New work: but is it "safe"?

I don't remember any water towers near the place where I grew up.

There was a river sort of nearby, but we lived in a desert. The riverbed was usually so dry it was used mostly to shoot videos and movies.

Movie still from "Grease." Credit: William Anthony/ Wikipedia

So when I finally saw a water tower in real life, it looked almost like a cinematic prop. It would make a great dramatic refuge for the hero to escape from bullies and other bad guys.

Now I live in what used to be a temperate rainforest, so I see water towers all the time.  And I realize the bad guys could climb the same ladder you used to get away from them. They could attack one of the tower legs; the reservoir (and you) could come crashing down. It looks like a safe space... but it wouldn't be for long. How defensible is any "safe" space, really?

This weekend, you can see and decide for yourself. My collage series of five water towers debuts at the Centennial Center Gallery, along with other new and existing artworks. And hey -- let me know if you stop by to visit the gallery; take a photo and tag me on Facebook or Instagram.

Bloomers and water towers

In today's episode of My Twisty Little Mind: I'm thinking about water towers. And bloomers.

Artist Maura Donegan holds up pants-turned-into-bloomers. Credit: Mary Coss

The bloomers are part of a Victorian-era costume for the "Public Debt to the Suffragette" chalk art installation. At the Pacific NW Chalk Fest, Mary Coss will gather a group of artists to create a tribute to those who fought for the right to vote.

I'll be at the booth on August 19th.  Before and after that, though, I'll be holed up in the studio.

I've developed a thing for water towers. Not in a Jeff Foxworthy, defend-your-sister's-honor kind of way... they symbolize other, deeper things to me. And with that cliffhanger, I'll leave you until the next post... [chuckling evilly] 

Seattle Art Fair: all art, all weekend

"Where's Lisa? She just kind of disappeared." Here's a hint: follow the art.

I'll be immersed nose-deep in the Seattle Art Fair, Out of Sight, Unity at the Bemis... I intend to see ALL THE ART. And so can you (virtually).

Look who I found -- artist Rick Araluce!

Go follow my Instagram for a deluge of artwork in downtown Seattle.

Work by Kehinde Wiley (Roberts & Tilton Gallery) at Seattle Art Fair

I'll be there all weekend. (Try the veal. Don't forget to tip your server.)

Work by Kelly Reemtsen (David Klein Gallery) at Seattle Art Fair