Friday, July 24, 2009

Inspiration

I have always been fortunate to be inspired easily to paint, make something or sit down and work on an art project. This summer has proven different. I am not sure if it is the heat of Texas summers , basic loss of motivation, change in gallery representation or a combination of those and more ? I really love to have a project going all the time,,,start to finish time doesn't matter but I don't have allot of 1/2 finished projects laying around. I have some exciting plans in the future-enough that would get me going normally but I just am not there yet....maybe tomorrow ??????

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Cuban Art comes to Austin

My great friend and talented artist Luis Abreux escaped Cuba years ago. His mother still lives on the beautiful island and just returned this year for the first time with his exquisite girlfriend Julie. It was a powerful trip in many ways but he also connected with artists friends he knew. He offered to take some of their work back to Austin for a show of their work. He assured them it was not a gallery show but displayed beautifully in his studio and East Austin back yard setting. He had ice cold water & beer flowing and a cool band totally appropriate for this venue. He also had roosters sealing the deal next door ! I arrived his studio and immediately was drawn to a wooden block print . I am thrilled to add it to my collection and more than happy to support a fellow artist. His friends would be soooo happy to see the efforts Luis put into this show and the display was more heartfelt with his enthusiasm in the showing of his friends from home. How cool for all of us.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Change is in the air !



Since my return from the islands a few shifts . I have decided is is time to leave Gallery St Thomas after many happy years there. I have been so fortunate to have such fantastic memories from my years there.The Gallery was created by my Texas ATM roommate and best friend Claire Ochoa. Over the years it grew into a beautiful main street Gallery in the heart of St Thomas. My first show was a collaboration with another Texas ATM roommate and talented artist Donna Weaver and cousin artist Andrea Marr . We coordinated images with the Nature Conservancy. We painted over 30 pieces, stayed in St Johns' Cinnamon Bay and had an incredible time ! My next show was also at Bela Blue restaurant Oct. 2 years ago with Cuban artist Luis Abreux. It also was an incredible and affirming experience. I have made great friendships thru the gallery, thru Claire (previous owner and my college roommate and dearest friend) ...it has been a nice journey and it is time ! Stay tuned for future plans of exhibitions and representation.

Family Visit to the Islands


This month my family visited St Thomas, St John and also Tortola in the BVI. We were invited to come to St John Carnival and share a booth with my talented artist friend Ziya Neema. We had a fabulous time and it was fun and lots of work ! We were there for the 4th of July ...allot of fun seeing the locals come out and really enjoy their island. The last day in the US Virgin Islands we had a lovely boat trip to Jost and around the islands to relax. We then visited Tortola, Anegada and the waters of the BVI. It was fabulous....we stayed in Apple Bay in a beautiful winter cottage. It was a wonderful trip and my family had a fabulous time.....thank you to all our generous hosts !