Alchemy of Tea

I'm pleased to announce my participation in Alchemy of Tea at the Cornelius Arts Center in Cornelius, North Carolina September 13 - November 14, 2014.

Water Dreams #2, detail, ©2014 is long piece middle left

Alchemy of Tea brings together a group of national artists inspired by tea. This unique and stunning collection of work provokes viewers to ponder the transformation of tea from its consumable and degradable form into art. Tea has been part of sacred rituals across the globe for centuries. The fragility and golden hues found in this collection project the historical and spiritual roots of tea, while each artist's subjects juxtapose a contemporary take on tea as a medium and muse. From installation to photography and porcelain to encaustic - this exhibition has something to inspire everyone. Featured artists include Barbara Bartlett, Bridget Conn, Elizabeth Alexander, Jennifer Coyne-Qudeen, Mari Omori and Rodney Thompson. Alchemy of Tea will be on exhibit September 13 through November 14. 

Join us for the reception - September 13, 6:30-9 pm.*

 Water Dreams #1, ©2014 featured on the sponsor page

*text from Cornelius Arts Center postcard

Edinburgh - Gifted . Poetree

I've been home for nearly 2 weeks now, but still have more to write about the experience of being in Scotland. My first week back is a bit of a haze - took me all week to adjust to the backwards time difference. India, how do you do it with all your traveling back and forth and inbetween Australia and the US and Great Britain, et al? Do you ever wonder just where you are today or what time it truly is?

This past week has been spent doing fall cleaning and readying our guest room to be a combination guest room/little urchin playroom.  Alas, no art-type work yet. 

Now, here's what I was doing 2 weeks ago today....
 

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Saturday morning found my housemates at Weavers Hall - Brenda Parsons, Christine Mauersberger and Kelly McKaig - and I scrambling to finish packing, say quick goodbyes and begin the next part of our journey.

 
For some, that meant going home while others were to enjoy another week in Newburgh at Big Cat Textiles. 

I was off to Edinburgh, courtesy of Alison of Big Cat Textiles. She was kind enough to give Sandra (Brownlee, that is) and myself a ride. This little fellow greeted me from his perch on the corner of the bathtub in my room at the Apex City Hotel. 

The view out my window. Edinburgh Castle up on the hill.

The window at the end of the hall afforded the best view of Edinburgh Castle above the Grassmarket market.

I strolled among the market vendors, taking in the colors, smells, sounds and energy of the day. And yes, a little something did find its way into my bag - 2 little somethings, in fact. Solid moisturiser bars by The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company.

Then it was time to explore the streets,

view the art,

take in the colors,

patterns, textures

and architecture of Edinburgh as I made my way

to the Scottish Poetry Library.

Alas, not to read the poetry found there,

but to view

the Poetree.

In all, I saw 7 of the original mysteriously gifted book sculptures as well as a new one that Saturday.  The sculptures are magnificent as is the artist - now known to be a woman - who had the vision to create them. I'll post more along the way. Stay tuned!