Stained Glass Nautilus Award for Senator Olympia Snowe

I recently had the honor and privilege to be chosen to create this one-of-a-kind stained glass nautilus sculpture that was presented to Senator Olympia Snowe by Coastal States Organization, a small non-profit group in Washington, D.C. that represents the Governor’s of the 35 coastal states and territories on federal ocean and coastal policy.  This October, CSO held its annual member meeting in Kennebunkport, ME.  At this meeting, CSO presented Senator Olympia Snowe with an award for her service and leadership on behalf of the coasts and oceans. 

It was a fun piece to design and create.  The center shell is an actual nautilus shell that has been cut in half and soldered into the glass.  Glass was chosen to depict colors and textures of Maine's ocean waters.

 

Summer In Maine

Wondering where it goes and how it goes by so quickly.  We all wait so long for it to arrive.  Dare I say that it's the end of July already? I've already heard (and I'm whispering now) 'back to school' ads on the radio and TV. 

Pink Pond Lily blossoming in our little pond at Heron Point

Mr. Cardinal has been one of my more favorite visitors this summer to Heron Point.

Rocky Racoon has been one of my least favorite visitors!

I thought I would have more time to spend in the gardens this year, but it's not in the cards I'm afraid.  There's a lot of life going on these days mostly running the gallery and helping Michael get White Cap Grille up and running.

White Cap Grill Bar area

Maple Creme Brulee still remains my favorite White Cap Dessert!

As far as finding the time to delve into glass art and artists books...it just hasn't materialized...but as an artist I tend to recognize these times as "percolating".  Instead of getting frustrated and feeling like time is running out I give myself permission to soak up every inspiration or creative thought that passes through my mind or field of vision...and know that it's working it's way out when time does permit.  And sometimes it's good to step away from all things creative.  It changes ones perspective, that's for sure.

I have been thinking a lot about my upcoming semester at Heartwood this fall.  Wondering how I can possibly fit that in without letting something else go.  But it'll happen, it always does.  Mandalas are still in the forefront of my inspiration. Nature is a close second.  One thing that I have had time for is just watching.  Sitting back on my porch looking out over the gardens and the river and just watching nature unfold.  One morning we had 6 herons in sight...I think that is a record for us.  6!  A goldfinch landed on some bright red beebalm stalks and swayed in the wind like a ballerina, it was quite a sight!

Pink Phlox in the 'Little Girl Garden'

Summer is not over by any means...I haven't been rafting on the river nearly enough for it to be over.  I did jump in the water on the first day of summer back in June.  I didn't swim laps but at least I can say I did it!  It was invigorating to say the least.

I think I feel a mandala coming on....

Stephen Lanzalotta at Heron Point Gallery

Sunset at Phang Nga Bay, Stephen Lanzalotta

Last Friday we had an opening reception for Portland artist, Stephen Lanzalotta at Heron Point Gallery.  It was a gorgeous summer night with gentle winds, warm temperatures and evening light, a great way to kick off the summer shows!  Stephen has about 8 new paintings for this show called "A New Light". 

The title of the show brings many things to mind.  The lightness of the actual wooden panels that he's painted on.  In the past, his panels were heavy and large.  A New Light also refers to the colors Stephen has chosen.  They feel brighter, rich with color, texture and movement. 

Many friends, art appreciators and collectors came by to celebrate this new 'light' with Stephen.  In listening to him speak with guests, it's evident the passion Stephen possesses for his painting.

Time. Where does it go?

Someone recently told me that if you want something to get done, then give the job to a busy person.  Well, that busy person lately, has been me.  I wish I could say that it was a creative busyness in the studio, but it isn't.  My husband, and I, are opening a restaurant.  Yes, a restaurant.  Why?  I don't know, because it was the only option in a vacant restaurant space?  Because he's always wanted to?  Because we are a little crazy?  All of the above.

The restaurant is called White Cap Grille and it's a little sister to Black Cap Grille, which is in North Conway, NH.  Black Cap is named after Black Cap in the Green Mountains of North Conway.  I've climbed it just once on a picture perfect day.  It took about 2 hours and the view from the top was amazing.  All of NH valley below you and other mountain ranges in view, including Mt. Washington.  Black Cap even has a few menu items named after the Mountain, like the 2369'-the height of BCM and the Red Tail Trail Wings, named after the Red Tail Trail that winds up and down the 2369 feet!

We chose the name 'White Cap' for the Portland location because it was on the coast of Maine.  We needed something to be a little different differentiate us.  Most everything else is the same....the decor, the furnishings, lighting, the delicious menu and most importantly, top quality customer care and attention.  We aren't a brew pub or sports bar but an upscale bar and dining room catering to people who want a casual yet, relaxing dining experience.

We've got some great ideas in the wings for various specials and events but for now I'll just tease you with that thought...I don't want to give anything away too soon!

Getting back to being creative for a moment, the Spring Semester of Heartwood College of Art ended on a fantastic note.  All of the glass pieces that I created far exceeded my creative intentions.  I was very pleased with the process as well as the results.  Mandalas are constantly being created (and possibly emitted from me somehow) as I see everything as it could pertain to being inside a mandala!  I've taken a couple of the glass mandalas to my gallery and have them on display.  People say the nicest things.

Which brings me to my last thought of this blog...the Gallery, Heron Point Gallery.  We've recently moved it two doors down to a larger, sunnier location within the same building.  We are closer to Middle Street and White Cap Grille.  My energy has gone into helping get that up and running and to a point that we are ready for our first artist reception next Friday.  Dan Dostie has been instrumental in fitting out of the new space.  'A New Light', recent paintings by Portland Artist, Stephen Lanzalotta will be our first show in the new Gallery.  Stephen has been painting up a storm after a long winter of shoulder ailments.  I am excited to see these new canvases!

Will keep you posted as to the opening date of White Cap Grille.  It won't be long now...days a way!
And if you are in town Friday, July 1st from 5-8pm, please stop in the Gallery at 63 Market Street to see some amazing art and meet Stephen.  You'll be glad you did!

Mandala

Last week I took a felted rug class at Halcyon Yarn in Bath, Maine.  It was a present to myself for completing another full semester of MFA work.  Going from making glass mandalas to fabric mandalas was interested although the process of coming up with the mandala for me was the same.  It is already in there!

My rug is the bottom left, the dragonfly.  Interestingly enough, the process of layering the images from front to back upside down was familiar because that's how it's created with the glass.

Odonata

The beginning of the beginning.  Laying out the first mandala.

Hand manipulated glass-odonata in mica.

Just before the final layer of glass.  Firing to 1450 degrees.

The finished pieces will be revealed in April!

Heron Point Gallery is closed today due to the snow storm. Reopen for normal hours tomorrow, Saturday 11am-4pm