haiku earrings

haiku earrings
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

The first monthly challenge for etsymetal is to make a piece in response to this haiku:

metamorphosis
of a fallen leaf saddened
in springs warm embrace

At first I was going to work on a fold-formed leaf curling, but I overworked the metal and it split in two. I have learned that sometimes the "mistakes" become "happy accidents". I decided to go with this and make my leaf pendant into two earrings. I like the way it turned out better than what I planned! Here's my haiku:

Amid the chaos
A tender leaf split in half,
The tension released.

Finally Finished!!!!

Cufflinks for Leif
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

I am wrapping the last gifts to my family and I'm thrilled that I will give them a piece of jewelry and a piece of pottery!!! I am pleased with how they came out and hope that they like them. So far I don't think any of them follow my blog so I'm safe!

I was especially pleased with how these cufflinks from Leif turned out. I'll have to make some more of these!!!

Dagger II Pendant

Dagger II Pendant
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Last night Hans cut a beautiful stone for me and wanted me to use it right away, so I set it in this coral type setting. It has smoky topaz, brandy citrine, mandarin garnet, garnet, ruby and one big native cut zircon. I'll take it to the Rock and Shop Market tomorrow in Raleigh, NC. Check out this website if you want to come by to see over 50 vendors.
http://www.rockandshopmarket.com

I love it when my work makes me so happy!

To my Etsy Metal Secret Santa

Dear Secret Santa,
I must tell you that it was very hard for me to keep this secret. When I have good news, its hard for me to keep quiet about it. Even now I find myself editing this post so that you don't figure out if it is you or not!

I have been thinking over and over about what kind of piece to do for you. I did some research and had Hans cut me a custom cabochon to use in this piece. I wanted something to remind you of the earth's natural beauty, but to keep the lines simple and modern.

Secret Santa--Most of all I want you to know that I wish you all the beauty, love and joy of this holiday season.

Merry Christmas,
Sara

Happy Holidays!

I'm in full swing making custom orders, sending out packages and delivering inventory to local galleries. Its busy, busy, busy-- but I've made time to remember to spend time with my family. Yesterday I took my voice students out caroling at the Cotton Exchange in downtown Wilmington and my husband took some great pictures of my wild crew! It makes me happy to see my kids so joyful. We couldn't get a nice "posed" sit down picture, so we just picked one that showed off their personalities. Wild boy, silly girl and camera shy teenager! Last night we make toffee. I'm famous for making my coffee toffee! Today we will make my Grandma Delores's sugar cookies from a recipe that came from my Great Aunt Ida. They are the absolutely best sugar cookies in the world! Very hard to just eat one.

This is probably the first Christmas that I've really felt like celebrating since my father died 5 years ago. Christmas was his deal. He went all out--made cookies, Christmas dinner, bought too many gifts, and was so joyful. Now I can finally continue on the traditions with my own family. It feels real this year.

My favorite jewelry memory: December Etsymetal Blog Carnival

If I was forced to pick only one of my most favorite Jewelry memories, it would be participating in our Etsymetal Jewelry Challenges this past Fall. These challenges were directly inspired by Lifetime's Project Runway with our very own Vic Takahasi from Experimetal managing the project. These challenges really helped me pursue new directions. I had to work within different parameters and stick to deadlines. I also tried to do some new and exciting pieces since we were posting it on our blog. Its so much fun to see what my team members do with the exact same parameters. If you want to see all my pieces made in the season and read a more in depth interview see our Meet the Designers blog post.

If you want to know more about these projects, please visit our etsymetal team blog.

Other metalsmiths who are blogging on their favorite jewelry experience too!
Andes Cruz Designs - http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Danielle Miller - http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/
Bijougirl- http://amandaconley.blogspot.com

The BIg Crafty

Organic Leaf Belt Buckle
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

This Sunday I'll participate as a vendor at the Big Crafty at the Asheville Art Museum from 12pm to 6pm. I'm really excited because this is my first time doing this show and I get to go and see Maggie too. As part of a fundraiser for the Big Crafty, I made a belt buckle and donated it. The "Organic Leaf Belt Buckle" will be auctioned at the show.

I'll also get to meet some of the folks from Lark Books! I'll be included in two Lark books for next fall and I'm absolutely thrilled.

I hope to see you there!

Happy December!

turquoise ring
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

I decided to start off this month with a section in my etsy store for December birthstones. The traditional stone is blue topaz, but the alternate is Turquoise. I really love mottled turquoise with lots of green. I have a section on etsy where I have all my turquoise and blue topaz listed. If you need a birthday gift this month, then you know where to go!

Cyber Monday Sale!

I really wanted to see how the Cyber Monday Sales are going to go, so I put a few special items in my sale section in my etsy store. If you want to see them, go to my sale section. Free international shipping until Midnight on Monday too.

I've stocked up at Blue Moon Gift Shops and Port City Pottery, so you can always find my work there as well!

Labradorite Flowering Pendant

Labradorite Flowering Pendant
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

I had fun working on the final collections for the Etsy Metal version of Project Runway. This is just one of the four pieces that I did for the collection. The flash of the labradorite is really bright in this cabochon that Hans cut. He is really getting the hang of cutting this stone in a way so that he doesn't lose the flash. It was a deep set stone and I wanted to show as much of it as possible, so I did a bezel with prongs. This way lots of light will still come in the stone.

See you Saturday at Art for the Masses

labradorite ring 006
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Well today I'm busy getting ready for one of my favorite Wilmington shows, Art for the Masses by Creative Wilmington. All art work is between $25-$250 and there will be over 200 local and regional artists there. I hope that you will come out to see me on Saturday, November 21 in the brand new Bank of America building at 319 North Third Street in downtown Wilmington. I'll have my newest work with me at this show. If you want the first pick, come at 8:00 am and pay $10 to get in early! The show opens to the general public at 9am and ends at 4pm with a suggested donation of $3.

See you there!!!

Hey you Guuuuuuuys!

head shot
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

In case you need something pretty for yourself or for Christmas gifts, I just wanted to let you know that I'm taking part in a Weekend Deal Sale with my fellow Etsymetal Team Members. See this picture here? I'm just sitting by my work bench just waiting for your order!

We are offering 10% off any purchase this weekend. See this link for participating team shops.

This weekend only from Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15 you can receive 10% off in any of the fantastic shops listed below!

So, how do you get 10% off?
1. Pick a shop (or several) from the lists below, that you want to buy from.
2. Add your items to your cart.
3. When the "Message to Seller" window comes up at time of purchase, write in it: "Weekend Deals."
4. Follow through with your payment.
5. Wait for your 10% refund from PayPal!

of course you can start with my shop!

:D

My Getty Inspiration Piece

My Getty Inspiration Piece
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Our final Etsymetal Jewelry Challenge was to take piece from the Getty for our basis of inspiration for our final challenge. I picked this heavy gold Roman band from A.D. 300-400. I was thrilled to set so many stones. It was fun, but a lot of work too. I estimate that it took over 30 hours to fabricate the piece.

Garnet Ring

garnet ring 012
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Here is my entry for this weeks EMPRC project. We were challenged to create a piece that reminds us of our favorite places. I picked Pisgah Forest in the mountains of North Carolina for my inspiration this week. There are 5 rough garnets cemented into the bezel of this piece around the 3 long tube set faceted Garnets. I found hundreds of tiny industrial grade garnets while we were camping in Pisgah this past summer. It was lots of fun.

If you want to see more on our team challenges, then visit the etsy metal blog.

BOGO Hoop Sale Now!!!

Starting Friday (Midnight EST) Buy One Pair of Hoops, Get One Pair FREE Sale is now on! This weekend only! 10/30-11/1.

Remember to purchase the pair of the greater value and list the free pair in note to seller. Limit 2 free pair per customer. Be sure to tell all your friends and co-workers about this sale! I'm excited and ready!

See the Hoops Section in my store.

forget-me-nots

forget me nots 1
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

I'm continuing work on my "bling" earrings from last week's project runway entry. Sterling silver, blue topaz and iolite. Thanks to Hans for building me an amazing light box, so I can get these shaded photos. I will list these soon! Don't forget about the Hoop-a-thon this weekend with the buy one get one free sale. Check out my etsy store for details.

Sterling Handmade Hoop BOGO Sale

I don't have any shows this weekend, so its time for a sale. Buy One Pair of Hoops, Get One Pair FREE! This weekend only! 10/30-11/1.

Remember to purchase the pair of the greater value and list the free pair in note to seller. Limit 2 free pair per customer. Be sure to tell all your friends and co-workers about this sale! I'm excited and ready!

Each pair is lovingly crafted to give you the very best handmade hammered hoops. Simple, plain, hammered, handmade, sterling silver--perfect gift for all on your shopping list!

Project Runway "BLING"

Bling Earrings 020
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Here's my entry this week. I wanted to do something with lots of stones. London blue topaz and rhodolite garnets in sterling silver. Did I mention that I absolutely love to do tube settings?

Blue Challenge for Project Runway

Blue Challenge for Project Runway 011
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

:Blue Enigma"
Sterling silver, three 3mm sapphires, 5mm blue topaz
I did something very characteristic of my work for this challenge. I wanted the piece to feel dressy, but still be flexible enough to be worn everyday. The organic pierced and textured centerpiece contrasts with the parallel clean line boarders and tube set bezels. I'm going to make a set of earrings to go with this series too.

Modern Victorian Bracelet

Modern Victorian Bracelet
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

I completed this modern take of a Victorian bracelet for the Etsy Metal Project Runway Challenge. I choose "period piece" because I wanted to explore the Victorian open bangle style with ornamental balls. Instead of doing granulation or another embellishing technique indicative of the period, I choose to modernize this bangle with a simple bezel set gemstone.

Materials:
Sterling Tubing
Hollow Forms
Tube Bezels
4mm Garnets

Bach's "St. John's Passion"

Bach's "St. John's Passion"
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Its called "St. John's Passion". I used an old score from Bach's "St. John's Passion" for the paper. It killed me to use a score, but this was a modern adaption by a former choir director who basically edited it and then printed out the scores at a copy shop. It was a score in progress, so there were still edits being made, so it was okay to destroy it. I used the beginning chorale and the first aria.

A "passion" is a gospel story about the crucifixion of Jesus. There are four all together written by different authors in the New testament and typically used during Lent leading up to Easter. This particular passage comes from the book of John, hence the name, St. John's Passion. Passions were very popular in Bach's time and later because during lent people refrained from going to the opera house and this was a "blblical dramatiztion", so it was acceptable. Bach wrote hundreds of church cantatas and has a little over three years of church cantatas written--one for every week.

These passions are still being performed and they are like sung mini plays. They are not acted out, but there are parts for someone to sing the Narrator often referred to as the Evangelist, Jesus, Judas, and other characters in the story. The piece is largely choral set for a typical church choir interspersed with recitatives and arias. Recitatives are the "spoken-like" sung solo passages with lots of text and the Arias are the solos for characters reflecting on their particular mood. The arias are more melodic.

This piece is a made to complete the Etsy Metal Project Runway Challenge, season 6, episode 5. To read more about out challenges coinciding with the hit show on Lifetime (formerly on Bravo), read the etsymetal team blog.

EMJC-PR Nostalgia Bone Cuff

EMPR 6:4 Nostalgia Bone Cuff
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

My challenge for this project was to create a piece from these parameters: bracelet, bone, and Byzantine/Victorian. I knew right away that I wanted to do the Victorian style.

I did some research and this hinged style of cuff was quite the rage in the Victorian Era. Most of the pieces found were 2 styles: wide band bracelet with hinges or a wide wire with ornamental balls on the end that overlapped in the front. I used the same square wire reinforcements on the edges to add to the strength. It was fun to use my experience with antiques to help guide my work on this piece. As a young girl I helped my father with his antique business. I love the jewelry part the best!

I had Hans (my stone cutter hubby) cut a section fossilized bone for this project. He had to recut a second stone since I broke the original bone. He trimmed down another one to make it work. (Did I say how much I love my digital calipers?)

The clasp is my favorite part. Its a spring pin clasp with a spinel set into to top of the pin. There is a safety chain as well. The side where the pin lives is secured by a wire that is soldered across the tubing and goes through the pin. (I really sweated this one out!!!)

I am so grateful for Vic from Experimetal for all her hard work on this project to help motivate us to reach for higher and higher artistic goals. I've decided that these challenges are just as important to me as commissions. I learn so much from each challenge. For more on our team challenges, please visit the etsy metal blog.
etsymetal.blogspot.com/

I am also grateful for my sweet Husband and my oldest Alyssa, who are my very best diamond finders! I managed to drop both of these on the floor and they found both of them for me! Everyone in my family is so supportive of my work and I am truly grateful that they lend a hand when I need it. I will have this piece for sale for my local shows. I'm not sure if I will list it on etsy yet.........

I remember.....

September 11 was such a pivital moment for me. It was like an alarm went off in my brain on multiple levels. I was a new mother and was completely content dozing in the late morning when my now ex-husband came in and told me to turn on the TV. I couldn't believe that it was real. It seemed like War of the Worlds in a surreal way. It really took a long time for me to absorb the enormity of the disaster. I was completely in shock--everything seemed to come to a complete halt. Time stopped. I cried everytime I thought of a child who lost their parents. I cried for the wives, the husbands, the mothers, the fathers and the children whose families were ripped apart. One day happy, the next day complete and utter loss. It was then the fabric of my own life began to unravel..... A few days later I first learned of my ex-husband's affairs. It was another year before I left.

forgotten. . . . .

forgotten-dumortierite tourmaline and peridot 016
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Ever been walking in a garden at the end of summer and spot a neglected corner? You see in the corner the leaf from the vine that bloomed so spectacularly in the summer. Upon closer inspection the leaf is mottled with the characteristic holes left by a caterpillar. Its still beautiful though. Its almost as if the process of feeding the caterpillar has enhanced its beauty. With its missing pieces it is still functioning, it is still breathing, it is still eating. It is a brave survivor who gives a part of itself to another and does not apologize for anything.

Visit my etsy store to see more....

Custom Cabochons made by Hans Westermark

Custom Cabochons made by Hans Westermark
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

If you haven't heard yet, my husband is making custom cabochons for me and for his etsy store. You can check out Han's store. He tries to update every few days and show you some new stones. We have nearly 100 pounds of rough and I think that will keep him out of trouble for awhile!

This photo shows some stones from my personal stash. I have set all but the top pinkish one. The bird's eye rhyolite was a housewarming gift to local metalsmith Melissa Manley. (she's amazingly talented and you can check out Melissa's work online). She also shows her work at the The Golden Gallery in the Cotton Exchange in Downtown Wilmington.

You can always go to my etsy store and see the other stones set.

My First Piece of Metalsmithed Jewelry

I made my first piece of metalsmithed jewelry in 2006 out of copper and kyanite. Being able to cut, form, solder, and set a stone was an incredibly freeing experience for me. I still did not understand all the possibilities or limitations of the metal, but was anxious to figure them out. I began to read Tim McCreight's "Complete Metalsmith" and try to absorb what I could.

I have always wanted to do something that would have the permanence of metal. At the time, I didn't even know how to purchase silver wire or sheet. Silver was going for $8 a troy ounce. So, I got some copper sheet from a local junkyard that was originally intended to be used for flashing around the gutters on roofs. I used a kyanite bead in lieu of a proper cabochon. I learned the old fashioned way with trial and error that kyanite is a soft stone! (Note the damage at one end of the stone.) At the time Gary Pack, a local bench jeweler who "refused to teach," would let me keep him company and would answer my questions as I watched him work. I can't even really remember what I used for solder; I think I may have borrowed some silver solder palates from Gary.

I know, the necklace was quite ambitious for a first piece, but I really wanted to set stones and solder from the beginning. I was also surprised to see the bezel on the turquoise ring, because it turned out so nice for my first time setting a stone in silver. I do remember that Gary suggested filing the bezel then sanding it to get it thinner. (He was not impressed with the thick bezel on the kyanite piece). I still like clean designs. I still like working with gemstones, and I still like to mix metals. I still like feeling that there is so much more to learn and get excited knowing that there is a lifetime to perfect this art.

For other blogs on first pieces of metalsmithed jewelry from amazing artists follow the links!
Nina Gibson http://ninagibsondesigns.blogspot.com/
Danielle Miller-Gilliam http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
duckduckGoose http://duckduckgoosestuff.co.uk/duckduckBLOG
Caitlyn Davey http://discomedusa.typepad.com
Laura Crawford http://tangerinetreehouse.blogspot.com
Tamra Gentry http://gentrydesignco.typepad.com/
andes cruz - http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Cynthia Del Giudice: http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com/
libby Rosas http://elizabethrosasjewelry.blogspot.com
Nina Dinoff http://ninadinoff.blogspot.com
Clare Stoker http://clarestoker.blogspot.com
kerin rose http://kerinrose.blogspot.com
Quercus SIlver http://quercussilver.blogspot.com
Delias Thompson http://deliasstudioinc.blogspot.com

Project Runway Challenge 1

Project Runway Challenge 1
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

The challenge set forth was to make something in a week that "you" the artist would wear for a red carpet event. I've been wanting to do a series in this style for a long time and it just needed a "push" to come out. The mounting is quite high--one full inch off the band of the ring.

CHARM SWAP 4 Work in Progress

Work in Progress by Charm Swap creator, Experimetal

This summer twenty of our members have been working diligently on the 4th generation of Etsy Metal's Charm Swap charms. Charm Swap 4 participants make 22 charms for the swap with 20 to trade with fellow members. The two extra charms from each of the twenty participants will be available for sale at our etsymetal store. All sale proceeds go towards a charity designated by members of the charm swap. The deadline is fast approaching (August 31) and everyone is keeping me updated with their own works in progress.

Box charm by Quercus Silver

Pierced Flower charm by Blazer Arts

Beginning of Flowers on Vines by Bijougirl Designs

Beginning of the Tree Charm by Kathryn Riechert

Silver Acorn Cap Whistles by Aubergine228

Soon to be stamped dandelion charms by Nina Gibson Designs

Riveted industrial skyscrapers by Maggiej's

Jigsaw Charms by Sara Westermark

Cast Organic charms with Rough Diamonds by Beth Cyr

Pinwheels by Nova Designs

To see charms from earlier swaps, please visit the Etsy Metal Store.
Thanks to all the participants for all your hard work on Charm Swap 4.

Leaf Embossed Peridot Hollow Ring

Leaf Embossed Peridot Hollow Ring
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Ever since I first saw Maggie's hollow formed rings, I wanted to learn how to do it. I bought one from Maggie and then traded her for a second one. I was becoming addicted to these sculptural rings! I coerced Maggie into teaching me. During our family camping trip to the mountains, I had a lesson with Maggie Joynt on hollow rings. I was so excited to work on these as soon as I got home. So....I made 5. Here's one that my 8 year old daughter says that her art teacher would love to wear. She has been great with helping me crop and choose the photos to publish on the internet.

Port City Pottery on the Local News!

"Rollercoaster Basket" by Melanie Walter of Pine Garden Baskets

I am thrilled to be a part of Port City Pottery. These "mad potters" are amazing. They have figured out how to run a gallery that supports local artists. Even in tough economic times this gallery is still flourishing! Here's a video clip that was featured on WWAY News Channel 3 this evening. Plus we had a great day of sales in the gallery today!

lilly

lilly
Originally uploaded by hanswestermark

I'm so excited!! My husband Hans just won his first photo contest with this photo. It was featured on the Indecent Exposure Blog for photography.

This photo was taken at the local New Hanover County Arboretum here in Wilmington, NC.

Here's the link to the blog!
Congrats Hans, I'm so proud of you!!!!

holy diamond band

holy diamond band
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Well I just got this listed in time for being the featured seller on Etsy.com. To read the full article click here.

I'm thrilled and honored to be featured. It means the world to me to be recognized for my work. Its a huge vote of confidence that I'm doing something "right". Rarely do I know if I'm on the right track, but I just keep doing what I love to do and follow the ideas that keep pushing in my brain.

The ring pictured is just like the band I made for my Mom's recent marriage. Congrats to you both--Mom and Mr. Bill. I'm glad that she likes it!

Chrysophase cut by Hans

Chrysophase cut by Hans
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

In April I bought some lapidary equipment. Hans has always wanted to learn to cut stones, so I figured that this is something that we can do together. This is our first piece that we did together--Hans cut the stone and I set it.

Gemstone by Dick Desjardenes

14mm smoky quartz Dick Desjardenes 005
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

I was thrilled to see this hand-cut stone that my teacher brought today. It is a smoky quartz 14mm gemstone. Dick Desjardens is a lovely person! He is a retired doctor who has delivered over 2000 babies. Now he spends his days cutting gemstones and taking care of his wife. He is an interesting man and has done many things. I love to hear his stories.

Hans and I alternate weeks where we go and work with him in the studio. So far I'm learning to cut cabochons, but hope to get to faceting one day! I got some equipment a few months ago and have only done two stones so far. My husband loves to cut stones as well--he is much more talented than I am!

I love to work!

I love to work!
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

I recently cleaned and organized my studio. Now I'm back to work and I love it! It really helps me to have a clean studio. I feel that it cleans out the cobwebs out of my brain. My sweet husband is to credit for getting me the shelves and the plastic bins for organizers! In this photo I'm working on a custom order for bluebird.

Tidal Pool Series

tidal pool gemstone rings
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

I've really enjoyed working with this shape lately. I hope to come out with bracelets in this line too. I want to do another necklace with the tube set gemstones in it too. I just wish that I had more hours in the day because some days my brain overflows with ideas! Today I'll balance my time between commissions and new pieces.

The texture on the top is heated to get a mottled look then I took the pointed tip of my burnisher and scratched a circular pattern on the top.

What inspires me....

tidal pool diamond rings
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

My work graphically represents my life. I have come to see my striving for the "perfect and happy" life as a clean form, and all the divergent paths and unexpected detours as the cutting away or crumbling of the original form. It is the acceptance of life as it comes--usually messy, unpredictable, and tragic--can lead to a new kind of beauty with richness and depth that only wisdom of experience can afford. I only now have words to describe this part of my experience that has been in my work for some time mostly because forms and shapes come more easily to me than words. I celebrate life in its chaos, juxtaposed with the eternal striving for order. Those universal themes are what resonate so sweetly to me when I work.

My first "signature piece" was an accident! I was wanting to drill holes to create a "moon ring" but instead the drill bit was dull and wreaked the whole ring. My sweet husband suggested that I salvage the ring by cutting around the unsightly hole in an artistic way with my saw. Even after it was done, I could only see my mistake. Now I don't see it that way, I see it as serendipity or a happy accident. It was the first in my Roman Ruins series.



My style is still developing as I learn more skills and venture further into experimentation. I am enjoying the process and feel that I have lifetime of learning and creating ahead of me.

For more stories about inspiration and signature styles, please read these blogs, whose authors are posting on the topic on June 5 -6, 2009

http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com
http://andescruz.ganoksin.com/blogs
http://andescruz.wordpress.com
http://ashleyakers.blogspot.com
http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com
http://etsymetal.blogspot.com
http://ninagibsondesigns.blogspot.com
http://tangerinetreehouse.blogspot.com

Enigma 2

Enigma 2
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

I just finished this piece and I'm thrilled! Its been in my brain for a long time, so I'm glad that its done. Now if I could just get all my ideas done...... :D

Do Something to Help the Worlds' Children!

I know a friend whose son works with this fabulous organization called Compassion. They feed, educate, and nurture children in third world countries from a Christian persective. These children get what they need to thrive and contribute in their communities to make the world a better place one child at a time. I think the key is that they get education to improve their lives and they understand the importance of staying in their communities to give back to others.

I sponsor a beautiful little girl with my family in India. I was drawn to her because she loves to sing and is near the same age as my middle daughter. I love the Indian culture and feel very inspired by it. It is a small way to give back to the world but it feels good to contribute what I can. I write letters to Diya and they get translated. Right now Diya cannot write very much back to me because she is only 6, but her mother sends me letters telling me about her activities. I send her letters about our life her in the US. I've been following the blogs of folks who are touring India from the Compassion organization. I believe that this is very important and I feel great to be a very small part of it. I believe with my whole heart that in this life we only get to keep what we freely give away.

A Million Little Pictures: Documentary

This morning I saw a blog post from jewelry guru Cindy Edelstein talking about a project from Arthouse Coop in which 1000 artists from all over the world document their lives with disposable cameras. I immediately signed up to do this project. This past year I have worked on improving my photography for my website and have enjoyed learning more about photography. Perhaps its my exhibitionist tendencies that draw me toward this project, but I also think that I love to be involved with other artists in large scale projects. I find it very rewarding and inspiring. It would be great to see what your artistic life looks like too!

Here's a blurb from the Arthouse Coop website: "During the summer of 2009, one thousand artists from around the world will document their lives in 24 frames using a simple disposable camera with a flash.

On September 25th, 2009, an exhibition housing over 24,000 photographs will be constructed to take you on an adventure through the lives of these thousand artists."

Sign up to get your camera now.