A Hug for the Bears

It's that time of year when some of us artists can use a hug. We have survived the winter and are now looking to the Spring and Summer with wonder, hope, and a nagging fear of impending doom. Will our new stuff meet with approval and sales? Does it really matter if we exist in the universe? You know - the usual stuff.

So it was a tiny miracle that, when simply bringing some new greeting cards into Duluth, Minnesota's Blue Lake Gallery I was granted a joyful hug by gallery clerk, Susan C. THANKS, I NEEDED THAT! We'd never met, but through the bears she now knows a bit of my warped personality - and she can relate! So Sir Todd, my long-suffering husband, looked on once again as two chatterers take off at warp-speed. We soon went our separate ways - but my out-look for the upcoming season has been lifted. Whew.

Now, back at work, I have to keep remembering that we all never know when a gesture, word, note, or call will do wonders to make another folk's life even a wee tad better. It's time to do some small thing to pass on those unexpected hugs and pats.

On to the day!
Sue

Wisconsin

A last minute phone call and we are off this weekend to Klondike Days in Eagle River, Wi.
Two weeks ago the bears did fine in Green Bay, so it will be "interesting" to see how they fare this go-round in the land of Green-and-Gold.

Because I now live in Minnesota most folks think that I am a local...... But that can never really be.
Born and raised in Northern Cheddarland, and even with ol' Brett now gone, I still get oddly giddy seeing anything with a Packers logo on it. Even Todd, the Vikings-fan husband that he is, sometimes slips on something with the symbol of the evil enemy on it. But being practical even I plopped on a Vikings cap and wore it to the post-office a few weeks ago. This confused another customer because I also was wearing a lovely vintage Packers sweatshirt. I explained our mixed marriage, we laughed, and went on our way.

So, we will check the weather, cross the border, and hope for the best.

Go Pack! Go Vikes! Go Bears!
-Sue

Happy New Year

Hmmm, the post from Dec. 31 did not post. We shall see with this one.

The newest bear is a polar type, and will be titled either "Getting Harder to be Surprised" or "My name might just be Marty." I don't know why. The sentences come while I'm working so they get jotted down for consideration. This does make choosing a title a tad easier.

He's smaller than most bear heads done this past year, and was a bit boring until the Sennilier sticks started whispering "Use me.... Use me...." So the magic colors No. 197 and No. 930 (orange-yellow and intense orange) made Marty pop alive. Whew. I am a true believer in the power of blues and greens with yellows and oranges. Basic color theory that works almost every time.

So on to the Grand Adventures of 2009. Back to finishing the first bear of the new year.

- Sue

100 Dancing Bears

On to the Next Grand Adventure! On to one-hundred dancing bears - in whatever form they may appear.

The Modern Jazz Quartet is vibraphoning in the background and I must find a new excitement and discipline. What better than to hang around and be introduced to a huge crew of bears who dance? Or don't. (I don't think Larry's a dancer.)

So we will see who shows up and what gets documented. I will have to learn new basic computer skills.

The first 100 dancing bears were done in Sharpie Marker on papers 8 1/2" high by 3 1/2" wide. They were done long enough ago that I don't know when they were started or finished. They were something to do. The rules were: the image had to be done in a space of 5 1/2" by 3 1/2," one bear per space, and the background was filled in by what I call line crochet. It's amazing to see how many shapes, motions, emotions, and scales came about. Some are dull, some are personable. Some ya don't care about, some you'd want to chat with....

Now the skills have increased. There can be pastel bears, acrylic bears, sculpted bruins, collaged cubs. Maybe I'm getting excited. I'm almost afraid to peek into the studio. Yoo hoo - Bob, is that you?

Waltzin' in my mind-
Sue

Bearly Noted

Greetings-

Welcome to the next grand adventure. Tonight finds me fighting with my lovely computer in an attempt to finally join the ranks of those who blog. We shall see what we shall see.

I had a sense of humor when I started this evening but it's long gone. The Magic Sleep Couch is calling. Several nights ago I slept in the theater while "watching" "Casino Royale-" the power of gunfire to put me to sleep is an old joke now. Oh well. Did wake up in time for most of the end, and have heard that the middle was at least as good as the excellent beginning and end.

Another day will find my art fair traveling companion Pearl the Bear awaiting the creation of her new friends Ruby and Ella. Bring on the Foam-Core. Bring on the glue. Give thanks to the new friend who donated her mom Ella's coat. Faux fur and mink - an odd mix, but it's got to be done. And before the next art fair. Let the growling begin!

Fare-thee-well,

Sue Bear