An Artist's Space

Starting a new business on a small budget and sustaining it as it grows requires lots of creativity, resourcefulness and a little help from your friends.  On a recent trip to Santa Fe Folk Art Market I stayed with an old friend, Pauline Ziegen, an artist, who I had not seen in at least 10 years. We had recently re-connected through facebook and she generously opened her home to me.  I knew that she was still painting, but had no idea how honed her craft had become.

The first night we had dinner and then she was off to Houston for an opening of her work at Laura Rathe Gallery.

Each evening after the Folk Art Market I would head back to her place with a bottle of wine and some goodies from Trader Joes (we have no trader joes in KC)  and sit on the deck and look over the tracks at the peaceful New Mexico horizon.  Like a voyeur, I took these shots during my stay.

Paulines work space

works in progress

A trip tic by Pauline works to create a feminine yet bold space with the Kantha coverlet I brought for her.

A signature of Pauline's; some of her hats and a finished painting of hers.

Painting in progress

A terrific collection of jackets

Unexpected Travel

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.  said, "Unexpected travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God." I love this quote and think of it as I plan for my trip to the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico this weekend. I am excited on so many levels.  I will be a volunteer and will working with an amazing textile designer from Mali, Aboudar Sidiki Fofana.

Photos from Santa Fe International Folk Market Website

I will be staying with an old friend, a painter, and I quote a review by the Santa Fe Reporter:" With an eye toward history, both in terms of technique and style, Pauline Ziegen creates layered modernist mythologies of the American West landscapes."  Her work is available through several galleries in Santa Fe. 

Photos from Pauline Ziegen

Lastly, I will be seeing several weavers and block printers that I met in Gujarat, India. They will be a part of a group of truly amazing artisans from around the globe gathering in this beautiful spot to celebrate their craft.  I am putting on my dancing shoes.