Genre Cookshop

Group Show Opening this weekend

2012-03-01T12:25:00.000-05:00

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A Visit to the Cloisters

2012-02-26T19:48:00.000-05:00

Some pictures from last week's excursion with Paul and Henry:

Henry loved it, immediately "getting" the reverent mood of the place. He is pretty good in museums generally, and really liked this place especially.

That's some amazing wood crafting!

The joy of fountains!

"What do you mean the Cafe is closed?"

Great light!

In awe!

Like father like son!

I grew up in the neighborhood of this wonderful museum and it remains one of my favorite places. For more information: http: //www.metmuseum.org/visit/visit-the-cloisters/

Fruit in Winter

2012-01-29T18:07:00.000-05:00

this winter orange-
so many long sunny days
now oozing sweetness

Happy (Chinese) New Year!

2012-01-23T22:46:00.001-05:00

The Golden One!

I wish you a beautiful new year full of golden moments and soaring dragon dreams!

I have stretched ropes from steeple to steeple; garlands from window to window;

golden chains from star to star, and I dance.

-- Arthur Rimbaud

500!

2012-01-16T11:27:00.001-05:00

"Lessons from Life" Vyacheslav Shchelokov

I just uploaded the 500th image to my online Women in the Act of Painting project. I am amazed at how fast this point has been reached. The project is in three Facebook albums for the moment, but a blog and a book are in the works. The response to the project has been overwhelming, and I am grateful for all the comments, encouragement and contributions of images. I have learned so much, and plenty more "life lessons" to come. Thank you everybody, I really couldn't have done it without you!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-15T19:43:00.000-05:00

(A New Year's Day Kiss)
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!

First Cookies!

2011-12-30T12:07:00.000-05:00

Yum!

Paul made his first batch of cookies, ever, yesterday! And they were delicious. Way to go, honey! Now that you've "cracked the code" I look forward to many more delicious cookie appearances!

Le chef!

MIT cake

2011-12-20T18:28:00.000-05:00

Any excuse for cake, right?

Congratulations Peter Louis Downs, we're all so proud of you!

All Over NYC!

2011-12-17T12:09:00.002-05:00

Paul and NB on the High Line in Chelsea

Paul and I took a breakneck day trip to NYC earlier in the week, combining business, pleasure and even family! We started off in Soho where Paul made a flying visit to some clients while I went to the Lee Friedlander show at at Janet Borden:

Lee Friedlander

Lunch and a few more galleries, nothing too memorable, then off to Chelsea where I had been strongly advised by more than one of my teachers to see the Michaël Borremans show at David Zwirner. It was impressive and I am glad I managed to catch it before it closed. I am still trying to work out why several people whom I respect thought of my work in connection to this work..there definitely is some similarity in our impulse, but it's somewhat "submerged" in the presentation. This needs pondering!

In front of Borremans' "The Loan." My dressing to coordinate was unintentional!

While in Chelsea we strolled on the High Line, something that is becoming a tradition. We always enjoy the city sights, and the people watching (as usual, a large percentage of French and German speakers) and the beautiful landscaping of the line (cityscaping?)

Birdhouses and feeders in heavy use

Great light!

Walking around Chelsea we also caught some street art, like this choice little interactive project, Hope:

Hope, Chelsea, NYC, 12/11

I don't know who did it but it was simply and beautifully executed and a pleasure to participate in. It also fostered communication as several people encountering it at the same time necessarily spoke a bit, expressing astonishment and interest, sharing pens etc. I always like public art that breaks down barriers between people, however fleetingly.

Adding Hopes to the collection.

We saw some other excellent art in galleries, and then headed over to the New York Times building where we had an appointment to meet Paul's editor. It's quite an interestingly designed building, done by Renzo Piano, lots of vistas and strong colors, and we spent a pleasant hour talking and drinking tea in the beautiful Times employee cafeteria, Paul and Loren kicking around some of Paul's ideas and me quietly taking it all in.

New York Times Employee Cafeteria Photo credit: Fred R. Conrad

This would have been enough to fill up my dance card satisfactorily but wait there's more! Paul had also arranged for us to rendezvous with a relative of his whom he only recently met, who works at Christie's. He thought I would like her (and he was right!) We waltzed right in to Christie's, past all the security... turned out this was something of an unintentional Ninja move because it was one of the nights of the Elizabeth Taylor auction and admission was limited and security was tight. We did get stopped at some point, but courteously, and we then waited for our relative in very glamorous Christie surroundings, and perused a fascinating digital databank of auction images.

(I have to admit, I am not very interested in jewelry so the Taylor Collection was somewhat wasted on me!) Once our relation, Deborah Bell, arrived downstairs we whirled off, crossing through the jolly crowds at Rockefeller Center and ended up in The Modern, which is part of MOMA. I was thrilled to see an enormous and shockingly beautiful piece MOMA commissioned from Mickalene Thomas still on display right where we were entering (it's only up temporarily so what incredible luck!)

"Le dejeuner sur l'herbe: Les Trois Femmes Noires" by Mickalene Thomas

A huge crush of people filled the bar/restaurant almost to bursting, in pre-holiday fervor, and we spent a very enjoyable if all too brief time getting to know our newfound cousin a little better (she's wonderful!) and making plans to meet again post-holidays, before dashing off to catch our train home.

What a day! Didn't feel tired at the time, it was all very energizing, but I noticed at the end of the next day's various duties and work efforts, my boyfriend Paul and I were both drooping. Well worth it!

Almost Done!

2011-12-09T21:27:00.001-05:00

Almost done with my first semester of grad school! I came home yesterday to find my sweet husband had these flowers and encouraging note waiting for me...his thoughtfulness brought a lump to my throat. It's been such a tough week for all of us, really. I had four end of semester school hurdles to leap and then there were other things, kind of big things, going on as well. If I listed everything you'd stop believing in my truthfulness after a few bullet points..so I'll just mention the most important and saddest: a death in the family, Paul's sweet Aunt Sue, necessitating his sudden flight out to Chicago. Sick kid with asthma, a minor (I hope) but urgent hospital procedure, a long-ago scheduled house repair beginning and ...(and I can see your eyes starting to glaze so I will just stop listing..though there is even more!) This would make for a busy week even if I didn't have two final class projects due, end of semester Reviews (these were a real BFD...eeek!) and a 10 page term paper due.

I'm done with everything now except the term paper. I felt like I was going to crack under the strain and so I swallowed my pride and asked for a two day extension on the paper. I cringed while I was doing it but I did it. It seemed the only aspect in this load that had a little "give"...and, fortunately, my teacher kindly gave!

So, yes, beautiful roses, almost done! :-)

State X-C Championships 2011

2011-11-05T20:38:00.001-04:00

P has been quite sick since Tuesday night but nothing would keep him from running in the state championships today! The doctor rather reluctantly okayed it, as long as he brought his inhaler.

P ran far below his norm, but finished honorably, middle of the pack.

Naturally he was disappointed, but we're all very proud of him!

My X-C Kids!

2011-10-24T14:50:00.000-04:00

Saturday was a gray day but a good one for the Cross-Country team...P came in second in the district conference (with his team-mate and co-captain coming in first) and H made a Personal Best!

My guys

Strong start for H and he stayed steady!

P and his co-captain took off from the pack at some point

Coming in to the finish!

Cupcake Social

2011-10-13T01:07:00.000-04:00


Netta with Cupcake

There is a seemingly never-ending barrage of social and instructive events for us students at PAFA. There are so many opportunities and offerings that I am almost finding it a bit distracting. But it's all very fun, tempting stuff, like today's Cupcake Social at 4 pm. Hundreds of cupcakes, scores of toppings to customize them, and gallons and gallons of strong coffee. End of day bliss! Could I have squeezed in an extra hour of painting instead of consuming empty calories and socializing? Yes! But it was darn fun.

My Town

2011-10-06T21:25:00.001-04:00

Off the evening train,
stopping to drink in the sight-
my town at sunset

Fifteen!

2011-10-03T21:55:00.001-04:00

My baby turned FIFTEEN today! Warm with happiness, at the same time frozen with horror at the speed the years are winging past...

I'm 15 for a moment
Caught in between 10 and 20
And I'm just dreaming...

100 Years, Five for Fighting
(This song is one the biggest tear-jerkers on the radio! Sometimes I just have to turn it off when I hear the opening bars, sometimes I let it happen...)

First Fire

2011-10-02T21:49:00.000-04:00

the first fall fire:
its muffled roaring and hiss
suddenly remembered

Goodbye Henry

2011-09-04T15:32:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Paul, Henry and I took a quick trip downtown. Henry really enjoys the city, walking around, taking in the scene. Today he has gone back to his school deep in the country. I miss him already!

Earth-Shaking!

2011-08-23T21:00:00.001-04:00

Evacuees from the PAFA Hamilton Building await the All-Clear

So, wow, this was an eventful day! I went to school to discuss my semester's critic choices and turn in that form. While I was there I dropped a few things off in my new studio too and then wandered around the studio floor a little, trying to get more acclimated. I was standing in my studio chatting with another first year mfa student (we were having an animated discussion on the work of Judith Schaecter) when the floor started vibrating and the lights started swinging gently. I assumed it was just some construction work and kept talking but the other student at once said "What is that? Is this an earthquake? I think this is an earthquake." I replied somewhat lamely, "Oh, don't you think somebody is just using power tools?" but yeah...turned out to be an earthquake. Totally bizarre! We so rarely get earthquakes in Philadelphia. 5.8!

People swarmed out into the corridors and there was a lot of nervous laughter and many expressions of astonishment. Then we all calmed down and went back to what we'd been doing. About a half hour later though the alarm system sounded and we were told to evacuate the building! All very weird and exciting. People hung out on the street (some of the students started a game of kickball) and talked and stared up at the tall buildings and felt very keenly the bizarreness of the whole situation! It was a gorgeous day, with bright sunshine and refreshing breezes, while overhead News choppers hovered and police and fire sirens wailed in the distance. At one point I happened to be standing next to a school administrator who wise-cracked that they had arranged this specially to make it an unforgettable Orientation Week! Aw, what a school! Seems like nothing is too much trouble for us MFAs. ;-)

Took me a while to get home. Turns out that SEPTA's schedule was temporarily halted and long delays were forecast so I walked back to the school and put in a little library time (even found another image for my Women in the Act of Painting project: yay!) I waited an hour or so and then tried again. Much the best idea: as I walked onto the platform a train scheduled for an hour previously was just drawing up. What a day! Home a couple of hours later than expected but still in good time to make dinner.

Back to School!

2011-08-23T10:02:00.000-04:00

This was the first thing I saw when I walked in the door after a long day of Grad School orientation! What a sweet husband I have! It was an exciting, exhausting day.

Cheese Sculpture

2011-08-07T09:34:00.000-04:00

Turn your back for one minute in this crazy house and people are making art out of whatever comes to hand! In Henry's case, a purloined hunk of aged, extra-sharp Cheddar. Notice the fine "tooth-mark" detailing characteristic of this artist's technique. ;-)

Henry is Home!

2011-08-03T11:48:00.000-04:00

Henry is home and sporting a summery close-cut hairstyle thanks to the supremely talented Adriano! I keep hearing other Autism Parents lament how their kids resist haircutting but Henry never has done that for some reason! I admit to missing his flowing golden locks when he gets buzzed like this, but Paul likes this look better. Henry doesn't seem to care either way! ;-)

Ethical Dilemma

2011-07-18T18:47:00.000-04:00

Black Swallowtail Butterfly larvae decimate my herbs

They've already taken out the dill (see bare stalks beyond) and have moved on to the parsley. As much as I love my fresh herbs, I think these little guys probably need them more. But argh!!!

Bunnies Beware!

2011-07-14T17:54:00.000-04:00

Homemade BB Gun target found in my recycling bin. Summer is here and boredom is the mother of invention it seems! ;-)

Saturday Morning Tabletop

2011-07-02T08:25:00.001-04:00

Morning in summer-
fruit on the breakfast table,
big bright day ahead

Mystery Monday!

2011-06-20T17:48:00.000-04:00

(click image to enlarge)

I just stumbled across this old shot and was struck by its aura of mystery and magic. I wonder if anyone out there can understand just from looking at it what it is all about. Just for fun, no prizes! ;->

June Colors

2011-06-08T22:15:00.000-04:00

My street is loud with
crashing clashing colors shrieking
"It's spring! It's spring!"

The Death of Plaid Man

2011-06-05T16:38:00.000-04:00

The Death of Plaid Man, colored pencil and graphite, artist: Hugh J. Downs

Another Friend Friday!

2011-06-03T11:58:00.000-04:00

Joe Sweeney, painter & Tony Boyd-Heron, gallery director

My friend Joe Sweeney has a show which opened last weekend in Lewes, Delaware.
Along the Coast
Peninsula Gallery
520 E. Savannah Road
Lewes, Delaware, USA
May 28 through June 28, 2011
http://www.peninsula-gallery.com/

This is Joe's first time exhibiting at the Peninsula Gallery and the first show in his career to consist entirely of oil paintings. Thirty paintings are on display featuring coastal scenes from Delaware, Ireland, Maryland and New Jersey. Best of luck Joe! For more information about Joe's work, click here.

A relatively new friend, Jennifer Baker, is in a show opening tonight in Philadelphia:

Northern Liberties: A Transformation
June 3 - July 30, 2011

Projects Gallery

629 N 2nd Street

Philadelphia, PA USA 19123
First Friday reception June 3, 6-9 pm
Readings start at 7:30 pm

Jennifer's paintings and monoprints chronicle the death and rebirth of a city neighborhood as she experienced it during three decades as an artist living and working in Northern Liberties. The work of Baker and nine other Northern Liberties artists tell the story of this unique place.

During the First Friday opening reception, short readings will be given by

Nathaniel Popkin, author of Song of the City: An Intimate History of the American Urban Landscape and The Possible City: Exercises in Dreaming Philadelphia; Inga Saffron, Architecture Critic for The Philadelphia Inquirer and author of Caviar: The Strange History and Uncertain Future of the World’s Most Coveted Delicacy; Stephan Salisbury, senior Culture Writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer and author of Mohamed’s Ghosts: An American Story of Love and Fear in the Homeland; and Jennifer Baker. A John Thornton “Northern Liberties” video will also be shown.

Summer gallery hours are Friday and Saturday, noon to 7 pm

For more information about Jennifer's work, click here.

Unhappy Eggs

2011-06-02T22:10:00.001-04:00

The latest batch of hard-boiled egg faces came out a little sad and angsty this time. Perhaps in preparation for a new dish: oeufs durs et tristes?

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-30T10:52:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day! (A scene from my town's parade, about an hour ago.)

Homegrown Peonies

2011-05-26T15:18:00.001-04:00

The poor, struggling peony that was here when we bought the house has managed to produce three viable buds this year. (Last year it had none!) I was briefly undecided if I should let it continue to grace the side of the house with its small splash of color, or cut the blooms to bring indoors for more study and admiration. The latter decision is what I went with, obviously. The color is almost too intense, too incandescent for my eyes, but as Ralph Ellison said, "Had the price of looking been blindness, I would have looked."

Another Ralph's poem about May flowers and the nature of beauty also comes to mind:

The Rhodora

On being asked, whence is the flower.

In May, when sea-winds pierced our solitudes,
I found the fresh Rhodora in the woods,
Spreading its leafless blooms in a damp nook,
To please the desert and the sluggish brook.
The purple petals fallen in the pool
Made the black water with their beauty gay;
Here might the red-bird come his plumes to cool,
And court the flower that cheapens his array.
Rhodora! if the sages ask thee why
This charm is wasted on the earth and sky,
Tell them, dear, that, if eyes were made for seeing,
Then beauty is its own excuse for Being;
Why thou wert there, O rival of the rose!
I never thought to ask; I never knew;
But in my simple ignorance suppose
The self-same power that brought me there, brought you.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson (1847)

The End of Days

2011-05-25T18:07:00.001-04:00

...of my current show at Artists' House Gallery! Exhibition dates May 6-29, 2011, and I can't believe that we are nearing the close of this run. It feels like only yesterday that I was hamming it up at the opening reception:


(Thanks to Elaine Lisle for this strange but interesting photograph!)

Here's a few images of some pieces in the show:

Arrangement for Ukulele, oil on canvas, 20 x 20 inches

Coconut Cupcake, oil on linen, 7 x 5 inches

Duck in a Box, oil on cardboard, 6 x 6 inches

Green and Yellow, oil on Cardboard, 8 x 10 inches

Joined, oil on canvas, 10 x 8 inches

Little Crocus (Blue Pearl), oil on canvas, 6 x 4 inches

Open Hand, oil on linen, 9 x 12 inches

Amber Dreaming, oil on canvas, 28 x 24 inches

Mill Pond (Somesville Library), oil on linen, 12 x 16 inches

I'm grateful to the many friends, neighbors, collectors and family members who came to see the work in person! To read a sweet write-up on the show click here. More information, if desired, can be found on the Artists' House website. Any exhibit, even a one-person exhibit, is always a group effort, and my grateful thanks to all involved: gallerists, framers, bloggers, writers, buyers, viewers, visitors, commissioners, encouragers and well-wishers.

Summa Cum Laude

2011-05-21T13:34:00.002-04:00

Life has been a real roller coaster these past few weeks. My one person show opening in Philadelphia on Mother's day Sunday... up! That same night my Mom being hospitalized in Connecticut...down! And many many more ups and downs coming thick and fast, sometimes seemingly within the same minute. But here's a nice solid thing that happened in the midst of much confusion: Hugh was awarded a gold medal in the National Latin Examination, receiving a certificate Summa Cum Laude for Outstanding Performance!

Labor omnia vincit (I hope!)

Henry's Spring Break

2011-04-07T10:41:00.002-04:00

Henry comes home

As usual, Henry's recent two-week spring break reminded me of Hemingway's words: The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places. Sometimes while I am squaring up to a six-foot-five 250-pound young man in a rage, I get a sudden objective flash of vision of myself doing this, and I am momentarily shocked at how strong I have learned to be. (Not always though. Sometimes I turn weakly away.)

All in all, this was a nice sojourn with Henry. Overall, his aggressive behaviors seem to be diminishing. What is increasing is his deficit in finding ways to entertain himself. So, there was more driving Mr Henry around than ever before (one activity that soothes and pleases him seemingly endlessly is being driven around. A shame that the gas prices are going up! ;-)

Here are some random photos from his break. We had many happy times:

We also had some dark times:

But we got through these rough patches. What helped was the love and support of friends and family. In no particular order here is a gallery of Henry Helpers and Friends:

Henry's favorite person on earth: Miss Janice!

Wonderful Ynnon brightened our days

Peter was a huge help with his twin brother. Here we are delivering some of my work to the Philadelphia Sketch Club. Peter drove, parked and Henry tended with grace.

Taz and Zai: but Henry is not at all interested in new babies

Shaking hands with his emergency care coordinator Joel (the guy whose number to call if there is a huge emergency involving hospitals and/or police)

Hen and his neurologist, Dr. McHarg

It's hard to take Henry clothes shopping without help. Thank you Janice!

One thing people don't hear much about is the occasional intense loneliness of being a special needs parent. You are often cut off from a lot of normal interaction others probably take for granted. So it was a special blessing to have several visits from friends and family over this vacation:

Our dear friends Andy and Diane Strauss

The Downs brothers Tony and Paul measure up to each other

Friends we rarely get a chance to see Paul and Rose-Helene Spreiregan

My girlfriends were the best support imaginable. Bouquets to all of them:

We visited Sarah on her birthday

There was a lot of driving involved! Mary accompanied me on the night shift

Alex

Theresa

Carol heroically did day AND night shifts

Eliza

Sarah and her delightful, intrepid children came with us for a long nature walk

We had mixed feelings when it was time to say Goodbye:

Collapse!

A big friend friday!

2011-04-01T21:14:00.002-04:00

Things are heating up all over except for the weather! There's a lot going on. I'll start off by beating a soft tattoo on my own drum:

Small African Drum, o/c, 12 x 9 inches

This piece and the work of many friends and colleagues can be seen in a wonderful group exhibit opening this weekend:
Celebration of Music
March 30-May 1, 2011

Artists House Gallery

57 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA USA 19096
Receptions:
First Friday, April 1, 5-8:30pm
and
Sunday, April 3, 1-4pm
Click Here for more information

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Friend David Shevlino's work is featured in the current issue of The Artist's Magazine. The article extensively discusses David's lush and juicy oil painting technique.
For a full scale version of the entire article click here

BTW David also recently produced a DVD on his painting philosophy and technique called In The Studio. Highly recommended!

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Friend Alexandra Tyng was recently the subject of a write-up in Poets Artists, an online magazine devoted to poetry and the visual arts.

I was especially thrilled that they used a photograph I myself took of Alex last year while we were painting together on Mount Desert Island in Maine. That was such a fruitful painting trip! The article about Alex is excellent: click here for a full sized (readable) version.

Dark Spring

2011-03-31T17:15:00.001-04:00

this long cold dark spring-
small flowers thrust and parry
with the wet grayness

Sugar Moon

2011-03-20T16:08:00.000-04:00

Sugar moon rising
gently tugging the sweet sap-
the trees sigh softly

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Happy Spring!

Happy Saint Cupcake's Day!

2011-03-17T16:24:00.001-04:00

Can you tell which one is mine? ;-)
On a hunt for a particular kind of cupcake (for painting purposes) I went cupcake shopping four frustrating times before striking it lucky on the fifth attempt. My friend Mary W finally clued me in as to where to go! Being shopping-avoidant myself it is great to have friends who know what's out there!

Desert Island Books

2011-03-08T17:15:00.000-05:00

My friends know I was very consumed with this writing project a short while ago. I'd gotten the idea to poll artists on what their favorite art books were, and what an enormous outpouring of ideas I received! I ended up limiting the field to thirty people, and even then, it was a huge effort to be brief despite the fact that my editor gave me four pages! This turned out to be a topic that really started people thinking. The piece is just out, in the most current issue of Fine Art Connoisseur magazine, April 2011. Thanks to all the artists who participated! If you're interested in reading the piece, here it is (click on images to enlarge:)

Friendly Flower

2011-03-02T17:20:00.000-05:00

friend's late winter gift-
big iris bursting, leaping,
from a small white vase

Hard-boiled Fun

2011-02-28T17:18:00.000-05:00

The latest batch of hard-boiled egg faces.

Snow Buddha

2011-02-24T10:27:00.000-05:00

small snowbound Buddha
his hand raised to dispel fear
greets me on my walk

Friend Friday!

2011-02-18T21:18:00.007-05:00

Yeah, I sure WISH Oprah was my friend. She seems really fun, intelligent and nice. But to be honest, I must be the only woman in America who has never even once watched her TV show (it's nothing personal, I just never watch TV.) However this current issue of O Magazine features my friend, painter Abbey Ryan in the Women who Create Beautiful Things section! What a thrill...way to go Abbey! Get hold of the magazine and it is on p. 38, February 2011 issue.


click to enlarge and read the great article on Abbey and her work!


Dick Ranck giving his packed-house gallery talk at Rosemont last night

Dick Ranck is having a show of his work exploring religion and mythology at Rosemont College in Rosemont, PA. It is entitled The Company I Keep (when i am alone) The work looks great in the space, glowing with color and vigorous iconic form, both 2D and 3D. It runs through March 25, so you'll have a chance to catch it. For more info on the show click here.

One of my favorite pieces in the exhibit.


Pink, Egg, Cream, photograph, 20 x 16 inches, Sarah Barr

Friend Sarah Barr has a show opening this week at the Cosmopolotan Club in Center City, Philadelphia, PA:
New Work
The Cosmopolitan Club of Philadelphia
1616 Latimer Street
Philadelphia, Pa.
February 25 - March 25
Opening Reception: Friday, February 25, 5 pm

Friend Friday

2011-02-04T11:02:00.000-05:00

Opening Reception for this one is tonight!

After the Meal, oil on canvas, 11 x 14

There's Always Room For Dessert
Date: Feb 4, 2011 - Feb 24, 2011
Opening Reception: Friday, Feb. 4, 6-9 pm
Main Line Art Center
746 Panmure Road Haverford, PA 19041

Myself and numerous friends are participating in this fun and delectable fund-raiser. Feast your eyes on delicious artwork of all mediums inspired by desserts. Join us for the opening reception on First Friday, Feb. 4 to see all of the eye candy and indulge in some sweets! 10% of sales made from exhibition will go to support MANNA.
For more information on this delectable exhibition click here.


Anne Tyng, 1/13/11, Institute of Contemporary Art, photo: Garth Herrick

Sorry for the delay on this one! Anne Tyng is having an amazing exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, PA. I went to the opening reception on January 13 where Anne held court to a packed crowd of admirers. Congratulations to all involved in this exhibition!
Anne Tyng: Inhabiting Geometry
January 13-March 27, 2011
ICA at the University of Pennsylvania
118 S. 36th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104


Fay Stanford on her way to NYC, 2/3/11

Friend and neighbor Fay Stanford's one person show Love and Dementia opened last night in NYC.
February 1-26, 2011
SoHo20 Chelsea Gallery
547 West 27th Street
NYC, NY 10001

I was unable to attend the opening night but have a date on the calendar to go see the show. For previews, click here.

Snow Day

2011-01-27T20:04:00.000-05:00

Snow Toast

2011-01-08T10:10:00.000-05:00

Upon waking up to a soft, unexpected, snowfall

I raise my glass high-
bubbles gently rising to
snow gently falling

Old Year Snow Frog

2010-12-31T10:31:00.003-05:00

It's the last day of the year!

Sons P and H made this snow frog and fly yesterday

the year's final day
the new year poised like a frog
to gulp the last fly


Close-up of the fly!

Evil Cookies!

2010-12-27T10:57:00.000-05:00


BWAHAHAHA!

"Death to all diets!" scream the collected hordes of leftover Holiday Treats. They are led by this devious looking fellow...Sugarnut McButterfat. His motto "C'mon, just one won't kill you!"

Friend Friday (scroll down)

2010-12-17T19:34:00.010-05:00

"Blues for Scrooge" puppet show/ musical

Blues for Scrooge happened last weekend and youngest son H had a major role: he was the ghost of Christmas Present! There he is above, in his astonishing outfit. The play was fantastic! There was not even standing room in the tiny theatre, especially at the second performance as the word had spread. People were squeezing themselves into spaces not even a mouse would want to inhabit, as well as sitting on the floor, in order to see this amazing production. Kudos to Olivia Lehman who is
the creative genius behind the Puppetbox Theatre.

Son Henry was also in a school play earlier this week at Camphill Special School. He played a Guildsman in an adaptation of one of the Canterbury Tales. The play was wonderful, with lots of singing and dancing as well as declaiming (no declaiming for Henry, who does not talk, but he seemed to enjoy participating.)

Henry's good friend and classmate Sammi had a starring role and looked lovely in her medieval Queen's garb:

My brother Bruce Miller has some Art Cards up for auction currently. Here is "Being Nice for Christmas!" We all remember the pressure to be good and seem deserving of many presents we hoped Santa would bring, as the holiday season approached. You can see more details on the ebay site here:

I am proud to let people know that my good friend Nancy Rogo Trainer was selected as one of the Philadelphia Business Journal's 2010 Women of the Year. Way to go Nancy!!! Well-deserved. An architect who is one of the principals at Venturi, Scott, Brown, Nancy is one of the most multi-talented, intelligent, capable and creative people I know. She's also a ton of fun and a fantastic cook (you haven't lived till you've tasted her biscotti!)

Last, and probably least, I was delighted to find out that I am "Miss July" in the Fleisher Art Memorial's 2011 Calendar featuring work by 2010 Dear Fleisher Artists. I was previously honored by Fleisher naming me one of their Featured Artists at the same event, but apparently being chosen for the calendar had nothing to do with that. A different committee selected the images from among the 350 donations to the auction and somebody liked my "Little Red". I am delighted to be in the calendar along with friends Paul Dusold (February), Giovanni Casadei (March), Stuart Shils (September) and Mary Walsh (November.)

"Little Red", oil on gessoed cardboard, 4 x 6 inches

A Big Friend Friday!

2010-12-03T13:51:00.007-05:00

It's Friend Friday time again, and there is quite a list this week!

Mike Miller, fourth from left or right, in front of his newly unveiled painting

First notice goes to my nephew Mike Miller, 14, whose collaborative art piece based on the work of painter Jackson Pollack was unveiled at the Greenwich, CT board of education building earlier this week where the painting will hang. I'm proud of you Mike! You can read the full story here. And a little back story: Mike really enjoyed working on this piece but has told his art teacher he really prefers Monet to Pollack. Those Miller representational art genes just keep coming on through!


Valerie Craig (far right) with friends at her recent opening reception

My friend Valerie Craig has a show of more than fifty of her lovely plein air paintings currently on display at Newman & Saunders Gallery in Wayne, PA. It's a wonderful show! Plus I kept thinking about how much great vitamin D Valerie soaked up all spring and summer while she was doing all this work...plein air painters don't need vitamin supplements, just bug spray! ;-)

November 23- December 24
Tuesdays- Saturdays 10:00- 4:30

Newman & Saunders Galleries
(One Block west of the center of Wayne)
120 Bloomingdale Avenue

Wayne, PA
610-293-1280
View the exhibition at newmansaundersgallery.com

This month's Funny Times is better than ever!

My friend Roz (Rosalind) Warren has a humor essay in the current issue of The Funny Times! I had some cartoons published in this monthly humor magazine myself, many years ago, and although I have stopped making cartoons, the whole family still eagerly awaits the arrival of FT each month. What a thrill to find Roz (and her writing partner Janet Golden) have a piece in the current issue: Gone with the Wildebeest. Read it here, or go get yourself a copy of The Funny Times while supplies last. ;-) Who couldn't use a little more laughter in their lives? Congrats Roz!

Tangerine Rose, oil on linen on board, 7 x 5 inches, 2010

Last but not least I should mention that I am in a small works show that opens today at Artists' House Gallery in Old City Philadelphia. I have several small pieces in this show that includes many of Philadelphia's finest representational artists including Renee Foulks, Daniel Miller, Carolyn Pyfrom and Peter van Dyck. Both Artists' House receptions are always wonderful, but I prefer the Sunday opening (live classical guitar, coffee and cake) so that's the one I will be attending: if you are planning to come then be sure and let me know!

Small Works 2010
December 3 to December 24, 2010

Receptions:
First Friday December 3, 5 - 8:30pm
and
Sunday, December 5, 1 - 4pm

Artists' House

57 North Second Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 923-8440

Wed - Sun 12-5 PM or by appointment

THANKS GIVING

2010-11-25T07:15:00.003-05:00

I can no other answer make but thanks,
And thanks, and ever thanks...

--Sebastian, Twelfth Night, Act 3, scene 3

William Shakespeare

HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!

Last Night's Visitor

2010-11-17T15:44:00.003-05:00

his steps sank softly
into the brown sugar mud,
hello and goodbye

Friend Friday!

2010-11-12T14:35:00.011-05:00

Nancy Bea Miller, Sarah Barr, Lisa Mintzer at the
Philly Photo Day Exhibition

Regular readers of this blog probably realize that I do a lot of photography in addition to painting. I don't consider myself a professional photog, even though I have had several photographs bought for book-covers, magazines and websites, and I am occasionally commissioned to take product shots, art shots and head shots. I still think of it more as a hobby. I don't really know what I am doing, technically speaking. I'm just an eye with a lens. Photography simply satisfies my unflagging impulse for observation and appreciation of life and expression, quick and easy! I can't be painting 24/7 but I do have a camera to hand at all moments. You never know when something will reach out and grab your heart. When that happens I reach out and grab my camera. As Baudelaire put it:
To glorify the cult of images (my great, my only, my earliest passion)

Nonetheless, I have never exhibited my photography in a gallery setting until now. Pal Sarah Barr urged me to participate with her in the first annual Philly Photo Day. On October 28, photographers took their best shot within the Philadelphia city limits and send it in to the Philadelphia Photo Art Center. The work was compiled and printed out on huge banners and hung. There was a real opening reception too, with drinks and nibbles and a speech by the fascinating director of the PPAC, Sarah Stolfa. So, thanks to both Sarahs and the PPAC I finally have a piece of photography on view...a first for me.

"Leaf Blow on Clearfield Street"(click image to enlarge.) On Philly Photo Day I happened to be driving through the East Falls section of the city when a sudden gust of wind whipped the leaves into a hail of gold pieces. I checked behind me, saw there was nobody coming up and quickly shot the scene. Talk about driving while distracted (just kidding, I of course, stopped the car while shooting.) Steering wheels make good tripods! Rotopods? :-) Prints can be ordered through the PPAC: $10 for a 5 x 7, $20 for an 8.5 x 11. If you're interested in purchasing a copy of "Leaf Blow" contact the PPAC and tell them you want image number 168.
Philly Photo Day Exhibition
November 11 - 21
Philadelphia Photo Art Center
Grey Area, Crane Arts Building
1400 N. American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
215.232.5678
267.324.3268 (fax)
info@philaphotoarts.org

And here is my friend Sarah Barr, with her own beautiful image:

It is truly an amazingly interesting show, giving a wildly varied portrait of a day. It should interest Philadelphia historians and sociologists as well as artists and anyone who just loves Philadelphia!

Vampire in the Kitchen!

2010-10-31T15:10:00.005-04:00

Oh wait, it's just me in my "Deluxe Vampiress" outfit (fangs not included.) Okay then...

You know you're getting older when you and your husband dress up to go to a Halloween costume party and your kids roll their eyes and stay home. Well, whatever...HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Friend Friday

2010-10-29T21:23:00.005-04:00

Racing to States
Today was the District cross-country meet held at Lehigh University and my son P qualified for the State Championship (along with another Harriton team mate) setting a personal best along the way. I kept hearing that it was a very fast course. Not exactly sure what that implies, but all the kids seemed to have sprouted wings on their feet. Congratulations to my wonderful P and the whole Harriton team! Two young men qualified but it was definitely a team effort.

Friend Friday!

2010-10-22T15:44:00.006-04:00

The Inferno for Kids
My old Penn friend Ginny Jewiss is in town speaking at the American Literary Translators Association conference and I managed to catch up with her for lunch at Reading Terminal Market today. In addition to being a respected and highly sought-after translator and leading Yale University's summer in Rome program, Ginny has recently had a children's book published. This is based on, if you can believe it, Dante's Inferno! Ginny was always creative and multi-talented.
Dante's Journey: an infernal adventure
by Virginia Jewiss
Get it while it's hot (sorry, just could not resist!)
Good luck with all your many fascinating endeavors Ginny, and I hope we'll catch up again soon. Ciao bella!

Egg Faces

2010-10-20T15:08:00.005-04:00

tempus edax rerum
time devours all things

I was on a university campus recently and met a lovely young woman who told me with sweet earnestness that her art was mostly in time-based media. I smiled and nodded, then after a moment's reflection decided it would be worth showing my ignorance in order to understand what she was talking about. "What is a time based medium?" I asked. "Oh!" she said, clearly astonished, "um...like video, you know?" She seemed almost embarrassed for me (she really was a sweetie.)

Somehow the term time-based media brought up other explanations to my ever-churning brain, one of which was planned decomposition, or art that is made knowing it will not last, like buddhist sand paintings or beautifully frosted cakes or ice sculptures. Now that's bravery. Here is my own small ongoing art project in that kind of time-based media: egg faces. Every week I boil up a batch of eggs. Once they are cool, I draw faces on them with a soft lead pencil and put them in a bowl and into the fridge. Sometimes the faces are cartoonish or sketchy, sometimes very detailed. But simply or elaborately enfaced, the egg shells all get torn into eventually in my family's constant quest for food, and thrown onto the compost heap. ars brevis vita longa

Happy Birthday Baby!

2010-10-11T17:23:00.007-04:00

My baby turned 14 last week.
Which seems almost unbelievable because I remember his baby days so clearly...

A child who has never once had to be reminded to eat his vegetables, a rara avis indeed! Happy Birthday wonderful H.

My welcome home!

2010-09-20T21:18:00.006-04:00

I'm just back home from a week painting on Monhegan Island, fourteen miles out from the coast of Maine. When I stumbled in the door around midnight this vase of flowers was the first thing I saw...very sweet! (I think my guys missed me.)

On the way home in the car my oldest son P, age 16, texted me (I was not driving at that point, no worries) with the wonderful news that he'd just won his latest cross country meet, set a new personal best and a new school record and is now ranked nationally! Oh my gosh. Wow! My husband stitched together these shots of P running then (middle school) and now...how quickly time races by. I was so sorry I'd had to miss this particular race. But what happy news to come home to!

End result: I brought home 14 paintings in various stages of finish. I have two galleries in Maine that show my work and have been asking for more, so this was really a business trip believe it or not! I'm also gearing up for a one person show at a gallery in Philadelphia next spring. My plein air work is not standard quaint landscape views, so despite these being inspired by Maine, the work does not seem to be limited to a regional audience (thank goodness!) Here are all fourteen pieces being shown to the sun this morning. I unpacked the pieces, most still sloppily wet, and took advantage of the brilliant weather to try and dry them a little. The squirrels and morning doves are usually my first audience after a business trip.

End of Summer

2010-09-03T15:59:00.003-04:00

The end of summer
has rolled round, creaking gently,
like sunflower stalks

Friend Friday!

2010-08-27T15:58:00.000-04:00

Hey, that's a lot of Friends!
(photo: Dainis Roman)
An enormous crowd of Philadelphia's red-hot talented artists showed up at Camphill Special School on Saturday August 7. What was going on? Plein Air for Camphill. The artists gathered to do their art thing, but of course the day included socializing and feasting (people were treated to three gourmet meals featuring school-grown and otherwise locally raised food:yum!) I am the creator of this fun and unique plein air event which raises money for my son Henry's wonderful school. In particular its program for 18-21 year olds (an under-served segment of the special needs population.)

The actual money-raising part of the event comes later...when we hold an exhibition of the work at Rosenfeld Gallery in Old City, Philadelphia. Save the date: Tuesday, October 5, 5:30-8:30 pm. Food, drinks, live music and live artists too! ;-) Last year the event was a succès fou (here is a video that shows the huge, happy, crowd!)

This is the second year of what looks to be an annual event. Last year it was called Plein Air at Beaver Farm, but as Beaver Farm (part of Camphill Special School) is undergoing construction this year (expanding so that more 18-21 year olds can be served) we couldn't hold the big art day there! Stymied by our own success in fund-raising! So, as the event was moved temporarily to Camphill Special School's main campus, we decided to change the name to the more all-purpose Plein Air for Camphill. This will enable us to hold the event at any number of different locations in future, but clearly explains the beneficiary of the effort, wherever it is located! I hope this is clear (and not as mud!)

So, why is this plein air event unique? Because I invite all manner of different excellent artists, not just traditional plein air artists (outdoor landscape painters.) This year I believe PAC was absolutely groundbreaking in having Dale Roberts doing en plein air encaustic painting (complete with hot plate and hair dryer and lots of heavy duty extension cords) and Amy Kann and Stephen Layne doing plein air clay sculpture! Now THAT is some seriously heavy lifting! It was also a thrill to have cartoonist Tony Auth and book artist David Wiesner joing in the fun this year. Back again this year was Fay Stanford drawing directly onto the wooden boards which she will carve into woodcut blocks, and Aina Roman taking photos which she will turn into video collages. This kind of eclecticism would have a regular plein air event organizer scratching their head, but this exciting, innovative mix is exactly what I love and want.

I am so grateful for all the time, energy and enthusiasm shown by the 57 artists participating this year. I'm also thankful for the gallery directors, the Camphill community and all the other friends who are helping and supporting me (you know who you are!) Too numerous to name everyone here, but their names are written on my heart.

Some random shots of the day:

Tomato Taste Test

2010-08-18T11:38:00.004-04:00

And the winner is...

undecided! Paul and I had some gardening friends over for dinner and a homegrown tomato taste test last weekend. On the table were these varieties: Black Krim, Green Zebra, Cherokee Purple, Aunt Ruby's German Green, Red Brandywine, Amish Paste, San Marzano, Speckled Roma, Coyote and Sun Gold. One friend brought Italian bread, fresh mozzarella and a homemade cheese-less pesto (because another of the friends is a vegan) to go with the tomatoes. After a while (and enough glasses of wine) all I could really taste was the incredibly delicious pesto, punctuated by slightly different degrees of acidity and sweetness from the various tomatoes. NOT the best way to conduct a tomato tasting! (Fun though)

We've agreed to hold it again in early September and try to be more scientific about it. Any suggestions?

Henry and Me (an hour ago)

2010-08-16T21:06:00.005-04:00

Happy pink moment-
after the storm sunset beams
on my smiling boy

photo credit: Paul Downs

First Tomato!

2010-07-18T10:21:00.004-04:00

Green Zebra
wins the race for first ripe tomato, in my garden at any rate! I was surprised that Green Zebra even beat out the various cherry tomatoes...they are covered with fruit, but unripe. I cut up the small tomato to share with the family and it was gone in seconds. Hard to say if was really all that delicious, or just seemed that way because it was "first in the mouth!" It certainly tasted fresh at any rate! There is a Cherokee Purple nearing ripeness, and I can hardly wait to try it. Squirrels, rabbits and groundhogs...begone!

Just got back from a week away from home to find this little beauty and quite a big handful of my Trionfo Violetta pole beans, all ready to harvest. A nice homecoming treat! When I eventually have more Green Zebras I will try this recipe from La Tartine Gourmande.

July Fourth Fireworks!

2010-07-04T22:48:00.003-04:00

Jellyfish of fire
swims briefly in an inky sea...
Independence Day!

Solstice

2010-06-21T17:06:00.004-04:00

First day of summer-
celebrating with bright flags-
laundry on the line

Friend Friday!

2010-06-11T10:07:00.007-04:00

Friend Friday is here again.
In fact, my friends have been so darn busy this last few weeks that I am probably leaving out somebody very dear to me...I just can't keep up!
Above is a picture of Mineko Yoshida and Dianne Morrow, both dear friends from art school who happen to be showing work in the same exhibit! In fact, by chance their work is exhibited side by side, so here they are, glimpsed in front of their work: how convenient is that?
New Faces 2010
June 2 to June 27, 2010
Artists House Gallery
57 North Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-8440 Wed - Sun 12-5 PM or by appointment
I also know several other people in the show including Jo-Ann Osnoe, Kathy Hayden and Susan O'Reilly. It's really a beautiful, varied showcase of new talent, well worth a special trip if you are anywhere in the area. And I haven't seen so many red dots in a long time, a beautiful sign of the economic recovery? ;-)

Here are two more friends exhibiting in another group show: Pam McLean-Parker and Sarah Barr. Both talented photographers, they are exhibiting in an alumni show at their alma mater. (As photographers I hope they'll be understanding of my using this arty shot!)
Alumnae Artists: The Reunion Years
June 5-August 26, 2010
Lawrence Gallery
Rosemont College
1400 Montgomery Avenue
Rosemont, PA 19010

Victoria Donohoe (center) a well-known art critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer was also on hand during the reception to receive an award. A Rosemont alumnus from the class of 1950, Ms.Donohoe was honored with several speeches and a presentation. On the left is Rosemont College president Sharon Hirsch lauding Ms. Donohoe's achievements (Lawrence Gallery curator Pat Nugent on the far right.) I really enjoyed meeting and speaking with Ms.Donohoe for the first time. As an art critic, she has reviewed my own work on several occasions, once very favorably and once not so much...LOL! But c'est la vie, she calls them as she sees them (and she has great sartorial flair, something I had heard but never before seen...wow! How I'd love to paint her in that gorgeous red suit!)

Last but not least, here is my friend Marianne Mitchell, with artist Pam Taggart and myself at the opening of a show Marianne curated at Historic Yellow Springs.
Landscape Into Abstraction
Opening Reception: Sunday June 6
Exhibition: June 1-19, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m
Lincoln Building 1st Floor.
Historic Yellow Springs
Chester Springs, PA 19425 610-827-7414
Marianne Mitchell, curator of this exhibit, presents artwork from artists who derive inspiration from landscape, capturing imagery through emotionally intuitive expression and communicating the essence of “place” with a uniquely personal vision.
I was very pleased to be included in the group of wonderful artists Marianne selected, although I definitely was on the outer edge of the continuum of style. Other friends and aquaintances in the show include Stuart Shils, Bill Scott, Elaine Lisle and Justin Snow.

Arranged

2010-05-28T20:05:00.005-04:00

ARRANGED
is this week's prompt over at Photo Friday and I immediately thought of this photo I took just a few days ago at Fiorella Farm. Pat Fiorella and I arranged a painting and feasting day at Pat's beautiful little organic farm, with me organizing the artists and Pat providing the homegrown, gourmet food. It was a delicious, beautiful and fun day.

In fact, it went so well that Pat and I are going to arrange another painting/feasting day in the autumn. I guess this neat row of cabbages might be gone, but there should be pumpkins and sunflowers to feast the eyes!

FRIEND FRIDAY

2010-05-21T10:07:00.007-04:00

I've been falling behind on my Friend Fridays! Too many friends doing amazing things these days!

First and foremost, I wanted to let everyone know that my husband (and friend) Paul Downs has begun writing for The New York Times! He is writing a feature called Staying Alive for the NYT's blog You're The Boss, aimed at small business owners. I am thrilled for him and so proud! (Extra thrill: I took the head shot they are using!) It's a fascinating group blog in general, but you can follow just Paul's writing, here. Way to go, honey!

My old college friend Susan Senator recently published her second book! The Autism Mom's Survival Guide (for Dads, too!): Creating a Balanced and Happy Life While Raising a Child with Autism This is a book of stories and great tips culled from Susan's own experience and that of many other "autism moms" she interviewed (including me!) on ways to keep themselves and their families happy and sane. It is so easy to let a child's special needs take over the family dynamics. Here is a zestily written guide on how NOT to let that happen! Or as Susan puts it, "allowing yourself to find your own joy even in the midst of great struggle." Tell it Susan! You can buy the book at various bookstores around the country or online here.

My friend Linda Lou Horn invited me to her current show but I could not attend the opening reception. I caught up with Linda, and her co-exhibitor Ellen Sall, yesterday. And so did a whole lot of people...for some reason a small horde decided to come see the show yesterday too and it was almost like a second opening reception (sans vin, alas! ;-) Fun, creative and amusing: this is one art show you can even bring the kids to without hearing complaints. Instead, guaranteed laughs and smiles as you view these amazing, ingenious creations wrought from junk and discards and imagination!

Tossed and Found
Recycled and Found Object Art by Ellen Sall and Linda Lou Horn
May 7 through June 6, 2010
St Asaph's Gallery
27 Conshohocken State Road
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
gallery hours: M-F 9 am to 3 pm or by appointment

Linda Lou sharing a tender moment with one of her sculpture beings!

What's New in the Garden

2010-05-20T11:55:00.004-04:00

Rebirth
It's a special time of the year, when you've just seeded and planted your garden. Hope fills your heart, expectations of future joy fizzes in your blood,and dreams of a delectable future waft through your brain. The gardener can't help this feeling of thrilled expectation even knowing full well you may soon have to face early blight, late blight, powdery mildew, blossom end rot, hornworms, drought, floods, aphids, rabbits and deer. Doesn't matter at all to the unreasoning joy and hope percolating through the gardener's soul in the early spring sunshine. This condition is similar to the early stages of pregnancy: sheer blinding thrill!

My Gardener's Gloat List:
Vegetables
Pole Beans (Trionfo Violetto and Kentucky Wonder)
Radishes (French Breakfast and Red Cherry)
Lettuce (Merveille de Quatre Saisons seeds and green oak leaf "volunteers")
Carrots (Danvers)
Cucumber (Armenian)
Tomato Plants: Mr. Stripey, Pineapple, Brandywine Red, Green Zebra, Cherokee Purple
Pepper Plant: Jalapeno
Potatoes: Red Norland and this unidentified small white

Herbs
Parsley (Italian Flatleaf and Curly)
Dill
Chives
Thyme (French and English)
Cilantro
Rosemary (Upright)
Basil (Lettuce Leaf)
Chocolate Mint

Flowers
Nasturtiums, Rudbeckia, Coreopsis, Shasta Daisy, Sunflowers (Autumn Beauty), Cosmos, Marigolds, Four-o-Clocks, Zinnias, Chinese Lantern, Tithonia, and Alyssum!

Of course, my garden is small, teeming with wildlife and bugs and boys with soccer balls and basketballs and whiffleballs, and I am an organic (slacker) gardener, all of which means half these things won't make it. But there is no hope so unreasoning as the hope of a gardener! Let me dream on, for a few more days at least! ;-)

Climbing Peace

2010-05-15T19:50:00.003-04:00

Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.

~Thomas Grey

It is hard to bloom unseen in a small garden with a sharp-eyed artist on the prowl, but this beauty was almost overlooked nonetheless. Climbing on a fence thickly shrouded with vines, it was only a chance, flickering, beam of late afternoon sun catching a corner of a flower petal that caught my eye. And then, the scent of it...a deep honeyed sweetness that catches at the back of the throat. Kind of like gingered apricot chutney. So glad I looked up at the right moment.

My friend Helen M gave me this Climbing Peace rosebush as a birthday present six years ago. I love roses but feel I don't have adequate space and time to devote to their culture right now, and so I shoved this lovely plant in a corner, and hoped for the best. Although unfed, unwatered, unpsrayed, unpruned, and essentially untended in any way, it still does its best and surprises me every spring with a few blooms of unsurpassed beauty. Its persistence is a kind of genius. And also, a mystery.

The Peonies

2010-04-30T16:58:00.002-04:00

This morning the green fists of the peonies are getting ready
to break my heart
as the sun rises,
as the sun strokes them with his old, buttery fingers

and they open ---
pools of lace,
white and pink ---
and all day the black ants climb over them,

boring their deep and mysterious holes
into the curls,
craving the sweet sap,
taking it away

to their dark, underground cities ---
and all day
under the shifty wind,
as in a dance to the great wedding,

the flowers bend their bright bodies,
and tip their fragrance to the air,
and rise,
their red stems holding

all that dampness and recklessness
gladly and lightly,
and there it is again ---
beauty the brave, the exemplary,

blazing open.
Do you love this world?
Do you cherish your humble and silky life?
Do you adore the green grass, with its terror beneath?

Do you also hurry, half-dressed and barefoot, into the garden,
and softly,
and exclaiming of their dearness,
fill your arms with the white and pink flowers,

with their honeyed heaviness, their lush trembling,
their eagerness
to be wild and perfect for a moment, before they are
nothing, forever?

~Mary Oliver

Night Rain

2010-04-27T15:35:00.009-04:00

Home late in the rain-
my sleeve, glimpsed in the hall glass,
embroidered with pearls-

For the prompt of Night Rain on Haiku Bones

Beaver Farm in Motion

2010-04-23T10:40:00.006-04:00

SUNSHINE
is this week's prompt over at Photo Friday and I thought I'd post this shot I took yesterday while visiting Camphill Special School. A few years ago the school bought nearby Beaver Farm to enlarge their transition program for 18-21 year olds with special needs. There is a desperate need for programs for this age group, and Camphill is hoping to provide many more young people with a wonderful place to learn skills and self-reliance in a healthy, wholesome farm atmosphere. They recently started construction on several buildings which will eventually provide housing and classroom space for many more young people than they currently can serve. This is a wonderful thing...and very unlike the usual heart-rending scenario of bull-dozer + old farm = suburban sprawl. This is all about creation, not destruction!

Even Floss the farm dog can feel the good energy, obviously!

What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.
~Henry David Thoreau

Henry Heroes

2010-04-18T17:44:00.005-04:00

We Got By
with a little help from our friends! Henry was home for two weeks of spring break, which is a long time for an autistic kid to be without a schedule. Also, various nuances led me to suspect that I was not going to be receiving any outside help...and unfortunately my intuition was correct! Henry's TSS had car trouble and never appeared, his BCM was only available once for a 60 minute period, and the promising young man I was recommended to for some Henry-sitting did not return my call. I am my own Cassandra sometimes, alas!

So, I turned to my friends and boy did they ever come through! Words cannot express how grateful I am. Here is a photo gallery of Henry's spring break featuring many heroic Henry helpers:

Started off the first week with a trip to a local mall, where Henry has a fun routine of fountain watching, cinnamon sticks eating and carousel riding. My friend Alex T came along with us for that one!

Henry on the carousel. Many thanks to the kind carousel attendant who let me ride for free when Henry refused to let me leave his side!

We visited friend Renee D and had a little conversation and applesauce. Henry was feeling a mite camera shy that day!

Went to the zoo with another Camphill Special School parent, Lainey M, and her daughter Leta. Leta and Henry really liked riding the kiddie train together (about their only moment of shared enjoyment, but better than nothing!)

Visited my friend Katie and "helped" her study for her Taekwondo examination. She passed, due I am sure to Henry's silent coaching. Actually, Katie was a trouper and entertained us TWO times during the break...a purple heart of friendship for Katie!

We had a wonderfully happy and enjoyable visit with old friend Nicole N who recently moved. Nicole and I met when our oldest boys were 4 or 5 months old. We enjoyed seeing her adorable apartment and took a lovely walk in her new neighborhood, with the high spot for gourmandoise Henri being a visit to a superb little cafe for a snack.

Another vacation hit was a visit to the Please Touch Museum as guests of my friend Sarah B. Henry really loved it, especially the huge water world room and the incredibly beautiful and gleaming carousel. I may have to buy our own membership to this place, even though the rest of the kids visiting it seemed to be about 3 to 6 years old! The staff there were wonderful and not at all fazed by my super stretched out little kid (Henry is 16, and 6 foot 4!)

Road trip to Boston! My sister and brother-in-law Carol D and Charlie R warmly welcomed us for a two night stay in bean town. They had an incredibly busy weekend already in motion but generously made room in their lives for our visit. Here they are with Henry at the Arnold Arboretum.

While in Boston we had dinner with old college friends Ned B and Sue S and their handsome trio of sons. Their oldest son Nat has some similar challenges to Henry and those two really seemed to bond over hilarious bowls of ice cream! Who knew ice cream was so mirth-making?!

Sue, Henry and Paul enjoying that after ice-cream rush.

Henry and his brothers and Boston cousins. Smells like teen spirit (I hope!)

Stopped by my brother Jim and his wonderful family in CT on our way home. We got to join in a family cookout to celebrate my nephew N's birthday. This may seem tame to you, but we live far from all family and these little mundane familial events are a big treat for us! My parents live not far from Jim and came too, and it was great to see everyone. Henry observed the elaborate martial arts action displayed by his brother H and cousins but decided he was on the side of whoever would give him more potato chips.

A little brotherly love from twin P.

Home again, we went to the Morris Arboretum with my friend Kim P, who was an admirable lookout during Henry's illicit water-feeling activity!

We had an unexpectedly fun trip to a fabric store with my friend Eliza A. Henry enjoyed walking through the colorful aisles and his joy was complete when we discovered they sold Rice Krispy Treats by the checkout counters! Eliza also stopped by another time during the break and we had tea (with chocolate milk for you know who!)

We ran an errand for my friend Pat F, and we delivered a package to her sister Joan's house. Henry really liked Joan's taste in art, as well as her husband's taste in apple pastries (he made himself right at home!)

Henry and I had a double playdate with Camphill parent Carol L and her sweet daughter Sammi who is Henry's friend from school. We visited their gorgeous home and then went to Longwood Gardens together.

Henry absolutely adored Longwood (may have to get a membership here too.) Watching the Versailles-like fountains and feeding the giant catfish were wonderful. There was some whining (S) and vomiting (H...argh!) but overall, this was a great expedition.

We stopped in for a quick visit with my friend Gretchen W at her doll-making studio. Henry loved this little visit, and obviously felt right at home with Gretch, whom he had never met before (she's just that kind of person!) Somehow he just knew she has pretzels and ginger ale in there!

Also got to drop in and see buddy Mary W who was busy preparing for a fund-raising gala with a Wizard of Oz theme. Hen was not so sure about being in the land of Oz.

Of course, the biggest Henry Hero of all is his father Paul! Paul made sure to come home early as often as possible and take Henry on tandem bike rides (something he adores!), drove him around, encouraged us to visit the shop (always a pleasant little diversion) and did a million other Henry things as well.

A few people, like Fay S and Elisa A, made plans with us that fell through due to weather or other unforeseen issues, and several others made outing suggestions that did not work due to scheduling conflicts, but I am happy they tried. Thanks too to all who could not join us in real time but sent love and encouraging words. For those who gave us the priceless gift of your company, well, thank you a million times! Henry and I simply would not have made it (so happily) through these weeks without your tangible love and support!

♡♡♡...

Henry is Home!

2010-04-08T09:49:00.004-04:00

Taller (eek!) and smilier (yay!) than ever, Henry is home from his special needs school for two weeks of spring break! When I think of the term spring break in relation to Henry I think of Ernest Hemingway's famous lines from A Farewell to Arms:

The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places. But those that will not break it kills.

I will be busy being broken by Henry's break for the next two weeks, so forgive me if I am slower than ever to blog, return calls, comment on Facebook posts etc.

Cat in Flowers

2010-04-05T09:12:00.003-04:00

HAPPY SPRING WEATHER!
At last. It was a gorgeous weekend here in the mid-atlantic united states. Hope you had enjoyable spring holidays, of whatever persuasion (or even just sun worship.)

P.S. This is not our late lamented cat Daisy, despite the resemblance! This is my friend Pat's sweet kitty, Nosy, who I visited with on Saturday.

Good Friday Eggs

2010-04-02T21:12:00.004-04:00

Homegrown
I was visiting my friend Pat today on her beautiful little farm, and as usual she gave me a box of eggs...they are almost too beautiful to eat! I think the little greenish-blue ones are laid by Ameraucana hens, also known as Easter Egg chickens for obvious reasons!

2 o'clock

2010-03-30T16:31:00.005-04:00

After two o'clock
on a cold rainy spring day-
hopeful but drooping

Haiku Bones

Friend Friday

2010-03-19T16:38:00.008-04:00

The Sixty-Eight Rooms
is the first novel by friend Marianne Malone (sister of close friend, Emilie Nichols, who introduced us.) It is a fantasy adventure novel for young tweens, happily bridging that awkward gap between Juvenile and Young Adult (which latter genre I personally think should be re-named Young Depressive...mostly all angst and tragedy. Not much fun for the still sparkle-eyed tweenagers.)

Anyway, I can't say enough about how terrific this book is! Marianne, a mom herself, has a great feel for the zeitgeist of this age group: an itch for action, developing intellectual curiosity, new emotions arising, burgeoning social awareness and of course... a huge appetite for fun! The book reminds me of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, only with more of a magical twist. It is charmingly illustrated by Greg Call.

I was privileged to be an early reader of the manuscript when Marianne asked me for my unvarnished opinion before she'd even gotten a book deal. What a pleasure it was to honestly be able to say "This is a winner!" (And how extremely nice to be proven right, too.) Released by Random House last month, Marianne is already juggling a number of book events. If there is a young middle-schooler in your life, I recommend you run right out and get it: spring break, a.k.a. "Mom, I'm bored!"-ville is on its way!

Here are some additional links:

Marianne's website

Publisher's Weekly Interview

Kid Literate

Ring of Eggs

2010-03-17T14:53:00.002-04:00

Home Hatched
Early spring laid eggs
varying wildly in shape
but inside the same

The hens are getting back into practice after the long hard winter.

Golden Gratitude

2010-03-09T15:12:00.004-05:00

Golden Tulips
I have been posting less on Genre Cookshop because my "good" camera (Nikon D70) broke and I was paralyzed with indecision about what to do: repair or purchase anew? A neighbor who follows my blog, asked the reason for the slow down, and then knowing a friend of his had a D70 body for sale, set us up: success! How helpful was that? It feels good to have the familiar heft of a D70 back in my hands.

Only Connect
~E.M.Forster

Quiet Work

2010-03-01T17:58:00.006-05:00

Studio Work

I know it does not "pay" to make my own linen panels. But I enjoy the process of it. And it feels right, using up the scraps of linen and canvas, left over after stretching larger canvases.

Sorry to have been so quiet on this blog lately. But I am posting daily on another blog, if you are interested:
nancybeamiller.blogspot.com

Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds: shine!

~attributed to Buddha

Snow Man

2010-02-20T14:01:00.002-05:00

Snow Man
oil on gilt cardboard, 8 x 6 inches, 2010

Maybe I will start a new blog category: speed painting. The way I am using this term, it is a subset of alla prima painting and means getting the image onto the canvas in the fewest strokes possible. We are talking half an hour or less! Speed painting was necessitated in this case by the pain of painting while looking into the white glare of snow...excruciating. I wore a hat to cut the glare but even so...ouch. Note to self: no more snow painting midday!

My youngest son took this picture of me as I was crouched on the landing painting (I think he was so pleased that I was painting his snowman!) Very circular..taking a photograph of someone painting a sculpture created by the person taking the picture. Whoah, am I dizzy!

Winter Tulip

2010-02-17T14:51:00.005-05:00

In the depth of winter I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.

~Albert Camus

Tulip Head, oil on canvas on wood, 3.5 x 5, 2010

HAPPY SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY

2010-02-14T14:29:00.004-05:00

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

~ee cummings

watercolor heart by Henry Downs (assisted)

White Doom

2010-02-12T20:45:00.004-05:00

For once, the scaremongers got it right! We were smacked upside the head with a full force blizzard Wednesday, whomping us with another avalanche of snow and ice on top of the heavy snowfall we'd already experienced just four days earlier!

Icicles on the porch

Several kids came over to play.

The boys had a ball!

I gave in to the urge to bake.

In the middle of dinner the power went out. Candlelight was pretty, but no heat was no fun.

At one point I started burning old stretcher bars. You might ask why my husband the furniture maker did not bring home wood scraps when he heard the forecast. Ask away!
Anyway, we were without heat, light or any heating power (no stove) for over 24 hours, and I have to tell you even this little tiny taste of natural disaster was pretty darn sobering. Makes you think, especially about how lucky we are 99.99% of the time..
Despite the temporary exigencies, we were lighted and warmed by the camaraderie of wonderful neighbors and the generosity of friends who opened their (warm!) homes to us.

Studio View

2010-02-08T10:47:00.003-05:00

View from My Studio Window

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.

--Helen Keller

************************************************************

Philadelphia got 28.5 inches of snow this past weekend. My neighborhood "only" got somewhere about 22. It's the biggest snowstorm since 1995, when the twins were toddlers and the banks of snow were way over their heads! They toddled along sidewalks with high walls for a few weeks, probably wondering what kind of strange, mutable, new world they had come into.

Something Different

2010-02-05T18:40:00.004-05:00

uncanny in death,
the little owl's clenched talons-
more bunny than bird

*****************************************************

My neighbor called me over today to see a little dead screech owl he had found and asked me to take its picture. Hiroshi has a particular tenderness for owls, and even helps band saw-whits at a certain time of year. He told me this little fellow had most likely been gotten by a cousin, the Great Horned Owl, who often eats only the heads of its victims. Nature red in tooth and claw indeed!

Haiku for this week's Haiku Bones theme of uncanny.

The Wolf Moon

2010-01-30T13:56:00.003-05:00

christmas lights are gone
and the wolf moon comes calling,
singing in the trees

It's Complicated

2010-01-25T22:06:00.005-05:00

...but delicious!
Inspired by my friend Lynne Campbell mentioning it on Facebook last week, I cooked up some Dahi Machi last night. That is a Bengali style fish in velvety yogurt sauce. Or as it shall forever be known in my houshold "The fish-dish. The Indian fish-dish!" (Don't ask.)

Like many Indian recipes it calls for much measuring of spices, blending of spices, rubbing or browning of spices and the dicing of many vegetables. This dish also necessitated a session with the blender at one point. The actual cookery involved was not complicated...just a lot of little steps. The result was fantastic, and well worth it. Youngest son H did mention that he thought there was "a little too much flavor" but I noticed he had second helpings so it could not have been that big a problem for him. His tender young taste buds soon adapted.

It was one of those times in the kitchen when I was really enjoying the adventure of a new recipe, feeling the flow and the joy of the work. Rare of late.

There are many recipes for Dahi Machi out there. I used this one (click here), and a few tweaks and substitutions with which I will not bore you, as I am sure you'll have your own ideas on what to do. I suggest serving the fish-dish with rice, spinach, naan and chutney. And don't worry about too much flavor. Just say "Yes, please!"

Incandescent

2010-01-22T21:14:00.003-05:00

the author's voice
reading from her new novel-
incandescent calm

(Went to hear friend Elizabeth Kostova reading from her new novel, The Swan Thieves, last night. Absolutely wonderful!!!)

Happy Twins Day!

2010-01-20T23:26:00.005-05:00

BIRTH DAY TIMES TWO
Or even three or more: it was also the birth of new parents, and grandparents, and uncles! My babies turned 16 today. Hard to believe, yet all so real at the same time. Happy birthday my lovely boys!

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!

-William Wordsworth (From Ode: Intimations of Immortality)

Friend Friday!

2010-01-15T12:48:00.005-05:00

It's time for another Friend Friday, because I have several dear friends with big events coming up. I am delighted that all three of these are in Philadelphia and environs so I can attend! Here they are, in order of their occurance:

My friend and neighbor Fay Stanford has a solo show on at Villanova University. The opening reception is tonight, so come on down and bask in the marvelous glow of Fay's unique and amusing woodcuts.
Marvel and Mayhem
January 8-February 19, 2010
Villanova University Art Gallery

Reception to meet the artist
Friday, January 15, 5-7 pm
Connelly Center, second floor
Villanova University
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
(610)519-4612
For directions just click here!

Image above: Birthday Boy, Woodcut, 2009, Fay Stanford

Friend and fellow autism mom Katharine Beals will be discussing her new book, Raising a Left-Brain Child in a Right-Brain World: Strategies for Helping Bright, Quirky, Socially Awkward Children to Thrive at Home and at School, this coming Tuesday evening (January 19th) from 7:00 to 8:00 at the Penn book store.

The book discusses unsocial/socially awkward children, analytical children, and children on the autistic spectrum, reveals current trends in today's schools that pose challenges for these children, and helps parents nurture and advocate for their children.

January 19, 2010
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Penn Bookstore
3601 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-7595

Last but not least, my old friend Elizabeth Kostova will be in town to do a reading at The Free Library of Philadelphia next Thursday the 21st. Her newest book, The Swan Thieves was just released on Tuesday, so this is a hot off the presses opportunity (I got my copy today and can't wait to crack it open!)

Elizabeth Kostova | The Swan Thieves: A Novel
Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 7:30PM
Central Library
1901 Vine Street, 19103
FREE, no tickets required.
For Info: 215-567-4341

Tunnel Vision

2010-01-14T16:05:00.004-05:00

Through a glass, brightly
Charmed by the slightly distorted world (well, kitchen) seen through the bottom of my water glass I decided to record it for posterity!

When I was a child, I spake as a child,
I understood as a child, I thought as a child:
but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see as through a glass, darkly;
but in future, face to face:
now I know in part; but in future shall I know fully...

First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians (Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, verse 11)

Street Scene

2010-01-13T11:18:00.004-05:00

cheerful, drunk, beggar
lifts his hat to all, uncaring
who gives or doesn't

**********************************

I took this shot yesterday in Philadelphia (I was parked across the street from him, waiting for someone.) This fellow was doing a roaring trade: seemed like every fifth person stopped and handed him something. I think his cheerful insouciance added to his appeal. Made me think of that great Sherlock Holmes story about the beggar The Man with the Twisted Lip.

Submitted to Sepia Scenes and also One Single Impression

Trembling

2010-01-12T20:23:00.004-05:00

That trembling moment
before the snow slides down-
holding my breath

*******************************

My neighbor Hiroshi's garden is a work of art, even in winter. I wrote this for Haiku Bones, the new weekly haiku meme created by my brother Bruce and myself. This week's prompt is tremble. Feel free to join in the fun, you bloggers!

Signage Galore

2010-01-11T08:24:00.004-05:00

Multiple Messages
I think whoever runs this business should write a novel or start a blog. They have obviously have a lot of thoughts they are burning to express.

I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.
~Joan Didion

A Scary New Leaf

2010-01-09T10:12:00.006-05:00

After the Seizure
So, it looks like our sweet Henry has begun a new adventure, and is taking us along for the ride! Grand Mal seizures. Actually, the medical profession does not call them that anymore (they are now generalized tonic-clonic seizures) but I like the old name which means "big bad" which is perfectly apt! Henry had his third big bad seizure on New Year's Eve day. This time, despite the ferocious intensity of the whole thing I was fairly calm. 911 was not called, I knew what to do for him: Henry's neurologist had given me the parameters for when I needed to call for help, and when just to deal.

Interestingly, the last two seizures began in the same exact spot in the kitchen (and at around the same time of day!) Making me very very leery of Henry ever even going NEAR this spot again! You should see me shooing him away from it now, as though it was the fault of the location (some supernatural vortex hanging in the air only he can see?) as opposed to what I am sure it really was: random chance. Silly of me, but I confess it still makes me nervous.

The good thing about the last two seizures happening in the kitchen is that I am almost always in there. Both times my "child-in-danger-radar" worked flawlessly. I sensed something amiss and leaped up and grabbed him before he hit the ground. People who have lost control of their musculature are a dead weight and as he now outweighs me and tops me by four inches this is no joke. I have two close autism mom friends who work out rigorously in order to deal with their children, and obviously this is what I now need to start doing, too. Alas for lazy (in body) me! We are all, reluctantly, having to turn over new leaves.

After a big seizure most people are somewhat groggy and disoriented and Henry is no exception. He got up from the floor and staggered right for the stairs to go up to his bed. Actually, this was probably more dangerous than the actual seizure itself as he had very poor balance and wavering muscle control. But he had enough muscle, and enough body mass to resist my trying to get him onto the couch. Bed was what he wanted. I got one of my other sons to help me half-carry him up the steps and get him into the bed. (Here he is in his little safe harbor, resting up.)

If you ever see someone having a seizure here are a few tips:
~gently roll them onto one side if possible (this helps clear the airways)
~put something soft under their head (making sure not to obstruct the airways)
~loosen tight neckwear, if any
~don't try to restrain them, but move any sharp or hard objects away from them if possible.
~call for medical help.

For more information on seizures click the Mayo Clinic seizure page.

Guinea Wing

2010-01-08T16:50:00.004-05:00

intricately patterned
alone in a flock of chestnut-
one blue-faced guinea hen

For the One Single Impression prompt of Wings.