Making Time

The week has been a blur of preparations for teaching. I have been putting in the hours to make sure all is in readiness for Art and Soul. But tonight there was a small break to visit friends; two interesting people who also have many irons in the fire. The etching above was done by Gene Flores as part of his series of Loteria cards. Gene is a teacher and master printmaker. I have introduced you to his work before but this visit brought a new surprise.

Joan is a wonderful gardener and a "sometimes" artist. But look what she has been up to lately. She took us up to her sewing studio and showed us the work she has been doing based on some of Gene's designs. These photos only give you a rough idea of the tiny pieces of fabric and the intricate craftsmanship that has gone into these quilts. They are stunning.

The next few photos were taken in Gene's studio and show his etch press and some of his printmaking tools.

Long ago and far away I had a 12 year affair with oily tarletons, gel rollers and paint thinner. It was an enchanted period.

Now I admire from afar and applaud the work of younger talents like Gene. He spins legends and wonders out of his imagination and brings them to life for us to enjoy.

His work disturbs me in the most wonderful way. It's the oogly-boogly part of the imagination that shows us a world beyond our comprehension and that is part of life too.

Meanwhile, Gene is a earthy man who loves to garden and cook. Tonight he cooked these things for us.

Chili Colorado, Chili Verde, Mole, beans, rice, homemade flour tortillas, homemade ice cream and fall raspberries from his lovely garden.

No matter how wound up I get in my own plans and work, a visit with friends makes time stand still and soothes my spirit. We had calm weather and sunshine today; a golden fall sunset and a little time in the studio to play in my journal. This was a good day.