Tipi

Tipi = Lakota thi for 'to dwell' + pi for 'they dwell'

After our trip through Montana I was inspired by the beautifully patterned tipis that I saw everywhere but because the month of September is so busy with ARTember, I thought it might be nice to work small for awhile.  The past few days I've been preparing 6x6 inch canvases and these tiny tipis were born...still have two dozen left to work on and I'm so excited.

There are certainly challenges to working small, having to use smaller brushes and tools while keeping visual interest in the work itself.  I like the challenges.  And these small works are also very pleasant for me as I can use my pochade and work almost anywhere.

These pieces feel like little sanctuaries or sacred and holy places to me.  Because I have moved a lot in my life, and have experienced many ups and downs (haven't we all?), I have always enjoyed the idea of making my home wherever my immediate family is...my husband and daughters...and love to surround myself with certain items that make a house become my home.

They also represent the heart to me...that dwelling place, a safe haven where you store all your special memories...the things that give you absolute and complete joy.

What do you carry in your heart?  What would you put in your tipi?