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Wednesday, December 01, 2010

A Couple of Announcements


Well, 3 announcements I think. First is the announcement that in March I'll be heading south to Malibu, California for a journaling class here (the classroom has a view of the ocean!). My friend Gina is sponsoring this gathering and I'm really looking forward to meeting new and old friends there and enjoying the beautiful setting. Gina proposed this idea right after Journalfest and I quickly agreed. Journaling for me is the foundation for all I do; art, manifesting dreams, keeping my spirits high through disappointment, staying focused, developing ideas and trying new techniques. With two days to delve deeply into the subject I expect to be able to pass along many of my discoveries to you.


My Thanksgiving was perfect. I'm filled with gratitude to have good eyes, a voice with which to communicate and a healthy body after so many years on the planet. I have always felt driven by something; time I suppose, time that is short and will run out for me eventually. But until it does I am deeply, deeply grateful.


Here is the indian corn John grew this year, removed from the cobs and gently boiled in cal (slaked lime). It is a process discovered by native peoples in central mexico and called nixtamalization.


Isn't it beautiful? And tastes so amazing. Like corn nuts - a powerful beautiful flavor. I learned about slaked lime when I was doing research for the plaster book. More on that in a moment.


Here are some of the fat squash harvested from the garden. I need to get out and get more pictures for you. We've had our killing frost now (and even some snow) so the garden has been put to bed for the winter. Sleeping under a soft covering of thankful prayers for its recent bounty.


And since winter slipped in early on us and our weather is supposed to be good for the next little while I've decided to have the January wax class on the weekend of Dec. 11-12. There are 2 spots left and the information is here if you would like to join us. It will be March or April before I have the next wax class so this will be your last chance for an early Christmas present.


Here are a couple of waxy samples left in the studio following the most recent wax class here. Yummy yummy wax.


Last but certainly not least my editor has given me permission to unveil the cover of the book (THE BOOK!!!!!!) Plaster Studio. Amazon doesn't have a picture of the cover yet but I do and here it is.

And now to go and prepare the studio for a house guest. My strategy this winter is not to get too lonely or isolated. I find that can be very depressing. It's such a balancing act to have quiet time to work and yet to stay connected to others. Maybe this winter I'll finally get it right.

xo

21 comments:

dorylyn said...

I wish I didn't live so far away but I am so excited about THE BOOK!!! and the cover is beautiful!

jill nalette said...

oh wow! again love the photos! the indian corn picture is beautiful, with all those colors. A book....i can not wait to get my hands on a copy!!
i love you sweet judy and if i lived closer i would be joining you in your studio for a class!
xo and smiles~ jill

Sharon Lovejoy said...

The corn, the art, the slaked lime (what the h is it), the joy, the BOOK COVER!!! HURRAH! You did it.

I so wish I could take a class. I am the most uptight art person in the world. I've been thinking of getting hypnotized so that I can let down my hair.

Love, love,

Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

Rebecca Anthony said...

your journal pages amaze me every time!!

kluless said...

Congratulations on the book!! I just have to ask... how did research for the book involve processing indian corn?

Anonymous said...

Wow, the book cover looks great Judy. And your work all of it, makes me smile and smile. Thanks for just being you. xox Corrine

Unknown said...

Your posts and your art are always so inspirational to me. I hear ya about the gratefulness and the balance...thank you! Oh yes and your book cover is beautiful...I can't wait to get my copy!

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

I have your book saved in my wishlist until it's release, so exciting! Your post is so uplifting, savouring life.

Katherine said...

Oh my goodness...THE BOOK!!! How exciting. I cannot wait to get my hands on that one!

Jan's Art and Musings said...

Judy, I signed up for the Malibu class this morning. I'm soooo excited to meet you.

Dawn D. Sokol said...

Congrats on that book, Judy! SO exciting!

Lynn Cohen said...

Judy there is so much beauty on this post! Wow!!! How do you get that clarity on the photo with your hand in the corn kernals I wonder? So beautiful. They shine!

Mega congrats on the book publishing! The cover is intriquing. I am sure I will want a copy. So happy for you!

Thanks for sharing so much of your artwork and yourself. I feel so gifted to know you this way.

Wishing you a warm and comfy winter, may you find your balance point and feel inner peace throughout.

Happy Holidays.

Clare Wassermann said...

I'm looking forward to getting my paws on the book. I love your comment about the garden in its winter state x

Stephanie Lee said...

Your head is probably the most amazing place I could think of to vacation. I want in and i want a souvenir!! :) You have the rockin'est plans here! I want in on all of it. I'm so excited you are so full of vim and vigor. Someone needs to be to eat all of that amazing food your beloved brings forth. Sigh.
miss you way too much.

Ruth Armitage said...

Wow! Congratulations... that cover makes me drool for the release of the book :) I envy those luckies who are going to study the lovely, lusterous wax with you in Dec. What a perfect way to keep artistic juices flowing during the holidays.

I think you may have found a wonderful way to balance quiet private time with keeping company with kindred spirits :) Cheers to you and a happy winter!

Anonymous said...

So many exciting things happenning in your back yard, front yard and in faraway yards...it was so awesome to get to know you Miss Judy and I wish you a wonderful year, it must be with all of this going on....XOXOrly

Anonymous said...

Oh I can not wait for the book. I am making a plan to come to your encaustics class AND your Malibu classes. The squash reminded my of my mom's garden. I love squash!!!

Susan said...

Hi Judy: I have never posted a comment on your blog before (maybe once?), but I have been following you ever since I took your "Expressive Faces" class with you at the first Squam Art Workshop (in 2008?). I love your spirit and blog and artwork. I was sending you good vibes as you dealt with your health issues. I remember once you thanked people for their well wishes - even the silent ones. I just want you to know I was one of the silent ones who was thinking of you and sending you healing thoughts, and I would like to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season this year (and into the next...)! Thank you for adding beauty and light to the world. xo, Susan

lynda Howells said...

I can hardly wait for your plaster book to come out..l have been experimenting with plaster for ages...so l am really looking forward to reading your bk. The cover looks gorgeous. Well done for all the work you both put into itxxxYour corn looks so beautifulxxkeep well and safexxlyndax

Seth said...

The cover of your books is fantastic. A work of art! You must be so very excited.

Melinda B. said...

Wow Judy this is exciting. I can't wait for the book. And I can't wait to come for another weekend of wax, art and friendship. I'm working on my art journal...working on my understanding and use of color.

Melinda Bbbbbbbbbbbbbb