Monday, July 31, 2023

Ahhh August ...

 


“I suppose that’s the way we humans are, thinking too much and listening too little. Paying attention acknowledges that we have something to learn from intelligences other than our own. Listening, standing witness, creates an openness to the world in which the boundaries between us can dissolve in a raindrop. The drop swells on the tip of a cedar and I catch it on my tongue like a blessing.” 
― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer is one of my favorite books, my desert island book, a book I return to, often.  This month I am beyond fortunate to go see Kimmerer teach, in person - a wish come true!! 

Her thoughts and words are so timely now, as we are blindly racing toward environmental disaster.  Kimmerer speaks of respect and reciprocity, for ourselves, our surroundings, our world and others.  

I highly recommend this book to all!!! 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22285975-braiding-sweetgrass


click below to learn more on Goodreads:
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Robin Wall Kimmerer




happy reading and peace, Virginia



















Sunday, July 2, 2023

Everything is better with polka-dots!



“After all, well, moon is a polka dot, sun is a polka dot, and then, the earth where we live is also a polka dot.” 
Yayoi Kusama ~ queen of the polka dot!

This felt like an appropriate collage for this summer month - colorful and playful.  I think it would be such fun to wander around this wacky landscape. would you join me??

Lately I have been attracted to polka dots. And there is an inspiring and prolific artist known for putting polka dots on most everything - herself included.  That is the amazing Yahoo Kusama.  

Click here to watch a fun video of Kusama's career from the Tate museum for Kids!!

Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist who works primarily in sculpture and installation, and is also active in painting, performance, video art, fashion, poetry, fiction, and other arts. Wikipedia

link to post
Yahoo Kusama was one of the prompts for the instagram
challenge that I did last year: 

to see my contribution to the challenge check out:

"The challenge is ~ to create a cup!! 
Cups represent comfort, gathering, and nourishment. 
And each prompt is a variety of favorite women artist/designers to inspire."

Lastly -  but not leastly - I have added this collage,
 'for the love of polka dots ...' 
to my @Society6 shop 
AND 
they are having a 4th of July sale!!!

(hope to add it to @redbubble soon)

art print link


society6 coasters link



acrylic tray link