Friday, September 13, 2013

Falling Forward

As we northern Californians transition from summer into fall, we often hear that there are no real seasons here. The seasons are real, they are subtle. Brown leaves cover the sidewalk gutters, the hillsides have turned golden. There is a dry wind which adds a sense of danger because it means any small ember can erupt into a raging fire, such as the recent Yosemite "Rim Fire," burning wildlife habitat, homes built into the hillsides, and redwoods alike (the picture below was taking on August 26 at a campground about 80 miles north of Yosemite--as the crow flies).

Oh yes, we have seasons: the fire season that comes from August through October is very much a part of what all Californians know intimately.






For this season's Artist Trading Cards (hosted at ATCSforall.com, there are a number of swaps featuring the fall's festivals, including Mabun and Samhain (Celtic festivals) and Day of the Dead. I've finished cards for Mabon (May-bun). I've also finished a series on Picasso, using "Pieces of Guernica" to inspire me. Pablo's 1939 painting reflects the horror of a strafing of the northern Spanish town of Guernica (GuerNIca) which had been a stronghold of the Republican forces fighting the fascist Franco during the Spanish Civil War. The Germans and Italians joined with Franco to carry out this attack on civilians to the world's shock and horror; in many ways, it was a prelude of what would come during World War II. War, no matter where it is fed, always aims at civilians; we mustn't delude ourselves that only soldiers are the ones who are impacted by battle. Picasso really understood this.



Sunday, June 2, 2013

Back to ATCs

After a year and a half of not drawing, collaging, or doing artist-trading-cards, I suddenly jumped back in. Well, not suddenly. Friends started asking if I was drawing any more, and I realized I missed this most meditative of my activities, and took up my pens and water-color pencils. Art asks nothing of me. I have no ambitions for my drawings other than to enjoy doing them and showing them off sometimes. It's so different than how I experience my writing or poetry. Refreshingly simple.

So here are some recent ATCs, sent off to the far corners of the country and the world. These were done for a swap to feature Native American themes. I chose to use words from Native poems or quotes from Native chieftains.

And yet, there is only one great thing. The only thing: to live to see in huts and on journeys the great day that dawns and the light that fills the world. -- Inuit Song



As my eyes search the prairie, I feel the summer in the spring. - Chippewa song

How lovely are thy holy groves God of heaven and earth. My soul longs and faints for the circle of they trees. My heart and my flesh sing with joy to thee O God of life. - Chinook psalter

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the morning light for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself. - Tecumseh

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