When I was about seven or eight…I loved going up the hill to my friend Jo’s house…her mom (Mrs. T) was an artist and she would take us into her basement where she had her art studio and give us little art projects. I was in awe…not only by all the brushes and paints…but you see she was an abstract painter. That was a lot for a little farm girl to absorb. One winter we took baby food jars and made them into little snow globes. I kept that little thing for a long time, don’t know what happened to it. I’m a keeper, but that one got away.
Anyway, I really think art has an impact even though it may show up late in life…like for me. It’s interesting how something like those experiences with Mrs. T and her art studio have stayed so vivid in my memory. Recently I started doodling and coloring at night…drawing very simple figures; hamsas and elephants. I really love hamsas and I’ve started a little collection from my travels…my first one I bought in a tiny bookstore in Istanbul. I had no clue what a hamsa was (I just knew I really loved the piece) and the two ladies working the store tried their best in very broken english to explain it…(and of course they looked at me like I had two heads) but I was able to decipher “hamsa” – well I had them write it on my receipt – and I researched it when I got home. Since then I’ve been collecting them and recently I started learning more about their history. In a nutshell for those who may not be that familiar (like I was a number of years ago) the open palm is an emblem of protection and good fortune. We can’t have too much of that can we?
So it’ll be fun to see in a few months if a) I’m still doing this and b) if I’ve improved and c) if it has taken me on a new and different path? Who knows…stay tuned!
now the etc. part…
Finally…I’ve updated my portfolio on my home page. Just a little, but it’s a start. There’s so much I want to add. I have pretty much completed my portraits…people I’ve photographed around the world. Of course that will be an ongoing series. I do have return trips to Dead Horse Bay on my agenda, but for now I’ve added a few more to the washed up series. I do hope to have the rhythms from the sky series up soon…just completed the initial (test) printing and will be doing a little more dodging and burning and more printing…but soon. I’ll just say this…it’s one thing to look at your photography on the monitor and a totally different experience in print…that’s for sure. I’ll continue to keep you updated whenever I add major stuff to this section. And speaking of this series – rhythms – totally influenced by one of the masters…Alfred Stieglitz…but more on him and why later.
This weekend I start my class with Peter Turnley…so excited!…I’ve never invested this amount of time in a photography workshop so we’ll see. I’ll definitely let you know how it’s going. A big shoutout to my mother-in-law for this gift – my present for my last birthday. Thank you so much Merrill!
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Stay tuned for another dose of inspiration…just wait until you see the work of the artist coming up!
Enjoy your weekend! gg
Right off the bat I know I love your beautiful color choices. I’ve always had a soft spot for elephants and more recently for hamsas so seeing your art work here is a thrill. And you will be sharing some from your mom-in-law as well? An extra treat! She must like you a lot, what an awesome birthday gift!
I cannot believe how much you have going on and are keeping up with! It takes my breath away but I always look forward to seeing more & more.
Thanks Susan! Love knowing that you like hamsas too! How cool! Sorry, I wasn’t clear in my blog ending and I can see how you thought that the person’s whose art I’ll be showcasing next would be my MIL…so I changed it! It’s someone different and I know you’ll really enjoy it!
And just when I started coloring again! The difference is that I’m not drawing my own pictures to color!!! I use felt pens in my coloring but I was given a small travel coloring book for my recent birthday and have already decided I will use colored pencils for it, so you have just confirmed my decision. I agree with Susan…it’s like you are living several lifetimes concurrently. I’m not sure how you do it??!!
But hey, it’s all good. Trust me I’m just sticking to these two little pieces, ha! Oh, a travel coloring book, that’s fun! You know…my life is so good…so fortunate to be retired and doing all of these wonderful things. There’s not a night that my head hits the pillow that I don’t offer my thanks! Thank you and keep coloring, keep photographing, keep traveling, keep enjoying Astrid…whew! And you talk about me! xo
fun. both very Asian images – influenced by your trip reseach ? I am in love with elephants. : ) recovering from jet lag…. awaiting my air ship of art supplies : )
You have been so on my mind!!! Thinking of you getting settled back in the U.S. with all of your treasures. Can’t wait for you to get all set up so we can all see the influences from your Asian life! Welcome home! xo
I think both of these are beautiful. I love the color choices and the way you displayed them for the photo shoot, and I love, love, love your pencil case… Way COOL GG. Love and miss you. XoXo
Thanks dear! I love my little pencil case too! The nomad gave it to me…from Mexico. Love and miss you too! xoxo
Coloring and doodling is so therapeutic. There are many coloring books available for adults now.
I love that you doodle and color your own. Very nice work. You are so multi-talented!
I, too don’t know how you fit all you do in a day. I remember you saying how you fall asleep at airports and on flights. I can certainly understand why. It’s probably the few times you are almost forced to rest!
Well, you try and relax tonight, my dear Robin and get ready for your exciting week.
Looking forward to reading all about it and also your next mystery inspirational artist!
Tomorrow is my Jess’s 1st day of college, so I’m a little melancholy. Seems like it was just her 1st day of kindergarten, although she was a daycare baby.
But you’ll be in my thoughts tomorrow and the exciting 1st day of your class!
Love you.
XOXO
Robin, We could play together anytime. I’ve always wanted to keep a nature journal, but i have no sketching or painting skills. I’ve not given up just yet, might take a watercolor/journal class this winter. In the meantime, any form of doodling and coloring sounds like a joyful way to spend time to me! Like you, I have profound memories from my childhood of the homes of people like Mrs. T and the making of all kinds of crafts and art. And yes, these impressions stay with us. I feel as though I’ve had a chance to become a whole different person – and perhaps this was who I was meant to be all along – this creative soul. Do you feel that way, too? I’m excited to look through your portfolio and hear all about your learning with Peter Turnley.
Thank you Robin for always inspiring me with your energy and creativity! So much to learn from and I can’t wait to hear about the workshop. Keep growing!!!!
Have fun with Peter and the workshop. I googled him and I have to say you are one lucky girl with such a generous MIL…. enjoy, I am sure Peter can give you some advice and tricks. I will stay tuned and will be in awe of the result (I just know 🙂 ) I am so happy for you than you can experience this.
Enjoy to the fullest.
Love and hugs.
(BTW I love the elephant and hand :))
You are full of creative surprises. But then, one leads to another when you are freeee. Right? Super cool that you are taking a class, and you are really making your portfolio happen. Now I will go explore there …
I love your aesthetic!!
I know it as the hand of Fatima- and the 5 fingers symbolize the 5 pillars of Islamism….if I remember correctly. I love your story trying to get a explanation out of the sales assistants! So funny and so familiar.
I love your doodles and your choice of colours. I hope that your week is as good as you hoped for! And I think that have a great mother-in – law!
Looking great-enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Love it – the doodles, the Myanmar influence and the photos. Now I’m heading over to your portfolio …
This is so cool, Robin! Every time I stop you’ve got another creative surprise. As creative as I am I have never been very good with a pencil or brush. I do however love adult coloring books (seriously 🙂 ) the more intricate the better. I actually introduced them to my mother during her final year and I can’t tell you what an amazing distraction they proved to be! Really got her mind off of her diagnosis, which was wonderful for her. xox-M