The last week was a blur for me, full of travel, study, business and social activities. But, while I am tuckered out, I emerge inspired and grateful for all of the gifts I have in my life.
I thought I’d share some highlights from one single day that I spent in sunny Sarasota…
7 am
Awakening to a pink sunrise along the gulf coast…
8 am
then a brisk walk along the beautiful beach…
under the amazing sky… 
10 am
On to the wondrous Selby Gardens where I was registered for a watercolor class with the incomparable wildlife artist Deborah Ross.
Setting up in the classroom…
my intimidating white paper staring back at me…
Deborah demonstrates…
…as we attempt to paint gorgeous orchids from the gardens…
…some of my early attempts
…and my little stash grows.
3 pm
Next we visit the highly esteemed Ringling College of Art and Design for a tour with Diane Roscamp, board member, and Dr. Larry R. Thompson, President of the college.
We see it all…from classic animation studios…
…to clay animation
…to computer animation.
…from the illustration department to the design department…
and, finally, we find classic life drawing and painting in the Fine Arts studios!
ALMOST makes me want to go back to school!
6 pm
Time for cocktails and conversation with friends high above the bay… 
7 pm
…and a fabulous dinner topped off with key lime pie as we watch the sun go down.
An inspiring day, indeed.
| Share This: |  |
 |
One of the most inspiring locations we visited while in Costa Rica was a coffee plantation and inn called Finca Rosa Blanca, which is about a 20 minute drive from the San Jose airport. The owner, Glenn Jampol, is an artist whose paintings help adorn the main house. This impressive white building is a work of art itself, with undulating lines, lovely murals, and a view to die for.
We were so fortunate to discover this gem in the highlands surrounding the city of San Jose. The only problem is that we had a mere 2 and a half days to spend here. If there is a next time, (and I hope there is), I will want to stay for a solid week. I can envision myself using this charming spot as a creative getaway.
As I dream about this, I envision my ideal day…
I awake at dawn to the roosters crowing and take an early bird-watching walk or do a brisk work-out. Then I retreat to the balcony of my room (with a pot of fresh coffee that is grown in the hills before me) overlooking the gorgeous vista. During these quiet hours, I do my writing that’s inspired by the stillness and beauty before me. At noon, it is time to enjoy a delectable alfresco lunch (with the best iced tea ever – complete with bamboo straw)! The homemade chips made with yucca and other veggies are delicious when dipped in fresh guacamole and salsas. I’d probably sample a salad or sandwich…either way I can’t go wrong.
My afternoons would be filled with painting to my heart’s content, inspired by the lush local landscape and tropical flowers. (I just might take a break with a spa treatment or a dip in the languid pool).
On the charming veranda in San Jose’s perfect climate, I’d order fresh grilled fish or some Costa Rican specialty for dinner. The homemade coffee ice cream puts even Haagen-Dazs to shame.
Evening would find me either relaxing with a good book– or catching-up with emails or research. I’d end my day with a glass of wine while overlooking the mountains and the twinkling lights in the valley below…and in the sky above. (How does that daydream sound???)
There are also many side trips available from FRB if you desire to visit volcanos, charming towns, butterfly farms and museums…but, honestly, the charms of Finca Rosa Blanca are absorbed by settling in and letting the surroundings overtake you. Complete detachment from the more hectic pace we are all so accustomed to is what FRB does best!
Indeed, I found joy at Finca Rosa Blanca. You may want to add it to your bucket list!
| Share This: | |
|
In addition to providing a backdrop for a wonderful family vacation experience, Costa Rica was rich and lush with inspiring imagery. Our recent trip is becoming a distant memory. Luckily, we came back with close to 1000 photos! Here are some of my favorites featuring the rainforest in all of its splendor. Hope you enjoy…
(many of the photos are courtesy of my talented husband, Peter Walts)
(to see more, visit my Travel Gallery on our Flicker site)
| Share This: | |
|
I get lots of nice emails, but one really caught my eye…
Here is an excerpt:
Dear Kathy-
My name is Kari and I'm a CVS customer. I was looking for cards for my friends and wasn't keen on the selection in front of me. I struck up a conversation with the lady stocking the card shelves and she guided me to the section where your cards are and she further told me that her highest hopes are that she meets you before she dies.……….I spoke to the Tipp City CVS manager and he told me her name is Janet Pence and she has stocked the shelves every Wednesday for at least the past 15 years. If you ever pass through Tipp City, OH on a Wednesday, be sure to stop in at CVS drug store and say hi to Janet. I can tell she is special, just by our short conversation. And I love your cards too!!
This is the kind of letter I couldn’t ignore, and yet Tipp City, OH seemed as far away as Timbuktu. The closest I ever came to Tipp City is Cleveland, where American Greetings World Headquarters is based. I usually have meetings there a couple of times a year, but even Cleveland is a four hour drive to Tipp City. I wasn’t sure whether I’d ever get there…
But, last week, prior to my visit to American Greetings, my husband and I booked a flight to Dayton, a short 20 minutes away from Tipp City and the CVS store. We had arranged to meet not only Janet Pence, the American Greetings employee who lovingly stocks the shelves, but Kari Prall, who took the time to write the thoughtful email. I must say, it was an absolute delight to meet them both! Janet brought her husband, Jim, to take photos (as did I), and Kari’s coworker Marilyn Rowe also came along to say hello. To my surprise, two American Greetings supervisors showed up to lend their support, as did two executives of CVS. Robyn Wolf and Pam Proctor of AG, and CVS store manager, Mike Cole and District Manager, David Fuller, rounded out our party!
We exchanged gifts, shared laughs and savored stories to last a lifetime. For that day I met two special ladies who touched my life in the nicest way.
Then it was off to American Greetings for my meetings. The four hour drive in a rental car through Ohio farmlands to Cleveland didn’t really seem all that long. After all, we had the glow of new friendships to help light the way.
| Share This: | |
|
It has been a very busy couple of weeks since the Quilt Market in Houston! But, better late than never, I wanted to share with you some photos from our visit.
We were thrilled with the response to our new Sweet Birdie fabric collection! Here are some of the adorable creations featuring Sweet Birdie.
Another highlight was the rain poncho we discovered in the Westminster Free Spirit booth that was made with our Happiness oilcloth fabric. (I had to try it on for size!)
Westminster’s booth was ablaze in color!
Lauren and Melissa were stylin’ with their Kathy Davis bags.
I was so happy to see many old and new friends at the show!
(Here I am with Jone Hallmark - Marianne Vogel - Ty Pennington & Melissa Schulz of Kathy Davis Studios)
And, finally, I must share some of the exciting quilts from the Gallery. I particularly love the bold, bright modern versions, as you can tell…
For more photos, please visit my Flicker site by clicking here.
Lastly, whether large, loose portraits are a trend in South Africa...I can’t be sure, but I was just lucky to find several… and they knocked my socks off!
These first two paintings by Lionel Smit grace the walls of a wonderful winery and lodge in the Stellenbosch region called the Delaire Graff Estate and Gardens.
Click here to see more of Lionel Smit's artwork
These exciting graffiti- inspired portraits, below, are by artist Kilmany-Jo Liversage. I found them in the Worldart Cape Town gallery. The calligraphic and colorful brushstrokes exude such energy!
Click here to see more of Kilmany-Jo Liversage's artwork
I hope that you agree that there is much joy to be found in the art from South Africa!
Pow! Everywhere I looked pottery and textiles popped with bold color and geometric pattern! It was eye candy for a color aficionado like me. My favorites were pieces from The Potter’s Workshop. I stocked up on as many of these colorful and functional gifts that I could fit into my already bulging luggage!
Click here to visit The Potter's Workshop
While perusing a local magazine, I discovered a group of textile designers living and creating in South Africa called the Threadcount Collective. The five women work independently and have vastly different looks. Their collective gives them a way to market with more impact. I contacted one of the designers while in Cape Town and she pointed me to a local store that sells her work. It was impressive!
Here is a small sampling from the Collective.
Click here to “meet the designers” and see more.
Check back on Friday for part 3 of Joy Through Art in South Africa...
You may have viewed the slideshow of my recent trip to South Africa that I posted on my blog. It has been a month since I’ve returned, and now I'd like to take the opportunity to share with you some of my reflections from this amazing trip.
I plan to write and post some thoughts over the next three weeks. This series will reflect my brand promise - to Scatter Joy: joy through art, joy through living, and joy through giving.
Please enjoy...
No matter where I travel, I am always on the lookout for local art and inspiration. Believe me, South Africa did not disappoint!
Prevalent among the many colorful handmade treasures I found was a wide assortment of beautiful beaded crafts! There were functional beaded items, including beautiful chairs, belts, mugs… and animal sculptures galore! (More on them in a later post!)
Woven baskets made of colored telephone wire were another fun find! These intricate baskets are created by the Zulu people, the largest ethnic group in South Africa. The finished product appears to be fashioned from natural materials, but the telephone wire that comes in every color provides a wide palette for the creations!
Singita, an impressive group of safari lodges in different locations, uses charger plates and accessories to decorate the lodges. Each lodge has a different color scheme and pattern, helping to create a distinctive personality for each location.
http://basketsofafrica.com/wire.html
Check back on Wednesday for more Joy Through Art in South Africa.
Hello and Happy September!
As sorry as I am to see the true summer months pass us by, September is a
time that makes me thing about fresh new beginnings. The air is crisper,
the sky looks clearer, and the season begins its change. Since I spent
many years in the classroom – as both student and teacher – I also feel
programmed to think about back to school and a switching of gears to new
schedules and priorities. September means “change” to me.
I must admit, my recent two-week trip to South Africa has also made me think
a bit differently. I do feel that this experience has changed me, but I
think I have yet to discover just how. For one thing, it is rare for me to
completely detach from my work. On most of my vacations or beach getaways,
I can’t resist packing some unfinished business. Whether its writing,
painting, or business based communication, I usually feel best when I am
productive. But on this trip, I resisted, instead letting the experience
take me over. Sure, I brought back some ideas and inspiration, but for the
most part, I allowed my unique setting to overwhelm me… and it DID!
Another thing I realize is that this time off has taken some of my “edge”
away. I return feeling less anxious and driven …recognizing that I want to
be a sailboat capturing the right wind currents, rather than a motorboat
plowing my way toward some unknown destination. I guess this is what
vacations are supposed to do. I am seeing the bigger picture – the
important things rather than the seemingly urgent things that nag at my
daily "to do" list.
As for how this African adventure may influence my artwork… I have yet to
discover. One thing I can promise you though, is that you won’t be seeing
any Kathy Davis style animal prints coming out in my work (as some of you
have predicted!)…or at least I don’t think so.
I hope that each of you, too, had a chance to detach a bit this summer and
were able to take a fresh look at your life's priorities. This month is a
great time to adjust your outlook!
May you embrace all of the changes that September may have in store for you!
All My Best,
Dear Friends,
I have returned from a truly incredible trip to Africa! My husband and I had long been anticipating this journey, and it far exceeded our expectations!
We flew from Washington, D.C. to London, and then onto Cape Town. After spending several days of sightseeing there, we hopped on small planes to two private game reserves for safari adventures. There we enjoyed 2 thrilling game drives each day, and stayed in wonderful lodges with great views, fine food and friendly staff. I will never forget the feeling of falling to sleep listening to hippos snorting in the river below! The game drives were filled with amazing animal sightings and adventure in the bush.
To top off our adventures, we ended our journey in Zambia, where we viewed Victoria Falls from Livingstone Island at the precipice of the falls (no fences or barriers of any kind!). It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life!
By the end of our travels, we had amassed over 6000 photos! After much editing, I have prepared a slideshow with some of the highlights of our trip. If you have about 16 minutes to spare and are interested in accompanying me, I invite you to share in this adventure from the comfort of your own computer.
A few things to note: you will see us in coats and hats during some of the early outings, as it is winter this time of year in Africa. Our temps ranged from the low 40's in early morning to the low 80's in afternoons.
Also, I must give credit to my husband, Peter, for most of the good photography and all of the interesting animal close-ups. His already sharp skills reached a new level of expertise with all of the practice he got on this trip.
The music I assembled for this slideshow includes:
- The theme from Out of Africa - the film
- Grasslands Chant, Circle of Life and The Lion Sleeps Tonight from The Lion King - the movie
- Baby Elephant Walk by Henry Mancini
Enjoy!
I will be following up with some retrospective blog posts and African proverbs, so please stay tuned!
All My Best,
I have always dreamed of seeing Africa – maybe it’s because of the beautiful wide-open plains, or the amazing animals, or the vastly different culture. (I have also had a secret craving to wear that loose khaki and gauzy white safari style wardrobe…especially the hat with the turned-up brim!)
I’m sure the film “Out of Africa” helped to fuel my fire back in the 80’s. (Robert Redford and Meryl Streep could sell me on almost anything, though…)
At any rate, my husband and I bit the bullet this year. We really cannot afford either the time or the money that this trip will cost…but I figure we can’t afford not to, either! For years we’ve talked about it, always as “someday, maybe…”. Every year there was a reason not to go. But, because each of us had a big birthday this year, we decided that our “party” would just have to take place on those great plains! I want to be young enough to enjoy this journey of a lifetime, so there’s no time like the present!
While I am painfully aware of the suffering in vast regions of this continent, our trip will keep us mostly in developed areas or national parks. The famine, extreme poverty, disease and unrest in much of Africa are unbelievably serious concerns. I am hoping I will become more aware of the needs of this part of the world and discover some ways in which we all may be able to help.
For many reasons, we chose South Africa as our destination. Because of our limited 2 week time frame, we couldn’t go to all of the places that interested us, but our South African expedition includes a bit of everything; cities, small towns, wineries, waterfalls, and, of course, great plains and game reserves!
We’ve both been so busy that we haven’t even really had time to think much about the trip, let alone pack – or, for goodness sakes, read any of the fine books recommended to help us prepare for the adventure…but once there, we will have no choice but to detach and immerse ourselves. The long flights will be taking us far enough away that we will have no other choice!
We hope to have internet connection a good bit of the time, and if so, I will try to send some photos.
Now, as we approach the date of our August 5th departure……I’m filled with a sense of wonder…
How will this trip change my outlook, my work, my life?
I guess you’ll just have to stay tuned to find that out………
p.s. – I REALLY hope I get to see a giraffe!!!
Was thrilled to spend some time at an astounding Art Show Open House on Saturday. I must thank my brother, Fred, who recommended we make some time to take in the talents of Bucks County stone sculptor Steven Snyder. Thank goodness we had a rare day of springtime sunshine in order to go off the beaten path in search of Cedar Maze. What we found was truly amazing!
Not only does Steven create and carve beautiful works of art from stone and found objects, he is a collector and curator after my own heart! His meticulously arranged "altars" of fascinating natural finds were in themselves worthy of wonder.
The grounds at Cedar Maze were inviting, and the displays were thoughtfully laid out, even adorned with a wonderful array of wildflowers. Open Houses are held here only a couple of times each year, but the grounds are open daily. Best to call ahead. (see below)
Self-taught in his craft, Steven uses motifs that have such appeal to me, personally. Birds, hearts and stone angels come to life in many of his pieces. I left empty handed this time...but want to save my pennies so I can return someday to bring a piece of Steven's sculptural genius home with me.
Here are just a few of my favorite photos, but please visit my Flickr gallery to see more!
This is the description on Steven's website:
The charming country setting of Cedar Maze is the sculpture garden and studio of Steven Snyder, located 10 miles north of New Hope in rural Tinicum Township. Inspired by his experiences living, working and raising a family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Steven uses local stone as well as natural and found objects in his work. His sculpture, suitable for indoors and out, includes bird baths, fountains, etc., as well as functional art, such as outdoor showers. His sculpture, studio and home have been featured in Country Living Magazine and on HGTV's Our Place. His stone masonry work has been documented in Fine Homebuilding Magazine. Most recently, his work's been featured in Dtown Magazine. Sculpture garden and studio are open daily, year round. Just call ahead first 610.294.9106.
Show dates: May 14, 15 & 21, 22, 2011, and October 8 & 9, 2011 as part of the 2nd Annual Sweet Edge Sculpture Tour. For info click on Art Shows and Events.
We may have just missed Washington, D.C.'s famous spring cherry blossom season when we visited this week, but I was thrilled to discover an Art Show in Union Station featuring the festival depicted in school children's art.
A visual treat, this celebration of spring seen through kids' eyes had me snapping photos feverishly! Sharing a few favorites with you here.
Please visit my Flicker site to see more.
There are so many reasons to occasionally take a break and travel to someplace new. It re-charges your batteries and inspires with new sights and experiences. My recent trip to Mexico was filled with many simple pleasures, from the beautiful beaches and ocean to the colorful handicrafts I found in the small shops. But one of my favorite reasons to travel is the new people you meet - people you would not have met otherwise...people who often challenge your thinking and remind you that in spite of the interesting differences among people from around the world, we are, in many ways, very much the same.
While in Playa Del Carmen, I was lucky to meet a fellow watercolor artist, named Theresa Lucas.
Theresa, from Indiana, won the trip as an award from Wyndham Worldwide! Her talent is very special, indeed. Born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (a rare condition that affects one in 3000 births), Theresa has overcome her "diff-ability" by holding the paintbrush in her mouth. (Theresa prefers the term "diff-ability" over "disability". She says "dis" means "can't", and she "can" do things, just differently!)
One of my favorite paintings of Theresa's is called "Blue Serenity". It has a very calming beauty about it.
In addition to painting, Theresa teaches and does motivational speaking about overcoming disabilities. She has been featured in Ladies Home Journal and recently was honored with the "Women On Their Way" award.
Theresa's story is a wonderful example of finding joy through art - and sharing that joy with the rest of the world.
Please visit her website. www.theresalucas.com
I hope you find her story, talent and courage as inspiring as I do.
While touring through Spain in the summer of 2009, my husband and I marveled at the wonderfully diverse countryside and culture in Barcelona, Sevilla and Madrid...but nothing captured me the quite way the glorious graffiti did!
I have always loved hand-lettering, calligraphy and expressive painting, so seeing the explosions of color and self-expression scattered on storefronts and signs throughout Spain thrilled me! For the most part, this is not a destructive type of graffiti, but, rather street art that gave the old cities a vibrancy and pulse that speaks to... and from... the people.
Not limited to paint, some of the art was adorned by stencils, collage and stickers. I started to become familiar with the artists, each who left their distinctive markings across the towns.
A fiend with my iPhone camera, I walked many miles capturing as much eye candy as I could! Maybe I overdid it a little when I ended up in a wheelchair after getting a foot infection...but still I kept clicking away. I had become addicted to Spain's street art!
I hope you enjoy these small slideshows from my prized collection!
Another bonus of our family day in NYC was a stop at Chelsea Market. In addition to the funky architecture (it was formerly The National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) Complex), we enjoyed a tasty lunch at Cleaver Company’s The Green Table, marveled at the great shops and cool decorations...and found a wonderful seasonal shop called “Jingle”! Jingle is a holiday extravaganza that runs for three weeks featuring the work of independent creatives.
Was happy to find Jill Schwartz’s Elements and Ayala Naphtali’s funky jewelry among a huge variety of handmade finds! The "designer" chocolate with sea salt we sampled was absolutely memorable. Jingle’s edgy yet arty take on gift-giving is an inspiring way to scatter joy through art ...and giving!
imaginative decorations inside Chelsea Market include a tree made of CD's
archways framed with thousands of light strands
recycled paper cutout snowflakes and angels dance around a fountain
Our family took the day on Saturday to trek to NYC for some Holiday fun and inspiration. We are all crazy busy, and the holiday season is simply insane, but I’m so glad we set aside a day for being together and taking in some of NYC’s holiday magic!
The highlight of our day was the Winter Solstice Celebration by Paul Winter and friends at the cathedral of St. John the Divine. It is difficult to put into words what this event is like until you've experienced it. The cathedral is awe-inspiring and the talents of Paul and the musicians he assembles takes your breath away! I especially loved the Forces of Nature Dance Theater of Harlem, and the voices of Theresa Thomason and Armenian Arto Tuncboyaciyan thrilled the audience. The huge sun gong punctuates the event with its amazing energy. A cross-cultural celebration, the solstice concert unites people of all faiths by paying homage to our various seasonal customs. In Paul Winter's words, " In remembering the solstice, we align with the rhythm of the year, and allow our hearts to resonate with optimism that the light will overcome the dark.”
It is a privilege to witness the musical gifts of these artists who scatter joy to so many!
Tune in for Part 2 tomorrow.......
the sun gong inside St. John the Divine Cathedral
the Solstice Tree with bells, gongs and chimes – intended to symbolize the diversity of beings in the life family
