While I was working with a group of high school students I decided to create an altered book that focused on Gratitude and used minimal materials - black gesso, acrylic paint and recycled board books.

Cow parsnip has an interesting history with its Latin name, Heracleum lanatum, referring to Hercules because of its large size.  Though it isn't really used in modern herbalism, North American tribes used it medicinally for poultices to treat bruises, minor cuts and toothache while the leaves were used as a tea for tonic to treat colds, sore throats, cramps and rheumatism.   The roots were often crushed and mixed with water to treat dandruff.  Apparently the root is currently being investigated for its use in treating psoriasis, leukemia and AIDS.  The plant is also known as Indian Celery or Indian Rhubarb as the Blackfoot roasted the young spring stalks for food and the stalks are used in the Sun Dance Ceremony.  The plant has been used to create whistles, flutes, straws, yellow dye, and mosquito repellant.  Because of its similarity to the poisonous Water Hemlock, caution is highly recommended.

My heart is full of gratitude today...for Karen & Rick and this opportunity to share my work at the Daffodil Gallery, for Jessica Heine and her beautiful, beautiful voice, for the lovely people who attended and who support me in attempts, for meeting a wonderful old friend again, and for the people and place that inspires this work. 

Over the years I have gathered quotes that inspire me and when I was given this book to recycle I felt that it was a perfect opportunity to create artwork inspired by my inspiration.

Over the past five years I have had the great privilege of sharing my love of art with many kids.  We've experimented with many materials - from murals on canvas, wood & walls, clay, printmaking, charcoal, acrylic and watercolour paint to a variety of media including plaster and found (or salvaged) objects.  The greatest thrill is to see them fully engaged in the process of creativity and to see their faces light up when they create something totally individual and unique to them.  If I would have been told many years ago that I would love working with kids I probably would have laughed, but I really do. 

Plus, whenever I ask if there are any questions, the responses are always priceless:
"I love your shirt, you look so artish."
"How old are you?"
"I want to live with you forever and ever and ever."
"You always say there are no mistakes in art."
"I can sing...aaaaaaaa!"
"You're not boring."
"You are the best artist I ever met and you are the only artist I ever met."

Old Man's Whiskers, which is also known as Prairie Smoke, is a perennial wildflower that grows long and feathery as it matures.  The roots have been boiled to create a weak tea substitute while a strong decoction was used to treat severe coughs and fevers, as an eye wash, or mouthwash for sore throats.  The roots were also infused in oil to create a salve to treat rashes, blisters and open wounds.  A brew was often used in sweat lodges as a body wash for aches and pains.

21 SECRETS 2014 Flashback Sale!

21 SECRETS is a fun and inspiring approach to learning art journaling techniques, proccesses, and methods from a team of diverse teachers without ever leaving home! This downloadable 150 + pages eBook is packed with videos, full color photos, and loads of instruction that is all yours to keep and access any time you wish!

During these four days you can purchase the 21 SECRETS 2014 eBooks at 40% off:

Friday, June 5, 2015 at 2:00 am PST
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Monday, June 8, 2015 at 8:30pm PST
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SALE PRICE OF EACH WORKSHOP: $58
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Working with a group of young students, I wanted to instill the idea of taking reclaimed materials that might otherwise end up in the trash and turning them into beautiful works of art. The theme for these altered books was 'The Story of You' and this is my interpretation.