Category: artist’s date

July 18, 2017

Target art

Target art, which I use as a noun rather than the imperative that it sounds like: Target art now!

Let me explain. I was doing some monthly shopping in the store called Target this afternoon and was struck by the colors and designs that I could find if I only slowed down to look. I wish I’d gotten a shot of the four or five side-by-side fridges containing Coke. They were pretty retro, and it made for a great display visually at least. (Pity I don’t drink soda or other sugary drinks. Not!) Canisters of different Lysol wipes reminded my of Andy Warhol‘s pop art. No, didn’t get that shot either, as I figured that by then Target’s Loss Prevention department was probably wondering what I was up to.

But all this reminded me of the beauty that’s in life everywhere. And I’m not just talking what we can find in nature. That’s easy. I’m sure many of you have seen Abby Chapple‘s Facebook posts, the ones she always labels “ART EVERYWHERE.” I love them! Just a couple of days ago she had a video up of avocado pit carvings. They were extraordinary. Turns out a woman named Jan Campbell makes them and sells them via her store Avocado Stone Faces.

Avocado stone art by Jan Campbell — “Fionn,” one of Jan Campbell’s “Forest Listeners” who just happens to be carved from an avocado stone. Far out!

Abby’s shown us some great and unusual art since she started sharing her finds in Facebook. Of course, not all of us can afford such beautiful and intriguing pieces. I suppose that’s where Target comes in. Sure, some of their clothes and furniture and such are knock-offs. I once found a blouse than looked soooo like one I’d picked up at J.Jill (or maybe I just wanted to pick up, but it may have been too dear.) Ignoring that aspect for now, what I was really noticing today were the displays, how colors and shapes and textures were put together. I give Target credit for taking the time to do that. Walmart certainly doesn’t bother. And it works; I prefer the shopping experience at Target to Wally World.

Next time you’re out and about looking for toothpaste and what-have-you, take a look at the color combinations, the shapes that are all around you. You might be pleasantly surprised. And you’ll be living in the moment, certainly, something we all should do more of.

Where have you noticed art in unexpected places? Target art!

And in other areas of the world today… Tynan presents what’s just off the frame!

Target art, Tynan! Really he’s lasering in on the treat in between my teeth. “Woof” is hooked in t-shirt and ready to find a new home.

November 11, 2015

Frustration, artistic and otherwise

"Difficult" yarn to the left. Size N/15 needle/hook. Much friendlier yarn on the right. — “Difficult” yarn to the left. Size N/15 needle/hook. Much friendlier yarn on the right.

It was supposed to be a brief break from hooking, still creative, still fiberific; instead it was an exercise in frustration. To give my hands a rest, I’d made a detour in Walmart (where I am now forced to do part of my weekly grocery shopping – grrr…) and headed to the craft aisles to pick up some yarn and a crochet hook. No biggie. My aunt taught me how to crochet when I was in sixth grade or so, and I’d picked up that hook now and again throughout the decades. Last time I’d even made myself a lovely shawl, using filet crochet and beading. This time all I wanted to do was a simple cowl-like scarf. How hard could it be?

Plenty, it turned out. I’d chosen a big novelty yarn, one that had a lot of…fluff, for lack of another word. But with double crochet, how hard could it be? Even with the giant needle I’d purchased. Again, plenty. I couldn’t see all my stitches. The little “hairs” tangled making it difficult to even pull errant stitches out. My rows weren’t even. After ripping multiple attempts out over and over again, I finally declared, “Enough!” Despite all my assumptions and confidence, I was a crochet washout. The years had finally caught up with me.

Not! Having to be out and about yesterday afternoon – another source of frustration, having to teach the kid to drive – I had my chauffeur take me to Michaels where they have plenty of less complicated yarns. While she headed to the Dunkin Donuts next door (you can take the girl out of New England, but you CANNOT take Dunkin Donuts out of the Massachusetts-born and -bred girl), I ran in for the yarn. After perusing a bit, I found a nice multicolored, kind of chenille skein. Very nice. On sale too. Always a plus. So, tomorrow night, after I purchase yet another needle… The new one is too big, and I haven’t unpacked my old ones. They must be hidden away in some hooking boxes.

I’d start it tonight, but I’m treating myself to a solo trip to Barnes and Noble’s cafe. To write. I’m one of those people who needs to be alone when I start a short story. The other people who live in my house are in the house ALL THE TIME! Worse, they want my attention. Being home, therefore, is not conducive whatsoever to writing anything more than a Facebook post or maybe a blog entry. (Presumably, a blog post is completely true and not fictional at all.) There may be others in B&N’s cafe, but I can ignore them, chalk them up to white noise in a way I just can’t at home. Hence, I’m off for a different kind of artist’s date. And I will drive myself, thank you very much.

Wool strips, though the pumpkin itself is hooked from llama yarn. — Wool strips, though the pumpkin itself is hooked from very fun, very orange llama yarn.

Lest you think hooking’s been neglected, I’ve been having some fun with the Bliss cutter guild-mate Linda lent me. I’ve chosen to cut by hand for so many years that it’s quite the luxury. To that affect, I’ve been laying down wool strips in a quickly drawn up pattern. I’ll let you know how I feel about using such “even” strips. I fear I might find the preciseness somewhat stifling, that my true Type A (for anal) personality might come out in a way I try to avoid in hookling, the one place I feel free to be…well, free.

As my pumpkin indicates, even here in Albuquerque fall’s very definitely arrived. Our leaves are changing colors and even blowing off in the wind. We’ve had a first killing frost. The sandhill cranes, our resident snow birds, are flying in. Can’t wait to see that. Apparently, they hang around the Rio Grande for the winter. Pics to follow!

What strategies do you use when things are working out like you planned? Can you call someone? Go online? Spill your secrets here; help a gal out. And while you’re commenting, are you a precise hooker or more “anything goes”?

October 20, 2015

Away from home…

Today I ran away from home for a couple of hours. I couldn’t take those people I live with any more. Truth be told, they were probably glad to be rid of me too. Almost three months ago we left Massachusetts for New Mexico, almost three months of undiluted togetherness. I’m a person who’s used to getting out: to work, to guild meetings, to writers’ groups, to networking nights. Not that I haven’t met anyone here in Albuquerque, but the going’s been slow. Or I’m impatient.

Okay, I know I’m impatient. We haven’t even been in this house a month. I’ve found area hookers; tomorrow’s my second guild meeting with them. I’ve already managed to participate in their monthly demo at the local botanical garden. A potluck with the neighbors Sunday provided info on a couple of organizations to join. And I’m gearing up for a job search. Things are actually coming together.

The reality is that I ~~want~~ need to take advantage of the downtime. To write, to sketch, to plan my next chapter. The past few years have been rough what with my mother-in-law succumbing to Alzheimer’s, planning this year’s move, and my kid’s bipolar issues. Concentration has often eluded me. Life being short and all, I have to remedy that.

So, at Julia Cameron’s urging, I ~~escaped~~ took an artist’s date. Old Town Albuquerque is filled with all things…old and artsy in a southwesterly way. Okay, and touristy too. Because I’m finishing up some packages to send back home to family and friends, touristy was what I needed. Day of the Dead here I come!

I poked here and wandered there. First up was San Felipe Church; it was established in 1706, though the current church dates from 1793! I picked up a pottery cross to send back to my boss at Saint Blaise in Massachusetts. A tourist trap provided maracas – perfect for two little girls with fall birthdays. Dream catchers too because I just love that idea, and because I suffer from hot flashes and insomnia, I appreciate catching all the good dreams one can. After that I investigated a little home goods-type shop that provided some good inspiration for rug-making.

Aren't they great? Not sure of the artist, unfortunately. — Aren’t they great? Not sure of the artist, unfortunately.

Fortunately, I’d found free parking near the art museum (a place I’m teasing myself with, waiting to visit till winter). On my way back, wending my way through a corner of the front garden, I revisited the statuary I’d seen when I vacationed here two summers ago. How could I stay cranky after seeing these two happy bears? I couldn’t. I was glad I’d gotten out, done something on my own. Even better, tomorrow I’ll head off to lunch and a guild meeting with new friends. It doesn’t get better than that.

Is your retired husband always home? Your kids? Sure, we love them, but how do you keep your own “space,” your soul time? Be honest, do you run away from home too?

September 9, 2015

Playing catch up

Sunflowers along the RIo Grande. They've been bursting out all over given the (relatively) rainy summer. — Sunflowers along the Rio Grande. They’ve been bursting out all over given the (relatively) rainy summer.

It’s a slow week here in Albuquerque. That’s probably for the best. It’ll let me catch up on paperwork, write a few thank you notes, and read more of the slush pile for Fifth Wednesday once again. If you like good fiction, I suggest you head to the journal’s webpage and check it out. And I’m not saying that just because I’m an assistant editor there. Really!

Then there’s the resume I’ve got to update for the first time in a few years. When I left Massachusetts, I’d been running a food pantry. It was a job I loved. What to do now that I’m here in New Mexico? My Spanish is pretty rudimentary, pigeon really, so, even if there were a pantry job available, the language barrier would be substantial. Nonetheless, the resume is a place to start along with some gentle networking when I head to my first Adobe Wool Arts Guild meeting here next week.

Great sculpture we found along the Bosque, next to the parking lot, way atop a big boulder. — Great sculpture we found along the Bosque, next to the parking lot, way atop a HUGE boulder.

Another reason to sit back and enjoy the sun and quiet (soon Tom and the kid will be out looking for a car; she’s getting her permit today) is that my rheumatoid arthritis has been acting up lately. Not a surprise given the stress of the move and the purchase of a new house. I’ve heard from one other hooker with RA; anyone else out there? Have any tips for us? I’m lucky in that my hands aren’t affected as much as my hips and feet are. I can generally hook as much as I wish. Though I do cut my strips by hand. I’ll usually feel that the next day.

Lest you think my catch up week means I’m not out there finding inspiration, not so! I have an artist’s date with myself planned for later in the week. Saw a piece in the paper about a tapestry exhibit at the local Weems Galleries and Framing. A few of weaver Susan Klebanoff‘s pieces were included in the story; it’s a solo show. Looks fabulous.

Maybe someone knows what this plant is, but I'm calling it "magical fog grass." — Maybe someone knows what this plant is, but I’m calling it “magical fog grass.”

Lastly, Tom and I eschewed the mountains this weekend for some time down by the Rio Grande, the Bosque trail, specifically, that runs along the river. Fortunately, there was more water in the Rio Grande than there was when I was here two years ago; the drought’s abated some. Enjoy a few pics that I snapped while we were walking.

Where might you be headed for an artist’s date this week? Or do you self-inspire in some other way?