My Art - my design - my life

Here are a couple my art pieces I've recently finished. My design is original





- just like my life (all of ours no doubt)
These plates are finished and usually available in whatever configuration might be called for.

But 'finished' is the operative word. Everything is actually a work in progress. I'm always working on a number of things at the same time. This is a sampling of what you will see when you find me at a show or call to place an order. Switch plates are familiar to anyone who's been following my work over the last few years. Especially the copper plates.

Virtually all of what I do I do in either copper, brass with interesting patina or stainless steel. Usually I incorporate delicate wire work and various other embellishments reflecting the natural surroundings in rural Ohio.

The brass plate shown here (the yellow metal) is a one-of-a-kind piece. It hasn't been graduated to the production stage - meaning this is the only one. And will probably stay that way. Unless I can get a lot quicker getting similar one's finished. If you're interested please call or, you'll know when you see it on etsy or at a show.

This particular plate as well as the copper Gingko plates have to a certain degree an asian influence.

The Gingko leaf has always been a favorite of mine - and many others - for it's undeniable loveliness - it's grace and strength.
It's not uncommon to see Gingko leaves in ancient art work like that originating in Japan or other asian cultures. Not only has the Gingko been long recognized for it's aesthetic qualitiy but, interestingly it is the only tree species that is gendered. There are male and female Gingko's trees.

The Gingko's longevity is, at least as much as it's aesthetic qualities, cause for reverence. I It has been told to me that the Gingko has existed unchanged on earth since the beginning of life as we know it.

It has a certain continuity not found among any other species botanical or biological. Despite whatever has come or gone the Gingko stays the same. I like that idea- consistency.

The most current rendition of my work depicting the Gingko leaf - the one shown here- has an actual leaf embedded beneath the copper. Each one is as original as the leaf itself.


Once the plates are on the wall they're surprisingly noticeable considering the fairly small footprint they occupy. Maybe they get noticed because they're unexpected.

They're original, understated, sophisticated, tasteful, hand-crafted and very much worth the money. And they're fairly priced.

Pieces like this are a great finish to a room remodel or a great place to start when looking for inspiration for a redo or just because, like most of us, you've got the flat, plastic conventional variety all over and you're ready to start paying attention to details.

After all, it seems to me the best part of life is in the details - in the little things.

Right now, my (hopefully) 'work in progress' is not so much the actual end product but a critical element of the process - so I can offer more work without being hold up in the studio 24/7. I'm getting ready to study the method of mold making called 'Cold Casting'. It's has exciting possibilities. I'm looking forward to getting started with it.

But until that's actually up and running every single piece I show is entirely hand-crafted - and original. (Except I let the machine work be done by the metal stamping plant. That way they're certain to fit your configuration.) I specialize in design and finishing. The original part won't change but my hands won't be required to work so long on every single piece. In most ways that's a good thing - in others maybe not - for everyone. But it means my time can be spent creating new stuff not just producing the same stuff.

And it'll give me time to pay attention to my health and just enjoy what the world has to offer in my neck of the woods. Me and Woof (my dog - he's in the picture up top) love walking in the park every day - but there are too many days when we're in show season that I can't get out of the studio to take care of what I need to. A story I'm sure is familiar to many, many studio artists.

Off to work! Off to walk and off to vote!

Tomorrow? I have more ideas in the works - another couple fairly sizable projects. Stop back - I'll tell you about them. Until then - have a great day!

If you're interested to see more plates or the rest of my stuff a fair amount of it is posted at: http://www.4impressions.etsy.com

Health Care - What is it President Obama?

Health reform is here - again. President Obama has declared America's health
care a critical challenge - deserving immediate legislative solutions.

But the very definition of 'Health' is at the heart of this debate is it not?
Are the band aids we've come to call health care (surgery & drugs) what we're
really fighting over? Or want?

This argument is not really about health - it is about the distribution and accumulation of wealth.

A truly healthier America cannot be achieved by looking at it through the narrow lens we're accustomed to or expecting this legislation will necessarily lead to a healthier America. We have become afraid of not having what these industries contribute to our health - or lack of.

Are we simply pawns in an economic power play?

It is an abtruse play between us, the American taxpayers, the pharmaceutical and insurance industries. It's a big fight - it's BIG money and it's our lives. We should make sure it plays out in our best interest - there's too much at stake. And we all deserve the best possible health care - at a price we can all afford.

To start, clarity about what we want and are willing,on a personal level, to
commit to would go a long way in solving our legislator's challenge. Do we
really want health or a simple solution like the ones the drug companies suggest
they've discovered and are perpetually uncovering to resolve yet another newly
defined disease?

Optimal health is more than a doctor writing prescriptions for the latest and
greatest drugs or performing the most extraordinary new surgeries. It is more than the insurance company deciding whether or not the cost will be covered.

Fundamentally, our desire for convenient, simple solutions and, immediate
gratification fuels the need for what we've come to call 'health care'. A pill is
easy. Fast food and convenience foods are easy - and simple in the short term.
Continuing to consider only the short term is not a solution. It is what brought us
to where we are now.

There's no doubt.

Where health is concerned America is in trouble.
Heart disease, cancers, diabetes, and obesity rates have soared - along with the cost of conventional treatment. Our country is much sicker now than ever.

To a large extent the state of our health is a result of the times we live in- and, not insignificantly our approach to health care. The world we live in today is not what it was 50 or 100 years ago. These diseases,this sickness is driving what we believe to be a need for health insurance as we know it. And are convinced we must have. It is as though we expect there is no choice but to become gravely ill. We are petrified to be without the insurance that will assure our care and financial survival.

We have choices.
Prevention is a choice. Wellness is achievable.
Preventing disease means learning and understanding what makes our bodies
work - and what makes them break down. Preventing the break down allows
good health - wellness.

This is health insurance worth fighting for.

We must each take responsibility to change what needs changed. Growing and
eating clean, healthy, nutritional foods. Walking, running, playing. i.e., exercise.
every day. And teaching each other and our children how to protect health
rather than feed ourselves and our children food that makes us unwell and
teaching practices that erode the healthy, vibrant, resiliant system we live in - our bodies.

Legislatively, the money we're arguing is important. It, for now. is a big ticket - it's a big job. But rather than allocating monies for one or another form of traditional insurance funds should be redistributed. Basic and catastrophic coverage for everyone. And an equal level committed to massive public health education initiatives. Educational programs focusing on nutrition and natural healing for health care providers, (M.D.'s included). Concurrent with school funding to teach children basic and ongoing nutritional mastery including the establishment and maintainence public gardens. Mandate and provide healthy, nutritional school lunches.

When we begin to teach each other and future generations how to best protect
their health through nutritition we'll have many fewer arguments about who should have the privilege of getting the latest and greatest heart meds or languish in the hospital or die prematurely from complications of obesity.

The argument we are engaged in now is not really about health -

it is about thedistribution of wealth. A truly healthy America cannot be achieved through legislation alone. We must open our minds about what precisely 'Health Care' means. And take action.

President Obama we elected you to make change. This is the change we need.

Summertime Treasure - healthy food & fun

Farmer's Markets are healthy food, summertime treasures! And we have the best in Ohio within arm's reach. Although we have plenty of land and a great garden I still love to shop the market - there's always good things we're not growing and produce that can't be had from the grocery. Enjoy yours - or visit ours. Sat. AM's on Shaker Blvd. @ Shaker Square. Half the market is edible & floral and the other half artists who create their own hand-crafted art wares. There's some great talent on show - But don't be late - it's all over by noon! Rain or shine. These are some photos of the market earlier this summer - it changes every week but it's always fun!

Personal Wellness - enjoying healthy food

Wellness, and healthy living by any definition requires good nutrition and healthy foods.

This is the season for easy, affordable, healthy living! Great food! Fruits, vegetables and long, sun filled days after the long slow, dormant season is past.

We're rewarded with the farmland's harvest of amazing fruits and vegetables - and Farmer's Markets for local, mostly organic wares. Our own garden has begun to be our sole source of so many varieties of extraordinary lettuce, tomatoes and just today, sugar snap peas. Oh, and then the green beans are amazing - what to do with so many is the only challenge.

Our own strawberries are finished for the season but I found a great recipe for a desert we all loved the first time I made it. Ours was a Birthday/family reunion/independence day celebration. Instead of the ice cream cake we used to indulge in we substituted this and were very happy. It's an ice cream cake for health minded people with a sweet tooth. For the rest of the season we'll just have to get our strawberries from the market. It's too good to miss! The recipe was originally published in Natural Health Magazine in the June '09 issue.

No-Bake Peach Berry & Yogurt Pie

I hope you & yours enjoy it too! ;-)!!

It only takes about 15 min. to put together and over night to freeze (or 4 hrs minimum)

It's easy: Because it's basic assembly - pre-made ingredients: low-fat yogurt, light whipped cream, and a graham cracker crust, plus irresistible peaches, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries.

It's good for you: Dark berries contain some of the highest antioxident content around, and light whipped cream and low-fat yogurt keep the fat and sugar down. Best to be careful to choose organic fruits - especially peaches and strawberries since conventionally grown have been found to have high pesticide loads. (Check EWG.org for a more complete list)

Recipe:
8 ozs. low-fat blueberry yogurt
8 ozs. low-fat srawberry yogurt
8 ozs. light whipped cream
2 cups mixed berries (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries in whatever combination you like)
1 9 inch graham cracker crust
4 ripe peaches, thinly sliced

1. In a large bowl, combine both yogurts and whipped cream. Add 1 cup of the mixed berries and fold in gently with a wooden spoon or spatula.

2. Spoon the yogurt-berry mixture into the crust and put in the freezer for at least 4 hours (freezing over night is ideal).

3. At least 15 minutes before serving, transfer the pie from the freezer to the refrigerator and let stand until soft enough to be sliced without effort. Top with remaining mixed berries and sliced peaches and serve (you can arrange the peach slices in a "fan" and place berries on top , if you like).

Per serving: 273 calories, 12.5 g fat (5g saturated), 37 g carbohydrates. 5 g protein. 3 g fiber. 10 mg sodium (7% daily value).

Wellness as Change

Wellness as change?
Losing a lot of weight, starting your own home based business, going to work for someone else; all can be a part of how to create the life you want, the life you love. Creating wellness - sometimes change is involuntary but always, the chance to begin anew. But success means accepting and embracing the unfamiliar, the unknown. Making changes. Being patient and taking action.

Looking up from the bottom of a deep ravine the climb can seem overwhelming . Although the journey might be difficult so too is continuing on a path that leads nowhere. A path that leads to illness, unhappiness or destruction of any other sort does not support wellness. It may however be the very path that leads to the acceptance of and even seeking change. However, without a substantial and intentional shift it does not guarantee success. Wellness will be elusive.

These well worn steps leading out of wooded valley seem a perfect metaphor for someone looking into the unknown - unable to see clearly what lies ahead. Or, imagine how exactly how to get to the intended destination. Just beyond these steps, out from under the wooded veil and unseen from below, lies a beautiful, lush green meadow where on this mid-summer afternoon we met a clear blue sky with gentle wisps of snow white clouds.

Corny. Kind of. Cliche' perhaps - but true.

That beautiful blue sky was what we met when stepping off the rise.
A perfect metaphor for the work and reward of resetting - in whatever way for whatever reason.

When intentional action is met with persistance and persaverance reward is certain.

It is the process that holds the greatest reward. Becoming stronger, more certain, wiser, focused, purposeful. Often overwhelm is the signal you're at the cusp of discovering something really worth your struggle.

Thoughts from some wise people:

"In times of change, learners inherit the
earth,while the learned find themselves
beautifully equipped to deal with a world that
no longer exists."
Eric Hoffer

"I have not failed.
I have successfully discovered
1,200 ideas that don't work."
Thomas Edison

"Success is the ability to go from failure
to failure without losing your enthusiasm."
Winston Churchill

Is there a moral to my ramblings? It is simple but not always easy.
Consistency and commitment bring the greatest rewards. Reward that may well exceed your expectations.

Hang on, keep going and keep growing. Keep looking - what you're looking for is waiting for you.

Leadership, training, belief and attitude are imperative.

Check out Ann Seig and Mike Klingler's contribution here @ Renegade University. It's full of incredible lessons for growing into today's world.