Pulse

This piece just found a new home. It is a piece dedicated to the victims of the massacre in the Pulse nightclub last year in Orlando.

The names of each victim are on a scroll, which rests inside an individual bead, making up the heart in the middle. The number representing those killed and injured are displayed using church attendance numbers.

Artistic Grief

Hey Art fans,

I hope this finds all of you happy and healthy. I hope your summer days are filled with colors and light.

I am having a hard time creating at the moment and I am not sure what, if anything I can do about it, except live through it. Grief has a hold of me in a new way and I am struggling a bit.

June 28th is always, ALWAYS a hard day for me. It is the day my Pops passed. I miss his wisdom, his laughter, his winking eyes and his hugs. I miss his unconditional love and support and even his swift kicks to my backside when I needed it.

This year, my grief doubled.

My sweet friend of 19 years passed away at 11:59 pm on June 28th. It was not an unexpected death, but it has hit me really hard. I was able to say goodbye and hang out with some of her good friends as we held a living memorial to her gathered around her bed.

It has been a hard week. I am not sure when the lights inside me will be flipped back on so I can create again. I just seem to need some time and a little space to just be and not have expectations of myself. Grief is funny that way for me, it lingers around for a little while and then suddenly it loosens the grip from my heart and all the bottled up creations come pouring out.

The week before her passing, I was in Santa Barbara for a educational training and was able to spend time with the most lovely of people. There was no radio or TV to distract me, only long walks and conversation as I connected.

Maybe that is why I am being hit so hard right now, coming off an intense but really good week of deep connections to a loss and the world's static. I don't know.

Please just keep checking back in the next few weeks. I promise I will post something soon.

Peace, Love and well being until the next hello,
Charlie

Glassblowing Adventure!

Hey Art Fans!

Just landed back home from spending a few days in Newport, RI and wanted to share a great little place where you can have a fantastic experience, while you have an artistic adventure!

Thames Glass is one of those places you stumble upon and never want to leave. I could stay for hours watching the artists make amazing pieces of work out of molten glass.

Our family and a friend ventured over to give it a try during one of their "make your own" classes and the results left us happy! We were helped out by Shane, who is a talented artist and master instructor. He was able to help our soon to be 10 year old daughter make two stunning ornaments and she had a blast. She was so inspired and hooked on the process, she is asking for a glassblowing birthday party this year.

My wife also tried her hand at making an ornament and her results were pretty good also!

Finally, this one is mine. I am so thrilled with the way this turned out and want to explore the art form more and more. It is one of those things that is an easy addiction and the only limit is the depth of your pocket!

For me, I think the new thing when I travel will be finding a glass blowing shop to make and bring back a little something to remember the trip. For this one, we were close to the ocean, which is my favorite place to be, and this ornament will remind me of watching the waves break.

If you are in Newport, RI please stop by and tell them I sent you! I promise you will not be disappointed! They have items ready for purchase that will make you happy to bring home, if you don't have the desire to make your own!

Be well and happy, until next time!