Screen Door Art

Best screen door ever! This was for sale at the Great Pyrenees National show earlier this year. Hopefully Veryl remembers the artist/seller. I want one!

Art and Science

A show of feather art by Chris Maynard is currently at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia, and today the artist and a biologist gave a talk followed by a reception. I couldn't find the fee, but decided I'd treat myself to this event no matter what the cost. It was free! And so worth the drive to Olympia.

Thor Hanson, author of Feathers, the Evolution of a Natural Miracle, spoke first, and I kept thinking, "Why weren't my college professors this interesting?" This is a man living his dream, loving his subject matter, and eager to share both. I can't wait to read his book - my friend bought me a copy for my birthday. I have had birds and studied feathers most of my life, but I learned so

Chris Maynard is an amazing artist, and like so many of us who work with birds and/or feathers, is enthralled with everything about them, and the creatures who create them. His art is unique, beautiful, loving, and whimsical. It is an homage to birds, and the lovely feathers that cover them.

Some day I will own at least a print of some of his works, although as the woman handling sales commented, now is the time to buy the originals - the price will go up soon.

What a wonderful day.  I went with a dear friend, and we had dinner after (with cheesecake). If you get a chance to see Chris Maynard's work or listen to either Chris or Thor talk, DO IT!

Singing Bird 9 - Pigeon feather and various parrot feathers . 11 by 14 inches

A Little Light Reading

Zander has what his breeder calls the "busy-body gene". Whatever you touch or look at, he has to investigate. Yesterday he noticed me put down my copy of Veryl's book "Murder Spins a Tale". He decided to read it. The front cover was his favorite part. At least it is still readable! Veryl, he particularly liked the parts about the Pyrs.

Murder Spins a Tale

It's available! My friend Veryl has written  a wonderful cozy mystery that revolves around a fiber artist, her shop, and her wonderful Great Pyrenees. If you enjoy mysteries, working dogs, and fiber arts - spinning, weaving, knitting, etc. - get yourself a copy of Murder Spins a Tale. You can order it through Amazon today.

You can read more about the book, the dogs and the fiber on her blog, Flock 'N' Fiber Mysteries.  Note the plural in the name - there are more to come.

I'm very excited to hold this book in my hands. I had the privilege of reading it as it was being written, but not the final edits. It is a well-written mystery set in Western Washington (and two of the characters are working Pyrs!), and I'm sure you'll enjoy it too. 

Skies of Grey, Vanilla Clouds

This is from my friend Kerin's blog on her website, Remnants of Olde. I liked the poem and artwork so much she said I could share it here. Kerin is an extremely talented, creative, eclectic artist as well as an insightful, thoughtful individual. Take a look and enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sailing across skies of grey

vanilla clouds cradle noonday dreams

discarded remnants in my nest

oh what a sweet life I had

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The Best Owl Photos

I recently received another email forward of wonderful pictures without credits - this time of a fawn and rabbit. The pictures had copyright information on them. I looked up the photographer - and what a find that was!

Tanja Askani is a professional photographer in Germany, specializing, it seems, in animal photography. She shares her amazing pictures on her blog. While the site is predominately in German, language isn't necessary to appreciate her work. Follow the link to Fotografie, and then click on the titles to get to the pictures.

The best owl photos I've seen are here. The deer and wild rabbit series that got me started on the search does have English translations. These are all well worth viewing.

Favorite Paintings

These two paintings are by James Parsons of Seattle. These are not high quality photos, but the paintings are quite stunning. Jim and I were friends through the 80s, until I left Seattle, and I'm privileged to own a few of his works.

This was done in 1980. It is of one of my macaws and two of her babies.

This painting, completed in 1981, is of two eclectus babies I raised. I love the tropical lushness of it. These paintings bring me joy daily.

Roadside Guardians

These whimsical beasts guard and protect the rows of flowers behind them.

Well, I suppose the flower isn't a beast, but it is announcing and sheltering the cut flowers in the kiosk.

Olympia Murals

There are a truly amazing number of murals on the buildings of Olympia. Here are a few I passed on a very warm and sunny day.

Art News

Today I learned of two wonderful art-related events from two great friends.

Veryl in Hawaii finished a stunningly drop-dead beautiful quilt. No words can describe this, it is gorgeous. Don't take my word for it - see for yourself: Fiber in Paradise, Starry Skies. While you're there scroll down to take a look at other wonderful fiber arts she's created, the masks Glenn made, and the beautiful plants they live with.

Kerin in Oregon just got a book deal! She's another great artist, specializing in found object art - transforming found items into amazing works of art. The book deal is announced here Remnants of Olde, Book 'em Danno, but take a look around the web site at the creatively beautify art. Some of it's for sale at the Remnants Etsy Shop. I love the flying raven. Heck, I love it all.

One World One Heart

A good friend of mine has recently changed her life by moving to the Oregon coast and making art works full time. It's been great fun reading her blog and watching the increasing number of her creations, and through her being introduced to any number of artists' work.

This includes a wonderful yearly event, One World One Heart. Any artist who wants to joins by offering one or more items on their blog as a give away. To win, all one has to do is comment on the artist's blog. There are nearly 500 artists participating, and the contest is open until the beginning of February. 

Visit Remnants of Olde to see Kerin's offerings. Click on the blue One World One Heart circle to read more about the contest, and get a (lengthy!) list of blogs to visit. I've only gotten to a few so far, and can't wait to see more. It's so much fun to see what these creative people are up to. 

If you like what you see, visit their etsy stores. Support Art!

Favorite Places

I've "re-discovered" some sites recently that I'd like to share.

One is Seymour Stained Glass. Karen Seymour is a very talented artist, and her glass creations are a joy to behold. Check them out! She even has a window depicting her husband's obsession - a Meade telescope.

Kerin Gale and Charley Slaughter create jewelry and other art out of found items. See it at Remnants Of Olde. This couple is embarking on a new adventure, moving to the south Oregon coast to be inspired by the sea.

And Veryl Anne Grace has a new creation pictured on her blog, Fiber in Paradise. Masquerade is a collaboration with her husband Glenn, and is glorious. There are also pictures of her lovely Maremma, Keanani.

A recently discovered blog that I've been enjoying very much is My Anatolian Dog Otto, very well written and entertaining stories about Otto and his family.

I discovered the above blog by reading Semavi Lady's Turkish Dogs blog. There's always something interesting here, including wonderful pictures of Anatolians and other LGDs.

These last two are part of the Anatolian Blogroll listed on the right. Lots of great blogs in there.

Weave One Heart

Veryl Ann Grace, my friend in Hawai'i, creates wonders in the fiber arts. A photo of one of her weavings is displayed on the Hawai'i Handweavers' Hui Gallery. It's a beautiful weaving, as are the other works in the gallery. Well worth a visit! You can also see the wonderful hat she made me on her blog, Fiber in Paradise.

Pramarla

Pramarla the horse. This wonderful work of art was constructed by my Aunt and Uncle, Win and Doug Kraatz, in Queensland, Australia. Doesn't it make you want to hop on for a ride?

Australian Tile Painting

My present.

 

My Mother's Present