The start of OKINAWA - LION

OKINAWA - LION's blog is opened today.
We would like to say thanks to my friends who helped us starting this firm and people who whoud vitit to our blog.

Winter Sketches

This past winter was tough. There was just too much snow and cold for much too long and somewhere along the way my spirits slumped. While I put all my remaining energies into training for a half marathon in mid March (did quite well, actually: 2:03), little was left to inspire me to be in my studio in any consistent way. The images below are of two occasions in which I did do something. Not much, but a little something.

One weekend morning I curled up in a chair in my studio with a sketchbook and pencil in hand. A lot was going on in my mind, I was feeling down, but there were no words to express what I was feeling. For an hour I just drew, letting my hand visualize thoughts and feelings, page after page, until I finished the entire sketchbook, 28 pages in all. Below are some of the more interesting ones, with the full series here.

A month later I was was seeking inspiration from the myriad of stuff in my studio that I've collected over the years. I came across my grandmother's buttons, a small but hefty box which is only a quarter of her stash, the rest divided among my mom, sister, and niece. There are unusual and fanciful ones, delicate and beautiful ones, chunky and gaudy ones. They are from different time periods, of varying sizes and materials, and all hues of color.

Sets of like kind were strung together. It was interesting to see what marks they could make. Others were big loners that made great imprinted marks. For the full series, go here.

The days flip between warm and cool, sunny and cloudy. But it's spring. It's spring and I feel rejuvenated and inspired again...

A Wee Little Bit o Luck

Hard to believe it is almost Spring. I can hope, can't I? It has been a very busy year for me. We enjoyed a wonderful night at my daughters talent show. She did a dance routine to the song "Shake It Up"...so much fun for all!

I added some wonderful softie designs to my shop yesterday. Spring designs , of course! I am now working on some new chicks and eggs to add to some baskets!

Furrows

I got to create something for music!

There will be an art show that I'm participating in at Furrows release party on Feb 26th.
There are several other artists involved with this, as well as 2 other bands being featured at the event. Come see the bands and some great art!

Kathryn Wiggins

One time, in the summer of 2005, Kathryn and I were among a group of students from Mississippi State University going to Vicenza, Italy. We lived there for a couple of months. She's been around the world studying and today is living back in Mississippi with a husband and a baby on the way!

   

Buy smaller paintings on Etsy
www.kathrynwiggins.com

Pretty Kimberly

Trip to China!

photo by le niners

I'll be going to Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, China in March!

My main objective in coming along on this trip is to take great photos; To document the beauty & wonder of the location, and of course, be sure to get photos of the people we're going with. To me, nothing can help you keep a memory better than a photograph.

I stopped at Borders bookstore and bought an Eyewitness Travel book that contains info on both Shanghai and Beijing. Perfect combo book! I opted on buying this book instead of one on each city. There's only so much I can travel with - especially when I rely on bringing the smallest bag possible.

I used to think I was a travel snob (one who would never rely on one of these books, and go with the flow instead) but friends bringing them along have changed my mind. There is no shame in bringing information with you on a trip. In fact, I would not recommend going without researching. Especially when you are unfamiliar with the language of the location.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend following them step by step. When you're on a trip, be sure to keep moving. You only live once! Take opportunities that come at you, while still playing it safe. And use the guide book for suggestions if you find yourself looking for more to do. I also love reading about the history of these locations. When you're walking the streets of a new city you've never been to, you can stumble upon important historical locations or works of art that can tell you a lot about the city, about the people there, and about their culture & aesthetic. You'll return from your trip a much wiser person.

I'm curious what the consensus is on Travel books? So many options: Frommers, Lonely Planet, Fodor's, what else? What do you prefer? Do you stick with one brand? Or none at all?

@GCTmere