Linocuts and suitcases.

I can barely keep a focused thought today. My to-do list is a mile long and my deadline for completion is just a short sprint away.

Tomorrow I head west to Utah for the annual gathering of the Journal-keepers. This amazing group of women artists, illustrators, poets, and naturalists meets in a different Someplace Wonderful each year, and this year I am delighted that we're convening in Zion National Park. I've missed the last two gatherings and was determined to make this one, come h... well, you know.

I am also delighted to know ahead of time that I'll be making the gathering next year, too, because Da Goils will be meeting near Albuquerque to celebrate the opening of our group exhibition of journals at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science! How exciting is that? Certainly you'll being seeing more details about THAT event as it gets closer.

So today is all about getting everything together and tying up loose ends as best I can. I had a last-minute client job appear on Friday, so later this evening I'll be doing what I can on that, but for now I'm packing up art supplies and doing laundry and watering the trees and writing blog posts.

The oak leaf lino is finished, as you know. I tried to get a nicer shot for you than the one previously posted... it's a little better, but not great. (You can click on it for a larger version.) I think the title is "Decay, Comma." Do you get it? It's pretty much of a stretch unless you know that this particular butterfly is a species of comma. What do you think? Too obscure? Maybe I like obscure. Unless something better occurs to me. I don't know. As I said... focus is not my best thing right now.

As alluded to a few days ago, I was trying to multi-task and start a new lino in between color passes of "Decay, Comma." The new print is smaller, only 6 x 9 inches, and fewer colors (maybe 8), so I thought I could finish it this weekend. (sigh) Rush job sort of threw a wrench in that plan. Here it is at Color #4, with no real explanation offered. You'll have to puzzle it out until I get back.



Hmmm. What else? Oh. I did build a new journal for the adventure ahead... same style as the others I've been building, but a larger format. I christened it on Friday with some scribbling and a drawing, and so far I like the bigger format a LOT. I love my small books, but I'm headed to some pretty grand country. Don't want to try to squeeze too much majesty in to a jewel box.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention that both "Ditch" and "High Tide Detritus" linocuts received Honorable Mention awards at last night's opening of the ArtWorks Registry Show. The opening was really well attended, which was lovely to see, especially on such a cold and blustery day. (We've thankfully been spared the freezing rain that the Front Range has had the last few days, but brrrrrr! It's still not been particularly balmy!)

So.

After tomorrow I will be (blissfully) internet-free for a week, wandering around with a journal and pencils and paints and happily letting my mind (and feet!) wander through canyons and across slickrock. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather. Oh, wait... if your fingers are crossed you won't be printing or painting or writing or any of the other wonderful things you all do. Never mind.... just send happy weather thoughts our way and we'll do the same for you. Look for an update some time after October 20! Ta!