Bartering--- an Ancient Custom

 In these difficult times of Covid-19, I've noticed a trend in bartering, an ancient method of exchanging one skill set for another. Recently, I was asked to make as many teddy bears as possible (large family) using the pajamas of a recently deceased loved one. Understanding the fabric was more important than design...I came up with a very simple 10" teddy bear pattern. I used some of the lace from the pajamas on a few of the bears. A sentimental "bee" was placed on the heart, no questions asked. No money exhanged hands in this ancient form of payment. My client has agreed to clear my driveway of snow for the whole winter, no easy feat in Colorado. Good deal? Who knows! The client is "thrilled" with these little rascals, which I'm told are gifts for his family at Christmastime. According to him, they will be passed down through the family. It was a very sweet idea.  

Don Budy-- Artist and Sculptor

Clear Acrylic (looking straight into side view)

Dr. Walter Heath, a frontier doctor in Parker, Colorado is looking at the hand of a young boy who has fallen in the street, and scuffed his hand. This particular piece is located on Main Street, Parker, Colorado.

 

To find more of Don Budy's wonderful works in bronze, marble and clear plastic...please go to:

Studio 6211. Or contact him at: 303-841-4395. 

Democrat and Republican Gnomes

 As a seamstress all my life, and of English heritage...I just had to make some gnomes! These little fellows are some of my latest creations. Of course, I coudln't stop there! Had to make gnomes in cat, dog, birthday and political fabric - and everything in between. The choices are endless. Each one is a little different as their personality pops out. These are such fun to make. 

Don Budy -- Teacher and Sculptor

Don Budy is not only recognized as an international sculptor with pieces in many private collections in Europe, but he is also well-known in the United States. He has completed many life size commissions for Municipalities as well as for corporate entities. His largest work is a twelve foot high representation of Snowshoe Thompson, an historical figure in Nevada and California in the late 1800s. The sculpture sits in the center of Genoa, Nevada, the oldest city in that state. 

A Colorado native, he was a high school art teacher for thirty six years, eleven in Westport, Connecticut, and twenty-five years at Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado. After retirement, he put his focus on sculpture, which he loves. His pieces are primarily realistic and figurative work, but he also enjoys doing non-objective pieces in clear acrylic, bronze and marble. He takes great pride in his attention to correct proportion, as well as good action, fun details and personalities. He enjoys portrait heads or life-sized works based on actual people. Following are just a few images of his works:

There are simply too many images for this first post. I will scan and post several more in the next few weeks. In the meantime, if you would like to visit Don Budy's site, please go to Studio 6211. If you wish to contact him personally, his number: 303-841-4395.

Made with Starbuck's Coffee

 

                                                            Barista's Dream 

This artwork sits in a Starbucks Coffee house in Denver. It was the creation of Stuart Wallace, local and international artist. He works with all mediums...but this piece was created using different strengths of coffee -- blond to dark. If you look closely, you will see faces appear through the swirling cream. Note the crown too! It's a large piece, approximately 7' x 4' ---unfortunately, no sooner was it hung in place than Covid-19 hit us all. After that, the coffee shop served only drive through customers -- can't wait to see it again in person. A second "coffee inspired" piece will be posted soon. It also hangs in the coffee shop. Its title: 71 Rings. It was inspired when Stuart visited the original Starbucks in Seattle. There he saw the coffee rings that had marked the tables. This particular piece has coffee and some watercolor. It's an interesting piece, but not as large. I'll post it soon.  

If you would like to see more of Stuart Wallace's work, especially the new series entitled, Celestial please go to: www.stuartjwallace.com.

Resurrection!

 It's been six years since I last posted. In fact, have forgotten how to post, insert photographs and text. Please forgive me if I make mistakes. My following posts will attempt to resurrect my blog with (hopefully) interesting recipes, fun topics, and general information. A neighbor, Don Budy, a well known sculptor in Denver will be my first post. 

Who Loves their vaVesta? –I Do!

I've had my vaVesta for several weeks now…and I absolutely love it! I sometimes wear it outside as a scarf…but more often than not -- I snuggle down into it for those long, uncomfortable overseas flights. Since I also have problems with arthritis, the arm supports are especially helpful when reading my Kindle.