The Heart Rejoices

Vibrant, of the Septet

December brought joy and a swirl of activity. 
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On December 1 & 2, I participated in the Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival, a gathering of artisans in the gentle craft of upcycling unwanted trash into highly desirable treasures.  It is one of the most popular shows in Santa Fe.  As my primary source of collage materials is old magazines and mail order catalogs, I happily took my place among the 90 vendors.  My booth was adjacent to ones selling mats made from tire treads and some who made lamps from bicycle parts.  The show brought in many locals and plenty of out-of-town visitors; I greeted old friends and connected with new ones.

Some of the new Collage Originals at the Recycle Show

​    ​The weeks leading up to the show were a frenzy of creation, as I produced pieces special for the show.

​      One of these were a collection I call Collage Staves; a friend nicknamed them “long skinnies”.     I got discarded wood from the Habitat for Humanity shop, cut them into various lengths, sanded and stained and finally, collaged intense bits on them.   They are unlike my usual style - very direct and personal.    I varnished them and attached hangers, so they are ready for wall display.   The tallest is 25" and the shortest is 13".    I have a few remaining from the show and they are available in groups or singles.

I had a variety of favorite images on display

Two of the Collage Staves featured at the Recycle Santa Fe Arts Festival

Collage Staves: Imagine/Create

Collage Staves: Celebrate

Collage Staves: Venture/Beginning

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​Another new collection is a group of small bold collages that I called the Septet.    These also are not my usual style and had an interesting origin.    In November, three people who I rarely see each gave me stacks of “interesting paper” from various sources.   So, I challenged myself to use these to create similar shaped but unique pieces from these donated papers.    Each is on 9” x 12” paper and is titled for the dominant word in the collage.    I enjoyed the work and will be making more, so the Septet will grow to be a Decade.   I also debuted a new line of cards featuring scenes of New Mexico, and these proved to be very popular.

Fabulous

Sanctuary

Power

Dream

Come Home

Future

Santa Fe Plaza, the night of the Tree Lighting

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​December, with its gorgeous generous holidays, provides ample occasions to meet with friends and family and enjoy the gifts of the season. 

Santa Fe decorates its plaza with a glorious blaze of colorful lights.  I love to walk beneath them and gawp in wonder – they inspire visitors to sing carols and to dance in the magical light.    Seriously!   I love it.   I saw the full moon rise above the mountains on the night of the tree-lighting.  Our mountains have had a beautiful snowy season; tramping in the white woods under a blazing blue sky is something I look forward to every winter. Then coming home to my cozy kitchen and cooking up seasonal feasts with family and friends is always a joy.

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​December is also time of gift-giving, and I have been providing the opportunity for gift buying in several venues   My work is featured on prints, journals, cards and posters , which are available in the Affordable Arts Show at Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos.  I will also be bringing these things and the new work to the Railyard Artisans Market on Sunday, December 23.   This will be the last Market for me for the year.    I will be taking some time off to prepare for the Next Big Thing! 

​My work is also available for purchase from me directly (with PayPal) and always from the online store Santa Fe Arts.

I See You

​So … The Next Big Thing:   Solo Show! 

Opening on January 15 and running to March 2, in Los Alamos at the Fuller Lodge Art Center’s Portal Gallery, the exhibition will feature my large-scale collages depicting views of the cosmos.

This show, of these galactic images presented in this unique community, is a fulfillment of a long-held dream.    Since moving to New Mexico, I wanted my art and visions of the universe to be seen by the people in Los Alamos.   
​The show is titled Universe in Pieces and the reception will be Friday, February 1, 5-7 pm.  Food and live music, of course! I hope to see many of you there.  More details to follow.

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Wishing all of you and families and dear friends a hopeful and happy Holiday Season!


Love and Peace!



Deco

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