Art in the Raw

Inspired by some new Christmas gifts I'm making an effort to nurture my relationship with art. I started with a new pen and ink set and a scrap piece of paper. I did a quick drawing of my old friend, Spiderman, from memory. He has a few quirks and strange anatomical mishaps, but it was fun to draw him again. He used to be my character of choice in high school and college.

 And my next endeavor will be a revisit to a favorite medium, watercolor.

 And with a little creative fuel, I might muster up something for the walls...or next year Christmas gifts! Thanks, Amanda, for the French press! It's a lot harder to be satisfied with the office's coffee now.

Batik in the Suite!

I've been meaning to post these pictures of the SECOND batik added to the walls of the office. My office-roomie, Barb, just purchased this original called "A Father's Blessing". I am so happy that we are adding such beautiful color to our room that needs that constant creative stimulation to keep us producing quality work. Our creative suite is turning into a cultural display of art!

Our next goal is painting the wall behind this batik a dark coffee brown (because the higher-ups weren't a big fan of red).

If you haven't seen the batik on the wall above my desk go here.

Some people say it better.

I want to share with you some work from a local artist. I found out about her because I use her husband's printing shop rather frequently. I have received a free calendar of her art the last two years and went to a gallery opening of her's last year. Here are a few of her pieces I relate or appreciate the most. Thanks, Melissa Carpenter, for your unique talent and for your heart for the community as well. And thanks, Pressworks, for your professionalism and quality work. You give my work the shine or finished touch it needs!

Batik

Shane made a beautiful frame for a batik we bought while in Indonesia. One of my favorite days was when we spent time in the market shopping for souvenirs to take home. I especially loved the little shops/homes with batiks and other artwork for sale on the walls. The styles are so different than what I'm used to. Shane is letting me hang this batik (we bought 3 altogether) in my office just to brighten the atmosphere and stimulate those of us in "the creative suite". I also keep the small canvas bag that held my favorite coffee from the Losari plantation to remind me of my adventures in a foreign land.