INNER SOUL 2:  The Gate Keepers

Location:  E Street Gallery  1115 E St Sacramento, Ca  2nd Sat reception 8/11   5-9pm

This is the second year I am participating in this fundraiser for Joshua's House Hospice in Sacramento.  Artists were asked to use the shoe as symbol.  I decided to use slippers, same thing, right.  I choose slippers because it was always a little heart wrenching to see homeless folks walking through town on worn and torn slippers.  I added the bottom photo so you can see what the slipper looked half way through demolition!  The bodies of the two Gate Keepers are made from the fluffy topside of the slipper.  I used parts of the inner soles to make the green landscaping and the while cloud.  The flying, steampunky, angel winged images on the upper left utilize the big, black buttons on the slippers.  The furry, fuzzy slippers were a bit difficult to prepare for paint.  Lots of fabric stiffener and gesso finally harden the slippers to my satisfaction.

So the idea is that the Gate Keepers will guide those homeless in hospice to their next life;  that is what I thought about as I made the above assembled paintings.  They are 3D as the bodies protrude out from the canvas.  This project was great fun even those I had a limited paint palette!  The auction is a silent bid and I am hoping these two lovelies bring in donations.  I will not be at the 8/11 reception but  if you are family or a friend you can join me at the artist reception on 8/9 5-8pm.  

Getting Back To Business!

The above necklace was finished just in time for the membership show at Blue Line Art Gallery in Roseville, CA.  The large stone is jasper which sits below an oval labradorite cabochon.  The porcelain white raven cabochon were made by Laura Mears. There are five shell pieces covered with faceted glass.  I titled this piece "Transformations".  The raven is a symbol of transformation to the Native American Indians.  I look at these white Ravens and see white, to me, a positive transformation into death or another positive place.

In the past two years I have lost several loved ones.  It has been difficult.  I view death, how ever it may come to oneself, as positive, taking an individual to a higher place.  When making this necklace I thought often about loved ones lost;  I thought about how they are physically gone but will always be with me in my heart.  For me, his is a very special piece!

So, I've put these losses behind me and am happily creating again!.  I participated in the Sac Kiwanis Art Fiesta a few weeks ago.  It felt so good to connect with customers again.  Fantastic show which I  look forward to doing annually.

Anyhow, it's good to be back to business!  I love what I do!