Hidden Potential Uncovered

'2009 Supremes: Ruth and Sonia Give Their Opinion'

©robin r kent

Sometimes new subjects morph into the unexpected while I'm still at work (and in the dark) on the initial idea.
Sometimes when I've posted flippant observations on my blog, they are answered by wiser points in the comment section. (I wonder how many 'aha' moments I have missed by not reading comments in blogs I follow?) There's only so much time, but will try to be more observant when there.
Like painting or other creative endeavors, those layers make a subject beckon. Pieces with surprise twists and turns wind up much richer than the initial concept. (This piece started as 2 men talking on a park bench... and anyone has the potential to be president in my world, also.)

Folk Art Diary: Coffee, Tea, or Espresso?

'Crossing the Line'
Acrylic, wood, wire wall assemblage

©robin r kent

My drink of choice changes depending on my mood, my goals, and my health.
Recently it's been tea all the way. It's great when you have a cold. No sharp edges. Lulls you to sleep and reminds you of the gentler things in life. Isn't it funny how your mind thinks when feeling sick? Things you wouldn't give a thought to become stuck as ruminations and won't leave. Like another germ. Time takes on a different proportion. Tea helps remind you of better days to come.
Coffee is my social drink. Talks with my mother in the morning over coffee is a family tradition. In the 1948 movie, 'I Remember Mama,' they were constantly making or offering coffee. It's good for meetings, office time, open houses. It's a bonding drink. Warm, and nice to be with, like a supportive friend. And forgiving like one also. Now where did I leave that cup? It travels well and keeps me focused while driving. Glad coffee doesn't have ears. It never criticizes my singing flat when I join in with the car radio, for stimuli at the end of a trip.
That's where expresso comes in. I'm a morning person. It puts the giddy up in me. I can think ahead and also sideways while working on an art piece. Pondering the potential options of using this stick or that, this color here or there, to define an assemblage or painting. I can picture my eyes turning into caffinated rotating spirals.
I like them all. They console and fill me up without being heavy (love that part-I can drink espresso without sugar!) while I take care other things. What a support system.

A Sailor's Dream

'A Sailor's Dream' acrylic wall assemblage

courtesy Frog Hollow Gallery/7Days newspaper

I spent each summer 'cruising Maine' with friends many years ago. How would I know that as a staunch land lubber, I would look back so fondly on those days?
I think it comes from 'the stretch.' By that, I mean putting yourself in a situation that you might not have dreamed of, working hard on the coping mechanisms, learning a bit more than you knew before, and leaving a little richer for the experience.
'The Stretch' can be applied to any topic of your choosing. Art is always a good subject to start with. Some of the hardest lessons become the most cherished.

The Rare Sighting of A Native Skier

'Native Skier' acrylic and wood assemblage

©robin r kent

Winter is still with us but the snow has been in hiding. Not to worry - February and March are usually our snowiest months anyway.

Even though Vermonters are born wearing skis, back in 'the day,' most didn't spend much time on the slopes. Too expensive. Snowshoeing was the winter sport of choice.

I live in the town where they once made Tubbs snow shoes. Tubbs made the best snow shoes. They're sold by L.L.Bean, EMS, etc. and were preferred by Admiral Byrd and Norman Vaughan on their trek to the South Pole.

I think they've had snow there.

Love Is In The Air

'Tango Dancers' acrylic assemblage
(A Skunk or Nice Guy?)

©robin r kent

Ahh, can you tell love is in the air? Even though it's February, things are warming up. Valentines Day is approaching and it's skunk rutting season. Hard to ignore while driving rural highways, especially at night. That amorous Pepe Le Pew is everywhere.

I became familiar with skunks in February while living on Cape Cod. Many older homes don't have foundations and space between the sandy ground and floorboards to my bedroom made perfect skunk rendezvous habitat. It was squeal, spray, repeat. Nothing can describe the scent when experienced that closely. Not even a wet facecloth 'mask' helped teary eyes.

But through 'Skunk Movers R Us' (very un-PC, I know now) we learned they were just little nice guys that didn't see well. And you don't want to surprise them, trust me.

We became so proficient at relocation that we stopped using the old blanket to cover their 'have a heart' cage while in transit.

I'm still fond of Februarys even as their scent drifts by me now. Ahh, young love.