From dreams to reality...

So all I can say of the past week is 'Wow!'...... Not only have I stepped out of my own rut but I've been catapulted squarely from my dream into my new reality. Can't say too much at the moment as I'm frantically preparing for a trip to Alaska with my son - visiting friends and meandering in the wild, open spaces. Around that, I am tying up loose ends with helping get our annual Open Studio Art Tours ready - my 'job' is prepping the artists' images for the catalog and website and making sure everyone has something suitable to show. It's been a learning experience to be sure - I can't wait to see this year's works. We have some inspiring folks nestled among the desert boulders and thorns..... What a treat to be working with some of them behind the scenes...

What's this dream of yours, you ask? Oh.....to take my imagery to a whole new level - for the area I live in anyway. The photograph in the frame route feels so 'been there, done that'. And while there are many, many inspiring photographers with incredible captures I am in awe of - I just needed to find that something different. Something that might stand out. Being the practical girl that I am, practical art is what I am drawn to.

With that said, look for my 2013 calendars - hopefully a variety of sizes and functions (wall, desk, pocket sizes), printed on archival papers, largely with iconic images of this great desert I live in. The first prototype has been sent to the publishers just today. I am anxious to check out the quality before I mass order. When they arrive, I'll post pics of the products here and I invite your input.

The other thing that excites me to no end is using fabric to display my images. Think bandanas, silk scarves, unique t-shirts, bags, cloth pieces that can be sewn into pillows, you name it! - all 100% organic cotton or silk fabric. Each item will have a one of a kind image (captured by moi, of course....) that uses the sun to transfer permanently onto the fabric via a way cool process using Inkodyes. Each piece is hand created from taking the image, processing it digitally, and printing it onto the fabric using the energy from the sun (and some very unique chemistry). Nothing is mass produced or sent out - every piece is artfully created, one at a time. I am very excited about this fresh, innovative company - who invented these special dyes and technique - located in Los Angeles. Once I receive my supplies and get started with printing my images on fabric, I will post my progress here and share more about this fabulous company. The best part is I get to meet them and see their creative genius in action later on in August. Stay tuned!

Oh yeah, and think Christmas! Chanukah! Birthdays! Any day worth a gift to someone you care about or for yourself!  You just might find something artfully useful right here.........

I will leave you with images of the Kenai Peninsula, where I will be next week. Breathe deep and try to feel the coolness, smell the air ripe with the scents of salt and earth and air filtered clean by the richness of Life....  I can't wait!


I believe this was somewhere outside of Soldotna, AK. We took a lovely stroll 
through the woods here in the summer of 2010...


Hiking the trail to Exit Glacier....looking back behind us (making sure the black bear who crossed our path earlier wasn't still lurking nearby...)


Eagles, eaglets everywhere! This "little one" was stretching its wings and feeling out the flying bit. Its parents were nearby, watching. The funny thing about this eagle's nest is that it wasn't way out in the deep, dark wilderness. It was in a lone tree, in a parking lot right by the main road going into the town of Homer, AK.      I think it wanted out of its rut, too.....


Ah yes, flowers, flowers, flowers....growing wild and free right by the road ways. I particularly appreciate this assortment of poppies and the like. They wouldn't last a day once the desert summer heat sets in. This was certainly a treat for the eyes and nose...

I look forward to showing you scenes from this year's sojourn into the Alaskan landscape. Who knows what will present itself to us this year...


Comments

Kate Boyan said…
Hi Diana, Saw you today and after you left I realized I over charged you $6.00. Glare on the cash register, thought the one was a seven. Send me your address and I will fire off a check to you.Your fabric idea sounds very interesting and the calendars I'm sure will be cool!. Kate custombeadwork@yahoo.com
www.livingbeadwork.blogspot.com
August 01, 2012
Diana said…
Hi Kate....you found me! I replied to your email address. Thanks for taking a peek. I'll send you a calendar when I get them!
August 03, 2012
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