art guitar!

Last year Local 845 put on it's first Beacon Riverfest. This year to help raise money for this free outdoor concert, they cut 50 plywood guitar and gave them to local artist to be painted, decorated, whatever. The guitars will be auctioned off on June 18th. I was really excited about it at first and then I hit a wall. I was really confused by the shape. It was hard for me to break out of the four corners idea. There was also some crazy family stuff going on so I was having a hard time staying focused. Finally I just let go and and this is what I came up. It's funny how letting go really just let's you be you. I'm going to try to remember that for next time so I can avoid all the drama!

been too long!

I've found myself on jobs that take place up high in office buildings. I love seeing New York from different angles. There's always something new to discover. Like this painted road. And the Mary Poppins banner.

 Then of course, there's the other New York. The one found in prospect park. With Llamas! I've always loved these guys because one showered me with kisses when I was very small. We had a really nice day with Aunt Y.

 On the drive back upstate, big J noticed this sign.

 On the way to work I noticed this shrine. A man walking by told me the story. The man in the photo had killed himself a few weeks earlier. He loved dogs and had recently saved the one featured in the shrine from an oncoming truck. The next day he jumped off a building but not before he made sure that the dog had a new home. Rest in peace, sir. I'm sorry you're life was too painful.

Here I am

A friend posted this on facebook. I love these talks from TED. Each one is more inspiring than the next. This one really says it all for me.  This is why I make art. This is why I have a blog. Thank you all for connecting us.

Things we find

We planted a dwarf peach tree right in front of our house a few years ago. It was supposed to stop growing at 5 feet. Last summer I trimmed it at 8 feet. Probably not so good to have a tree settling it's roots right under the foundation of the house? It's given us some peaches that never really ripened. These are the blooms. I always get so excited about them. These tiny little heads that finally wake after a long winter!

I'm really into yellow and grey these days. I think we all are.

 And some evidence of the passage of time

rebirth

I guess that's what spring is meant for. Today is Easter. I'm not religious but I like the idea of celebrating new growth. Little J found a branch that had fallen off our lilac bush. He stuck it in the ground, propped it up with rocks and showed us his work proudly. We had to explain that it probably wouldn't grow. Maybe?, he said. Maybe. And today, we were out in the garden doing some much needed weeding and we discovered that the branch had sprouted! It's not such a big deal except that our  family has recently been a little knocked about and the idea that new growth can come whenever and where ever has reinvigorated me. So has the strength and courage of someone I adore. And these little ducks!
Happy day to you all!
I hope you're able to find new potential and opportunity in every situation.
Even a broken branch.

springtime city/country

 new foundation

 I'm excited about all the new growth! Can you tell?

Some info that might be helpful

From Austin Kleon, how to steal like an artist. Please check this out it's pretty inspiring.