Living With Art

Nothing personalises a home more than the Art the occupant collects and displays. From drawings to sculpture, Art immediately gives depth to a room, and is a smart place to put your money. One can start small - literally beginning a collection of small works on paper - and go bigger according to confidence and pocket book, but buying Art is never a mistake; your home and your spirit will benefit from the energy it brings into your life. The best way to begin collecting, is to discover young, up and coming artists in your area and/or on sites like Etsy, and buy from the heart! If you love it, it will always bring you joy! Above is Patti McKee's living room wall. Patti is the mother of Sage.

The Artist As Art

In Julia Cameron's wonderful book, The Artist's Way, the author reminds us that in order to create, we must first "find the river." And the proverbial river, is always within. "Dependence on the Creator within, is freedom from all other dependencies," Cameron assures us, and anyone who has lost theselves in the creative process, and found themselves anew, would agree. That's a self-portrait, by Sage above. Can't wait to see all your entries! Have a wonderful weekend everyone, wherever on this green earth you may be! And please do your bit for Earth Hour!

Name This Painting

I've been showing you the very talented, Sage Moon McKee's work these past couple of weeks, and will continue to do so through the month of April. I think Sage is one of the finest young artists to have come out of Taos for quite some time. She grew up around some fantastically talented artists, including the late Bill Gersh and Larry Bell, and their mentoring and influence, plus a great Art education, obviously rubbed off. You can read more about Sage in the St Patrick's Day post below. Her work is modern, edgy and original, while paying homage to those who inspire her. The above, mixed media piece (Acrylic and Collage on Canvas 10"x10") needs a name. This nameless orphan will go to the lucky blogger who comes up with the perfect title! Please send your entries to Sage at the email addy below, or to my email (in profile)by April 20th, subject matter: Name, and at the end of April, we will announce the winner right here!

Here's a little interview with Sage

Tell us about growing up in Taos?

"There were always wonderful colors, dark shadows and bright pinks and blues. The sky told stories. Nature in Taos is overwhelming; all your senses take heed."
When did you start making art?

"I think around 3 years old."

Which artists inspired you?

"Bill Gersh, Larry Bell, Basquiat, John Heartfield, the list goes on and on..."

How do you see your work in relation to the current Art Market?

"Honestly, I'm not sure yet. Right now I make art because it opens me up to a peaceful place. Its natural. I also enjoy viewing the world through the artist's eye, so even when Im not making art, I'm creating it."

Likes?

"I love any landscape. I can always find beauty and inspiration in a landscape. "

Dislikes and things you'd rather not hear about?

"War"

sagemoon13@hotmail.com

Helping Hands

I've been slowly recovering from a monster flu bug. Next week I'll have more art and artists here, but today I'm taking it easy, and being thankful for helping hands. The kindness of friends is a gift I treasure. This week, I've been reminded of the power of love in our lives and how it heals. Good friends are truly precious and a community of like minded souls, a most valuable thing. I was reading a post by Holly at decor8 earlier, which really brought these thoughts home. When I began blogging a couple of months ago, it was my intention to keep it local and think global, a mantra of mine for a long time. I was up to here with the South West style cliches and wanted very much to share my life and the people and places in it, with all the like minded bloggers I had quietly been reading for some time. Taos (with its cross cultural history and considerable artistic and literary mythology)is a fantastic community of creative souls - many ex-pats and urban escapees, who have chosen to live here, removed from the fray, in order to pursue a simpler, more authentic way of exploring their creativity, unfettered by constant media manipulations. What you see on the surface (as a visitor) is only the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more. This is one of those pockets of consciousness scattered around the planet, that has always drawn the creative and spiritually inclined. Because I freelance (as a writer, makeup artist/stylist and Feng Shui/interior consultant) I am blessed with the ability to share creative ideas in my daily life. I have been so inspired by fellow bloggers and influenced in my own creative choices as well, enabling me to bring these ideas into my own community. To me, this is the most exciting thing about the blogosphere - the immediate connection to the collective! What a wonder! With all this in mind, I'll continue to share my little corner of the world, and hope you can take something with you, into yours. Today I'm putting more of Sage Moon Mckee's work up. If you are a collector or considering starting a small art collection, these mixed media pieces are affordable and very wonderful. Sage can be contacted via the email below. Lotus In Crossfire above, Bob Marley w/Pyramid and Landscape, and Hands With Pyramid, below.

sagemoon13@hotmail.com

Desert Blends

Living in the High Desert calls for some serious skin care. Look no further than Desert Blends, at the end of Bent Street. I'm totally addicted to these products that are blended using the native desert plants, by Master (Ayurvedic) Herbalist, Toni Spies. The handcrafted soaps are creamy and long lasting, not to mention super moisturising, and come in yummy flavours, that look and smell good enough to eat! Bath salts in Rose Mint and Sage have become a necessity in my bathroom. Shampoo, conditioner, lotion and bodywash all in the fresh Desert Sage scent, are a powerful and invigorating way to start the day! Toni wildcrafts her botanicals, which means she harvests in nature, with honor and respect, and her Spa line, which includes an amazing red clay mask, blue corn body polish and rich, restorative body oil, is the signiture High Desert Treament at the El Monte Segrado Spa here in Taos. Beeswax candles, organic cotton towels and robes, along with natural sea sponges, body brushes and loofas, compliment her divine line, but I'm headed in today to replenish my skin care regimen. A two step wonder, aptly named 2Shea, this super-rich moisturising cream and anti-oxident packed serum - loaded with nutrients and specially formulated for the climate - are all one needs to brave the elements at this altitude!

http://desertblends.com/

Reading Room

Today I have meetings, phone calls, emails and business in general, to attend to, but for the past several days, I've been doing quite a bit of reading. To put it mildly, I read a lot. The only books I keep are ones I would read again and/or any I use for reference. The rest get donated. And I love the library! Whenever I'm confined to my house whether due to flu or snowstorm, I'm so happy to have my books and places to sit comfortably, while I read. I am always surprised when I go to a home with no visible reading matter. Books are like food - an absolute necessity in my world, and there is something very comforting about shelves and stacks of them in a room. Instantly that room is lived in and offers a little insight to the occupants of the home.

The World Egg

Easter is the Holiest Day of the Christian Calender, and I wish all my Christian friends, a very Happy Easter. The eggs that are associated with Easter however, have their origin in earlier times. Mystical symbol of the Goddess, whose World Egg was said to contain the Universe in embryo, the egg is a universal symbol of Creation. Birth, Rebirth, Resurrection; these themes are at the core of all Creation Myths. As Spring breaks the long, dark days of Winter, and bulbs send their shoots through the thawing earth, Nature renews Herself, and we follow! The egg to me, is the most perfect thing. Is there anything more beautiful and harmonious than this oval? These come from my son-in-law's hens, and need no colour other than what Mother Nature painted them.

The Healing Home

Last weekend, I spent my time caring for my oldest daughter who was sick; cleaning her house, making her chicken soup and tea and helping her with her kids. Doing the things a mother does. My youngest daughter arrived a couple of days later, and after her boyfriend and his mom left, we both promptly came down with a nasty flu. Before taking myself to bed, I managed to make a big pot of chicken soup for the two of us as well. Three days of rest, soup and mother/daughter bonding over copious cups of tea, and we are well on our way to recovery. I thought about the healing aspects of the home and how sometimes, after we have been pushing ourselves too hard for whatever reason, we are forced to get quiet, stay in and recharge. Our homes should provide us with all the comforts we need when we are under the weather. Enough good food in the fridge and pantry to tide us over. An assortment of teas, herbal and black. A library of beloved books and movies. Stacks of magazines. Warm, sunny places to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book. Clean bed linens and plenty of pillows to prop ourselves up with, while we drowsily leaf through a new issue of Vogue. Pretty things, and art to stare at when even watching a film, or reading, is a chore. Fresh air and always, a clean bathroom, with plenty of botanicals to add to a hot bath. Today, we are up and although still in our pajamas, the doors are open and the faint scent of sage lingers, from a good smudging. Another day at home and we'll be rested and renewed!

New Mexico Chicken Soup

1 Organic chicken, cut into pieces

3 Carrots

4 Potatoes (red)

3 stalks of celery plus the heart

1 onion

as much garlic as you can stand

1 cup diced green chile (I use hot, you may want to start w/medium)

juice of 1 lime

salt, pepper and oregano

shot of Braggs minerals

2tbs good olive oil

A Dutch Oven is perfect for this soup, but any soup pot will work too

Saute chopped garlic and onion in olive oil till golden

Add some oregano (rub it to bring the oils out) salt and pepper

Brown the chicken and remove from pot

De glaze with the Braggs or (Dr. Bronners)

Add diced vegies, chile, chicken pieces - stir - and cover with enough water.

Add half the lime juice and bring to a boil

Skim off the icky stuff, reduce heat,cover the pot and simmer for an hour

Before serving, add the rest of the lime and more salt and pepper to taste, if needed

Life Creates Art

Last week I put a few pics of Anna Purna's home up. Her space is so layered with her Art, that it's difficult to appreciate all in one go, so I'm putting more up today and next week I'll introduce you to the artist herself. Anna Purna has lived an interesting life; time spent in Israel no doubt informs her Madonna's in barbed wire and gas masks. Years in Los Angeles bring a light hearted, Hollywood kitch vibe to the mix, which is also coloured by the Mexico/New Mexico cultural collision. She travels often and widely - most recently to South America - and all she has witnessed becomes contained in the installation boxes, created from her singular vision. Although they appear bright and whimsical, don't be deceived; the issues they address are ones most crucial to the planet, now. In these rooms, there is no separation between Art and Life.

Pause

My daughter and her boyfriend arrived yesterday. She's back for a few months to work on our film and he's headed to Arizona and Utah to run the rivers. They brought his mom down from Durango with them. We sat up talking into the wee hours before collapsing into bed. I'll have them all here for the next couple of days, so might be a bit scarce this week. I'll be back after things get back to normal, to share some other artists and their spaces with you. Right now, Im taking a mini-vacation! I'm leaving you with more of Sage Moon's mixed media pieces, Venice Iron Door With Trees (below) and Mother With Child. Enjoy!

St. Patrick's Day

When St Patrick drove the Snakes from Eire, a new world was born. The ancient Celtic traditions mingled with new Christian philosophy and Ireland, as we know it, came to be. During the Potato Famine, an exodus brought this fantastic culture to America. It's Irish Day today, and with this in mind, I'm celebrating a young artist, who has a good dose of Irish blood plus Native American, French and African - a true child of the New World! The daughter of my friend Patti McKee, Sage Moon grew up here, went to school in San Francisco and spent a couple of years in New York before moving to Los Angeles, where she is now based. She is a film maker and very talented stylist, but her real gift is her art. I've known Sage since she was a little girl -she's friends with both my daughters - and have watched her grow into a beautiful, sensitive and accomplished young woman. There's a pic of Sage on my posting about her mom's home. East Meets West. I'll be showing her work here over the next few weeks - weaving it in and out of other postings - and have posted her contact info below.Today I'm putting up one of Sage's works (mixed media collage) in celebration of the day- New York Building with Wings - because New York was the doorway to the New World for all those Irish men and women who came with Hope in their hearts and gifted America with their children!

sagemoon13@hotmail.com

The Artist's Way

Stacy is a devotee of Neem Karoli Baba. His Ashram is across the asequia from my house. I love the proximity of the Hindu culture - it reminds me of South Africa and Durban in particular! I am not a follower of the guru, but a few of my friends here are, and pujas to various Hindi deities colour their homes and bring the sacred into their daily rounds. This is how Stacy Huddleston came to be known as Radhika. In her home, Ganesh hangs out with art she's made and the art itself is born from her spiritual journey. But don't get me wrong, Stacy is also a very modern woman who is totally clued in to current trends in Art and Design, her lifelong passions. She lives her life authentically, the artist's way. Stacy can be contacted via the email below.

humanlinestudio@newmex.com

Human Line Studio

After living the Bohemian life for over two decades, moving from place to place (as soon as she finished decorating them!) with her now grown daughter in tow, Stacy hardly imagined she'd finally end up in a house that has everything she loves about Taos and then some! Her decision to buy comes after years of debilitating illness that forced her to stop painting for a long time. Stacy has created living, gallery and studio space in her rambling adobe hacienda, which is blessed with both an enclosed courtyard and back garden. Because she works in so many mediums, she's set up a painting studio in an addition, that's also her office and guest quarters, as well as a clay studio in a sunny, front room that opens onto the garden. Once she is completely done with moving and unpacking I'll return to capture more of the art and the artist at work. Today I'm showing you little details from the clay studio.

Art Maniac

Over the next couple of days, we're going to visit Stacy Huddleston Aka: Radhika, an old friend and my favourite painter in Taos. She is from New Orleans, but has been here as long as I have; Taos claimed her and she has stayed. Two weeks ago she moved into a 1930's, beautifully restored adobe in town. After renting all these years, she bought a house that reflects all she loves about living here. I'll be going back to visit, once the garden is in bloom and she has settled in. She kindly allowed me to take photos of the interior-in-process. Stacy deftly mixes her New Orleans aesthetic with Orientalist and Rustic elements coming into play. Her art was hung to enhance her decor, not the other way around. An art maniac, Stacy is one of the most prolific artists I know. She sculpts, designs, paints, mono-prints and makes ceramics. I've posted her info below. Here are a few pictures of her classic adobe, on a tree lined street, in town. She has filled it with things collected over time, a few new creations (the window seat was made from an old Indian table, which she upholstered herself, just days ago) and her paintings, lotus ceramics and clay urns, which are the stars of this interior. . All paintings are by Stacy Huddleston, except for the pastoral girls hanging above the dining room mantel.

humanlinestudio@newmex.com

Cabinet Of Curiosities

Yesterday, I paid a visit to a friend who coincidently, lives in a little casita that I lived in for seven years, with my kids. Anna Purna is an artist and writer - and woman of many other talents. Her home, her manner of dressing and her art are all intertwined and connected. In the next couple of weeks, I'll be doing an interview with her, and will photograph her in her home. Meanwhile here's just a little tease for now!

Under The Awning

A woman can't get by on jeans alone, so my next stop on Bent Street is beneath a striped awning that quietly announces Sam's Shop. Sam, the original owner is long gone,but Kathleen, the very stylish proprieter, knows what the girly girl in every woman wants! Every cool girl in town has worked at Sam's (myself included, twenty seven years ago, pregnant with my youngest!) and it is truly, the original Taos boutique. Great place to find those sweet extras that lift a look from mundane to special, and never too many of one item. It's also the place to find a flirty dress or skirt when the heat rises in summer, and jeans become unbearable. Great accessories - everything from sunglasses to bags - pretty blouses, shells and knits all arranged as if in a private dressing room. The intimate space is housed in an historical adobe building and is a must visit when in Taos. Kathleen has her finger on Fashion's pulse, and is a terrific buyer. She travels frequently and her inventory is constantly changing, because of this, the sale rack is fantastic - always updated, and don't miss the consignment rack in the back of the shop. A source of occasional treasures! I went in for a quick look the other day, and as usual spent over an hour browsing through the racks!

Easy Fashion

Today I got a comment via a gorgeous blog - click on link in post title, and thank you Fred! - and being that I'm showing you a few places in town I do keep an eye on, I thought I'd riff on the blog title. Mostly I keep my wardrobe very basic, (See Closet Case) but I adore fashion, think it reflects the culture/body politic, brilliantly and have been viewing the shows frequently. It's interesting that right now, when we here in the States, have a woman running for President, the clothes reflect the climate. Grown up and chic to be a woman, not an ingenue. Although ingenues should make the most of their particular allure also! Back to clothes ...Here in Taos, heels are out except for going out, so I keep footwear to cowboy boots in spring and fall, flats and sandals in summer and knee high, black leather boots w/rubber soles and silver buckles at the top - worn all winter over skinny jeans. Spring and fall, I change to a flare or boot cut (which also look good w/heels if I wear them out to dinner) and in summer, I wear them all! I like Levi's, Ernest Sewn, and Joe's. With these I pair different tops, sweaters and T's. I have a great jacket and coat collection and belts, bags and scarves are a passion.I am very careful what I add to the mix. It must be perfect and work with what I already have. Spring and autumn are when I decide what is needed to keep the look current. I buy sparingly and edit seasonally but I always have something to wear. My closet is my friend. Because I freelance, I can keep it casual and easy. I also try to keep it chic. Wild Life on Bent Street, is where I go for denim.

Around Town Redux

Over the next few days, I thought I'd take you with me on my Spring shopping rounds. Today we'll pay a visit to Walkers, on the main drag, just across the street from the historical Taos Inn. Situated in an old adobe house, the boutique is chock full of fun and inexpensive clothes, accessories and silly gifts for the teenagers in your life or the teenager in you! The brother/sister partnership have a long Taos history - their mother was one of the hippie babes in Easy Rider - and Hollywood roots. This is the place for cool T-shirts, fun, coloured jeans, a new bikini and birthday gifts that will not break the bank!

Monkey Biz

Last year a cousin of mine visited from South Africa, and introduced me to this fantastic organization that supports women and children, living with HIV. It's a fabulous cause, started by three South African (Women!) artists, that benefits the creators of these extraordinary items, directly. All of these whimsical pieces are handbeaded, unique (no two are alike) and wonderful! They've been around for sometime and many of you are probably familiar with them, but for those who are not, I've enclosed a link to their site - click on post title - for you to browse!

Bones

O'Keefe couldn't get enough of them, (those are details of her paintings above) the desert is littered with them and most everyone I know in Taos have them somewhere in (or outside) their homes. Sometimes decorated with strings of turquoise and coral, or as my friend Patti has done, in homage to Georgia, with silk flowers added to the eye hollows of skulls, bones are the reminder that we live in the Desert - desolate from the relentless sun and lack of water. Life come undone at the mercy of the elements. The remains. Dust to Dust. There is a Mexican legend that says Death stands behind us all through our lives and we should befriend the Reaper by greeting him each morning when we rise. Like the Sugar Skulls of Mexico, bones are part of the New Mexico landscape.The Zuni tribe carve fetishes from them and during hunting season, one can find truckloads on the side of the road. They decorate gate posts, doorways, portals and kiva fireplaces. Antlers were everywhere before they were trendy, worked into candelabra and chandeliers, picture frames and chairs. In their original, unfettered form; eroded by sun, snow and wind- they epitomise the mythical West.