a Mother's Story

 

As a pre-teen, Barbara Burke frequently rode a trolley into the city. She then hopped the train tracks to reach her final destination: classroooms in the basement of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She enjoyed hours reviewing and sketching the museum's collections. All of the wings of the museum were home to Barbara. "I don't care where you landed me, it was where I belonged."

A few years later, Barb's affinity for the arts was confirmed. She was offered a scholarship to attend the Moore College of Art. Her grandparents were also convinced and promised to handle the balance of her college expenses. Despite such a promising opportunity, Barbara chose a different path. Not unlike most young women during the 1950's, Barbara elected to take an office job out of high school. Marriage and a family soon followed.

About her decision she stated, "I've regretted it and not regretted it all my life."

Kathy ~ my bubble of energy, excitement and stamina

Michele ~ my calm, giving and creativity

Debbie ~ my rock, strength and compassion

10 Gallons Diverted

Artist in Residency week is a true learning experience, for me. Little hands and hearts remind me the subtle motion of painting is not always inherent. Some want to dab. Some will use proper strokes. Some, just scrub. My hope is to instill a taste of art's refuge, a place to return when little else is soothing. Painting can do that. The scrubbers though, they kept scrubbing in earnest.

Probably most satisfying to the students was the material prepping phase. Ten gallons of plastic bottles caps were cleaned and sorted. They were also diverted from the landfill. The sensory experience was grand. Sight, sounds, textures abound. Water play during 90 degree temperatures was certainly welcome too.

Their little personalities impressed me. Actually, some of the personalities weren't so little. Left to their own, roles easily evolved. At 42" high, one young lady filled the bill of delegator, handing out caps and directing younger ones to the proper sorting bins. Another meticulous soul managed quality control, making sure there weren't any misplaced colors.

We bridged many lessons during the week: environmental responsibility, the color spectrum, butterfly anatomy, patterns in nature... Most important, I learned, the scrubbers will be scrubbers, until they are ready to be otherwise. In the meanwhile, I can present an option. And hope.

Out of Bounds

"Droplets" by artist Susan Benarcik

"Somerset" by artist Scott Pellnat

Extensive summer heat is as disheartening as canned air. Take a break from both and rejuvenate your spirit with a bit of art in nature. 

At the The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, temperatures are naturally cooler within their 325 wooded acres. Through September 2, contemplative art compliments the site and season in the show, Out of Bounds. Most museum and gallery exhibits I find constricting. Being outdoors though makes this showing refreshing and in some cases unexpected.

"Mirrory" by artist Caleb Nussear

Much of the work surrounds their main building; at the Fire Pond, indoor gallery, near the picnic grove (yes, bring a picnic!) and in their new Sensory Garden. Maps are available at the indoor gallery. I also encourage you to take advantage of their many lush trails. Get some blood moving again and you might be inspired to create your own nature friendly installation.

Impromptu Work in Progress by young friends

The Cow Connection

1871 was a pivotal year for architecture. Questionable credit is often given to the O'Leary cow for tipping a lantern and starting a devastating fire near the young city of Chicago. Despite how this catastrophe began, the spirit that rose from it is legendary. And continuing.

Willis Tower made w/ Lego's

As several factors are attributed to the fire, so are there many reasons Chicago became noted as an architectural city. Hungry and eager merchants, intact infrastructure and the development of the elevator are but a few components that enabled the city become home to the first skyscrapers. Chicago's spirit for man made sculpture continues today.

BP Pedestrian Bridge

Chicago inspired Skyscraper by Jack, 5

Chicago is credited for another of my favorite firsts. In 1978 the Percent for Art Ordinance was implemented. This decree stipulates that 1.33% of the cost of most construction be dedicated to installing original artwork on the site. The impact of this notion is quite notable. Over 200 cities now consider the arts when big money is on the table.

But, a city is not defined by commerce and policy alone. Mother Nature has certainly made her impact in Chicago. Deep cold winters create a reclusive society 4-5 months a year. Apparently, very reclusive. I see this time as a healing and spawning period. This season provides time to settle and re-establish for growth. Once doors and windows are open, this city celebrates with a vengeance.

Rest well. Design well. Play hard. But take it easy on the cow, please.

Surprise fun at Gateway Park Water Fountain, Chicago, IL

Mom's Cache

My mother, Barbara Burke, was notorious for being prepared. Her time before retirement was dedicated to making her home comfortable for years to come. This included stockpiling art supplies, sadly, not put to near enough use. She did paint. I just always wished her more creative time.

At her passing, I was honored to be responsible for Barbara's art studio. There were a LOT of supplies. Fortunately, many educational materials have found a home at the Lancaster County Art Association. Much will fold into my supplies for future teaching endeavors. Some are comforting a newly inspired artist in our family. And others have gone to a promising and dedicated young painter, Kimberly Timinski. 

Adventure Artist Supply Kit, value $200

The items pictured here will be auctioned on May 12.  Proceeds to benefit the Blue Bell Montessori Children's House Scholarship Fund and Garden (think compost bin!), causes dear to my Mom and our family. Let me know if you have an interest in bidding or otherwise donating. 

Painting 101, $80 value includes paint kit and five canvases

My Mom and I had talked about many of these distributions and I know she'd be pleased with them. There was one thought we didn't have a chance to discuss: the Random Art Supply Fairy. The idea came to me during a bike ride in Fairmount Park. Later this spring and summer,  a few artists along the Schuykill River may have a special encounter with said fairy. I like to think, Barb would approve.

Compost and art?

Not a likely combination. There's probably a soil advocate out there that could find a strong connection. However, as a former corporate interior designer with a steady frequent flyer account, I was quite suprised to find myself giving a presentation on trash and dirt today.



Ms, Judy assisting her student with the string line

But I still believe that everything is connected.  That's were the meaning is found.  (If you haven't yet discovered Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid  by Douglas Hofstadter there's a chance to further understand how our inner minds connect the symbols of math, art and science.)

Last fall I worked with a kindergarten class in efforts to make the connection. In our region, November is the ideal time  to plant spring bulbs. With string lines, we created a grid to outline the planting location. For this young group, it was a sensory exercise in multiplication (math) and patterns (art). Five months later, they were rewarded with a visual treat.

My treat was listening to the excitement of the students as they shared their expectations of the flowers. And next year, compost powered blooms! 

pink, pooches and pondering

For most of us, Valentine's Day is Over. If there is residue for you, here's hoping it's the sweet kind. That said, let me share with you:

There is no pink, at least in the world of light.
This brief animation explains:

What colors don't we see? Could radio waves, gamma rays, x-rays and cosmic rays be pink ? Possibly. I expect they are not totally though. I fantasize that there is more to the rainbow.

It's well known that dogs are color blind. They see images in shades of black, gray and white. I wonder how their species would be different if they could see a peacock in full color. And their food (blegh). And how would humans, as a species in whole, be different without color?

 

What does color mean to you?

 

And, what will our existence be like when we see beyond our current visible luminous rays?

in the passive voice

Unfinished projects, proposals and yes, heaven forbid, even blog posts were piling up. My mind was spinning. Nothing could be completed. Resilience and reserves were gone. Creative juices, evaporated.

Then the doctor orders a blood screening of cortisol and adrenal hormone levels. Ok, it's time.


Welcome the Winter Restoration Project

One month later, I'm surprised how hard it is to rest. Myself, and I'm sure many, are programmed to move, produce and move again. Slowing down is not often welcome in our culture. The hardest part is giving myself permission. Restlessness has been very apparent in the process. Stillness is now the challenge. Fortunately, positive results are surfacing. Small doses of true, genuine creativity are returning. Even some silliness.

Still a work in process, here's what the Winter Restoration Program looks like:

1. Put aside the To Do list. It's hibernation season. Your list will still be there come spring.
2. Rest often. Naps, baths, whenever. Read fiction, just because.
3. Eat well,  but not restrictive. Start with the good stuff. The junk will become less appealing. Soup, especially homemade. Pumpkin Latte's. Fiber's required. You can't restore if you're holding onto trash.
4. Speaking of trash... Purge unnecessary items. Stuff is a drain. Pass it along, Freecycle.
5. Participate in restorative exercise. Swimming, gentle yoga, nature hikes. No pursuit or even mental energy invested in racing, training or anything competitive.
6.  Indulge in a craft or hobby. I'm sewing gift bags and sachets, utilizing existing materials. Silk fabric and  the scent of lavender are soothing.
7. Spend one on one time with friends. Key. Share a latte. And a hug.

Pumpkin Latte:

1 c  almond milk
1/4 c pumpkin puree
1/8 t almond or vanilla extract
sweetener of choice
dash pumpkin spice

Warm ingredients on the stove top. Mix in blender to froth.
Rest and Enjoy!