Welcome to Spring

The most recent flurry of art events is behind me now, until Medieval Fair in a couple weeks. Last Friday's "Money Talks Art Walks" was a lot of fun, and (I hear from those in the know) quite successful. One of my pieces, the anti Valentine's heart, went during the $75 round, which made me happy. The other was still on the wall at the end of the $50 round, but organizers announced a last-minute $25 ticket sale, which made a lot of atendees happy. Whether someone snatched up my white flapper collage, I don't know, as Tony was still feeling queasy from commuting in his car with no suspension, and we'd been there over two hours already, so it seemed like time to come home.

Since then, I've been trying to create; got more text pendants on the go, and a few collage-under-glass mirrors to work on. Unfortunately, Buster has developed an all day fondness for

the chair at my desk, and I'm such a pushover I can't bring myself to shove him out.

Anyway, the weather's been so gorgeous it's been a real chore to remain indoors for any length of time. I hear storms may be brewing for the first part of the week, which is just what I need to a. spur on the gardens and b. make me buckle down and finish some pieces for the Fair before it's too late.

As for this blogging stuff, it's getting frustrating, not being able to arrange my text and photos how I want. Clearly it can be done, as everyone else seems to have mastered it, but with me, it's all so random, and unpleasing. Not to mention with just a couple of 'backspace' clicks, I seem to have made one of my photos disappear altogether. Why must this nonsense be so complicated?

Rosemary.
That little, brighter green thing in front is a fennel that returns year after year. It gets majestically tall, and is a treat for the swallowtail caterpillars.

A daff, of course, creeping through the rotted wood.

Eeyore, feeling almost safe in her bamboo jungle. (Actually, keeping an eye on The Sidler, who gets a thrill from stalking her.)

The Sidler, pretending he isn't after the catnip under the cage. I wonder if catnip will cross-pollinate with lemon balm? Because I think mine has. That larger one you see has a very lemony scent, but looks much more catnipy than balmy. Never had that happen before.

Nothing in Particular

The most recent sketching event wasn't the most inspirational, so I won't be sharing my work. It's not that the model was very large - more that she was a - what's the term - freak? sideshow queen? whatever is currently the correct phraseology for it. Human blockhead is one, and I guess she's that too, as she pounded a nail right up her nostril. Don't get me wrong, I have a soft spot for such things. My biggest disappointment about Coney Island is I visited on a Monday, when the freak show was closed. :(


Still, when one is in a mindset to sketch mostly bare body parts, perhaps accentuated with imaginative props, a woman bundled in a strait jacket, baggy black t-shirt, and army pants isn't the most conducive subject. At least not for 2 and a half hours. She did bare herself for the astonishing trick of grasping a big city Yellow Pages under each breast (before you ask, I didn't get out the camera for that). For a wacky bit of entertainment involving fire-eating, bondage-escape, bed-of-nail lying, and such, by all means track down Boobzilla and her Carnival of Cleavage. But for life drawing exercises, eh.

So let's take a little trip back in time, shall we? I found, folded up and scribbled on, what must be my first ever published illustrations. Behold the glorious, unfaded purple mimeograph pages of the school play program, 2nd Grade, October 1972. I can't recall how I came to be well-connected enough to land such a prestigious gig, but not only did I contribute all the drawings, I was even in the cast, as a gypsy.
Keep in mind these imaginative snippets of history are copyrighted, so don't be thinking of nabbing them for your next high-profile project. Thank you.

In other news, last week brought glorious weather. I couldn't resist buying a few plants, and putting a few more seeds into the soil. Naturally, now that the redbuds and peach trees are in full bloom, snow, sleet, and freezes have returned. Hopefully by now the things that grow in this dramatic climate have adapted themselves to nature's wicked mood swings. I wasn't foolish enough to put the basil or tomatoes in the ground yet, so they're safe. Anything else will just have to toughen up and survive.

Wednesday's reception for "Women Who Play With Fire" at Rose State College was festive, with guests, artists, music, and tasty treats. My vintage text pendants are finding loving homes, one by one, which makes me happy, considering I can't wear them all at once. As long as I keep two or three of my very very favorites, I'm willing to let the others go.


Tomorrow night is "Money Talks Art Walks" at IAO on Broadway. Last year I attended, and it was much fun - the art is on display, with no names visible, patrons purchase tickets for $100, $75, or $50, then, beginning with the $100 tickets, names are called, one by one, with each 'winner' getting 30 seconds to choose a piece of art. Clearly it pays to have several choices already in mind, in case one's first pick gets nabbed. Quite an entertaining fundraiser.

Now, Sara is freaking out because apparently the telephone lines are crossed (who knew that could even happen in this modern age?) and she's hearing conversations between strangers, while chatting with her pals. I don't know what she expects me to do about it, at least until tomorrow, when I might or might not opt to deal with AT&T.

My two delightful prizes from One World One Heart have arrived safely through the letterbox, and what treats they are. Very soon I'll have photos to share. Meanwhile, I'll just share a few glimpses of what you might discover wandering around my house with nothing better to do than peer into gloomy corners.