That One Tree

      So here we are at the end of summer and I'm ramping up for the upcoming fall shows. This year I'm grateful to have spent the better part of winter and spring in the studio. I had the privilege of having my first gallery show ever, followed by a succession of juried art fairs all over the Midwest. This put me in production mode like I've never seen before! 

     And now? Now that its late summer? And all the mowing, gardening and home maintenance has been the bigger priority? Not to mention the "pole shed project" and the "garden cottage project" (More on both those later). The studio and my art have been, sadly, neglected. 

       It's still there, and it calls to me. Every time I pass it on my way to water the garden or climb on the lawnmower, it calls to me. And yes, sometimes I listen, and turn in to put in some studio time. I mean, a girl can only go so long.

      Besides, it is my work. And no, I haven't retired yet. Far from it.  So I go out and paint. Or draw, or make linocut designs. And in my mind, I go back to that one tree. 

       Here are some different versions of my latest linocut design, entitled "That One Tree"

      What I love about linocut printing is that each print is one of a kind, and can be embellished however I choose. It's all about "what's next?" 

    It's that one tree, where I used to go when I was a child and we lived next to the woods. It was actually just a vacant lot, but to my 8 year old mind it was the vast woods. And in the back of that woods there was that one tree, where I would go to play, pretend, think and pray. I still remember the absolute invincible wonder and peace I felt when I was there. 

   So now as an adult, when I paint, or carve, or draw, I'm going back to that one tree. 

That One Tree is available in my shop, and also at my upcoming shows.