I finished seven books this month, a combination of having some reading time while traveling and reading books that I really loved and that I couldn’t put down!
My visit to Giverny Part 1: Monet’s Garden
I recently got back from 10 days in Europe, and while I was there, I finally visited a place I’ve been dreaming about since I was 12 years old – Monet’s garden in Giverny! I was originally supposed to make this trip in 2020, but then 2020 happened, and three years later, I finally made it. And best of all, the poppies were in bloom while we were there, which is what I was hoping for!
What I read in May
Well, it’s safe to say my reading slump is over since I finished six books in May! It’s also pretty safe to say that I find it easier to write when I’m reading regularly since I also completed over 30k words on my next book this month! (If you’re curious what that book is about, make sure you join my mailing list. I’m hoping to announce it in early July.)
It’s also pretty clear that my reading had a theme this month, as I hunkered deep into books about art and aesthetics. (Which is why it was only fitting that I photographed these books in my new art library.)
Take a tour of my new art library!
For the past month or so, I’ve been hard at work on a little (ok, slightly more than little) project – transforming the living room at the studio into an art library. That involved stripping thirty-plus-year-old wallpaper, painting the walls (and the backs of the built-ins) a dark blue, hanging shelves, and displaying my collection of art books! And I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t thrilled with the results! All that hard work was worth it to make a space that I love spending time in, one that really encourages me to enjoy all the books I’ve been accumulating over the years.
I put together a little video tour of the space, and for those who want a little more detail (or time to really stare at the books) I’m including plenty of still images!
the problem of AI and the power of real faces
This morning, I was reading an opinion piece by filmmaker and author Justine Bateman about how AI will kill the film industry. It’s actually the second piece on the problems of AI that I’ve read this week. (That other piece is an incredible article comparing AI to the consulting firm McKinsey and taking both to task for the ways they accelerate the worst parts of capitalism. It’s a must-read.) But back to Bateman’s article.
Chroma earrings in dusty rose and radiant orchid
One of the things I love most about my new Chroma collection is that it combines my love of painting and my love of jewelry, so I couldn’t resist photographing some of the new earrings in front of one of my paintings!
Introducing Chroma: my newest jewelry line!
On my drive down to Delaware last weekend, I was listening to one of the books that never fails to inspire me, Ross’s King’s Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies, when I was hit with a sudden burst of inspiration. I could take the colorful metal bowls I’ve been making over the last couple of years (the ones that combine my love of metalsmithing and my love of painting) and turn those into jewelry featuring my signature leaf shapes!
I immediately hit the studio when I got home on Tuesday, and the result is my newest collection, Chroma!
my books at the beach
Last weekend, I went to Delaware to visit my nephews for their birthdays. I had a little extra time after everyone went to school and work on Monday, so I decided to take my books to the beach! In the early days of this blog, I used to spend a lot of time reading non-fiction at the beach, so it felt all too appropriate to take my books there on a little outing!
What I read in April
I’ve been tracking my reading for long enough now to know that I usually hit a reading slump in March that tends to stretch into April. But that doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating while I’m in it, especially because this particular slump seemed to last well into April.
But just like that, I found myself full-on reading mode the last week of April, devouring two books in three days. (I probably would have finished more, but I had family in town for the weekend.)
one necklace, three ways
One of my favorite things about the Modular Collection is how versatile it is. The different elements in the collection are designed to be linked together in endless combinations.
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