Which Way Should I Go . . . ?

"Which Way Should I Go?" ●  

"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?" asked Alice.

"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat.

"I don't much care where –" said Alice

"Then it doesn't matter which way you go," said the Cat.

Alice – "so long as I get somewhere,"

"Oh, you're sure to do that," said the Cat, if you only walk long enough."

These words from Lewis Carroll's, Alice in Wonderland have always resonated with me.  Maybe it's because I have always been a planner and a goal setter.

Every time I read this quote I am reminded of the reason why I set goals and make plans . . . Simply because I don't want to find myself 'getting somewhere' where I don't want to be . . . 

How about you? Are you a planner and a goal setter?

A rustic hinged wooden box is covered in iconic Da Vinci images, including Mona Lisa on the front and a fallen angel on the back, Inside are vintage text and an image of Alice, appearing to ask Cheshire Cat for directions (note the cat's tail extends past the top of the box). Porcelain drawer pulls for feet, and a brass pull on top. 

Liar, Liar - A Buried Treasure . . .

It's buried treasure time again.  Seth Apter from The Altered Page is hosting this really fun event again, and I am in!  Seth has been carrying on this tradition for the past 5 years, and although I have only participated once, I can tell you, it was a lot of fun.

This year, I'm sharing a post of an art piece is made last year, titled "Liar, Liar".  One of my all time favorite finished works. I hope you enjoy seeing it again, as much as I enjoyed making it once.

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Original Post dated: Tuesday, May 28, 2013

"Liar, Liar" ●
The book used in this assemblage is a vintage copy (1926) of Charles Darwin's "Origin of the Species".  Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection has become the foundation of modern evolutionary studies.

First published in 1859, "The Origin of Species" provoked outrage from many as it implicitly contradicted the belief in divine creation. Darwin's critics were, and still are, numerous, vocal and very doubtful that observed biological complexity, especially in humans, could have developed simply.  Many of his critics still believe Darwin to be amoral and to have made up all his collected data.

Although Darwin’s theory has been modified over time, it remains fundamental to the study of life sciences. And the controversy still exists today among the Christian mainstream.

Although not readily accepted by the scientific community of his time, since it's publication, Darwin's concept of evolutionary adaptation through natural selection has become central to modern evolutionary theory, with the development of the modern evolutionary synthesis in the 1930s and 1940s. Today it is the unifying concept of the life sciences.

With this piece, my purpose is not to support or reject either argument surrounding the theories of  'divine creation' or 'evolution by natural selection', but rather it is to raise the questions again, about how the human race, as we know it, has come to be.

What do you think?

Mannequin head covered in papers, text, sewing patterns and embellished with clock gears.  A vintage "The Origin of the Species" sits on a wooden stand supported by brass drawer pulls.

July 6, 2013 UPDATE
I moved into a new studio last month, an artist community contained in a wonderful WWII building, originally used as army barracks for troops.  There are about 30 artists who have their studios here, and yesterday we held our 'First Saturday Open Studios' event.

This was the first experience holding an open studio.

Pictured below, is Morgan Ray, she stopped by my studio, and I was thrilled when she decided to take "Liar, Liar" home with her.   Thank you Morgan!

Do The Best You Can

"Do The Best You Can"●
Dr. Maya Angelou passed away last month. A few weeks before her death, I started working on a scrabble art piece with one of her quotes, a favorite of mine. I finished it last week.

"Do The Best You Can (Un)til You Know Better, 

Then When You Know Better, Do Better"

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Dr. Maya Angelou April 4, 1928 -May 28, 2014,
A remarkable woman who lived a remarkable life.
I started this post a week ago. There is so much that can be said about the life of Maya Angelou, a truly amazing human being. The post became long and repetitive, soon I realized there was little I could add to what has already been written about her life and the lessons she taught us.
In the end I felt I could not do justice to the extraordinary life that was Dr. Maya Angelou.

Instead I will attempt to live my life in a more meaningful way by remembering her words:

“My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry;

to get my work done and try to love somebody 

and have the courage to accept the love in return.”

Rest in peace, Maya.

First Kiss

"First Kiss"
Another tribute to wine county.

"We are all mortal, until the first kiss and the second glass of wine.  ~ Eduardo Galeano

Wine colored scrabble tiles with white letters spell out the quote.  On the front of the wooden cigar box frame is covered in tissues and text and embellished with 2 metal grape leaves.  On the back side, soaring birds overlaid with pattern tissues.  The piece is ready to hang.





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