Mandala XCI

(Above: Mandala XCI.  Custom framed. 18 1/4" x 18 1/4" when hung as a square; 26" x 26" when hung as a diamond.  Found objects hand-stitched to a block of a vintage quilt. Found objects include: a brass part of a lamp; palmetto tree charms salvaged from old South Carolina Department of Commerce awards; laminated Tampa Nugget cigar bands; gold colored salt and pepper shaker tops; owl-eyed paper clips; beer bottle caps; wavy hair curlers; small brushes for applying medical eye ointment; red triangular plastic corners used to protect a beveled mirror while in transit; and buttons.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

Plenty has happened during the week since I last posted.  Not only have I finished this small Found Object Mandala, but I've participated in a local, outdoor art sale and picked up a broken Steinway piano to salvage for parts.  I've almost finished another, large Found Object Mandala and another 2D piece.  Most importantly, I learned that my work has been accepted into the 2022 Smithsonian Craft Show, April 20 - 24.  Of course, I'm over the moon about this!

(Above:  Detail of Mandala XCI.)

Two exhibitions also opened last Friday night.  One was the 701 CCA South Carolina Biennial here in Columbia, SC.  The other was an invitational show called Unraveled Recollections at The Vendue, an art hotel in Charleston, SC.  Then, there is my "day job" keeping me busy.  The week before a holiday is always busier than normal for anyone working as a custom picture framer!  I really do enjoy being busy, but sometimes I must prioritize the tasks at hand.  Blogging unfortunately isn't at the top of the list, but I will be posting again soon.  Why?  Well, Steve and I are blissfully not doing anything for Thanksgiving Day!

(Above:  Mandala XCI, hung as a square.)

Okay ... that's not entirely true!  Steve found an eleven pound turkey to cook for the occasion.  I plan on stitching and blogging while Steve prepares our feast!