My husband gave me an orchid plant for Valentines Day.

I don't usually like Valentines Day - its way too pink and red for my taste. But I DO so love flowers. Their architecture astounds me every time.

While he often drives me nuts, I know he loves me. He's extremely smart, informed and seems to enjoy juggling 4 projects/clients at a time and frequently needs my assistance, taking me away from doing 'my own thing'. He also seems to love working 12 hour days, 7 days a week. I sometimes remind him that even God gives us ONE day a week OFF !!!

For this picture, I pluked one of the blooms and placed it on a bed of basalt pebbles which came from Carnelian Bay on Lake Tahoe.

I wasn't entirely happy with the result - I don't think it does the flower justice.

As of February 18

After a bit more clay, I decided to rest for a bit so I could get on with all my real work - like housework and bookkeeping - I normally would be doing. In this shot, it shows the curve rather well, but the tilt is not as obvious. I've tried to make put it in a realistic posture. What I've learned is how much I have to learn about clay types and underlying forms. I need a good book for these things, but I have little doubt that I am capable of the sculpture aspect. I once make a human head out of Fimo clay about 1 inch tall and wow'd my art history sister. She didn't know I had it in me - neither did I.

Done with the newspaper, I started applying the clay. I don't know if you can tell, but I was working on it on my bed.

Not wanting a stiff-as -a-board sculpture, I gave it some flow ... after all - it does live in water, yes?

Art Project Progress1

At this point, I was mostly done with the form - made out of newspaper as you can see. It does look like a fish - I hope.

Latest Art Project

This is my latest art project. I've had the urge to put hand to clay for almost two years, so I finally gave in, bought some clay and started to fumble around.

This is the Matolle River. We took an afternoon picnic and walk. It is a troubled river which should be full of salmon - if it had more water. We have what I call Rural sprawl - lots of 10, 20 & 40 acre lots all using on-site springs and creeks. That means the water doesn't flow to the river, so the river has much less water than it should. With the current budget crisis, our governor has frozen all grant monies, so restoration will slow down and be funded locally - from the pockets of landowners and those who care about the salmon - it's a fight for the continued existence of these amazing fish. Moss grows everywhere as it is a very damp environment. We have had a bit of rainfall lately, but this river is still below it's mark - for salmon, that is. However, the water was clear and swift-moving, which is a good thing. I feel blessed to have chosen this place of beuaty to live and plan to keep being part of the restoration and salvation (of the Salmonids) movement up here in no-man's-land.