Why I Don't Do Manicures

We have a black tie event to attend tonight, and the thought crossed my mind that I might want to consider a manicure. But logic won over, as I realized once again that manicures are pretty much a waste of money for me.  


I have to keep my nails super short so they don't interfere with the creative process, and with the amount of paint I get on my nails just from working, it's difficult entertain the thought of purposely adding another layer of color on top of that.  Besides, nail technicians scold me for how awful my hands look. I usually have oil paint wedged under my nails, cuts from the tools I carve with or crimson-stained fingers from the pomegranate juice I sometimes use as a natural dye.


That said, my hands are my best feature. They enable me to create whimsical, fantastical pieces, like a 3 x 4 feet pegasus soaring over an abstract sky or a delicate birch forest exploding with springtime blossoms.  

In this Uncharted Journey; I Somehow Knew Our Paths Would Cross
11 x 14"
Oil and mixed Media on Canvas
Available here

My hands are my livelihood, the way I communicate, 

my life force.

I've been showing my work in art galleries for nearly 5 years now, and I get such a rush looking around and seeing all that my hands have brought to life. My energy flows thorugh them, whether they're tingly and numb from overuse or the veins are popping out, fresh from standing on them during my yoga practice.  My hands may look kind of worn and older than my 32 years, but they are my tools, and to me, they're beautiful.


But, I will gladly go get a pedicure with you any time. :)

Newly Commissioned Painting, "Life Calmly Gives Out Its Own Secret"

Life Calmly Gives Out Its Own Secret
48" x 60"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
Harvey Collection
Dallas, TX

You see, I want a lot.

Perhaps I want everything

the darkness that comes with the infinite fall 

and the shivering blaze of every step up.

So many live on and want nothing

and are raised to the rank of prince

by the slippery ease of their light judgments.

But what you love to see are faces

that do work and feel thirst.

You love most of all those who need you

as they need a crowbar or hoe.

You have not grown old, and it is not too late

to dive into your increasing depths

where life clamly gives out its own secret.

-Rainer Maria Rilke

Das Stundenbuch

Work in Progress

“I learned...that inspiration does not come like a bolt, nor is it kinetic, energetic striving, but it comes into us slowly and quietly and all the time, though we must regularly and every day give it a little chance to start flowing, prime it with a little solitude and idleness.” 

~Brenda Ueland

Here's the progression of a recent commission I'm working on...

Working on it quietly, little by little, dipping into that well of creativity.  Almost done.

Dance Council HONORS 2011

It is my hope that through being of service through my art 

I can help others cultivate theirs.

The Dance Council of North Texas celebrated 37 years of supporting and promoting last weekend with the 13th Annual HONORS Ceremony at the Dallas Black Dance Theater in the Dallas Arts District.
This event was established as an annual celebration honoring the accomplishments of individuals for lifetime achievement, artistic excllence, and outstanding service in the dance community. The program featured performances by Dance Council scholarship recipients as well as a silent auction benefitting the scholarship program. I was indeed honored to donate the watercolor and ink painting below, "Silent Reverie".  

A Poem for Wednesday

A Season's Awakening
16" x 16" x 1.5"
Acrylic andMixed Media on Canvas
Fine Art Giclee Print of this painting is available on my Etsy site:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/38363016/a-seasons-awakening

There is another sky
by Emily Dickinson

There is another sky,
Ever serene and fair,
And there is another sunshine,
Though it be darkness there;
Never mind faded forests, Austin,
Never mind silent fields -
Here is a little forest,
Whose leaf is ever green;
Here is a brighter garden,
Where not a frost has been;
In its unfading flowers
I hear the bright bee hum:
Prithee, my brother,
Into my garden come!

A Poem for Wednesday

Autumn Rapture
Acrylic and Mixed Media
A fine art print of this original painting is available on my Etsy site:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/35928489/autumn-rapture-12-x-12-fine-art-giclee


After a While
by Veronica Shoftsall

After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul.

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes ahead, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans, and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight. .

After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to leave you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure;
You really are strong, you really do have worth.
And you learn, and you learn
With every goodbye you learn.

I Updated My Website (Finally!)

Dear friends,
I just published an update to my website. Take a look! I've been tinkering around on our Apple, this will have to do until I get it professionally redesigned in the Spring. At least you can go here to see a cohesive body of my artwork. Have a great day!

web.mac.com/utopiapkwy