Thursday, November 28, 2013

Carving Animals

 

There's been no adventuring or wandering going on here lately. I haven't seen a fox, a moose, a buffalo or a bear. I've been painting them instead.

I suppose you could say I've been doing a little roving. Around my art room! Gathering up supplies I've stashed away in boxes and drawers since the New Years flood last year, I spread them out on the newly carpeted floor. In complete disarray are various types of paper, linoleum blocks, carving tools, rollers and barens. My wooden drafting table is piled high with tubes of turquoise, mars black, titanium white and cobalt blue paint. Ball jars are filled with paintbrushes of every size, my easel is set up, the fire flame is on low and Gregory Alan Isakov is singing in the background::

threw my bottle to the ocean,

she never wrote me back
all the countless days along the sea of blue
learned the language of the Mockingbird
she took and twisted all my words
yeah, I'm just trying to find my way to you

For the past fifteen years I've handmade the Christmas cards I send out. Almost all of them are block prints. I got into carving and I just couldn't stop! After the initial relief print is done, I touch them up with more paint in bright colors, which look good against the black and white print.

Here are some cards I made in the past and some most recently. As you can see, they always include a wild animal. Naturally.

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Meanwhile, because of the cold and squally winds, blowing tumbleweeds and sagebrush from here to Oklahoma, it's keeping me indoors a lot. Through the window, I shake my fist to the sky, damn you wind.

As my mom reminds me over the phone, "when you've got snow, make snowmen."

When you've got wind, well then, you plop yourself down in front of a fire and write letters. Being cooped up reminds me that there are other things to do. Important things, like letter writing, journaling, reading poetry and drinking licorice tea with a Tabby on either side.

I pause only to listen to the wind.





 

23 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. love each and every image, each and every word.
    but especially the fox.
    and especially the bear.

    don't look now, but a red dirt cat is following you 'round the house….

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    1. p.s.
      don't know what happened in the first comment, but my lazy fingers didn't leave the keyboard and there were all sorts of strange alien characters typed into the comment. so i deleted it [them.]

      HAHha!

      Delete
    2. Yeah Bernard, it's been like that around here...;)
      You should come over and tame that cat. x

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  3. Yes, it looks as though the wildlife has wandered right into your art room. Your artwork is just beautiful, woman. It speaks from a place in your soul, a place of great love of nature and wildlife.

    I am in absolute awe of the way you have captured the spirit of these animals and the season.

    Tea and tabbys! Perfect way to spend a cold and windy day.

    xoxo

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    1. Your genuine compliments bring tears to my eyes, Julie.
      Thanks a million. xo

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  4. Hmm, there is a time and a season under the sun (or wind) for everything. A time to explore and a time to draw in close. :) Look at the wonderful art and tools and daffodils?!?! around you. Cozy and creative.

    Your wildlife woodblocks are wonderful! The sly fox is my favorite. He makes me smile.

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    1. Of course you, the flower expert, would notice the odd look of daffodils in winter! Haha! This photo was taken last spring. I thought I'd throw in some spring like theme to my wintry post. ;)
      The fox is everyone's favorite. I'll send you one, too. Of course!!

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  5. I had no idea that you painted. These are amazing!! I especially love the bison :)

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    1. Yes, I'm full of surprises, Keith.
      The bison was one of my first attempts at carving. Happy you like it!

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  6. Oh I do love these! The moose's legs are perfectly gangly!

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  7. Oooh! Lynn- I L.O.V.E. your prints! So inspiring!!! I have done some printing here and there, but the box has been in the closet since I moved... I have so many things to play around with and never enough time!!!
    I hope you had a great day yesterday and ate entirely too much food!
    xo

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    1. Britt!
      Can you believe I got something done around here?!
      You may have been the one who enticed me to get busy!!
      And I thank you. xx

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  8. okay my favorite is the deer...no the buffalo...no the moose...no the bear and friend...no the fox....no no no....
    i can't decide!
    love them all you talented bird!

    I feel Christmas in the air here...I love it!

    love and light

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    1. Lol !!! You're funny.
      That's right, I like Christmas time.
      A time for making cards and planning my holiday escape!
      Sending you back some love & light. x

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  9. My fav is the bear with the bird.

    I wish you some more days with wind when such things are the outcome.
    My gosh, are they all beautiful!

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    1. No Lily, do not wish me more windy days!! Hehe ;)
      Thank you for the compliment. I had fun creating and now I will try to have fun mailing them.
      ps:: yours is in the mail. !!!

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  10. Those paintings are lovely! Will you be sending them all over the world as Christmas cards?

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  11. Replies
    1. Oh Jeansy. Such kind words.
      That means a lot to me. I sure love it when you stop by an' say hi.
      xoxo

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  12. And they are spectacular, your indoor workings. Xoxo

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