wabi sabi

a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.
a beauty of things unconventional.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

In Solitude


Setting Intentions

Quieting the Chatter

Finding the Silence

Being Gentle

Holding Space for Clarity

Being Grateful



Monday, May 23, 2011

Gearing Up for Summer

For us that means heading back to Maine to our wonderful little house on the island. I always look forward to returning and the ritual of opening the house and settling back in to our life there. The smell of sweetgrass, peonies, and lilacs. We have a wonderful community of friends and family. As much as I look forward to returning, this summer I have decided to take a little extra time before I go East. My husband will leave in a few days to fly back with our dog. I am going to stay in California for a few weeks for some much needed solitude. A few weeks of nothing to do but take care of my own well being. Days with nothing but my own company and my own rhythm.

A few weeks of painting, creating, exploring, and playing.

Time to just sit with my thoughts.


And time to just breathe.


I am still looking forward to going to Maine and having an awesome time. Just a little bit later this year.


What are you looking forward to this summer?


Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Teahouse Studio and Blooming True

There is nothing like a group of women who have all gathered with open hearts and creative spirits. We gathered at the beautiful Teahouse Studio in Berkeley to paint, be inspired, and Bloom True with the amazing Flora Bowley.


This was my second class with Flora and I feel like I have just scratched the surface. What I get from her and her process of painting is about so much more than painting. It encourages me to stretch past my comfort level and how I look at life. Flora's philosophies about painting ring true for me about how I want to approach my life. There are no mistakes. Trust yourself. Recognize "happy accidents". Be authentic. And so much more to carry with me.



These are the two paintings I worked on over the two days. There will be many more layers added before I feel like they are done.


The Teahouse Art Studio is a great space full of light and energy. Mati, Tiffany, and Stef have created a wonderful welcoming space to gather, be inspired, and create. They have some wonderful classes lined up and more coming. If you haven't checked out their website I encourage you to visit often and go take a class. You will meet the most amazing women and have tons of fun! Give yourself a gift.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Old Interest Revisited

When I was young I wanted to be a designer. What I was going to design changed from time to time but the desire was always there. I remember in high school reading an article about Vera Neumann and her painted scarves. The idea that you could have a business painting on fabric was fascinating to me at the time. This of course was after periods of being equally fascinated by designing clothes, jewelry, and rooms. I have again become interested in the idea of painting on fabric. Right now I am really inspired by Lotta Jansdotter and Lena Corwin. I bought Lotta's stencils several months ago and finally took time to play with them. Super fun and easy! A canvas bag from Michaels, fabric paint, and about 1/2 hour later you have a cute bag. Next up is trying my hand at carving my own lino blocks and stamps. I have a stack of napkins and tea towels ready to go!

I am off to Berkeley tomorrow for a play day and then a 2 day workshop with the amazing Flora Bowley at the Teahouse Studio. Looking forward to an awesome weekend!

Wishing you an awesome weekend!