Tuesday, December 21, 2010

South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism/Artist in Residence Program

Amidst all the holiday cards and packages, I received another letter of good cheer this week. My dear friend and art collaborator, Kay Reardon, and I were selected to participate in the 2011 Artist in Residence Program. We're looking forward to enjoying an art filled week at one our great South Carolina state parks.

Dream Rocket Project

I just received notice that my submission for the Dream Rocket Project was received and has been posted to the website. Check it out at www.thedreamrocket.com/individuals.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

National Association of Women Artists (NAWA)

I was so excited to receive the news that I have been inducted into the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA)! The NAWA fosters public awareness and interest in fine art created by women. Its purpose is to promote cultural and educational opportunities in the visual arts through exhibitions, lectures, art demonstrations, scholarships, awards and other educational programs.
Founded in 1889, NAWA recently celebrated its 120th anniversary. Early exhibitions included works by notable artists Rosa Bonheur and Mary Cassatt. Early membership included Anna Hyatt Huntington and Louise Nevelson. Judy Chicago and Faith Ringgold currently serve as Honorary Vice Presidents of the organization. I'm so proud to be a member of an organization that honors these women artists.


tome:1 (Photography by Deborah Farr)

Carolina's Got Art!

It's been an exciting art month. I was juried into Carolina's Got Art, a group exhibition of North and South Carolina artists, sponsored by Elder Gallery at Atherton Mills in Charlotte, NC.


tome:16 (Photography by Deborah Farr)


Mint Museum UPTOWN, Charlotte, NC

Art collaborator and friend Janette Grassi and I rushed to the 24-Hour Grand Opening Community Celebration on Friday, October 1, 2o1o at the Mint Museum UPTOWN in Charlotte, NC. Always have been a fan and supporter of both the downtown and the Randolph Road location of the Mint, but this new space elevates the collection. Located beside the newly opened Belchter Museum, I'll often be saying "Meet Me at the Mint."

I was really drawn to the Inaugural Exhibition, Contemporary British Studio Ceramics: The Grainer Collection and can't wait to view it again when it's not so crowded.
As the new TV ads state, "Charlotte's Got A Lot!"


Mint Museum UPTOWN

Mint Museum UPTOWN

Mint Museum UPTOWN

Monday, May 17, 2010

Brookgreen Gardens…My Secret Garden


Last week I visited Brookgreen Gardens, my "secret garden" located just south of Myrtle Beach, SC. Although it is a National Historic Landmark and houses the largest collection of outdoor figurative sculpture by American artists, most South Carolinians have never visited this incredible place yet it is a destination for many Europeans.

Massive and tiny sculptures can be found at every turn. You'll find them in wide open spaces, in small secluded gardens, in fountains, on benches and grassy pedistals, in glass houses and behind gates.

Although you must visit yourself to truly appreciate it's beauty, here's a sampling of my "secret garden." Come on in…



(click to enlarge). Art and Nature.

(click to enlarge). Welcome to Brookgreen Gardens.

(click to enlarge). The majestic oaks…

(click to enlarge). The majestic oaks…

(click to enlarge). The majestic oaks…


(click to enlarge). The Fountain of the Muses.

(click to enlarge).

(click to enlarge).



(click to enlarge). Magnificent magnolia blossoms.

(click to enlarge). An ever changing environment…

(click to enlarge). Art (and nature) on the move.

(click to enlarge). These are your gardens…come visit.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

On the Move Again

After two months of healing, I'm finally on the move again. Literally. I'm walking daily and have begun making art again. The creative process is so healing but earlier I wasn't ready to begin again. Now I am. So, I'm off to the studio inspired by these beautiful tulips that a friend took me to see which was a turning point in my recovery.

(click to enlarge). Vibrant colors

(click to enlarge). Tip toe through the tulips!

(click to enlarge). I felt like I was in Holland again.


(click to enlarge). A healing garden.

But before I go, have you heard that the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC will host a traveling exhibition of Christo and Jeanne-Claude:Running Fence from April 2, 2010 - September 26, 2010? I read it a full-page ad in the New York Times and I can't wait to see it! Although I've never seen one of their public art creations, I've studied and admired them for years. I think this exhibition is a must-see!

A Matter of the Heart

Sometimes something can happen in your life that will change it forever. That something happened to me on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 6:30am. I went into the hospital for a "minor" heart procedure and ended up spending five days in cardiac ICU because of complications.

I was so convinced that it would be a simple procedure that I didn't even take a toiletry bag with me to the hospital. We had also planned a party at our house for two days later to celebrate the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Two days later I was still connected to IV's, an oxygen tank and had a tube in my chest to drain the fluid from around my heart.

The change in my life came when I woke up and was surrounded by my family and friends who continue to be there for me throughout this healing process. They give their love unconditionally and lift my spirits when they lag. They bring me flowers, fruit, sweet smelling body lotions and soaps, magazines, books, pajamas, blankets and meals (many, many meals) along with hugs, smiles and tears. They've raised me up during a time of pain, uncertainty and loss. Prayers, phone calls and e-mails continue to arrive daily reminding me of the abundance of love and support I have in my life.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Help for Haiti.

Today I wrote a check to the American Red Cross to send to Haiti relief following the devastation of the worst earthquake ever to hit this small Caribbean Island. No matter what I send, it's not enough.

It's not enough when you see bodies lying on the street, bodies crushed under piles of concrete. It's not enough when medical care is not available despite horrific wounds and injuries. It's not enough when days after the quake family members still have no news about their loved ones. It's not enough when unidentified bodies are being shoveled into mass graves. It's not enough when people are dying from lack of food and water. It's not enough when people are sleeping on the street because they have no home to go to.

It's not enough.

Bechtler Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC

Yesterday I visited a new museum. I always love viewing art but seeing a new museum open during a time of economic despair made my heart sing…and to visit it with a friend was even better. Janette Grassi and I visited the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte, NC on a glorious winter day. The sky was blue which provided an incredible backdrop for the terra cotta-tiled museum designed by Swiss architect Mario Boatta which houses the personal collection of mid-20th century modern art of Andreas Bechtler which now belongs to the city and people of Charlotte.

I sensed a feeling of familiarity upon seeing the building and soon realized why. Boatta, a personal friend of Bechtler, also designed the San Francisco of Fine Art (SOFA) which I visited a few years ago. The building itself is a work of art but the fourth floor gallery was a sight for my art deprived eyes. I was especially drawn to a small piece by Paul Klee on burlap.

The swelling column at the front entrance hints of a spinning textile spool and to the textile history of the region. The second floor balcony which houses several pieces of sculpture also provided an incredible view of the city skyline and the new site of the Mint Museum which is scheduled to open next year.

Andreas Bechtler gave a huge gift not only to the city of Charlotte but to me.


(Click to enlarge). Bechtler Museum of Art.

(Click to enlarge). Bechtler Museum of Art.

(Click to enlarge). Bechtler Museum of Art.

(Click to enlarge). Janette Grassi.


(Click to enlarge). Light dancing on the walls of the Mint Museum.



Friday, January 15, 2010

IKEA

You don't always have to visit a museum to see great design. A trip to an IKEA store will also provide design inspiration.

(Click to enlarge). IKEA.

(Click to enlarge).You'll become entranced once inside.

(Click to enlarge). IKEA.




Saturday, January 9, 2010

Laughter heals what ails you.

I go to massage therapy on a regular basis. I started going during the time I worked at the Rape Crisis Network to help me deal with the stressful situations I encountered on a daily basis there. Once I left the agency, I continued to go, having experienced the healing power of touch.

Today, with my many tennis ailments, I try to still go at least twice a month. Now I go for the massage and for the laughter. Karen, my massage therapist, laughs from the tip of her red painted toe nails to the top of her smiling face.

If you've never had a massage, you should. It's the best gift I've ever given myself. Truth be known, I'd rather have a massage than eat.

I treated my 8 year old niece to a massage with Karen this summer while she was here visiting for two weeks. She told Karen that when she grows up she is going to buy her a house next to hers so that she can be her private massage therapist. Even a child knows a good thing when she sees it and I love that she dreams really BIG!

(Click to enlarge). Massage therapist Karen laughs out loud!



Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Old Man Winter.

Although it's winter in South Carolina, temperatures rarely fall as low as they have the last few days. The average temperatures are normally in the 50's and it's been in the teens overnight and in the 30's during the day. Brrrrrrr.

That was certainly the way I felt today in Charlotte, NC when I spent the day with a friend. The wind was blowing and it was so cold there that even the water wasn't flowing.



(Click to enlarge). Fountain @ South Park.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Be Creative.


(Click to enlarge). Art truck!

I was stopped at a red light yesterday and glanced over and this is what I saw…a junk truck that will tow junk cars. First I laughed and then I thought, how creative. This business didn't spend a lot of money on signage, all they needed was a can of paint and a brush. And isn't that all any of us need to create, just simple tools and desire to do it.

Friday, January 1, 2010

A New Decade.

Today is the first day of the new decade.

So, here it is a new beginning… a clean slate to do with it what I will. Although I have usually listed my new year's resolutions by now, I have decided to start this year differently. As a dear friend said to me, "2010…look again." And to that I'll add, listen again. So as this new year begins, I will take time to reflect, to look with fresh eyes and to listen to what my soul is saying.