There is really not much better in life than arriving home after a journey to my beautiful Olive-dog full of wags, warm eyes, snorts, and sunshine. My tulip tree bid me a mighty beautiful welcome home, too, with brand new pink buds, like little dancers–the loveliest signs of spring. Even still I find myself missing the energy of Photolucida, as I crave the company of artists and all of the unique voices. This was great company. I met some curious people, some mysterious people, some hilarious people, many influential people, and some wonderful, wonderful new friends. I had many adventures, rainy adventures, in Portland. It’s a very cool city with plenty to offer; great restaurants, lots of beautiful and stylish people, and fantastic coffee. A girl can hardly complain about a daily latte from Stumptown Coffee, complete with a pretty leaf poured into the foam, graciously delivered by a very hip and decidedly with-it barista. And the happy hour menus? I could get used to those too.

Each morning began with a nervous and meticulous re-ordering and stacking of my portfolio, a mental rehearsal of my artist statement, the latte, and a treat. It was pretty exciting, showing brand new work and hearing commentary from such a fantastic variety of professionals. I loved meeting with each person, and I am grateful for the time I had to learn from everyone. Each review was 20 minutes in length, a bit fast and furious, but amazingly productive, and astonishingly unique depending on the personality of each reviewer. I met with gallery owners and personnel, museum curators, collectors, editors and publishers. I learned a lot, processed a lot, reflected a lot, and even laughed a lot. Sharing this work just made me happy.

Monday night was the portfolio walk at the Portland Art Museum. All of the artists participating in portfolio reviews were given an hour and a table in a grand room at the museum to present our work to the public. The house was absolutely packed all evening. I had the opportunity to meet so many enthusiastic and exciting people, and talk with them about my work. I was delighted and encouraged by the very positive response from the public, the draw to the work, and the wonderful questions I was getting. I then had the opportunity to walk about and see the work of the other artists and hear them speak about their work, which was an absolute treat.

Altogether, a fantastic experience. My reviews for the next three days were super positive and reassuring. I feel energized and full, craving this art-life more every day. I’m excited to foster these new relationships, to get to know everyone better, and to continue to move steadily forward. Aah. I’m a happy girl.

I am posting here my most recent bodies of work, ‘Medic’ and ‘Flora’; both reviewed at Photolucida. Stay tuned, as we have lots more news, and I’ll be posting again soon!

I would love to thank those who reviewed my work. Take a look!

Ed Carey, www.gallery291.net | David Bram, www.fractionmagazine.com | Debra Klomp Ching, www.klompching.com | Elizabeth Corden and Jan Potts, www.cordenpottsgallery.com | Crista Dix, www.wall-spacegallery.com | Bevin Bering Dubrowski and Frazier King, www.hcponline.org, www.spot.hcponline.org | Harris Fogel, www.uarts.edu | Bernard and Judi Gerson, www.galeriebmg.com| Hamidah Glasgow, www.c4fap.org |Ann Jastrab, www.raykophoto.com | Stella Kramer, www.blog.stellakramer.com, sharpernewyork.blogspot.com | Jason Landry, www.panopticongallery.com | Maren Levinson, www.redeyereps.com | Wally Mason, www.marquette.edu/haggerty | Michael Paris Mazzeo, www.michaelmazzeo.com | Blue Mitchell, www.diffusionmag.com, www.platestopixels.com | Ann Pallesen, www.pcnw.org | Christopher Rauschenberg, www.blueskygallery.org | Jennifer Schwartz, www.jenniferschwartzgallery.com | Gemma De Santos, www.desantosgallery.com | Ariel Schanberg, www.cpw.org | Susan Spiritus, www.susanspiritusgallery.com |Wendy Watriss, www.fotofest.org | Clint Willour www.galvestonartscenter.org