These illustrations were commissioned for the Dell Children’s Hospital of Central Texas that opened in 2007. The idea was to use this character in signage through out the hospital to educate patients, visitors, and the staff about the innovative building systems that were used to achieve platinum LEED certification. The designs were not used ultimately. The last time I visited the hospital there was no signage.
Oil Cloth
While apprenticing at the FABRIC WORKSHOP in Philadelphia I created this repeat pattern in response to an oil spill that happened at the time (1991). Since then, it has been in my flat files. It just seems that this design needs to come to life (SEA LIFE SEE LIFE SEA LIFE) in some form or fashion to help bring attention to this dreadful disaster (OIL & WATER DO NOT MIX). The proceeds would go to a good cause, after covering design and reproduction costs.
So, my first thought was, take the design to Whole Foods, sell them the pattern to stamp on their tyvek shopping bags with a slogan of some sort, ‘WHOLE FOODS IS MAKING WAVES’. Get the design & message nationally circulated, on the streets NOW! This is obviously not the only way to MAKE A SPLASH. I do feel a sense of urgency to get something out there. I know I need to be thinking outside of the box and try to be big & bold with whatever I do.
I am just putting this out there. Any level of input or collaboration would be so valued. Maybe you feel like I do, the intense calling to contribute in some form or fashion to this catastrophe?
Magnolia Tree
Martin Johnson Heade was a 19th century American painter, initially part of the Hudson River School depicting the New England landscape… until he ventured to South America and discovered the fantastical world of hummingbirds, orchids, passion flowers, magnolia blossoms and lotus blossoms which Roberta Smith of the NY Times describes as ‘palpably naturalistic yet dramatically decorative and artificial.’
MARTIN JOHNSON HEADE by Theodore E. Stebbins, Jr.
There are some things that make me appreciative of living in Austin…experiencing the magnificent Magnolia tree is one of them!
This beautiful specimen is in a lovely garden that Jason has had the privilege of working in for the past year. Every few weeks I stop by this project to see Jason’s progress and enjoy the seasonal changes in the landscape.
The Magnolia blossoms were so beautiful today… inky white petals and leathery green leaves…
one time I asked a shoe maker to dye me a pair of boots like a Magnolia leaf… just so you know, he couldn’t quite do it.
May your Day be full of May
One spring I was asked along with others, to set up a table at a ladies luncheon sharing my design work. On display here is a wedding invitation I made (and had printed) for my friends Spring and Orlando along with some other Annie’s Omnium promotional cards.
Jason helped me build this beautiful base for a May pole out of grape vine and moss. Jason planted fragrant jasmine, echeveria, sedums, graptoveras, and other delicate spring flowers.
Here is the table from the distance. I have always loved May Day and although this posting is 23 days late… may your day be full of may !!!
Tea Rose & Eggs
Feeling lucky to have a husband who is a gardener! Feeling lucky to have chickens in the backyard! Our family owned business JBIRD & COMPANY offers a variety of services… design, construction, maintenance. Installing vegetable gardens, planting fruit trees, building chicken coops, and helping people have an urban farm~ no matter how small… in their backyard (or front yard) are some of the services that we provide. Stay tuned for a new and improved www site for JBIRD & COMPANY with lovely photographs by our talented friend Jody Horton.
Happy Birthday Sister Mary!
My dear older sister Mary celebrates her birthday tomorrow, May 20th. She is an amazing Mom to 2 lovely girls, beautiful writer & quilter , runs a dude ranch in Southern Arizona with her husband Charley. Mary has her masters degree in Environmental Studies and puts those skills to use regularly with the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance. I have had the pleasure of visiting her (& her family) 3 times over the past 6 months. It has been a real treat to spend time together and be in her dynamic world (I didn’t even scratch the surface listing all the the things she accomplishes in a day)! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY… thanks for being such a wonderful sister~ your strong spirit, warm heart, and incredible work ethic are great inspiration to me.
Three Paintings by Ollie
PAINTING WITH CHILDREN by Brunhild Muller
has been an inspiring book.
YELLOW SUBMARINE
02/19/2010
ROCK AND ROLL
02/19/2010
untitled
02/19/2010
Ollie is painting with STOCKMAR paints. The pigments (liquid & water) are so pure and rich~ however they are mixed one gets a clear, vivid color~ which makes for beautiful results.
They are also a great introduction to color theory.
Welcome Oliver
Ollie just turned 3 a month ago. He has discovered the wonderful world of the dress up. What was once a elaborate wool Laplander in spirit skirt (packed in moth balls in the attic) made by Mom Nancy, has now become a cape from the castle. Ollie is comparing his costume with the costumes illustrated in his ALMOST EVERYTHING BOOK by Joelle Jolevit.