Anthropology

When I first graduated from college and got my bachelor's in education I was excited about having accomplished this goal. At the same time I was worried that my mind might turn to mush if I did not attend any more college classes. So after a 3 month tour of Europe which ended in Greece, I decided to take random classes of interest just for fun. Still one of my favorites was Anthropology 101. We studied African tribes and their customs. We explored communication of various cultures. Every once in awhile this interest in other cultures pops up in my collage work.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

THis is a tribute to my Mom. Here she is as I saw her in January with her great grandaughter, Zoe. I just love this photo. She probably would have an issue with her hair. But I see the beauty of the link between generations in their eyes.

I made my goal - 50 cards by Mothers Day

I worked daily to produce the cards for my goal of 50 by Mother's Day. I worked at 6 am on those days I worked. At 10 pm I would do a little prep work for next day's assembly. By morning the coated pieces would be dry enough to assemble into a card. And so the goal kept me focused. And when I presented the collection to my coworkers, they had this to say: "I can't decide, they're all so wonderful." Sometimes you just need to hear that from someone else. At the same time I was producing my cards, one of my coworkers e-mailed us and said she was raising funds to do the Avon walk for breast cancer. I offered to donate $1. for every card I sold. I hope it inspired some of my coworkers to choose a work of original art over a hallmark card. "Make it special, I said."

Inspired

Last weekend I took a workshop in embossed papermaking. It was a great opportunity to try something new. This card is made from the embossed paper I made. I like the texture that is so subtle.

Celebrate

With some true signs of spring in the Chicago area, I feel like celebrating. My goal of 50 flower inspired cards is getting closer to completion. I have 38 done. Setting goals really pushes you forward. Even with only smidgets of time I feel extra motivated to keep on going. The studio is a mess but I can still crank out some cards. Those remnants of old work can still be re-used, recycled or reworked and altered to a fresh look. I feel energized.

Musical Inspirations

Rolling along with the goal of 50

Not all my cards are collages. Sometimes I am in the mood for a spontaneous watercolor. Florals lend themselves to working in watercolor. I feel a sense of freedom when I paint in watercolors. There is never an intent to recreate a botanical image. The genus and species are yet unknown to man with the florals I paint.

Another recycled watercolor

More Cards for Mother's Day, Weddings, Etc.

Between Obligations

In recent weeks I have been creating Mother's Day cards of a floral nature between family obligations and work. The joy comes from taking old watercolor paintings, experiments etc and recycling them into another kind of art. Here is an example. I am hoping to have 50 cards done by the end of the month.

I really appreciate all the positive feedback. I feel blessed

I just had to share what a client wrote to me.
“I just saw the cards and they are absolutely gorgeous. What a talent you have! What beauty they represent. They are the best expression of Irish culture I think I've ever seen.”
M. Thomas

The St Patrick's Commission is Completed

Today I delivered 25 St. Patrick's Day cards to my client, Julia. She had only ordered 20 but when I presented her with 25 so she could select her favorites, she could not choose and decided on all of them. I was thrilled that she liked them. One is never sure how the client will react to the finished project. I took the cards to my work one day earlier this week and the reactions were so positive that I was confident that I was on the right track. Three cards were bought at the office which only inspired me to dash home after work and create some more designs. I was on such a roll that I could not stop. The ideas just kept coming like an avalanche. It was the most exciting feeling. I have a new appreciation of the many variations of green. Some preliminary research on the symbols, customs and history of St. Patrick's Day really helped me generate ideas. I remembered that a friend once said: There are two kinds of people in the world: The Irish and those who wish they were Irish.

I am in love with Irish Blessings

I never knew there were so many shades of green

Green Power

Shamrocks