Jan Zach sculpture...

 “Marching Women” an extraordinary sculpture by Jan Zach, was welcomed to it’s new home today at Clackamas Community College. Kate Simmons, Gallery Curator and sculptor in her own right, facilitated the acquisition of the piece for the campus. Olinka Broadfoot spoke about her mentor and friend, Jan Zach, and how his support furthered her career as a sculptor. 

The sculpture is constructed of multiples of like shapes. One alone is not remarkable. Together they are formidable. It’s amazing how strong we become when we link arms and encourage each other. 

Ah, family...

My dysfunctional family of origin starts to look better and better when I consider even the mob is designated a “family.” Left to my own devices, I’d be the consigliere in my clan, however, they voted me off the island decades ago. 

The myth is families are there for you when things get tough and are interested enough to share the good stuff when there’s no drama to keep the story moving. Family resonates the ancient hope of the tribe to remain safe when the lions prowl. 

Or not. Sometimes, they pour mesquite barbecue on your feet while you’re sleeping and feed you to the big cats. 

Distance, death, difference of ideology, abuse ~ many events may  disrupt a blood family. 

In the end, the decision is ours to surround ourselves with the proxy family of our choosing ~ or those who have chosen us ~ and remember what George Burns said…

“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” 

Pendleton sunrise...

Another piece from the current show at Clackamas County Federal Credit Union Gallery, sponsored by Clackamas County Arts Alliance. Whew, that’s a mouthful.  Woke up one morning in a Pendleton hotel looking over this scene. Part of the challenge is making the symmetry of the repetitive rolling hills interesting. 

Hobbit perspective..

 

Sketching with friends Katherine van Schoonhoven and Suzanne Scheidel George on Hawthorne yesterday. The weather cooperated for a few minutes and we had a great time.  Happy in the company and being outside.