Sunday, February 22, 2009

Even As A Child, She Wanted To Fly


Some things are just meant to be....

The spirit persists regardless of the challenges.

(Available for purchase on Etsy)

Friday, February 13, 2009

The Real Truth

Today, I'm taking a break from artistic pursuits and concentrating on the real stuff of life. I work for the local school district here in my Florida county. Today, all first and second year teachers received letters of non-renomination signifying that they do not have jobs next year. Not only does this mean that we will have countless numbers of unemployed, experienced teachers out of work but also that we will lose some wonderfully inspired individuals who have the capacity to change the lives of children. It is the economy driving this decision. The school district just isn't earning the dollars it used to earn because people are not moving to our state and our student population is declining. In an environment where each state dollar is based on student enrollment, our earnings are decreasing daily. I am losing 25% of the teachers who teach in the program that I supervise. They have received countless hours of training and support and were on their way to becoming Master Teachers. Now, 500 teachers do not have jobs. One teacher is a young woman with a two year old. Her husband is serving in Iraq. Another has breast cancer and has just completed chemo. Now she has no insurance.

I am greatly saddened by these events and felt the need to document this sadness in my blog. Somehow creating art doesn't seem so important today.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Birds of a Feather...

Esperanza and her feathered friend....all dressed up in matching outfits ready for the party.
(available on Etsy)

On another note, I ordered seeds for my spring garden today after going outdoors to soak up some sun. We are finally having more typical Florida winter weather instead of 20 degree mornings. My yard is full of finches, cardinals, titmice, and chickadees. I saw a woodpecker today and can hardly keep the feeders full enough for everyone. The hummingbird migration map has become active and I am tracking the birds as I anticipate their arrival to my backyard.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Il Nido, The Nest


A study in blue and green: Il Nido, Italian for The Nest. This is my latest creation using sari silk threads, bird feathers, and a metal cross. This is the time for nest building, a sign of the spring to come. (available on Etsy).

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Queen of the Roost

New assemblage collage: Queen of the Roost

Mama Bird sitting on a nest built with sari silk threads. I'm fantasizing about Spring.
(Currently for sale on Etsy)