Impossible Blue
There is a special shade of blue that appears where the sun meets the horizon every morning. It sits in that mysterious space where darkness meets light, where night begins its brightening into day. ~ Richard Wagamese ~ One Story One Song
Hello there! Its been awhile I know. I haven't dropped off the planet, although at times I wanted too! You know that old saying be careful what you wish for......... I was a struggling artist for so many years, paying my dues I suppose. I have that starvation mentality you get after years of struggling at your craft. Since I moved to the Black Hills everything started to shift. At first I didn't quite believe it was real. Last year was very busy and I thought in that self defeating way that it was a fluke. Well its now the end of the 2021 season and I have never been so busy and overwhelmed in my life! Please don't get me wrong I am forever grateful and say thank you to the creator everyday for my blessing.
I turned 62 this year. After this kick ass season I started to think about my journey in this life. What is important to me. Its interesting how the universe works. Its easy to loose your way when your really busy. About a month ago I was cruising audible, I listen to books when I'm trying to slow down my brain. I found this author Richard Wagamese. His books spoke to the deepest part of my spirit. I think I listened to all of his books one after the other, so excited. I didn't sleep much those nights..... but I learned so much about myself. Weird how a complete stranger can do this for you. I was so happy I decided I would write to him to thank him for his words of wisdom. Well, Richard passed on to the other side in 2019. I felt that an old friend had died but was so grateful to have found him. I hope you checkout his work.
Things have finally started to slow down here in the hills. I'm slowly getting caught up....sort of. I've also realized that I just don't have the energy I used to. Damn. I've been looking at all the different projects I've been doing and after much thought decided some have to go. Bella Blue Botanicals is one. I love herbs and making concoctions but sadly it takes a lot of time away from my other more lucrative projects. I will still be making the face elixir and body cream so if you love it as much as I do let me know and Ill make it special just for you!
Another thing that will not be happening this year. The gift boxes. With shipping costs rising and shipping time increasing it seemed like a good year to not do this. Its very important to me to give you guys the best in everything I do and with all the delays for products and all its a good year to sit it out. I may delve back into the boxes at a later date so stay tuned! One thing I'm kicking around is doing one on one virtual tours of the studio. It would be like you are there with me. We could look at all the work I have, I could tell you stories about the pieces, then you can purchase what you want. We could book 15 , 20 minute appointments to do your shopping. I'm still trying to figure it out. If this is something that sounds interesting let me know!
I finally loaded up the website yesterday and will be adding more every few days or so. Please be sure to check out the shop. I will still be doing leather bags but have decided to not do clothing anymore. As much as I love making leather vests and tops they take a very long time. By the time I'm finished with a vest or top I have at least 25 to 30 hours into it. Then I almost always have to do a tuck here and there for whoever buys the piece. I charge anywhere from 350.00 up which sounds like a lot but really isn't when you break it down.
So what am I going to be doing? Jewelry, always. Living here in the mountains, its sparked something in me that I love. My style is ever changing and always has but there is something about that mountains..... The work I'm doing now is the best I've ever done in my humble opinion. I will continue creating hats. I'm a hat freak and love supplying unusual hats to other freaks like myself.... Leather bags as I said earlier. The newest obsession is bones. Lovely beautiful skulls and bones.
I've always been fascinated by bones and skulls. I find them beautiful. Last year for some reason I started doodling on the bones I would find on my hikes in the woods. I had them laying around the studio and people started to notice them. I gave several away. Then someone said I should sell them. I've sold a few since then and am starting to work bigger. My friends Merlin & Marion sent me a big box of feathers right when I was working on this stag skull. Thank you my friends! When I work on these pieces I burn sage and say a prayer of thanks for the creature. I believe this is a way of honoring each animal's life. The images I use are old Celtic Ogham, Nordic runes, mandalas and my own designs. All done with intention. Being someone of many nations I can honor my relations from Northern Europe and Great Britain. Also honoring those from North America.
About the same time I found Richard Wagamese I came across Sean Stephenson. Sadly he has also passed on, but his work continues. I found this Tedtalk he did at Ironwood state prison. Very inspirational.
Well, I've spent the last couple weeks trying to narrow down what this blog would be about. I could go on and on but will stop here. One more video before I go. I love this man. He is pure love and inspiration. I was blessed to see him live a few times and it was like going to church. The kind of church that is beautiful and everyone is dancing. Blessings to you Michael Franti. The world is a better place with you in it.
We are moving into winter here in the hills. If your planning a visit Cheyenne Crossing is open Thursday thru Sunday now. I try to stick to the same hours but give me a call to be sure I'm there if your planning a visit. Thank you so very much for all your love and support. You are loved in return. Blessings.