The Big Adventure

So sorry that I have neglected my blogging. It has been a very busy spring and I have been feverishly preparing for a very busy summer show schedule. If you ever wondered what it is like to be a traveling salesman, I am about to tell you all about it. Well, maybe not exactly the life of a traveling salesman, but that of an artist on the road. The BIG Adventure began last Friday, July 11 as I set out for two full weeks on the road and three shows in three weeks. Both, traveling for two weeks and doing three shows in a row, are new endeavors for me. So, I decided I would journal my journey and share with you any insights I might gain.

My adventure began with the packing. I can't show you pictures of the van coming together because that happened late Thursday night. I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to packing. Everything has to have a place and has to be in its place. My husband and I often disagree on how to get everything into the van. Or maybe more accurately, I disagree with his approach. However, I am the one who needs everything in that van and need to know where it is, so it gets done MY way :)

The Van:

This includes all my product, my display and everything I need to do a show, work for the next two weeks, and my personal gear! The only sacrifice were my tables and the sink, just not enough room. Again this is all a new endeavor, so we will see what works.

My adventure has taken me to Art on the Square in Madison, WI last weekend, July 12 & 13. And will be taking me to Mid-Summer Arts Festival at the Kohler Institute in Sheboygan, WI and the Geneva Fine Arts Fair in Geneva, IL. During the week I am staying with my brother and his family (pictures to come) and friends.

My next entries will include picture and stories of my adventure and some of my newest pieces. Stay tuned!

Next Project(s)

Earlier this year I started a "series." Well, I completed the first piece in what I planned to be a series. As always, my work is inspired by the dishes. Well, last fall I found a bunch of black and white dishes and my mind began to race with ideas. Here is the first piece, which was accepted into the International Mosaic Show coinciding with the Society of American Mosaic Artists annual conference in Miami.

"Break in the Day"

This week I got started on the other project in the series.


Seeing it yet?

How about now?
Check back for their progress . . .

Your Response, please

Hi Everyone, I am just back from a weekend away with five really great women who I am lucky enough to call friends. We tried to take in my joint show with Beth Karon in Zumbrota, MN, but were foiled by blowing snow and icy roads. Following is a three paneled project that I really wanted my friends to see and give me their feedback. So, instead I am putting the pieces out here and hoping all of you will give me your reaction.

"Separated Likeness"

"Little Changes"

"Let It Be"

Mission Accomplished!

Designed, built, installed and grouted! Here are the final pics.

Ready to Grout!

The Moment We Have All Been Waiting For . . .

I know I missed a couple of steps, but yesterday I began the process of installing. It has been a long, hard process and major learning experience. Hopefully, I will get a chance to tell you about it when it is done. Tomorrow I go back to finish all kinds of details - pieces that weren't fitting or need adjusting, pieces that fell off in the process, grinding sharp edges and peeling the tape off the Karma tiles. The Sunday we (the installer, Cathy and I) will go back to grout. Hopefully, we will be able to finish it on Sunday. Here are the latest pics showing the process.

Starting to Get Exciting!

Here it is! This is really exciting for several reasons. I don't have a table large enough to to hold the entire project. For that last several days I have been working on individual parts of the project and haven't been able to see the how the project is coming together. Here are some pics to catch you up.

Getting the right side ready to mosaic.

As it comes together . . .

As started working on the lower portion of the box that comes forward with the hearth, I wanted to make sure everything was aligned. So, I shifted the panel I was working on and lined it up with the front panel. Seeing it like this, it all started coming together for me and I started to get excited.

Now I need to move on to the left side!