Hidding Behind the Poppies from Well Cared For Steers Series

When in doubt I review older work and sometimes parts of the painting cry for change. My eyes, changed by the dark months of winter and the muted colors, sent a message to my brain. Too much green my winter eyes said.

"Society Allowing, and Celebrating Diversity is Precious to Me"

This vase was created in response to Cath's contribution to my ceramic ideas. She wrote "The longer I live in my home town, the more strongly I realize that society allowing and celebrating diversity is precious to me." Cath keeps a blog of her latest art series including mapping abstracts inspired by Aboriginal art. She is a librarian and care giver for her mother in New Zealand. http://cathsheard.wordpress.com

I enjoy painting in the public Sure fire Design Studio in downtown Albany, Oregon. Below are pictures of the vase before firing and the drawing I made before sculpting the vase.

I am working on the Children's Ceramic Project with my grandchildren and from suggestions in blogger comments. So please share with me a subject for a vase - share with me what is most precious to you. Or ask a young child what is the most wonderful thing in the world. One granddaughter made a bowl decorated with what she thought was precious - valentine hearts symbolizing love. The bowl will be fired and ready to paint the middle of next month. As for me after making and collapsing several first attempts in clay, I drew the idea pictured here. This is a plan for the next hand built vase that will be completed next month.

Playfull Basketball is Practice Teamwork

Obama practiced teamwork in high school basketball. The same basic obstacles encountered in the game parallel adult entanglements.
As I wait for the results of the Manifest Hope Gallery competition, the pressure is off and I feel free in my painting.

It is also time to prepare for a hands on demonstration of my travel accordion books at the Albany Air and Art Festival next Sunday.