Thought-Full Art Studio

A conversation...

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Draw, Garden, Repeat

Spring is here!? Question mark because it still feels like we might get an “unseasonable” freeze! Nonetheless, I am harvesting lettuce, planting a lot of fun “vintage” seeds, and drawing, drawing, drawing. I have a number of new pieces that I’m looking forward to showing first at the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts. See my show schedule here.

I’ll be putting up some additional items in my online shop in the next few weeks. Given all the news lately, I’m reminding folks that there are a small number of cards relating to trumped up behavior in the shop (wink, wink).

If you are in the Edom, Texas area, be sure to stop by the Zeke & Marty Studio to check out Zeke’s amazing work and a few things of mine he has so generously allowed me to keep in the shop. I cannot adquately express how very much I appreciate the support and kindness of those who have supported my work over the past many years. It is humbling and and a source of deep gratitude.

If you are interested in being reminded about upcoming shows, please fill out the subscribe form below. I won’t spam you. I don’t post all that often so you won’t get tons of messages from me!

On that note, I’ve got a drawing calling out to me so closing here and hoping that your spring is one of peace and joy.

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Happy Crazy Holidays

I ventured out on Black Friday – but not to purchase gifts. I was looking for tarps and covers to shield my grill, smoker, and a bunch of other things around the yard. Crowds in my shopping categories were surprisingly small and I was able to get in and out unscathed! 🙂

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I know this is the craziest of days. It has always seemed like sales for Christmas start earlier and earlier. This year – even more so – as it seems there is a huge pent up demand to just GET OUT. I’m already tired of “news stories” covering the myths and realities of the dangers of poinsettias, when to start thawing whatever you have in the freezer for the next big meal, and the “must have latest and greatest never before seen” thing of the moment.

Like most artists and small businesses in general, we are not offering any huge slashing sales. But I do hope that, as people shop, they will remember all the many artists and craftspeople who create beautiful, fun, interesting, extraordinary work and who need the support of the buying public – especially during the winter months when shows are at a minimum.

In our house, we have been through a “season” of odd repair needs. The stress and expense of dealing with numerous different companies (some good – a very small number really awful), was rough. But things are settling down now and we are starting to put things back together. Through all this, we were reminded of the massive stress that thousands of people around this country and the world endure when their lives are turned upside down (sometimes for decades with no end in sight). While we were stretched very hard – we also feel incredibly grateful and thankful for the many blessings in our lives.

I hope that you and yours have much to be thankful for this year and that the holidays will be a time of peace, joy, and hope!

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Merry Christmas!

While 2021 is not ending as we had hoped with a severe reduction in the number of Covid cases, we nonetheless are grateful for this past year. Grateful for the progress made in people getting vaccinated, grateful for the blessings of at least a few shows being held as hoped – and for people showing up and purchasing! Grateful that we are healthy and has been able to visit with friends and loved ones this year.

Grateful that our son has a new job that is allowing him to use his gifts and interests. Grateful our daughter-in-law has been able to complete her degree as well and that both of them remain healthy and happy.

Grateful for our little church that has hung together during this long Covid journey. Grateful for the God who watches over us and keeps us close. Grateful for His Word, and His Son, and His completed works on our behalf. God is good.

My wife and I pray that you and yours will have a blessed close to this year and that 2022 will be better, safer, and more “normal”. If you would like to know when/where I have shows in 2022, please sign up for my news on the main page. I won’t spam you!

God bless!

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New Year – New Hope

Happy New Year 2021! I hope that you and those you love are remaining safe and well. My wife and I have been blessed to remain so and we are very hopeful about the vaccine. It is a bit of a delivery nightmare and I thank God I am not responsible for all that – I can only imagine the hurdles. But I am confident it will get sorted out. One thing I have learned over my many years is that while large organizations might have problems, there are numerous “little people” in the mix who are proud of their work and determined to get the job done. I have confidence those people will do their very best behind the scenes to get this delivery better organized.

This past year has been a terrible one in so many ways. We have not been immune from the heartache. But we also have had many blessings. My wife and I are enjoying time together and away from the “show circuit”. I have enjoyed working in my garden and tending to all those home repair and improvement activities I have had to neglect in the past. We miss our friends, going to church in person, and our son and daughter-in-law. We have had friends and acquaintances have to deal with Covid. We have friends who have suffered with other health concerns that had to take a back seat while hospitals are overrun and overburdened. But we remain hopeful that 2021 will bring relief on many fronts.

God bless you and I look forward to seeing you “on the trail” later this year or next, God willing.