Spring Ahead

All the reasons of spring                                                                             Inez Dunn©2015 

A small metal spring will give and coil back again, keeping what it is attached to form & function. The season of spring is very similar she gives and nurtures keeping our spirit fully functioning. Below I have a list of words that give meaning to much of what this season is about. Remember just like the hands of a clock we spring forward and we fall back. This rhythmic movement brings us closer to all things forgiving so, today lets toast to March 20 and maybe, just maybe, get some spring back in our step!
Readjust
Reaffirm
Reawaken
Rebuild
Recharge
Reconnect
Redefine
Reevaluate
Rediscover
Rekindle
and even Rewire!
Happy spring to everyone!!!

Valentine's Day!

Milagro No.10                                                                                                             Inez Dunn©2015

Milagro No. 12                                                                                      Inez Dunn©2015

 

 

 

 

Milagro No. 15                                                                           Inez Dunn©2015

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

May all things heart-shaped, sweet and joyful reside with you. These are my Valentine's for all of you faithful followers and believers in my art. My art has matured and advanced all because of the continual support and encouragement from people like you. Milagro's are religious symbols their tradition is an ancient one belonging to the peoples of Iberia, who lived along the coastal regions of Spain. The word "Milagro" means miracle. This iconic art form has many varied interpretations everything from healing to love offerings and even prayers for the sick. I simply fell in love with the intricate design of the Milagro its shape and symbolism. As I began to create my first heart, dozens followed and I'm still drawing more. These computer generated drawings are my versions of these beautiful religious icons. May the simplistic imagery of my drawings bring to you the same amount of joy as I received in creating them. Happy Valentine's Day to all!

A New Light

"A winter sunset"                                                                                                            Inez Dunn ©2015  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

"Natural Beauty"                                                                                                                  Inez Dunn©2015

  

        

"The good stuff"                                                                                                           Inez Dunn©2015

"Take the long way"                                                                                                 Inez Dunn©2015

Its a new year and with each day there is opportunity within all of us to re-invent, to re-create, to begin again, and to start something new. I think the best place to look firstly, is deep into our hearts. Try to see and re-connect with the best part of you, before you look outside of yourself. Find and congratulate your best attributes, strengths and accomplishments, and then forgive all those mistakes and miscalculations that happened because, after all we are just humans. Try the word game and use a ton of kind words not just for yourself but for other people, too. Get your attitude and gratitude into positive perspective, be grateful for the company of others who encourage, support, and give you acceptance. And give encouragement, support, and acceptance to others because you can. A new year is a perfect time for renewal but remember so is each and every day.
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The above photos are reminders of seeing things in a different light, of appreciating the beauty of flowers, of the simplicity & grace of home cooked meals, and finally the endless inspiration that is found once you step out into the great outdoors. Happy New Year to All!

Natural Selection

Natural Selection                                                                                                                        Inez Dunn©2014

It was Darwin who coined the term "natural selection". It's about survival, about staying on top of ones' game. Eat or be eaten is the most simple comprehension of Darwin's theory. I think of what the Earth gives us in all its perfect forms, patterns, functions when I ponder natures beautiful bounty. I think of how some things especially rocks in all their various characterizations have and will survive us all. And I'm one of you, I see an unusual rock, shell, bone, or piece of wood and I just have to pick it up. For years I have been collecting beach Agates, wondrous, lustrous, and really, super old. Old as in millions, millions of years old which, makes me think of our snippet of evolutionary existence, and makes me think of Darwin. He was just trying to figure stuff out in order to make sense of his & our place in the general scheme of things, here on Earth. I'm crazy-curious about beach Agates, and they seem to always find me on most of my beach walks. These shinning marble-like structures are like free mini treasures in my hands. Lately, I've been playing at my soldering table (so much patience and practice) I'm truly determined to make sensible art from these glowing rock specimens. I feel like I'm giving back, maybe honoring the magical of this planet with my little known skills. I think I can relate to Darwin, maybe actually understand his drive, his mojo or maybe I too even at my age am just trying to make sense of my place in general, here in my little corner of Alaska. Whichever it is, I hope you'll stick around and continue to follow me on my journey. A new year is upon us, lets get there together!

Falling for beaches

My Kachemak Bay                                                                                                                            Inez Dunn©2014

Just 13 days ago winter arrived on the southern Kenai peninsula. And for the last few weeks winter disappeared and fall showed-up again. Late fall is definitely my favorite season with its stripped appearance and calm gesture. Of course the rain came too...but now the beaches are swept clean from those winter storms and now is the best time for collecting agates, fossils, and everything else kind of treasures.

The ebb & flow of things                                                                                                              Inez Dunn©2014

         

Alaska's beaches are rugged and active geologically. Land mass spills from the bluffs and adds to the thick glacial clay layers. Large tides take away the sandy soil and reveal huge rocks & boulders not present before. Happy fall again, and get out and do some beach combing today. Life is beautiful!

Alaskan Beach Agates                                                                                                                   Inez Dunn©2014                  

Alaskan Agate Pendants with 14kt Gold & Copper                                                                                Inez Dunn©2014

Clay Mate

Clay Mate , circular clay bead.                                                                                                       Inez Dunn©2014

In my part of the world the days are getting shorter, colder, and darker. And that can only mean one thing: its time to start baking! No, I’m not talking cookies and bread; I’m talking about “CLAY”! Clay is ideal for this time of  year and for the simplest of reasons, working with clay requires long quite hours. It’s the perfect art project when waiting for the sun to come-up long after 8:30am!

(In the above photo) My inspiration for this necklace design began with the smaller golden (Lucite) bead. As I searched for a matching bead to complete my necklace I came-up dry, and that’s when I decided to stop looking, and make my own! I love this type of challenge and I challenge all of you “lovers of beads” to do just that, make your own!!!  Send me photos of your very best and I’ll include them in next months post.

Shell Game

Shell Game                                                                                                                                  Inez Dunn ©2014

Its fall in Alaska. From here on out...what you see is what you get. The long cool shadows that grace your effortless lawn now draw a blanket of sopping moisture furthering & suspending all and anything green into flux, into submission...waiting in apprehension for WINTER.
There is no cover here, as temperatures dip, the change in the air is undeniable. Winter is that darkened alley, that odd voice that calls out to you to come closer. Most of us always feel that winter sneaks up on us...but how could she? There are so many clues, so many signs, we
like to remain in denial, as if to act surprised. But winter is so awesome, beautiful, she
renews us with the cold hard facts that the sun will be further away but, only further away for a short time. Remember what becomes dormant actually sleeps, rests, only to become more gracious more fantastic for the spring season and that's pretty cool. Somethings in winter do die and that is the spectacular cycle of life as we know it.
So as we move deeper into the quite season let us follow her rules.
1. Give Thanks
2. Be Aware
3. Love each day
4. Be at peace with what is
5. Change what it is you what different
6. A Shell is that which protects you but, a shell also keeps you from what your hiding.
7. Winter is the heavy coat, it is the truth, its what keeps you close to the Earth. It is what keeps you real.