Changes in a Designer’s Self-Worth/Knowledge Over Time

My former design portfolio professor Ed Gold from the University of Baltimore sent this link of a graph to me in an email. The graph is a big wake up call advising to take the best path as a designer with advisors. I can see how it’d be easy to go the wrong way. Take a look: click here.

(The photo doesn’t show the whole graph. Please click the link to view.)

My latest project is an oil on canvas painting in black and white of Ginkgo leaves silhouetted. Here you’ll see my progress from sketch to finished project. It should be complete in a few days. Just a few more branches to add. When it is finished, you may purchase it here. This piece was inspired by my favorite tree on the Ouachita Bapitst University campus in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. The Ginkgo tree is between the art and science buildings and turns a vibrant solid yellow in the Fall. If you’re on campus, stop by and visit it for me. I’ve been away from OBU’s campus since 2004. I think I took photos of the tree about 6 years ago in peak Autumn color. I’ll try to find those photos (before I had a digital camera - yikes) today.

Admire the easel my husband Michael gave to me as a wedding present!

In 2004 I moved to Baltimore, Maryland from Arkansas for graduate school and to live in a new culture. While living in Baltimore, I kept my camera on hand while walking my golden retriever Finnigan. This weekend I had my first photography sale of a few Baltimore photos I had taken in the “charm city”. Two of them happened to be some of my favorite pieces from Baltimore so I made a copy to hang over my sofa. I love looking up at them and remembering all of the good times there. I miss you Baltimore.

The photo above is of Fell’s Point (a section of Baltimore you have to visit). Below is a photo taken near my home in Patterson Park. Finnigan loved that park. Get these photos here and these simple, classic black frames here.

O Christmas Easter Tree — you remind me of my sister, Abby. I know two of her huge passions are Christmas and books. This book tree certainly made me think of her. She is the only girl I know that wants to leave her Christmas tree up for 6 months of the year. But that’s one reason I adore her — she isn’t affraid to be herself and she showcases her passions even when they aren’t the norm. I know that no one has ever had a sister like mine, because her thoughts on decor are so personal and extrodinary. Sorry to throw in a Christmas themed post in the first week of Spring, so you can pretend it is an Easter tree this month. It’s a new way to recycle your books for the holiday.

Today I found Ponoko (a site similar to Etsy.) This clock is the first item that caught my attention on Ponoko. I’m attracted to the black and white, simplicity, and the Roman Numerals. Purchase it here from rraadd. $39.95

Second item on Ponoko that I loved: Epershand Necklace by lsette $24

Item description: A lovely, curvy ampersand pendant on a sterling silver rolo chain, which is adjustable 16-18″. “Epershand” is the Scots and Scottish English name for ampersand…whereas ampersand is a corruption of the phrase “and per se and”, Epershand is a corruption of “et per se and”, with the same meaning.

I am in love with Megan Auman’s Etsy shop for items to decorate my home. I love her laser cutout technique that produces my favorite silhouette look. Purchase these hip products for my Birthday your home and visit her blog.