Nothing at all about politics

Every year in early October, my county holds an Open Studios for its artists, when people can wander around studios, buy things, talk to the artists, and generally enjoy the gorgeous autumnal sunny weather and have an excuse for hanging out with friends.

My agent usually comes down from San Francisco for one of the three weekends, although this year she couldn’t, so four of us set off for a day of poking around in other peoples’ houses and looking at pretty things.

We try to choose a variety—pottery, fabric arts, glass-blowing, woodwork, maybe a couple of painters if we can choose from the vast array in the calendar/catalogue. This year, we walked into the home of fabric artist Susan Else, she did a double take and said “Oh my goodness, you came!” As thrilled as if I’d given her a present.

Turned out (which I admit I’d forgotten) that last year she’d hunted down my phone number and called me, after reading The Art of Detection and realizing that it was partially set in a place she’d sculpted. Personally, I’d never have thought an abandoned gun emplacement at Point Bonita would make for a fabric sculpture, but she did, and so here it is, five feet long and two high:

And while we’re on the subject of art-from-art, have you seen Heather Neill’s “Vineyard’s Folly”?

In her comments on the painting, she talks about influences:

The title of this painting comes in part from the book which revealed a new layer to the sand and the beach stones and the sea beyond. “Folly” by Laurie R. King.

It is a rare book which I was sad to hear the end of. But when I look at this painting now, through the grace of synesthesia, I can travel to her island. And start with a pile of beach stones and a nest of possibilities and dream my biggest dream.

Anyone else out there want to share their LRK-inspired works of art?

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4 Comments

  1. Sara on November 3, 2008 at 5:00 pm

    The art contest Vicki organized last year showcased some specific LRK-inspired work. I actually made an artist’s book using images and things inspired by the Russell stories. When I was still in art school weaving class, I wove a honeycomb on the loom, complete with honeybees, which became part of a textile honeybee book. I have debated whether or not to send the Russell-inspired book to you. What would one do with such a book? Especially if it is not one’s cup of tea? Is that weird, to send something tribute-like? Where does it live- in what context? It perplexes me. Perhaps I over-analyze.

    Seeing as my IT boyfriend is not here to instruct, posting a photo in the comments will be unlikely. Vicki might be able to figure out how to show some of those entries!

    Cheers for the artists, and those who inspire us,

    Sara

  2. rielphaek on November 6, 2008 at 8:53 am

    Neat! I like symbolic and suggestive work. Sometimes that’s the best way to show mood and feeling. Since I’ve seen these, I’ve been trying to create my own tribute to a Russell story. Can anyone suggest a web site w/ how to post photos to this place?
    Also I just have to say how amazing the Holmes vignette was in The Art of Detection.
    It was pitch perfect.
    -Sara 2

  3. LaideeMarjorie on November 6, 2008 at 10:26 am

    Sara 2,

    I use http://www.photobucket.com where you sign up for free and it lets you load a saved photo and it gives you a web address for it to share. It’s pretty simple to use.

    –Marjorie

  4. rielphaek on November 7, 2008 at 9:17 am

    Thankyou Marjorie!
    -Sara 2

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