Work-in-progress: More than a thousand words

I already know the title for the piece I'm working on, but the art itself is taking shape more slowly than I expected.

The inspiration is a photo I took as a kid during an extremely rare moment of snowfall in the L.A. suburbs. It must have been around 1981, and I was so excited to take a picture of my mom in it before the snow melted. Then our neighbor had a great idea: drive a few blocks further up the mountain, where the snow hadn't yet disappeared, and take a picture. 

The snowflakes vanished about five minutes later. But I remember this moment more for the other stories I see in my mothers face.

More on that next time.

"Like Mother": closing reception

All right, you've convinced me. You have one more chance to see the amazing artwork on display in "Like Mother" at SPACE at Magnuson Gallery.

No, really: The show closes this weekend. I'd like to invite you to the exhibit's closing reception. Details:

Visitors to the show have remarked on how much the themes resonate with them, from funny to poignant to wistful and everything in between. The Stranger recommends our show as well. Go, darling, go: you'll be so glad you went. I say this because a mother knows these things. (And because two of my pieces are in the show, but never mind that.) Go!

Winning an artist grant: stunned and grateful

This is how it feels to find out you've won grant money to support your art.

I was worried I must be hallucinating or something, when the Sustainable Arts Foundation emailed me:

Say what now? They said yes?

I'm still stunned. Even better, the award comes from an organization dedicated to helping artists keep making art while juggling parenthood. Honestly, I don't know of any other opportunity that recognizes the existence of artists raising children, let alone the particular challenges of this life. I'm also impressed with the diverse backgrounds of the visual artists and writers selected. This grant will go straight towards funding my Great Mystery Project! 

Taking the first steps into an art career with Artist Trust, at North Seattle College. ©Lisa Myers Bulmash

I got the news just before I delivered my final presentation about Artist Trust at North Seattle College. How poetic: I'm now a living example of how important it is to keep applying for funding opportunities, just like in the the ATAL talk. Wow. Just think: if it happened to me, it could happen to you!