This week-end I visited the Sonoran Desert Museum to view the current exhibit by the Artists for Conservation – the world’s leading artist group dedicated to supporting conservation. Annually they present a juried exhibition and benefit titled “The Art of Conservation: an international exhibit of nature in art”. The event recognizes artists for their commitment, involvement and passion to artistic excellence coupled with conservation while directly supporting conservation organizations around the globe through the sale of their work.
While the entire show at the Desert Museum this year was quite stirring and beautiful, my favorites included an incredibly moving while warmly calming large oil painting by Kathleen Dunn titled Last Night with two owls; a smaller beautiful acrylic titled Black-throated Sparrows and Silver Leaf Sunray by Sharon Schafer; Migrating Cranes by Hans Kappel; Trumpeter Echelon by Gregory McHuron; and Robert Bateman’s capturing and alluring oil, Pacific Northwest Snow Laden Scene with a Pack of Seven Wolves.
While this visit was focused on the AFC exhibit, I, of course, had to take advantage of being there again and spend time throughout the museum’s renowned habitat and wildlife exhibits. The museum is an excellent avenue to gain acquaintance and a plethora of knowledge about the often hidden gifts of the quiet desert. If you plan a visit to Arizona, it is definitely a “must see” on your touring schedule. One could easily spend the better part of day to fully explore all they offer. For more information please visit www.desertmuseum.org.
If you’ve not yet visited the Artists for Conservation website (www.artistsforconservation.org), I invite you to take a few minutes and visit their website of diverse and talented international artists dedicated to wildlife and habitat conservation and outstanding artistic expression. I was juried into Artists for Conservation in 2011 and am delighted to be a part of their outstanding mission.
We are nearing the end of January. The stores have been displaying all the Valentine’s Day celebration cards and gifts for several weeks. Valentine’s Day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. Originally it was most often celebrated with hand-written notes of affection and love to another.
It seems to me, that it might also include a heightened awareness of the love of self – a necessary element and precursor to authentically loving the other. When we recognize the love we are as individuals, we can easily and beautifully extend love to others. One of the ways in which we can best love ourselves is to nourish ourselves – not necessarily with “things” but rather with a deep awareness of what our soul most longs to recognize and know. Sometimes this nudges us to do a little pruning and sometimes we may need to add something or grow in some manner. Giving attention to our own inner growth and health is always a valuable investment. When we consciously tend to our inner selves, we are simultaneously tending the world and our lovers and significant others wholeheartedly and fully.
One of the pieces in my collection of bronze art vessels, Nourished, is a vessel for lovers. The foliage on this piece is more subtle and the tree trunks/bark are much more dramatic than on other pieces in my collection of artwork. The bark is that which is presented to the world – the color, if you will, of the tree – and that which protects it. Our best protection of ourselves is to protect ourselves through caring for ourselves tenderly and lovingly. The outer bark of the tree protects it so that the inner sap can flow freely. Likewise, if we protect ourselves through caring for ourselves, our inner bark – our love – can flow much more freely. The negative space on Nourished, in many places is in the subtle shape of the heart. It is not obvious when first looking at the piece, but with closer examination one can quickly find many heart-shaped openings in the piece. The essence of the piece is the invitation to mirror the tree’s wisdom – care for ourselves so our love can flow freely. In giving attention to what our soul needs most – nourishing ourselves – we are able to be and give love beautifully and authentically.
Perhaps you might write your own Valentine’s Day sentiment to yourself and to your loved one this year. There is nothing more meaningful than a hand-written note of love and affection. Or, if your budget allows, you might consider the gift of a piece of fine art sculpture, in a limited edition of bronze. My limited edition of the bronze vessel, Nourished, expresses love and marriage in the deepest sense. Regardless of your manner of celebration, may love flow freely through you extending beautifully to your loved ones this Saint Valentine’s Day – and always.
I send each of you warmest greetings for the wonderful year of 2012. As I write, for those of you in the Christian tradition, the twelve days of Christmas continue to be upon you with the twelfth day, Epiphany, coming this Friday. Epiphany, regardless of your spiritual preferences, is a wonderful time of deep and welcome reflection. I appreciate that it comes following the higher social activity weeks of the season – when things seem to be a bit more quiet, allowing more easily for contemplative space. Epiphany is that rich season of inquiring within oneself as to what truly guides and directs our lives. What Light do you follow? What truly directs your life? It also nudges us into a remembrance to look deeper than the surface of all events – thoughts – feelings and find in all of them a rich inner connection to something we, as humans, cannot name or control – the world of Mystery and of perfect Love.
January brings also, in many areas, the colder months of the year. It is a time of huddling down, snuggling up and waiting for the wintry months to unfold into yet another spring. The time of waiting can be challenging or rewarding – we can choose our way to experience it. While seemingly there is not much happening in nature, save the banks of snow, beneath the surface, the natural world is resting in preparation of a new season of growth and abundance once more. It is letting go of the dead of a season gone and protecting all that will support its growth in the coming springtime. Perhaps it is a time when you might consider what it is you might be ready to let go of that no longer supports your life in a healthy manner. The Ginkgo tree is one of the most profound teachers of this
great wisdom. Without any visible preparation, it simply – sometimes in a matter of hours – lets go of all its leaves.
In this letting go, the earth beneath it is blanketed in a rich and glorious golden hue – the earth is blessed. It appears as more of a grand celebration than of any loss. My bronze vessel, Ginkgo: Seed of Hope is intended to inspire this same quality in us. It speaks of the notion that each of us represents the “seed of hope” for change – for movement – that each of us are unique and potent avenues of significant change and of hope and peace. The vessel is accented with the presence of three doves – another symbol of peace. Two of them are resting (as in wintry months) while the third is taking flight – representing the invitation to not only reflect but to also take flight – take action with our reflections. May this New Year, be a year of taking hopeful flight in your life – in the deepest sense and with renowned peace and gratitude.
You may read more about Ginkgo: Seed of Hope here along with the companion writing and poetry.
http://www.allemanstudios.com/ginkgo_seed_of_hope.html
The spirit of the holiday season is upon us once more. One of the most challenging facets of the preparation is to take the time to pause and inquire “what is it I am truly celebrating?” For me, it becomes a time of rich gratitude, hope and anticipation as I enter into that place of contemplation surrounding this question. As winter slowly approaches – we too are nudged to quiet ourselves and prepare for a bit of hibernation, and deep reflection.
I invite you to listen not to the external world of shopping and racing from one event to another, but rather to listen to the outer natural world calling to you – ‘ it’s a season to rest and reflect a bit more’.
It may also be a time of expressing our love for one another – to gather our thoughts regarding the perfect gift
to express our heartfelt love and appreciation for the other. Instead of going to the mall and searching seemingly endless racks of merchandise (much of which is useful) consider something which also gives a message of your deepest intent – a message of inspiration and adoration that will continue to be a companion to your loved one for many, many years after the holiday celebration is over. Perhaps you could write a letter, or if you feel you are not artistically inclined, cut and paste a collage of images that reflect the nature of that person to you. Many blank journals/scrapbooks are available to present it in a lasting format. Another wonderful gift is a certificate for dinner at your home (create a personal certificate yourself). Prepare one of their favorite dishes coupled with long,
warm conversation – real, intentional t i m e together. Light the candles – place a note of appreciation on their plate expressing your gratitude for having them in your life.
And, you might consider giving a piece of artwork. In the words of Aristotle “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” Many pieces of art are very affordable and will last a lifetime – reminding your beloved of your relationship and caring while inspiring their life every day. Alleman Studios offers pieces ranging in price from $95 to $32,000 – a broad range for every budget; and each piece also includes poetry/inspiration as an additional gift. Or – search your local gallery for something that speaks to you profoundly of that person. Many galleries will offer gift certificates as well (Alleman Studios does as well) if you would rather allow them to choose the piece themselves.
Regardless of your gift giving habits, I invite you to quiet yourself and reflect a bit more. If you choose to give gifts, allow them to reflect your innermost intent consciously and lovingly. And, while the world may seem to be racing about furiously – witness the race rather than joining it. Make it a season of celebration of your life journey and all that is yet to come on it – gratitude for friends and family who enrich the journey – and mostly, for your unique spiritual journey birthing in all its unique, perfect colors and expressions.
My Warmest Holiday Blessings to each of you.
At this beautiful harvest time of year, my thoughts naturally turn to my amazing and wonderful collectors and supporters of my work – and of the visual arts at large. Recently, during a telephone call confirming the details of a sale, the new collector and I were sharing thoughts around the value of what I do – what all artists do. She made a comment to me, that was ever inspiring, and in my opinion, so very truthful. She said: “Our world can exist without art – but it will not thrive with joy.”
So, I extend my very warmest gratitude to each of you who have collected my work and to those of you who
have simply and deeply encouraged it. Without your ongoing support, and wonderful encouragement, I could not
continue to create with the joy I know and love so well. It is always my greatest intent, to offer some small seed of beautiful inspiration to our world, through my work, and I hope it has, if even in some small way or for a brief moment – opened you to a new sense of wonder, recognition and gratitude. I hope it does indeed bring a deep seed of nourishing joy to your life.
Warmest Thanksgiving Blessings to each of you!
Using our current day Gregorian calendar, the sequence of 11.11.11 occurring this month marks a once in a one-hundred year time when the
month, day, and year reads 11.11.11. Sequential identical numbers have a recorded historical significance among many scholars. It is thought they hold
highly energetic power and we are encouraged to be awake to experiencing their power in our individual lives. Digital clocks of our day make this an even easier – more frequent – experience. I invite each of you to simply notice a sequence of identical numbers in your lives and particularly to give attention
to the upcoming experience of 11.11.11. When we are awake to this event, we might take a few minutes to direct our inner attention to the deepest roots of
our lives – to what we most hope to manifest in and through our lives. The entire universe may resonate with your intention and you may well experience a deep and rich amplification of your intent. There is indeed power in unity and the entire world will be experiencing the magical qualities of this day together. What if we each held a great Light in our hearts for healing of our world – blessing of it and of each of us – growing us vastly toward leading more balanced, harmonious lives? The results may be astounding. It is possible. This perfect balance is beautifully demonstrated to us through nature every day (another voice of
incessant inspiration).
My bronzeTrillium vessel illuminates this perfection. I the trillium’s most apparent growing habit of “threes” – 3 leaved foliage, 3 sepals, 3 petals, 3 part ovary, etc. You can read all the details about this plant and the vessel here: http://www.allemanstudios.com/trillium.html. Trillium has 9 blooms (3×3) and stands 6 inches (3+3) tall, with 3 ants etched in its base (the invisible helpers) – all in an edition size of 111.
In its lovely pattern of growing, it inspires me to embrace the essence of the perfection each of us truly is. I invite you to read much more about it on the website and allow this lovely woodland plant to inspire you while bringing a worthy element of profound beauty to your life as well. Open yourself to the magical, wonderful qualities of your natural beauty, planted within the natural beauty of our world, and allow the mysterious essence of the 11.11.11 to impact your life.
In this season, where many places, producing plants begin to die as they offer their seeds for a coming season, we celebrate the passing also of those souls who have already transitioned from this world to another. I have never been a great fan of “Halloween” per se; however, I am a great fan of this season of remembering – with great honor – those who have passed after blessing this earth we live upon. Tuesday, November 1st is All Saints Day which began as a Roman Catholic observance to counter act the Day of the Dead celebrations of many indigenous cultures. All Saints Day is intended to honor all those souls who already reside in heaven. November 2nd is All Souls Day which is hoped to remind those of us still living on earth to live a soulful life and to remember all those who have gone before us – and in the Roman Catholic tradition, to pray for souls remaining in purgatory. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, a Pre-Hispanic Mexican tradition) is celebrated where I live in the southwest with many festivities including the sharing of pan de muerto amidst la ofrenda (a home altar with candles, pictures of the dead, tamales, charms, etc). Pan de muerto is a sweetened bread often decorated with bones and is shared among the ofrenda. I will attend a dia de los muertos celebration this year and share this sweet bread with other friends surrounding the hosting homes’ ofrenda and honor those who have passed from this earth.
Mighty Oak
My small bronze vessel, Mighty Oak (http://www.allemanstudios.com/mighty_oak.html), is a celebration of similar intention. Within the root system of the three oak trees, are twelve tiny acorns. Twelve is an elder number – a tribal number. It is hoped to remind each of us, with gratitude, of those having passed from this earth before us and the many gifts they have blessed us with. It is also hoped to remind each of us to trust our own seeds, no matter how small they might appear, to indeed be potent – vital – seeds for ourselves and our world. May we each, in remembering those we have loved and honored, hold the courage and wisdom to trust the power and truth of our own seeds – nourished indeed by those who traveled here before us. May we trust that each of us has a unique Light to offer this world – that very Light which will bless us and our planet at once.
The late author Ted Andrews, in his well-known book Animal-Speak writes; “Every flower blossoms with reminders to be creative and every tree
whispers with its rustling leaves the secrets of life”. Ted’s work continues to be a steadfast companion and reference for me. His wisdom in understanding the language and gifts of animals, insects, and the plant world is remarkable and inspiring. With every morning walk, indeed the flower blossoms and trees whisper to me.
This morning, on my walk I encountered a hawk perched high on the top of a palm tree. He perched for a few minutes while I stood in
absolute wonder sending him my thoughts of appreciation and awe. These amazing creatures are potent reminders of our ability to soar high and glide upon the currents of life. Most often they are spotted, as I did this morning – perched high in search of prey while grounded. Days ago I viewed a local TV presentation highlighting the Harris hawk in Scottsdale AZ. Just outside the yard of a Scottsdale homeowner, two hawks built their nest. The couple was able to witness, from their backyard, the incredible wonder in watching the eggs hatch and the babies grow. Within a month they were stretching their wings and beginning to hop as preparation for their first flight. What a delight for this desert couple to observe, so closely, the beautiful miracles of nature.
Later in my walk I was welcomed by numerous colorful butterflies and scurrying lizards. Ted Andrews suggests the lizard energies can remind us to let go of old patterns or wounds that bind us and grow anew from them. When the lizard loses its tail to a predator, it grows a new one! What a wonderful and freeing inspiration. And, butterflies as we all know are welcome reminders of transformation and rebirth. Those rare and wonderful moments when we are able to still ourselves from all distractions enough to thoughtfully notice the miraculous creatures that inhabit our earth are indeed precious. You need not be in any renowned vista or special setting to appreciate these everyday miracles. Your own backyard, large or small, is a welcome place to quiet yourself and simply notice the life unfolding in natural balance. Wherever you are is the perfect place. Seemingly simple moments as these continue to deeply inspire, direct and expand my work. I am saddened to witness so many people walking in nature with earphones
plugging their ears, or cell phones tucked to their ears. Every day is a window of wonder….waiting for us to still ourselves enough to notice the seemingly small movements and encounters with a most grateful heart – it is in these moments that I believe we each receive profound nourishment and gifts.
We are now offering Quiet Blessing and Ripe Abundance with beautiful custom frames. The frames have been finely custom crafted in ebony stained, solid alder wood. Both pieces are still available unframed as well and unframed are suitable for easel (table top) display or on the wall with the attached hanger.
Quiet Blessing offers a deep appreciation for the rich and diverse gifts of all trees. The arboreal and golden patina makes it a warm, organic and beautiful piece. The companion poetry adds a very personal element, making it an exceptional and lasting gift.
Ripe Abundance celebrates the pomegranate fruit – symbolic of harmony and abundance. Each pomegranate fruit holds approximately six hundred ruby seeds – sheer abundance! The natural shape of the fruit is rounded hexagonal – six is symbolic of absolute harmony. It inspires a message of appreciation for the absolute abundance in our lives as well as the hope for true harmony and balance. It is a beautifully rich bronze work, particularly for this autumn time of year. Companion writing reflecting on the inspiration and poetry accompany both limited edition pieces.
I recently returned from a trip to my childhood milieu in Lancaster County, PA. As always, I was both refreshed and inspired by the grand trees and flora of this rich and potent land. The mature wisteria, which has draped the long porch of the farmhouse where I grew up, was vibrantly green and lush creating a warm umbrella of greens dressing the front door. I always have loved entering the house beneath its shading welcome. I am reminded, each time I walk beneath it, of childhood years of waiting for it to bloom – the true sign that the school year was about to close and the bees to become fiercely awake and productive.
Living in the desert, I’m always on a search while in PA for specimens to take back to the quiet desert for inspiration and reminders. My uncle graciously delivered a bundle of blooming purple (red) clover from his field for me. I collected specimens of white blooming clover and one lonely, blooming dandelion. The dandelions always are a welcome presence for me reminding me to “never stop growing”. They are not plentiful in bloom this time of year, but they continue to grow relentlessly. I love the springtime when they dot the landscape with brilliant yellows in yards, meadows – everywhere! And who has not enjoyed the delight of making a dandelion link bracelet as a child?
My current inclination toward the clover and dandelions likely stems from my weeping heart for the current plight of the honeybee. My grandfather always raised bees on our farm, and we took them for granted for decades. My younger brother has begun carrying on the tradition as he learns the art of beekeeping. He has three new hives on the farm and is learning – as he loses bees. I believe the alarming status of the honeybee to be a profound ‘wake-up call” kind of message to all of us – to give grave attention to what we are collectively doing to our bees and vital insect world – to Mother Earth at large. The bee is said to be symbolic as a messenger between heaven and earth, and I believe they are indeed. Perhaps the honeybee is calling to us for dramatic changes in the way we care for Mother Earth. The rapidly declining honeybee population, combined with colony collapse disorder, warrants unprecedented attention from all of us. The use of pesticides – growing ever more prevalent and in alarmingly stronger doses gives reason to capture our attention profoundly. Without the honeybee, many of the foods (over 30%) we enjoy on a daily basis will indeed disappear.
And so, I will begin my research, as always, surrounding the honeybees’ favorite plants to visit and its habits. Time will tell what treasures will unfold, if any, at the clay table from my work – and what vessel might next appear as a warm and intimate appeal to our hearts.
To learn more about the plight of the honeybee, I recommend reading A Spring Without Bees, by Michael Schacker. http://planbeecentral.wordpress.com/; http://www.globalregen.net/GRNetwork/
Each of us can plant a bee friendly garden, and use environmentally friendly pest control to do our part in insuring the survival and health of the honeybee kingdom – and our future food supply. May we do so – now – with joyful, grateful hearts.