Hi people. It's been a long week in my little welding shop in the woods. I love how my little groupings of trees come out, but making them is a bit tedious. This is a whole day of work. Doesn't look like much does it?

But after a whole bunch of bending (by hand- who needs a rowing machine?), cutting, de-burring, and welding- this is how they come out. This is before several coats of black paint- ran out.

And here are a dozen, ready to get painted, boxed and driven up to Lutsen. I have to make at least 3 dozen more by Nov. (Groans)

But they are pretty, and I'm glad so many people like them. :)

This is the same version I've done for years now, that always sell out before Christmas. The kind I'll be having in the drawing will be smaller- a new version. I decided since I won't have time to make these until Oct., I might as well hold off on the drawing until then.

This will also give stragglers an opportunity to become followers (right hand column)- and be eligible to win!

Now I'll begin preparing for a terrific show in Hudson that opens Oct 2nd with an evening party that is open to the public. There will be free wine & appetizers in the beautiful new Seasons On St. Croix Gallery. Hudson has a number of really good restaurants, so this makes a fun date night.

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Hey people. Here is how that commission came out. Pretty nice huh? It looked great in my back yard. I'm going to kind of miss it. I may have to do more of these... you know, for the birds. (All pics are clickable to enlarge)

The people who commissioned it got the idea from seeing one of my tree sculptures at last year's 50 on 50th fall show. (Yes-- they've been waiting THAT long.) These are the little groupings of trees I do every fall that are always really popular and sell out right away.

Here is a larger version...

Shown here with one actual-sized, and one super tiny cat, to both give you and idea of the scale/size, maybe confuse you just a little, and amuse myself.

This year I'm going to be making these same versions, but ALSO some smaller versions, and some wall mount versions. The smaller versions are what will be up for grabs in the drawings. I think I'll give away one small table-top and one small wall version, or maybe give the winners their choice between the two. Haven't actually made any yet because it takes super long to prep all the little tiny branches (like, make Sue lose her mind long), and I've gotten delayed this week by a delivery and another sort of emergency commish that cropped up. Next week I'll let you know exactly what is up.

But those of you who want in on the possible free art need to sign up to become a follower (look in the right hand column). This is really private so don't worry. Like, it doesn't even tell ME your email or anything so winners will have to check the blog to find out the outcome and contact me with their shipping info etc.

All those folks who already signed up are going, "No- don't sign up! Keep being lame so our odds are better!" It's in your hands people. Someone will win some free art-- someone who signed UP. ;D

Stay tuned.... Drawing in about a week... About...

Hi people. There's big news at the bottom of this post you won't want to miss, so hang in there!

Here is my latest commission (in progress). It's a big bird sanctuary of sorts-- three trees holding a basin. It's coming out pretty nice. I'm trying to decide whether to add some leaves and/or a small nest somewhere. These clients have been waiting a while, and are long time supporters of my art, so I want it to be really awesome when it's done.

I've had birds on the brain lately. Last week I got this bracelette. I'm much more likely to make jewlery than buy it, but I just couldn't resist this pendant. It's kind of super hero-ish, and looks fast.

It kind of reminded me of the cover of this book I just finished. (Really good if you like sci-fi adventure and YA fiction.)

I've always gotten into making bird and tree related art.

I'm very woods oriented.
Those images work their way into collages and sketches all the time.

There's something very captivating about the energy of a mass of birds in flight.

It somehow speaks to my obsession with tribes, and feeling part of a group
in some symbolic way.

At my open house I had a big canopy that was a view of branches overhead with birds flying through. Someone asked if it could be put over a bed. What a cool idea! Now I totally want to do another one that could fit over a king bed. I'm thinking about the birds-- smaller for this, but lots of energy, like a vortex maybe. We'll have to see.

Okay- now for the big news:
Some of you are familiar with the tree sculptures I do every fall ( I'll post pics next week). I'm getting ready to begin those again and this year plan to make several variations including wall mount pieces, some smaller versions that will be a little less expensive, and some longer versions.

I'm going to be holding some random drawings to give away some of these pieces. I'd like to reward those of you who've shown an interest in my work-- I really appreciate it. I'll be selecting winners from my "Followers" (over on the right). I know many of you aren't official followers even though you are regular visitors, so I'm going to wait a couple of weeks. It's really easy-- you just sign up-- You won't get put on any weird lists or anything.

If you get anyone else to sign up I'll enter your name twice (double your luck!). Just shoot me an email telling me who you recruited. Please feel free to share this, forward it, etc. I'm trying to expand my exposure.

OPEN HOUSE

Hi people. My first Open house was a big success! Thanks to everyone who took the time to come check it out. I couldn't believe how many people came! It was so fun reconnecting with some familiar faces, and meeting new friends and a lot of locals-- some close neighbors I'd just not run into before. Towards the end of the day when things wound-down a little I finally had time to take a couple pictures.

The trail lady was looking especially rad in the sunshine. It was a beautiful day. We really lucked-out. (She's far from complete-- a work in progress.)



This Table is now going in my living room (for now anyway), to replace another I sold. That's one advantage of being an artist-- you can decorate with your own work, and switch stuff out when you feel like a change.

If you weren't able to attend, I do plan on making this an annual event, so you'll get another chance next summer. You missed my official artist get-up-- a rainbow silk sarong and a giant flower in my hair. Who knows-- maybe next year a black beret?

Now I have shows to get ready for and commissions to complete. I have tons of ideas for my upcoming shows, so stay tuned.

EDIT TO ADD: If any of you want to post links to pics of this event or related blog entries feel free to do so in comments. :)