weed out *

Yesterday I discovered german artist Christiane Löhr in my new copy of Sculpture. I found myself drawn to the odd, quiet beauty of these diaphanous structures made from materials like thistle seeds and dandilions.

Löhr's work brought to mind Jan Yager's "Tiara of Useful Knowledge." Last year, I attended a lecture Yager gave at an exhibition of american craft in OKC. Her distinctive jewelry incorporates portrayals of city flora (as in weeds poking up through sidewalk cracks). I love how these two artists find and illuminate the unique beauty and power in these marginalized garden invaders, and I must say- allergens have never been so appealing.

P.S. Happy Earth Day, earthlings!

a spring in my step *

Spring always makes me feel like some weird hybrid of Carrie Bradshaw and Laura Ingalls Wilder. I get the urge to romp around in a sunny field and live off the land, but I want to be wearing a new outfit while I'm doing it.

Sadly, I've been wasting most of this gorgeous weather held up at work, or when I'm at home, held up in my studio. Don't worry though, I've been getting some occasional sun exposure, eating lots of ice cream, and doing lots of sneezing - in an attempt to get into the spring spirit.

There is one outdoor activity that I'm particularly resolved to take part in, and that is the up-keep of our small veggie garden. D is definitely the plant man of the house, and I'm ashamed to say that my assistance with our past gardening endeavors has been limited to picking and eating. This year I've decided to get my hands dirty, and I'm determined to do more good than harm. This may, however, prove to be a lofty goal for a cactus killer like me.

I've been making these springy tees, and accessories to sell at the Dustbowl. So, if you need a little spruce-up in your wintery wardrobe, you know where to find me on April 25.

What projects are you undertaking this spring?