redtailprintmaker

Perfect is Good Enough

I like to believe that Perfectionism is an inherited genetic trait. This fantasy allows me to deflect personal responsibility and blame it on the long line of Perfectionists that came before me. My parents were afflicted in different ways, but one of the sayings my father uttered while working on almost any project, from washingContinueContinue reading “Perfect is Good Enough”

Lessons in Following

Follow the Child – Maria Montessori Educator Maria Montessori (of Montessori School fame) exhorted her instructors and students’ parents to study their young charges for clues to best help them develop appropriately on their journey through life. It’s good advice. Often, as conscientious parents, we feel strongly about a lack or a richness we experiencedContinueContinue reading “Lessons in Following”

Trial by Fire: Bushtit’s Nest

I was just about to give a lovely, little update on the super-carving-intensive, 9-color, single-plate, reduction linocut I had been working on for its debut at my first ever Sierra Art Trails in early October, when a series of unhappy, fire-related delays began. We’ve been evacuated or pre-evacuated 3 times in the last month, withContinueContinue reading “Trial by Fire: Bushtit’s Nest”

Lost & Found

It hasn’t been all ladybugs and butterflies, but there have been quite a few. Life is definitely different up here and at first I felt a little adrift, a bit lost. After almost 10 months, I think I am finally finding a rhythm that feels right. Most days begin with a ‘morning walk’, which mainlyContinueContinue reading “Lost & Found”

Did we leave it like this?

Yes. Yes, we did. Normally, I am a very methodical & tidy person who thrives in spaces with order and symmetry. Lots of clear desk space, paper arranged by color & thickness in nice neat stacks, storage baskets in orderly rows… Somehow, it all makes me feel more centered and creative, almost giddy with happiness. ContinueContinue reading “Did we leave it like this?”

Exactly to Plan. Not How I Imagined It.

Painful. Exhausting. Never Again. Thank. God. It’s. Over. I had imagined that I was doing my daughter a favor by waiting until just after her high school graduation to sell her childhood home. The home I spent 4 months drawing up the plans for. The one my father, husband and sister built in 55 weeksContinueContinue reading “Exactly to Plan. Not How I Imagined It.”

The Drive Home – Last Oaktown Print

Almost two months ago, I decided to jump on an intriguing print exchange put together by the wildly successful Sketchbook Project folks. I am one of 500 artists creating a 12-print edition using hand-made methods of printmaking; The theme is The Drive Home. In February, I thought, “That seems like a blast!” What I hadn’tContinueContinue reading “The Drive Home – Last Oaktown Print”

Moving Tribute

Where we love is home – home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes The plan was never to sell this house. It was our dream home, built almost entirely by my husband, father & sister while I worked alone running our business for over a year. My 4-year oldContinueContinue reading “Moving Tribute”

Mending Fences

I am not a multitasker. I am the kind of person that likes to take a single project on at a time, and then pursue that task with focused intensity to completion. This can be a boon ( in the case of Printmaking, my former life as a CFO, or in rearranging junk drawers). ButContinueContinue reading “Mending Fences”

Catalog Cameo

Forget the Super Bowl! The moment in February I always look forward to has arrived! My 2013 McClain’s catalog hit the mailbox! Full color photographs of drool-worthy supplies and tools for the Relief Printmaker, it is also stuffed with inspirational art from McClain’s fans, both beginners and well-known, established artists. Flipping through, I found myContinueContinue reading “Catalog Cameo”