The Sketchbook Project

This pandemic has presented some interesting opportunities that I may have missed during our "regularly" scheduled program...aka life before March 13, 2020. I had the pleasure of participating in an international game of Telephone with other creatives around the globe, a couple of mail art exhibitions within the US, and most recently a traveling sketchbook. During this time I have also become familiar with Ray Johnson, the original dada mail artist, and am still quite curious about his life and prolific art. These are just a few of the threads have led to this latest experiment. 

The Sketchbook Project. Yesterday I mailed off the sketchbook to the first of 11 artists to contribute their voice to the pages.

Just a little more about the why... The thing that I miss most during this very peculiar time is collaboration and community. Spending time exploring everything... drinking in the exhibitions in museums, artwork, libraries, lectures, artist talks...so the conundrum that has been pulsating these last 11 months, is how to create a sense of community that lives outside the walls of my house. I have certainly found a similar joy in mailing letters, riding my bike to the post office has become a bit of a habit and getting a response from the mail I have sent is very fulfilling and feels so satisfyingly social. 

DC prepares for the Inauguration

Yesterday we took a bike ride through DC. The streets were stunningly silent with the exception of the tour buses rolling into town with National Guard troops. There is massive military presence and so much fencing. Buildings and restaurants are boarded up, even the ATM's. 

Traveling Sketchbook

This past week I was sent a traveling sketchbook, a wonderful diversion from all the insanity that is our world right now...such a productive way to process the events of the day away from a screen. The directions were simple: work in the book for eight days, and on the eighth day mail it to another artist. 

Artist Unknown

I really enjoyed perusing the past pages and the imagery and ideas presented by the artists before me. A delicious variety of media and themes... social issues such as voting, the pandemic and more recently vaccines and politics. 

Artist: Jason Lord

During the eight days, I used cuttings from the newspapers detailing the very important and historic democratic win in Georgia on January 6th overshadowed by the Insurrection, followed by mounting pandemic news and then the 2nd Impeachment. I love to use priority mail stickers, a gelli plate, color pencils, gel and paint pens.  There was no shortage of fodder or media for me. 

Ebb & Flow of Covid              (one of my contributions)

It was such a nice way to spend my evenings, I was a little sad to send it on today. The sketchbook is on its way to a dear friend that is also an artist and I am sure it will be nice company for her during the Inauguration and an escape from what could be a nutty week. She will also enjoy the opportunity and send it on to another artist to continue its journey.

The beginning of this year is off to such a tumultuous start,  this was a cathartic diversion. I wish there was a way to see it when it is complete.

December Walk

 

It has been chilly, but so sunny and pretty this month. Yesterday while on a walk through the woods I enjoyed sharing space with the wild life. Get outside and savor the weather. 

Town Hall Conversations

 

 

Tonight I logged onto Zoom for a NAEA Town Hall. I must say these days are long when tethered to the screen as I am so many days So, tonight I connected my computer to my TV to watch in a more leisurely environment, not my studio that has become my pandemic office. The difference sharing on a TV screen was immediately more interesting for me...sitting by the fire, with my cat and husband tuning into the latest conversations in art education. I must admit, I was also highly motivated to tune it because my friend was a panelist. Having her and the whole panel visit my living room was a delight!

 It was such a thought provoking conversation. The format was incredibly inviting it was called Long Conversation. Person A & B will engage in a 6 minute dialogue. There is a one minute warning to wrap the conversation and then the interviewee becomes the interviewer of the next panelist. It will continue until all panelists have engaged. The flow was so inviting and listening to the different view points kept the conversation fresh and moving. The concluding question between each panelist was how they are exercising self care during this pandemic. Listening to the different ways self care is practiced was cathartic and a reminder that it is necessary. 

A quote that resonated with me was "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." originally said by Audra Lorde and restated tonight by Ruth as she reflected on journaling as a means for self care and processing this time.  

The strategies discussed tonight are immediately practical to our classrooms and school systems. I am continuously reminded to be more aware of my own bias' and reflective in my personal growth. Surround yourself with people that inspire and challenge you. Welcome perspectives that are uncomfortable, it is in that space growth is possible.

Artist Teacher Exhibition 2020

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Fine Arts Office is proud to present its 13th annual Artist Teacher Exhibition. This art exhibition recognizes the creativity and technical expertise of FCPS art teachers who were invited to submit original recent works for this exhibition. 

The participating artists have sought solace in the creative process as a response to the coronavirus crisis and ensuing quarantine lifestyle that stemmed from it. The resulting artwork of the 76 FCPS artist teachers who participated is extraordinary and we are very much looking forward to sharing it with you. 

This year has been challenging; showing the artwork in a gallery as we have done in years past was not an option. Instead, the Artist Teacher Exhibition 2020 is presented here as a digital gallery experience. Please take a moment and enjoy the artistry of FCPS educators.

We also got a little love from the local news! Here is the link to that story. 

Women's Right to Vote Exhibition

 The Del Ray Artisans opened a new show today, A Women's Right to Vote: 100 Years Since the 19th Amendment. The exhibition runs from November 6th through the 28th. As a new member to the group, I am thrilled to have three artworks in the show! 

                                                                                                            Vote Lady

It has proven to be quite a historical week in our country. There is still no definitive call on our Presidential election. The country is weary and on edge. 

                                                               Pandemic Vote 2020

We will soon know what our next four years will look like...it is my hope that we will welcome the first female Vice President to the White House. It is long overdue, and our country would benefit from a woman's tenacity and intuition.

                                                                                                                          1920-2020

Del Ray Artisan Gallery Hours: 

Thursday  Noon - 6 pm 

Friday      Noon - 6 pm  

Saturday  Noon - 4 pm

*Always free admission. Accessible facility.