The other day while I was reading my eyes shifted and I glanced down at my hands and I noticed something so familiar to me that I felt a sudden jolt .. a recognition of sorts … I saw my mother’s hands.

Warm, loving, a bit crinkly with skin that lacks the smooth tightness they once possessed.  And maybe for a brief second or two I mourned those hands that used to be mine but that mourning was short lived as I came to the realization that these hands have experienced life.

They are hands that have ~

• nurtured and raised two babies with the love only a mother can give
• comforted friends in times of need with kindness and compassion
• poured far too many cups of tea to count … my liquid wisdom in a cup
• opened books so I could continue my love of reading other’s stories and learning
• created work that nourishes my soul and fills me with possibilities
• cooked and fed friends and family with love.  Sharing food with others unites us is so many ways
• joined to another’s hands to share a partnership far too intimate and connected to put into words
• they have loved …..

A few nights ago I made these heavenly little beauties from The Kayotic Kitchen ….

Oh, the flavour ….

I’m a big fan of both garlic and lemons which may sound like a strange combo but oh …. those potatoes were divine.

I used russett potatoes which I had never been introduced to before John mistakenly brought them home.  I’m generally a “reds” girl but they were perfect in this recipe as the inside was fluffy and moist while the outside was crispy.  If you don’t have russets, no biggie just use whatever potatoes you have lying around.

The Kayotic Kitchen recommends serving them alongside seafood but I’d eat them with anything anywhere … even by themselves warmed up at 9:45 pm while in your p.j.’s right before Nurse Jackie comes on …. think I just outed myself.

As you can see I’ve made some changes to the piece I posted on Friday … in my personal life I suck at change ( I’m working on it) but with my art it’s a whole other ball game.  The first swing at bat just wasn’t eliciting a response in me.  It looked too … hmm…happy I guess.  I like dramtic skies they make me feel … yeah, they make me feel.

I’m pulling an all day session in the studio this a.m. as I’m getting ready for this

I’m a small duck in a big pond when it comes to this group …

Well,  must get back to it but before I go I must tell you about a movie I can’t wait to see …”Take This Waltz” by Sarah Polley.  I’ve loved her work from the moment I first saw “Away From Her” which is a stunningly beautiful movie. If you ever get the chance to see it … do!  It is incredibly moving and it will make you feel …. promise.

There is simply something about standing on a beach, waves rolling in, sand underfoot, looking out at the ocean that makes me feel humbled.

There is an undeniable power.  It makes me feel alive.

We spent a week in Avon, N.C. … the Outer Banks.  Just down the road from where “Nights in Rodanthe” was filmed.  I ♥ Richard Gere …

I spent most of my time walking the beach, sketching, collecting seashells, spending time with my girls … being inspired.

These two inspire me and make me say “Awwww….”

I wished I could capture everything I saw on canvas but there are some moments you just need to be present for … and I was.

Arrived home last night from Avon, N.C.   Long drive but worth it as we had an amazing time on the Outer Banks.

Just getting my land legs today so will post in full on Wednesday ……

Last week I had the pleasure of delivering art  to a new gallery I will be working with…

Gallery Seven

I’m excited to be represented by them and so pleased to be among the other artists they represent .. most especially Rita Vindedzis. A year or so ago I saw Rita’s work at Art Interiors and it immediately struck a chord with me so I did what I always do when I appreciate anothers artwork … I email them.

I never send that email with expectations of receiving a reply as my sole purpose is simply to let them know I admire their art.  Being someone who works in a very solitary profession it means a lot to me when others have made contact  to tell me just that.  Rita being Rita (kind, sweet) did reply and through our various correspondence we found we have much in common.  I love when that happens!  So although we still have yet to meet in person I call Rita my friend and when we do finally get together you will find us at a corner table in Starbucks catching up …

Tracy Helgeson is another example of meeting a friend online.  I’ve read her blog for years now and commented frequently as I found her life so interesting.  The chickens, the bees, the kids, the gardens and now the goats… and to think she is a fabulous artist as well … whew, I was tired just thinking about doing all that.  A few years ago we were planning on visiting upstate New York and I emailed Tracy to ask her for some info about the area.  The next thing you know she’s inviting us to dinner.  You can read about that meeting here.  That dinner was one I will never forget … there are times when you can’t quite put your finger one how an evening just feels so right but this was one of those times…. almost magical.

Andrea Pratt is another artist I call my friend.  Nope, we’ve never met face to face either.  I had commented on her blog a bunch of times too … yes and before you ask, I do read a lot of art blogs. Andrea and I also have a number of things in common and when we finally meet you will find us at an art supply store spending way to much time and money.

And there’s Paula McCullough, Ellen  Sereda and  Jean Levert Hood

Not only is the work produced by these wonderful artists inspiring but they are damn nice people as well.

Art may have originally brought us together but from my point of view friendship is now what connects us.  I have a true interest in how they are and if life has been treating them well.

I care and that is what friends do …..

Yesterday, even though John and I are adults and Holly is 18 … we sat and coloured Easter Eggs.  Yes, I guess we are traditionalists.  I’m sure when Holly is off to school John and I will still be sitting at the table with the ever present Paas Kit…. rituals die hard in this house.

We skyped during dinner with my oldest daughter who was away at school and couldn’t make it home.  We set up the laptop at her spot at the dining room table and we all ate together…. you just gotta love technology.

I completed another piece at the end of last week, a 12″x36″ .. no idea what to call it but I’ll consider any suggestions anyone may have cause I’m stuck.

Now that we’re all in a spring frame of mind …..

From one of my most favourite places, Ace Bakery, I found this recipe Maple Lemon Rhubarb Crisp.  Once my rhubarb gets big enough it will be the first recipe I try….

Make your day count …. be kind to others …

The Narrator’s Tale, 24″x24″

Not been so good at keeping up with the blogging these last few days but in my defense I’ve been hard at work in the studio.  I’m on a bit of a deadline.  For most people that would seem a tad stressful but I honestly think I work best when the pressure is on.  I’m better able to  focus which in turn means less computer time which is a good thing … a necesary thing for someone like me who gets so easily distracted.

Tomorrow I’m headed up to The Silverbridge Gallery with four new pieces. Next week I am taking work to a new gallery which I won’t speak of yet cause I’m sure it will jinx me.  In two or three weeks I’ll be sending work to a (keep your fingers crossed) another new gallery.  This studio time is really beginning to pay off as is my persistence to continue to find new venues in which to show my art and my new found appreciation of marketing.

A few months ago I was getting really down about the process of  finding good new galleries for representation. … I think I called it a “soul stripping experience”.  And even though rejection can take the wind out of your sails, so to speak, I find it also strengthens my drive to continue on…. to have my vision seen.  I also believe in myself …. I believe in my ability to achieve anything I set my little old heart on.  Having said that I  am also wise enough to realize it requires a lot of work.  Unfortunately the “marketing kind” which I always sucked at until I read Alyson Stanfield’s “I’d Rather Be In The Studio” .  I would go so far as to call it the artist’s bible.  When I first read it last month I thought “oh god, do I really have to do all that to sell art?”. It seemed overwhelming at first but I knew that what I was doing wasn’t working so I pulled up my socks and made a decision to follow her advice and put in the marketing work that was necessary.

Any artist who tells you they just want to paint and not bother with marketing are;

1. Just painting for the simple enjoyment of it
2. Independently wealthy

Which is great if that is what you want but I want to sell art so I can continue to create art…. simple right?

There is no way around it … if you want to sell art you need to do the work and that work consists of one word and one word only … marketing.  Although I am apt to throw in the word persistence as well.  I’m not saying that if you follow all of Alyson’s suggestions the The Guggenheim is going to come calling but what I am saying is that slowly but surely things do start to turn around.

And that’s the truth according to me ….oh, and Alyson Stanfield.

Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.

Bill Bradley