My art remains an important source of healing.
This past winter, I recovered from surgery on my wrist. I am so grateful for the help of Occupational Therapist, Emily Powell at McLaren Northern Michigan. Each session she shared new exercises to aid in my recovery. As the weeks passed, I asked if we could devote one session to my process of making fairies? Were there things I could be doing to help preserve my ability to create? Emily had several helpful ideas including creating a custom handle for my felting needle. She molded a scrap of the same material she uses to create splints and braces to fit my hand. It has worked beautifully, saving wear and tear on my joints. This week I broke my first needle and simply needed to reheat the handle in warm water until it became pliable again. I exchanged needles and reshaped to my hand. Thanks to my hand surgeon and OT, I am well on my way to regaining my strength and dexterity, and also have the knowledge to preserve function. I am so grateful and share this part of my journey in case it could help others.
In late March, Northern Michigan suffered an ice storm that transformed the region into a beautiful crystalline world. Tragically, the ice continued to build, snapping trees and power lines under its weight. The devastation to trees and infrastructure was catastrophic, with some experts comparing the damage to a level 5 hurricane. Nearly eight weeks later, we are all still cleaning up from the aftermath. Spring's arrival has helped to ease our collective heartbreak. If you are planning a visit to Northern Michigan and Three Pines Studio this summer, you will see loss, but you will also still see beauty. The trillium, yellow lady slippers and morels have been highlights of the last few weeks!
This year, Three Pines Studio began hosting monthly Pizza and Project Nights at the gallery. It has been so much fun to create together! In April, we needle felted wool eggs.
This spring, I have also worked on a couple projects that are near and dear to my heart. I created a piece for Three Pines Studio's current show, "Thinking on Paper". I was given a sketchbook and asked to document my creative process which is being displayed with the finished piece. This show has become one of my favorites. It is delightful to explore the journals and finished pieces of the Northern Michigan artists who were invited to participate. Artists are gifting their journals to collectors of their finished work. The show runs from May 24-June 17.
The fairies and I also worked on a special project for a dear friend who has recently opened a bookstore, Dockside Books, in Charlevoix, Michigan. The children's section of the bookstore looks as though you have stepped into a Great Lakes schooner! I was thrilled to find an antique trunk from the 1920's to decorate as a fairy garden. With a bit of fairy dust and bee's wax oil, we restored some of its beauty and charm. The Manual of Celestial Navigation has been sitting on my bookshelf for several years just waiting for the perfect project. The fairies are thrilled to add a bit of magic to this very special place.
As we look forward to summer at Three Pines Studio, registration is now open for the magical fairy and gnome parties! The kick-off party will be held on Thursday, July 3. Please call the studio at 231-526-9447 to schedule. Reservations for the remaining Friday Fairy Fun parties may be made by calling the studio or by registering online. You may view the full schedule of Three Pines Studio's incredible workshops and events at Think and Do!
We hope you will be able to plan a visit to the studio soon! Wishing you a magical spring and summer!