Straddle the Turtle

Learning to slow down, because life's too short ~ ~ ~

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Perfect Connection for Now

10.10.2020 by Barbara Grant //

By now most people have figured out ways to stay safe and get through the current pandemic without going crazy. I’m grateful for all the guidance and helpful strategies I’ve found on various media. I miss my extended family, but we’re all pretty much in the same boat as we approach the holidays. I’ve been watching my younger grandchildren grow on Facebook and Zoom since February – not happy about that.

Regarding my work, I consider myself fortunate because not much has changed. As an artist with a studio in the lower level of our home and an on-line shop to sell what I create, I’ve not had to make many adjustments. The main difference was the halt to monthly meetings with my Circle art group, which has provided trusted, critical feedback to me for many years. So when the idea to meet virtually was presented, I was all in. 

And here’s the bonus: my previous art group (before I moved too far north) invited me to their Zoom meetings. The Oddball Artists – friends and colleagues who’d been so important to me while attending art school – are now within reach again! We share ideas, expertise, opportunities, creative energy and — best of all — memories.

For some, virtual is not enough; they need to meet in person. But for me, for now, it is the perfect connection. Checking in with these two groups on a weekly basis has been a lifeline that has helped me be content to work alone in the studio, walk my sweet pups around the neighborhood, and relax and enjoy free time with my husband*.

Photos by Bob Grant*

Categories // Limelights on my friends Tags // art community, artist friends, artwork feedback, creative energy, idea and information sharing

The Art Machine

10.03.2019 by Barbara Grant //

Cigarette-size painted block

The first time the Oddball Art Machine was presented to the public, we were there!

My grandson inserted a five dollar bill and out came a cigarette pack-sized block with a poodle painted on it! The first work of art he ever purchased by himself 🙂

It was so fun to be included with the other artists participating in this fund-raiser, some of whom have been my friends for many years.

I’m so impressed by the way they have continued to make their artwork and meet weekly as a group – all while working day jobs and raising families – very disciplined! And best of all, they bring this creativity to the community by sharing their fun energy with the city of Elgin.

Presently, they are gearing up for a scary halloween celebration. If you click on this link to their blog you’ll see delightfully creepy artworks: Hub of Weirdness.

Oddball Art Labs is a non-profit artist based organization created to advance the presence of the arts in the Fox Valley and greater Chicagoland area. It specifically works to build individual artist recognition and to create opportunities within these communities for artists to show their work through various ways:

  • Hosting art shows
  • Featuring artists of the month through various social media platforms
  • Building relationships with local galleries and area businesses
  • Providing resources to artists in preparing grants and putting on their own shows
Oddball Art Machine

Categories // Limelights on my friends Tags // art community, cigarette machine repurposed, halloween, pups

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