LEAD YOUR CHILDREN

As you know I am passionate about connecting people back into nature. I am especially concerned about adults. That right, ADULTS. Adults are the leaders of the community and the teachers in our schools, the parents and caregivers of our children, the heads of the family. You can enroll kids in programs which is wonderful (if they exist in your community) but becoming the personal leader and role model for your own children or grandchildren is even better. First you need to reconnect. The rest will follow naturally (no pun intended). When was the last time you played and made art in the woods? Let me guide you.

When you get back out foraging and creating in the woods or beachcombing on the shores you will become revitalized and more alive. Creating art in nature is energizing, therapeutic and gives you a huge healthy dose of VITAMIN "N".

AN ENCHANTING PATH @ BORDERLAND

Here is a wonderful interview with Richard Louv, author of The Nature Principle, Last Child in the Woods, The Web of Life and other books. Louv shares a hopeful message for every area of life from more productive workplaces, to better classroom learning and healing of our nature-starved spirits..

Subscribe to this blog to keep abreast of UPCOMING WORKSHOPS, PRESENTATIONS, DEMONSTRATIONS and ADULT ECO THERAPY DAYS.

Also visit and LIKE, SHARE and INVITE YOUR FRIENDS to the FACEBOOK PAGE,

Check back often and LET'S GET GOING >>> OUTSIDE.

Don't delay. New England schedules are being created NOW.

GIVE US MORE

There are more ways to connect to nature art. I have been busy creating social media pages. We now have this blog that you can subscribe to (I am putting that in red...the subscribe option is on the right sidebar>>>) and you can also subscribe to the YOUTUBE channel. Last week I added a Facebook Artist Page. Please check it out. Hit the LIKE button and invite your friends to do the same. I will be posting video links, photo images and more beauty and inspiration. Plus each TAPPED IN TUESDAY I will be highlighting another environmental artist that is tapped into the flow. There are so many amazing artists bringing their own style and sense of wonder to this important work that connects humanity back to their roots in nature. I am truly excited to be a part of this movement. Just scroll down the FACEBOOK page to find the Tuesday posts. Last week I highlighted Andy Goldsworthy - a master site specific artist. Look for the link to a full HD documentary and click in - tap in.You won't be disappointed.

MANDALA*EARTH*ART FACEBOOK PAGE LINK

MAKING THE WESTPORT MANDALA - SPRING 2014

I have a few media projects in process. I am editing some short videos. One is about making the WESTPORT MANDALA last year. Also as I am winding down (or up) in Argentina I am compiling the photos of the smaller earth art creations that bloomed here. I also am putting together a WOMANDALA video. That may have to wait to be finished in May as it involves recording a narration voice over. It is easy to stay busy.


Earth Day is April 22nd. I am looking for area artists to participate in a larger work. I am also pulling people together for evening group paint. Did I write I was winding down? Actually I am gearing UP for my New England return. I want to hit those woods running (rather foraging) muddy hiking boots and all.

I want to wish you all a Happy Saint Patrick's Day. I was named after St Patrick. My birthday is so close (March 21st - the first FULL day of spring in New England). I am also wishing my kinsmen and women some snow melting and sunny warm days.

ERIN GO GREEN!

HASTA LUEGO!

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

tumbler coming soon...

IF A TREE FALLS IN THE FOREST...

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"
The other day I was in an area of Buenos Aires known as Lago de Regatas. I was on my way to an ART SHARE meeting and took extra time to walk around the lake and look for items to forage. I settled on a spot and let the energy express itself.

The following day I posted the below photo on my personal facebook page and it began a lovely thread. I am taking the liberty to put some of the comments here.

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Your artwork with my morning coffee. Makes me smile!

Fantastic! Thank you for the wonderful feedback. Art is meant to be shared. Otherwise it is the tree falling in the woods... does it make a sound if no one hears it?

Does art have meaning if it is not seen?

I believe that Patt's art has meaning, even if not seen, and deep in the forest. Having worked with the Earth's energy for many years, I know she is creating power spots and opening portals with particular vibrations with each mandala that she creates. This one, I feel, is for combining the female and male in each individual...those who need it will be drawn to this spot long after the creation has disappeared.

 I'm getting a fertility vibe from this one.

It feels very healing. just sent a copy to a friend who is struggling with cancer. I hope that's ok!! It truly brings me a feeling of peace.

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It is so wonderful to have feedback. Between the ART SHARE group meeting where I shared photo images of my work and the history of how I began to make earth art and the feedback on my personal facebook page I am once again juiced.

THE MALE VERSION?

I invite you to leave comments here on the blog and also to subscribe. Look to the right side bar for the FOLLOW BY EMAIL - SUBSCRIBE field and insert your email address. Each time I make a new post you will receive notification in your email inbox.

Soon I will be creating a separate YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK PAGE for this joyful and healing artwork. Please share the blog and it's images and messages to those in need of an energetic boost in their day.

Thank You.

777 ROCK HEARTS

I took a little break from the big city of Buenos Aires and headed over the river to calming Uruguay for a week. I spent the majority of my time climbing up and down the hills in and around the coastal town of Piriapolis. I had fantastic weather and had hoped to make some nature mandalas in the hills but this year the season is very dry and except for the eucalyptus leaves there was little to forage from the ground. I did however hike along the rocky coast and created a few mandalas out of mussel shells.

On the last night in town I meet up with an old friend and we went to see Guillermo Busch's art exhibition "777 Piedras Corazon" (777 Rock Hearts). He has been gathering heart-shaped rocks, stones and pebbles for many years. Spirit surely inspires and guides this artist. I especially loved the installments that looked into little environments of colors, light and shapes. What a lovely sense of whimsy and love of nature. I feel so happy that I went to the exhibit. I was allowed to take photos and I am including my favorites below. I have watermarked them. I thought to make Valentine's Day cards out of them as tomorrow is that LOVEly day but today it seemed a bit schmaltzy so I am leaving them as I shot them - perfect!

 

 

If you are in the area check out the show. It is at the

Pabellón de las Rosas

Until next time - Let Nature and Art Recreate You.
WIFI NOT NEEDED!

Stay tuned for more information about Meditation and Mandala Making Workshops coming in New England's late spring. After all that snow melts.

TRANSITIONING

I arrived safely to Buenos Aires on Tuesday morning and am adjusting once again.  I am out of the woods and into city life.  Here there are many parks and most are kept meticulously clean of foraging materials but yesterday I did cross through a small park where tipa trees had shed their flowers and workmen had not yet swept them away.

I think it will take me another week to get into FULL BLOOM energetically and be more in the rhythm of city life but for now here is a quickie tipa mandala.  The winds kept the heat down yesterday but it meant that I had to work fast. I am hoping for continued breeziness today and tomorrow as my air conditioning just decided to go on vacation until Thursday.  Well - one needs to be like the bamboo - FLEXIBLE.  Yes grasshoppers - be like the bamboo.  Everything is easier that way.

I am closing with this photo. In my wanderings by the Ecological Reserve I discovered that on Sunday mornings there is an outdoor meditation gathering where you can be guided while communing with nature.  I'm IN.  Come join me if you are local.  I live close by and bring sunscreen and repellant!

Back to transitioning.  NAMASTE and ENJOY!


Stay tuned.....

ART SALE TO BENEFIT PEDIATRIC CANCER

Yesterday I dropped off five framed mandalas at a gorgeous home in Needham where there will be an OPEN HOUSE on Saturday and Sunday - October 25th and 26th.  Ten artists will be showing their work.  All pieces are for sale and portions of the proceeds will go to benefit kids with cancer.

As I post this it is Saturday and the weather is fantastic.  The property is on the banks of the Charles River.  I will be heading over there this afternoon and would love to see you.  You will find me on the deck drawing in the sun.

OPEN HOUSE & ART SALE

170 WHITMAN RD

NEEDHAM, MA

SAT & SUN - OCT 25 & 26

1-4 PM

STOP BY AND SAY HELLO!

HAPPY HAPPY GREEN GREEN

Today Sr. Benito and I went to Borderland State Park to take apart the 7' Ames Mansion Mandala. The National Art Show closed yesterday.  Before de-constructing the mandala I had the good sense to check in at the state park visitor's center and ask the park's superintendent "Would you rather I left it for awhile?"  The answer was a resounding YES!  So many people have loved it and it is still in pretty good shape.  It definitely has survived well for being uncovered with a few days of rain.  The park staff will dismantle it when it gets too scruffy.  I am pleased.

This means you still have a chance to see the mandala and pick up on some of its good vibe.  The pokeweed has faded but the moss is really happy happy green green.  It would have hurt me to tear it away from its happy place right now.  And no - I did not touch up this photo.  You see it here as I shot it.  HAPPY HAPPY GREEN GREEN

The week ahead is a busy one. I will be checking in soon with some new nature art either from the out-of-doors or a sketch pad or maybe with a surprise.  Enjoy your week!!!

BUSY BEE IN A GUST OF OCTOBER WIND

Autumn is here and this year's dry weather is resulting in the leaves falling from the trees more quickly than usual.  The colored foliage will soon disappear and so will I, but just from the area.  I will fly like a snowbird from New England to South America this year.

In the coming weeks I have many original drawings and photographic prints to crop and frame. Some will come along with me for art patrons in Buenos Aires and Lima and others stay in the USA for spring shows.  I will have a full list of artwork available later in October.  OMGoodness, October is two days away!  Time will now feel like a big gust of wind whisked it away.  WOOOOOOOSH.

Onward >>>>

Posted here are a few drawings that should be framed by the middle of next week.  All renderings are 6.5 inches and perfect for an 8" x 8" frame or 8" x 10" mat.  The first mandala is aptly named Busy Bee.  If you quiet down enough you can actually hear it buzz. :)

BUSY BEE

WATER COLOR WITH COLORED AND METALLIC PERMANENT INK

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The below mandala is a spin off of the FLOWER OF LIFE traditional pattern.  I lay in many geometric guidelines then remove several to uncover the energy of each mandala.

SIX POINT STARFLOWER

COLORED AND METALLIC PERMANENT INK

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ESTRELLA DE LA SUERTE

(LUCKY STAR)

COLORED AND METALLIC PERMANENT INK

This is just a sampling.  I have a number of nature mandala photographic prints awaiting framing in the next few weeks as well.  I will be posting to the blog when they are ready.  Stay tuned...

Hasta Pronto

Paty

gilmore444   @    gmail.com

FINAL CHANCES

Last Saturday night was the opening reception of the 12th Annual Blanch Ames National Art Exhibition at the Ames Mansion on the property of Borderland State Park in Easton MA.  Oh what a splendid evening.  The artwork displayed was simply awe inspiring.  The paintings, sculpture, photography, monoprints and more demonstrated a very high caliber of talent and professionalism. The curators did an astounding job pulling it all together and I was truly impressed by how the show was hung in the library.  The music, noshes and champagne flowed and I was blessed to have some lovely friends attend.  I really do consider myself quite honored to have one of my photographs chosen to be among the 53 juried-in pieces from 432 entries spanning the nation.  My only regret is that I do not have many clear photos of the evening to share.  I was happily busy that night.

THE AMES MANSION MANDALA

SPRUCED UP WITH TEA LIGHTS AND GOLDENROD

The show ends this coming Saturday, October 4th.  The artwork will be picked up, temporary walls taken down and the Ames Mansion Mandala will be disassembled and its elements put back into nature.

I want to thank everyone for helping me gather and forage and for contributing every which way to the positive energy in Letting Nature and Art Re-Create You.

If you have not seen the show yet you have limited time (FINAL CHANCES) so don't delay.  You only have today from 11-3pm and from Tuesday to Saturday to view it (closed Monday).  Much of the artwork is for sale.  Inquire within.

 

I am very blessed indeed.  What's next?  I am packing for Buenos Aires, Argentina.  The city awaits.  But don't worry.  My mandala creation will not cease.  I am on it!

READY TO CELEBRATE - ALMOST

Monday and Tuesday I placed item after item, circle by circle together to create the very first Ames Mansion Mandala.  It is a round 7' nature mandala.  With the exception of some battery operated tea lights and flowers that will be added for the evening Opening Reception this Saturday night it is complete.

Here it is - a grand collage of moss, Queen Anne's lace, hemlock leaves/ferns and pine cones, hickory nut husks, pokeweed, feathers, pine needles and various barks and sticks.  I am happy.

TUESDAY - FINISHED

MONDAY -  IN PROCESS

Come join us for the Opening Reception of the 12th Annual Blanche Ames National Art Exhibition.  Fiftyone artists are being represented inside this historic mansion's famous library.  Come toast all of them and the organizers.  Saluti!

Saturday Sept 20th

7pm - 10 pm

Ames Mansion

Borderland State Park

257 Massapoag Ave.

North Easton, MA

NOT QUITE DUST

Tomorrow is INSTALLATION DAY.  I will be at Borderland State Park in Easton, MA creating a large nature mandala at the mansion entrance.  Stop by and say hello.

On another note, last week while hiking the Granite Hills Trail Loop Lower with Sr. Benjito I stopped to see what was left of OAK FLAME created on July 2nd.  As the grove is quite sheltered there still were pieces in tact.

ASHES TO ASHES...

DUST TO DUST.  Well not quite yet.

As the big mandala at the Ames Mansion needs to last 3 weeks (the duration of the art exhibit inside) I will need to wire some things down.  Wish me luck.

Adelante >>>>>

AN ENCHANTING CHALLENGE

In my last post I alluded to some exciting news and this is it.  A couple of months ago I submitted three of my photos of my earth art mandalas to a national juried art show.  Artists were invited from across the USA to submit their work.  In the final selection 51 artists from 14 states were chosen and I have the honor of being one of them.

My art indeed is different.  It is transient. The wind or waves take it away.  I capture the compositions with digital images.  My art is made in two mediums; 3D earth art and photography. On the left is the 8 x 10 photograph selected for the show.

If being chosen to display wasn't honor enough I was also asked to create an installation outside the mansion entrance.  The mansion is located within one of my favorite state parks here in Massachusetts.  It is a park that I frequent several times a week during spring and summer.

I have been busy foraging.  There is an opportunity here to go big and I am taking it.  I have designed a 7' mandala to be constructed using foraged materials from all around the park.  I have made a template so as to get a better grip on types of materials and quantities needed.  Friends have helped me forage and I am out with Sr. Benjito several times a week gathering things during our trail walks. He loves it and of course I do.  This truly is a project made of love.

There are some challenges on this one though.  I have been asked to create a piece that will stay in tact for the duration of the show (three weeks).  Mother Nature can you really hold off the rain and wind for three weeks?  It has been so dry here that as an artist I would make that request but as a nature lover I simply can't.  We need the rain. So yes, I have been challenged in this design.  No stones can be used near the mansion and nothing edible.  The deer, squirrels, raccoons and birds could do a lot of damage to a 7' nature mandala.  Things will need to be wired and weighted down and any template used will need drainage holes.  Construction will be done atop the cobblestone entrance and not on the forest floor.  And at the end of the show on October 4th all trace of the installation will be removed with the foraged items returned to the woods.

I am challenged but it is an enchanting challenge.  All will work out divinely.  Do I know what the piece will look like in the end?  Absolutely not.  I have a good plan but...  I will spread out my foraged paint box of colors and textures and let the nature muse use my hands and whisper directions in my ears - again.

Materials Photos:  Queen Anne's Lace, Goldenrod, Birch Bark

SMALL TREASURES

Life has been a bit busy while developing online courses this summer but I always get myself out into the woods several times a week to refresh and recharge.  (See one of my favorite comics below).  Yesterday I took my faithful four legged friend with me to Borderland State Park in Easton, MA for a lovely romp down the trails.   Along the way I spotted some moss that had been uprooted and remembered a great large flat boulder further along the trail.  I tethered my companion and foraged for finishing touches. He's quite used to my nature art stops and patiently waits for me to finish.

BORDERLAND STATE PARK, NORTH EASTON, MA - WEST END TRAIL

I had only three feathers.  A beetle, since passed volunteered his spirit to be included.  The mandala is little and beautiful, a small treasure of treasures.

Many acorns are on the ground.  I am keeping an eye out for hickory and beechnuts.  The red and black wild raspberries are a plenty.  ENJOY!

I will be writing about a bit of exciting news a little later in the month.  A large mandala installation is in the works.  Plan on visiting it if you are in the Easton area.  In fact maybe you want to help me forage. :)


For now I leave you with this picture.  I will translate it for you.

What are you doing?

I am using my tablet.

What model is it?

It is called the sky.

Does it have good applications?

Oh yes!  It has the sun, the moon, clouds and stars...

How long does the battery last?

 A long time.  I never have to recharge it.  It recharges me.

.