Magpies

Some things take their time to come to fruition. Sometimes it takes a few gentle reminders to get the ink flowing. Returning home from a float in the river last night, we entered onto our property to find a plethora of magpies. (I realize now I should have counted, but I'm not too superstitious and really just enjoyed their presence)  Last week a friend showed up with a magpie feather in her hand. Right before another epic rock hounding adventure with my Sara, we found two magpie feathers across from Stewart's Gem Shop. I had been pondering magpies for months. Memories of them on farm and the ditch rider shooting them. I would come across their lifeless bodies in the 5 acres of wildlife preserve on my grandparent's property that I frequented. That is where he would shoot them. In a wildlife preserve. I remember always being intrigued by their feathers (those long, silky, iridescent tail feathers the most) but without the gall to remove them, I would bury the birds as best I could.

One for Sorrow

The series is based around a poem. All images will be ink on paper, 12"x12". Between the chicken drawings that are clawing their way out, I find some time to work on the magpies.

Two for Joy

I know what you are thinking - this is not my typical medium. My obsession with color, line, and texture is aided by the brush and paint. So far in this blog there has been no color, a major element in my work!  I have always drawn, (just ask my mother) and if by some magic, the aligning of the stars, life's paths or the mere acceptance of change and evolution in my art, I will be allowing the images to come forth and be seen on a more regular basis. This blog is a step outside my comfort zone, hence I have started with the media that fear has held back.

Color will sneak it's way back in.... 

On that note, Nampa traffic box public artwork will be unveiled Friday the 13th (Wooo!) of September for Nampa's Art Walk! Starting at 5 pm, Artwork on the boxes to be unveiled include the work of Rachel Teannalach, Belinda Isley, Melissa Chambers, Misty Benson, Lauren T Kistner (that's me!), Helen Grainger Wilson, and Oscar Nye. I am excited to see the images installed and the artists on location! If you get a chance, we would love to see your smiling faces!