Phoenix Guitar

Finished last weekend...the beads added an exponential level of complexity.  I had no idea what I was getting into!

Suncatcher Mosaics Class

There's still room in this class at ArtFusion 19464 (Formerly Gallery School of Pottstown):

Suncatcher Mosaics
This is a mosaic/stained glass hybrid. Using the direct method of mosaics, create a glass-on-glass suncatcher with soldered edges. First class will be cutting the glass base and stained glass pieces and then gluing the pieces on the base. Second class will continue cutting and gluing. Third class will be grouting and the fourth class will be soldering on a loop and tinning the edges.

4 Wednesdays - March 6, 13, 20 & 27. 6-9 pm first 2 classes, 6-8 pm second 2 classes.
http://artfusion19464.org/

Spirit Bears & Tar Sands

So, what do these photographs have in common?  The Canadian Tar Sands debacle!  The bear is spirit bear, not a polar bear.  And yes it is a real bear, a sub-species of the black bear that lives only on the northwest coast of Canada.  The crude oil extracted from the tar sands, which is extracted by strip mining, is made to flow using steam or solvents and the Canadian government has approved the Enbridge Northern gateway pipeline to the coast.  This pipeline goes through the spirit bear territory and First Nations lands.  Tankers will come in through tortuous channels among numerous islands to ship off the oil.  But they insist there will be no problems with leaks or spills...Do You Believe Them?  I for one Do Not.  Check out the history for yourself.

Another project is the Keystone XL pipeline which will transport the oil from Canada to Texas over    the Ogallala aquifer.  Many, many reasons why all this is a bad idea...I won't go into them here but I will encourage those who read this to learn more.  My background is in geology and I worked as a  professional hydrogeologist for 17 years.  I do feel I have the knowledge to know this is not the direction to go and feel the need to educate folks about it.

50,000 people came from all over the country yesterday on buses and trains to Washington D.C. to urge President Obama to not allow the Keystone XL pipeline project.  He has the power to stop it. Chief Jackie Thomas, of the Siak'uz First Nation, Yinka Dene Alliance of Nations (“People of the Earth”):, spoke last at the  rally.   "The Yinka Dene Alliance of British Columbia is seeing the harm from climate change to our peoples and our waters.  We see the threat of taking tar sands out of the Earth and bringing it through our territories and over our rivers. The harm being done to people in the tar sands region can no longer be Canada’s dirty secret. We don’t have the billions of dollars that industry has. But we do have our faith that people will do the right thing to protect Mother Earth. The Forward on Climate Rally shows that we are not alone in the fight to stop tar sands expansion and tackle climate change." 

She affected me deeply when she ended with the statement that she is prepared to stop the bulldozers and put her life on the line to stop them.

So, the spirit bear mosaic is my way of bringing some attention to the issue.  You can see the spirit bear mosaic in person at the Diving Cat Studio in Phoenixville, PA!

Still room in this class!!

Classes at Methacton School District - Arcola Intermediate School, 4001 Eagleville Rd Eagleville, PA 19403:

 

Beginning Mosaics

Learn the indirect method of mosaics. Choose from provided design patterns or create your own. We will work with vitreous glass, stained glass and mirror. Create an 8 x 10 inch mosaic suitable for framing. First two classes will be learning to cut glass and laying out the pieces on contact paper. Third class will be finishing laying out design and adhering the mosaic to backerboard using thin-set mortar. The last class will be grouting. Materials fee of $40 per student due first night of class and payable to instructor.
Arcola, Room 145, 6 - 9 p.m.Mondays (4 weeks) Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 25
Cost: $65 www.methacton.org
 

Mosaic house

  

I thought  this was the coolest!  It's outside of Reading PA.  Very tastefully done...quite a feat for a Victorian house!

It's foggy out but the sun is shining here!

Latest suncatcher...tried something new with the blue background.  I like it!  Comments welcome.  This one is going to the Adirondaks with me.

Well, I just loved this photo of Markie and the purple moon mosaic suncatcher!

So, it's a New Year - time for a new goal. My former goal of a mosaic a week was derailed by neck and arm pain which turned out to be arthritis in my neck.  After many physical therapy sessions and the discovery of Anatabloc, a plant based anti-inflammatory that really works, I am back to doing as much mosaic work as time permits.  Only now, there is not as much time!  

Now, instead of an open house in April, I am thinking of a holiday open house after Thanksgiving.  So, keep it in mind, and think about bringing your gift list!