Every day is special in some way. I keep a small notebook to record three special things at the end of the day. These are often not large things. Maybe a phone call from a friend or relative. Something from nature, such as, seeing a hummingbird at my flowers or a particularly beautiful cloud formation. Or even my cat cuddling me.
But some things make a little more impression than others.
Two Amish ladies at Walmart in the frozen food aisle. This was done from memory, not a photograph. Brush pen.
The past couple of weeks I’ve made note of two Amish ladies shopping at Walmart. I passed them in the ice cream aisle. As I rolled my cart by, I overheard one say, “See you tomorrow at the breakfast, Sarah.” No more than that. Just the contrast that in the superstore emporium of world goods, these two “plain” women were planning on continuing their conversation the next morning.
Sometimes, it’s my observation of the unique or ironic. In this case, it was a skeleton in a lawn chair in the front yard of a house that I pass sometimes. Mr. Skeleton has been in this chair at least since last Halloween. I was amused to see that his costume has been updated to celebrate Valentine’s Day. I wonder if they do Easter next? I’ll have to drive by then.
Cleo waiting for some company. I don’t think they’ll be coming by any time soon.
Or, looking out my kitchen window to see my cat perched on top of the bird feeder. She always hopes that some feathered creature will fly her way, but most often the avian visitors too wary.
These are not big events in anyone’s life, including mine. But they do keep me on the lookout for the unusual and special to celebrate and record. It makes me focus each day.
My west coast son asked me this week, Hey, Mom, have you been doing any work in your studio lately? Ha!
My studio is a summer kitchen about 30 feet from the house. In case you don’t know, summer kitchens were standard buildings for most farms in the south and Midwest a century ago. They were designed to keep the heat from the wood cookstoves out of the house during the summer, cooking and canning. Although very handy as a studio, it’s not really comfortable during the depth of winter. I’ve been known to wear a couple of pairs of socks, several layers of other clothes, a hat and fingerless gloves while working there in the winter. Turning up the heater is not really economical.
Tuesday, Jan 21, 2025. Muted sunrise on an overcast day.Wednesday, Jan 22, 2025. I love the fiery sunrise reflecting off the refrozen crusty snow.
Normally, winters around here are like long autumns. We lived in Michigan for ten years so I’m pretty used to some pretty chilly weather. But this past couple of weeks, we’ve had nine or ten inches of snow with a few inches of ice on top. Temps have dropped to zero, and the sun has only weakly thawed and refrozen the ice. We were housebound for a few days. Our drive is still a mess and not for the faint of heart, or those without four wheel drive.
Thursday, Jan 23, 2025 Another rosy sunrise.Friday, Jan 24, 2025 Misty evaporation of the snow.
But…the scenery has been beautiful. Especially the sunrises. As you can see in the photos, the morning colors are reflected off the icy snow crusts. Probably subject for future paintings but I’m pretty tired of it by now.
Wherever you live, I hope you are having a more pleasant winter than we’ve been having. Keep warm. Keep safe.
Another golden sunrise, more melted and refrozen snow.
Posted onJune 9, 2024|Comments Off on Creativity in Art: Three Books You Need to Read
It is no great secret to anyone who knows me that I am a true book addict. I love books. Just everything about them except their weight when you have to move them. There is hardly a room in the house which doesn’t have a shelf or at least a pile of to-be-read books.
Last year I put myself on a book diet, i.e., vowing not to order any books for the entire year. Ha ha. Well, I stuck with that intention for most of the year, with some exceptions. Gift cards could be used. And of course, the libraries, and free digital resources. This forced me into rereading some of the many books I already own rather than buy new ones.
However, it’s a new year and my wish list is long. But I have been a bit more cautious about the size and number of books that I buy, still concentrating on rereading old favorites.
The Art Spirit– by Robert Henri
First published in 1923, Henri did not actually write this book. It is a compilation of his class notes and lectures by one of his students, Margery Ryerson. Henri taught at the Arts Student League of New York and the National Academy of Design. He emphasized using some of the new styles of the day (impressionism and cubism) to capture some of the grittier sides of life, particularly urban scenes. He is credited as being the founder of the Ashcan School and instructed many soon-to-be famous artists.
My copy of The Art Spirit is pretty old, underlined, starred, and has notes in the margins. This is the only book that I took with me on vacation recently. I often find that in rereading an old favorite, I will pick up new ideas and I did here.
Be a warhorse for work, and enjoy even the struggle against defeat.
You are working for your character, and your pay is to last you all your life.
I believe that keeping one’s faculties in full exercise is the secret of good health and longevity. It made Titian a young man at nearly a hundred.
Perhaps mental inactivity is the most fatiguing thing in the world.
This is not necessarily a how-to paint book but a book about creating and living as an artist. An old book, still in print, which reads like new ideas.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being – Rick Rubin
Best known as an icon in the music industry, Rick Rubin has created a long shadow as an innovator and producer. Upon reading this book, you can immediately see why his influence is so great and he’s so respected among those in his field. He’s a deep thinker.
The nearly 400 page book is filled with short chapters which give you inspiration and things to contemplate. Especially surprising is that despite Rubin’s music background, he uses the term art in the broad sense of the word -physical art, music, writing, dance, nearly any kind of creative pursuit. I was pleasantly surprised.
This is not the type of book that you want to rush through, but to take in small bites, read and reread sections, then begin again.
I suggest that you check out a copy of the book’s chapter headings at 78 Areas of Thought, either online or in the bookstore. You will want to consume the ideas, yet take time to savor them. A book for your shelves for years to come.
Life in the Studio – Frances Palmer
You may be surprised by my choice of this book since Frances Palmer is a potter. She’s also a gardener, cook, businesswoman, and creative soul. I think I mostly bought the book because of the beautiful photographs. They are just exquisite.
I admit, my first pass through the book was just to consume and enjoy the photography. Truly wonderful, not only the lighting, but the entire settings.
My second pass through this book was to read how Frances Palmer became the creator that she is today. Yes, she does talk about some technical aspects of learning her craft, but I enjoyed the wabi-sabi nature of her work. The pottery is filmed displaying colorful flowers from her own garden. (She turned the tennis courts of her house into raised beds.) Palmer also hosts intimate meals for friends and family featuring her family recipes served, of course, on her tableware.
But some of the parts of the book that I appreciated most were her journey from beginning crafter to the renown artist that she is now. Her insecurities, her difficulties, the support of her friends and family. And I especially like that she is still learning and adapting to new ideas and techniques. It is a big step for any creator to get out of their comfort zone and try the untried, not knowing how it will turn out or be accepted.
If you like unusual clayware, beautiful flowers and photographs, earthy recipes, and some nice biographical scenes of a successful artist, I certainly recommend this book.
These are not the only books on creativity that I like, but I think this is a good mix to fire up your artistic juices. Give yourself a treat this summer.
Posted onMarch 24, 2024|Comments Off on Georgia O’Keeffe visits Birdseye this month
Cow skull. This is the largest one in my collection.The outside of my studio is decorated year round with my found collection of skulls.
Another famous artist visited our little library this month. After the exciting visit by Van Gogh last month, Georgia O’Keeffe thought she would pay a visit. She brought several of the skulls from her collection for the kids to use as subject matter. These included a cow skull, a fully-antlered buck skull, two antlerless deer skulls, and a bird skeleton. One of the boys in the class pointed out that the small deer skull was probably a baby as it had no teeth.
Two brothers working on their paintings. One is using the large deer skull with antlers and the other is referring to some O’Keeffe paintings in an art book.Discussing the branching of the antlers.
I thought the “ick” factor of the skulls would attract the kids…and it did although probably not as much as I anticipated. In this rural area, hunting is part of the culture and most kids are used to seeing or being around hunting and fishing. In fact, my sons both were required to take a hunting and boating class in seventh grade which makes sense.
Sketching your subject before you paint helps you to become familiar with all the shapes and shadows.
I showed the kids how the skulls were alike and different. They were allowed to examine them closely (they’d been cleaned with bleach water several times and were pretty old. I also suggested that they practice by making drawings of the subjects before they try to paint.
Discussing brush sizes. Each girl has selected the skull she wants to work from.Each child is encouraged to choose his or her own composition.Someone was interested in layers of fossils, and added a whole flock of crows later.
We discussed why O’Keeffe was attracted to bones and skulls when she lived in the desert southwest. And we also viewed some of her paintings, how she changed them or added to them. The kids were allowed to choose the the bones they wanted to work from and create their own compositions. One child chose to create an archeological dig of bones and fossils in layers.
The next class will be in early May and is open to ages 8 through 14. Contact the library to sign up for this free class. We will be making nature prints from real materials that we’ve gathered.
As with the rest of the nation, we’ve been in a deep freeze here in the Midwest. This is especially annoying after the balmy holiday season at the end of December. My husband spends much of his time cutting and splitting firewood, moving wood, throwing it in the basement, feeding the impossible iron beast to keep us toasty at night. Yes, we have a gas furnace but he just sees dollar signs floating out the chimney when we turn it on.
I have spent most of my time moving between the house and my studio. Feed the birds, take out the trash, take the dog for a short walk rather than our usual ramble. Dang, that icy wind blows right through several layers of clothing, coats and socks. Let’s just say, I’m happy to hole up in the house with a book, take a nap, and veg out.
But…I did make one of my goals this year (see recent post about goals and resolutions) to attend at least one live performance a month, and visit one gallery or museum monthly, too. This isn’t too hard to accomplish, even in this rural area. There is always something to do.
This weekend I had tickets to attend a backstage performance by Julian Gargiulo, a talented world-class pianist with an amazing sense of humor. He is also known as the Pianist with the Hair. A look at his photos will explain that description. The Backstage series is the smallest one at about 100 seats and the audience sits onstage with the artists. Very intimate and great for showing off the marvelous Boesendorfer Imperial Grand piano. We always try to have at least one pianist per year and often more.
When I was Director of the Jasper Arts Center (now retired), it was my job to present candidates for performances to the entertainment committee, keeping in mind our budget and a diversity of performers for our audience. One way I did that was to attend the big arts presenters’ conference in New York every January. Yes, January. Here I met with hundreds of agents and representatives for various performing artists. Obviously the big names didn’t do showcases, but many of the other performers did. Most showcases were held right in the mid-town Hilton but others were scattered throughout the city. This was an exhausting week with some events starting at breakfast and many running past midnight. I would take my scheduling book, circle the performers I was interested in learning more about, and make appointments with their booking agents. Sometimes I would need tickets to certain showcases so I would have to arrange for those, too.
Julian Gargiulo performing at Carnegie Hall
I was very fortunate that Julian’s agent invited me to attend his performance at Carnegie Hall which is just blocks from the hotel. When I saw him perform, he was so talented but extremely personable, too. I met him later at the agent’s booth. We weren’t able to get him for the following season, but a few seasons later, we booked him for our stage as well as some educational performances for the schools.
Julian and me in 2018Me and Julian after the performance January 2024
So this weekend I got out of my snug little huddle on the sofa and dragged myself into the arts center to see Julian for the third time. He’s added more to his performance, including a new digital real-time view of his keyboard work. Telling amusing stories about his kids and introducing his father who was accompanying him on this tour. I bought a new CD after the show and asked for a photo. He actually remembered me! Which was so nice of him to say. I’ve been retired from the performing arts business for several years now, but I’m still a huge fan and supporter. Despite the dreadfully cold weather, I am so glad that I made the effort to get out for some live entertainment. It’s just too easy to remain a slug at home. I hope you all can get out to support the arts in your area. There is probably much more going on than you realize. You don’t know what you’re missing.
About two thirds of all American households have at least one pet. We have had many and various pets over the years, often more than one at a time. Dogs, cats, a bird, chickens, fish, frogs and toads, snakes, tortoises, snails, crabs, and those are just those I can remember off hand. Some only stay awhile but some have lived here for years, like our previous cat who lived to age twenty-two. And she was an outdoor cat, too. Currently we have two pets, a lively border collie (high energy, very smart but also stubborn), and Leo the cat who has appeared in previous postings.
Leo was a gift from my son who had a litter of strays delivered in the window well of his house. I wasn’t really interested in another pet at the time, but he’s definitely grown on us. He’s an indoor/outdoor cat and has grown to be a pretty big boy from the tiny kitten we adopted. He sleeps all day in his special spot and prowls around outdoors all night. And he’s always ready to explore his food bowl but won’t touch any people food or live prey. All food must come from a box or a can. A teense spoiled but really, how much can one cat eat?
Earlier this week I noticed that he didn’t seem his usual self. He was slinking around the house, hiding under the furniture. Just acting different. Then he began yowling. So I took him to the vet and they quickly diagnosed him with a UTI, in this case, crystals forming in the bladder. That’s a little bit personal but I don’t think he’ll read this. A little minor surgery and a few days at the vet’s for some care. I picked him up yesterday with heavy rain and wind gusts heading our way. He yowled all the way home.
It’s funny how quiet and empty the house felt with one little fur boy absent. Even my husband noticed the difference. Those of you who have pets know what a hole they leave when they’re not around.
Anyway, everything seems to be on the mend. Although Leo definitely does not like the new food that was prescribed. He’s been outside a few times but with the artic air rolling in, seems content to sleep in the warm cellar (or on my lap).
So that’s what is happening on the home front here in the deep freeze. Hug your pets for me. We all could use a little TLC now and again.
Leo taking center stage in the middle of the living room.
Posted onNovember 26, 2023|Comments Off on 125th Annual Juried Show – Richmond Art Museum
McGuire Hall, Richmond Art Museum, Richmond, Indiana.
I mentioned in a post a few years ago (October 2019) that my high school alma mater is in Richmond, Indiana. It is a beautiful and stately old school with many new additions over the years. What most people don’t realize is that it is one of the few public high schools in the country that has it’s own art museum attached.
As a student there, I walked past famous paintings every day on my way to class in the arts wing. I thought that every high school had an art museum. I didn’t learn until much later how unusual this situation was. I’m sure that walking through beautiful McGuire Hall had a definite impact on my eventual career path. It was very inspiring seeing real paintings by William Merritt Chase and T.C. Steele on a daily basis.
Richmond Art Museum still receives enormous community support. They are currently celebrating their 125th annual juried exhibition for artists living in Indiana and Ohio. I am very pleased to report that I had both of my entries accepted into this prestigious show. The two paintings are The Golden Marble and Leo’s Muse which I’ve discussed in earlier posts.
Leo’s Muse, final, acrylic on canvas, 23K gold leaf, sterling silver leaf, 16 x 16, Kit MiracleThe Golden Marble, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 24. 23K gold leaf and sterling silver leaf. Kit Miracle
If you’d like to see the paintings in person and many other beautiful works, the exhibit runs through January 6th, 2024. The museum is located on the north end of Richmond High School on Hub Etchinson Parkway where there is public parking. Admission is free. Feel free to stop in, see the exhibit and some of the artwork on display in the other galleries. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 to 5; closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays. Call 765-996-0256 for more information.
Posted onNovember 7, 2023|Comments Off on Feature article in Southern Indiana Living Magazine
My work is featured in the November- December issue of Southern Indiana Living Magazine. Thanks to the wonderful write up by Judy Cato, she’s managed to condense forty years into two pages – with pictures! Thanks so much, SILM and Judy. Check it out here, pages 18-19.
A couple of weeks ago I jokingly claimed that people around here had to keep their car doors locked in the summer to prevent good-intentioned neighbors from leaving bags of zucchini in them. Zucchini are prolific, in case you don’t know.
But a few days later, I found myself foisting off some fresh-picked tomatoes on a visiting neighbor. He wasn’t unhappy about it as he doesn’t have a garden this year, but it gave me pause. This is what gardeners do. What we love to do, i.e., share our bounty. Although our garden area is much reduced this year, I still love to share.
A few years ago, I did a painting of my grandmother who so generously shared her garden bounty, too. You never left her house empty-handed.
Generosity, 24 x 18, oil on canvas, Kit Miracle artist
The painting depicts her holding an armful of, what? Probably turnips but it could have been tomatoes or peppers or just about anything. The original photo was black and white. The dress was typical summer attire, homemade with no pattern. She just laid out an old dress on the fabric and cut around it. Something I would never be confident enough to try, but grandma worked in an underwear factory during WWII, cutting out fifty layers of long johns at a time. A simple housedress could be whipped up in no time. On her Singer peddle sewing machine. Which I now use as a bedside table. Memories.
Anyway, if someone offers you an armful of fresh garden produce this summer, take it. Even if you don’t like turnips, you’ll be perpetuating the nearly lost act of sharing what we have with fellow human beings. It’s worth reminding ourselves that caring for others reflects well on all of us eventually.
Libraries have been a big part of my life since our family made weekly visits when I was little. A local library has always been a criteria for every place I’ve ever moved. I even worked in my college library. Today’s libraries provide services far beyond just lending printed materials and have become hubs of their communities.
In the past few years when we were dealing with COVID, and while the main library was being rebuilt, the little Birdseye Library played an even more important role in its community. The town population is only about 445, but the library provides services to patrons from two adjoining counties (Perry and Crawford) due to its location on the border.
Although I’m not sure if it qualifies as the smallest library in the state, at only about 500 sq ft, it has to be close. As a branch library, it probably doesn’t meet the criteria for smallest, but physically it’s pretty little.
Opening in 2012, the Birdseye Public Library is in the former town hall building, adjacent to the railroad tracks on 145. The vibrant flowers planted by the library staff add to the beauty of the town.
The library is only open for two and a half days per week but it has a dedicated staff. AmyJo is the Branch Manager, Pat, Mary, and Craig are part-timers. Craig is very helpful, especially with technical issues. Most of the staff split their time at the other branch libraries, too.
A multitude of services and programs are provided for patrons. Large print books and videos are two of the most popular items borrowed. There is a good selection of children’s books, magazines, electronic launch pads, and current best sellers. Books from other branch libraries are available and can be delivered to the Birdseye branch within a couple of days. Computers, printers, games, puzzles are also available.
Dinosaur Mountain meets the electric train in this photo. The librarians frequently change out special displays and activities for all ages.
Sitting only a few yards from the tracks, trains pass by frequently throughout the day. AmyJo, daughter of a train man, says she doesn’t even notice the sound but it can be unnerving for newcomers.
A Blessing Box sits behind the library. This is another free service to the local community. Food and goods donated by local businesses are made available to all. Free Wi-Fi is also available so the parking lot is often filled, especially during the school year when families bring their kids to do homework in their cars. Most households in this area do not have internet services.
The Summer Reading Program with crafts and activities for all ages began on May 30th and runs through July. From a ventriloquist to a juggler, Professor Steve (science programs) to a balloon creator, and animal handlers of all kinds, entertainment is provided at the shelter house at Birdseye Town Park. These free programs count towards the reading program’s log of activities. Patrons submit the list of activities that they’ve participated in at the end of the season, where they are eligible to win prizes of all types from an inflatable kayak to camping equipment, bicycles to games, train rides and tickets to amusement parks, and so much more. Prizes are made possible by donations from local businesses.
Meet a real desert fox brought by Silly SafarisAnd a great horned owlPet a miniature pony.Feed a goatMake a craftHear silly jokes from the ventriloquist.Volunteer Fireman Clint Cummings explains all the workings of the firetruck.And who doesn’t want to operate a fire hose, with the help of Volunteer Firewoman Kelly Zehr?
The smallest library in Indiana has a pretty big impact on its community. What is happening at your local library?
I'm a professional artist, retired director of a performing arts center, bona fide book addict, and enjoy the quiet life...most of the time. I'd love to hear from you or get your ideas for future posts. Come back soon!
I'm a professional artist, retired director of a performing arts center, bona fide book addict, and enjoy the quiet life...most of the time. I'd love to hear from you or get your ideas for future posts. Come back soon!
my90acres 