe audience - an intimate group of creatives, great things happen inside.  Self discovery, quiet contemplation, one on one heart to hearts and getting back to your inner child (as the lovely Joanne explains).
It's a time of wonder. A time to restart yourself.
Again.
For 25 people.
Join us!

On the bedstand

I read constantly.  That said I don't finish what I don't love. Both of these books are competing to be my favorite of the moment. For different reasons. Will give a full review upon finishing! What are you reading? Go!

Weekends

This weekend was "move back to college" for my daughter Chloe. While it's bittersweet we are always excited for her and happy to adventure down to Boston. This trip we stopped by Mimi Kirchner's house for a visit and dinner with her family. Mimi makes art dolls.

She is one of the most talented people I know and an artist to the core. Their home is filled with art in every corner (except where their sweet cat Mango is) and stories galore. We always have fun when we get together! Mimi has created (among a zillion other accomplishments) a line of ornaments for West Elm last year. Her designs are incredible and her work so perfect down to the last detail that when West Elm mass produced them their charm still radiates from the designer Mimi! I got lucky too ...This little fox girl went home with me.

I am also very happy to report that Mimi will be back with us at Art {retreat} Camp this summer. Stay tuned this week for open registration and our new video! Mark your calendars for August 19-23rd! Among other things happening at ARC we will offer Mimi's popular "Little Worlds" pin cushion class. Everyone can make one of these with Mimi's teaching skills!

Small works

I have a number of smaller works which I am listing at my etsy shop for "come get them now" prices. It's January and I am sticking to my schedule of cleaning out and getting some space back in my studio. I will post them here as they enter the shop! Here's the first: beach house. Happy weekend!

Mixed Media Class: Wednesdays

Every Wednesday since like well, FOREVER I have taught a Mixed Media Class! Now this year I am bringing it online in March as a 30 day class for those of you who just can't get to my studio. I have so many talented, inspiring, brave, bold, wonderful students who put it out there each week in our Wednesday night class that I am going to celebrate them within the online structured class as well as here at the blog. (A little peek into the class through my video trailer is here). So for the first installment here at the blog we have these beginnings. Beginnings of small layered works incorporating paint and paper. We'll have a look next week at how these evolved! What are you working on - playing with?

A little video: Art Class: Mixed Media