Home of Ancestors is a series of oil paintings that express the energies of the four seasons – four directions inspired by a Celtic perspective. These are a few paintings from the spring and east section, 1996. I’m only now realizing how Atlas of the Year evolved from (more…)
Through the years my creative expression in response to the “here and now” has taken different formats. This post is about how Atlas of the Year evolved. In the 1980’s, (more…)
In the Atlas of the Year I write about the division of time as it relates to the medicine wheel of the year. In this art project the year begins with the Vernal Equinox, (more…)
To celebrate Equinox tomorrow (12:15 EDT) I’m announcing that Atlas of the Year is complete, I’ve met my goal. I offer you a glimpse of the first few pages. (more…)
In 2018 I’m celebrating my 50th year as an artist. In 1968 I set up my first show on – gasp – pegboard- at the Allentown Art Festival. Someone from across the street noticed my oil painting of Beethoven, came over and bought it. They commented that they wanted it because they could feel the Celtic spirit in it. My first thought was, “what does Celtic mean?”. My second thought was, “OK, I’m a professional artist now.” (more…)
All year I’ve been in a writing mode. Much of the topic has been about being in the right place in the right time, the central theme of Atlas of the Year. Awakening slowly to in increasing sunlight, we noticed that the perfect time, according to the bio-dynamic calendar for transplanting trees was March 3. After days and days of rain and gloom, Saturday arrived full of sun and cool air on the face. It was perfect time to have the first Big Fig Dig, at the perfect place, Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary. (more…)
Quickly upon us…The Big Fig Dig at Sunwise Farm, Saturday, March 3rd 2018 from 10 A.M. till noon. Approximately 40 U-Dig Fig Trees will be at their peak transplanting time, according to the BioDynamic Gardening guide, which we use. Bring shovels and large containers. (more…)
Perfect Valentine Gifts await you at this Saturday’s Winter Salon Open Studio Celebration. And feel welcome to create some paper Valentines to take home. I made some special necklaces, Talismans for Abundance, Passion, Affection and Love for the occasion. (more…)
Celebrating Mid-Winter, Studio Update, 2018 is the year I am celebrating my 50th year as an artist. I am grateful for the creativity still bubbling up from mystery. The snow days have provided long quiet days to proceed with the creative tasks at hand. I’d like to share what’s going on. This is another favorite time of year, when we see the first signs of spring, Imbolc, Candlemas, Ground Hog Day!
The biggest focus as I write is preparing for the next Sunwise Open Studios Celebrations on February 10, I look forward to seeing you here. (more…)
Let’s Make It is the theme of my next series of classes. It’s going to be so much fun for me, oh yeah, for you too. A certain youngster who lives inside is the leader in this project. The idea came to me a couple of weeks ago in smatterings, (more…)
2018 is starting off really busy, with the completion of this year’s Mandala from “Lotus and Lily” writing in December, fashioning new and old necklaces from “Christmas Beads” and other newly acquired antique beads, and the ever important element, coffee. (more…)
I recently received these gorgeous hand carved quartz Neolithic beads to bring into the New Year. They are an honor to handle. The feel of them makes be think of possibly how worry beads got started, they have been smoothed by touch for thousands of years. (more…)
Happy Solstice, it’s one of our favorite days when we celebrate the Great Return of the Light. I like to finish things up at this time, so I’m pleased to share my 2017 Review Kathleen O’Brien. (more…)
Just north of Haystack Mountain Robert Bellows Studio is embraced by the land. His Owl greeted us from the entry. For years we enjoyed this fierce yet friendly totem in his front yard in Boulder. He was the first artist I know of to use rusty farm equipment to fabricate his sculptures.
Robert graciously gave us a tour of his work in progress, The Warrior StoryField, a conversation between veterans and civilians in the language of art. (more…)
After the ARTTOUR we realized we were always too busy to take photographs of the visitors who came both days to enjoy the drive to see the art. We get so involved with conversation, really the best part of the event. It’s equally fun to welcome back old friends and meet new ones. Everyone left inspired and with a bit of art. So thank you for those who could be here, and for those who could not, here are a few pictures taken beforehand. (more…)
All Hallows Eve, known as Samhuin in the Celtic tradition is the Night of the Ancestors, a sacred time to honor them. I set aside this day to reminisce about my dearly departed parents and grandparents. It is a period of time beginning with sundown on October 31, and continues for a few days. Traditionally it is the time for a bonfire. All Soul’s Day and All Saints Day are times for us to be grateful for the ways they supported and loved us. (more…)
Welcome to mid-season studio update with news since mid-summer; Annual Open Studios ARTTOUR, new art, and more. We are grateful that the hard work of summer is behind us, our gardens fed us well, our milkweed has attracted more Monarchs than ever. (more…)
Over the weekend, probably because it was so cold and damp and I was happy to be inside, I did a clearing of studio dust and messes that have been tolerated. The worst part was the torn and marked up white paper that covers the west workbench. I hadn’t changed it in ages. That’s because to do it right I’d have to take everything off the surface. (more…)
Just when I thought I had produced everything for the Annual Open Studios ARTTOUR a stampede of inspiration galloped in, culminating in 52 new artworks. I’m so in love with my Japanese watercolors, and when the Indian Summer provides perfect creativity conditions (no wind! not too hot! gentle sun!) to paint outdoors I will think of any good project to do outside. (more…)
As for each Open Studio, there are many new things to see at this year’s ARTTOUR. I’ve decided to preview all of the Atlas of the Year collages and drawings to date, (more…)
Two things amaze me about this October. Our neighbor was able to make a second cutting of hay. Seeing one area made me realize how I love a clear cut, and how those line appear in my art. (more…)
The diminishing light of Equinox informs me to shift into a higher gear. The seemingly endless light and heat of the summer slows me down, it seems lie there is so much time. Everything is growing on it’s own, then the lessening light makes everything ripen to the point of instant (more…)
Lately my family has been involved with funeral preparations for my mom. We did not know how long the wait would be for her internment at Arlington National Cemetery, where she will be joined with my father and paternal grandparents. They rightfully prioritize the active duty personnel. It is a great comfort to be a part of the ceremony that the Honor Guard bestows to their veterans. So we are fortunate that we received a September 6 date. (more…)
Ever since my mother’s death I’ve been blank. That’s OK, it’s like being on vacation, vacating the normal track of ambition. It’s not like nothing’s happening, it’s just all quiet and deep. Realizations arise at odd moments, (more…)
Welcome to mid-season studio update with news since mid-spring of Sunwise Open Studios Celebrations, shows and art. This is another favorite time of year, when we lounge behind (more…)
First harvest of the season, also know as Lughnasa, is in full swing. I have been keeping up with the prolific amount of herbs this year by drying them. I had the idea to get them ready for the next Open Studio. Honestly, the hidden agenda is to have the opportunity to design the labels and packaging. I have been gathering and drying (more…)
I’m excited to introduce my new line of bead jewelry, Healing Necklaces. I love to design several pieces together, side by side (more…)
On the deck of our earth ship, the shade curtains bulge towards me like sails allowing a purifying barely moist seventy four degree breeze. It’s been like this (perfect comforting atmosphere) since returning home from my mom’s passing on the Summer Solstice. Grateful, I allow these airs and graces to soothe the emptiness that cannot be filled. Everything changed with her departure. Nothing changed with her departure. All the cycles flow according to right time and place. (more…)
Yesterday we caught up on garden tasks, after an abundance of rain. I wanted to appreciate my Mothers Day garden without toil. Since we started planting the biodynamic seeds from Turtle Tree Seed, and husbands’ kindly addition of extreme deep beds to avoid bending, we are amazed at the nurturing our Mother Earth is capable of. I am so grateful to Her and my children who asked to see what we are seeing at this glorious May morn. So, here’s a little tour of Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary kitchen gardens. (more…)
Spring Into Art exceeded all expectations. I’m still floating with good feelings remembering some of the highlights of art lovers flocking to the event. It is a major joy to witness 34 artworks leaving with happy collectors. I wish I had taken a picture of the free art table before the event started. That was the secondary surprise, you sort of had to be there! (more…)
Here we are at the light half of the year again – Beltane, May Day! I’m celebrating with a grand Spring Into Art Event, a Sunwise Open Studios Celebration. Join in the fun on April 29, from 1-4 pm. I have a big surprise for you, that you won’t want to miss. (more…)
Spring at the gardens of Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary means, you know, weeding, planting, weeding, mowing, did I mention weeding? It is a welcome time to work on art outside on the porch, as well. It helps to go back and forth between art and garden activities, pacing the physical output, by balancing with the more sedentary focus of art making. (more…)