White Oak Studio

Today I browsed the Internet to see who was making cast paper bowls and vessels. Very interesting artwork out there, and all quite different from mine. Do a search on cast paper bowls and vessels and see for yourself. 

I am anxiously awaiting the new photograhs of the cast pieces and very anxious to get them downloaded onto my website. www.whiteoakstudioandgallery.aftosawebsosting.com

Being a hand papermaker is a most interesting avocation. Most people I encounter have never heard of this form of art. If the conversation comes around to "What do you do?" I typically answer "I am a visual artist." Most people immdiately think, aha a painter. When I go into detail and tell them I make paper from plants and use that paper to make art, the conversation typicaly takes a decidely curious turn...

A few understand. Some say, you can sell that? And others can't quite conceptualize anyone who does not work for an hourly wage in a career that does not, to them, make logical sense.

I found an interesting article on the Internet this week about the concept of papermaking; historically and its role in the modern world. I recommend that you take a few minutes and read it. Its is enlightening.
www.craftsreport.com/october97/handpapermaking.html -

Yesterday I drove the newest 3-D cast work to my photographer Rob Soltysiak www.khnemustudio.com. It's always a bit like taking your child to college for the first time and dropping them off. You know that you'll see them again but they will look and smell different when you do.

After the photographs are documented they go next to my newest gallery outlet, Khnemu Studio. Then the images will be placed put on my website. (Which by the way got 4 new images yesterday.)

Today I spoke to Biologist, Joe Lurg. he is the specialist at the State Game Area who is currently conducting the plan for the Karner Blue Butterfly Management Plan. At Joe's suggestion I visited the pertinent MSU website 

msue.msu.edu/mnfi to gather additional details on the marsh which will be used for my artist statement, info. sheet and other promotional materials. 

I find it very intriguing that the Crooked Lake Marsh is considered a Costal Plains Marsh  - a quite rare and unique wetland community. It is called that because of its characteristics of presenting wet in the spring, drying up in the summer and becoming wet again in the fall. According to the Joe Lurg these swings are classic and typical of ths type of habitat. The plants that live there have, over time, adapted to a lot of change in the water table and include a mix of annuals and perennials. The site lists typicaly plants, animals and insects found in this type of habitat.

Itintrugues me that each time I walk to the marsh, it is like I am in a different wetland. Even thought I cannot see the water and can walk clear across the marsh and sit in the grasses, I can feel the wet ground beneath me like a spongy bog. Spirit and I walk there together, often bring a sandwich in my pocket. I sit back and take in the glory of the warm sun and blue sky and Spirit runs, smells and bounds through the tall grasses - just for the pure joy of it. This is, in fact, how I came upon its nickname, "Tall Grass Marsh."

This is a wonderland of beauty, space and quiet. This place of solitude replenishes me.