Not much to say—just wanting to add a little beauty to your day!
But first, before our trip to the museum, author and creative writing professor David Sandner spoke at our California Writers Club this Saturday. He specializes in weird – a word popularized from Shakespeare’s Weird sisters, taken from the Anglo-Saxon wyrd meaning fate or destiny – and has written several historical fantasy and sci-fi books. His talk about adding weirdness and fantastical elements to our writing was interesting but he was much more animated during the Q&A session, especially when he discussed the historical aspects of his book, His Unburned Heart, based on the true story of Mary Shelley’s determination to retrieve her husband, Percy Shelley’s, heart from his publisher after his cremation. Speaking of historical accuracy and understanding, he also talked about the fact that, until a few hundred years ago when capitalism and democracy collided to challenge humanity, people did not have any discernable control over their lives. Capitalism allowed people to break out of their predestined roles and caste systems to become entrepreneurs and move up the ladder of wealth and respect, and democracy gave them the freedom to have a say in the way their leaders governed over their everyday lives.
At the September meeting, we learned how to fold and create zines, tiny books of eight pages, to be used as stand-alone stories or PR tools. One of our members, Kendall C. Stark, created a zine to promote her book, Silent Soldiers. It’s a very effective piece of work and I thought she was brave to pass them out at our meeting and introduce herself to many of us for the first time.
We went to the Hilbert Museum for my birthday in July. They recently mounted two new exhibits: 57th Watercolor West International Juried Exhibition and Pastel Society of the West Coast: 99 Voices in Pastel. Here are some of the pieces that The Husband and I liked. Pardon the weird angles and perspectives ~ I was trying to foil the reflections on the glass in the frames. Settle in with a cup of something yummy, ’cause there’s a lot to see. Enjoy!
PASTELS
Pastels are similar to chalk and even sometimes contain chalk. Pigments and chalk or other filler combined with a binder, such as methylcellulose powder, create pastel sticks. For an interesting demo of pastel making, click here
Because I grew up next to my grandfather’s garage, where he had a business as a car mechanic, pictures like this bring back fond memories.
The title of this is “Birthday Bash Aftermath”. LOL!
Reminds me of Vermont in autumn.
I was fascinated by the detail of this lizard!
WATERCOLORS
Watercolors can be impromptu in the way the colors spread or they can be very precise, according to the process the artist uses. Either way, they’re beautiful!
The Husband said these chickens looked like they were in a chorus line, so he’s doing Jazz Hands!
BUBBLES!! LOVE!
The detail of the hair is amazing.
If I could have bought one piece in this exhibit, it would be this one. That’s me, my attention on my writing, alone in Frank Lloyd Wright-esque surroundings.
If you can zoom in on the explanation, it talks about the inspiration (the artist’s daughter) and details of the dress.
The Husband’s favorite! I think he spent a lot of college “studying” at Bob’s Big Boy ~ LOL.
Detail of a birdie, with lots of reflected art and me…
Hope you enjoyed this collection! If you’re in the Southern California area, you have until November 30 to see them in person. It’s totally worth it!
I'm Writing As Fast As I Can 
Beautiful art work!! It must have been fun! Your writing group sounds inspiring, awesome 😎
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….especially loved the garage picture. “I grew up next to my grandfather’s garage💗💖🩷💕💞❣️
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