Category: Blog

Jamming to Create!

Music and Art are very closely tied together…especially for me! I was raised to love music from my Dad singing Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers and my Mom keeping an album on the record player continually. A few of our favorites were the Jungle Book, Paint Your Wagon, Simon and Garfunkel to name just a few. My Grandparents as well made sure we experienced the Lawrence Welk Show each Saturday that we were visiting. Yes, we did pretend to be Bobby and Sissy, the dancers, as we listened to it. My sisters and I “punished” our two brothers and made them participate in our dance adventures. Our exposure to music was intentionally very diverse as we listened to everything from musicals to contemporary folk music.

Teaching myself to play guitar…years ago!

Each of my siblings and I played instruments in the marching, concert and jazz bands. My instrument was the trombone. I have to say I don’t think I have ever revealed why the trombone. I was completely intrigued with the slide and thought as a child that the tube must actually go down your throat, after all where else would it go?!?! Isn’t that what everyone thought??? Okay, now from experience I can assure you that it does not go down your throat. We were gifted with some of the best band directors, at Pella Community High School in Pella, Iowa, with Guy Blair and Dick Redmond. My siblings and I all have amazing memories that will last us a lifetime of our time in band.

Myself in Pella Community High School Jazz Band.

Now that you know where my love for music and the arts comes from I want to assure you that my listening list in the studio is as diverse as that I was introduced to as a child. I have to say Johnny Cash will always be one of my favorites as he carries so many memories. Along with him I also have a passion for The Highway Women, Celtic Thunder, Bob Dylan, The High Kings, Bruce Springsteen, Vienna Tang, Seane Keane, Alabama Shakes, Audra Day, Jon Batiste and anything else that inspires me. I so enjoy music and the way it can carry you to another place or simply soothe you during a tough time or a celebration.

I have to be honest I do love to listen to my music LOUD. Very seldom do I think that the music is better soft…does anyone?!? This has been challenged during this time of quarantine and my husband doing his NASA work from a bedroom next to my studio. I am guessing this new rocket will dance a little more than the others due to music being inserted into its creation.

Abstract designs of music

I find the words and the ups and downs of the music to be very instrumental in my brushstrokes and colors that I choose. The feelings are so wonderfully translated to art. I feel a warm hug when choosing those warm rusts and luscious landscapes with big skies. Those skies are like a crescendo in a song that are a crowning glory. Always remember to look high up in the sky and see the colors and the gentle breezes that bring life to all of this planet.

Please keep the music playing!

Myross Wood House and Green Skiberreen

Myross Wood House, in Leap (pronounced Lep) has a long history of family life starting back in the 1700’s by the Rev. Arthur Herbert. It was also a retreat center housing priests and those that came for assistance. Today it is being revived by Pete Martin (Red Door Photography) and Trish Lavelle… as a community-involved centre for sustainability in West Cork, which is called CECAS-Center of Excellence for Climate Action & Sustainability.

Myross Wood House, in Leap (pronounced Lep) has a long history of family life starting back in the 1700’s by the Rev. Arthur Herbert. It was also a retreat center housing priests and those that came for assistance. Today it is being revived by Pete Martin (Red Door Photography) and Trish Lavelle… as a community-involved centre for sustainability in West Cork, which is called CECAS-Center of Excellence for Climate Action & Sustainability.

On these amazing grounds there are many outreach programs: Markets, Artist’s Studios, AirBnB rooms-which once housed priest and retreat goers, along with many more events and activities and many more to come.

I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful setting with Monica Jones, an amazing artist friend that is fortunate enough to have her studio in this stunning location. It is surrounded with all kinds of inspiration both through nature and the energy that it exudes.

There will definitely be a repeat trip to Myross Wood, as I think time steeped in history creating would be so inspiring. Since a child I’ve enjoyed history and all that you can both learn and glean from it.

The walled gardens, orchard and walking trails, are being slowly restored to their grandeur and will be a wonderful place for solitude and reflection over the years to come. There is a tremendous amount of love and passion being injected into these historic walls. I definitely felt a warm hug as I spent time walking the grounds and buildings.

Seeing what can be created and developed in these spaces is so inspiring. I love seeing these treasure give way for new development as opposed to having them empty and nature slowly taking back. More opportunities of this nature should be explored in all corners of this big wide world.

Thanks for having such amazing vision Peter and Trish! Look forward to seeing where your vision takes this amazing adventure.

Ireland in My Heart

Over this last year and a half I have really spent a lot of time longing for Ireland and the adventures that I have during my travels.

On Tuesday the blues, greens and grays along with the fragrances and sounds of the sea welcomed me back to where my heart is…Ireland. It feels like so long ago and yet only yesterday all at the same time that I have been here.

  • Sunrise in Baltimore, County Cork, Ireland

This morning I woke to a beautiful sunrise and breezes from the water. It is such a nice break from the long summer of heat at my home in Alabama. Although masks and distancing are still in place here in Ireland, I am still rejoicing in the ability to see new venues and vistas other than that of my home and studio. My studio for the next month is this beautiful countryside.

  • Breakfast with a view at Beacon Shore Guesthouse in Baltimore.

The slight chill in the air has brought out the burning of the turf and the wonderful fragrance of it burning. I always welcome the cool crispness of the evenings.

Follow along over the next month follow as I spend the days re-filling my creative soul in Ireland.

  • I’ll be make my way through this beautiful country finding creative inspiration
    and amazing people around every corner!

Dreams as a Child

What do you want to be when you grow up? Anything is possible!

As kids we are asked many times… “What do you want to be when you grow up?”.

There were several answers that I remember over the years. As a child I fell in love with the animals almost immediately. Their innocents and loyalty really won my heart. They give you unconditional love daily. Growing up on a farm I was around many animals. We used to even play with the pigs. Shhh!!! No one was supposed to know as we were told to stay out of the pig pen. If you didn’t know, Mama sows are not the most friendly of “pets”, like most mamas they are super protective of their young. Can’t blame them now that I am a Mama! We also watched many kittens being born in the old chicken coop which I found absolutely fascinating. So I would have to say one of my favorite responses when I was a very young child was that I wanted to be a veterinarian.

Andy, Margaret, Sarah, Karla and our guardian Tuffy

Growing up in a small Dutch community I saw a plethora of Dutch architecture throughout my hometown. This really stood out to me and intrigued me as well with its unique elements incorporated into their buildings both utilitarian and decorative. This is when things got tricky as I started falling in love with the idea of studying design…architecture in particular. Still to this day I find it fascinating and love being around even a remodel. I have managed several remodels on my own home and have loved the design aspect of it and the process…that’s right I actually loved the process! So I’d have to say that architecture is still holding a bit of my heart after all these years.

Hometown of Pella, Iowa

Today my curiosity of architecture is peaked with old buildings that are losing their battle with time. These buildings today are brought to my canvas to preserve their beauty for eternity as I can’t save them all.

Looking Towards Tomorrow | 20″x16″ | Oil on Board | $720

These passions have followed me throughout my life. I may not have become a veterinarian or an architect but as an artist I have combined my passions for both in paintings over the years.

Reconsidering 2020 & the Challenges!

Life is full of challenges! Over the last year we have all had to move outside our comfort zones. Doing things differently and thinking in a different way are not always a bad thing.

Lovely Lady | 12″x9″ | oil on board | $420

Like me I am sure your usual schedule for the day has been run over by a truck and thrown to the wind! Instead of feeling lost and without a schedule come up with a new one. You may be surprised how much better it works for you and your family. Working from home in my studio is something that I have done for many years. I always felt it gave me the best of both worlds. I am able to take a walk, throw a load of laundry in and enjoy lunch on my own front porch if and when I choose. The one thing I don’t have is kids at home during this time. I realize this element changes things greatly especially if you were to be educator as well during this time. While taking over the enormous role of teacher many may be realizing that the teacher wasn’t the problem after all…I know it can be hard to believe as a parent. I have been there myself not that long ago.

There are challenges that arise from working at home but you are the one that gets to figure out how to fix them. Where are you going to work that you can have the desired atmosphere to most efficiently do your job? Also it isn’t a “play for free card”, it simply allows you to do things in the order you choose. As long as the work gets done you can do it in any order you choose and at any time you choose. I find myself working more than eight hours a day as I love what I do. You may find the same thing happening to you. Working more hours also happens due to the lack of interruptions that you would normally get in the office.

Repair of a Broken Heart | 12″x9″ | oil on board | $420

Much of my inspiration comes from the land and what it produces. I’ve painted everything from mushrooms and flowers to landscapes and crumbling homes from years gone by. Growing up in the Hawkeye state of Iowa, I spent many days playing in creeks, fields, barns and the great outdoors. To this day I find the outdoors to be the most inspirational and healing. We were very fortunate to have this time of quarantine begin in the Spring! I took many walks and spent much time watching flowers bloom and the countryside come to life as it turned from green to once again burnt oranges and warm yellows. The virus hasn’t stopped any of the beautiful plants, flowers or trees from delivering their comfort and reassurance that everything will be okay.

Some day soon our lives will return to a new kind of normal after this all over. Part of what I have been doing during this time is spending time in discovery taking a class and working with an amazing coach that has opened my mind to a new way of using color and a new way of painting. Abstract paintings are something that I never thought I’d do, but after taking an enticing class at the Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughn, Ireland my curiosity was peaked. I love the idea of my paintings leaving a bit more for the viewer to interpret themselves. With my curiosity being stirred and ripe I turned to another yet another abstract class that just happened to during this time of quarantine. What an amazing stroke of luck! It was just what I needed to give me something exciting to look forward to each week. The class that I took was with the wonderful Gwen Fox. I just had no idea how much I would enjoy and learn from her online class.

Dare to Dream | 12″x9″ | oil on board | $420

Gwen has done an amazing job of encouraging me to look outside my comfortable box. I have discovered just how many colors can be created with just five simple colors and this I found absolutely fascinating while just playing with paint! Color is something that I have ALWAYS loved.

Painting abstracts may or may not be my calling but I sure have had a time of discovery opening that box and spending time there to find out.

Tell me what new box have you opened during this time

and have you enjoyed it? Will it be sticking around for 2021?

Uncomfortable = Growth

Using uncomfortable situations for growth both artistically and personally.

Who would choose to be uncomfortable?

Making it Through the Tough Times | 12×9 | $420

I agree that it is usually the last place anyone would want or choose to go. However, with challenges we also open ourselves up to growth. It isn’t the easy kind where you simply try a new food and you like it or you don’t. It is more the really tough kind where you are out of your elements and every thing you try is new, hard and unsettling. NOT A FUN PLACE TO BE…RIGHT?!?!

Well, think about it this way…

…if you want to grow you should seek out to new things to try. Do you remember encouraging a small child that starting school would be fun? As adults we need to remember to encourage ourselves to jump out of our everyday routine and grow. Without it we are wasting a life that is meant to be lived to the fullest. I don’t think anyone on their dying bed said “Just why did I climb that mountain just to see the vast world beyond!”. Quite to the contrary I think we will wish we hadn’t spent so much time worrying about things that truly don’t matter or yearning for things that were simply materialistic and didn’t enrich our lives at all.

Looking for Direction | 12″x16″ |$560

Okay, enough of that as I am not a therapist, but an artist. The whole point of this is to tell you that I am deliberately putting myself in one of those uncomfortable situation…on purpose!

HOW EXCITING!

Doing Time on Whiskey River | 20″x10″ | $600

That’s right I said exciting as I am so looking forward to the growth both as an artist and simply as a person.  This time last year I was taking an abstract painting class taught by talented artist Rita Wobbe at the Burren College of Art, in Ballyvaughn, Ireland.  This was a very challenging class as my work has never been described as abstract. I found it both instructional and an incredible opportunity to grow my art.  To continue expanding my art I enrolled in another abstract painting class, this one with artist Gwen Fox.   Once the class had completed I knew I wanted more…I had grown and wanted to continue growing!   I decided that this was the perfect year, with being quarantined and longing for growth, to spend time really developing my voice as an artist so I signed up for art coaching with Gwen.

If you’d like to follow my progress and growth over this next year join me on my Instagram and Facebook pages.  Amazing new creations will derive from this time in an uncomfortable position!  I encourage you to use these unusual time to expand yourself as well.

What uncomfortable position are you going to put yourself in to grow?                                

Bogs Are Like Pages of History

Treasures and inspiration are found in these layers of history that bring warmth and a distinct aroma to a cold, rainy evening in Ireland.

Many time I get asked travel questions about Ireland. When it comes to where to stay I always quickly respond with a local BnB. My reasons for this are always that you are getting to know those who know Ireland best…they were born and raised there. A favorite stay of mine was in Tipperary at a BnB called Old Farm hosted by Margaret & Alfie McCaffrey.

While spending a few days, Alfie took me to visit several local sites, foraging for mushrooms and answered absolutely any question this American Artist could come up with, in regards to Ireland and her ancestors.  I have to say one of my favorite sites was the Redwood Bog.  While walking the bog Alfie explained the process of owning part of the bog, harvesting turf, what makes the bog and the different plants that were in the bog.

Being a gardener I was totally attracted to several of the plants.  One of the plants that really caught my eye is the bog asphodel.  This plant produces spikes of beautiful bright yellow flowers in the Summer and the foliage turns a stunning burnt rust in the Fall.  This rusty orange color plays off beautifully against the lavender heather that also grows in the bog.  So if you can imagine the two colors together it will quite literally make you stop your car to take a look!  Along with these plants are also the bog cotton.  It is as its name would imply a plant which appears as a wispy boll of cotton.  When you see this plant there will be wetland and acidic soil beneath.

“A Walk in the Bog” | 14×11 | oil on board | SOLD

These waterlogged, nutrient rich patches of land are layers and layers of plant material that have decomposed over years and years of time.  It creates an entire ecosystem for wildlife and plants which has been a source of fuel for the residence for many years.  Between the layers of the bog are the stories of time.

The remains of animals and humans have been discovered, along with swords, ornaments, bog oak and many other wonderful gems can be found accidentally deposited over the years  in the bogs. Due to the properties of Sphagnum moss in the bogs, which has preservatives built into it’s cells, whatever dies or is covered in it will decay much more slowly and therefore have many more stories to tell of the past when discovered.

Bog Asphedol and Heather

I have found the bogs to be inspirational because of their history, intense beauty and significance to the people of Ireland over the years.  If you make it to Ireland please take the time to walk and discover these pieces of ground steeped in history and significance throughout the West and midlands of Ireland.

We Are All Irish for March!

Tóg go bog é & Celebrate the month of the Irish!

There are many reasons to love the arrival of March…Spring, Warmer Weather, Flowers &

ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

This is the day we are all Irish…if even for just one day.

We don the green, we pinch those who don’t and we love heading to the parades and pubs.

Being Irish, I love watching everyone celebrate my Irish ancestors!  Talking about my times in Ireland, time spent traveling the countryside, getting to know the history and people of the Emerald Isle is something I really enjoy sharing.  St. Patrick’s Day invites me to do all of it!

“The Wilds of the Atlantic” | 16’x20″ | Oil on Board | $720

One of the pieces of Ireland that I’ve brought back and love to experience in my own kitchen is the art of making traditional brown bread.  Inbetween working on new works of art I enjoy stirring-up a quick batch of Brown Bread.

If you are looking for a special Irish treat to celebrate the holiday with I highly recommend Traditional Brown Bread.  It is super easy to make and brings the warm homey fragrance of freshly baked bread to the entire house.  This wonderful fragrance has a way of transporting the entire house to the beautiful green sunny shores of Ireland.  My favorite recipe for brown bread is one I picked up from the Gouganebarra Hotel in County Cork.  Gouganebarra  is a really special place to visit and spend some quality time.  It has made it into many of my photographs and paintings.

Brown Bread for Lunch Anyone?

One of the reasons this recipe is a favorite is that it contains treacle .  If you have never had treacle before it brings a sweet syrupy molasses/honey flavor to the bread.  I have found that I love this bread toasted in the mornings as much as a sidekick to a hearty soup.

Another ingredient this recipe calls for is Irish Wholemeal Flour.  In the states this ingredient can be challenging to find at the local grocer but I choose to do an online order from King Arthur flour.  This flour is a special coarsely ground, dense red whole wheat flour.

Another way to enjoy the bread is with some Kerrygold Dubliner Cheddar Cheese, Kerrygold butter or live on the edge and include BOTH!  This bread also is terrific to take on a long hike for an energy snack.

Whatever you do in March enjoy the refreshing outdoors and bring a bit of the Irish to your kitchen.

Tóg go bog é – Take it Easy!

If you’d like me to email this brown bread recipe,  in the comments below leave the best way to send it or message me and I’ll send it on over.

While on the Beara Don’t Forget to Take the R575!

Hugging the Coast this Road won’t Disappoint!

One of my favorite roads in all of Ireland is probably the curviest and trickiest of those for a first time driver. However the rewards are huge and well worth the nail biting time for the driver or backseat driver. This road between Allihies and Eyeries hugs the coast and gives jaw-dropping views across Coulagh Bay to Kerry. One of the delightful differences of this drive over the Ring of Kerry is the lack of the large tourist buses. The Ring of Beara is both quaint, quiet and all that you are hoping for in a trip to Ireland. I may be just a slight bit partial as this is where my ancestors came from and I can see their faces in the locals and hear their voices in the stories that are told.

As you start winding your way on this gorgeous drive you will see so many stunning views. Just remember to stay on your side (that would be the left) of the road as you lose yourself in the views. Drive it slow and take your time. Make sure to notice pullovers as these allow you to let locals and others to get by so you can travel slow and still see everything there is to take in on this amazing adventure. On this stretch you will get glimpses of Dursey Island, along with the bull, the cow and the calf, three small islands off the end of the peninsula. Take time to get out and walk as you will see so much more and feel the beautiful sea breezes on your face.

As you take a steep ascent along this winding road you will come to the peak of the mountain. From here I’d suggest you pullover just to see what you can see…okay I always have to get a picture from this spot as well. On a beautiful clear day you can see the Iveragh peninsulas, better known as the Ring of Kerry while looking to the north. As you are looking across the countryside you will also want to noticed the amazing weathered fence posts and the way they lead your eye through the landscapes. These gray “soldiers” appear to guard the roadsides and help you get safely along your way.

As you pass over the mountain you will see that the road winds like a river as it heads towards a pink farmhouse and outbuildings. Like threading a needle you will pass between the house and the outbuildings so be sure to slow to a snails pace and wave if the farm lady happens to be hanging her laundry out to dry.  The beauty of this setting is absolute storybook like.

Next on the R575 adventure is the quick hike up to the Mass Rock located on the East side of this beautiful road. As you take the short hike up the mountainside you will feel the intense history of this place which goes back to Penal Law times. Due to the laws of the time period it is completely hidden from the roadway. Once you arrive at the Mass Rock you realize just how hidden it is from the road and the protection that it would have provided from persecution.

Upon leaving the Mass Rock you will climb up yet another mountain to reveal yet another beautiful valley on the other side. While winding down the narrow lane of the reverse side I’d suggest you stop in at the Urhan Inn for a pint. There have a wonderful array of outside seating on a beautiful day and a warm pub atmosphere inside on a gray one. Either way you are sure to find a great place for a pause!

From here simply enjoy the last few kilometers winding your way through the countryside to Eyeries.   This colorful village is sure to not disappoint with all of its brightly colored buildings. I’d suggest a relaxing stop at Cindy’s Gem Cafe for a coffee or tea and a treat or a pint at Causkey’s on the back patio.

Here’s to a drive with an adventure around each of its many curves along the Wild Atlantic Way’s coastline…SLAINTE!

Traveling Solo is Awakening

Good or bad, right or wrong each decision is yours…ALL YOURS!

As I return from my yearly retreat in Ireland I thought I’d challenge you to take a similar one for yourself. When was the last time you took off on a trip by yourself? I’m not talking a movie night or going to see relatives. I’m talking a week where you don’t have to answer to anyone or anything. The job and responsibilities are left behind and the phone isn’t by your side.

Each year I challenge myself to experience time like this as I head to Ireland for an exhibition and a self-designed residency for six to eight weeks. The first time I did this was a very awakening experience; I had decided to spend an additional week in Ireland after traveling with my sisters and mother.  As they left for the airport to return to the states and I was alone in our final hotel I all of a sudden realized I had no one but myself to rely on. The feelings were both scary and empowering all at the same time.  At the time I knew no one in the entire country that I could have called upon if I had needed help. Once I got past this paralyzing feeling I began to experience the biggest rush of an adventure. Each time I did something I told myself “Look that wasn’t hard and you did it all on your own!”

16″x20″ | Oil on Board | $720

Traveling on your own comes with some wonderful perks. YOU decide which exhibitions you attend, what architectural marvels you walk past, how long you stay and what direction you walk.

Good or bad, right or wrong each decision is yours…ALL YOURS!

Choosing to sit for an entire morning and collect images and thoughts…nothing better for the soul!

Over the years I have found this time to be very cathartic. I spend a great deal of time soul-searching, writing, creating artwork and gathering information which later is translated into works of art in my Huntsville, Alabama studio. Writing was never something that I considered myself to be good at but it has really given a lot back to me over time. I force myself to reflect on my life and all the riches that it provides on a daily basis and what I’d love to add in the future. These discoveries always manage to find their way into my work either through my writing or creative manifestations. I spend a great deal of my time observing nature while climbing the mountains and sitting by the sea. The freshness of the breezes whipping my hair from side to side give my skin that freshly touched feeling.

These times of solitude feel like a baptism allowing me to open a new chapter in my life each year.

What new challenges will you put in front of yourself in the coming year?

Remember to be just a bit uncomfortable so you allow yourself a place to grow.