Peace by Piece Art Project

I just received this debris from Hurricane Sandy in the mail today. As part of a group project I will be constructing something from these materials in response to that devastating storm. Part of this project involves documenting my process in creating the artwork. As I develop my offering I'm going to share some thoughts and images here.  For more info about this project or to donate to help offset shipping costs please visit http://www.peacebypieceartproject.com/

Equinox

Wheel of Life

Some new works to celebrate the changing seasons. Happy equinox to you wherever you may be!

Flowers on antique textile printing blocks

Purple Skatebird

Little Bird Talismans

I too have been covered with thorns~Rumi

Hand Heart and Thorns

I Too Have Been Covered With Thorns 

I am your moon and your moonlight too
I am your flower garden and your water too.
I have come all this way eager for you,
without shoes or shawl.
I want you to laugh, to kill all your worries, to love you, to nourish you.
Oh sweet bitterness, I will soothe you and heal you.
I will bring you roses. I too have been covered with thorns.
~Rumi

Desert Mermaid

It is said that Christopher Columbus spotted mermaids while exploring the Caribbean. They inhabit the dreams and myths of cultures all over the world. Here is a mermaid story that you might not have heard before...

In the Sonoran desert where water is scarce rare creatures emerge in the puddles and pools after a rainstorm. Their lifespans sometimes last just a few days. Once the water dries up they disappear as quickly as they came. Most common to appear in the temporary pools of water are the desert frogs and fish. Shown here is one of the rarest of the desert creatures-a Desert Mermaid.

Her head is an antique Tin Minerva doll with the original blue glass eyes, Her body is carved wood. The arms are articulated so they bend up and down at the elbow. The hands are made with antique porcelain doll parts. Each flower and thorn is delicately carved and painted. The antique doll face has been coated with a varnish to preserve the paint. The entire piece is finished with wax.

12"h x 7"w x 3"d

Desert Mermaid

My Funny Valentines

Blossoming Heart 

Hands and Hearts

Heart Series

On the Table

Here's what's on my work table now...
The weather has been cold and dry which can cause my wood to split. Just when I thought I'd finished building the tall figure at the top of this photo I drilled a hole in the hand to fit the bunny in and...Crack! Back to carving...

Looking out on the desert from Wupatki Ruins 

In 2013~

May you be touched by kindness

May you be moved by Beauty

May you be inspired by something new

May you be transported by something ancient

May you be surrounded by love

Happy New Year!