Balancing Act

Stacking rocks in Creede Colorado

It's been almost a year since my last post and nearing two years since being catapulted into the sudden and unexpected realm of widowhood.  The loss of my husband was preceded two days before by the passing of my father and had me grieving the absence of the two most influential men in my life.  This and standing in as a caretaker for my sweet sister/friend of more than 20 years as she battles the same diagnosis my Phil received (just a week following his diagnosis), has kept me very focused on the journey that is life.  In all this I am grateful for my spiritual practice in A Course In Miracles and the teachings of those who assist me in awakening from the daily trances we call life rather than getting snagged and pulled under by them.

My work has sustained me and the journey into life anew has been filled with many gifts and insights.  On the studio front much has happened, not the least of which was the loss of almost all my blog images.  Fortunately the text portions remained and I have only to upload the associated imagery.  This glitch however has given me the opportunity to rethink the blog-sphere and how I want to use it. Instead of different blogs for different media, I have decided to create one space for sharing my work in textiles, painting, and sculpture.  This will take quite a bit of cutting and pasting...and more than a bit of editing, but I hope to have it done this week.  My poetry and prose blog will remain in tact at www.susanstorey.blogspot.com.

I am happy to report that my life has filled with wonderful new experiences and several months ago a very special someone came along to share it all with.  A fellow artist, he and I have found a lifestyle that embraces the lives we created before meeting, while supporting the one ahead we intend to nurture together.  From time to time I'll post some of his studio work just to lend a glimpse into the fascinating realm I am privileged to live in  each and every day.

My own work continues to evolve as does my creative process within the series of  paintings I have shared thus far. Hopefully I'll get some new work posted soon. To all those who have embraced me in the last two years with prayers and extensions of kindness I love and thank you so very much.  My life has been filled with a depth of understanding and compassion that only times of loss can usher in.  My friends and family have been truly a Godsend! I love you all.

The quilt below was a group project that I worked on just before Phil learned of his illness. My proposal to the group of this subject matter was perhaps a foreshadowing of the balancing act my life was about to become. The top photo is reflective of a full circle journey, stacking real rocks in Creede Colorado on what would have been our 22nd wedding anniversary. 

New Venue

I am so pleased to be included as one of the artists at the new venue in Houston, Sparrow and the Nest.  I have chosen this wonderful space to preview a new series and am also offering some original ink paintings from my Zen Stones series exclusively at Sparrow and the Nest. Stop by their website for a peek and if you are in Houston it's well worth your time to check out this treasure of a shop.  The owner, Stephanie Lienhard is such a visionary.  Offering only artisan crafted items in every price range, she truly supports the 'handmade' movement and gives everyone the opportunity to own and collect one of a kind pieces of art and treasures for the home.

The Bee Holder

The Bee Holder, art-quilt 30.5"x30.5"
This piece was purchased by the University of Houston and
hangs in the University of Houston Women's Resource Center.

Picasso meets Klimt was the initial inspiration behind the imagery of this art-quilt. However, as the work evolved I began to receive symbolic nudges.  Thinking about beauty being in the eye of the beholder, the phrase 'bee holder' flashed into my mind and I was off to research symbolism associated with the bee.  I learned that just one of the many associations was 'right use of creativity and imagination'.  That did it!  I adjusted my pattern to include two arms wrapped around the woman's knees rather than one, and placed a vintage bee stickpin between her thumb and fore finger.  The orange hair, which was part of the original design, fit perfectly with the representation of creativity as orange is the color of the chakra associated with creativity.

Update:  Purchased by U of Houston in the fall of 2013!!!

A Night At The Opera

 Maxine, this is one of my digital caricature paintings from the A-ha Studio series.

This year I was invited to audition my artwork for the Austin Lyric Operas 25th season fund raising event.  Five Austin artisans were chosen and I was happily among them.  It is always fun introducing the concept of art-quilts to those who have never seen them and this night was no different.  It was great listening to the responses (and requests for commission information) as guests took in the whimsical pieces I chose to display last Saturday evening at the opening of The Magic Flute. Thank you ALO guild members Jessica and Lissa for discovering my work and inviting me.   While a case of bronchitis is keeping me away from the shows tonight and tomorrow night, I'll be returning for Lucia di Lammermoor scheduled for Jan. 28th, Feb. 3rd and 5th, and Turnadot April 14th, 20th and 22nd. 

I must say Austin, when it comes to style....you do it well.

Houston Underground Arts Show

Stephanie Leinard founder/host of the Houston Underground Art Show

For the past three years I have had the pleasure of having my work in the Houston Heights Underground Art show hosted by Stephanie Leinard.  Pictured above with her own unique art and artistry Steph is a generous and gracious host.  Offered each fall in the historic Heights this show is a wonderful venue that gives each artist the opportunity to visit with guests one on one.  As soon as I get the dates for this years show I'll let ya know!