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!