Bugs and Other Beauties

An artist found my blog recently so I visited hers. That's what it's all about, right? The serendipity about this unexpected encounter is that she loves bugs too! Bugs and bees and plants and trees! Her eye is spiritual, and if you want a few nature hallelujahs, enjoy The Nature Art and Photography of Carolyn Hietala from Richmond, Virginia. That's the name of her website. Whew! Be patient. Scroll down. Don't miss the salamander on the fall leaves. Or the moth pupa paintings. She has a few other blogs I haven't looked at yet. I'll be taking my time with this one for a while.

Speaking of art, I had a joyful lunch at Mary's house last week and finally had the pleasure of eying her water paintings in person. These works are beautifully depicted on her blog, a testament to the wonders of digital photography and backlit computer monitors. But I have to say, seeing them up close and personal surpassed my expectations. Who doesn't relate to water? It's what we are. And there's an immediate connection to these works, a drawing in, a pull to touch. Mary's also done some beautiful charcoal sketches of the tides which I thought were ancient Japanese prints. And an early attempt at a surf painting in the bathroom illustrates the trick-the-eye effect that painting requires to represent the real thing. Mary's works always strike me with awe in that way: up close suggesting the subtle techniques that miraculously a step back appear as exact as nature itself. It is a privileged experience to feel that intimate with her work. Pay close attention to her recent post (Oct. 26) and the way two separate pieces on the top form a continuous vision in different shades. The dichotomy of the respect for natural beauty in its simulation.

Look at me. All this aht (as my people pronounce it). Speaking of aht and the Boston accent, I'd like to say that I've seen Lisa Strout's latest mosaics, but she's in Portland now. I haven't seen her in more than a year. She's updated her website (tilefishart.com) and it's obvious she's been hahd at werk, right Lisa? Do NOT miss the no calorie chocolates and the mosaic pillows. Lisa is a natural artist, someone who can't contain her creativity, has to act on most of her artistic impulses, and definitely does things her own way. She's a rolling stone, who in school was probably the kind of kid your mothers told you to avoid. Lucky the ones who didn't listen to their moms. All that self expression, and believe me, Lisa never lets convention get in the way of self expression. Or a good time. You'll see it. I haven't caught up with Lisa in a while. We're supposed to talk a little more about the four chapters I sent her, but we're so singularly sucked in, we artists. Aren't we?

It's ok, too. I'm working through them as though just knowing she read them inspired improvements.