Door County Dreaming

It has been over 2 weeks since we visited Door County for vacation! I miss it so much already! It isn't the shopping, or the food, or the business that I enjoy. It is the textures and colors and patterns that make me feel at home.

The pebble beach at Algoma, the rocky bluff at Cave Point Park, the twisted roots at Ellison Bay Bluff - the water, the sand - it all soaks into me. I could walk The Ridges all day. This year I walked by myself. There was a doe and yearling fawn, still with its spots, that stood and watched as I walked past not 10 feet from them. Magical.

I found blueberries among the ferns. These were captured in a large bowl at Hands on Art Studio.

The best thing happened. Through a series of coincidences and networks, one of my prints sold at a reception for Nik Garvoille's KNOCK Magazine at Plum Bottom Gallery. When I went to pick up the check, the gallery owner, Chad Luberger, asked if I might be interested in having my work there. Of course the answer was an enthusiastic, "yes!" We traded: a print for one of his ceramic mugs. It is more beautiful in person. There are crystals in the glaze that sparkle in the sunlight. You can see it below on the rock wall at our campground.

That was the fantastic news that I wanted to share earlier! Chad is choosing the work to be sent up this week. It is scary and exhilarating at the same time. I needed a challenge to grow in my work. This is just what the doctor ordered!

Canoeing on the Fox River at Wedron

Canoeing on the Fox at Wedron, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Recently I joined a Meetup.com group whose purpose is to do outdoor activities together. July I wasn't able to do much with them, but now that the shows are over I'm hoping to become more active.

I've never canoed before, but it seemed to come naturally. Maybe that is because I used to go fishing on a boat with my brothers and father. We did a12 mile ride. My arms were so sore afterward, but it was completely worth it! I want to go again soon.

I was hoping to get some good reference photos for prints. Earlier in the year they group had seen a heron's rookery, an eagle's nest and many turkey vultures roosting in old, dead trees. The only animals I saw were some livestock cooling off in a creek that drained into the river.

The colors and textures reminded me of Door County, but the bluffs were smooth and looked painted. The trees were different types than up north as well, so the greens were not the same. The river is green and murky. Teenagers were jumping off the bluffs into the water below. I cringed every time they did so. I guess I watch too much Lifetime TV. I was frightened for what could happen to them.

It really was a wonderful day. I can't wait to paddle a canoe again!

Euphoria and Hard Work

I have some amazing, wonderful, huge art news to share; but I want to keep it in the wraps until it is official. Let's just say that a life-long dream has become reality. Details to come soon.

Black Oak Media

I just submitted three items to Black Oak Media: Independent Art and Culture of Middle America. They are a quarterly publication out of Macomb, Illinois. Wish me luck!

Me: Almost 43

How is this look achieved?, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

No makeup, early morning still not awake, no caffeine, no glasses = glazed, faraway look.

Plus Photoshop: blemishes cloned away, luminosity layer to even out skintone. Sepia layer over colored layer with sepia cutout at eyes and with an erasure opacity over mouth.

So, I'll be 43 in 15 days. Huh. In some ways it seems like my life is just beginning. I have my artwork, my son is a senior in High School. In other ways, however, I am a supporter of the medieval lifespan. Life is hard and I am just one small cog in the wheel of humanity. I try to make my life count for something. But the more I try, the more I see how human (faulty) I actually am. I am just not that good, not that special, not that important. So, I plug away and do what I can - which to be perfectly honest isn't much. But what is the alternative.

"It's be best time of your life, if you only knew it."
Boppy-ism

Ellwood Art Show 2010

Ellwood Art Show 2010, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

A very successful show! Thank you to all who stopped by my booth.

I remember the first show I had, I was so nervous! Now, after just 3 under my belt, it is much easier. I know the tent arrangement and I know what pre-planning will really help out. I still have much room for improvement. My plan, though, is to just go slow and steady. I have enough to purchase more paper and woodblock now. This always should be fun and not a chore, so I don't think I'll be adding anymore shows for awhile.

Just two more shows this year!

Midwest Museum of Natural History:
July 17th - Sycamore, IL

Bliss Bead Studio and Gallery
July 19th - August 4th - DeKalb, IL
July 22nd - Opening Reception 6-9 pm

Nik Garvoille chose "Blue Heron" as the cover for KNOCK Magazine, a literary arts magazine in Door County, Wisconsin. I can't wait to go up there in just two weeks(!) and get an issue of my own. If any of you are in the area, there will be a opening reception at Plum Bottom Pottery on Thursday, July 15th at 6 pm. It is catered with asian foods & wine. There will be readings and original art from the issue on display. More information is available here.

Mr. Anderson's Magnolia

Mr. Anderson's Magnolia, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

So, this is the first pull from my first 4-color woodblock print. I'm liking the way it is coming along, but I see everything that needs to be fixed as well.

As carefully as I tried to ensure there would be no extraneous cut marks that received ink, it still managed to be full of them - especially the pink block.

Also, I had ordered white ink from Graphic Chemical, but they canceled my order stating that they had no more in stock and they didn't know when or if they would have any more. So I used white acrylic paint with the red water-based ink because it was the only thing I had on hand. I do not like the color. I want a true pink, not a salmon. I'll have to try something else.

I used goyu washi for this first test. I think kitakata would work better. It gives a more crisp print and I think the ivory / off-white tone would work better as branches.

Japanese Beetle (detail)

Japanese Beetle detail, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

When one carves a four color block print, but is too anxious to print it because of fear regarding registration, how does one procrastinate? By making a 3-color block print of course!

I've carved all the magnolia blocks, but have to work up the courage to print it. I couldn't quite get there over the weekend- even after carving and printing from 12-noon until 10 pm. Oh well, tomorrow is another day. Hopefully I'll do it soon! The Ellwood House Show is in less than a week and I wanted to submit it to the A4 International Print Show in Great Britain, but the deadline is in 2 days! Yikes!

Some more wonderful news today! My "Blue Heron" print will be on the cover of KNOCK Magazine in Door County! I am just thrilled and wish I could be up there for the Opening on Thursday, July 15th at Plum Bottom Pottery and Gallery in Egg Harbor . It will be catered and there will be wine served.

Plum Bottom Pottery can be visited at 4999 Plum Bottom Road. To visit travel 4.5 miles south of Egg Harbor on Highway 42, then left (east) on Plum Bottom Road (1 mile). For more information about the event or artwork call http://www.facebook.com/l/bd806;920.743.2819 or visit Plum Bottom’s web site http://www.facebook.com/l/bd806;www.PlumBottomPottery.com.

DeKalb Meetup Group

Meetup.com, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I just joined a group on Meetup.com called the DeKalb Area Outdoor Activities and Social Group. They get together and do things like bike, canoe, raft, hike, etc. Afterwards they meet at Twin Tap. If you are interested in joining, go to www.meetup.com and do a search.

I did this logo just for fun... I'll see what they think. It uses the wings from the old DeKalb Seed logo.

DeKalb Chronicle A&E Featured Artist

Featured Artist, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Last week I was interviewed by the DeKalb Chronicle and a few days later they provided a photographer for a photoshoot. It was fun showing them my studio and my techniques for printmaking.

Caitlin, the reporter, had to cancel our first appointment. She said there was a report of shots fired at University Village. I learned at our follow-up meeting that some kids had heard a car backfire and they assumed it was a gun. It is scary when that is the first thing people would assume in the "small-town America" known as DeKalb.

I was really unsure about what to say during an interview, but Caitlin made me feel comfortable and kept the conversation going. One thing I learned, thought, is I need to find other adjectives besides "very" and "really." I could also cut out extraneous phrases and the use of the word "got" - really, Erin? "got?" You are better than that.

During the photoshoot I asked the photographer, Rob, if he would Photoshop my photo to make me look better than I really am. He chuckled and gave me that, "ok, I don't know what you are talking about" uncomfortable look that I get so often. I see that look at feel like Doby in Harry Potter. "Bad Doby!" *Hits head repeatedly*

After he did his job, we were talking more about how to set up a business and how he wanted to be a stay at home dad and have a photography business. He was pretty cool guy to talk to.

You can read the full article here

Woodcut Thrillride Animation by Martin Mazorra & Michael Houston - Project Site - Where Great Art Starts - from United States Artists

Woodcut Thrillride Animation by Martin Mazorra & Michael Houston - Project Site - Where Great Art Starts - from United States Artists

Snail After the Rain

Snail After the Rain, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Water-based Graphic Chemical ink in black on Goyu washi, 4" x 4". Created at the request of BungalowJohn. He has some cool birdhouses in his Etsy shop, so check him out if you have time. The print was created with the assistance of Softlight1728 who let me use her photo as a reference. Thank you, Softlight1728! The print is now available in my Etsy shop!

Magnolia Blossoms Keyblock carved!

Magnolia Blossoms Keyblock carved!, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I still need to carve the registration, but it is getting late tonight and I really wanted to share this before going to bed for the night. Here is the original magnolia sketch.

This word has always caused me trouble. I end up switching the "n" and the "g" and end up saying "mangolia" so I always have to stop myself and think the word before I say it. Maybe having to say it more often will cure me of this verbal dyslexia! So embarrassing!

The only constant is change

I am so sad! I ordered different colors of water-based block ink from Graphic Chemical and Ink Company. When I received my invoice by email, it mentioned that half my order was canceled because they are no long making water-based inks. WHAT?! I love that ink! It is the only ink I've ever used and I know how it feels, how it reacts to different papers, now I'll have to start over! Ugh.

I really was looking forward to creating my second multi-block print. Now I don't have all the colors and the solo show is in just four weeks! Now what am I going to do? If anyone has any extra water-based Graphic Chemical ink in opaque white or lemon yellow, I would be happy to purchase tubes or cans!

I've wanted to try moku hanga, maybe this is the impetus I need to take that next leap of faith. But that means purchasing MORE inks of different kinds and trying to figure out how they work. I'm freaking out (just a little bit). The only constant is change.

Winning Bacon Haiku

Winning Bacon Haiku, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Two of my haiku poems made it to the Six Degrees of Etsy Bacon thread submitted through a thread on Etsy's Etc. forum. *takes bow*

My submissions:

Salty, smoked maple,
A thin slice of "heart-attack"
Pass me more bacon!


Feed a pig some trash
and he turns it to bacon,
Pigs are cool like that.

Afton Prairie & Wetland Restoration Work

Afton Prairie & Wetland Restoration Work, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Hope to see you there!

Afton Prairie & Wetland Restoration Work

Saturday, June 12th
10 a.m.1–1 p.m.

Meet at South Wetlands, ½ mile south of main entrance at corner of Crego and McGirr Rd.

Bring your boots!
Natural Resource Manager Al Roloff will talk about the Afton wetland restorations and volunteers can assist by helping plant wetland plants.
Thank You volunteers !!

Venus Envy 2010

Venus Envy 2010, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

The photos from Venus Envy 2010 in Davenport, IA were posted today. This shows a grouping that includes my Honeybee print. They grouped the items this year according to color rather than artist. It looks good!

QR Codes: A Better Way

Have you ever been shopping, noticed a website on a poster and had to find a pencil and paper to write it down - or had to take a photo with your camera phone so you could look up the information later? Do the miniature keyboards on your phone make it difficult to enter long URLs accurately? Wouldn't it be great if the information came up automatically without having to remember it for later or type it in? A better way is coming and it is called QR Coding.

Quick Response (QR) codes are 2 dimensional bar codes. After downloading an app on your phone, the only thing you need to do is scan the code with your camera and it will instantly take you to the information you need. The code can store something as simple as a phone number and address or it can take you directly to an online site providing a multitude of information. It is like a physical link to digital information and it will revolutionize access to advertising and marketing messages.

Check out the video (linked below) that has more information about QR codes. Actually watching someone use the technology makes the concept more clear. It shows a clothing designer applying QR Codes at a retail location:

VIDEO LINK

A new QR code reader that is now available is called ScanLife and you can download it by texting SCAN to 43588 or going to http://www.getscanlife.com (link above).

Think about the real world applications in your business: A QR Code that takes potential clients directly to your website or shop could be printed on business cards and other marketing and advertising materials. Vehicle wraps could include a QR code so when people are waiting at a stoplight, they can check out your site or download your contact information to be used later. It literally integrates the physical environment and the digital world.

For fun, generate your own QR code and get on board for the wave of the future.

KVAL's Northern Illinois Art Show

0523001222a.jpg, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth. It was a very successful show and I was able to meet some interesting people including fellow artists, gallery shop owners and art enthusiasts. It was also great to be able to demonstrate woodcut printmaking - especially to the children who were able to explore the different tools.

Thank goodness the weather was just perfect: sunny and warm.

Next stop... The Ellwood House Museum Show on the Fourth of July in DeKalb, Illinois.

Epheriell Designs: PEJNOLAN interview

Epheriell Designs: PEJNOLAN interview, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Check out the full interview here.




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It says I live in a farmhouse. That's not altogether true. It is an old house, but not a farmhouse. :-)

Lady's Slipper from The Ridges

Lady's Slipper from The Ridges, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Back in July of 2008 I went on vacation in Door County WI during the early spring. I had created a print but I was new at printmaking and it just didn't seem right. I remade the piece ad am very happy with this version. The composition is better and flow, texture and energy of the print is more my style. The finished size is 3.5" wide x 5.5" high and was printed with water-based Graphic Chemical in brown and hand painted with artist grade watercolor on Japanese kitakata washi. It will be in my shop later tonight.

Sad Day: Cutting down the old maple tree

Sad Day: Cutting down the old maple tree, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Two people from a tree company were looking over the neighbor's old maple today as they prepared for their company to cut it down. I'm so sad.

The raccoon and family will most likely be killed - they don't relocate the animals. Also, the bee hive will be destroyed. The wood ducks were inspecting this tree to have their nest this year - I hope they chose another tree instead.

Two old trees on the northeast corner of my block were recently cut down as well. They were well over 100 years old.

I have such an affinity for the trees that when I see them removed like this, just just saddens my heart.

Pejnolan Featured on Zazzle's "Today's Best Awards"

Zazzle Tops: Today's Best Awards, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I opened a new shop with Zazzle featuring my prints on items such as stickers, magnets, shoes, t-shirts, etc. The first day it opened, the shoes I designed were featured on Zazzle's "Today's Best Awards" Blog! Hurray!

"Hurrying out of sight Concord 1914"

"Hurrying out of sight Concord 1914", originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Another all-time favorite out of the hundreds of photos I'm scanning in. The tells such a story! Here are a few thoughts:

1. In 1914 photography was still young, especially for poor farm families. Why would they have so many candid shots like this one when film was so expensive?

2. Why is she hurrying away?

3. There is a little one in the window smiling. Could this be the reason for rushing away?

4. What was the woman doing before rushing away. There is a bowl on the ground, but it is empty.

5. The shadow in the center right shows two little feet being kicked out. Who is holding the baby?

This is why I like vintage photos. The woman is long gone, the children, James, 5-1/2, and Charlotte, 1-1/2, would have been born about 19010 and 1913. They have long since passed on and their children most likely have as well. What was their life like? Did the fall in love? Did war affect their lives?

So many questions. Yet, here, a time capsule remains allowing me to view a moment in time: one hot and sunny summer's day at a farmhouse in Concord in 1914.

Venus Envy Commercial Screenshot

Venus Envy Commercial Screenshot, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

My linocut print, "Coy Pond" was featured in a 30-second commercial spot for the Venus Envy show produced by WHBF CBS 4 in Davenport, IA. How fun! (Look at seconds 0.06-0.09)

It is a banner day! Eraser Carver for including me in your Treasury! I've ♥ everyone you have shown. Thank you so much!

I'm in FavreBijoux very first treasury

I'm in FavreBijoux very first treasury, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I'm honored! Thank you FavreBijoux for having me listed in your "Drawing on nature treasury" on Etsy!

Spring Cherry Blossoms - Edition of 12

Spring Cherry Blossoms - Edition of 12, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Available now in my etsy shop!

I have never been so happy that Spring is here! You would think that I would be used to the harsh, bitter Northern Illinois winters because I have lived here my entire life - but no! Each year that passes Spring becomes more and more a time to rejoice and celebrate new life and the promise of better days yet to come. These cherry blossoms embody the joy and delight that I am finding in Spring this year.

This was printed on Hosho washi with water based Graphic Chemical ink and heightened with watercolor from the reverse side.

Thank you to FunkyFinds for allowing me to use her photos as reference material.

Labeled: "Grandpa McAdams - Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin"

Labeled: "Grandpa McAdams - Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin", originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I'm doing photo restoration here at work for a woman who is documenting her family genealogy in a book.

This photo really caught my eye. I'm not sure if it is because the muskie is so huge, that he is wearing a suit while fishing, or the environment it is being shot in - like the pebbles a chew can at his feet. It is all a real juxtaposition of elements that I find interesting.

Gary Love, Nature Photographer

I met a photographer at work today. He travels throughout the United States in an RV photographing what he sees. His name is Gary Love and you HAVE to take a look at his work. He has a philosophy of nature that I can greatly appreciate. You won't believe the beauty he has captured. He doesn't photoshop, he simply shoots what he sees.

Just meeting a person like that today does my heart a world of good. I admire his ability to travel doing what he loves. Such freedom! I'm sure it is extremely difficult, but - oh! - that life sounds so wonderful.

I don't want to use his work on my blog without his permission, so please, please visit his blog at www.garylove.net

Sandhill Cranes!

Sandhill Crane photo by Tom Bentley - Posted on the 2000 Fermilab Bird Report
http://www.fnal.gov/ecology/wildlife/year/elm00.html

Tonight there were perhaps 50 Sand Hill cranes croaking and calling above our house. I'm 42 years old and I never seen them from my porch before. This is the first time! I called my son out to view them.

I remember when I was younger being called outside by my father to witness Canadian geese fly overhead on their migration. Back then, it was unusual to see one. I remember hearing them breathe as they few overhead. It was one of those magical moments. They have made a comeback and now are almost a nuisance.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to see Sand Hill cranes more often? Maybe when my son is my age, he will!

Me ojos after the Women's Works Show

It was a versatile show with wide variety of media and artists from all over the United States. There were 90 artists chosen out of 535 entries. I am so happy to have been juried into this show. It is definitely worth seeing if you are in the Woodstock, IL area!

Jurors: Carol Zack, Judith Nahill and the women of the Cambridge Artists Coop

Judge: Nina Weiss

Awards:
Best in Show: Christine Zachary, Oregon
2nd: Linda Horsley, Oregon
3rd: Jill Brody, Rhode Island
Honorable Mention: Christine Alfrey (WI), Amanda Stark (MI), and Jess Larson (MN)
-----------------------------------------------
I am filled with inspiration after viewing the artwork shown at the NAAC Women's Works Show! Below are some of my personal favorites from the show: (top: Christine Zachary, Oregon, "Girl in City" - BEST IN SHOW!; Regina Lombardo, Illinois, "Morrell"; Ouida Touchon, New Mexico, "Women Dreamings"; Cindy Drozda, Colorado, "Moonstone"; Paulette Colo, Illinois, "The Blacksmith"; Tonya Hedgeman, Georgia, "Retreat")

Viewing the show helped me to refill my creativity cup. So many thoughts are now racing through my head (which is why I am up blogging at midnight! lol).

Custom Wardrobe Design by foxontherun

Custom Wardrobe Design by foxontherun, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Foxontherun from Etsy was generous enough to design wardrobes for 15 lucky people and I was one of them!!! Here was how I described my "style:"
I like biomorphic, organic shapes and textures and a muted palette. I'm also a size 14... at 5'5'. I have no style because, at 42, I don't know what to wear that isn't too young or too old-lady-ish. What do you recommend?
------------------
Here is her (AMAZING!!) response:

pejnolan:

pants (twine): www.lanebryant.com/apparel-accessories/bottoms/top-rated/...

shirt: (lilac) www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id...

sweater: www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?su...

shoeses: www.bluefly.com/Delman-pear-patent-leather-Mona-flats/cat...

bag: www.bluefly.com/Helena-De-Natalio-yam-pebble-leather-Bald...

earrings: www.my-wardrobe.com/emilie-hagen/gold-aspen-leaf-earings-...

ring: www.bluefly.com/Fabrizio-Giannone-smoky-quartz-Bacurupu-w...

Pejnolan Studios Featured on Mary Richmond Design 0 3.06.2010

Pejnolan Studios Featured on Mary Richmond Design 0 3.06.2010, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Mary Richmond Design specializes in original watercolors and drawings of birds and wildlife. Her blog features such artists, especial those which use recycled materials. Although I don't use recycled materials in my artwork, she decided to feature it nonetheless. I admire the other artists she is showcasing, too! Take a peek!

As a side note, the tulips and crocus are popping up from the earth! I guess spring IS coming this year after all. You don't know how excited I was to see these small bits of life breaking out of the soil. I think I may have audibly gasped. It was 19°F at 6:30 this morning when I took the photo. Despite the cold, Spring knows better and has decided to arrive. I've said before that I've heard the robin's chirping in the mornings. The geese have been flying past in their V-formations on their way north. Ahhh. Each day will bring another sign of warmer weather and better days ahead.

PUBLIC NOTICE: ASSUMED NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE: ASSUMED NAME, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Another step in the process of making PEJNOLAN Studios a reality. I've always wanted to own my own business, nothing huge. No glamorous fantasies, just a good solid little business. I've studied for years as to how to go about it. Now I've taken the plunge and there's no going back.

I've read my posts from the last year. So many of them are about what I've done and where I've gone. I've simply been stating the facts. I haven't shared what I've been thinking or capturing those beautiful, tranquil moments that I find amid the chaos of life. There have been many, many reasons for this.

Life kind of takes over once in awhile and the tenuous veil of control we think we have is torn in two. I could list everything that has happened, but then that would just be a list of more facts. I really want to delve deeper. So, rather than make a list of specific experiences; here is what I have learned (or maybe what I wish I could learn):

1. Hold on to the people you love because we are all mortal. Tell them how much they mean to you - SHOW them how much they mean to you.

2. See people for what they are. Look at what time and experience have proven this person or situation to be. All the talk in the world, all the good intentions – none of them trump actual action.

3. True friendships are few and far between. It is sad when they change.

4. I came into the world alone and I will leave the world alone. It is not a bad thing, it just is.

5. You may as well try for what you want because you don't get second chances.

6. Anxiety and worry don't help. Worrying about potential future events is counter-productive.

Paper, Paint and My Favorites

Paper, Paint and My Favorites, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

BooksbyStephen was kind enough to include my Dragonfly print in his Treasury entitled " Paper, Paint, and My Favorites." Thanks BooksbyStephen! If you get a chance stop by his shop for some wonderful hand-bound books. He also has vintage illustrations cut straight out of old books, not digital reproductions.

Oak Crest Printing Demonstration/Lecture

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Oak Crest Printing Demonstration/Lecture, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Tonight I was honored to meet my host, Sally, and all the residents at Oak Crest Retirement Center in DeKalb. They welcomed me with a fine dinner and great conversation.

Then it was down to business: I started with a brief history of printmaking starting with the eastern traditions, moving to the west and then finally how Commodore Matthew Perry's travels influenced to two in the mid to late 1800s.

I spoke about why I like woodblock prints and gave a demonstration showing each stage–Blocks using the same sketch were prepared at different stages so I could easily show each step quickly.

After the print was made I answered a few questions and told the stories behind the pieces. The participants seemed to like this part best and they invited me back sometime to show my work again!

Using a microphone wasn't as difficult as I imagined. There was a delay like I was expecting and it wasn't overly loud.

I think next time I would talk less about the history - there is just too much to say - either that or give just a few sentence overview. The demonstration part went smoothly and I don't know that I would change anything there. I had a great time and would enjoy the opportunity to give another "show."

A BIG thank you to Jacob for helping me set-up and clean-up and for taking photographs.

Study of "Bird on Berry Tree"

Study of "Bird on Berry Tree", originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Tomorrow night I'm scheduled to give a demonstration/lecture about printmaking at Oakcrest Senior Center. I worked up the same block at different stages to show them quickly how a print is made. I'll be cutting that last little bit during the demonstration, then printing the block for them for the first time there. The block is a black and white study of the color print by K. Koizumi entitled "Bird on Berry Tree."

I'm nervous, but that is a good thing, right? That adrenalin will empwer me to do my best. I'll be wearing a microphone, which I've never done before. I hope that will help everyone to hear me because my voice is naturally soft.

Wish me luck! I'll let you all know how it goes.

Bees on Paper

Bees on Paper, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

It was the strangest thing this morning. I took Grace on her walk and she kept stopping and digging, then I noticed that she had picked up something.

I ordered her away and it was a honey bee. I looked around and there was another and another. Possible a hundred bees in small holes in the snow next to the tree where the raccoon lives. I could find them for about half a block.

I thought that maybe the bees had died in the late fall and the raccoon was digging in the tree and dislodged them, but then I noticed that all the bees were whole and all the wings were still attached. I would have thought that if they were dug out that some would be broken. A mystery!

The small holes could be accounted for because they warmed up more in the sun than the surrounding snow and so the snow had melted around them forming the holes.

Finding bees in northern Illinois in the middle of February?!? - it must be global warming... or the bad economy... lol.

UPDATE: I was doing some research and came across this blogger's post.

If you read that person's post, he mentions a brownish liquid around the dead bees. That same liquid was found with most of my dead bees. According to him, bees will take defecation flights in winter, but it was too cold for them and they died. This also explains the burrows in the snow.

So much has happened!

Blue Heron, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

We had an earthquake last week here in Illinois! I woke up at about 4am. Normally I am a very heavy sleeper and to wake up in the middle of the night is very unusual for me. The entire house was shaking. The objects on my dresser were rattling. Then I heard the very low rumble. I kept trying to think of what it might be. A passing train? No. A snow plow? No. Then I heard a loud, but muffled BOOM! I thought a snow plow had hit the curb or something. Then in my sleepy state I thought, "I wonder if this is what an earthquake would feel like? Maybe I should do something..." Zonk... just like that I went back to sleep. I didn't find out it actually was an earthquake until the next morning when it was on the news.

The Blue Heron print was created by request specifically for fellow Etsy shop owner KimWheatonCeramics as a trade. She wanted a heron print for her husband's birthday. I traded for a beautiful small pottery pitcher. So cool.

My "Earth Goddess" print was accepted into the "Art Woman" national show in Woodstock, IL and I sold "Coy Pond" from the showing at the Rockford Midwestern at the Rockford Art Museum.

My computer died and so my family was off the internet for a week - AH!!!! I had no idea how this tool has become interwoven into our everyday lives. I couldn't balance my checkbook, I couldn't pay bills, I couldn't communicate with my friends or run my Etsy shop. It was horrible! But we ended up buying a Dell quad processor, one terabyte computer and are live. YAY!

Finally, I completed the monochromatic portion of the UCC church painting and started placing colored glazes. I'm really liking the progress being made on that painting. It will be something I am very proud of for a long time!