BIG, BIG BOW

Here's a big, big bow to the end of November 2008.

detail

*This piece is from a series of nudes I painted in 1994. It measure 3'5" x 5'5".

MAINE TO MEXICO, MEXICO TO MAINE

A trip from Maine to Mexico is an epic journey - even with a GPS, map, and compass. The Monarch Butterfly manages to flutter these same mind-blowing 2,000 miles south on papery wings - armed only with instinct and propensity. These southbound butterflies never return to Maine; the Monarchs we see in June aren't directly from the wintering grounds of Mexico - these are their offspring. Their migration northward follows the emergence of the milkweed.

No one has taught them the how-tos of getting home, but amazingly enough - by the millions - they do. I wish more people could find the same awe and interest in such quiet and "ordinary" feats of nature as they do in their iPods, Xboxes, Blackberries, and Wii's. 

* I sculpted this "Maple and Monarchs" from styrofoam, papier mache', paper, and paint. 

ANY DAY NOW

"Songbirds caroled in dulcet grace, while snowflakes gathered in bolts of lace."

Any day now, the snow will start to fall; this cartoon is my reminder to self that its beauty far outweighs its bother. So, when my car is iced shut at 6:30 in the morning, the city plows have dumped a four foot high frozen barrier at the end of my driveway, and my bones and muscles ache for Summer's sun, I will not grumble; I will remember that its beauteousness trumps its inconvenience.

* I drew this cartoon a few Christmases, several frozen car doors, and countless shoveled driveways ago.

     

GET ALONG LITTLE DOGGIES

"As I was a walkin' one morning for pleasure,

I spied a cowpuncher a-ridin' along.

His hat was throwed back and his spurs were a-jingling',

And as he approached he was singin' this song.

Whoop-ee-ti-yi-yo get along little dogies,

It's your misfortune and none of my own.

Whoop-ee-ti-yi-yo get along little dogies

You know that Wyoming will be your new home."

Woody Guthrie

* I painted this portrait for a Los Angeles client of her, her horse, and her doggies.