Village Challenge

I was over visiting Kel last evening, and became inspired by her post about community.  She challenged readers to make a visual depiction of their support network as row houses.  Here's what followed in my sketch book as I reflected on my own tribe.

pigma pen, watercolor, cassein and prismacolor pencil in 9x6 sketchbook

Detail

Great prompt, Kel.  I have a lot more contemplating to do on the supportive relationships in my life.  Blogland friendships are a part of that, for sure, and I thank you all for your comments!

(Thisdrawing is the final page in my 9x6 daily book, and I will be moving into a pristine new Stillman & Birn 'Gamma' series book next.  Thanks for the recommendation, Lynne!)

View from the Top

As spring advances, snow retreats and our walking destinations increase.  Sunday we were able to climb up one of our favorite logging roads for the first time since last fall.

We had record snow depths this winter and although the road is now clear, mounds remain on the muskeg and in shady spots.

Up near the top of the hill Flossy paused to pose.

This walk is straight up and very steep going, but the views are worth the climb.  (and of course, it's all downhill on the way back to the truck)!

Earth Day Hodgepodge

Really a pretty great week - started with a few days of rain, just enough to knock the dust down, and then turned into a lovely Earth Day today.  Capped off with good news in the family, and I am soaring into the new week as high as these harbingers of spring:

Sand Hill Cranes overhead on the morning walk

You always hear their odd cries before you see them.

At the studio, I was completing a piece for the Fiberactions split complementary color challenge.  More about that on Reveal Day, May 15th.

 

In the woods, more stuff is budding.  This week the Devil's Club plants began to show new life.

Devil's Club bud - I think they look prehistoric!

In my sketchbook, too, daily drawings gravitate toward blossoms.  Happy week to all!

 'The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity.  The creative mind plays with the objects it loves'.  -Carl Jung

Scene, Recently #25

Wearble Art Reveal Part 1

The performances last night and this afternoon were completely successful - thrilling, as always, to be part of the cast, and to complete the pieces created by dancing them.  I only have a couple of back-stage photos to show you right now, but at risk of boring you, will post some of the actual performance photos later in the week.  For now, I give you...

wait for it...

Dragon Gown - artist and model: me

 

 

Our fabulous director (on the left) worked with us for hours rehearsing our routines.  Here 'Leafy' is walking through the first blocking session.

'Leafy' - artist: me; model: Jane

Daily Drawing

Our Wearable Art Extravaganza is this weekend, with dress rehearsal this evening.  I am so excited to see what everyone has come up with, and to dance my creations.  My sketchbook this past week has been a place to work out last minute design details as I sit in my cozy chair in the evening.

makeup design for dragon gown

sleeve/neckline details for dragon gown

Of course, most of what goes on in my daily drawings is pure stream of consciousness doodling.  There was some of that this week as well.

Lastly, I have been commissioned by a young fisherwoman friend to create her prom dress using Grunden's rain gear.  Here are my initial thoughts for that project, which is proceeding along in reality now, and has actually morphed into a different design.  (I will show you that project soon).

Enjoy your weekend, friends and readers!

Animals Enjoying Spring

William Wallace

Mr. Bertram in his Un-natural Habitat

Flossy hard at work

Sunshine Easter

The weekend was remarkable - many reasons, including a string of rare sunny days.  Easter is an important celebration for me, being involved deeply in the life of our local Lutheran church as I have been for almost 20 years. 

sunrise this morning

frost still accumulates every night

alders in morning light

skunk cabbages are just beginning to pop up

view from the afternoon walk

new violets are coming up through last years' leaves

Crystal Mountain at Blind River Rapids - I never grow tired of this panorama

After taking last week off, I am really looking forward to tomorrow when I will be back in the studio.  (Today is my 'Friday' at the Mighty Mighty Day Job).

Several projects await completion.  One is my second wearable piece, working title is 'Leafy.  You may remember my sketch...

head gear for wearable art piece #2, 'Leafy'

shoulder leaves

What are you looking forward to as the week progresses?