Reflections of A New York City Summer: 8/16/12

     Reflection is indeed the right word.  After spending 6 weeks in New York City with my son Colin, It took almost a week to put thoughts together about Colin's dancing, New York City, and the Bolshoi.  If you followed me on FaceBook from June 23rd through August 6th, I gave almost a daily update of our activities.  I am so glad that I did that because it serves as a diary of my summer.  I did not mention, however, the wonderful final performance that the Bolshoi master teachers staged on August 3rd.  It was three hours of the most beautiful ballet variations and Russian character dances that I have ever seen all in the Alvin Ailey Citigroup theater.  I think that Colin's performance literally stunned my husband and his twin sister Claire.  His entire physique changed as did his technique.  Colin was the strongest I have seen him and I think that just amazed Marc.  At that moment, I was never more proud of him and so incredibly happy that I was able to seize this unique chaperon opportunity.
Colin loved this training and hopes to study in Moscow one day soon.  If only.....  For now, we are thinking we might be able to send him one more time this summer with a sizable scholarship.  Meanwhile, We have to prepared Colin for actually going out into the world.  A contract with a ballet company is his first and foremost dream.  However, he will be auditioning for college programs at Butler and Indiana University as well.  I feel this is so important.  Jobs in ballet even if you are a male, are hard to come by and Colin really wants to dance with a well known company.  So my question to him is and was:  "And what do you do if you do not get a contract?"  His obvious choice and answer was "College."

     I learned a little something about myself too, while in NYC.  I learned I could navigate anything with google maps.  I learned that I could live on $150.00 a week (for a food budget).  Traders Joe's was a God send. I learned that I truly never get tired of watching men dance.  I was in Colin's classes every day for 6 weeks, about 7 hours per day.  I learned that I can handle medical emergencies and dance injuries.  We had quite a few issues with the young women.  I learned that I can handle an entire floor of young women and their caddiness.  I learned that I can act as a therapist for a myriad of relationship problems. I learned that I could jump into action every time I had someone knock on my door at 2 in the morning.I learned that I looked forward to my one on one talks with Colin.  I actually got to know him, his dreams, his goals, his love of dance.  That was perhaps the most rewarding of all, getting to know my son who is just on the verge of adulthood.  I learned that I love New York City.  There were so many places I did not get to but at the same time, I never wasted a moment exploring.  The vibe in New York is very art orientated.  It is, after all, one of the best performing arts venues in the world and all arts are highly visible.  The museums were awe inspiring and I came away with so many ideas for my own art. I could definitely live in and around this marvelous city. I learned a lot about ballet.  And I think I learned about what it takes to train a serious male dancer for a professional career ( that's an entire blog post by itself and then some).   

     So there it is in a nutshell.  I am so thankful to the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and the Russian American Foundation for making this happen for Colin and myself.  I am so thankful for my husband for sacrificing his summer so that I could go to New York with Colin.  I am so very thankful for my daughters who helped out, especially Claire who did a lot of cooking and driving herself to and from her own ballet intensive.  As I head into the Autumn season, I have a lot to prepare for.  Colin and Claire will be priorities.  We have college visits, college auditions, and company auditions looming. I know I won't have much time for my own art.  This senior year will fill my art time totally.  I do have one art show coming up and that is just around the corner in September.  I need to get going to prepare for that and hopefully will be able to blog about it soon

 Colin

k

Another Long Stretch

"Tidal Pool,"  May 2012

I get overwhelmed too easily.  Why, I don't know.  Some people thrive on stress, some people welcome stress with open arms, some people actually are productive under stress, some people learn how to deal with it, and others just shut down.  I'm one of those that shut down, even under mild stress.  Why?  I don't know.  But what I do know know is that I don't deal with stress and life becomes counter productive.  The blog is just one facet that gets left in the dust.  Its been a while, no?  So much has gone down, so many fun details ignored, life keeps happening to me and I'm just floating through the day, the weeks, the months...  So I read an updated blog, finally, from a dear friend, Faye.  She has been absent from the blog seen for a while as well and she got me to thinking.  My thoughts and words do matter, at least to me.  They help me feel better about myself, my motivations, my life.  They put things in some what of a perspective and allow me to reflect on just how much I have accomplished and just how much I am blessed, very blessed indeed.

Since January, I have just sort of skated through 2012.  My art work has been dismal.  I've produced three pieces of which one is presented here, "Tidal Pool"-a mixed media and collage work in my Claiming Sanctuary ongoing series. I did manage to get accepted to the big Art of the Land fundraiser gallery show at the Starline Gallery (in September) once again, so that will be on the horizon. http://www.conservemc.org/ways-to-help/special-events-fundraisers/art-of-the-land-art-show-benefit.html.   I did get to meet one of my collage idols, Laura Lein-Svencner at a one day workshop.  I marvel at how organized she is and how talented she is.  She is living the artist life and sucking up every minute of it.  I marvel at how she juggles everything.  Young adults still living at home, doing the home maker thing, full time artist and collage teacher (a ton of prep work goes into her classes...amazing), mom to several animals, an avid gardener, she even makes her own paper (from scratch).  I am sure I am missing several things( like almost daily walks in her local forest preserve).  Jealous, maybe..  As I get older though, I know jealousy is a dangerous emotion and to be careful what I wish for.  So I follow Laura's blog and dream a little, but not too much.  

Since January, my father-in-law went spiraling down hill (too quickly) into the depths of Alzheimer's.  My husbands sister was closest to the situation and she she was ever caring for and handling all his affairs.  We will be forever grateful to her. My husband was with his Dad often and our family tried to make as many trips as possible to visit. In mid May, Jack Ellis passed away under Hospice care.  My sister-in-law and her husband were there all morning but had stepped out just for a breather.  That is when Jack passed.  Marc was very close, very close to his Dad.  Its been a long couple of weeks.  Alzheimer's is an awful condition.  I prefer to remember Jack as he was during my early years of marriage:  vivacious, loving, fun, life filled him with exuberance on a daily basis, a lover of animals, an adoring Grandfather, lover of the arts, optimist, and an individual in peace with himself and nature.  I will miss you Jack Ellis.

In April I learned that I could be a chaperon for the Bolshoi Ballet's Summer Intensive in New York City.  Colin was actually thrilled to have me come along, really?  Colin is seventeen and it will be his first time in New York City for 6 frigging weeks, really, its OK for Mom to come along?  Hell ya, he embraced the idea.  I can't even describe what went into that decision making process and I am still concerned about my decision to go. I am so guilted out at leaving my two daughters for 6 weeks. There is so much to deal with on the home front over this 6 week period.  Marc works full time after all, Claire has a summer intensive with Judith Svalander School of Ballet (she still doesn't have that drivers license yet), school registration needs to be done with numerous dumb ass forms, senior pictures needs to be arranged, Katie's college registration for fall needs to get paid (stupid computer program sucks and has changed several times since she started at our local college--it takes a college grad and then some to figure out how to pay the school), dogs need food on weekly basis, certain bills need attending too, making/cooking healthy dinners, and that is a just a few things poor Marc will have to contend with during this 6 week period.  But my dearest husband told me if I wanted to do it, then go for it.  It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Imagine, I would get to be in one of the most highly ranked cultural centers of our country, seeing first hand  top training in ballet from a world renowned ballet school.  New York City is where Colin wants to be someday.  I had been so nervous about sending him on his own and now I can be there if he needs me...but at what price? At any rate, I would really love to blog this experience, I just hope I can make that a reality.I won't have the capability to upload pictures from my camera, but if I remember to use my son's iPad, I might be able to get a few pics.

In the midst of all this "upheaval," I had to get physicals.  Those who know me may know that I hate doctors.  Anyway I went and we discovered that I have hypertension.  Doctor told me mine was genetic and all the exercise and diet in the world would not alleviate the condition.  A few meds later, its under control.  Whew.  I also started a walking program in mid April to at least get my sorry legs moving again for all the walking I will be doing.  I purchased a new pair of Saucony running shoes (my favorites for walking) and off I went.  I am happy to say I think I'm going to be fine as far the physical part of this trip.  Now I face the real stress of packing for 6 weeks for the two of us, getting to the airport, getting checked in, flying out, and getting to the place that we are going to call home.  Why do I do this to myself?  I guess I am getting myself mentally prepared for the upcoming fall/winter whirlwind of company auditions and college auditions for Colin and college visits and interviews for Claire.  After New York I have to hit the ground running (walking, running is not in my vocabulary). 

Right now...we are in the midst of tech week at the Woodstock Opera House.  It is spring performance time.  This year is the Judith Svalander's School of Ballet 40th anniversary.  Instead of a full length ballet, Mrs Svalander pulled together a program that promises to delight.  She has selected repertoire from her 40 years as an artistic director.  Many favorites of her instructors will be highlighted as well as some excerpts of full length ballets that were staged at her hands (or feet lol).  Its a big time for Colin and Claire because they are both members of her company.  They dance a lot..which does my heart good.  I will never get tired of watching them...ever.  We are going to all the performances.  Here is the link:
http://www.woodstockoperahouse.com/Shows-June12.html.  If you are in the are..this is a great venue.  It is also a wonderful way to introduce young children to ballet. The program will be fast moving so it will keep children's attention on the stage.  It should be a blast.


Now I am babbling..  I need to come up for air and continue my journey...
k

Twitter Art Exhibit and More: 3/10/2012

     Three months into the New Year and it seems like June (even though the weather says no way).  The month of January went by faster than I can even describe.  It was filled with summer intensive auditions for Colin and a movie premier called Life Lessons (both Colin and Claire were in this little short movie about a young girl coming of age through Stone and Camryn Ballet school in the sixties). Colin's auditions went fine.  He was accepted at both the American Ballet Theater's intensive in North Carolina and the Bolshoi's intensive in New York City.  We spent an agonizing two weeks doing some serious research and he did some serious reflection.  Both programs offered scholarships and Colin had a difficult time deciding which program would benefit him most at this stage in his training.  In the end, he made a decision on his own given all the facts presented to him and he decided that this was the time for adding serious Russian technique to his repertoire.  I think it was a good choice because this may be the only time he has to study with the Master Teachers from this world renowned company.  http://www.bolshoiballetacademy.com/index.php.    This is a 6 week program in New York City.  He will dance at Lincoln Center and I believe two other locations close by.  As a mother, I really nervous about this but I will have to get over it quickly.  I have tried to rationalize that it is really an opportunity of a lifetime and quite an honor to be asked to the program.  So in a few short month, we will send him off.

     Quite soon, over spring break, we are off to visit a few colleges, namely---Butler and Indiana University.  Colin wants to go directly to a company, he wants to get on with his career.  However, both myself and my husband want him to have a back up plan.....  Money for the arts is very limited and who knows what the situation will be like in a year or two.  Butler is already interested in him so I suggested we take a road trip. Both Butler and Indiana U have great ballet programs.  I hope Colin will be in the position to start down his career path but if that doesn't happen, college is a good thing.

     In art news, sadly there is little right now.  I did finish a very small series ( 3 by 6 inches, 3 in all) called moon over Chaco Canyon for David Sandum's Twitter Art Exhibit.  I did this charitable event last year and the exhibit raised about $3000 for children's books at the Moss library in Norway .  This year the sale of these small works will benefit the Woman's Crisis Center in Moss.  I am proud to be invovled in this event even though it is just in a very small way.  I had a fun time doing these.  The series came together with very little thought, I just did....  I do hope the sale is a success for David.  He puts so many hours and a lot of heart into it...  I wish I had so much energy!
K

    

Belated Holiday Greetings

Yes, I did it again.  My poor blog has been totally neglected for far too long.  I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season and that the new year is off to a good start.  We flew through our holidays.  Nutcracker was a big success.  Colin and Claire brought it home in a big way.  Each year I fight for words that can describe my feelings and well, words just are not adequate.  Perhaps these pictures will tell it all.  I always have to mention the wonderful Dan Swinson.  He has a gift for capturing these dancers emotions.

I managed to clean our home in the short days following Nutcracker and then Christmas was here.  I cooked and a good meal and good time was had by all.  We were blessed to spend our Christmas Day with Grandpa.  He is in the late stages of Alzheimer's.  We know that each gathering is a precious one because time is cruel.  Marc's Dad may only have a short time or not...its a crap shoot and so terribly unfair.  

New Years was very quiet.  We spent it with neighbors who we have known for many years.  Our children have grown up together.  Great talk, good food, and wonderful people.  Who could ask for more.  I'm afraid our party days are sooo over.  Marc and I rang in New York's New years and then we drifted off...

I managed to teach a fun class at The Studio.  Our patrons are always so enthusiastic and each lady produced a lovely whimsical portrait even though many said they could not draw.  Ha, joke was on you :)))

And then our bubble burst.  Our dearest greyhound, Tigger, slipped on our tile floor and broke his shoulder (a pathological break) although we did not know that until the following day.  He did it on a Friday night when a snow storm was raging.  So we waited till morning.  I could tell he was in pain but he ate and drank normally.  We had to carry him up and down the stairs and carry him to do his business outside.  I knew in my heart of hearts it was not good.  I had the kids say good bye to him the next morning and I fed him a huge yummy breakfast.  Indeed I knew he would not be coming home because even though I did not have xrays to show the break, I knew what it was and I knew this kind of break was not good...osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is prevalent in his lineage...enough said.  The Xrays showed or confirmed what I feared and we chose to send him to the Bridge right then and there.  I will miss you Tigger.  You were my dearest hound.  

During all this, Colin auditioned for big company summer intensives.  He auditioned at the Bolshoi, American Ballet Theater, and Pacific Northwest Ballet (which we eventually decided to sit out of).  He was accepted to all with scholarships.  So a decision had to be made as to where he would go.  stay tuned...will update that a little later :))))

K

Its Nutcracker time Once Again: 12/7/11

Rehearsal at the Waverly in Woodstock Illinois Photo by Dan Swinson ©2011

Claire, photo Dan Swinson ©2011

I am trying so hard to savor each moment of my 2011 Nutcracker Experience.  It will be a bitter sweet one I'm afraid.  Colin and Claire have one more year before they move on.  They will go separate ways.  My twins will begin to have their own lives, apart.  I don't want to dwell on that.  It is hard enough knowing they will soon be seniors.  I want so much for each of them.  I want their dreams to be fulfilled.  I want them to be the best they can be and I hope they will always stay in touch. I hope they will want to come home on the holidays or that I and their Dad can go to them on the holidays.  I hope.....

So how is this years Nutty shaping up?   As I said, I am trying hard to savor each moment, smile with each trip I make to the Opera House because something was forgotten, rejoice when I have ballet shoes to sew, take the home Christmas decorating in stride even though I have Christmas this year, shrug when I spend umpteen dollars on carry out meals through rehearsals and performances, make no comments about how many small loads of dance apparel I have to wash each night for the next two weeks, revel in each performance that I have tickets for (I have five performances that I am seeing and 3 that I am ushering), be a proud Mom no matter what happens in each performance, be a kind Mom when first time Nutcracker parents are trying to figure out scheduling and the tricks of the trade (so to speak), and finally, soak up the compliments with humility from other parents and friends.  I want to remember everything.  I want to be a part of Colin's and Claire's triumphs.  I just hope I deserve all these precious moments because they will be over all too soon.  Merde my dear Colin and Claire. 

Love MOM

So much to be thankful for: 11/22/11

So its the eve of my second favorite holiday, Thanksgiving.  Reflection time for me is always right around this time of year.  I've had one of those years that as a mother, realized some of my worst nightmares.  My daughter Kaitie has had two close calls as of this writing.  The first was the accident on June 4th that totalled her car and realized an ADHD diagnosis.  I had a hard time coming to terms with just how close she came to being seriously injured or worse.  After spending some quality time with God, I resolved to be a better mother to her, to be more patient (something I have never been able to do), to love her unconditionally and accept her for who she is, not what I want her to be.  That accident was every mother's or parent's worse nightmare. Continuing, just when I thought life was good, God sent me another wake up call.  Kaitie was rushed to the hospital last week.  She had developed a serious kidney infection (started most likely as a UTI) which went septic.  We spent two days on pins and needles as the health care team tried to figure out an antibiotic scheme that worked.  I tried so hard to be strong for her but I did finally break down in front of her, my family, the nurses, and her boyfriend.  I could not believe we were facing this.  How could this happen and get to this point?  I have always been able to catch her illnesses before we had to resort to emergency care.  You know, step throats, ear infections, and even a UTI when she was very young.  How could I have missed this...  I really guilted myself out and for the last week have been pretty subdued.  How can one protect this young adult?  Is it even possible.  Well she is home now, back to school and work, and even though she is still on the antibiotic regiment, she is herself again.  I know God would not give me more than I can handle but really...two close calls in such a short time span?  I am grateful that I finally had enough sense to get her into the hospital, too much longer and it would not have been good.


So what else am I thankful for.  Well there just happens to be this wonderful man in my life.  And then there are my twins, my gloriously talented twins.  There is my home and my wonderful greyhounds.  My health, my friends, being gainfully employed (both of us), my art, and of course the Nutcracker (which is just around the corner). Lest I forget my God who keeps me grounded in reality.
  

I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving.  I for one know just how blessed I am to have my family around me on this holiday....  

 K

 

Surfacing Again: 10/30/11

I simply have not been able to put together contiguous thoughts nor meaningful ones for the past 3 months.  So do you ever question why you started a blog in the first place, do you wonder if your words are worth reading, who really cares, do your talents make people want to come back and revisit your work/writings...  I am in one of those periods I guess.  I have never really been good at keeping this resource up to date.  My priorities switch so often.  Perhaps its a touch of my ADHD (really).  So when I am feeling like this I try to go back to the real reason I started writing using this venue...yep...for my children who are almost young adults.  I hope truly that they find this little gem one day and really peruse through the stories and artwork...maybe they won't judge me so harshly.  Gosh this sounds like a pity fest.  The funny thing is, I'm really OK, just a little befuddled at times. 

Skulls for the Passionate Frida

Most of my August was spent ordering, organizing, and preparing for my part of the Passionate Frida Workshop.  I honestly don't know how I got through that.  For four nights, I spent my time with the dancers from this ballet making props which included 24 skulls, over 200 paper flowers, decorating maracas, and teaching (not only the art part but the history of Mexico from early 1900's through Fridas death in 1954).  It was so important to me that the girls and guys understood the essence of Frida, and that essence is in Mexico herself.  I hope the kids learned something.  In these pictures by Dan Swinson you can see two of my props.  The folding screen contains a mural that was copied from one of Diego Rivera's works.  Mrs. Svalander wanted her Diego to be working on a mural.  And below is the cubist painting that I copied again from one of Diego's originals.  This was used during the scene when Diego was painting a portrait of Christina, Frida's sister.  I have to say this experience was very rewarding.  It pushed me as an artists, to go where I have never gone before.  By completely immersing myself in the life o

Frida, I was able to almost understand her passions, Diego, her art, and Mexico.  Then when the ballet premiered, it felt almost surreal.  The dancers were absolutely incredible.  Because I studied Frida's life for the workshop, I could follow in depth the symbolism used in this work.  It was a once in a life time opportunity.

Since Frida, I have been preoccupied with preparing mixed media classes for the Studio School of Art.  I also took an on-line workshop with the Fabulous Katie Kendrick which was relaxing and freeing.  Because Frida was so much on my mind, during Katie's class, I started a collage which is all about Frida.  I started it in September and it is still waiting for me to finish :)  My ADHD has gotten the better of me and I am now working on several projects at once getting no where.  I have two workshops coming up.....  Oh and its Nutcracker Season.  Colin and Claire are in the thick of it...They still do not have a license and I'm still driving... 

I'm going to leave my entry at that...I read some of my back logged favorite blogs today.  So glad to see beautiful art...                  k

Summer Recap 8-15-11

4 AM  7-10-11, all ready to leave

I don't even know where to begin.  My summer has been one of hurry up and wait, stress, little art, and proud momma moments.  Busy = something had to give, sadly, it was my blog.  Having been away for 2 months, I was surprised to see this new lay out in Blogger.  It took 10 minutes to get reacquainted.  I can't decide if I like just yet.  Anyway, my emotions ran the gamut this summer and I often found it difficult to put anything down in words.  The blog got pushed aside.  After Swan Lake, it was all about getting Colin ready for his four week workshop with the American Ballet Theater.  I spent most of June making lists, buying supplies, emailing back and fourth to the program coordinator, etc...  Meanwhile both Colin and Claire were taking classes (a summer intensive) at their year round ballet school.  They also took drivers ed and so I was in the car on and off all day during June and the beginning of July.  My oldest was registering for our local college and that was an ordeal in itself.  And then, the magic day for Colin was here, July 10th, he and his father headed to Texas and the adventure was on.  Colin took classes at the ABT program in Austin Texas at University of Texas.  I really was not all that weepy when he left, it really hit me though later that evening when I did not hear him on his XBOX 360.  I looked forward each day to his phone call, his Facebook updates, his voice, his pictures.  I mad sure to send him a daily picture of his Mandy dog ( our female greyhound, he adores her) and made sure to send him a weekly snack package. Claire, on the other hand kept me busy with ballet classes, the gym, and the pool. My oldest, Kaitie, well its been a long hall with her.  After her huge car accident, we sought professional help and she was diagnosed with ADHD.  Talk about a whirl wind of doctor appointment.  I am still trying to get her meds dosage correct.  At the college, I set her up with special needs accommodations but that was no easy ordeal.  I started the process and July and I am still gathering paper work. At the end of July, Claire had her showcase performance.  This was the culmination of 6 weeks of work.  No photos, of course, but let me say, she was a bright star up there on stage.  Her smile, her presence, was the best I have seen it.  This summer she was accepted into the JSSB company course and because it is so rigorous, she improved her technique and learned some partnering skills.  Mrs. Svalander brought in guys specifically to work with the company dancers.  As one might suspect, guys are few and far between at the local ballet schools around us, well around most local ballet schools across the country, but Mrs Svalander managed to gather up enough young men to work with our girls.  What a perk.

Claire in Summer Show Case

On with the ABT.  I don't have many photos.  Colin, being Colin, took none.  There will be some shots though, by a professional photographer, however they are not posted yet.  On August 4th, my husband and I went down to Texas to pick him up and see his final performance.  The ABT accomplished much with these extremely talented young dancers.  To get a show ready in just four weeks.....  Colin grew so much during this time in Austin.  Not so much physically ( his height is the same), as emotionally.  He had the opportunity to dance with other male dancers that were as talented (and then some) as Colin.  To me, that was huge.  When I saw the guys on stage together, it made me so proud that Colin was a part of it all and he danced so beautifully.  I cried of course. I have to hand it to the ABT program.  For Colin it was so worth it. Even though he had a full tuition scholarship, Marc and I still had to cough up room and board and food.  Not to mention the air flights and transportation costs associated with getting around Austin...  What the heck though, this is Colin's dream.  This is a company Colin would die for (to get into it).  So we roll with the punches...  I think that Colin has made some life long friends.  WIth social media, he won't loose touch.  

My version of a Day of the Dead Skull

Meanwhile, we are preparing for the next show...No, not nutcracker, although auditions are coming up very soon.  Mrs. Svalander was invited to stage a new ballet about Frida Khalo.  This is for/in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month (October).  The performance is October 1st.  Yours truly is helping out with the props.  And that is where is where I am as far as my art.  I had all these great plans for finishing actually collages.  Where the heck has the time gone?  And the sad thing is that I knew this would happen..it does every year, every extended break (Christmas, Spring break).... I just can't seem to budget my time at all anymore.  I did manage to get an application in for the Raue Center galleries this coming year but that is about ll.  So as September fast approaches, I have a list a mile long that are "must get done" now items.  Sigh......


K
P.S.  I have a new internet friend that I just had to mention.  Her name is Susie and not only is she a marvelous mixed media artist but she totally relates to all my blurbs about my ballet mom life because she too is a ballet mom.  It hink that is so cool.  The internet brings so many people together.  Susie, thanks again for your email.  Here is Susie's blog link...  http://mylifeonebitatatime.blogspot.com/

Swan Lake Reflections: 6-20-11

This past week I spent some time recovering from Swan Lake rehearsals and performances.  I did the hurry up and wait routine about 3 times per day during the tech rehearsal week and then went to 4 performances of Swan Lake on the (the 10th, 11th and 12th).  No art has been done for the past two weeks but I a beginning to get the itch again, gratefully.  Colin and Claire have had a down week this past week as well so I spent much of my time with them.  My 18 year old, who is really going on 30, was rarely home at all so I was grateful to spend some quality time with my 16 year old twins.  Claire and I did some shopping, her favorite past time, Colin and I did some movies, we all sat down to dinner together which is a rarity and I did a lot of home cooking.  We also hit our health club 4 of the 5 weekdays which is a perk as well.  

Each night before I fell asleep I put together some thoughts on my children's performances.  It is funny how it works but with each passing year I can see such great improvement in their technique and in their performance.  Thanks to the magic of professional videos, I can relive all those memories.  This particular performance found both Colin and Claire in solos. I am so proud of both of them!  Claire, recovering from mono, lit up the stage.  Regardless of how tired she was, you would never know she was ailing.  Her personality just totally came through.  Colin was absolutely incredible.  He was pure grace and power.  I was able to watch him perform as prince (he was the understudy) and I have to give him kudos.  His range of emotions were right there.  You could see just how in love he was with his Odette yet he was totally conflicted at the same time.  Bravo Colin...you are destined for the big stage.  Enjoy the little slide show below..you will see what I mean :)

Mrs Svalander, our studio's artistic director, invited some friends to attend the last performance.  These friends were former professional dancers from about 40 years ago.  They made sure to tell Colin how talented he was which just about sent him into tears.  I really don't think he wants to admit how talented he is.  I think that is a defense mechanism for him.  These ladies, some in their 60s and 70s, we never met before but you just sort of knew that they were former dances (with Stone and Camryn in Chicago) because of they way they moved.  I was also moved my their comments.  I mean really choked up.  I am always amazed at the range of emotions this performing art brings out in me.  The ballet is something extraordinary and I do hope, dear readers, you take the time to see one at least once. 

 


















And so, here we are at another week.  Colin and Claire have started Mrs. Svalander's summer intensive which basically preoccupies ~8 hours a day (with lunch and dinner breaks) 3 days per week, and about 5 hours the other days (except Sunday).  Colin leaves for Austin Texas on July 10th to participate in the American Ballet Theaters summer intensive.  I do hope he posts daily on Facebook (feel free to friend him if you want to follow his exploits, Colin Ellis).  My husband and I will attend his final performances down in Austin.  I am so excited for him.  Claire will have a final summer intensive performance too and I do hope she is given some beautiful solo moments.  She is ready for them :)   I need to put my artist cap back on.  But that may have to wait for a while long...I have to gather all Colin's stuff, and there is a lot of it, to pack and send down before he leaves, and also pack him up for the actual trip.  Never a dull moment.  

Least I forget, all these photos are © Dan Swinson, whose talent is awesome.  Thank you Dan for allowing your faithful followers to use some of these photos :)

k

Swan Lake

Swan Lake 2010:  Photo by Dan Swinson

This photo is from last years production of one of the most beloved ballets, Swan Lake.  And this is what I have been up to all this week.  Tonight begins the marathon weekend of performances.  Coin and Claire are totally pumped and you can feel the adrenaline in the air.  So as alluded earlier, this week has been about getting the kids to and from rehearsals and waiting...  I am too involved with the excitement of it all so I have not been able to concentrate on much else.  I wonder if other parents of children who dance or perform on stage feel the same way as I do.  I can't buy tickets for just one show, I have to buy tickets for 4 shows.  I have long ago come to the conclusion that Colin and Claire will be 18 all too soon so I am going to enjoy every minute as a ballet Mom and a very proud one at that.  The house work will always be there, so will my art, so will the wash!!!  But my children have always come first no matter what the cost.  We've sacrificed a lot through the years so they could have the best training available and it is paying off in a big way.  Colin has chosen dance as his career path and will be studying at a summer intensive with the American Ballet Theater in July, Claire wants to go to college to pursue her dancing.  I'm smiling ear to ear.  So as I sit here and type this, I am eagerly awaiting the first performance tonight.  As soon as Mr. Swinson has some photos available I will post them.  He is a fantabulous photographer and has a knack for capturing dancers in their finest moments.  


k

Breathing 6-8-11



"Transformation"  completed 6-3-11

 I have been meaning to summarized my last week.  I really had good intentions to write on the weekend.  But as it always seems with me, time just gets away.  I'm back on a path again, not exactly the one I was on before this past week, but at least its a path.  My oldest has recovered from the shock of her car crash and is asking for a car again...to that I say, fat chance.  We just found out her $16,000 car has $12,000 worth of damage. So now we wait for our insurance agency to decide if they total it or fix it.  My Claire has been cleared for dance.  Thank God.  Up until yesterday, I had a tight grip on her making sure she got plenty of rest, fluid, sustenance, etc... We allowed her to mark her part but no more than that.  Last night was the first rehearsal that she actually danced and she brought tears to my eyes.  She will remain fatigued for some time but as long as she knows when to rest, all is good.  My son had the opportunity to dance the prince part in Swan Lake last night (rehearsal).  He is the prince Sigfried understudy. So I was invited to watch him perform his actual part as well as the understudy Prince Sigfried.  I have seen his Benno (best friend of the prince) and have always been amazed at his athleticism, but his prince...my boy actually acted the part.  Its one thing to dance well, its another thing to embody the part.  And this he did.  I was in awe.  My 16 year old son, looked so love smitten. I wish I had pictures.  I can't wait to see the actual performances this weekend.  Right now, this is what is keeping me in the game :)  I'm  thinking that Mr. Dan Swinson will have some pictures of rehearsals up soon. 

Another bright spot these past couple of days was the completion of "Transformation."  Because this piece is so textured, I was at a loss at how to seal it (since it will not b3e under glass).  I settled on my go to sealer, Dorlands Wax.  Worked like a charm.  I was able to finish and seal by Thursday of last week.  The wax cured for 24 hours and then I buffed the finish.  Voila, I was ready to let her go on Friday.  I wanted the recipient, Mrs. Hirsch, to open it while I was standing there.  Tears welled up in my eyes when I saw the joy this piece brought to her.  She was almost speechless but not quite.  The hugs and the smiles spoke a thousand words.  I think I will offer prints of this one if ever I get time to get my ETSY shop up and running once again. 

Swan Lake is this Weekend.   The Black Swan photo below is by Mr. Dan Swinson and is of one of our beautiful dancers.  If you live in my area and want something completely cultural to do this weekend, head on over to the Opera House.  This is a fantastic ballet and danced so beautifully by The Judith Svalander Dance Theater.  Both my Colin and Claire have big parts :)  I am a proud Mom for sure.  My studio time will be non existent until after Swan Lake.                  

                                                                         

Presented by:

Judith Svalander Dance Theatre

June 10, 11 & 12, 2011

Friday at 8:00 PM

Saturday at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday at 2:00 PM

Tickets: $23.00 Adults & $16.00 Students

http://www.woodstockoperahouse.com/shows-June11.html

Transformation Nearing Completion and thoughts on Motherhood.

Its been a hell of a day.  As I sit hear, in tears, I can't decide i I am feeling sorry for myself, filled to the brim with frustration, or grateful for all in my life. I've been reading, almost religiously, Kelly Rae Roberts blog for several years now.  She became a mother for the first time about 7 months ago.  Her posts, naturally, are filled with the wonders of motherhood and also the the real fears that come along with being a new mom.  As a Mom, I have relived, through her words, all my children's births, their firsts milestones, their first day of school....And yet, I say to you Kelly, nothing can prepare you for when you have to start letting go.  My Claire, at 16, was diagnosed with Mono.  While of course its not the end of the world, it feels like the end of her world to her.  Swan Lake is everything to her and with performances next weekend, we are hoping and praying she can perform.  The real back breaker though, was this afternoon.  My 18 year old was in a car accident, her fault, that pretty much totaled her new car. As I raced to the scene, nothing could prepare me for the look on her face nor the flood of relief when I saw that she was not injured.  I wanted to strangle her but instead I grabbed her and held her tight as we both sobbed together.  So much went through my mind.  Every little giggle or smile or coo she made as an infant, her struggles all through school, her triumphant high school graduation, her happiness when we put a down payment on a new Honda Fit (which by the way has a high safety rating and I believe in any other small car the outcome may have been different) only 2 months ago, her first car accident last month.....  Kelly Rae enjoy those precious moments.......  So now on top of illness we all have this to deal with.  I know I could have lost her, I know I have so much to be thankful for, I know...I guess I am just feeling sorry for myself.  And I'm feeling scared.  How do I let her get back into this car?  I have worried every time she goes off on her own and it seems my fears were justified.  I always said if I could just get them through high school...  Sigh, tomorrow is another day and I'll spend it one the phone but I'll survive.

After the accident happened and after dealing with the insurance company, I headed to my sanctuary.  Here is where I am at on this mixed media collage.  It is nearly done.  Not only is it a work of love, it saved me tonight from a total melt down.  The photo is from the iPhone 3Gs which isn't the best quality but I'm saving the scanner bed for the finished work. I'm probably going to do another glaze over the entire piece and add some sparkle on the dress to emphasize the magic of the moment. Her bodice is adorned with gems. The dress is 3-D because I used white tissue paper. So I am pleased where this piece led me.  I totally worked intuitively having only a picture from a magazine of a dancer that I sketched.  The rest just sort of happened.  The background though, really set the mood and after the sketch, it just happened.  There is a good chance that I will finish it tomorrow.  Then I want to seal it, wire it and scan it (not necessarily in that order).  I can't wait to give it to my twins ballet teacher.  That will make my day, my week, my year.
k

Slowly Getting There: Progress as of 5-31-11



Transformation



For my children, this past weekend was the first one of the summer.  School is out, no tests, no homework, no papers and both are sick.  My son has a nasty cold and sore throat, his twin sister seemed to have something much worse.  I took her to urgent care on Sunday.  I thought she had strep.  All symptoms pointed to it.  The doctor wanted a rapid strep test and it was negative.  So that left him with a probable mono diagnosis.  SHIT.  Swan lake is in two weeks!  Well tomorrow I will take her to her pediatrician and we will get a blood test.  I am hoping for anything but mono.  Her glands are so swollen she can barely talk.  Nasty.  Art time has been minimal.  I guess I should be use to it :(  I did get into the studio today and here is where I am at on the piece that will be a gift.  I still have more to do but for the most part, it has come together.  Being a little distracted, I have lost the enthusiasm for this work.  Need to get it back so I can finish it! I have a working title:  "Transformation"  and it suits the work. I do have some words I want to add as well.  Let me say that this photo is an iPhone one and the colors are off.  When I complete the piece, I will definitely scan it.     Its funny, as I am looking at this piece here in this post, I can focus in better on areas than still need defining etc....     Hmmmm  K

Demo finished from Spring Scape class: 5-26-11



"First Thaw"

 Just a tad bit whimsical, this mixed media and collage depicts the joy I feel whenever I think about Santa Fe in the spring. Actually the inspiration for this work is steeped in the art of Phyllis Kapp, an
internationally collected water color artist who resides in Santa Fe.  She turns 80 this year and I wanted to create a piece in her style.  While she of course is a painter, I altered these papers in southwest themed colors for use in my work.  The piece is entitled: "First Thaw."  In addition to the papers, some of which are from the Paper Packet project, I used acrylics, water soluble oil pastels, artist crayons and gel pen.  The work is  8 by 8 inches and is on canvas board.  

I did manage to work a little further on the piece below.  I have not titled it yet but I have a few ideas that I am ruminating on.  I hope to take a quick picture later today.  I probably won't get back to work on it till Monday as our weekend is shaping up to be really busy..that is nothing new :)

K

A Gift inProgress:5-26-11

Step 1:The Papers

Step 2: Background painted

These last few days have been heaven sent.I am finished for the school year (yea, I graduated 10 pre-k children) and my own children are still in school (she said with a smile). Colin and Claire have finals right now and tomorrow is their last day.  I am taking advantage of this peace and quiet to do what I love to do...create.   since I have the luxury of time this week, I though I would share some of the steps involved in this piece as I go along.  This work is for a very special woman.  She is one of Colin and Claire's dance mentors and has just recently had a baby.  I usually don't like to share my work so early but I wanted to share the evolution of this piece because I am becoming attached to it (on many levels).  I took these photos with my iPhone 3GS so the poor quality should speak for itself. 

Having dancers in my family, well I am often inspired by their performances. Very shortly (2 weeks to be exact)Colin and Claire will be performing in Swan Lake. So it seemed appropriate to do something in that vein, especially since the new baby is a girl. The basic papers include some  adds from Dance magazine, an old Swan Lake program, and old ticket from Sleeping Beauty, and some pages from old books. The papers set the mood.  In Step 2, I glazed the papers in three acrylic using Misty Mawn's sort of style for moving the paint around.  I then used some alcohol and rinse aid while the paint was still wet.  This accounts for the streaking.  Step 3 was done today. Now you can see where I am going with this.Since we subscribe to Dance Magazine, I found a photo / pose that I liked and sketched it as best I could.  Using a Stabilio pencil to sketch and then I whetted a brush to push the graphite around to sort of shade in those darker areas (like an under painting but cheating a little). I have several more elements to sketch in and maybe do a transfer rather than sketch the final element. I can't wait to see this unfold. There is still much to do.....

Step 3: Loose Sketch of main image

On another note, the artist reception for the collage show called E/Glued,was wonderful.The show was beautifully put together and showcased the work of about 15 artists from around the area and out of state as well. I was indeed very proud to be a part of that show. Unfortunately I did not take any pictures grrrrrr. I forgot. But in my defense, I had a second artist reception to go to that same night.  I sort of was preoccupied. David Becker, renowned water colorist / artist, had a reception that was for his students. He teaches at The Studio in McHenry and has quite a following.  The show was wonderful and I am so glad I had those few moments to soak in all that talent:)  

Post Graduation: 5-23-11

Its official, Kaitie is out of high school.  I surprised myself by not crying.  That is really unusual for me but the ceremony was so large and almost impersonal.  I just could not get into it from an emotional view point.  I hope that doesn't make me a bad Mom. Kaitie ran off with her friends before I could really give her a huge hug.  I did finally get one and then I had to face a mass exodus of about 2500 plus people from the parking lot.  I mean really!  It was insane.  We celebrated briefly with cake and balloons and roses and then she was gone.  The parties are in full swing and it seems non stop.  I do remember my graduation and I too was a person in absentia for weeks on end :)  Good for you Kaitlyn!  Enjoy this time with your friends.  Soon everyone will be heading in different directions.

I finally came up for air on Sunday and got some studio time in.  I finished a piece called Vernal Pools from my Claiming Sanctuary series.  I also started a piece for an extra special Mom.  Here you see the papers I selected and these are adhered to a masonite board (cradled).  They may or may not be seen in the final work.  Next I will add more texture with coats of acrylic paint and perhaps some thicker media like molding paste or I don't know, whatever moves me.  There will be some drawing too.  Can't wait to get going on it. And finally,I will be in the Art of the Land benefit once again.  I finally finished the paper work (porcrastinated till the last minute as usual.  The Raue Gallery also send me notice that I can submit this year for a gallery show with them.  Lots cooking!  Teaching a collage class tonight too called Spring Scape.  Then I am taking a break (teaching break) till August.

K

Prom week: 5/2-5/6

Kaitie

Who was I kidding?  Did I really think that I would be able to get into the studio this past week?  At least I had a little time on Sunday to reflect on what being a mother means to me but even those few precious moments were very fuzzy due to a nasty cold that I caught this past Thursday.  I did a lot of running around for my 18 year old this past week.  This was her senior prom.  She worked last week, most nights and so details were left to me.  There was a big part of me that loved doing these things for her, you know, ordering the boutonniere, running down hair accessories for the new do, digging out the her camera and making sure it was charged, finding that perfect clutch bag (which she hated and did not take), washing her intimates, and the list went on... And then there was a small part of me that totally hated doing all this stuff.  Maybe it is because it was her last prom, maybe it was because I am finally realizing she is a young woman, or maybe it was because I never want this part of her life to end.  I am so dreading her leaving...  This is where my mothers day reflection came in.  In the fall, Kaitie will be going to our local community college.  I know she will still be living here at home but between school and her job, I will see her little.  She is making decisions on her own now, driving her own car, making her own appointments for hair, dentist etc, and has her own very active social life.  Sign...so bittersweet.  This high school time has just flown...just as I knew it would.  I tried to grab hold of it, tried to treasure each week, month, year...but come May 19th, Kaitie will graduate. She is anxious to leave it all behind, to start a new chapter, to move on with her life.  She is anxious to be her own person.  I just hope that I made the right decisions for her during the past 18 years and that she had internalized at least some of the age old wisdom I tried to pass on.  Being a mom to her was tough, very tough.  But there was one thing that came very easy...loving her.

Kaitie and her date

k 

Resurfacing

After the Paper Packets project culminated in our show, I took a deep dive.  I really needed a break from it all.  So no art since the 15th of April.  Now its time to get back at it.  I have a few ideas of where to go with my Claiming Sanctuary series (using papers from the paper packet project) and I have a new work I want to start for a very special baby named Ava.  I also just delivered 3 works to the first ever all mixed media and collage gallery show in our area.  Its about time!  That show begins May 5th and runs a month at the Old Jail House in Woodstock, Illinois.  Also I have a May 30 (or so) deadline to submit the works I want to hang for The Land Conservancy "Art of the Land" show in September.  It is really nice to be juggling these shows.  

Back to the Paper Packet artist reception.  A nice evening was had by all.  I think we stirred the pot a bit with these works and I was so proud of all the emerging artists.  I was overwhelmed when I viewed all the finished and framed pieces.  Absolutely amazing.  A few of the works sold as well and that was just icing on the cake.  I'm not sure how we will top this project.  It was a while in the making and I so appreciate all the artists sticking with the program.  I think it was a real learning experience for me in that while I have been in gallery shows, I never have been on the planning side of a show.  I can't thank Lucy enough for her support and guidance.  We learned the hard way.   There are things we will do different next time for sure.  But all in all, I think the show was a success.

Finally, on April 24th, Easter, my father-in-law turned 88.  Here are my twins helping him read a card.  Dear Jack is in the throws of Alzheimer. It has been a long road for my husband and his sister.  My husband and I feel pretty useless.  Between running our 3 teens around and all the other baggage associated with them, it has been hard to be there for Jack.  He is deteriorating quickly.  My sister-in-law is a saint.  She has been running interference between his doctors, psychiatrist, and the woman who runs the home where Jack is living.  It has been a nightmare for her.  Hopefully his meds will be figured out soon and prescribed according to his needs. 

Hopefully I will be in the studio at least one day this week.  Prom is Friday and it is Kaitie's Senior prom.  Big day.

K

Blog Giveaway Winner 4-12-11



Jen McBride



                                                                      

First I would like to thank those of you who commented on my NOVICA post...You all had a great shot at this gift certificate for 50.00.  I numbered the comments on paper and then had my husband draw one...drum roll please....  Jen McBride, you won!!!!!  So congrats and now you can spend a little more time on NOVICA's website.  Enjoy...OH and I will send you the info once I confirm your email. 

Now off to seal my fourth piece for the gallery show/opening/artist reception this Friday!

k

Ecological Ethics in our Global Society

Well the big day is almost here.  Our Paper packet project ( inspired by Seth Apter and Laura Lein-Svencner) will culminate in a themed show entitled above.  This Friday is the artist reception and it is hard to believe we are really doing this.  We (meaning 13 artists from The Studio) started this project back in late October.  And now all the altering is done, collages created, works matted and framed, details for the show worked out, and works are starting to arrive for hanging.  I am so proud of the ladies who committed to this project.  Anyway below is a write up that we will display as guests walk in.  And I would be remiss if I did not post my third work, Sedge Meadow III, in the continuing series- Claiming Sanctuary.  Finally, if you want to win that 50.00 gift certificate, you need to comment on the entry below this one.  I select a winner tonigh (at random). 

K