Washing Away the Dust

Picasso once said: Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.

I could not agree more.  Sitting down with my beads, at the end of the day, is a welcome respite from the daily grind; even if it's almost midnight when I finish a piece, I feel invigorated by the sentence, "I made that!"  I know that Jake feels the same way about his canvases.  I feel very lucky to be surrounded by creative, giving individuals who also wash away dust from their days by creating - on canvas, in metal, with gems. 

I made some rounds and picked up pieces from different artists who have donated to the International School of Monterey's International Extravaganza Gala and Auction this weekend.  I just wanted to give a shout out to some of these fabulous, passionate artists.  With much appreciation...

First, to my husband who is never happy with his paintings.  His "La Dolce Vita" will be the last on the auction block tomorrow.  I am so very proud of my Love and his art...no matter that he says they are never good enough.

Click here to see more of his work at his etsy shop.

Iris Brewster donated a dynamic multimedia collage entitled "Dance a New Beginning." Love it! 

Her blog, Through the Eyes of Iris, includes photos of some other pieces.

Jessica Calzada is an uber-talented gal, based in New Mexico, who takes some rockin' black and white photographs, knits luscious scarves, and makes sensational jewelry.  She donated a necklace and earring set to the auction that is made with real acorns.  Gorgeous! 

Click to visit her etsy store: Gypsywick by GypsyJessica.

And last, but not least, Paxton Mobley donated a white bronze sand dollar belt buckle and a sterling silver seahorse pendant.  If I hadn't already commissioned a parrot tulip piece, I would definitely be bidding on his stuff.  Check out his website: Paxton Fine Buckles and Jewelry Design. 

Here's a photo of him, hard at work, on one of his sculpted buckles.