Snowy Day

Well today is a snowy day with high winds expected later. Footstep was all dressed up for the holidays last month! Though I am not sure that she truly appreciated the process.

It is interesting to think about the daily discipline that the animals and farm work imposed on me (schedules, physical work and timeliness) which the process of creating art never did. If I wanted to stay up all night working on designs, the only one to suffer was me when I was dragging in the morning (or my husband when I was grouchy from lack of sleep!).

But the animals help me keep to a schedule and get me out working which allows me to come back to the studio with a fresh perspective and ideas. It actually can be a good break.

Animal Inspiration

Well, the winter work area continues to progress! A fan is in which will make it easier to operate and work in that attic area. I was reviewing photos today of a number of batik and painted works that I have done in the last year and the scope and direction of the designs is interesting when you really see them all grouped together.

I thought I would include another picture of a major source of inspiration. After 30 years of farming, this is my current muse. Footstep is growing into a nice heifer, representing Amity Farm well.

(Though I do have to admit, I have finally done a batik with a Holstein in it!)

Intense Supervision

Just thought I would make sure everyone meets my Quality Control Specialist at home, Singer. She is very focused on assisting me as I work on various batik designs.

It makes her very happy when I do my work, of course it also makes me happy too! Most of the time!

But as you see she has been warned about getting too close to the work - sometimes she listens and sometimes she doesn't.

Planning for the Year

Well the cold and snowy weather is making it easy to just work on plans and design ideas. It is a challenge to dye material outside or in the garage right now!!

But I am working on where I might be selling, displayed or promoting during the next year. So many choices to try and winnow down. Keep thinking about spring and feel free to send any ideas my way!

New beginnings

Well the New Year is off to a rousing start with lots of snow. It is a challenge to actually do some serious batik work in the winter with the dye baths in the cold and snow, but I am getting ready for spring. LARAC was a good venue this year because I earned an interview with The Post Star. See article at: http://www.poststar.com/lifestyles/today/article_44015540-e92e-11de-bec1-001cc4c002e0.html

It was exciting to be able to explain the process to Doug and Derek and Derek got some great photos!

Well the sun is out after a very snowy weekend. Stay warm!

-Carol