A message to Joyful Jewel Daily Jewel subscribers & friends 10-24-15

Dearest supporters and lovers of the Daily Jewel, the blog of the Joyful Jewel,

 We have switched from Blogger to WordPress for this blog.  Please view the new blog entries at: http://www.joyfuljewel.com/blog/.  I hope you will continue to follow our daily snippets of art and enjoy continuing to be a part of the Joyful Jewel community.

I haven't quite figured out how to have subscribers on WordPress so that you will get these blog posts in your email inbox.  When I do, I hope you will again subscribe!

Peace, Mariah

Douglas Maccardini "Lamp" at the Joyful Jewel 10-1-15

Lamp Sculpture
by Douglas Maccardini
various recycled materials
$225

Douglas Maccardini just brought in this fantastical lamp that he made from such a fun variety of materials.  It's a bit different than his usual oil cans and roller skate bots and especially delightful with the bicycled jester.  This is one of Douglas's larger sculptures. It features an old fashioned lamp light, a weather vane mounted securely on a painted wood stand.  The dapper slick-haired gentleman appears to be on a jaunty ride around the town.  I think I see him waving at me.

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Anora Sutherland McGaha "LossSongs" at the Joyful Jewel 9-8-15.

"LossSongs"

by Anora Sutherland (McGaha)

Poems on love lost

I'm on my third reading of this exceptionally touching book, LossSongs, by Anora McGaha​ (Anora Sutherland), and I know it won't be my last.The subtitle "poems on love lost" tells part of the story though I think I also saw poems of love found . . . or love cherished . . .  poems of love enduring.  Anora acknowledges the complications and great span of what love encompasses as well as the yearning which is never really fulfilled and settles as loss.  In the preface she tells of an age 14 love "so resonant, it was like living in an additional dimension -- harmonically rich, complex, beguiling."  I recognize this love as that which must not ever be trivialized as puppy love.  And when her family moves and she is far away from this dimension, there is nothing that can take it's place.  In "When the Rain Comes Down" she says "Where does my heart go . . . I wake up in sweat feeling we're not through . . ." and yet the rain still falls.

Knowing Anora as I do, not as well as I want to, I see her clearly in these words "Each and very gem I find I want for you. . . .Eyes alert for reflected light, Scouting mica, quartz and geode, Crow stones for your window sill."  What a privilege to see through Anora's attentive and marveling eyes the beauty around us.  I hope she won't break the habit of wanting to share what she finds and sees to cleanly, though of course some things are meant just for her -- and I want her to have her share and more of this.

A conclusion of sorts: "In the swoon of bliss renewing that depth of love and adoration, we are lost, and want to continue that state forever. But it is like getting stuck, trying to hold onto a moment, when we need to grow, come into our own and know a freedom and power as great as that adoration, but sourced in our connection with our deep inner spiritual selves."  Let that spirit bring comfort along with the growth, assurance of love along with the longing, and words to bring us together in understanding.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Anora-McGaha.html

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Ches Stewart "Iron Bottle Opener" and Donna Cassidy "Crochet Bottle Cozy" at the Joyful Jewel 9-3-15

Traditional Fine Craft at the Joyful Jewel

  

               "Wrought Iron Bottle Opener"                                        "Bottle/Can Cozy"

                           Ches Stewart                                                           Donna Cassidy

                      Hand Forged Iron                                                             Crochet

Very different examples of fine craft these are: Ches Stewart used his blacksmithing skills to design an twisted iron bottle opening while Donna Cassidy, seeing a need to "cover your can" and keep contents cool, designed a crocheted Bottle Cozy.  For your next picnic you will need both of these!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Ches-Stewart.html
http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Donna-Cassidy.html

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Gerald Dukes "Owl" photograph at the Joyful Jewel 9-2-15

Owl
Gerald O. Dukes
Photograph

There is magic in the night and Gerald Dukes has captured it in a photograph!  No matter how many times I have seen an owl I feel humbled and privileged.  Such piercing eyes and quiet strength she has; strength evident in the whoosh of wind as she lifts into the air in silent flight.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Gerald-Dukes.html

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Emma Skurnick "Snowy Egret with Red Leaves" at the Joyful Jewel 9-1-15

"Snowy Egret with Red Leaves"
Emma Skurnick
Mixed Media Painting

Snowy white and brilliant scarlet, how pretty together in this piece by Emma Skurnick.  Miss Egret reminds us that before too long there will be some red leaves to play among.

Emma specializes in portraits of North Carolina flora and fauna rendererd in watercolor, colored pencil and acrylic. Her hope is that, by highlighting the beauty, humor, and personalities of her subjects, she may cause people to look twice at the modest, wonderful creatures that share space with us.

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

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Orlan Johnson "Pepper Grinder" at the Joyful Jewel 8-27-15

"Pepper Grinder"
Orlan Johnson
Constructed and Turned Wood with Metal Grinder Mechanism

There is still time to get steaks or salmon on the grill for tonight.  This pepper grinder on the picnic table will give an extra dose of freshness to the meal.  Of all the grinders Orlan Johnson has made, I like this one the best for it's darker and wood and copper-colored mechanism.  The swirls in the wood accent the movement of the handle.  Watch out you don't get too much pepper while admiring these things!

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

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Pam Epperson "Bird Honey Pot" at the Joyful Jewel 8-23-15

"Bird Honey Pot"
Pam Epperson
Pottery

It's a honey pot!  Pam Epperson has made a turquoise and green lidded pot sporting a curious frog and a hopping bird.  Now it just needs some honey and a spoon to be ready for afternoon tea

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Pam-Epperson.html

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Joseph Sand "Large Vase Mauve Blue Brown Vase" at the Joyful Jewel 8-22-15

Large Mauve, Blue & Brown Vase
Joseph Sand
Pottery

I would call this a large vase by Joseph Sand.  And it is perfectly shaped and the colors are pleasing, soft and blendy.  A model of what a nice sized vase should be.  Yet -- this vase is less than 2' tall, if you go to Joseph's kiln opening this weekend, you see other vases almost as tall as you are!  Here is a YouTube video he made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkdtsmUaAGI

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Joseph-Sand.html

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Rita Baldwin "Sitting on the Edge" at the Joyful Jewel 8-21-15

"Sitting on the Edge"
Rita Baldwin
Oil Painting

Here kitty kitty.  Looking pensive yet alert, a beauty "Sitting on the Edge" in Rita Baldwin's painting, I think she would rather smell the flowers than come over to say hello.  There is a lesson in this.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Rita-Baldwin.html

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Wendy Wilkins "Purple Flower" Mug at the Joyful Jewel 8-20-15

Purple Flower Mug
Alcohol Inks on Ceramic

Working with alcohol inks, Wendy Wilkins produced the exceptionally vibrant painting on this mug. Surely that buttery yellow warms the coffee of tea inside.  And you'll get to savor the purple flowers with each sip!

Wendy Wilkins earned her MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill and is the owner of WHW Studios, a giftware company featuring her vibrant nature-inspired art.  With a boundless imagination that refuses to sit quietly in the background, this left-handed daydreamer creates bold and colorful worlds on canvas and in novels.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Wendy-Wilkins.html

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Terri Lange "Black Tie" at the Joyful Jewel 8-19-15

"Black Tie"
Terri Lange
Acrylic Painting

Terri Lange calls this abstract painting "Black Tie" and I can see the formality of it.  Also, the passion of the red "scarf" makes me think of a special prom night, full of kisses and dips on the dance floor!  I enjoy making up my own stories to abstract pieces but do appreciate a title that I can attach a story to.  Thank you Terri for this vivid image.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Terri-Lange.html

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Terry Perkinson "Jo Jo the Gremlin" at the Joyful Jewel 8-16-15

"Jo Jo the Gremlin"
Terry Perkinson
Green & Blue Patterned Wool, Nylon Sweater, Cotton Batik Fabric, & Other

I know a little girl who got "Olivia Owl" for her birthday and I know that this owl will be so well loved.  Who will love this Jo Jo Gremlin by Terry Perkinson.  Made with love from an old nylon sweater and batik fabric -- and with a face, well you know -- only a mother could love! Awaiting adoption and a full beautiful life.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Terry-Perkinson.html

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Patrick Hitesman "Summer Vacation Imbibing" at the Joyful Jewel 8-15-15

Summer Vacation Imbibing
Patrick Hitesman
Painting

With his summer vacation about to be over, art teacher Patrick Hitesman, must already be missing the extra time for the pursuits pictured in these of his paintings!  Leisurely sipping on the sail boat, sharing grapes with his beloved, watching the antics of his children while sipping a beer - let's hope he will still make some time for these as school starts again!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Patrick-Hitesman.html

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Roberta Kraitsik "Knit Washcloths" at the Joyful Jewel 8-13-15

Knit Washcloths
Roberta Kraitsik
Acrylic Knit

These are the best washcloths ever!  I used to get them from my mother in law.  She is gone now so I am glad that Roberta Kraitsik still makes them.  Colorful and with just enough "bite" from the weave to scrub bits of food off the plates. Not high art, but certainly a traditional craft well worth having, and each one is unique.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Roberta-Kraitsik.html

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Carolyn Levy "Lidded Turtle Box" at the Joyful Jewel 8-12-15

"Lidded Turtle Box"
Carolyn Levy
Pottery, ~ 4" x 6"

A sea turtle swims gracefully along the front side, and again in sepia on one of the other sides, of this clay lidded box by Carolyn Levy.  The perfectly fitting and elaborately adorned lid is easy to remove and replace with it's finial and the whole box sits securely on plump feet.  As is Carolyn's way, there are multiple details in texture and shape on every part of the box.  A surprise inside -- can you guess what neon matte color is there?

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Carolyn-Levy.html

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Judy Hogan "This River" book at the Joyful Jewel 8-11-15

"This River"
by Judy Hogan
book

Wise heart words from Judy Hogan, bravely spoken about an international love affair. "The River" features poetry from one river - The Haw - and another - in Russia.

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Shannon Bueker "Peony & Ghost Hound" at the Joyful Jewel 8-9-15

"Peony & the Ghost Hound"
Shannon Bueker
Watercolor

In this large painting, Shannon Bueker has painted magic!  The peony is bold as it should be and is being sharply eyed by an ethereal being, the Ghost Hound.  Some of you writers out there, please tell more the story. Surely this could be a whole novel, spiritual fantasy -- and you'd already have the book cover!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Shannon-Bueker.html

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Nancy Smith "Migration" at the Joyful Jewel 8-8-15

"Migration"
Nancy L. Smith
Bees Wax Collage

This is a brand new and lovely media for painting Nancy Smith.  The process is interesting and here is what Nancy says about bees wax painting:

Bees Wax Collage is a hot wax art form using pure bees wax as a glue to attach collage elements (most often papers) to a surface. It is different from encaustic art which also uses bees wax though not in its pure form.  With encaustic, bees wax is mixed with resins to form different colors that are then heated and painted on a surface. With bees wax collage, color can be achieved by using different colored papers that are applied in layers along with the heated bees wax. Each layer is burnished and after cooling is buffed to a transparent sheen. Some papers are thin enough that they become almost transparent when the wax is applied so that even with the addition of multiple layers, one can see all the way through to the bottom layer. This is a very durable art form (when kept away from a heat source) with some pieces still in existence dating back to 200 BC.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Nancy-Smith.html

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Susan Ketchin "The Christ-Haunted Landscape" at the Joyful Jewel 8-6-15

"The Christ-Haunted Landscape: Faith and Doubt in Southern Fiction"
by Susan Ketchin
book

Have you ever wondered about the inspiration writers call upon?  Susan Ketchin has explored the topic "Faith and Doubt in Southern Fiction" in her book "The Christ Haunted Landscape."  In it are her deeply thoughtful commentaries and insightful interviews with twelve popular southern writers.  As her one reviewer said "Susan Ketchin leaves no doubt that old-time religions remain a potent force in the literature of the contemporary South."

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

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Kate Ladd "Drowning in Words" at the Joyful Jewel 8-5-15

"Drowning in Words"
Kate Ladd
Acrylic and Mixed Media Collage

The first thing I thought about in reading Kate Ladd's title, "Drowning in Word" is that music can take the place of words.  Yet as I looked closely in the collage there are pages from old songbooks as well as from an old dictionary mixed in among, a full-overly full--brain, and pictures of philosophers and so much more.  The drowning may be from too much thinking and I can certainly understand the perils in that.  What a great reminder to slow down, to parse down words and thinking to what one really wants to say or peruse, and even to encourage music to it's jazzy no-word flittings.  From one avid reader and music lover to another, Kate, I see that spacious silence and dreamy nothingness is calling.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Rita-Baldwin.html

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Larry Favorite "Turquoise & Ironwood Vase" at the Joyful Jewel 7-30-15

Turquoise and Ironwood Vase
Larry Favorite

Just one of the exquisite wooden vases by our newest artist, Larry Favorite.  This one is intricately inlaid with turquoise and has an undulating curvy shape. There is a sense of inner peace emanating from this vase.

so it's not surprising that Larry says about his work "I derive my greatest satisfaction as an artist from the sheer joy of doing -- of being at one with the wood and releasing the beauty that is within. I love the challenge of looking at and listening to a piece of wood and letting it reveal to me what it should become.  I have a tremendous sense of inner peace about my life and my work, and hope each person who touches a piece of art I have created can feel this in the work itself."

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Larry-Favorite.html

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AlexSandra Lett "Timeless Recipes & Remedies" book at the Joyful Jewel 7-29-15

"Timeless Recipes & Remedies: Country Cooking, Customs, and Curses"
by AlexSandra Lett
Book 

AlexSandra Lett’s third book, Timeless Recipes & Remedies, Country Cooking, Customs, and Cures, captures the enticing aromas and delicious flavors of favorites ranging from hard-to-find recipes from a country kitchen in the 1920s to modern culinary creations. The book also explores common sense cures from Grandma’s cupboard and healing aids from Grandpa’s country store. Readers will feel the love in these stories about family, friends, food, and folklore…after all, love is the most important ingredient in all recipes and remedies. The book’s humorous anecdotes and amusing reflections encourage readers to honor their family’s heritage and community customs and recall memories of home, sweet home.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/AlexSandra-Lett.html

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ZamBamBoogee cd of original music at the Joyful Jewel 7-28-15

ZamBamBoogee
Music cd

Should have put this cd by Zambamboogee up for National Dance Day last Saturday because it is THE best dance music.  Also, music for your intellect and fun-loving spirits.  Susanne Saunders mellow yet gritty voice is heard throughout along with Joey Howell who solos as well as harmonizes and plays amazing guitar.  Bruce Saunders with his bass, Scotty Young's harmonica, and Travis Cohn's drumming hold it all together with their expert beats and riffs.  My favorite is a song by Joey Howell, "Ellipitical" which talks about Pluto coming to town and has amazing space like sound and lyrics -- space like the paintings I have Joey create!  And when you are ready for quiet reflection again, just gaze on the captivating artwork on the cd cover.

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Florence Johnson "Windows" at the Joyful Jewel 7-25-15

"Windows"
Florence Johnson
Watercolor

A new style using the same materials, "Windows," comes from Florence Johnson's prolific and vast creative reserve.  Most likely this is a scene from one of her international travels.  Can you guess where?  The media is watercolor with India ink.

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Jewelsong "Everything Real" cd at the Joyful Jewel 7-22-15

"Everything Real"
Jewelsong
cd

We so love Jewelsong here at the Joyful Jewel!  There is nothing so refreshing and deeply inspiring as their music.  Most of their music is originals and certainly is the case with this cd, "Everything is Real."

Jewelsong is Farrunnissa Lila Rosa, Sofianna Sue-Anne Solem, Marilyn Grubbs and Betsy Bickel. The first three started singing and arranging songs together at a beach retreat in 2002. They were joined a year later by Betsy. They have gradually added instruments and their own songs to the mix. Their music expresses their spiritual inspiration, joy in the beauty of nature, concern for the state of the world and hope for the evolution of humanity with a little free advice thrown in for good measure. They are located in the triangle area of NC.

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Anna Kurtz necklaces and earrings at the Joyful Jewel 7-19-15

Inlaid Necklaces & Jewelry
Anna Kurtz
Ironwood, Sterling Silver, Turquoise

Here is a lovely new selection of truly exquisite jewelry from Anna Kurtz.  She has carved and hand cut intricate shapes of flowers, dragonflies, ginkgo leaves,  and more out of Sterling Silver or Turquoise and polished them to a mirror finish. And then meticulously inlaid these pieces, some tiny tiny, into groves she has carved or sliced into ancient wood.  Anna says that some of this ironwood is over 2,000 years old!  The wood was gathered from fallen trees in the Saharan Desert.  These pieces are from a master artist.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Anna-Kurtz.html

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Kathleen Hannan & Friends "Seen & Unseen" cd at the Joyful Jewel 7-17-15

"Seen & Unseen: Songs from the Light of Midlife"
by Kathleen Hannan & Friends
cd

A favorite cd of many Joyful Jewel patrons -- and includes some of them singing with Kathleen Hannan as in "& Friends"!  Kathleen's voice and the power of these timeless lyrics illuminate more than the title "Songs from the Light of Midlife" might describe.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kathleen-Hannan.html

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Vangi Cathcart "Bamboo & English Lavender at the Joyful Jewel 7-14-15

 Bamboo in two paintings
by Vangi Cathcart
Sumi-e Watercolor

A common subject in Vangi Cathcart's specialty of Sumi-e painting, Bamboo stands for Summer and symbolizes strength and flexibility.  Bamboo is so strong and flexible that it can blow over in the wind and spring back up when the storm has passed.  These qualities are ones that Vangi herself epitomizes!

For these paintings, Vangi painted with strong strokes in Sumi-e inks without hesitation. In accordance with historical teachings, she painted the stalk first, then the leaves, and finally the branches.  Light and feathery-yet-bold texture are features of these striking bamboo paintings on the whitest of rice paper.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Vangi-Cathcard.html

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Jody Jameson "Orbit" necklace at the Joyful Jewel 7-10-15

"Orbit"
Jody Jameson
Woven necklace of glass beads, metal and 2 plastic beads
$65

Jody Jameson likes to give her jewelry great names -- this one is "Orbit" -- perfect!  About her work, Jody says:  I am inspired by colors in nature, the grey skies of winter, the sunsets in the fall and vivid flowers during spring and summer.  I sketch many ideas on paper although many finished pieces are not what I originally drew.  Some jewelry designs come to me in flashes, things I am driven to make, to “get out of my head”!  Other pieces have taken me literally years to execute, sitting and waiting for the next idea or next step in the process to finally finish the design.  It amazes me how jewelry has been one historic constant in the world.  People of all ages and cultures have adorned themselves and find importance in wearing jewelry.  I am honored and thankful to be able to express my creativity through something that can be seen adorning another person!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jody-Jameson.html

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Gloria Howell "Alpaca Neck Art" at the Joyful Jewel 7-9-15

"Alpaca Neck Art"
Gloria Howell
Alpaca with bead adornment

I know it's hot but so is this fabulous alpaca neck piece by Gloria Howell!  Gloria's art is made from the shearing of her friends -- and that must feel soooo good to them during this hot weather.  Here is what she says about her work: All items are handmade and use alpaca fleece in some form. Some items are knitted or crocheted while others are 'needle punched'. All of the fleece has been sheared, washed, and carded by me. Some of the fiber has been sent to a mill for spinning. The 'chunky' single play yarn has been spun on a drop spindle by me. We consider our items wearable art. Many thanks from Lyric, Kay, Marissa, Silkie, Lluvia, and Sizzle.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Gloria-Howell.html

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Jennifer Hendrix & Laura Schmitt "Oscar" book at the Joyful Jewel 7-8-15

"Oscar"
by Jennifer Hendrix and Laura Schmitt

We each write a piece as it flows out from inspiration, and pass it back and forth. However, Oscar reads as one voice. We don't know how each story will unfold and what Oscar will be getting into until we write it. Bill Colt, the illustrator for Oscar, is an amazing artist who uses mixed media to create these beautiful illustrations with texture and depth. You have to see for yourself!

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

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