There and back again

Well the 'word on the bird' is that she is back again.  This little bird has migrated to the West Coast of the USA.

My last point of call was St Diego and I made some garden sketches in friends gardens.

Went off for the day flying with two friends..One of whom is a pilot. Never been in a small plane. The images below are of the mountains and Los Angeles as we flew. Note the Queen Mary in harbour. I even took some stitching with me but for once I could only look.

 

 Had a lovely Japanese meal at a small coastal town North of Los Angeles .Loved the teapot and bowl.

 

 Whilst back to earth, workshop commenced. A few folded drawings from a quick warm-up in my workshop in San Diego NTC Point loma. hosted by the wonderful Jane LaFazio

 And some more contributions for Tea Flora Tales from some of the students who attended. Brilliant artists by the way.

Some more Tea Flora Tales and some book forms in progress form my second workshop in St Diego with the San Diego Book Arts

 

It was a wonderful finish to the marathon tour. Had a day off in the hills overlooking the desert of California during the time the roads were closed to high rise as the fierce Santa Anna winds blew.

 

Some lovely shadows on the blinds which helped keep the equally fierce heat and winds from the desert at bay. Finally, as the sun came down on my marathon trip a last walk on the beach.

Thankyou to all my friends on the way who made this trip so rewarding in so many ways. For the laughter, warmth and companionship.  See you again soonish.

Word on the Bird Arizona

I am waiting at Sky Harbour on my way to San Diego.  I can only say there is so much to say about my time in Arizona that I cannot do it justice.  Thankyou to my friends and workshop participants (one and the same)  for sharing so much with me.
First of all Edger  the Raven who was introduced to me by Lynn our jeep driver at a wonderful day at the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon at sunset

Red Rocks In Sedona. View from the house

Red Rocks The Sail and Crown

Botanical Garden in Phoenix with a lovely showing of the state tree Palo Verde and Cactus

Cactus in flower

What was really amazing was seeing this wonderful work by Chihuly. He also has the amazing piece at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. I just love the way the work echoes the landscape. 

This piece is called the Reeds. There is also a Chihuly piece in Harrods

The Gardens also had a wonderful wildflower section. It was really hot but great to see such a wonderful variety typical of the Sonoran desert,

Loved this little lizard

Also had to be very aware of fire ants. This detail is of a piece is now in the hands of  a collector..of my work, not fire ants! It uses an old handkerchief and tea towel.

Finally some images of work in progress from my lovely students in Pheonix. Mixed media drawing and mark-making exploring text and image and some sample pieces of work in progress.

These were fantastic and individual explorations of work in progress so many thanks to all for allowing me to show examples. Finally, but not least. I had this wonderful article in my local on line magazine. Inside Maidstone. so home is never far away. My last two weeks are in San Diego..more to come.

The Devil Came Down to Georgia

Hello all.  Well I have been  away for 10 days and have had a warm welcome in Georgia.  Below are  few snippets  from my workshop and the sights seen. Editing on a tablet is impossible so this blog is courtesy of my host's pc. I have had a devil of a good time. Enjoyed the tastes and hospitality and getting up to mischief.

My window view in Roswell

Student work in progress at South East Fiber Arts Association, Atlanta. 
A fantastic group of creatives who shared a diverse and experimental approach to the workshop.

Left to right, Karen Tunnel, Sandy Teepen, Rene  and Judy C on Table

Karen Tunnel

Judy Carpenter

Martha Myers

Downtown Atlanta

Strippy Quilt and Crazy Quilt details at the Atlanta History Center.

I also saw the wonderful Kinsey Collection of Black American Art.

And some wonderful Cherokee Baskets.Loved the details in the patterns.

Big Blue on Lake Knickerbocker in Gainesville

    Cardinal

Wonderful stain glass at Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville. Loved the dove. A welcome sight after all the rian we had in the UK.

I also had time to explore and play during my down time with my friend Judy 

Page from my sketchbook

and finally a top made for me using inserts made during the workshop my Martha Myers.

I fly to Phoenix Saturday..see you all later.