I took Sara for a driving lesson in the cemetery Sunday evening. (My poor clutch, my poor gearbox, my poor nerves!) Rose Hill isn't my 'neighborhood' cemetery, so I haven't spent much time there at all since 15 years ago, when I did live very near to it. Funny thing is, when I used to wander round, I don't remember seeing any angels. The one I spotted this week has certainly been there longer than 15 years, though I did find a newer, reproduction deco style one as well. So I decided that if I survived Sara swerving around the narrow roads in second gear, I'd return with my camera. Today I had to drive her back up to the area (for her first job!), and it was a gorgeous afternoon for a little grave roaming. Rose Hill is an immaculate place, complete with a landscaped pond (with a bubbling fountain in the middle), and a gang of geese who make it their home. Most of my photos are of the beautiful, classic angel - a thing that is very rare in these parts. Figurative sculptures aren't easily found in our cemeteries, and when you happen across one, there's a good chance it will have been vandalized, with head, limbs, digits knocked off.
Just what I'll do with these pictures, I haven't decided yet; for now I'm happy to just enjoy them. There may be other statuary in Rose Hill. One day soon I'll go back for a more thorough look. I'll take my sketchbook next time, as well as the camera again.
The month is flying by, and I'm managing to be somewhat creative, despite the urge to spend mild days in the garden rather than the studio.
But once the plants have all been visited and inspected and watered, there's time to settle with a cup of jasmine tea and make stuff. What stuff, you may ask? Come see for yourself. Next Saturday (May 17) you can find me at the Miller Neighborhood Home Tour, in OKC. This year the artists will not be centralized in the median, as in years past, but instead each will be assigned one of the tour homes as their spot. I do not know yet which home will be mine, but if I find out in time, I'll post an update. Otherwise, just take the tour and you'll find me. Along with my body paints and an exciting fresh array of art, glassware, and jewelry.
The weekend after, be sure to not miss the super exciting annual Paseo Arts Festival, at 30th and Paseo, OKC. You'll find studios and galleries and cafes and shops, many fine artists in booths along the street, two stages offering continual live entertainment, a fascinating array of people to watch, and me, of course, ready to paint the fantastic design of your choice anywhere upon your body (no extra charge for glitter).
Though I will not have my tangible art pieces in my tent, I'm working on finding a gallery space for them somewhere on Paseo, so come ask me about it while you're being painted.
And pray for no tornados, or brutal heatwaves, or gale force winds.
