INTO THE STUDIO
Journal of a Mixed Media Photographer
Los Angeles Art Fairs
A quick post to share this photograph from last weekend’s Photo LA art fair. Work from my series Mapping the Body was on display at the booth for Modern Book gallery. Artist Joanne Koltnow was kind enough to take this photograph for me so that I could get a glimpse of the event from afar. The work on the wall next to mine is hand colored photographs by Brigitte Carnochan, and the matted work on the table is Joanne’s.
If you are in the Los Angeles area and missed this fair, you have another chance to see my work at Modern Book’s booth at FADA: LA Art Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center from January 21-25. These fairs are a great opportunity to see tons of great art all in one concentrated space – a real treat for art lovers’ eyes.
Holiday Open Studio
Today I finished all of the invitations to my annual Holiday Open Studio. This is one of those tasks that always takes so much more time than I think it will. This mailing doubles as my holiday greeting, and I really like to personalize the cards with a handwritten note wishing everyone a fabulous holiday season. My list has grown over many years, and it is fun for me to see the names of people from all parts of my life and honor my connection with them by writing a little note with my thin red sharpee pen. With close to 1000 people on my list, that takes some time. This year I finally heeded the advice of a good friend who has urged me to hire some help in the studio, and so the fabulous Tristy Taylor (who works with me at artheals.org) came and helped me label and stamp. Working with her made the task so much more fun and efficient – such an affirmation of the importance of asking for the help you need and working in collaboration.
If you are in the area, please stop by for a glass wine and a taste of chocolate and see the latest work in my San Francisco studio.
Holiday Open Studio
Reception: Thursday, December 11 from 5-8pm
Studio Hours: Friday-Sunday, December 12-14 from noon-5pm
3069 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94115, 415-939-5842
(The image on the postcard in the photo above is Evocation #016.)
More Minis
It is that time of year again – time for the Bolinas Museum Miniatures Exhibition. I spent the day framing some diminuitive prints made exclusively this size for this show – Sanctuary #8, Sanctuary #6, and Sanctuary #4 (pictured in this order here). It felt so good to be working with my tools in hand – rulers, cutting knife, framing tape, and more. As someone who has always loved small things, I really enjoy this exhibition. All work must be 6 x 6 x 6 inches or smaller, and 50% of all sales go to the support the Museum. The show opens next week with a reception on Saturday, November 22 from 3-5pm at 48 Wharf Road in Bolinas, CA, and it will be up through December.
While cutting and framing today, I kept myself inspired by listening to the Creative Mom Podcast. I just discovered it this week by doing a search in iTunes for “artist mom” – seeking resources on how to balance art and motherhood. You don’t need to be a mom to appreciate Amy’s insights about the creative process. Today I listened to the 9/14/08 episode called “Slippage” – which was a great reminder to be gentle with oneself and give oneself a break. Nice words for me to hug close as I worked today.
Lost
I have been feeling rather lost lately – my mind scattered by the unpredictable rhythms of new motherhood and the attempt to pursue (perhaps too much of) what I did before I had a baby. Today I found myself a quiet moment under our apple tree, on a blanket with my daughter who takes endless delight in staring at light filtering through tree branches. A poem I memorized years ago floated back into my mind and gave me comfort.
LOST
Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here.
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you.
If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.
No trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.
-David Wagoner
(published in David Whyte’s The House of Belonging)
Five Things that Inspired Me Today
I have been thinking a lot about what inspires me lately and making sure I fill each day with a hit of inspiration. This word is also on my mind because I am going to be on a panel on this very topic on the evening of November 14 for the SPE West Conference in San Francisco. Today, I share a short list of things that have inspired me in the last 24 hours.
- My five month old daughter waking me by singing little coos in the morning. She makes her own form of music at this age that is spontaneous and uninhibited.
- The linear beauty of the fields at Green Gulch during my morning walk with Trinity. The alternating shades of green vegetables and bright flowers growing side by side in rows looks like someone painted the field with plants.
- Andrea’s interview with SARK on her Superhero Journal blog. I just love it that SARK responded with images and colorful handwriting, rather than simple black and white text. Her answer about how to move through creative blocks was so playful, it lightened my heart.
- Listening to Britt Bravo’s podcast with Cami Walker of the 29 Day Giving Project. This made me feel hopeful in a way that I have not felt recently because of the current financial craziness. She reminded me of the power of gratitude and generosity to heal and transform our world.
- And Keri Smith’s sweet story of generosity. Within 24 hours, she raised enough money from her blog readers around the world to finance the purchase of 120 copies of her book, Wreck This Journal, for students who couldn’t afford it. Then she held a drawing and gave out six free books to those who donated money – letting her adorable son pick the prizes.
Image Info: This is a detail of a photo by Alec Soth that is on the promotionsal materials for the SPE West Conference. Alec will be the conference’s keynote speaker on Saturday, November 15. For more info on the conference, please click here.
Preparing for Open Studios
I had a helper in the studio yesterday – Anna kept me company as I hung and labeled artwork, cooing her enthusiasm. My next Open Studio is just a week away – see details below. This one is part of the city-wide event sponsored by Artspan. I love the idea that just as I was at work in my studio yesterday, so are countless artists throughout San Francisco – all of us polishing our work spaces for this big event. It would be wonderful to have you stop by and say hello if you are in the area.
OPEN STUDIO
Saturday and Sunday, October 11-12
11am-6pm (or by appointment)
3069 Washington Street (at Baker), 415-939-5842