Kareen, the winner of Passports on Parade, decided on the artwork she wanted, and I’m blessed to announce it was one of my works, a Formal photozaic Titled Gateway to Racepoint Beach.
The back story on Passports on Parade can be found here:
Gateway can offer up an over welcoming feeling of “come on in”. This scene offers that feeling with a side of warning to those that don’t pay attention to their environment. I don’t mind the locals and will respect their home. If I’m not meant to be in the ocean I will sit quietly on the shore watching a movie of waves play on repeat for my pleasure.
I met your parents Mia and Dakotah on a cold February Sunday. I knew instantly when your dog momma couldn’t stop putting her paw on me, letting me know she approved of me having one of her babies. I already had the deposit check written out and gave it to the breeder, Cheryl. She said births would happen around the end of March and the beginning of April, so I patiently waited for the call.
On April 4th, 2015, you and your siblings came into the world, and I couldn’t wait to meet you. CheeBah you had one other sister and four brothers. Sadly, your sister didn’t make it, and her name was Hope it was then I knew we were destined to be together as I was the only girl with two brothers and two male cousins that were my dad’s twin brother’s boys; we were all very close.
Cheryl was awesome allowing us pawrents weekly visits (pre-pandemic) so we could bond with our furbabies. Week 1, you were black and white with a dot on your head (that’s how you got your middle name, Dotti). Week 2, I was able to hold you and give you kisses as you can see in the pictures I took of you, nothing could stop your growth and markings started to form. Week 3 you knew your name and got a wiggle butt going when I can to get you out of the whelping box. You would hug my arm as I talked to you and give you more kisses, letting you know you are a good girl. Week 4 you were walking around with confidence not wanting to hang out in Kaos that a few of your rumbustious brothers were causing; wanting to explore the world around you. Week 5 more of your makings developed, and your bark was growing, still loved hugging my arm. At 7 weeks I picked you up and took you home, you loved the car ride and had no fear just an inquisitive nature to explore what was around you. It was Memorial Day weekend, and we continued to bond over that weekend,; I introduced you to my family and friends. Your first pup friend was Elli, and you loved him right away even though he didn’t care for you and snapped at your face. You thought that was love and changed that old pup’s heart.
Today the sunset on CheeBah Dotti McGuire’s time with me here on Earth, she earned her angel wings, and I couldn’t be prouder! As I write this memorial with tears streaming down my face like Niagara Falls, I reflect on our wonderful life; she’s my Soul puppy, best friend, Road trip buddy, and studio assistant I could have asked for. It will be hard for me to start a new life without her but I know it is her time to go and I can’t hold her back from flying high to the heavens to play with Grandpa McGuire, Auntie Pat, and Geri, Bigsley, Bandit, Floyd, Stones and her finance Sarge; knowing she is going to be taken care brings some joy to my broken heart. She loved going on adventures didn’t matter where as long as she was with me. She loved her Dog Park friends and their Pawrents; running around playing tug of war and rolling is smelly stuff. Lymes Disease took her body but couldn’t dim her bright light, she was a healer to those who were hurting or in pain from Cancer.
When Cheebs was just 8 weeks old I was doing an art show at Rochester Mayo and so many people came to see my art, but she was the prize- so many cancer patients were picking her up and smelling her “puppy breath” not realizing that she’s healing these souls. The one that still sticks in my head today was a little boy in a Stroller that his dad brought him to Cheebs and he would squeal and giggle as she would sniff his little socks, giving him kisses and the little guy’s soul was laughing in pure joy, this went off on all day and at the point, I realized her talents.
CheeBah you will always be my furbaby and thank you for these wonderful 9 ½ years I only wished it was the 20 you promised me! LOL Your pawprints are forever imprinted on my heart and when it’s time for another dog to come into my life- I will know you sent them.
It’s official, I have studio space at Solar Arts Building, 2nd-floor #205. I share this space with fabulous painters, and I just love the art community here at Solar. If you want to learn more about events at Solar, please follow them on Instagram or check out the events section on the website.
Next Event Purple Rain Open Studio June’s 1st Thursday, 2nd floor studios will be open and I will be in attendance, so stop by and say hi and check out my new digs.
I’m blessed to announce I’m officially renting studio space at Solar Arts Building, second-floor studio #205. I share this space with 3 other artists, and I am happy to have a home here at Solar!
This year I’m participating in Passports on Parade this weekend too! Check out the website for more details and how to get your passport- there is a limited amount so do not hesitate.
I call it a scavenger hunt for artists’ stamps in the passport. Why do this? Opportunities to learn about the artist and their visions, see great art, and win $500.00 credit to spend on ACW artwork! I know, AWESOME!
Side note:
My stamp is CheeBah approved! Who doesn’t love a Corgi??
Below are some samples you will see this weekend.
Beach life small commandoOrange Water colorWhite daisesDanger canvas wrappedUnder the tracks canvas wrapped
I’m sharing two works of the same photograph; one completed earlier in my art career and the other is my latest creation. I love to look back and see how I’ve grown as an artist. Here you see Fallen Birch in formal (matted and glassed) and commando (metal print matless) photozaics.
This is one of my last images I was able to photograph with my dad and it holds a special place in my heart I think of him and the day we spent on their lake taking in nature’s beauty.
CheeBah is admiring and finds Fallen Birch Tasty!!
Dragonflies commando photozaic making its world Debut! The lovely shades of green blades of grasses offers up a calming backdrop to glimmering wings gently airing out onto the frame. So much movement, chunky texture, and calming vibes with this one! If you love it buy it; as this one will sell quickly! Yes, CheeBah approves of this one too.
