Friday, May 28, 2010

Walk Much??


" An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. "
                      ~ Henry David Thoreau


 We all know that walking is good for us....good for the heart and lungs, bones and muscles. But, the benefit I enjoy the most is what walking does for my mind.  All of my senses are engaged and I am totally aware of all that is going on around me. I notice the birds and the wildflowers, the scent of honeysuckle and the warm breeze. I am completely "present" and "mindful".  This gift of being mindful, of living in the moment, allows me to feel passion for life. I am grateful for just being alive and appreciating each moment.

And here is the good news: that passion for life just naturally carries over to my passion for creating art! What is that saying...."art is life"?

My walks are indeed inspirational for me. The pieces I create using the inspiration I receive while being mindful, while living my life, are the pieces that seem to resonate with others.

" I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in."
                                                ~ John Muir  

Sunday, May 16, 2010

From Paper To Fabric

Here is a new piece I just dropped off to my framer last week. The photo on the bottom shows an up-close of one of the pages from my journal, where the idea for this project was "concieved". The almost final work is pictured at the top. ( I added yet a few more buttons on the left side...seemed to balance a bit better.)     Leaf Study copyright Susan Nash

I have been keeping journals for many years now. They provide me with a wealth of ideas and quotes and just plain inspiration. Isn't it interesting how a doodle created many months earlier, will spark the idea for a new work? Whenever I am feeling "stuck" I go to my journals, and usually find something to get excited about.

How about you? Do you journal? I'd love to hear about it....

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Cap City Half Marathon

At the starting line...me, Molly and Abby.After the race; bookended by Mike and Ben.      
Last weekend was a fun-filled and busy one. My entire family and I spent it together. It was "mother's day" a week early. We walked the half marathon Saturday morning. The day started out dry, but ended in a drizzle. At least it was warm, and our spirits were not dampened in the least.    

"Best of 2010" Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony

The opening for the Best of 2010 occurred last weekend, at The Ohio Craft Museum, in Columbus, Ohio.  (http://www.ohiocraft.org )My family and I attended and enjoyed a fantastic show. I am pictured below with my piece Cross Country Flight, which was awarded the "Quilt Surface Design Foundation LTD Award. I am very pleased and proud to be a part of this show, and to have received this award.