The Muse's Whisper

The muses call on me when I least expect them. And so it happened last weekend in a fallen down Spanish Mission called Tumacacori. The mission was built by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century. It is one of a string of about 20 that span the border region between southern Arizona and Northern Sonora, Mexico. Some are still in use and others are now just a few crumbling walls. Tumacacori is only partially restored. There was a regional Fiesta there last weekend with traditional music, crafts and foods. The church was open for visitors to walk through.












The exterior walls of the church are  scratched with years of graffiti.

The interior walls are a combination of exposed adobe, remnants of plaster and hand painted designs.

The afternoon in Tumacacori was magical. Thank you muses for whispering in my ear.

Baby Birds

Baby Birds

I'm really excited about these new birdie guys  I've been making. They are carved from aspen with wings made from reclaimed wood. The Baby Birds are just the right size to use as a holiday ornament or they can hang in a window year round. The Skatebirds are much larger and have recycled caster wheels for feet and found glass knobs as crests.  I am on a hunt for more reclaimed wood with just the right patterns. Old yardsticks and vintage crates are my favorites right now...

Skatebirds

Tiny Treasures

Oh my blogski how I've missed you. So many things are going on in my little world at this time of year. In October I spent a week in the mountains collecting aspen. It was lovely and relaxing and my drying room is now filled to the brim with aspen for future sculptures. I got back from that trip just in time to finish up some new pieces and beautify my studio for my annual open house.  Last week I sent out a collection of art goodies to Mary Lou Zeek Gallery in Salem, Oregon. I love that gallery and am  always honored when they invite me to show. And last but not least, I've just added some new tiny treasures in my Etsy Shop. Here's a  a peek!

A new piece called Beauty

Beauty

In making this piece I was thinking about the concept of beauty. I have noticed that my idea of what is beautiful has changed as my life changes yet certain things have remained constant. I love this Native American prayer/ poem because it seems to describe the essence of beauty. It comes from the Navajo people who live in the Southwestern United States.

The Navajo Night Way Ceremony

In beauty may I walk

All day long may I walk

Through the returning seasons may I walk

Beautifully I will possess again

Beautifully birds

Beautifully joyful birds

On the trail marked with pollen may I walk

With grasshoppers about my feet may I walk

With beauty may I walk

With beauty before me may I walk

With beauty behind me may I walk

With beauty behind me may I walk

With beauty above me may I walk

With Beauty all around may I walk

In old age wandering on a trail of beauty,

lively, may I walk

In old age, wandering on a trail of beauty,

Living again, may I walk

It is finished in beauty

It is finished in beauty

Beauty
45" x 11.5" x 11.5"

Earth Meets Sky

Earth Meets Sky
9'9" x 32" x 32"

This year I was selected to exhibit one of my pieces as part of a Sculpture on Campus Exhibit at Pima College in Tucson, Arizona. Until now I have not done any outdoor sculpture so building this was a real learning experience. I installed it last week just in time to have it christened by a huge monsoon storm!  

The Visiting Dragonfly

Late every summer we have a visit from one of these dragonflies. For a week or two it will come and land in the same spot on top of a tall steel sculpture. I don't think it's the same dragonfly coming back every year, maybe a descendant. I imagine the  grandfather dragonfly tells the grandkids about the great view and they come by to have a look.

Carlos Zapata Sculpture and Automata

 

Carlos Zapata makes carved wood sculpture and automata. He is originally from Columbia but now lives in England. You can find more of his wonderful works on his blog:  http://carloszapataautomata.blogspot.com/