Tired of Being Perfect

The expression on this little girl's face is priceless. I can just hear her thinking, "go ahead, lavish me with adoration!" She is resigned to the idea of being perfect. What a burden to bear! Most of us can only hope to do our best on any given day.

This little collage consists of layers of ephemera sewn to a vintage image which is then attached to stretched canvas.

Just looking at her makes me smile :)

Laundry Days

I love this collage because of its simplicity. The clothesline is a hunk of old copper wire I found in an alley, the quilts are cut from images in a graphics magazine, and the chimney on the house is a rusty old nail. The chimney reminds me of something that you might find in "Whoville"! (Dr. Seuss) I used a flattened penny from Niagra Falls for the house decor and actual used popsicle sticks for the fence. This collage came together in one sitting (a rare event in my experience). It's just so sunny and carefree. I keep it in full view in the family room for those nights when Michigan winters have gray skies that seem to last forever.

pride and arrogance

I have breakfast with my father every Sunday. This practice began right after my mother died. Dad and I had a pretty rocky relationship for about 51 years. I'm 52. My husband once asked me why I bother to continue to see my dad and take care of his needs. I often wonder myself. But, I never questioned that it was what I would do.

As a teenager, I fantasized about walking away from him and never looking back. As an adult, I realize that we do what needs to be done. What kind of an example would I be setting for my children if I left him alone to fend for himself?

Family, right or wrong, is what's important in life. Family sticks together. A friend is fond of saying, "blood is thicker than stupidity". I love that saying! I have to admit, that adult or not, sometimes that saying goes through my mind when eating my Sunday eggs with Dad! The piece included here, is of my Dad as a child. His stance is so full of pride and arrogance, it's at once amusing and foretelling of the future....

Souls Taking Flight

I began this project a year ago. As with many things, it started with one mini shrine and blossomed into many. The shrines were displayed at one of my favorite stores

(Found: http://www.foundgallery.com/)

for a time and I've promised to do a workshop on them at some point.

My mom's struggle with cancer led me to think about the transience of life. We spend years building lives, homes, families...etc. when we die- does it all disappear or do our souls simply take flight?

Each shrine contains a picture of a family member whose soul has already taken flight. The shrine above represents my Grandma Maria. Her soul took flight in 1961.

PS Found is a wonderful store located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The owner stocks Found with lots of yummy vintage ephemera, objects, fabrics, and findings. She also carries original works of art, whimsical decor items, and handmade jewelry. For the past two years, Found has sponsored a workshop led by Sally Jean of soldering fame. It's a favorite place!