Mid-April so soon?
Here we are mid-April already!? The weather here for our first year has been heaven-like. Winter was a mild one by our measure and Spring looks to be a season of enjoy it or lose it as it is heating up into the mid-’80s and pushing ‘90s these days. Spring in the Fan has been a feast for the senses, no kidding. The plethora of blooming flora has been nearly matched by early morning scents of the same. Iris, Peonies, Azaela, Bluebells, Dogwood, Cherry Blossom, Gladiolas, Daffodils, Crocus, Tulips, HIbiscus, Lily-of the- Valley, Jasmine, Lilac, Roses, Geraniums, Lilies, all vying to open first. Here are just a few from walking around the new neighborhood. Of course, guess my fave color? ok easy enough? A fave shade of fave color?
Balance is one of my life’s tenets. Work, play, inside, outside. Day trips are great for this restorative break for this area, I now am compiling a list. From pup-friendly hikes to exploring more of river life. If seeking a relationship with Beauty is my goal, thankfully I am finding it easy enough to find her everywhere. Now a resident of Virginia, one of the obligatory must-see trips is a 2 hr. drive from Richmond. Luray Caverns - I was amazed, inspired and even gobsmacked! Mind-bending, boggling beauty. These images are actually of the reflection still water creates beneath the stalactites formed above. Jewelry related of course! All things lead back to possibilities, shapes, forms, textures, and yes for me, back to Beauty.
Another avenue in my life I’m using to establish a rhythm of life is exploring alternate mediums of creativity. Not to lose myself in another field, but to stretch my experiences with varying materials. I recently, for a balance break took a day intensive workshop in torch fired glass beads. To compare soldering with a torch to working with molten glass I found similiar with the need for a constant eye on the material and totally different in how it responds. I find this knowledge may contribute to problem-solving at another time. It definetly called me to appreciate how far I’ve come from singeing my bangs.This class’ projects resulted in a handful of varying beads. Again, the class, size, materials, instructor, and studio-space, have all been five-star experiences!
Handmade torch-fired glass beadwork. Our VisArtsCenter Rocks! or Beads, oh and there is an upcoming marble class as well! See you there!
I’m aiming for at least two if not four days a month, or once a week for studio rental. It has been amazing to have this community resource. Especially so close. I pack up my bag with just what’s been planned for time efficiency and after a quick walk of course grabbing a Nate’s Coffee from my neighborhod first, then I’m in studio mode. Disclaimer, there is to be no food in the studio. Bevs, yes, crumbs No. This particular black-and-white cookie was shared for soc media purposes. No crumbs were left to harm. Below is an update on my raised beds for this year’s first. Anticipation…it’s making me wait. Gladiolas and Stargazer Lilies on the left, Wildflower pollinators predominantly in Purple and Blue. Guilty!
To top off a great month, season, new beginnings, our new neighbor’s dog wrote a poem to my dog Sulli on his new experiences with Sulli on the other side of the fence. So cute! Way to go new neighborhood neighbor! I’m happy to share!
The Sulli Song
Big White fluffy
Sulli lives next door
I sure wish I could
See him more
Sometimes I stick
My head in the fence
I’m not sure that this
Makes much sense
But then I might
Get to see that guy
Maybe Sulli
Will come say Hi!
Last and never least, jewelry. I had purchased instructions from an artist ( Alex Boyd) whose quality of work I admire and after some practice, I find I prefer the current challenge for me this method provides. This is the second ring I’m doing in a series. I’m working on slowly bringing a more cohesive look to my art. I will continue to be adding 18K and 22k gold to my work through differing techniques. I’ll still be using Argentium silver one, from a pricing standpoint, secondly to build my base structures. The gemstone settings and embellishments will be gold. I like working in bi-metal looks as again my personal philosophies on balance and the elements therein have had a life-long pull for me. Till again, from inside my studio, Jaspr
