This summer, five Belgian horses moved in across the street. As I observed these beautiful animals from our front window, I became particularly interested in their behaviour, noticing that not very much would sway them from their main mission, munching on the grasses. Can life be this simple?

Summer and fall views, Muskoka, Canada

On my last post I shared my interest in learning to weave and after one funny little course, I dove right in, purchased a floor loom, and tackled a number of projects. After the first dozen or so not so inspiring placemats, I found a pattern I liked and created this shawl made of linen, cotton and silk.

From the moment I started this journey I knew it would devour time… and I was right. Winding the warp, dressing the loom, threading the heddles, all became terms I would become very familiar with. It soon became apparent that I would have to make a difficult decision regarding my regular obligations. I opted for a summer of simple living, inspired by the horses, the herons and the wild turkey, to continue this exploration.

I thought I should prepare an apology to my collectors for this, but after re-evaluation, why apologize? Throughout history artists have taken time to reflect, re-energize, stoke the fire of creativity. I have done this in the past with other mediums, sculpture, stained glass, photography…there is so much to explore, here is a small sampling of some stained glass works from the archives.

(above) Limited Edition Stained Glass Pendants (2003) ~ (below) Ristorante Ritorno bottle commission (2007)

Always welcoming the inspiration that inevitably spills into my other work, it will be interesting to see how this fiber art may influence my work in the future. I know stained glass did in it’s own way. I guess only time will tell! This second piece, a table runner, uses the same pattern as the first but it is made of bamboo and shetland wool.

I am very grateful for my life as an artist, an occupation I don’t take lightly. The world can always use more beauty to offset the chaos, and I hope to continue to do my part. But I am also grateful that I am not a production artist that relies on “what works” to make a living. Rather, I rely quite heavily on personal life experiences to inspire my  own version of “what works.” Whether it involves time in Italy, lime and pigment, glass and solder, horses, or  a whole bunch of colored thread, there is so much joy in creating emotion and connection through art. But for me this needs heart, and sometimes heart needs time for further growth. It is with this in mind that I will live this year simply, observing nature, and creating.

Thank you to my collectors, my husband and my family and friends who have supported me in these past years allowing me the luxury of being able to take this time. Needless to say, I will be taking this year off from exhibiting at the Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale and  although I will miss it immensely, I look forward to a future that remains fresh and exciting for myself, as well as for my collectors. Thank you all in advance for your support!