“Leap” as a word doesn’t get the love it should.“Jump”, “leap’s” dynamic cousin, has gotten top billing for as long as I can recall.“Jump” reached the top of the Billboard with Van Halen.It has been splashed across screens, big and small, in titles like “21 Jump Street” and “White Men Can’t Jump.”Speaking of jumping, why is it that athletes JUMP rather than leap to make a basket or catch the ball?And if I want to purchase a one-piece-does-it-all addition to my wardrobe, it’s a “jumper”.(We will leave romper for another day!)
“Jump” is a downer.“Leap” is an upper.Say the words aloud, you will hear what I mean.Is that why “jump” is used more frequently and “leap” is shunned?It’s always a little (or a lot) uncool to be TOO happy.“Leap” sounds light and frivolous.
Well, I am choosing to leap into Spring!I am leaping from the doldrums of winter.I spent the winter months hibernating, taking solace in countless hours of You Tube, Patreon, and Skillshare.Watching watercolor dry is a form of ASMR.
But the dark hours are shrinking, and Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early spring.Even February has added an extra day!To celebrate, I will set up at Wildflower Cafe Art Market on Leap Day, February 29th from 5pm-8pm. Stop by the cafe to see what local vendors have to offer.The cafe offers a unique shopping experience with artists and artisans showcasing their wares on the cafe tables.It’s a cozy experience!
As Spring approaches, I would like to invite you to leave a comment on this post about your favorite experiment on this post. What art do you hope to see me create this year? And what is your favorite way to display art? Do you like housewares or cards or prints …? You get the idea.
In the Studio
I will keep it short today- maybe just a few pictures.The winter months make me a little gloomy and tired, so I retreated to the realm of experimentation, education, and reflection.I am curious to see how it all plays out this year.
A two page spread from my watercolor sketchbook.
Sea Dragon with flowers… ink and watercolor 9×9.
Exploring my beachy wishes… watercolor and ink.
What I’m Reading
Eve by Cat Bohannon- My book club chose this one for our February gathering. It has been a FASCINATING look at the evolution of the human species from the FEMALE perspective! At times challenging, this book has been a joy to read. I have learned much about the paleontological evolution of the female body, but also about the pervasiveness about the male bias in all things science.
This post has been written by Renee Griffin, a human being. The art has been created by Renee Griffin, the aforementioned human. No AI has been used in the creation of my art or writing.
It’s happened- the weather has changed.Mornings are dark and quiet.The hummingbirds and butterflies have left and the morning orchestra has hushed for the oncoming season.I sat with my coffee this morning in my favorite viewing spot and looked out at the empty bird feeders.
This was my best summer of birdwatching.I can say that with confidence because I suffer from a TERRIBLE memory!And so everyday is the best day because I don’t remember otherwise.It’s a little/lot like Groundhog Day.But seriously- it was a GREAT season of birdwatching.I had more hummingbirds than ever.I had a Downy woodpecker who became one of my “best customers” at the hummingbird feeder!I had owls, Carolina wrens, house sparrows, catbirds, and a myriad of Cardinals, chickadees, sparrows, and Blue Jays.Just two weeks ago I heard the frantic call of a young wren.I opened the patio door to see him standing on an outdoor pillow “hollering” for Mom (?).He was definitely a juvenile because he hadn’t grown in his tail feathers!But I watched him for a little bit and once I saw him successfully fly to a branch, I stopped worrying.As I write this, I am watching my silly little blue parrotlet play in his bathwater!
My schedule has recently changed to include monthly time at Hummingbird Fine Craft.Hummingbird Fine Craft is an art co-op on 3rd and Trenton.I have had a spot there for nearly two years!From now through Christmas, Hummingbird will be open on Sundays from noon-4.I will be there nearly every one of those Sundays.I would love to visit with you- so stop by on a Sunday and let’s chat.
Where will I be? Saturday Oct. 28th Wildflower Cafe Art Market 10-3 This is the last of the season! Come enjoy the fall weather and take advantage of my show special- 6 greeting cards for 25$. I do not have plans to participate in any more events this year.
October through Jan. 1 I will be at Hummingbird Fine Craft from 12-4. Of course my booth will be there Tuesday – Sunday, but I will be “IN THE HOUSE” as they say from 12-4 on Sundays, October through Christmas. I hope to visit with some of you then and meet lots of new folks.
In the Studio
In the Studio-It’s been a quiet month in the studio.I have spent extra time with my family this month after my mother had a hard fall.She is doing well, but she has been my grandmother’s caregiver for a long time.With her out of commission, I am spending more time filling her shoes.But I am looking forward to getting back to painting soon. Christmas is around the corner, and I am hoping to uncover my holiday spirit when I clean off the clutter in my studio.
What I’m Reading
Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman – This is the perfect collection of stories to read in October. Neil Gaiman began this collection with a beautiful introduction. And I love reading how each story came to be. Like all collections, some resonate more than others. I still have quite a few stories to go- but “A Study in Emerald” has definitely been a favorite. If you like Conan Doyle, you will appreciate it.
Food for Life by Tim Spector Technically, I am no longer reading this one. But I haven’t finished the final chapters which function more as a reference book. I have begun listening to the Zoe podcast on occasion and it inspires me to treat my body better.
TheTriumph of the Moon by Ronald Hutton This one is going to be a true marathon! It’s a look at the history of paganism/witchcraft (specifically in Britain). I have made it through Chapter 4. The chapter that examined the history of secret clubs- ie the Freemasons and their ilk was FASCINATING!
This post has been written by Renee Griffin, a human being. The art has been created by Renee Griffin, the aforementioned human. No AI has been used in the creation of my art or writing.
This blog post has been difficult to write. I have started over more times than I can recall. Some months it seems to write itself. Other months I search a little harder for the precise words, the kernel of meaning, or just the right tone. After numerous failed attempts this month, I ‘m simply going to say what’s on my mind and in my heart and move on with the faith that next month’s letter will come more naturally.
I published a post on Easter weekend with no inkling that life in our household was about to experience a small tectonic shift. The Saturday of Easter weekend, Django died, joing Carter who passed over the rainbow bridge in January 2022. Carter had been ill and frail for awhile. Django, on the other hand, was a 15 year old puppy most days. His sudden illness and passing has left us in a state of quiet but noticeable bereavement. For the first time in 26 years there is no dog curled with us on the sofa, no wagging tail and happy bark to greet us at the door. There is no longer the need to “watch our step” in the backyard or rubberband the pantry door shut- yet we still do those things.
But grief is part of love and itnegral to this cycle of energy that cradles us all. And so I have leaned into the ache knowing that time pauses for no one.
On a more positive note, Cohlmia’s Springfest was a jungle of fun! Thank you to all who stopped by to say “hello!” and congratulations to Cali who won a free mini print. I am excited to welcome new faces to this newsletter/blog. Please excuse the somber tone this month. It’s definitely an outlier.
In the Studio
This quick watercolor portrait of Django resides in my watercolor sketchbook. The portrait of Carter on the right is also in a sketchbook dating back a few years. They are not polished and their flaws are apparent. In the case of Django’s, it was my attempt to face the reality of his absence through art without judgement or performance pressure.
Last month I dedicated my studio time to preparing for Carney Fest and Cohlmia’s. For the next couple months I am looking forward to spending time learning, experimenting, and playing with the ideas percolating in my head. I have more ideas than time! After a brief period of personal painting, I will begin creating original watercolors to stock in my shop. Even now I am playing with different presentation techniques. The sparrow and stylized flower composition pictured at the top of this post is nearing completion. Once I am finished painting, I will seal it with a UV protectant spray, affix it to a wooden gallery board, and coat it with wax buffed to a soft sheen. It will then go to Hummingbird Fine Craft to look for a permanent home. My newsletter readers will be the first to know!
What I’m Reading
The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans
The larger-than-life hookah-smoking caterpillar interrogated the bewildered Alice who had stumbled into the most curious of gardens. Often, in my own wild garden, Iam the inquisitor, peering more deeply into the green foliage curtain to scrutinize an unfamiliar visitor. New faces prompt me to ask, “Who are you?” And even more significantly, “Who will you become?” Recently while picking through the greens in my garden, I was startled by a great hairy presence- the likes of which I had never seen. I ran inside to retrieve a ruler; I wanted to thoroughly document my latest discovery! Fully 3 inches long and as thick as one of my fingers, the little beast was making quick work of a sorrel leaf. A hasty Google search provided a possible identity- but I wasn’t entirely convinced. The best step forward seemed to be detaining the creature- so I placed him (or her?) in a plastic tub with some leaves and a piece of netting. I wanted my family to see this marvelous creature.
The family also performed a Google search and we concurred. This was a Salt Marsh moth caterpillar. Never mind that there are NO salt marshes anywhere near Tulsa, Oklahoma. The moth is attractive, but a little disappointing in the size department. I just assumed a caterpillar this large would produce a moth large enough to charter for trans-Atlantic flights. Nevertheless, I gave the caterpillar a pass.
This is not the first garden guest I have sought to keep and protect. Unlike other Oklahoma gardeners, I look forward to discovering a horn worm amongst my tomatoes. I am not always lucky enough to host one, but when I am, they have a special place in my garden. I have seen them decimate a plant, and so I am prepared to sacrifice a plant each year. These chartreuse anamorphic fellows with their chubby legs transform into hummingbird moths- a creature that has enchanted me since youth.
I love tending to the “humanity” of my garden. The plants bring happiness but I find utter joy in witnessing those plants provide for the creatures who live here. I watch the cardinals alight on the trellises then dive into the green masses in search of bugs. I spy on shy lizards in the undergrowth and the vulnerable tree frogs clinging to leaves. New insects frequently lead to new investigations- who are you? who will you become?
These are the same questions I ponder when I gaze at my children. “Who are you? Who will you become?” I ask myself nearly daily- “Who are you? Who will you become?” and in these turbulent days of pandemic and social awakening the significance of these questions becomes all the more apparent. These are the questions we should all be asking ourselves. The Salt Marsh Caterpillar and the adventurous young Alice have much to teach us.
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