"So to all the secret writers,late-night painters, would be singers, lapsed and scared artists of every stripe, dig out your paintbrush,or your flute, or your dancing shoes. Pull out your camera or your computer or your pottery wheel. Today, tonight, after the kids are in bed or when your homework is done,or instead of one more video game or magazine, create something, anything.
Pick up a needle and thread, and stitch together something particular and honest and beautiful, because we need it. I need it.
Thank you, and keep going."
~Shauna Niequist~
I love this quote and it seems to fit well since this weekend was the Clothesline Art show. This happens once or twice a year to showcase and support local women artists. It is always held in peoples homes which gives it a relaxed,personal feel. I am always reminded of what a wonderful community of people I live among, unpretentious, laid-back, art-loving people. We went to the opening reception which was lovely with candles and wine and cheese and families filing through crowded rooms. I was happy to see the good turn out, but I had to go back the next day since I was so busy chatting all night that I didn't get to see everything. Every year I fall in love with a few pieces and this year was no different. The above piece is called
Tenderly Speaking by Cat Collier. She has an amazing sense of color and texture and has done a beautiful series of trees. I don't think I'd seen her do a portrait before and found it so intriguing and emotive. Oh, how I would have loved to take Miss Tenderly Speaking home.
This circular piece was done by Jen Kring, my very own sister-in-law. She uses rich colors and patterned paper and covers them in thick beeswax leaving this goldeny weathered look. It's hard to capture the full beauty in pictures but you get the idea. She also does whimsical childrens' scenes on thick square wall hangings some of which I have in Naya's room.
This is a print of a larger painting by Katie Knutson. It's another favorite. I love the dark colors, broad strokes, and the yellow umbrella. When I look at it I feel like I can smell the puddled pavement of that city street. I can hear the soft sound of the rain falling and the subway rumbling below. I get drawn in to the story behind it and suddenly I'm there with some secret place to go on a stormy night.
photos by Maria Cardillo
work by Kelly Cardillo
The sheep above were done by Linda Thomas, another favorite. She does intaglio prints which are done by rolling ink over copper etchings like the one below. Her work is symbolic, detailed and soft looking and she had a series of trees and birds that I didn't get pictures of because many of them sold.
Apparently little miss Calliope was astounded by it all as well.
So here are a few of the faces behind the art. My hat is off to these ladies for the time and discipline, skill and spirit that goes into their art. Many of the them juggling several other roles, teachers and mothers of small children and still compelled to create. I 'm moved by what you do.
Thank you and keep going.
