New artwork is on its way to the mill. I pretty much have to disappear for a while in order to make that happen. Then, spring comes: lunch dates, time to help friends who are grieving, maybe I cook a real meal here and there, even wear make-up on a no-big-deal-regular day. My personal spring couldn't come at a better time, because it's spring. And I'm needed.
It's just beautiful outside. And I'm determined to soak it in before the Arizona summer descends.
Today's fabulous HELLO Giveaway prize is a lovely print from the lovely Laura Gunn. Laura will send today's blog winner TWO beautiful 8×10 giclee print from her Etsy shop—winner
chooses which print. And there are lots of fantastic pieces to pick
from, including watercolor florals, like the one shown below, birds,
butterflies, and beetles.
I hesitate to add more images because those pink flowers up there are
completely doing it for me today. Of course, the three Laura Gunn
watercolor prints that I own myself are all birds. They are also irresistible.
Comment to enter the contest. Be sure to include your email address
so we can contact you if you win. Each day's giveaway closes at 11:59pm PST.
Watch for the winner to be announced within a day or two at the bottom
of the post. For more info on my August giveaway madness, click here.
We have called on a number of our friends with businesses and have
scored some seriously amazing prizes so stay tuned.
Speaking of matryoshka. Check out these Michael Jackson nesting dolls from a 2006 Music Art Form exhibit. Pop music meets folk art.
Update: It turns out that not everyone interprets this series the way I do. Two commenters think it's mean-spirited of the artist.
I think it's beautiful. To
me, this piece is poignant. It shows how as MJ's life (and
accomplishments) progressed, the world zeroed in on his flaws. To many,
this beaming talent became a tabloid plastic surgery story. It's a sad truth that the world puts talent on a pedestal, only to tear it down over time.
Art seeks
an emotional response. True, the first read might make many of us smile. However, I don't think the artist means to ridicule
Jackson. Instead, I think he means to highlight how ridiculous it is that we all are fixated
on his nose.
Furthermore, the style of the artwork is beautiful and quiet, not jeering or jokey. I don't
believe it is meant to poke fun at the subject. If anyone, I think it's mocking us as a people for not seeing past this man's appearance. This piece has meaning for me.
I'm sad he's gone.