Something About Nothing

 I made a very quick trip up to Portland, Oregon, last month to attend Art and Soul's 20th Anniversary retreat. It was wonderful to see everyone and be able to take a class too. Libby Williamson, me, Jill Berry, and Liz Kettle There are always lots of great treats around with Libby and Michelle Banton. (And one might say that Libby ad Michelle are treat all by themselves. Too corny???) And of course we are never short on bright ideas! I took a one day class on making Altered Books from Renee Richetts.  Our books started off with a Little Golden Book. Mine was called "I am a Reindeer." It has taken a few weeks of off and on work to complete my book.  Here's a video of the finished book and then some close up photos for further inspection. You can also click this link to see the video on my YouTube channel. I wasn't sure what to do about the original author and illustrator's name, so I left them and added: Altered By: Lisa Chin. Seems right to give the origin...

Art and Soul Portland is always wonderful. This year I taught a couple of stamp carving classes, and a silk scarf painting class. My students were wonderful and created some beautiful pieces. A lot of the same people come to Art and Soul which means you get to meet up with old friends, but there are always new people to meet too. There are usually an average of 4 - 500 people who attend, meaning you are bound to find someone you connect with. Doris Arndt's class A few of the books cut by The Book Ladies, Lark and Lara. One of Libby Williamson's fun classes. There is always a big party to kick off the event.  This year there was even a photo booth! Libby pretending that she has had too much before she even drank anything. Glenny Moir getting some sparkle added to her hair Libby and I had breakfast with Jill Berry. It was Pi Day during Art and Soul so of course we had Pie! Vendor night is a...

I had several repeat students in my classes and was delighted to get to know each one a little better. Really fun to hear about their lives outside of art. They each made me feel so grateful to be in this world. I was also grateful to be able to meet many of my online friends in real life.  I admire Lorie McCown's work and was grateful to be able to see it in person while chatting with Lorie. Inspiring work by Lorie McCown. I met Lesley Riley online many years ago, and then in person at Houston 6 years ago. She is a delightful person and I am grateful for her friendship! Judy Gula has been a great mentor and I am grateful for all the time we got to spend together during our trip to Virginia Beach. Michelle and Libby introduced us to this special new friend.  Before leaving Virginia Beach for the last time at Art and Soul we had to spend some time in the sand. The sand and ocean help to make good friends.

The view from our room in Virginia Beach I taught two stamp carving classes while at Art and Soul. My demo stamp. A wonderful quarter turn repeat stamp! Simple designs make fabulous patterns. They can even do unexpected things! I carved a chicken repeat for Glenny while watching my students carve.