light changes everything
The harsh Arizona summer light has finally softened. During those dog days, the light is intense (and hot. really hot); washing out the color of life. The heat doesn’t bother me so much – once it’s 105° F…eh. But, the difference in the light is dramatic.
Sometime early to mid May color starts to fade as the temperatures rise. Greens begin to lean hard on yellow, orange pushes into brown, and blue…well, blue leaves the depth of azure to become chalky and flat. It all hinges on the sky. The merciless, hot sun subtracts blue from greens and creates a value gap in the summer sky that deadens every orange, red and, violet.
The cooler (literally), softened light is welcome. I’m drawn (that always sounds punny to me…uh, because I draw) to the colors of the desert, in particular greens. I realize that seems oxymoronic, but the greens of the desert seem a sort of testament to survival in the thirsty landscape. Complex. Overlapped. Layered.
Today the sky was a little deeper. Orange popped against azure and green was so much more.
It’s been a busy few months/weeks/days.
I was in South Africa (my third trip) the last week of September into October, serving alongside Hope Baptist Church as they hosted a leadership conference and eyeglass clinics. Always a privilege to be included as they reach into the African nations; providing leadership training to pastors and lay leaders.
.
Then this happened:
VoyagePhoenix, Thought-Provokers, Meet Beth Shook, (October 18, 2018)
Check it out!
Last week I gave a ceramics workshop at Glendale Community College at the invite of their clay club. What an awesome group of artists, students and faculty. Thank you. It was an honor to be asked. (I never get a photo – need to remember to do that)
Go See Art
My work is included in Ceramics + at the Art Gallery on the campus of Mesa Community College.
Check out the details here.
Ceramics +
November 26, 2018-January 24, 2019
Artist & Community Reception, December 6, 2018
6-9pm
Art Gallery
1833 W. Southern Ave
Mesa, AZ 85202
Oh, oh. Saving the best for last!
My son will marry his best friend and love in a few days. I love these two!
Instagram: @dessadogtoo