Lake and Love

Since my last post I have gone on a fun trip to Finland, done some Spring clean-up gardening (on warm days), and created two contemporary art quilts, both of which are part of my Safe and Well series and will be in a solo show later this year.

I have created many pieces about feeling Safe and Well - including Good Sleep, Doing, Haven, Big Table, Reading, Good Balance, Shade Tree Meditation, Safe in My Arms, Inhale Exhale, and many more. Because I have long created work based on nurturing concepts, some of my older pieces will fit nicely in a Safe and Well show. I also plan to create a few new contemporary art quilts in the next five months.

Hanging out by water is a favorite theme that I’ve used many times over the years. Water can be magical and healing. Being in touch with the elements of air, earth, and water make us feel grounded. The piece below does not have a name yet. If you have any ideas for a title let me know. Please share in the comments at the end of the post.

Women wading in a lake. Dog standing on a rock. Green hillside across the lake — 18 X 18

The woman is Emily and the black dog is Monty. The lake is in Switzerland. Across the lake is a green hillside. Standing in shallow water feels wonderful after hiking on a summer day.

Two bug-like creatures embracing. — All Aglow 38.5 X 28

These two creatures are drawn together in an embrace, legs intertwined and bodies aglow. They stand by a lake where fish are jumping. Were the fish already jumping or did the embrace excite them? Did the creatures create the beam of light? I like to think so.

All Aglow was inspired by one of the last scenes in the movie “All the Light You Cannot See” when our two main characters are together and the blind girl is touching the face of the boy soldier. It is a very poignant moment. They are seen by one another and time stops.

Below are more water quilts for your viewing pleasure.

Boy sitiing at the edge of a pond. Two figures relaxing in the background. — Drink

small lake with the reflection of sky, trees, and shore. — Mirror

Looking down on two people sitting by the edge of a natural pool. — Bella Acqua

Three views of a yellow canoe and water . One view of maps and paddles. — Reflective Passages

Three children playing on a slip and slide, water spraying in the light. — The Sound of Happy

Women sitting on a boat by the water. — Water 2

And now a recipe to share. I am currently using up the last of our winter squash from last fall’s harvest, and today’s lunch was the result. Chicken Squash Soup: I cook boneless skinless chicken thighs in a crock pot over night on the low setting. The chicken and broth can be used in many dishes in the days following. I have baked a giant pink banana squash (or you can use butternut, acorn, or delicata). I place about a 1/2 cup of cubed cooked squash in each bowl and one cut up chicken thigh and 1/2 cup or more of chicken broth. Add salt and pepper. Heat and serve.

Satisfying Work