Back in the Saddle

I know, I know.... It's been a while.  Lots of changes around here. In February we finished the house and moved out of the rental.  A month or so later I went back to work taking a job designing/selling kitchen and bath cabinetry. (Lots to learn!) The adjustment hasn't been easy, but I do like what I do.  Then there is the unpacking, finishing up things in the house (still working on that) and just taking care of business. We spent 2 fantastic weeks on vacation in Italy.  Talk about inspiration.... WOW! All that meant there wasn't much time for art.  I took a few classes during the past 9 months just to keep me sane, but I haven't been able to give it the attention I would like.  I really miss it.  All the activity and no art time was really starting to get me down, when this happened.... 2nd place a the Midwest Collage Society Show at the Beverly Arts Center!

Since then I have made sure to carve out a few hours of time each week to be in my studio.  Classes started up at the La Grange Art League this week which will help make sure I schedule some creative time.  It's good to be back in the saddle!

In the News.....

Last week I was interview by the Suburban Life.  It was a nice article that appeared in Wednesday's paper and Thursday's mysuburbanlife.com.  Check it out right here!

Special thank you to Camille Suknovich for taking the photo of me.

TGIW @ FUMC

I am a member of The First United Methodist Church in La Grange.  The kids and I really like being part of this group of people and we do what we can to support it.  On Wednesday they hold the bulk of the congregations weekly meetings, like group discussions, adult and kids choir practice, etc.  It ends with a supper.  They call it TGIW (Thank God It's Wednesday) and I have to say most days I am glad it's Wednesday!  Not only do I get a little break from cooking dinner and cleaning it up, but it's a time to catch up with friends.  The 60+ year old banquet table used every week are shot, so a few folks decided to hold an art and craft sale and silent auction to raise money to replace them.  I made a couple of small pieces for the sale and this 11X 14 piece was for the auction.  I'm happy to report my work ended up at my friend Deb's house and TGIW will get a few tables from the proceeds.

A Winner!

There are a group of us who art together.  I've had the pleasure of getting to know these ladies over the past few years.  We met at various art classes and when we get together we enjoy each other's company, share our art process, talk through our problems, tell our stories and have a load of fun doing it.  There is no judgement, just love of our art and each other.  One of my art sisters is Turkan.  She is very talented and her work comes from a place deep inside of her sole. Yesterday I met Turkan and her son Casper at Hinsdale Hospital where she picked up her 2nd place award for her entry in their Pink Ribbon Art Contest. I'm so proud of her. CONGRATULATIONS TURKAN!!!

Summer Arting...

I really need to carve our more time to work on my art because I love it so. Sometimes I struggle between wanting to market my work or keep it private. Either way, the creative process keeps me sane and in focus. I have worked a bit on this summer; grabbing time when I can. Now I need to catch up with the posting. I have been working on a dyptic called 'House Keys'. It's an om age to all the addresses I've had since I was a kid. 10 total! I'm excited about where that it's going. I though they could be the pieces I try my hand at having prints made. We'll see how it ends up. It's kind of personal piece and I'm not sure I want to sell any part of it. I've got a few more houses to add, but it's coming along. I'll post pictures soon.

Another summer project was working with Pam Peterson on a chair for La Grange. Last year Pam and I worked together on a rain barrel. We really had fun. I like working with her to help make her vision come alive while adding a bit of myself in there. Pam is an artist with an amazing ability to 'feel her way' through her work. She listens to her intuition and beautiful things unfold as she goes along.... and she's a lot of fun to boot!

Student Show - LaGrange Art League

Another successful show at the La Grange Art League ended this weekend. I'm always impressed by the quality of work. I entered this piece. I did it earlier in the year in Dianne Martia's class. Because of the rental house, I don't have much space to work. It's rather frustrating but I completed one piece and I continue to plug away a few others.

Downers Grove Public Library

If you have some time, take a trip to the Downers Grove Library to see the show. I am a member of this organization and happy to show my work with these fine artists.