Tag: wordless
1LW: When I Rise Up
Georgia Douglas Johnson’s poem, “When I Rise Up Above the Earth” was the first poem I ran across related to my “one little word.” Of course, I am familiar with Maya Angelou’s popular “Still I Rise,” which gives voice to a collective Black [women’s] “I”–talking back to and ascending in spite of an oppressive system. However, Johnson’s poem speaks to the journey I’m on as an individual wrestling with and rising above personal challenges. [Plus, lines 5-6 present a strong image that I would also illustrate, if I had the skills š ]
“When I Rise Above the Earth”
Georgia Douglas Johnson
When I rise up above the earth,
And look down on the things that fetter me,
I beat my wings upon the air,
Or tranquil lie,
Surge after surge of potent strength
Like incense comes to me
When I rise up above the earth
And look down upon the things that fetter me.
My friend, Cy, also posted about her 1LW today. She, too, chose a poem. Be sure to check out her post on “boundaries,” her one little word.Ā
The āRiseā pennant in the photo above was made by my Love Notes friend Lori-Anne C. This is one of two precious gifts she sent in honor of my 1LW. I recently moved it from my home office to my work office where it hangs as you see it with a sunflower art by Ty, one of my former students. The sunflower reminds me of a sunRISE, so I couldnāt resist placing them together.
Lessons from the Pandemic
Yellow Flowers in Vase by Sheila D of Sheila’s Corner Studio
I confess. I sometimes feel like a slacker. Sure, I am always doing something, but as I said in an earlier post, Iāve been getting nowhere.
Everywhere I turn, it seems someone has completed a book, started a new venture, traveled the seven seas, or even managed to purge and organize their home during the pandemic. Iāve done zip! Iām usually adept at side-stepping the comparison trap, but lately I have wondered if Iām just plain lazy!
Over the last year weāve been given many tips on how to thrive, how to stay motivated, and how to do this, that, or the other during the pandemic. It was refreshing to join Pastor Lola Johnstonās Bloom in the Pandemic webinar a few weeks ago and hear her offer, instead of tips for thriving during the pandemic, two reassuring pieces of adviceāto simply believe God is who He says He is and practice the principle of Matthew 6:33. She encouraged participants to refrain from practicing belief in our outcome and instead practice belief in the God of the outcome.
Whew!
It was nice to be let off the hook, to release the feelings of failure or guilt for not being completely awesome during the last 15+ months.
Of course, I wasnāt a slacker. I did not reach some of the goals I set for myself, but as I revisit those goals, some of them were way too big and way too much for our present circumstances. But during an actual, maddening pandemic, I held down a full time job, ably managed a leadership position that I was suddenly thrust into, taught overloads each semester, and operated fully in my family without losing my mind. And I actually managed to accomplish a few other things.
It helps to pivot our perspective. Doesnāt it?
If we focus on the gains instead of the unchecked items on our goals list, we’ll find ourselves in a healthier mental space. I realized this while writing a list of lessons learned in response to the final prompt of Love Notes 35. Even though I didn’t achieve some of my biggies, I’ve gained in ways that expanded my soul tremendously and I’ve learned so much.
Iāve learned to listen for the silence.
Iāve learned to find the path to stillness no matter where I am.
Iāve learned to adjust.
Iāve learned to keep moving.
Iāve learned to find time to write and ājust beā in small moments because there will never be enough time, otherwise.
Iāve learned to appreciate the questions.
Iāve learned the answers do not always come.
Iāve learned [again] to accept sorrow and grief as necessary parts of life.
Iāve learned to let the deep, aching pain of loss do its work.
Iāve learned that my being vulnerable frees others to drop their masks.
Iāve learned that everyone is indeed fighting a battle.
Iāve learned that thereās very little I can control, but what I can control makes all the difference in my attitude and outlook.
Iāve learned that those who need our compassion most are those for whom compassion is a difficult exercise
Iāve learned to walk in the truth that everyone is made in the image of God.
Even though I sometimes feel like I should be doing so much more, I am learning that continuing to breathe and walk with joy during the pandemic are extraordinary accomplishments.
What have you learned in the last year or so?
About theĀ Image: The bright yellow flowers were sent to me by my blogging pen friend, talented artist, and Love Noter, Sheila D. I actually wrote this blog post more than a week ago, but refused to post it because I wanted this particular piece of art to lead the post. I misplaced my “to be blogged” art file and it took me a whole week to find it! Why this postcard? In the face of difficult challenges over the last year+, Sheila has maintained a beautiful outlook on life. I find that inspiring.
Good Light.
If you see someone who has good light, thank them for it. It will help them keep the light on. —Jaiya John, Daughter Drink This Water
About the Image: In honor of my hubby’s birthday (today), I’m sharing one of the sunflowers he grew for me. He has good light. š
You can find more of Jaiya John’s words by visiting his website (linked above) or his Instagram page.
Beauty and the Triumph of Truth
Artwork by Lori-Anne C.
Peace is the beauty of life. It is sunshine. It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family. It is the advancement of man[kind], the victory of a just cause, the triumph of truth. –Menachem Begin
Despite the disappointment and sadness in my heart today, I am dropping in to bring you flowers. If you are a United States citizen, you need to turn away from the television, put down your phone, and spend a moment with the pretty.
About the Image:Ā The featured art is the work of my Love Notes friend, Lori-Anne C. She makes some of the most exquisite sunflower art. You can see more of her beauties here: Envelope Full of Sunflowers and You’re Entitled to You. Like the other two, the piece above was sent in celebration of women. The purple tulip and sunflower are especially special to me, since they’re symbolic of my relationship with my sister (also named Lori Ann), whose favorite flower was the purple tulip.
Be a Purple Fish
Purple Fish: Bright and Beautiful
Be your true, unfettered, God-given self, regardless of the expectations hammered into you.Ā –Sue Monk Kidd, When the Heart Waits
About the image:Ā The “bright and beautiful” purple fish arrived in my mailbox this week, a gem from Jacki W, one of my purple-loving Love Notes friends from England. The card came from The Postcard Store.
Fly High…
Fly highā¦ where the only chill that cuts through you is the wind. Where your heart pounds from exhilaration not disappointment, and after ascending through cloudy wisps, brushing your wings, there is only the clear blue horizon beckoning you forthā¦ –Virginia Alison
Until It Flowers Again…
“My Mother’s Garden.” Photo by Suzette R.
The bud
stands for all things,
even for those things that donāt flower,
for everything flowers, from within, of self-blessing;
though sometimes it is necessary
to reteach a thing its loveliness,
to put a hand on its brow
of the flower
and retell it in words and in touch
it is lovely
until it flowers again from within, of self-blessing […]
—Galway Kinnell, from “Saint Francis and the Sow”
About the image:Ā The delicate flower in this #WordlessWednesday post was photographed by my Love Notes friend, Suzette R. The flower is from her late mother’s garden–an intimate glimpse of a beautiful soul.
Wild Silver!
How do you feel about another museum trip?
The Huntsville Museum of Art Buccellati: A Silver Menagerie is another must-see exhibit, and since you can’t be here, I’m bringing some of the pieces to you. I have fewer photographs than I had for last week’s visit showing of the American Studio Glass Exhibit, but the pieces are just as fascinating.
The exhibit features selections from the Museum’s permanent collection ofĀ silver creations designed and fabricated in Italy by the luxury jewelry firm of Buccellati. They were donated by Betty Grisham of Huntsville, Alabama. According to the museum’s website, the Huntsville Museum of Art holds the world’s largest public collection of these unique works of art.
Each piece was designed by Italian jeweler, Gianmaria Buccellati.
Lion, 2000. 925 Sterling.
The present house of Buccellati was founded in 1919 in Milan, Italy and originated what is known as the Buccellati style, which combines Renaissance period techniques, luxury materials, and the extensive use of texture engraving to create objects of great beauty. This distinctive style won favor with a discriminating international clientele, including the Vatican as well as the Royal Houses of Italy, Spain, Belgium, England and Egypt. —Huntsville Museum of Art
Bear, 1997. 925 Sterling.
Gianmaria Buccellati carries on the family tradition today as an internationally renowned silversmith.Ā He has dedicated his life to creating extraordinary objects that exemplify fine Italian craftsmanship.Ā –Huntsville Museum of Art
Bear, 1997. 925 Sterling.
His signature silver animals replicate creatures from earth, sea, and sky in a highly realistic manner. Buccellati invented a new method of working in silver to capture fine detail like feathers, hair, or different types of skin, known as ālavorazione a peloā or āhair-like workmanship.” —Huntsville Museum of Art
Giraffe, 1994. 800 Silver.
An animal reproduced āa peloā is the result of welding countless silver filaments of varying length and thickness to give the actual appearance of the natural coat. It is a demanding method that requires the highest level of skill and an absolute mastery of soldering techniques. —Huntsville Museum of Art
Tortoise, 2006. 925 Silver.
Animals with the hair-like workmanship were originally produced in 800 silver, which is stronger but less pure than 925 sterling due to its higher alloy content. This was because the intense heat of soldering used in the creation of the animals would have melted the very thin filaments if they were sterling, but the Buccellati artisans were able to invent a new technique of soldering that allowed them to work within the heat tolerance of sterling silver. As a result, all animals produced since 1995 have been created in 925 sterling.Ā –Huntsville Museum of Art
Swan, 2000. 925 Silver.
Swan, 2000. 925 Silver.
Marine Centerpiece, 1997. 925 Sterling. Amethyst Geode.
I somehow missed photographing the flamingo, which, like the giraffe, is considered a highlight of the collection, but you can see it here on Flickr. [Tip: If you move backwards or forwards in the Flickr album, you’ll see other animals I did not photograph].
My favorites–you guessed it–are the lion and the bear. I just can’t wrap my mind around the exquisite crafting of the hair and fur! The giraffe is Ć¼ber cute and I’m intrigued by the sea creatures. The whole collection is mesmerizing–which is probably why I missed photographing some of the animals.
Do you have a favorite?
Blown Glass and Reflections
Since we are [hopefully] still “sheltering-in-place,” this [not so] #WordlessWednesday is a good time for a museum visit, so I’m sharing some shots from a trip to the Huntsville Museum of Art last summer.
I shared a few photographs from the A New Moon Rises exhibit and a photograph of Breathing from the American Studio Glass exhibit late last year.
Today, we’ll explore more pieces from the American Studio Glass exhibit which is on continuous view at the Huntsville Museum of Art.
Two galleries in the Davidson Wing provide the Museum a showcase for its outstanding holding of American Studio Glass. The collection was initiated in 1995 with the purchase of Cam LangleyāsĀ Three Flower Vase, and has grown to nearly four-dozen pieces. Several of the movementās icons are represented in the collection, as well as nationally and regionally significant voices. The Collection encompasses a wide range of different techniques, including blowing, flame working, casting, and carving. Also included are works combining glass with other materials such as wood, rope, paint, gold and silver leaf, and manipulated imagery. The Museum is pleased to highlight the creativity and variety of the American Studio Glass movement with this exhibit.Ā –from Huntsville Museum of Art website.
The pieces, primarily made of glass, are all so fascinating that it was difficult to leave the gallery and nearly impossible to pick a favorite.
Keep in mind that I was photographing glass through glass, so obviously, there are a lot of reflections in the photos. Even though you can’t see the pure elegance of each piece, the reflections add a bit of interest to the photos.
Stephen Rolfe Powell (b. 1951, Birmingham, Alabama/d. 2019, Danville, KY). Bodacious Gasp Johnson, 1994.
Blown glass, 30x24x6 inches. Museum purchase in memory of Elinor “Nell” Francis, Paula Frederick, Jewel Halsey, Lieutenant Colonel LeRoy F. Lawson, Kay Ludwig, Loretta G. Och, Leonard Walker Peeler, Dorris Weems, Robert Wiggins, and Helen Yager.
Mary Van Cline (b. 1954, Dallas, TX/lives in Seattle, WA).Ā The Healing Winds of Time, 1997. Photosensitive glass, cast black glass, copper patina.
John Littleton and Kate Vogel (JL b. 1957, Madison, WI; KV b. 1956, Cambridge, England/live in Bakersville, NC). Light Vessel, 2008.
John’s hands cast in amber glass, holding cut disk, interior red, ruby gold leaf with gold ring mica, purple ring and fiberglass painted with glass enamel. Museum purchase, funds provided by Alice Chang.
Thomas Farbanish (b. 1963, Endicott, NY/lives in Bellefonte, PA). Untitled, 1995. Blown glass, acid etched.
Dale Chihuly (b. 1941, Tacoma, WA/lives in Seattle, WA). Imperial Iris Persian Set with Chartreuse Lip, 1999. Blow glass (editioned).Ā Gift of Alice Chang in honor of Peter J. Baldaia.
Dale Chihuly (b. 1941, Tacoma, WA/lives in Seattle, WA). Red Amber Persian Pair, 2010. Blow glass (editioned).Ā Gift of Alice Chang in honor of David J. Reyes.
Dante Marioni (b. 1964, Mill Valley, CA/lives in Seattle, WA). Orange Trio, 1996. Blown glass.
Museum purchase, Gala Acquisition Fund.
Ginny Ruffner (b. Atlanta, GA/lives in Seattle, WA). Dancing Box, 2007.
Stainless steel and glass.
Gift of the artist in honor of the Women’s Guild of the Huntsville Museum of Art.
Cappy Thompson (b. 1952, Alexandria, VA/lives in Olympia, WA). Riding Fearless into the Future, 1994. Vitreous enamels on blown glass.
Museum purchase in memory of Harry Rhett, Jr.
Judith LaScola (b. 1955, Pittsburgh, PA/lives in Stamwood, WA). Slumped Series with Winter Bowl, 1996.
Blown, carved, and painted glass, gold leaf. Gift of Alice Chang.
Judith LaScola (b. 1955, Pittsburgh, PA/lives in Stamwood, WA). Yen Series/Gold and Midnight Blue, 1996.
Blown, carved, and painted glass, gold leaf.
Museum purchase, funds provided by Al and Marcy Haraway, the Boeing Company, and the Gala Acquisition Fund.
That’s it for my little taste of the collection. If you want to learn more about the collection, do visit the Huntsville Museum of Arts website.
Summer is always a good time to catch up on museums and galleries, and that doesn’t have to change because COVID-19 has forced museums worldwide to close. Many, many museums are offering virtual museum tours. Search using your favorite search engine or begin with the list of 75 museums offering virtual tours I stumbled on earlier today. That should fill your artsy cup to the brim.
Until next time…
