end of a dry spell

     Photo: Kathleen Faulkner     

I usually create art from my mind, sometimes photos.

While walking on the beach,

I came upon this material 

all wrapped into the rocks.

Looking at it,

I knew immediately

that I wanted to create something 

from it.

A challenge!

Will I use pencil or ink?

It's going to be Large.

musings

'Sticks' 9x12" ink, colored pencil on paper;

Kathleen Faulkner

I live close to forests.

Moving around in them 

is like eating healthy food.

I makes me feel good.

WIP 3@6x6" ink, colored pencil;

Kathleen Faulkner

here's a thought

'Thought Bubble' brooch 2.25x1.25" sterling silver, paper, ink, mica
Quote by Henry David Thoreau;
Kathleen Faulkner

...or don't see. 

remembrances

'Apartment Complexity' front-back, ring size 6.5-7

2x1.25x.25" sterling silver, colored pencil, graphite, 

ink, found gasket, mica;  for the show,

'Right On! Rites, Rituals, Remembrances' 

Facere Jewelry Art Gallery, Kathleen Faulkner

We lived in apartments in the city.

I learned to be quiet at a very early age 

so as not to disturb the neighbors.

All around me was the noise of the city.

It was background.

 

As a small child 

with family from the deep South

I heard stories

that made me afraid.

Later I learned about diversity 

It opened up my eyes 

and made the world 

a more interesting place.

 'A House of Many Colors' brooch, 4x1.5"

sterling silver, found object, colored pencil,

mica;  for the show, 'Right On! Rites, Rituals,

Remembrances' Facere Jewelry Art Gallery,

Kathleen Faulkner

just a thought

'Flora' necklace 18-22" long  sterling silver
paper, ink, graphite, watercolor, mica;
Kathleen Faulkner

It is the Season.  

Today is 'Black Friday'.  

People are rushing in hoards to the big box stores.  

There is an alternative:

Support your local artists, craftsmen, galleries, 

independent book stores and shops.

Consider spending locally and let's keep the money in our communities.

  Here's wishing you a stress free and joyous Holiday Season!

Cheers!

Life of a bird.

'Indicator Species Series:  Whooping Cranes' post earrings,
1.5" diameter, sterling silver, paper, ink, watercolor, colored
pencil, mica;  Kathleen Faulkner

Whooping cranes are the tallest North American birds.  They're named after their sound, they can live up to 30 years and they are endangered.
Because of unregulated hunting and loss of habitat, at one time, there were as few as 21.  Now, thanks to conservation efforts, there is a limited recovery:  around 437 as of 2011.

Whooping cranes are an indicator species of wetland health.  

“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

we are all salmon people

'Something's Fishy'  brooch, 2x3" sterling silver, gouache, pigment,
ink,  mica;  Kathleen Faulkner

I remember standing on the bank of the John Day river watching the salmon heading home.  

There were so many that I imagined I could walk across them to the other side.

Things are different now. 

a helping hand

'Safety First' 20" milagro necklace, sterling silver,
paper, gouache, ink, graphite, mica; Kathleen Faulkner

We never know what lies ahead.

Some say that we create our own reality.

Whatever is true, it can't hurt to have a helping hand.

Ex-Votos from Mexico, Girard Collection, Museum of International
Folk Art (DCA) Santa Fe, NM A.1981.42.694V.1 Photo by Paul Smutko.

and now a word..

'Webster's New World Dictionary,

Aardvark to Azure' Necklace, 38"

paper ('a' words), sterling silver, ink,

colored pencil, mineral glass;

Kathleen Faulkner

Webster's New World Dictionary: my companion for many years.

One day I open the book and the spine splits apart.  I stand there with a piece in each hand.  I continue to use it this way for many months.  I think about replacing it but I wonder what to do with this 'two part' book.  No one will want it.  I can't throw it away or even throw it in the recycle.  That is not what one does with a book.

I'm thinking about all those words.  I'm preparing for the show 'Women Working Words'.  I decide to recycle in a manner that does not leave me guilt ridden.

Magnetic Poetry

A portion of the refrigerator door;  Kathleen Faulkner

I've never owned 'Magnetic Poetry' but, still, bits and pieces have managed to find their way onto my fridge.  

'Magnetic Poetry' earrings; 1x1.75"/1.25x1.75",  sterling silver,
paper, ink, mica;  Kathleen Faulkner

These earrings are included in the show 'Women Working Words' at Facere Jewelry Art Gallery in Seattle, WA. Please join us on February 6th for a lecture (RSVP) at 4pm followed by champagne opening from 5 to 7pm.  This show runs through February 26th.

photo: Kathleen Faulkner

Tribe

*'Birds of a Feather', Shadowbox with Brooch; Kathleen Faulkner

There are many thoughts among artists regarding the art community and what that means.  

Some see it as one nonstop, cutthroat competition.  Everyone wanting what someone else has/gets, congratulating, but feeling pangs of jealousy as the words come out.  Wondering out loud why one gets into a show but someone else doesn't, who deserves it and who doesn't. 

Then there are those who see this community as a 'tribe' that all artists belong to.  Most artists I know think like this.

We are all just trying to survive.  We, in the art community, all want the same things:  to be able to survive while having the time and inspiration to make art.  

That tells me that we are all on the same side and, like 'birds of a feather',  we should think about sticking together.

*Brooch: sterling silver, wood, paper, ink, colored pencil

This shadowbox is in the 'Birds' show at Smith & Vallee Gallery in Edison, WA