Inspiring Moth by my Studio

This little moth, and his friends, have been hanging out by the studio door since the weather has warmed up. Look at the shape of the wings and the flipped up tail - such inspiring forms.

I wonder what kind of moth they are.

***Updating to add --The UW-Madison extension entomologist says that it is the lettered Sphinx- Deidamia inscripta and that the caterpillars feed on grape. We have lots of wild grape here.

This and That

Spring is finally coming. The snow is just starting to melt and the back roads are muddy. The eagles are passing through, some staking out territory in the Mississippi River Valley. Some ducks are back along with a few gulls. I saw the first heron come flying in to one of the backwaters, also looking to stake his claim early. The vultures will wait until it warms up some more. There is still time for more ice and snow before the trees leaf out.

In these delicate moments between winter and spring, I find myself working on more delicate pieces, a little smaller, perhaps more intimate.

This piece was only in my shop for a day or two before it sold.

I've been teaching myself to spin

I have no idea how much yarn is there. I'm going to use large gauge needles and start knitting with the idea of a hat. If it ends early, then I've got some kind of headwarmer.

My son is clearly an artist and loves making tshirt designs with fabric markers. Yes, they do seem to hold up through the wash.

If he keeps this up, I'll give him a section in my shop.

Here's a selection of my husband's recent jewelry work

1. Bamboo Brooch by Bill Fiorini, 2. Silver Bamboo Ring by Bill Fiorini, 3. Bamboo and Fish Roe Brooch by Fiorini, 4. Bracelet by Bill Fiorini, 5. Silver and Bamboo pendant by Bill Fiorini Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

I'm not ready to give him a section in my shop yet. I think these pieces need to go out to exhibit a bit more before they find a new home.

SW WI Art Fair and New Work

It's nearly time!  I'm one week away from the Driftless Art Fair, taking place in Soldier's Grove, WI next weekend, September 15 & 16th.  Please check here http://www.crawfordcountywi.com/art_festival/2007%20Event.htm for all of the details and come find my booth if you visit the show. 

For the next 7 days, my studio time will be devoted to work to sell at the Driftless Art Fair. 

Now for the new work.
I have a tendency to overthink and overwork every piece I do.  Every now and then I decide to trust an instinct, just trust it and go ahead without self-critique.  I did it this week to finish up a few pieces that I started off thinking of as houseplant trellises.

 

They are about as simple as I can get- scrolled ends, the most basic and enduring decorative forged element and gentle curves,  welded into springtime fern forms.  They are about 18 inches high, bronze, with an antiqued finished and coppery undertones, left un-sealed so that they will age naturally in the home environment.
I love how these turned out and think that they'd make great wallpieces as well as elegant windowbox trellises.