Interview in Art Doll Quarterly

This week I received the summer issue of Art Doll Quarterly. In it I'm interviewed by writer and artist Ricë Freeman -Zachary. Her thoughtful questions made the process an interesting journey. She even shares little tidbits about me such as my previous foray into chicken wrangling...

Also included in the summer issue are articles and images from some of my favorite doll artists. There's a great story called "Stages of Joy" by Idiko Muresan one half of the artist team called Harem 6

Red Antlers by Harem 6

And a feature by talented woodcarver Stephanie Brockway about the making of her fabulous "Toolheads"

"Toolheads" by Stephanie Brockway

Betsy Youngquist's article "Land of the Fantastical" is full of  photos and information about her amazing beaded mosaics.

"Space Explorer" by Betsy Youngquist

For more information on the magazine: http://www.artdollquarterly.com/

Deer Dancing and the Art of Frédérique Morrel

It's deer dancing season. The Yaqui Indian Villages here in Tucson are holding their annual Easter celebrations. Yaqui Easter is a beautiful hybrid of ancient Yaqui religion and Christianity. It culminates with a night long dance of the deer in his flowery grotto. He's accompanied by a small group of musicians playing simple instruments and singing mysterious deer songs.

I like to think that right now elsewhere on the earth there are animal dances taking place to celebrate nature and the changing seasons. The refined tapestry and taxidermy of artist team Frédérique Morrel, created half way around the world in Paris and far from the Yaqui villages reminds me that whether it's a stomp or a waltz I'd like to join in the dance.

Artworks by Frédérique Morrel

Bird Branch Angel and other News

The cactus flowers are about to burst open here in the desert. This time of year always inspires me and percolates new ideas. These are two pieces born this spring~

Bird Branch Angel

Cactus Flower Angel

And some other news this month, I'm honored to have several works included in a new book "Contemporary Art of the Southwest"

"Contemporary Art of the Southwest"

Last but not least if you happen to be in the Tucson area I'm part of Tucson Artists Open Studios -a city wide studio tour this weekend, April 12-13. I better get the place tidied up!

Kathryn Polk-Printmaker

I just discovered the work of printmaker Kathryn Polk. It captured me. Dark yet uplifting. I see layers of influences and keen insight... desert mystery, alchemy, social comment, allusions to Mexican folk and outsider art. Keep looking and you'll probably see more. It's provocative and inspiring. Just my cup of tea. She also lives in Tucson, my hometown.  She has a great website where you can see more of her prints and drawings: http://www.nonindigenouswoman.com/

Lithograph by Kathryn Polk

"Rising From the Ashes" by Kathryn Polk

Drawing by Kathryn Polk

"Mommy and Daddy Wear the Same Size" by Kathryn Polk

Hello Spring~part two

This morning I spent some time in our garden before heading to my studio for the day. I love being in my shop but this time of year it's hard to tear myself away from all the blooming things and the delicious scent of orange blossoms that seems to float in the air. So I spent some extra moments sipping tea, pulling a few weeds and watching a butterfly dance around the yard. I think I have spring fever.

Butterfly Woman

Hello Spring

Welcoming the spring equinox~ 

Here are photos of some new pieces to honor the birds and the bees...and a few butterflies too!

Notes on Nesting-detail

Notes on Nesting

Flying Lesson #2 - detail

Flying Lesson #2

On the Table

Works in progress for two shows next month, a group show at Costello Childs Contemporary in Scottsdale, AZ and American Craft Council in Baltimore, MD.