Monday, March 31, 2014

On a Monday

Cats were popular at our recent Voices and Vision event. Here are three of the images, by Beth Bale,  Vangi Cathcart,  and Marilyn Penrod, respectively, followed by Bonnie Korta's poem.

The Calling of Cats

The naming of cats is the easy part
Lespedeza and Clover, Hay Bale Sisters
rolled out a surprise from some farmer’s sweet bundle
Angelisa, snow white feather fluff
flew in on the day my friend Lisa diedWillow, silver soul, for catkins lush in spring
Miss America star blazing on her head
stripes all over, salute to the red, white, and blue after 9/11

There’s logic, there’s charm to the naming of cats
calling them, a different story altogether
though we’ve been given dominion
over the beasts of the field, the fowls
of the air, by God, in the beginning
over the cats of our hearths, not so much
cats do not bow their heads to us
see themselves still as wild and free
do not like to be owned, bossed, dominated

They come when they damn well please or not at all
so I call to mine in a shrill anxious jitter
“Here kitty, kitty, kitty, KITTY”
desperation pulses in every syllable
if calling fails as it usually does
I resort to begging, hyperbole
Precious Princess Pussy Willow, WILL-Z, Willowicious
my only Willow girl please come home
My husband used to say, in his inimitable way
“If you’d lived in Salem when they burned witches,
I’d hate to think” and he left it at that
my daughter more vocal, “You must drive your neighbors
crazy calling your cats all day, all night long
it’s just so annoying”



When all else fails, I sing, to each her own
theme song, Angelisa to the tune of
Messiah’s Hallelujah Chorus
Angelisa, Angelisa, ANGELISA
for Willow it's “Silly Willy is the girl I love”
to the tune of “Bloody Mary” from South Pacific
for Miss America, its “Bye bye Miss American
Pie, drove my Chevy to the levy” and so on
my daughter covers her ears, pretends
she doesn’t know me
“Shut up Mom, please just shut up”
I wonder how I raised such a proper
child who is more a stranger to me
than cats who do not come when I call

My daughter doesn’t know the sweet relief
I feel when the silver shadow that is
Willow comes up radiant out of the dark
winds her soft iridescence round my ankle
stakes her claim of ownership, not vice versa

My daughter has no idea how my heart
would leap if she would come home, just once
happy to be there, wrap her luminescence
round my neck, claim me as her own
I have never learned the words, the tone the tune
to call my daughter, to call my daughter
home    

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Orlan Johnson "Large Cherry Lazy Susan" at the Joyful Jewel 3-30-14

"Cherry Lazy Susan"
Orlan Johnson
Wood with Spinning Mechanism
14 1/2" diameter
$99

It's Sunday and time for the family dinner.  Wouldn't this expertly crafted cherry cutting board help with the family dynamics?  Instead of reaching over Uncle Bob to get the salt and knocking over the glass of red wine, or watching 6-year old Jennie's antics as she tries to get cousin Sam to pass her the pickles instead of winking at the visiting pep queen, or heaven to bid eating your mashed potatoes without butter or gravy, you could just twirl until each item presents itself in front of you!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Orlan-Johnson.html

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Saturday, March 29, 2014

Laurie Chapman "Baby Shrug" at the Joyful Jewel 3-29-14

"Baby Shrug"
Laurie Chapman
Knitted, Cotton, Baby Size
$25

Isn't this the cutest!  A baby shrug made by Joyful Jewel's newest fiber artist, Laurie Chapman.  Oh so cuddly, bold red with a dimensional knit weave.  Easy care cotton. A nice wrap for this drizzly day.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Laurie-Chapman.html

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Friday, March 28, 2014

Mary Darley "Mother Goose" at the Joyful Jewel 3-28-14

"Mother Goose"
Mary Darley
Acrylic Giclee Print on Canvas, 27" x 23" with UV Finish
$125

Mary Darley is our newest painter at the Joyful Jewel and this charming scene is a perfect example of why we chose her to join us!  This is a print, large 27" x 23" giclee with UV protecant.  It looks as if Mary just painted it, fresh and vibrant.  There is an easy rapport between observer, grandfather, and the child and doll who are in full enrapture of the story.  Mary has captured the importance of this experience in a way that any of us with a grandfather (or grandmother) or a grandchild will relate.  Such comfort and an almost audible voice telling the story.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Mary-Darley.html

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Thursday, March 27, 2014

Julie Purcell "Moulkaite Jasper Prayer Beads" at the Joyful Jewel 3-27-14

"Moulkaite Jasper Prayer Beads"
Julie Purcell
Mixed Jaspers with fiber tassel,
101 Beads, ~ 40" plus Tassel

Julie Purcell has made this Tasbih in a traditional manner: 9 sections of 11 beads = 99.  When praying with them, if you count the spacers at 33 you have 101.  If using as a Buddhist mala, you count all 8 spacers and the bead next to the tassel for 108. This prayer bead necklace is substantial with relatively large ( probably 10 mm) smoothly round beads in several types of Jasper.  The spacer beads are also Jasper but they are smaller and oval.  There are two 1 1 /2 inch Jasper pieces in the necklace too.  The large center bead of Moulkaite Jasper is exceptionally beautiful and faceted in an octagonal shape.  Beads of this size are easiest to handle and you can really feel the weight of each bead in your hands.  When wearing these malas as a necklace, the weight and length makes the tassel swing joyfully.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Julie-Purcell.html

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Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Mary Ann Bumbera "Because of You, I am" at the Joyful Jewel 3-26-14

"Because of You, I am: A Spiritual Quest With Man's Best Friend"
Mary Ann Bumbera,
Book,  188 Pages, Softcover
$18.95

With several good friends having lost their dear pets in this past month, it was timely when Mary Ann Bumbera brought in her new book, "Because of You, I Am: A Spiritual Quest With Man's Best Friend."  On the back cover is says, "Every now and again, something comes along in a person's life that shakes the very foundation of what they believe in."  Mary Ann explores the big issues of life and death in this heart strong, deeply sharing, brave and lovingly written book.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Mary-Ann-Bumbera.html

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Monday, March 24, 2014

Alchemy of Artists


Our Vision and Voice Event was powerful on many levels. Synergy of the spoken word with the visual, unconscious connection of one artist to another, every one of us beheld the magic. A few glimpses:


















Sunday, March 23, 2014

Florence Johnson "Barn in Birches" at the Joyful Jewel 3-23-14

"Barn in the Birches"
Florence Johnson
Watercolor on Paper, Framed Original

Although not the painting of Florence's that was chosen by someone to write about for today's Vision  Voice, this barn - a red one instead of gray, is just as stunning and evocative.  Why don't you write about this one.  We need more poems and more art in this world.  Is it your turn to do your part?  After all what else is there that is more important on this Sunday (except of course, coming to Vision & Voice at the Joyful Jewel at 3pm where folks are writing and sharing)! 


http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Tamera-Cooke.html

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Saturday, March 22, 2014

Susan Luster "Ivory & Sun Ikebana Vase" at the Joyful Jewel 3-22-14

Ivory & Sun Ikebana Vase
Susan G. Luster
~ 7" x 6" Ceramic, with Frog to hold the flowers
$35
Golden Sun is surely presiding over this bright Spring day!  He was gracious enough to lend his image to Susan Luster for this ikebana vase.  You can put a little water in the hole and use the frog to stand up the prettiest daffodils from your yard.  A simple Zen-like presentation of Spring's bounty.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Susan-Luster.html

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Friday, March 21, 2014

Joe Woodson's cd "Sailing on Dry Land" at the Joyful Jewel 3-21-14

"Sailing on Dry Land" cd
Joe Woodson and the Bean Trees
$15

It's here!  Joe Woodson's new cd, full of original America songs backed by Paul Rosenberg, Jordan Koronet, Bill Hicks, Alison Weiner, and Art Champagne, these are songs of love, of adventure, with a sense of humor and excellent musicianship.  Joe has one of those voices that slide like velvet on smooth age-patinated leather, caressing the lyrics and making you want to move in your chair.  I could listen to him all day -- and sometimes do!  

The cds are here now so you can get a preview, and we'll have the privilege of hearing Joe in person, at his "CD Release Party" at the Joyful Jewel on Saturday, May 3, 7pm.  Joining Joe will be Paul Rosenberg, Bill Hicks, Jordan Koronet and Art Chapagne.  Sharon Blessum will set the stage with a few of her lyrical poems and there may be a surprise guest joining the group.  The music will be followed by a potluck so bring a favorite dish, and come ready to party.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Joe-Woodson.html

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

Barbara Thompson "Water Bowl" at the Joyful Jewel 3-20-14

Water Bowl
Barbara Thompson
Glass Sculpture, ~ 16" high x 12" round at the bowl
$40

It's time, finally, to put out this beautiful sculpture for the birds to bathe in!  Of course, I say finally, as it is a beautiful bright blue-skied day and the rain-produced water is drying up.  I can just see a blue bird fluffing his blue blue finery in the water getting ready to impress his lady friend.  To give Barbara Thompson more credit, though, this sculpture would be just as beautiful inside your home, such as in the entry way to hold sweets or even keys for pickup next time out the door.  Or, how about on the dining table overflowing with grapes and almonds surrounding a candle. 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Barbara-Thompson.html

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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Florence Johnson "Barn in Birches" at the Joyful Jewel 3-19-14

"Barn in Birches"
Florence Johnson
Watercolor with India Ink, 23" x 17", in frame with mat 28 1/2" x 23 1/2"
$130, Original Framed

Let this snowy peaceful scene be the last reminder of Winter just before Spring Equinox arrives this week! The white on the birches sparkles and pops even more in the sunny Spring as the trees grow, bursting their seams.  I'm ready for this kind of purposeful growth and leafing.  Aren't you?

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Florence-Johnson.html

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Monday, March 17, 2014

On a Monday 3-17-14

I just finished creating a beautiful book which contains all the visual art and spoken word that will be presented here at Vision & Voice, March 23rd at 3. Thought you might enjoy this sample:

Ruth Moose, Poet
Inspired by Rita Baldwin’s Ever Hopeful



 Blue

Her sadness on the road
was a delicate pentecost,
blue as the lupine
eyes of the child
in the cathedral window.
White as the dove
in her hands
that will later
hurl itself
over water
casting purple shadows at the feet
of trees.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Elle "Elegant Surprises" Earrings at the Joyful Jewel 3-16-14

Elegant Surprises earrings
Elle - Laura Seymore

Laura, I hope it's ok that I gave these swanky earrings a name, "Elegant Surprises."  The surprise - I think the colorful painted discs above are made from a recycled yogurt container!  Then Laura has hung them with a chandelier-like construction including the most dazzling crystal encrusted beads.  The combination makes the light-weight disc dance like a chandelier that I have seen someone riding in an old movie.  It's a fun image and one that would encourage frequent saucy swings  of the head and shoulder tips when you're wearing these beauties.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Elle.html

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Saturday, March 15, 2014

Sheila Fleming "Bliss" at the Joyful Jewel 3-15-14

"Bliss"
Sheila Fleming
when open 4 3/4" x 4"
$38
This sweet altar to Love by Sheila Fleming includes just enough words to convey the message of "Live Laugh Love", surely the path to "Bliss" which is the title she gave the piece.  To further illustrate, Sheila says on the card in a quote from Sri Chinmoy:
To make oneself 
Every day
An object of total
dedication
&
surrender
is the highest form
of bliss 
The altar is a magnet and made from a recycled Altoid box.  Inside the little envelope are tiny poems with titles  "A Prayer of Oneness," Healing Chant," and "Cherished Prayer" to pull out and read whenever you need more inspiration in achieving "Bliss."

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Sheila-Fleming.html

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Friday, March 14, 2014

Emma Skurnick "Three Little Foxes" at the Joyful Jewel 3-14-14

"Three Little Foxes"
Emma Skurnick
Watercolor and Colored Pencil, 14 3/4" x 11", with frame 23 1/4" x 17"
Original, double matted and framed, $400

Stirring to meet a new brightly sunny day, these "Three Little Foxes" by Emma Skurnick, look like they have mischief on their minds.  Yet, lazing in total comfort they are waiting for a bird to flitter by or a frog to jump out right in front of them to awaken their true scampering nature.  This will be me on Sunday when I have little incentive to get up early.  Then let the scampering begin!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Emma-Skurnick.html

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Thursday, March 13, 2014

Rosanna Johnson "The Date" at the Joyful Jewel 3-13-14

"The Date"
Rosanna Johnson
Acrylic on Canvas, 13" x 7", in frame "16 1/2" x 10 1/2"
Original, $50

This painting has been sold, yet I found it so striking that I decided to feature it anyway.  The piece is included in part of the poem I wrote for this year's Vision & Voice (which you can hear on March 23! along with the writings of 23 others).  Rosanna Johnson titled the painting "The Date" and I think there are many layers of meaning in this muted colored scene.  Do you see the face in the background and the wine glass?  Rosanna says in her artist statement, "My work focuses on simple subjects to highlight the beauty of things often overlooked in society.  The works often employ a "thinning" technique to create a translucent quality."  I think the face illustrates well what she means by the thinning technique.  


http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Rosanna-Johnson.html

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Beth Bale "Jazz" at the Joyful Jewel 3-12-14

"Jazz"
Beth Bale
Watercolor on Aqua Board, 6" x 6"
$40

What a beautiful boy, "Jazz" with his questioning green eyes and vibrant ginger shades punctuated with purest white.  I suspect this is a very active kitten, with a name like Jazz, darting this way and that, gracefully unpredictable.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Beth-Bale.html

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Monday, March 10, 2014

On a Monday

Shuga and I are enjoying the poetry coming in for Vision and Voice. I'm working on a book to feature each writer and their corresponding work of art, that all will be presented at our annual festival on Sunday, March 23 at 3pm. Here is a sample:

Kathryn Ann Fowler, Poet
Inspired by Kate Ladd’s  Poppies Popping Through the Fence

FENCES
Been looking at fences all my life
Backyard fences for pets and children
Village fences for fast moving trains
Glass topped fences for safeguarding folks
Barbed wire fences for cagey felons
And all for a practical purpose

But I see here at Joyful Jewel
 Perfect Poppies Popping through the fence
Joyous and happy in the sun
Existing only for my enjoyment
Brilliant orange with purple centers
Held by verdant leaves and chartreuse buds
No people no animals no background

Just totally perfect poppies popping through a fence

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Bonnie Franklin "Baby Face" Luxury Soap at the Joyful Jewel 3-9-14

"Baby Face" Luxury Soap
Bonnie Franklin

This beautiful soap by Bonnie Franlin deserves to be called Luxury Soap.  "Baby Face" is a loving balm for the face and body.  Ingredients are knowledgeably selected by Bonnie to be good for the body as well as the mind and spirit.  Baby Face contains Saponified virgin Olive Oil, coconut oil, Shea Butter, calendula, almond oil, Roman Chamomile and light floral oils.


http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Bonnie-Franklin.html

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Saturday, March 8, 2014

Jennifer Strickland "Fused Glass Specialties" at the Joyful Jewel 3-8-14

"Fused Glass Specialties"
Jennifer Strickland
Necklace, Glass Nail File, Bookmark, Pill Tin and Embellished Bobby Pins
$8 to $38

Our newest artist, Jennifer Strickland, creates a fine variety of fun, beautiful and useful items out of her fused glass. There is sparkly jewelry - earrings, necklaces and bracelets.  The photo above includes a necklace with silver plated setting and elegant omega chain.  A pill tin opens easily yet latches securely closed.  It is easy to carry in your purse along with the nearly indestructible glass nail file which comes with it's own fabric carry case.  Jennifer has even made a bookmark and embellished bobby pins!     

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jennifer-Strickland.html

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