Unlikely Connections

Yesterday, daughter Susan and I made our weekly trip with my mother to her old family farm. We have been clearing away debris from a tenant of fifty years! Although my grandmother has not lived there since 1947, it has been amazing to find things which actually belonged to her or which she had made. I am well into my Grandmother Narratives and have completed the painting which represents her, but the painting and the findings match -- the old metal dipper, the crocheted bowl covers and the remnants of her flower beds. They have the spirit of Agnes.

This week, we worked in the kitchen and found an old wooden spoon. It was one which I had painted with strawberries and daisies some time in the 70s and had given to our tenant who was also our friend. Perhaps I need to paint a self-portrait in The Grandmother Narratives.

How does a mentor find a mentor?

I have been exchanging emails over the last few weeks with an old student and friend. We've mostly been catching up, but she mentioned some things from "The Bush League Painters" days. I remember when I recognized her interest in birds and animals and suggested them as subject instead of secondary focus in her work. I told her to get someone else to create a brochure, a logo, a BRAND, even though she is a graphic designer. I pushed her to participate in a women's cooperative gallery even though she had a full-time job. She called me a mentor.

Judy Brand has moved a couple of times over the last ten years. She has recently created some energy in her new hometown with ideas from our old days together. It is nice to see. Judy's work can be seen here. www.yessy.com/jdybrand


(The BLP were my students who were really artists who wanted a little instruction and some conversation, group shows and art trips.)

Wondering Why

It seems I often need to be dragged kicking and screaming into new things. Several of my friends have created blogs which I love to read. Some have even sent links to other blogs which are overwhelming in the creativity of their creators. Some have even suggested that I create one. I wonder why. I wonder what I have to offer on a regular basis which will make you LOVE to read MY blog.

I have chosen the name of an old newsletter which I posted on-line for several years. I will share some thoughts which come from my painting process, the research and writing of the weekly BioGems and photos, sketches and inspirations which affect my days in and out of the studio.

Mostly, I'll use it to keep myself on track. Maybe you'll enjoy it, too.