Organizing my Palette

I have been so busy this winter I have not been able to do much thinking and planning for my residency in Capitol Reef National Park next September. But I did take time off on my birthday early April to organize my palette. I know I am months ahead but this prep work is the fun part. I think I have a good color/fiber/weight mix for anything I might be inspired by in September.

Capitol Reef National Park Artist in Residence

I was selected as this year’s artist-in-residence for Capitol Reef National Park! I’ve actually known for a couple months but because of the government shutdown, there has been no official announcement yet. But, I can't wait any longer and I am beginning to plan my stay. 

I am beyond excited. I get to spend the month of September living in the park and getting inspiration from the spectacular landscape. All of these pictures are from years ago in summer when I visited the park last. I will get to be more completely immersed in the fall, a new season for me and Capitol Reef.

Follow along with me this year as I prepare for my residency and then live in the park in September.

Hidden Salt Mittens

I am walking along the shoreline of Great Salt Lake, the scent of brine is thick in the air. As my feet scuff the dark grey sand, a bright glimpse of pink shines through­—a hidden underlayer of blush salt like a glimmering secret shrouded by dull monotony. My own secret the lake has confided in me. An expanse of archaea lies inches beneath my feet, undiscovered.

Hidden Salt Mittens with a secret burst of color in the lining inspired by the enigma of GSL. (Thanks to @blazingneedles for helping me get the discontinued yarn for this and @gslinstitute for all the knowledge about archaea.)

Lake Effect Muff

Like everyone else on the Earth, I am reflecting on the last year and am so grateful for many things, family, work, health, and all the artistic opportunities I have received this year. Even with so many pieces I created in 2018 for exhibitions, there are a few that didn’t make any art show. And I am realizing that I have not shared here nor published the pattern. So over the next few days I will share some of these wearable art pieces. First is Lake Effect Muff inspired by our great snow that would not happen if Great Salt Lake dried up (hint, hint save the lake!).

The lake effect happens quite often in Salt Lake resulting in big snowfalls in a short amount of time. Lake Effect snow is made when cold winds move across warmer lake water. The air picks up water vapor, which then freezes and falls on the shores of the lake. It makes for great gray clouds and beautiful snow.