more about artfest (2)

This was the view from the window of my dorm room where I woke up a bit before the birds on Thursday morning, the first day of Artfest. I was blessed with a window that overlooked the water, and I watched the sun rise with a wisp of moon still in the new blue sky as I listened to the call of the first seagull. If it sounds like a dream, yes, exactly; that is how it felt too.

I wish I would have taken more pictures; I shared heartfelt experiences with so many that I wish I would have documented them all. Now I want to relive each experience again visually, but at the time, the magic of the moment ran so deep that I couldn't bare to interupt it. I've got a few photos though, that I'll share with you here, and I'm hoping to snag a few more from friends who were a bit more diligent with their shutters.

I have to admit that one of the things I was looking forward to most this Artfest year (and there truly were so many) was meeting my beloved friend Alex for the first time. She and I met online 2+ years ago and instantly felt a deep connection, kindred spirits as Anne of Green Gables would say.  I'm ever watchful on her blog for the new paintings she posts, poetic insights she might share, or obscure music she may recommend. But her paintings....her paintings are amazing, her work touches my heart and penetrates my soul in a way few others do  - can you tell I am her biggest fan?! You must go to her website, and peruse her paintings, you'll see what I mean. And be on the look-out because I have a feeling, and I hope, that you will be seeing her teaching somewhere (if not everywhere) in the not-to-distant future.

And dear Judy was my next door neighbor in the dorm, so we could run back and forth, talk over coffee in the morning and over wine with other friends who happened by in the evening. I could say I wish Judy's eyes were open in this photo but on the other hand, it captures the sweet and peaceful "savoring life" quality that is one of Judy's greatest gifts to us all. She taught two classes this year at Artfest and I'm anxiously waiting for her to post photos of her student's work on her blog.

Now here is where I wish I had more photos. On Thursday evening, sweet poet and fabric artist Liz organized a meetup for dinner in Port Townsend where I got to visit with  "old"  friends Judy, Alex, dearest Misty who taught two days again this year, sweet and talented Kelly Rae, beautiful painter of faces and owner of Innerstandings Diane, and new friends including bubbly Elizabeth bluepoppy - creator of Squam Art Workshops and her delightful and funny friend Mindy and the truly amazing Aussie artist Judy of Red Velvet Creations fame who brought one of her fabulous books for us to examine and ooh and ahhh over ...it was a fabulous evening, one I'll treasure always.

Whew, I'm winded. And my husband is standing over me, wanting a turn at the computer. Okay - that's it for now, Artfest installment #3 coming tomorrow....

 

Comments

[Cambria]

I love your blog. I don't know how I really came across it, but it's great. Your artwork is wonderful. I see you have an ETSY store too. I'm 12 and I just started a site on ETSY selling my handmade jewelry. From one artist to another, you go girl!!! Cambria

[Tyn]

No- Judy gives the best hugs!!!
How have I missed artfest all these years? What an amazing experience- it kind of makes getting back to it all on Mon. hard. Love your softies- those are awesome.
:)

[Sharon at Norah'S]

Thank you thank you. Now I'm off to check out some of the links that you shared.
xo

[misty]

it's still too early to take everything in for me...i feel like i was there, but watching it from a distance, too...such an amazing event...sigh.
i am SOOOO happy to have had that time with you.
wonderful photos! xoxooxo love you!

[bluejude]

Sounds fabulous! I love all the photos below of your student's creations. YOU are one very talented teacher! Can't wait to hear more. Kick that hub off the puter! (:

[alex s]

Sigh. So many emotions...even I, the chatty devil, don't have words Katie. But somehow I don't think we need them.

You are an angel and I love you. 'nuff said.

[alex s]

Oh! except!!

I am burning that sweater I was wearing right now!! Got Down! I look heinous in that thing. :-)

[robruhn]

Looks like you all had a wonderful time, so glad you got to meet our Judy, she's one talented lady.
Ro
xo

[Maija]

You 3 look like trouble!