Sunday, November 1, 2015

Thursday, May 28, 2015

New place

Mostly it doesn't feel so different here from the east coast.  Then, I run into a tree sized cactus (not literally) and I realize how far away I am.  It's a sad and invigorating realization!

Monday, May 25, 2015

Gettin Dark on the West Coast

I've moved myself to Sonoma, CA, but all of my stuff and my car has yet to arrive.  That means that I've had a lot of time to draw. 

The move has certainly affected the content.  My mood and outlook have started fresh on the West Coast.  I find that with sunshine, companionship, and less stress I have oddly been wanting to draw somewhat darker things.  Outer light has exposed inner darkness, and I like it! 

To me, darkness is good if not positive.  Darkness is mystery and depth, seeing life for what it truly is!

Anyway, here's what I've been working on:




Scary tree (Blue Oak) with unknown occupant


After some digital work.  (If you happen to want it on a tee shirt http://www.zazzle.com/trapped_in_a_blue_oak_womans_tee-235119518334493342 )
 Cunning crow with weirdly romantic lace wings.  On a background of an image of mixing eggshell, cream, and ivory paint.

(Again, if you happen to want it on a tee shirt http://www.zazzle.com/gothic_crow_with_lace_fluttering_wings_tee-235554682196122277 )




What I'm working on now.  Wilting roses...love the wrinkles and lacy edges that occur as the flowers shrivel and petals fall.

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Sea Glass Extravaganza!

I'm strangely enthralled with finding beautiful things.  It's a combination of the joy of discovery, and the fear of the item never being found.  There's just something about spotting that perfect piece at goodwill, a lost earring on the ground, or a 4 leaf clover among so many 3 leaves.  A few years ago I learned about sea glass, and it struck something inside me.

It's quite poetic; the accidental beauty of sea glass.  Humans dumping their trash into the ocean for years upon years, only for the ocean to patiently roll the hardest parts along the sand and through the waves to produce this beautiful smoothed little gem.  The glass is frosted by the salty sea water, breaking down the outer surface of the glass.

The glass holds pieces of human history, now gone with the advent of plastics.  They are archaeological pieces.  Blues may come from medicine, vapo rub or nivea bottles, reds may come from pre-plastic tail lights, and pastels often come from perfume bottles.



When I started planning my trip to California, this passion for sea glass was certainly in the back of my mind.  Sea glass certainly can be found anywhere, but my understanding is that it is concentrated on English, Japanese, and Californian shores.

So, trying to contain my excitement, I asked the friend I was visiting, "do you know if there's any sea glass near you?  I think it's supposed to be more common out there, and I've always thought it would be cool to find some."

To my surprise, he says, "I think there's a whole beach of it!"  It turns out that Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is 2 and 1/2 hours from Sonoma where he lives, but my very sweet companion was willing to drive me there.  We drove through beautiful redwood forests, quaint towns, and along lovely coastline.

It was more than worth it.  The beach was so unlike the East Coast beaches I'm used to.  Covered in glittering sea glass, with imposing awe inspiring cliffs.  The place was incredibly beautiful.  I collected a few interesting pieces, and we stayed in a lovely bed and breakfast with an ocean view.

If it weren't for my crazy crafting, I don't think I would have visited this incredible spot!