LIFE WITH MOOSE

 I'm trying to design a great piece of beadwork of moose. All summer we had this family in the yard. Got to watch the twins romp, explore, play and grow. I really fell in love with these little guys, who, are not so little any more! So, feeling inspired I've put my creative juices to trying to do them justice, don't quite have it worked out yet but when I get the idea down I will be happy to start beading. I don't think people say enough about the design, start with a boring one, (even if you are a great beadworker) and the piece will be lacking. So take your time and get it the way you want. The beadwork will always take 20 times longer than your design process!

BAD BLURRY

A quick word about the next step in the process of getting the individual show. 20 pictures. Got to represent!! So, what I'm realizing is that I have so many bad, bad pictures. Beaders are not photographers. But, as artist, we have to market ourselves, so we better learn. Here is an example of a blurry picture of a wonderful piece.  I got distracted by the lilies. Alas that ship has sailed.  I mean being able to use this as an example of my beadwork.  Take good pictures!!!!  You never know when you are going to need them.

250 WORDS

So back to the solo show application. The museum wants a no longer than 250 words artists statement explaining what your proposal is, basically, what your show  will be. Here's a rough draft.

ARTIST STATEMENT

 Just returning from a financially successful show in Santa Fe I feel invigorated, full of creativity and ready to take on an idea that’s been percolating for a few years. Dip netting for red salmon on the Kasilof River is a way of life for residence of the Kenai Peninsula. While my husband stands in the icy water and hauls out the winter supply of fish, I observe, take photos and sketch. My plan for a solo show is to do a series of pieces about this subject. Each piece will be beadwork, starting with three large wall pockets as the focal point of the display.  Many different size bags will serve as the main body of the show. The subject matter will range from life size salmon in the nets to seagulls congregating over dead fish head, families, tents, campfires, full coolers, 4 wheelers, fishing boats, fillet knives, waves, sunsets and sand. I want to capture the sometimes chaos and sometimes peaceful scene of dip netting with my own storytelling ability and a touch of magic thrown in.

As a working artist I agree with Franklin D. Roosevelt who said that “ Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”  The effort it will take to complete this show will be monumental, but the happiness I would feel at being able to create a masterpiece depicting this uniquely Alaskan experience would be immeasurable. Please know that if I am chosen for the solo show, I will give it my all!

 Okay, what do you think? Please send me any constructive criticism  you have, I really would love some input. 

p.s. Here's a shot of me 20 years ago pedaling my wares on the streets of Anchorage. Maybe I can get inside this time!

THE BIRDS ARE LEAVING

InIn the yard this afternoon and I heard the guttural rattle of the sandhill cranes. Looked up to see a huge group, long necks stretched towards the southern destination where they will winter.  Alas, they are leaving... I'm am so not ready for the end of summer but the sandhill cranes flying south is a sure sign that it's happening whether I like it or not Better bring the geraniums in, the frost is surely next.

LABOR DAY

Happy Labor Day! The official end of summer, seems like it was just the beginning. Wow that went by fast. So, everyone who said they wanted a book in the book give away (ending last night) contact me with  your address at custombeadwork@yahoo.com  because you all get one!!! Thanks for your interest, I'll get those in the mail as soon as I get all your addresses.
Now, on to my next venture, with much trepidation,  I have decided to tackle applying for a solo show at The Anchorage Museum of History and Art. Lots of hoops to jump through, I have until Oct. 31st. So I'll be keeping you posted and be asking for opinions and advice with this mind bending adventure...