I feel like I’m in a moment and I want to share with you all of the amazing things that are lining up. I’m sitting down to write this the day after Thanksgiving, which I spent with my tiny family and giant menagerie of pets in our cozy, colorful little house. Mike planned and cooked a big meal, and then we decorated our tree. (We bought a fake tree last year, and it has been up since October, when it was decorated for Dia de los Muertos. Now it is covered in winter-holiday ornaments, mostly from our travels. In January, we’ll switch to a Valentines theme.) In the afternoon, I received word that I was the selected artist for a public art project in Edmonds to be installed in July, so that was a nice topper on our day of gratitude. This project will involve a collaboration with Abe Singer: https://www.abesironart.com/, and I’m thrilled to combine our mediums and work with such a skilled metal sculptor.
I’ve been rearranging our family room with two 6′ folding tables because I have a 5′ x 10′ template ready to become my first mosaic project of 2022. This mural will be for a ubiquitous company headquartered in Seattle, and I’ll share more information in time. This one is due in February, which is an extremely tight timeline. I’ll be working long hours every day, which is why I decided to set up in the house this time. My studio gets cold in the winter, and it can get lonely working long hours into the night. Instead, I’ll work in a heated space with family nearby. It’s harder to stay focused due to interruptions, but easier to keep up momentum into the evening. I’m very excited that my old assistant, Tara, is back in the area and will be able to help out now and then.
During a little downtime in November, I finally repaired door trim that my dog destroyed by creating a mosaic wrap. The doorway has been in disrepair for about 3 years now. This is one of about 20 mosaic projects that need to get done here at home, but the rest are going to have to wait a while longer. It was hard to get a photo with enough light, but without streaks.
And on Tuesday, I turn 52! My birthday always falls so close to Thanksgiving, Mike calls it “Jennsgiving” especially since I tend to drag it out, making plans with different friends and doing special things for myself through the week (or month!) This birthday feels extra special as I wrap up a very productive year and have so much to look forward to in the next one. So much thanks and appreciation to all of you who follow my work, read my posts, take my classes, and especially: commission me!
