FOR PAULA AND CHIC

Last Sunday as I was preparing to send an altered book for an altered book exchange/round robin, I decided for a number of reasons, that I would dedicate this book to my dear departed friend and artistic mentor, Paula Schaefer. The image that you see above is a portion of one of her many beautiful ceramic pieces. My husband and I discussed the fact that it had been far too long since we had seen Chic. her husband, and we were going to call him and make it a point to get together. Bob and Paula had initially worked together at a mental health program (she was the art therapist). We were married in their beautiful back yard. They were like second parents.

I was called yesterday morning, by another dear old friend, only to be told that Chic had passed away last Sunday (the very same day we discussed calling him and I was dedicating my book). Needless to say, we were very sad. Sad for the loss and sad for the fact that we hadn't called sooner. I will miss them both now.


-Chic with my son Daniel-



-Paula in a clay workshop we did together-




The above was the wedding cake that Paula helped me make for my wedding party. We made each letter a different flavor in a rectangular pan. After it was baked we cut out the letters and then iced it (we had a little help with that part). It was beautiful....

FROZEN IN TIME-Betye Saar

Last year, the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts, had a retrospective of Betye Saar. I wanted to share her work with those of you that are not familiar with her. Anytime I see anything that has the key words "assemblage", "found objects", "mysticism" and "inspirational" I am immediately interested. This exhibit called "Frozen in Time" , was dedicated to her work with photographs, specifically.

The fact that she was born in 1926 and has been creating these works since the "60's is amazing to me. I find her use of color and materials to be extraordinary. Her inspiration stems from both social and political movements, popular culture and personal memories.

FOUND IN PORTUGAL

It has taken me awhile to discover that old postcards are the best thing to bring home from my travels. Not only are they beautiful to look at, weigh next to nothing, fit almost anywhere.....but, the hunt.....that's the best part. Searching out those old musty places that sell.......OLD STUFF. In Portugal, apparently it's called "brik a brac". Everytime I found a place that looked enticing, I'd point and ask "how do you say that in Portugese?" and that is the answer I got.

These colorful beauties are from a little old book shop in Porto on the Rue Das Flores called Chamine da Mota. One is postmarked 1907. I have no clue what I will do with them........yet. I like looking at the colors and the expressions on the faces.

I ran into this quote today that I found amusing.

"When I was a child, my mother said to me 'if you become a soldier, you will become a general'.' If you become a monk, then you will end up as Pope'. Instead, I became a painter.......and wound up as Picasso". -Pablo Picasso