Fabric Collaboration with 47 Degrees North Quilt Shop

I am so excited about this new project. Working with my friend Sylvia Galbraith, who opened a new quilt shop across the street this year, two of my designs: “Family Tree” and my “A-BWCA-C’s” series, are now available as a special Limited Edition fabric! When I painted “Family Tree” a few years ago, I had it in my head that I wanted it to make it into something more, perhaps a growth chart. Somehow. And that was that. Just an idea until Sylvia came along. Now it can become anything!!!

“Family Tree” text reads “Have big dreams… you’ll grow into them.” The “A-BWCA-C’s” are full of the flora and fauna found here in the Boreal forest on the north shore of Lake Superior… from Antlers Amid Aspen to Zigzag Moths!

My Mother was always sewing and my family treasures the beautiful quilts she lovingly made for each of us. Being an artist, one might think that my own talent might lend itself to the fabric arts. Nope. I recall how my beloved and extraordinarily patient Grandmother (who was known for her Hardanger creations) tried to teach me to sew and knit. She finally patted my arm and gently said, “Maybe just stick to painting, Dear.” Bless her, she tried, but she was right. Seems that skill skipped a generation in my case.

A friend of mine is going to make the ABC pattern into a pillowcase… including a “Tooth Fairy Pocket.” I love that idea so much! Here are photos of the wall hanging I ordered from Sylvia. Notice in the close ups how the fabric was hand fed through the machine, along all of my pen lines, ultimately “quilting” every single detail… down to the tiny ladybugs! Mind blown. Sylvia’s charming quilt shop, “47 Degrees North” is on the second floor of the Clearview complex here in lovely downtown Lutsen. You can also visit her website www.47degreesnorthmn.com for fabric specs and ordering information. Send me pics of your creativity! Stitch on, ye quilters, stitch on!!!

Holiday 2020

While autumn is my favorite season, winter is a close second for this Norwegian-born-two-days-before-Christmas girl. I’ve added several new designs to my Holiday Card Collection… including “Merry ChristMoose” gift tags!

Counterclockwise from left: Christmas Eve on Troll Mountain, Merry ChristMoose, Snowshoe Hare, Merry Me, Merry ChristMoose gift tag, Moose in Boots.

This morning, several of my Cook County neighbors report that the first flakes of snow fell last night! I didn’t see any, but I live pretty darn close to the shore of Mother Superior. She keeps me a tad warmer than the inland Northwoods. October 1st is a little too early, even for me. I always hope for a long, extended fall… right up until the day after Thanksgiving… and then, bring on the ski and snowshoe season!!! Who knows what the winter holiday season will bring in 2020. Less gathering together in the physical sense, perhaps. What I do know is that friends and family are always held close… in my heart… and that finding a bright, cheery envelope amidst the daily mail, especially one adorned with familiar handwriting… gives my heart a joyful leap and makes for an instant smile. Spread joy.

Fall 2020: My Next Chapter

Illustrating 7 books in the past 3 years, working with five different authors, has been invigorating. Each book brought new artistic terrain: what do Trolls look like? How do I paint underwater scenes? How to illustrate “Leadership”? Not to mention, how do I interpret words artistically to meet both the author and reader’s vision? I’ve loved the challenge and hope to do more!

Upon finishing my latest book project, I found myself without the “next thing” queued up on my creative agenda.

Each book nurtured my growth as a painter. Recognizing that I haven’t had a chance to follow my own vision… over 150 paintings later… the next blank page looms large… with opportunity. “What do I really want to do?” is a question that is wisely explored with one eye to the future and the other considering my past.  (For instance, as a child I loved creating books and cards. A path that only took me 30+ years to rediscover… no regrets.)

I once heard a friend describe how she found herself helplessly floating in an ocean of despair. The only two things she could identify that brought her joy were color and typing. Color and typing. Not too much to go on, but as she said, “When you find yourself drowning, you grab onto any toothpick that floats by!” She is now a gifted computer graphics artist.

So the questions became: what gives me joy? What are my longest held passions? And, perhaps most importantly… what do I want to do now?

In order: Children. The escape of reading. Explore my strengthened watercolor chops following my own creative vision.

I instantly thought of my little grandbuddy who loves books (maybe more than I do!) and recalled this angelic photo I took of him reading one afternoon this summer. Next, I flashed back to my teenage obsession with the work of, brace yourself… Norman Rockwell. Say what you will, but that guy had such a way with capturing personality and the joy of everyday life. I was fascinated by his work and remember copying many of his oil paintings, albeit in my favored medium, watercolor. Immediately, I began this portrait. Hidden within the image are little things that make this little boy who he is… captured in this brief moment in time.

So… portraiture. My next chapter? All I know is that I’m going to follow my favorite quote: “Leap and let the net appear.”  Wish me luck. And… if you want a portrait or have a book project, drop me a line.

2020 Book #6 - What's in the Rommegrot?!

When Iowa author, Carol Hagen, contacted me about illustrating her book, What’s in the Rommegrot?! my first thought was, “Mmmm, Rommegrot.” My husband’s family made this traditional, labor-intensive Norwegian porridge at Christmastime. I haven’t had it in years, but I remember it fondly. Deliciously rich and served warm, it’s like sitting by the fireplace, wrapped in Grandma’s coziest quilt.

I loved the ‘story behind the story’ of a silly morning that Carol spent in the kitchen with one of her grandchildren. In our first conversation about collaborating on this book, Carol and I bonded over our shared Scandinavian heritage. I told her that I had a little grandniece over in Stockholm, Sweden named Ella. “Let’s have her be the little girl in the story!” she suggested. The idea was even more perfect when I thought about Ella’s grandmother, my sister-in-law, Heather, who is famous for her elaborate gingerbread houses. (She once melted down Life Savers and fashioned intricate stained-glass windows for a gingerbread Cathedral!) In fact, she organizes a large Gingerbread Village event every year at The Norway House in Minneapolis.

Ella, age 2., the age she was as I began illustrations. She just looks like a children’s book character in this photograph!

Being an ocean apart, each moment that Heather and Ella can spend together is precious. True for all grandparents and grandkids, just as in the book’s story! It would be fun to try to capture their personalities with my characters. As an artist, I find it helpful to base my characters on real people. It helps me to be consistent as I depict personality, in changing viewpoints and scenes, throughout a book. The extra tricky part here was that the little girl in the story was six years old and “my” Ella was only a bit over two. I would have to imagine her several years into the future. Did I mention I love a good challenge?

Ella, as the 6 year old book character.

It never fails to amaze me that a few marks made on paper or canvas can portray an individual’s likeness. This is not my artist ego talking, either. I am not fishing for compliments about my talent. Art is simply astonishing to me in this regard. The complexity of all that makes an individual who they are… that it can be captured by… “mark making?” Think about it. Regardless, it was such an honor to be able to illustrate this book. For Carol and her grandchildren. For Heather and Ella! I love the idea of creating keepsake books that capture a favorite family memory. Those stories we all love to tell… over and over.

Current photo of Ella at age 3.

2020 book #5 - Flutter, Bye

Flutter, Bye - the book that keeps evolving

Shortly after the Art Along the Lake Studio Tour wrapped up last fall, I began illustrating my 5th book. Flutter, Bye would be my third collaboration with author, Krista Betcher. Our first book, I Know You’re Here, is about finding solace in those moments when you feel the presence of a loved one who has passed. Flutter, Bye was inspired by the thoughtful feedback received from people who work with children in the fields of grief counseling and hospice. They expressed a real need for something like our first book… but for the youngest, tender-aged, reader.

Flutter, Bye follows a diminutive blue butterfly on a colorful journey through the landscape of sudden change. “It’s a new chapter in your life. Flutter, bye and flutter, hello,” begins the book. “Flutter, flutter, what’s through that window? Beyond that door? Or over that mountain?” A changed life story is through that window. Love without boundaries is beyond that door. Over
that mountain? Inner strength. Each question leads ever forward, pausing to treasure yesterday, with encouragement to the beyond.

My illustrations are done in 3 steps. First, I draw all the pages, in order, using pencil. Next, I go over these drawings with ink. Finally, I add color to the black & white images by painting them with watercolor.

As I finished the inking process and shared the images with Krista, she had an epiphany that changed everything. Envisioning a Flip Book, she decided to redesign the initial layout completely. The page number was doubled and now, at the center of the book the reader would be prompted to flip it over to the back cover to begin again in reverse… a metamorphoses into that next, “new chapter.”  

This second half of the book transforms into: My Flutter, Bye. Here, the intricate illustrations appear in black & white, to allow room for the solace of creativity. As the reader colors the mountain, the page beckons: “My Inner Strength. Use this space to record moments when you felt strong.” Gentle suggestions inspire conversations about loss, healing, and transformation. Interspersed with blank pages, inner dialogue finds a place to expand and the reader has the space to write… to draw… to spread their own unique wings, and fly.

Again, I thought I knew exactly what this book was, and who it was for.

In the publishing world, many months pass from the time I finish the illustrations to when the book is actually printed. I put away the paintings and wait. I love that day when finally, the first copy arrives in the mail! As the illustrator, the experience of seeing my own watercolor paintings… now in book form, is sublime. Enough time has passed that everything is new,
even to me! Another metamorphoses.

Flutter, Bye arrived in late winter… just as Covid19 did. This time, that first sentence, “It’s a new chapter in your life,” jumped out at me with fresh meaning. I reread the book, this time through the eyes of a child facing all the uncertainties of this pandemic, or any illness. Any challenge. Their own, or someone else’s.

I thought of my own children, who lost thier grandmother to cancer when they were very, very young. It was terribly difficult. It was so hard to find words of comfort. If only we’d had this book to read together. It also occurred to me that they might’ve been able to spend time reading it with her before she passed, and then had it as a precious keepsake. Forever. Marilyn would’ve loved that.

I gave copies to a friend whose kids are a bit older, in middle school. She sent me photos of them sitting side by side along a river, quietly journaling in the days after schools were first closed.

I sent one as a graduation gift.

Slowly it dawned on me that although we initially designed the book with younger children facing loss in mind, as it evolved it became something that might resonate with all ages… for many reasons. Therein lies the magic of books.

Framed original watercolors from Flutter, Bye for the 2020 Art Along the Lake Tour, hanging in my rustic summer studio space. On the left is the “Concept Painting” I did as my design proposal for illustrating the book.

2020 Book #4 - Lead On!

Lead On!  - Illustrating a concept.

My fourth book project, Lead On! written by Krista Betcher, begins with a simple question: what kind of leader are you? When I first read the manuscript, internally I thought, “Me? Lead? No way. I’m a follower, not a leader.” I would much rather watch a parade than participate in it. Not all of us have the desire to be the one out front waving a flag. Maybe this book wasn’t written for a shy introvert like me… but I read on.

The next question, “Are you a visionary, who sees the big picture?” Well, as an illustrator, yes. I could relate to that. Next came: “Maybe you are someone who needs to stand back and watch, before you decide how to make the world a better place.” Many people are better at leading from behind. Hmmm. I don’t often think about leadership that way. Each line of the book explores a wide range of leadership styles: introverts, extroverts, thinkers, doers. Maybe you’re good at organization? Everyone has something unique to contribute.

I love book illustration because each project brings a new challenge. This manuscript offered no visual clues. The challenge: how do I illustrate a concept? In this case: leadership.

First, I created a cast of characters for each leadership style. I decided on a group of middle school friends. I also wanted to address diversity. One character is in a wheelchair. Another wears a hijab. I tried to keep all of them ethnically ambiguous by using only black and white illustrations. For example, the “visionary” girl with her curly hair could just as easily be a fiery redhead with freckles as she could be brown skinned or blue eyed… or all of the above! I call the eye shape I use, “smile.” I wanted the reader to fill in the blanks and find one or more of the personalities with which to identify.

Next, how would they lead? I needed some sort of an activity. Being a gardener, I settled on the idea of having the group envision, design and create a community garden from a vacant lot in thier neighborhood.

Finally, I based the youngest characters on some of my own special “littles.” My grandniece and nephew, as well of some of my north shore neighbors became characters. It was a wonderful chance to show them that they could be leaders too.

The concept of leadership is blossoming among the youth of today. Greta Thunberg comes to mind, as do Malala Yousafzai and the teens from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. They need and deserve our every encouragement.

In the end, this book isn’t just about leadership. It’s about activism, inclusivity, community service, mentorship, diversity and recognizing one’s own unique qualities. You are welcome… and needed.   

2020 Studio Tour Update

Due to the Pandemic, my studio will not be open for the tour this
year. In lieu of an in-person visit, here is an update on what is new with me,
including 4 book projects in one year!

During last year’s event, my fourth book, “Lead On!
was being printed and made its debut in late October. Artistically, it was
challenging for me to design a visual story to animate an idea: what does it
take to be a leader? This was my second project with author Krista Betcher (I
Know You’re Here/2018). This book for middle schoolers is not only about leadership.
It also explores the topics of individuality, stewardship, and community
service. All the “little” characters in the book were based on local children. This
was the first time in many years that I tried to capture the likeness and
personality of a real person. More on that later.

I’m especially proud of book #5: Flutter, Bye. Another
in collaboration with Krista, this book was inspired by the input we received
on our first book, I Know You’re Here, which is about loss.
Professionals in the fields of hospice and grief counseling asked specifically
for a book designed for the tender aged reader. A “flip” book, it is a picture
book, journal, and coloring book in one, created for the very young who are
experiencing loss for the first time. Initially addressing grief, it is also a resource
for readers of all ages who are facing “a changed life story.” This story-workbook
can be used to help address challenges in the face of our current pandemic,
including illness, loneliness, and anxiety.  

My sixth book (due fall 2020), What’s in the Rommegrot?
is by Carol Hagen. Every family has “that story” that they love to tell and
re-tell. This one is about a silly, memorable winter morning Carol spent with
her granddaughter. We collaborated to create this keepsake book about the
author’s favorite family foible. This book also revitalized my love of
portraiture: I based the characters on my sister in law and her granddaughter
(my grandniece) who lives in Stockholm, Sweden. Custom picture books? It really
is possible!

This summer, I completed the illustrations for book #7, Monica
the Muskie Legend, by Bob Allen, due fall 2020. Coming from an active angling
family, I jumped at the invitation to illustrate a book about the love of
fishing… and the pursuit of outdoor activities. It wasn’t until I sat down at
the, literal, drawing table that it hit me: “Waitaminit, how do I paint an underwater
landscape?” It was refreshing to imagine the story from a fisheye point of
view. I also knew nothing about Muskie fishing. I’m a walleye gal. It’s a
completely different sport, I learned. In my research, I was struck by the
reverence in which this fish is held. Fishermen speak of her in hushed tones.
The look on their faces as they cradle her for that one moment where two worlds
meet, then part, is wonder-full.

Upon completion of Monica I found myself, for the
first time since 2016, without the next book project already in queue. What
next? Well, that’s another story. Let’s just say a long dormant spark for
portraiture has been rekindled… the next chapter.