bugs

One of the things my family and I love to do when we’re at my mother’s is to go to the vide greniers (flea markets). There is a schedule of which town will have one each weekend, some are bigger than others (the one in my mother’s village is especially large and includes a horse fair), or are near friends, but they all are equally likely to have some fabulous thing that we never knew we wanted until we see it.

I especially love ephemera and old documents, and am always surprised at the range of things in the stalls. These bugs and the little girl with her bunnies that I found last time are keeping me happily distracted from some technical difficulties I’m having that are interfering with production. Like many people I love creating and get frustrated with any problems that arise after I make something (and I’m a total chicken when it comes to selling). So, what a good time to get out some bits and pieces and think of what to make next.

bath

I am starting up a few new lines of works including several series of cards so I'm looking through vintage photos like the one above – what a darling with her curly mop.

I spent the day with a friend who lives in an artist colony created from a group of old industrial buildings, what a fantastic thing to be part of. The energy there is great, and how nice to have so many people around for collaborations. Art can be such a solitary pursuit, but seeing and talking about people’s work is so energizing. I have been lucky enough to be part of a creative group for a few years now, it is so helpful to have someone else look at what I’m doing to see what I cannot. And to mention that I have neglected my blog.