first flowers

The first flowers appear in my gardens, (other than the tulips and daffodils), trees are leafing out and flower petals and white pollen fly through the air. We had friends over for dinner last night and we ate outside.  Our heads were soon covered with small yellow flowers from our Maple tree. 

My foot is feeling a little better, so today I tried to do some light gardening. Jim repaired all the bricks on the patio, as that is where I fell, in a hole where one had disintegrated.  I broke the same foot three years ago when I decided to start up dance classes again after twenty years or so!  I was attempting a leap and a spin that time and the break was much worse.  

No news about the situation in our school district... but my son and I did go to the board meeting and I spoke to the board as a parent and a teacher... that took a lot of guts, but I know now that I have tried my hardest to save art in Klamath County. 

I have many art pieces to share, journal pages mostly... somehow this week everything started coming together...

The first purple iris hiding in the aspen...

Two pages in burgundy and gold...

The bird and the house are both photocopies of pictures I painted.  I've been loving empty chairs lately...

Creamy white iris's cluster in front of a lavender bush in my herb garden that desperately needs trimming. 

This painting, "light fragments" about two feet square, has been calling to me.  I have been adding texture to the geometric patterns with rice paper, netting and lace.  I added some newspaper strips, but ended up scraping most of it off.  I think I might be finally finished...

Here it is with some of the strips of newspaper, as I scrape it off.

I have used the rose on these unfinished journal pages in other art, but it was for Veronica's altered book in our collaboration, and these pages are for me.  The two middle pages here open, but I haven't finished them yet.

This is actually an altered version of pages I shared in my last post.

One of my pen and inks of a western fence lizard.  In high school I actually kept one as a pet for a week so I could draw it.  I do love lizards.  The pressed flower is from Jackie a lovely Australian artist.

Purple Phlox,  I think it's called "Dames Rocket" and is very old fashioned, I have been told.  This flower is bursting out everywhere as it re-seeds...

And finally, I am laying out pages for Seth's book, "Distressed Elements,"  Oh, these are so much fun.  I have the pages glued and folded, and they are ready for construction.

This rusty piece was a gift from a student.  I hammered it to make it flatter.  It has so much potential.

I want to thank you all again for your lovely comments of encouragement during this challenging time... You have made me realize that my art spirit can shine through even when things are hard.  And even if I am not an art teacher I can still be an artist... 

Comments

[Kate's Corner]

Oh, Roxanne, you are so right; you will always be an artist, because that is what we are. It cannot be taken away from us. Some, like yourself, are fortunate in that you are able to make a living at what you are good at and love, but an artist is always an artist, no matter how he/she makes his/her living.
I hope things work out for you as I believe you are such an inspiratinon to your students.
I especially like your rose picture in your journal. And the book you are working on for Seth's project looks so interesting. Hope you win your battle.

[lynne]

roxanne, your art is singing!!! as are the flowers and trees... i love these pages. they have so much depth... (i've been thinking about shrines ever since we talked : ) xo

[mansuetude]

funny we feel daffodils and tulips are the "real summer" flowers... you really made me see that so many of us think this way.

[Robyn]

How lucky we are to see into your art journals. This blog world is mind boggling. Holding thumbs for good news on the school front. Glad your foot is a bit better today.

[Leslie M.]

You are an art teacher right here . . . to me. I learn so much by coming to your blog and watching how you see the world and how you express it in your journals.

Thanks.

Glad your foot is better.

xo

[grrl+dog]

Lovely lady, YOu are an artist, itis in your bones, you cannot stop it as much as you cannot stop breathing. Art will come from you in everything you touch and touch on. There may be new doors opening for you... look to those.

[Seth]

Such beautiful, nature-inspired images. And the glimpses of my book in progress are quite thrilling to see. Sending out well wishes to you for both your foot and for the school situation.

[Debbie]

Roxanne,

I am so sorry that things have been so trying for you lately. It seems like everything hit at the same time. I hope that your foot is healing well. I am sorry that you injured it!

You are an artist by nature, and nothing could ever change that. You have given away countless numbers of gifts to others through your generous artistic spirit. Don't ever doubt what your art and teaching has done for others.

Beautiful words and images, as always!

Big hugs,
Debbie

[Susan Tuttle]

You are an inspiration -- I applaud you for standing up and stating your opinion -- you and I have the same view -- that the arts are a vital part of an education.

I am sorry to hear about your foot -- I hope it heals swiftly:)

xo

[Katelen Tays]

Your work is beautiful..your garden the same, but a garden is part of the artist. Thank you for the inspiration.
Katelen

[mary ann]

What a spirit lifter...moving through your photos of both flowers and art! Pure pleasure.
I somehow missed about your foot...speedy recovery! I hope all works out with this art teacher business...frustrating I'm sure.

[Jo]

Thanks Roxanne for some beautiful images here...always a pleasure to drop in and see what you have been busy with...always leave here with a smile on my face :)

[Jacky]

Your spirit shines through in these beautiful journal pages. I love the rich, old world colours and so much detail to take in!

And your garden is looking beautiful.

[azirca]

Inspiration aplenty! You and your world is full of beauty.
I do hope that your foot heals quickly.

[Chris]

I am again awed by how much you do and the range of your talents. Aren't Iris amazing? I like the bearded ones, too. That first pocket page is so gorgeous.

It does take guts to speak out and stand up for our beliefs, so congrats to YOU for counting!

[tami]

I love dropping in on your blog - it always brings me joy. Your art and photos are absolutely beautiful. (And I often just sign in to listen to your playlist!) Sorry to hear about your foot.

It worries me that art and music programs are being cut across the country - our children need the joy of creating with music and art - it is such a loss to all of us. The world needs art and music for its soul. I'm so glad you had your say! If only more people would do the same.

Thanks for stopping by to visit my blog. It means a lot.

[Risa]

Your art is so amazing, and so inspiring. I am hoping for all the best for you with the school stuff and the foot... Your art is so thought provoking and it makes you want to go create.. it will continue to inspire people in schools or in life.. Hugs, Risa

[sandy]

Oh, I got interrupted while reading this and just got back. Gorgeous images. Wow, sure hope your foot gets better.