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

Happy Holidays

I hope your Holidays were are wonderful as mine. I feel very fortunate for my sweet family and our good friends.
As lucky as I feel, we have had our share of heartache. I was very concerned about this Christmas. My husbands 29 year old son David died October 16Th. He was a gifted musician like his dad. He has a wonderful mother who misses him so deeply, my heart aches for her. It has been so difficult for us all.

But through all of the sadness, we are so thankful for our health, our wonderful little girl Katie...who had a fantastic time today!!

I wish the best for all of my readers and I pray for your families.
Peace & Joy to all of you!

Cube Sculptures

Within a day or two after my first post on box sculptures, I was on the phone with my friends Chris and Laura, both visual designers and educators.

Chris used the word cube instead of box and immediately my mind went back to my sophomore year where she taught analytical drawing that started with the cube. But more powerful, the word freed me of function — a box being a container, but the cube being form. A cube can be manipulated, its dimensional geometry explored and reformed. It's sculptural. A cube could still evolve to be a container if I chose — where and how it opens to enter and hold (containers are a theme I've wanted to investigate in some of my work). I began by sketching cubes, geometric shapes and openings, then moved on to arranging 3"x3" chipboard squares to create cube-like forms.

Then I spoke with my other friend Laura and she suggested, "why don't you apply your drawings instead of the paper?" I nearly died it was so simple and clear. I chose my recent India tile sketches because they are expressive and have their own underlying structure, and found that the cube with a one-paneled opening worked best to compliment these particular drawings.

I thank Chris and Laura for their thoughtful engagement and insight into my process. It's been wonderfully freeing, and I really like the results! See more here. 

Ugly Sweaters!

Put together a poster for a Birthday event for Melvin P. happening next week. 

Etsy Christmas

Last night I was involved in a conversation about how great Etsy is. And how buying gifts on Etsy is so amazing because you know it's unique, you know they probably haven't seen it before, it could come from anywhere in the world, and there's so much to choose from that you can cater to whatever crazy interests you know your friend has.

I adore everything in this shop. Runaway Dreams is created by a couple in Mexico City. I think I'm going to get this night and day pillow for my Niece :)

I always appreciate something a little nerdy, Gameboy Magnets, Cross stitch Kirby, and Ghosties made from Perler Beads from Argentina Collaborative.

I don't really wear earrings, but... are those Ritz crackers earrings?

You can get a Nautical Themed Backyard Chicken Coop. ....Of all things. Amazing!!

Enjoying this poster by AndILoveYouSheSaid in Sweden.

 Some beautiful and imaginative prints and images over at PromoPocket in Lithuania.