Where is the pEAcE?

Boy oh boy. I have been sitting here today thinking about all the things in the news these days. We haven't had cable television for over a year now and to be honest . . . we don't miss it. I do however spend more time online reading news stories and more than my fair share of time chatting and/or debating with folks on Facebook or email. It seems we are battling such extreme points of view and the middle ground is fading away. Kind words and deeds have been replaced with jabs and words of hate. I am trying to step back and take it all in but find it to be toxic at times. I enjoy a good debate, learning about other points of view and even agreeing to disagree . . . but I'm growing tired of certain issues and need to release it to a higher power. That's why escaping to my art or my music is of such comfort to my soul. I can focus on the beautiful materials I have to work with and create something unique and special from them. I am an avid "collector" of odds and ends that I hope one day will become part of a work of art. I enjoy the process of going through a box of treasures to find just the right things to use. Endless pleasure! So I am making a promise to myself to spend more time going through my treasures and creating art than scouring through mind-numbing stories dished up by the media. I can't go cold turkey because I like to stay in-the-know but I can promise to lessen my time online and letting certain things go and run their course. It is true what so many say . . . ART SAVES LIVES.
Tell me . . . how is art saving your life?
Namaste.

calm in your heart

“peace: it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” — unknown

It is my hope that you find inspiration and comfort from this beautiful quote as much as I have.
Namaste.

adornment of PeAcE

I have been having great fun creating a peace theme ornament this holiday season. There is just so much inspiration out there! I love the messy funky technique that I've created here with fabric, paint and my sewing machine. You could even leave this out for the entire year if you wish to brighten up your workspace or home. If you are looking for unique handmade items to give to your loved ones you'll find so much of what you need and more on ETSY. Truly a marketplace of inspired artisans from all over the world. May this holiday season be one of quiet reflection and PeAce. Namaste.

PeAcEs of LoVe . . .

This post is in memory of my wonderful grandma Irma. She spent 94 years of life on this earth and had a profound influence on my life and and countless others. I have so many fond memories to share like her homemade strawberry jam, Halloween sugar cookies, popcorn balls, melt in your mouth Thanksgiving day stuffing, pecan pie, picking raspberries . . . . you know I am a big food lover and I share her 'sweet tooth!' She was also the kindest person to everyone she met. She had faith in and a love of people that is almost unheard of today. I strive to be a believer of faith in others like she is but I have faltered at times. I did inherit her joy of teaching and am proud to have followed in her footsteps. She was always steadfast in her love and total dedication to her family. Upon our high school graduation all of her beloved grandchildren received a handmade quilt. Mine is a double wedding ring pattern with "peaces" of fabric from many of my cousins and siblings baby clothes and play clothes. It is so beautiful not only because of the bright and colorful fabrics but the love and care that was put into this hand stitched quilt. There is even a blood stain on it which she was hesitant to show me . . . but every time I take it out to look at it I search for it as well as for her signature that she has sewn into the border.
A few days ago I was up in the Sangre de Christo mountains above Santa Fe taking in the scenery and breathing in the crisp fall air. As I looked at the changing colors of the leaves I was reminded of my quilt. The brilliant tapestry of colorful aspen leaves against the pine trees resemble my beautiful quilt. I know she would love this beautiful place where I live. I felt close to my grandmother tho I am hundreds of miles away.
I love you grandma may you rest in peace. Thank you for your love and for your tireless encouragement.
Namaste.

Public display of PeAcE

I have been wanting to approach the owners of Santa Fe Hemp about selling my art for a long while. We have been patrons of the store dozens of times over the years and I can never seem to leave without purchasing something for myself or as a gift. It is a truly unique little store with something for everyone. Recently I did email the owners and they agreed to sell my "Wall PeAcEs" in their shop! I am so excited and sincerely hope this will be a good venture for us!

"Power to the Peaceful" - Michael Franti

September 21st is International Day of Peace. What are you doing for yourself or for others? Create a "peace" of art? Talk to a co-worker who is difficult? Smile at a stranger? Pay for the coffee of the person behind you? I'd love to hear what you plan to do or spontaneously do in your home, workplace or your community. Remember . . . . peace begins with me.
I am making peace flags with a group of 3rd/4th graders to display in our school hallway as a reminder of Peace Day. We are also learning about using our school labyrinth and how it can make us feel more at peace with ourselves so we can tackle the tasks set before us. We've had one introductory lesson and boy did it work miracles. You could have heard a pin drop as we processed through the labyrinth with an intention set before us in our mind and in our heart. I am planning to use it a lot in the weeks to come. It was a great first experience!
I look forward to reading your comments and hearing how you marked Peace Day.
Peace out . . . and in.
Namaste.

More reuse of materials . . . MIXED MEDIA PeAcE aRt!

I am enjoying my summer vacation with abandon. Finding time during the busy school year is often challenging to create things that feed my artistic sweet tooth. Summer is a time for me to try some new things that have been occupying my thoughts or the scribbles I keep in a notebook that I carry with me. I find it hard to throw things out that I could potential use for my art or as storage for things. These PeAcE pieces are created with scraps of canvas, fabric, cut out letters from magazines, buttons from my junk drawer, leftover bits of paint and twigs that I pick up during our walks along Canyon Road and hikes in the mountains surrounding Santa Fe. I have a few more embellishments to do, photograph each one individually and then list them in my ETSY shop. I hope you are finding time this summer to feed your artistic sweet tooth.
Namaste.