Lost Cities

Skara Brae, Scotland

While working on a stacked city painting, I came across this great photo series titled "The World's Most Intriguing Lost Cities." Take a look here.

Turks and Caicos

Mural of the Last Supper on the side of one of the many churches in Turks and Caicos.

Summer Flies by

Summer is quickly coming to an end. For me, it has been a whirlwind of new experiences. Weddings (mine included), an adventure in Turks and Caicos, and adjustment to not having just one city to call home.

My wedding day: I, of course, was late. . . to my own wedding. This should come as no surprise to those who know me well. I run on a different clock. Luckily, I was surrounded by my closest friends and family who put order to my madness and helped nudge me towards my beloved Yves. You know that you are well-loved when you have an army folding endless numbers of paper airplanes and arranging hundreds of flowers.

Ridiculously talented photographers: I met Matt and Kate Altmix two years ago at one of my best friend's weddings. They were spectacular - their compositions and ability to capture expressions are unrivaled - thanks so much for creating photographs that reflect the spirit of my day.

For those who have been patiently waiting for wedding photos, you can view more at theAltmix's blog.

Adventure: We arrived in Turks and Caicos during a rainstorm- and spent the majority of our time running through puddles. We stayed on Providenciales - a 38 sq mi island that was ranked as having the best beaches in the world in 2011. While I hide from the sun (and therefore the beach), I cannot say enough about the variety and quality of the restaurants to be found on the island. I would return just for the food. The only downside? Overdevelopment. There is little land that is not covered with a structure (or a half-finished structure as the economic down-turn definately put a damper on developer's plans). I will post a few photos in my next entry.

Transitions: My artwork centers around defining the meaning of home, and the relationship between one's personal identity and one's location. My life will now be split between three cities: New Orleans, Baltimore, and Jacksonville. I moved to New Orleans for love, and ended up falling for the city. Never have I experienced such a warm, open community - nor a city filled with such talented and diverse individuals. The city seems to be a gathering place for nomads who have found a common connection in New Orleans - and never want to leave. As a sister port city, Baltimore bursts with energy - the moment I stepped off the plane a year ago, I knew that Baltimore was the right city for me to spend my graduate school years. Luckily, MICA felt that I fit as well, and I will be joining the MICA community this Fall. My third and final city: Jacksonville. While I have little knowledge of Jacksonville itself, it is yet another port-city. . . and apparently, port cities and I get along. Fingers- crossed. . .

The last two weeks . . .

The last two weeks have been a wonderful whirlwind. I exhibited at Fest For All in Baton Rouge on May 1 and received a purchase award from the Arts Council. My piece titled "Zebra Crossing" will now be a part of their permanent collection.

The following week I was honored with "Best of Show" at Jazzfest. The show brings artists and patrons from all over the country so I was humbled to be chosen. I met several artists whom I adored at the show including, the jeweler Mary DeMarco from Baltimore (I'm wearing her necklace in the photo), Hatmaker Kate Bishop from Arizona (her veil is on my head:)), and Glass Artist Andrew Pollack from New Orleans.

A huge thank you to my art friends and fans for being so supportive! I couldn't ask for a better nor more interesting group of people. After two weeks of wonderful art happenings. . . it's now time to get married!

Migration

Migration, 36" x 48", Paper, Acrylic, and Ink on Canvas

Twins

The Ride Home, 20" x 20", Acrylic, paper, thread and a key on canvas

Zebra crossing, 20" x 20", Acrylic, paper, thread and a key on canvas

Foxtrot

Foxtrot, 24" x 30", Paper, thread and Acrylic on Canvas

Nostalgia

Nostalgia, 30" x 40", Mixed Media on Canvas

Hide Away

Leaning Tower, 24" x24", Paper and Acrylic on Canvas

Lacy, 24" x 24" Paper, thread and Acrylic on Canvas

Lacy Detail

Sketchy Sketch Sketch

Sketches and stacks of blooms for my new work

In Bloom

Creating hundreds of hand-painted flower blooms for my new work

Elephant!

I've been busy in my studio working on my "Ribbons and Lace" series. Expect chandelier forms, a variety of found papers, and delicate details. I have also found a use for my button collection. ELEPHANTS!

Image: Acrylic, paper, and buttons on canvas, 30" x 30"

New Commission

The Thread that Holds, 30" x 40", Acrylic and thread on canvas

New Work: Home, Sweet Home

New Work: Home, Sweet Home, 36" x 48", Paper, Gold Leaf, and Acrylic on Canvas, 2011

From "Edge of Desire"

"Location as an act of choice or a force of circumstance forms the matrix of our comprehension of individual subjectivity and how it addresses the world. And while place and location afford a measure of belonging, they also convey a sense of limits: together with positive aspects of rootedness and empowerment, a physical, cultural, or historical locus also implies boundedness, containment and limitation." - Chaitanya Sambrani

Rural Studio

A few months ago, one of my favorite professors from the University of Georgia introduced me to a program at Auburn University called Rural Studio. The program was founded 17 years ago "to improve living conditions in rural Alabama while imparting practical experience to architecture students. " The results are dynamic structures, both small homes and community centers, created by students.

"If architecture is going to nudge, cajole, and inspire a community to challenge the status quo into making responsible changes, it will take the subversive leadership of academics and practitioners who keep reminding students of the profession's responsibilities." Samuel Mockbee

View the Rural Studio Website here.

You can buy a book full of Rural Studios projects here.

Welcome to Miami

I have just returned home to New Orleans from a fantastic show in Miami. I fall in love with new locations easily. I know this. . .but Miami had such a nice combination of sun, surf, skyscrapers, boats, and of course, a strong latin vibe.

While there, I was gifted a string of origami cranes all made from maps of Louisiana. The artist, Sarah Bein, is also a jeweler and musician. You can find examples of her work here.

I also had the pleasure of returning to Seaside, Fl. You may know Seaside as the location where the Truman Show was filmed in 1998. Every home in Seaside is unique with towers, swings, and observation decks. Between the homes are charming oak lined pathways all boasting soothing names. The only thing the town is missing. . . is a windmill - our dream home. Read more about Seaside on wikipedia here. Yves and I went a little crazy last year on finding books about such a unique town. Some of our favorites:

Seaside: Making a Town in America by Mohney and Easterling

and

Views of Seaside by Andres Duany

and

Parallel Utopia by Richard Sexton

The next few weeks are extremely busy for me. I will be interviewing with MFA programs, finishing commissions, and starting several large scale canvases for my new series. . . AND enjoying Mardi Gras all at the same time.

Deutschland!

Germany, as my second home, is the most charming, architecturally stimulating place that I could recommend to a traveler. Germany at Christmas time. . . makes you think Santa is real. As we landed in Stuttgart, Yves surprised me with a trip to Nürnberg, the city with the 'creme de la creme' of Christmas markets. Just a few of my favorite things: the classic red and white tents of the Christmas market, handmade crafts, Glühwein, Nürnberger Würstl, the chimes of the church bell, and huge piles of snow.