The End of 2012

Today is the last day of the year.  I would like to say I am ready for tomorrow and the new year, but I'm not really.

The Christmas tree is down, but the decorations aren't put away.  I haven't done my yearly review yet, and therefore, haven't even contemplated goals for 2013.  I would have liked to have started the new year with a clean house, goals ready with a plan on how to achieve them, old business caught up to date, etc. But reality is that is not going to happen.

Eventually, I will get to some of those things. For now, I'm looking forward to a new year with lots of possibilities and opportunities.

Knitting

My mother in-law brought some projects to work on while she was here.  She inspired me to break out my knitting needles that have been dormant for some time.  I still consider myself a beginning knitter, since I don't do it often.   I did manage to finish this ruffly scarf for Anna.  (It's just the start of it here in the picture.)

Foothills

While the in-laws were here we took a couple of walks "in the neighborhood" (meaning the foothills near our house).  Here are some pictures from our second walk.

We found a Little Free Library when walking through Terra Nativa.

Lights

After talking about it several times before Christmas, we finally went to the Idaho Botanical Gardens' Winter Lights Aglow last night.

I loved these lights that looked like flowering trees.  That's the near full moon in the sky. A beautiful nighttime adventure.

Taking a Walk

Solstice

Happy Winter Solstice!

Peace on Earth

linocut with Akua ink

2-1/2" x 4"

©2012 Lisa Flowers Ross

Cipher

While my parents were visiting, I took them to see my Color Fields exhibition at BSU.  I also wanted to see what was up in the Student Union Gallery.  Cipher: Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition was on display.  These are works of art by the seniors working toward a BFA.

The exhibition came down on the 13th, so it is no longer up for viewing.  But here are a few of the artworks.

This first artwork is a sculpture by David Anderson.  It is interesting how the piece relates to the wall and floor and is not free standing as many sculptures are.  From his artist statement, Anderson writes, "Hung on the wall and from the ceiling, defying their pedestal, the firm ground below."

This next artwork is Reinterpreted Landscape by Ryan Wise.  This is a fairly large piece and it took a second to recognize the abstraction of a shot up can.  Wise writes in the artist statement, "I am using this common mass produced vessel to illustrate the relationship between nature and man."

Next is True North by James McKain.  This is a small piece with intense color.  McKain writes, "In this body of work I have created my own visual language by using metaphorical imagery to express the arduous task of navigating through times of trial and tribulation."

This last artwork is Mother by Kimberly Owens.  This is a collage of photos and I thought her idea behind the piece was very interesting.  Owens writes, "In this body of work I wanted to create a visual journal that highlights the life of my mother through place and objects.  My mother passed away over 5 years ago.  The objects she left behind connect me to her memory."

  I'm not sure what is up next in the gallery, but it is a good place to see art for free.

A Christmas Tree

In my last post, I mentioned I was not yet in the holiday spirit.  Today I am even less so hearing about what happened in Connecticut.  It's terribly sad.  I can't even imagine what those families are going through.  I can't imagine because I can't let my mind go to such a depressing place.

There won't be much joy this holiday for the victims' families.  I wish that they find comfort in family, friends and a supportive community.  Eventually, I hope they can find peace.

That event made me ever so much more grateful that Anna was home safe and healthy with us last night as we finally decorated the tree.

Around Town

I'm having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year.  Partly, I think it is because I have been very busy lately.  Another reason could be that I'm still working on getting back to 100%, physically.  Now, I have a cold, so that is not helping.  Even looking at all the holiday stuff around hasn't helped me get in the mood.  

Maybe a little snow in the valley, a fire in the fire place, a hot drink in hand, some chocolate nearby, and letting go of the "to-do" list would help.

12/12/12

Happy 12/12/12 day!  It will be a long time until the next date with all three numbers the same, 01/01/01.

Today is also special because the Twelve x Twelve group is revealing their latest theme, sweet. Once again being busy with other things, I did not create a play-along quilt for this theme. Although I like the theme, especially since the reveal is around the holidays and all kinds of sweet inspirations abound.  Check out their blog for all the yummy artworks.  Sweet!

Artist Interview

The day before the opening reception of Textiles x Two, I did a brief video interview with an intern for the Meridian City Hall December Newsletter (it's online).  The gal only asked a few questions so the video is short.

It was my first video interview and I didn't receive any instructions about what to do.  So I am talking to the gal who was standing next to the camera.



They did mess up my name at the end, but just ignore that.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like . . .

December!  The weather has finally cooled down some.  The white stuff has made a small appearance.  Hats, mittens and knitting needles have come out.  The first fire of the season has been lit.  A tree has been found and stands ready for decoration in the living room.  And I can't believe it is already Dec. 10.

Altered States

Yesterday was First Thursday here in Boise.  My friend, Vicki Stevenson, had organized a little art show, called Altered States, with eight artists at the Re-Use Market downtown.  I had told her I would come to the event.  I also wanted to see the Re-Use Market as I had not been to it in it's current location.

The Re-Use Market is a non-profit entity that sells craft and misc. materials that people donate. This keeps stuff out of the landfill and gives some affordable options to teachers, artists and others looking for some project supplies.  If you have old craft supplies, you can donate them and it will be a tax write-off.  The store is only open on Thursdays from 2-6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1p.m. It is located at 1517 W. Main St.

Some of the art items for sale.

View of the store.

Buttons and beads.

Need a key?

If you enjoy the hunt for a bargain, this place is for you.  It is somewhat organized, but you also have to kind of sift through stuff.  You can get a pipe cleaner for a penny.  They also have lots of fabric sample books and vinyl samples from interior designers.  You don't know what you'll find until you go.

Textiles x Two Pictures

We had a pretty good turnout last evening for our opening reception of Textiles x Two: Art by Kathleen Probst and Lisa Flowers Ross, despite windy, rainy weather.  We had surprise entertainment we didn't know about beforehand.  A group of singers came and serenaded us with upbeat Christmas songs.  They were very good and sang it all acappella.

If you made it to the reception, thank you for coming.  If not, I have some photos here.  But you can still see it in person as the exhibition is up through Dec. 27 (Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., excluding holidays).  You really need to see it in person to see the texture and details of the stitching in the artworks.

The singers.

Kathleen taking a break to sit down, with her artwork behind her.  I think this is a great picture of her.

For the reception only, we had a table with some of our small works for sale.

The gallery space as it looks when you step out of the elevator.  Kathleen's work is on the left and my work, which you can't see much here, is on the right.

 A view of my artwork on the opposite wall.  You can see ceramics by Patricia Trainor in the middle of the space.

The first section of my wall.

 The first section of Kathleen's wall.

 The second section of my wall.

The second section of Kathleen's wall. 

Both of us put a lot of work into preparing for, marketing, creating labels and artist info, and installing the exhibition, as well as preparing the food for the reception.  We pretty much had to do everything.

I think I can speak for both of us to say that we are relieved to have the exhibition in place and the reception over, so we can move onto something else.  This has occupied our thoughts for a long time.  And I think we did a great job, if I do say so myself.

Textiles x Two Reception

Tonight is the big night for the opening reception of Textiles x Two at the Initial Point Gallery in the city hall building in Meridian.  Kathleen and I have some yummy snacks planned.  I'll give you a sneak peek of some of Kathleen's works.

Wings #2 and Cell #14: Circadian by Kathleen Probst

(posted with permission of artist)

We are so excited to be having an exhibition together in a great space.  We will also be glad when tomorrow comes and we can move our thoughts onto something else.  As we had to do most everything for this exhibition, we have put a lot of time and effort into it.

Holiday Market

Saturday morning, we went downtown to the holiday market.  There were some interesting things to see.

Anna eating some yummy soup, purchased from a vendor.

Interesting ceramics.

 A decorative weaving made with pine needles.

Some members of the Boise High Choir, singing and dancing.

 Another great window display at Anthropologie.