On The Art Table in June
Calling all beach models!
Summer ‘Be Here’ List
I was going to start this newsletter by talking about how as soon as Memorial Day Weekend hits each year, I find myself already anxious summer is slipping by too fast even when it hasn’t started yet! But I realized that’s not the energy I want to be sharing with you all. Instead, in an effort to soak up the sun and the present moment, I made a list of summer things, in no particular order, I dream about all winter long:
Running out the back door barefoot to clip extra basil from the garden for tonight’s pesto pasta dinner.
Running down the sand dunes barefoot and the feeling of your legs sinking knee deep, as if being hugged by mother bear herself.
Running barefoot, period.
Floating on your back in the lake, ears submerged in water, gazing at drifting clouds in silence.
Outdoor showers.
Those 45th parallel, 15 hours of sunlight days.
The sound of a squeaky screen door slamming shut. (Note to self, never put WD40 on a screen door.)
Ice cream.
Paddle boarding in the morning before everyone wakes up.
Long boarding in the evening after everyone goes to bed.
Sand in toes, shoes, beach bags, car seats, floor boards… literally everything.
I could go on! I have more art related news to share, but leave a comment with your favorite summer moments below to help us all stay present and inspired this season. Not so much a ‘to do’ list, but a ‘be here’ list.
Traverse Northern Michigan Magazine
I grew up with Traverse Magazine always in rotation on our coffee table. Flipping through the pages always elicits equal parts nostalgia and anticipation for the season ahead. Needless to say, I’m honored and thrilled to be featured in their June issue! I found Lissa Edwards’ interpretation of my work inspiring. Nothing like a fresh perspective to get the creative juices flowing.
Bryant Park Mural Model Invitation
I just got word I’ll be painting a beach scene mural at Bryant Park this summer! If you’re in the area, I’ll be at the park this Sunday morning, June 4th, starting around 10:00 am taking reference photos to inspire the composition. I love the idea of neighborhood kids, families and friends being used as the inspiration. There is no guarantee you’ll be in the painting, but who knows, your photo could be used for future painting inspiration! Some things to consider if you want to come:
Beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, toys, cover-ups, beach hats, fun patterns/ stripes etc. are encouraged! As mentioned in the above article, I find so much inspiration in these mundane beach moments. The discarded flip flops, overflowing beach bags, faded beach towels… they all encapsulate that laidback essence that is a beach day.
If you’re unfamiliar with Bryant Park, the address is:
1101 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686
Beach Portraits
I’ve been slowly working on a new collection of twelve 18x24 ‘Beach Portraits’. You might have seen some sneak peaks on Instagram. I’ll be sharing more details with the newsletter this summer, hopefully with news of an open studio show. Stay tuned!
Scribbles + Notes
My goal is to send out these studio updates on a monthly basis, and I like the idea of adding extra notes on things currently inspiring me. Without further ado…
I’m currently reading and loving The Creative Act: A Way of Being by the famous record producer Rick Rubin. Looks like there is one left at our local Brilliant Books, linked here. He also just had a fascinating 60 minutes segment.
June is Pride month! Here is a calendar of the events happening around Traverse City. I’m excited to attend Wild and Wonder’s Rainbow Story Time with my kids this Saturday at the Dennos Museum. It includes an art project!
I’m always inspired by everything my friend Kelsey and her team are doing at Fern Haus Studio. Visit their properties to experience the beautiful design, and stay for the delicious food.
Thinking about this quote lately: “Art is about paying attention.” - Laurie Anderson