A Little Nutty

 

A few weeks ago I posted photos from and information about the current exhibit at Reiman Gardens on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.  In today's post I feature more from that installation in which the artists used museum-quality metal to fabricate largescale, playful and innovative origami sculptures.  Jennifer and Kevin Box, Robert J. Lang, Michael G. LaFosse, Te Jui Fu and Beth Johnson are the extremely talented individuals who created this delightful grouping.  Kudos to them as I loved seeing their work and how it was inconspicuously yet perfectly positioned in the landscape of these beautiful gardens.  

Although the larger-than-life squirrel takes center stage, in the photo above be sure to notice the acorn.  It's amazingly intricate with great texture and patterns.

Make it a daytrip!

Still Time to Register

 

This coming Thursday, July 29, a new online session of Zentangle© classes begins, one introductory section while the second is also for anyone who is open to following a few simple instructions and creating something beautiful.  As we say in Zentangle© fashion, there are no mistakes just opportunities.  To register online use the following links.  The supply lists are included on the website but if you only have a paper and pen, no worries.  Hope you can join us.

Link to intro class:

 https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/introduction-zentangler-ages-16-1

Link to "Shapes of Gray":  

https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/zentanglerbeyond-basics-black-white-renaissance-ages-16-0

Giant Wood Nymph

 

As the name implies, these butterflies are giants.  In my opinion they are gentle, beautiful giants.  Of course, I love the black and white contrast along with the graphic, bold symmetrical patterns on the wings.  And, another terrific thing is that you can get up close and personal with these beauties by taking a day trip to Reiman Gardens on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.  After strolling among so many gorgeous winged creatures in the butterfly wing, you will leave you feeling enchanted.

"Butterflies... flowers that fly and all but sing."

                                                                                                       --Robert Frost

Join In!

 Interested in using repetitive patterns to create something beautiful?  If so, join me for a virtual introductory class that will cover the basics of the Zentangle® Art Method.  Starting Thursday, July 29th, this is a virtual 6-week course that meets Thursday evenings from 6 - 7:30 pm.  Only a few basic supplies are necessary, and it's likely that you already have most.  To read more, look at the supply list and register, use the following:  https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/introduction-zentangler-ages-16-1

And, if your creative juices are already flowing and you're looking for more than the basics, I'm also offering this course:  ZENTANGLE® BEYOND THE BASICS: SHAPES OF GRAY.  

In order to learn more and register, use the following:  https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/zentanglerbeyond-basics-black-white-renaissance-ages-16-0

This class also is a 6-week virtual event meeting Thursdays from 4 - 5:30 pm.  The supply list is included on the following website.  Give it a try!

Origami

 

Currently at Reiman Gardens on the ISU campus in Ames, Iowa, is a delightful and large-scale origami exhibit created by Jennifer and Kevin Box along with Robert J. Lang, Michael G. LaFosse, Te Jui Fu and Beth Johnson.  There are at least 16 installations in the exhibit with the one featured being "Painted Ponies" by Kevin Box and Te Jui Fu.  In order to keep this outdoor exhibit viabale for several months, the sculptures were made with museum-quality metal.  And, of course, I highly recommend a visit as this installation concludes November 14.

"When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge."

                                                                                           --Tuli Kupferberg

Fun Stuff

Interested in using repetitive patterns to create something beautiful?  If so, join me for a virtual introductory class that will cover the basics of the Zentangle® Art Method.  Starting Thursday, July 29th, this is a virtual 6-week course that meets Thursday evenings from 6 - 7:30 pm.  Only a few basic supplies are necessary, and it's likely that you already have most.  To read more, look at the supply list and register, use the following:  https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/introduction-zentangler-ages-16-1

And, if your creative juices are already flowing and you're looking for more than the basics, I'm also offering this course:  ZENTANGLE® BEYOND THE BASICS: SHAPES OF GRAY.  

In order to learn more and register, use the following:  https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/zentanglerbeyond-basics-black-white-renaissance-ages-16-0

This class also is a 6-week virtual event meeting Thursdays from 4 - 5:30 pm.  The supply list is included on the following website.  Give it a try!

La Luz

 

This image has so many great lines along with lots of contrast among the light and dark spaces.  The texture in the wood, spider webs inside the plastic and shadows emanating from the center all create so many places for my eyes to explore.  And, another interesting thing is that this photo appears as if it was taken in black and white, but, obviously, that's not the case.  Anyway, after repeatedly passing by this solar light (that is bolted to a dock above the river) and being without my phone, a few days ago I finally remembered to take the device and snap some intriguing shots.  

So, this evening, I invite you to step outside and explore as you just might find something beautiful waiting to be seen.

"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within."

                                                                                                      --Maya Angelou

The 4th of July

"From every mountainside, let freedom ring."

                                                                        --Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

La Luna Llena

 

Last week Mother Nature treated us to this brilliant Strawberry Moon, the first full moon of summer 2021.  And, I was so fortunate to watch as it rose above the tree-lined bluff and illuminated the sky as well as the river below.  Ahhhh....it was a beautiful evening as I strolled along the water.  Just like a kid, I didn't want to go inside and so after taking these pictures I spent another hour relaxing on the deck just enjoying the view.

"Aim for the moon.  

If you miss, you may hit a star."

                                                                                                 --W. Clement Stone