Roadtrip - Wilson, North Carolina The Whirligigs of Vollis Simpson

 

Years ago I learned about Vollis Simpson's Whirligigs in an issue of Our State Magazine, and it was love at first sight.  In 2011, when Ken and I visited the creations in his field, I was blown away by their size, their number; and the overwhelming sensory experience of being in their presence.  In hindsight, I'm grateful that we made time for that visit.  Mr. Simpson passed away last year, and it's one that we'll never be able to repeat in quite the same way.

Fortunately, a group of passionate and dedicated whirligig lovers is working to restore and display Mr. Simpson's creations in Historic Downtown Wilson, North Carolina.  I visited the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park on my way home from the East Carolina University Metals Symposium. 

Luckily for me, it was a blustery day, and the first five restored whirligigs were at peak performance.  The largest of this group is "The V. Simpson", and it measures 55 feet long and 40 feet high.  You have to see it in person to appreciate the sights, sounds, and especially the feeling of standing in its shifting shadows.


 While in Wilson, I also visited the conservation site for the whirligigs  Their yard is overflowing with good things to come and large murals that honor the maker and the restoration project. 

Kudos to all who are involved in saving these treasures for future generations!

The following photos show a few of the Whirligigs in 2011 in their natural habitat.

 

Roadtrip Surprise - Greenville, NC - The Artwork of Jonathan Bowling

After being over stimulated in the best possible way at the East Carolina University Metals Symposium several weeks ago, I enjoyed taking the long way home to Vass.

My day began with visits to a few local thrift stores of a more upscale nature. At the last one, I asked if they had any recommendations for a shop or two with an industrial twist to their offerings. They made a suggestion, and I set off in search of found object treasures.

I could feel the neighborhoods shift as I drew closer.  This is always a good sign.  Then, much to my surprise, a circle of fire dogs appeared in the distance. (As the wife of a firefighter, I can recognize fire extinguishers or a Maltese Cross from half a mile away!) You know I had to stop for a photo...or two...or three...or thirty, and when I did, I discovered a lot that was chock full of artsy metal goodness. Photos complete, there were three sculptural turtles waiting for me at the next stop sign. As I made a left turn, a virtual creative critter crossing appeared before me. To say that it was absolutely amazing would be an understatement.

Sadly, Jonathan Bowling, the artist responsible for all of these magnificent creatures, was out of town during my visit. I spent at least an hour exploring and admiring his sculptures, and one was better than the next. Not only does he use many of my favorite cast off metal parts and pieces in all that he creates, he does so with a soft touch and an intention of placement and composition the likes of which I've never seen.

These photos tell the story better than I possibly could with words, and still not as well as a visit in person will do. If you can manage it, this is a destination that you won't want to miss.

Now, on to the magical world inhabited by the creature creations of Jonathan Bowling...

Seahorse.

I can almost hear her!



A group of goats is called a tribe.
Yet another reason to love goats!

A Sounder of Swine.



This little fellow begged to go home with me.
(Ken, hint... hint...he'd be even better than a Muffler Man!)

The Hobbyhorse Store Front. 

The Guardian.

Call.  If you love this work as much as I do, please call.
You'll be glad that you did. 

 

The ReMe Blog Hop.......................... Week 1 Winners

I’m absolutely thrilled to announce the results of the first week of our ReMe Blog Hop!  And the winners are…

From the Jean Skipper Originals Blog… Kathy Cawthon, aka “That Allison Girl”, you’ve won a set of six of my mixed greeting cards and magnets!

From the ReMe Blog… Brittany, you’ve won my hand stamped Rest Relax Renew Necklace!

Congratulations to both of you!  Please send me an email message to me at jeanskipper(at)jeanskipper.com with your mailing address, and I’ll send your prizes on their way to you.

To all who participated, thank you!  Since this was my first ever participation in a blog hop, I’d also love to send you a small token of my appreciation.  If you’re interested, please send an email message to me at jeanskipper(at)jeanskipper.com with your name and mailing address. 

And finally, for all who are reading this, please remember that there will be three more weeks of blog hopping goodness for you.  This Friday, February 14^th, Penny Arrowood will provide us with her interpretation of the word, “Relax”.  (Please click here to visit Penny’s blog.)  On Friday, February 21^st, Jodi Ohl’s posts will be all about the word, “Renew”. (Please click here to visit Jodi’sblog.)  And finally, on Friday, February 28^th, we’ll unveil the mother of all “Rest.  Relax.  Renew” giveaways to you on our very own ReMe Blog.  (Please click here to visit the ReMe Blog.

Thank you again for joining us, and I’ll see you at The Hop!

Rest. Relax. Renew. The ReMe Blog Hop Begins Here With "Rest"

Here's a sneak peak at a few of the cards and magnets
that might be included in Monday's giveaway. 
Details about entering are included in this post.

Welcome to the first post in the first ever ReMe Blog Hop!  I'm absolutely thrilled that you've decided to join us.  For this week, please read this post; add your comment; proceed to our ReMe Blog; read the remainder of my post; and add your comment there too. 

Whew!  It sounds like a lot; but I promise that there are prizes involved for all of this.  :-)  Your comment here will earn one entry into my personal drawing for a surprise set of six greeting cards and magnets.  Your comment on the ReMe Blog will earn one entry into the ReMe drawing for my hand stamped "Rest.  Relax.  Renew." pendant.  Share either post, and return to comment with the details of your share, and you'll earn an extra entry for that drawing too.  All comments and shares made by midnight on Sunday, February, 9th will be included, and the winner of both contests will be announced on Monday, February 10th.

If you're so inclined, please also subscribe to my blog here and the ReMe Blog.  We have a few "subscribers only" surprises up our sleeves, and I wouldn't want you to miss a single one of them!   Now, on to my official blog post...



Ode To Ocracoke is available as
a print or greeting card at
Books to Be Red on Ocracoke Island.

I first wrote the words, "Rest.  Relax.  Renew." as a part of my "Ode to Ocracoke".  These three words sum so much of the rejuvenation that I experience every time I set foot on The Island, and I'm looking forward to helping you to discover a bit of the same magic as you experience ReMe.

My focus for today's portion of the blog hop will be on the word "Rest".  My natural state is one of creative chaos.  My mind seems to overflow with all that I need to do, want to do, and dream of doing.  Ideas run amok in the best possible way, and my challenge lies not in generating new ideas but in focusing on those that are most important to me. 

As a result, Rest can be an elusive concept.  My parents tell me that the same was true when I was a toddler.  I'd go and go and go, resisting sleep for all that I was worth.  Then, when I'd passed my capacity for exhaustion, I'd fall asleep wherever I was.

When I travel with friends and family, I'm still especially prone to doing the same.  I can't bear the thought of missing a minute of my time with the ones I love, so I'll struggle to stay awake just to be in their presence.  Theresa, my oldest friend and Official Den Mother for our ReMe Ocracoke in May, has witnessed me opening my eyes from a dead sleep to cohesively participate in their conversations without missing a beat.  Perhaps this is one of my superpowers?!?!

At home I'm experimenting with a variety of techniques in hopes of establishing a regular pattern of consistent nighttime Rest.  Morning exercise, limiting afternoon caffeine, an early bedtime, and even chamomile tea all play a part in this, and I'm still trying to find the combination that works best for me.



Here's a sneak peek at the
Rest.  Relax.  Renew.  Necklace
that will be given away on the ReMe Blog. 
Please enterto win by Sunday, February 9th.

The concept of Rest on Ocracoke is different, and you'll read more about it when you proceed to the ReMe Blog.  But first, please comment below by telling me your secret to finding Rest amidst the chaos of your everyday life, and remember to share this post if you'd like an additional entry in our drawing.

Now on to ReMe...

Announcing The ReMe Blog Hop!!!

Every once in a while, if you're lucky, an opportunity comes along that allows you make your dreams a reality; a vision that transforms into something tangible. Today I want to share my dream with you.  It’s becoming bigger and better than I could have possibly imagined, and I couldn’t be happier about it. 

You might be aware that I recently joined two of my closest creative friends in a new business venture called “ReMe Retreats”.  At ReMe we’ll be offering a variety of creative retreats and workshops, and when we say “Retreats”, we mean it as the most over-the-top artistic unique experiences that you can possibly imagine.  ReMe has been life changing for us, and we hope that you be able to experience a bit of this ReMe Magic for yourself too. 

Our goal for each ReMe Retreat is to provide our guests with individual attention in a caring, gentle, fun, and inspiring atmosphere.  Our motto for ReMe is “Rest.  Relax.  Renew.”  It’s also one of the guiding principles behind our mission statement for this creative endeavor.   As we grow this creative endeavor, we want you to be a part of ReMe.  Whether you join us in person or simply glean some inspiration from our experiences, we feel confident that you’ll benefit from this investment in yourself. 

To introduce you to ReMe; Penny, Jodi, and I will be hosting a blog hop.  Over the next few Fridays in February, we will be hopping along to each of the instructor’s blog and to the ReMe Blog so that you can partake in the beginning of this journey with us. As an extra bonus, all three of us will be donating prizes for your participation.  Who doesn’t love prizes??

 

How do I enter the giveaways?

To enter the giveaways, visit the featured instructor on the following dates.  Then visit the link that the instructor provides for the final post on ReMe.   Leave a comment on the instructor’s ReMe blog post to be entered in the giveaway.   The winners for each individual prize will be announced on the next three Mondays in February.

Will there be bonus entries?
Yes!  You’ll receive a bonus entry each week if you share the featured ReMe post on your social media sites.  (Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.)  After you share, please visit the ReMe Blog and add a comment to let us know.

What's the schedule?

“Rest”:   February 7 - Jean Skipper

Giveaway winner announced, February 10.

“Relax”:   February 14 – Penny Arrowood

Giveaway winner announced, February 17.

“Renew”:  February 21 – Jodi Ohl

Giveaway winner announced, February 24.

When are the next ReMe Retreats?

May 5 - 10, 2014 - Ocracoke Island, NC (Sold Out.)

October 20 – 25, 2014 - Ocracoke Island, NC (A Few Spaces Remain.)

Enjoy 5 days of creative immersion on beautiful Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  Discover the unique culture; make friends, be inspired by intimate artistic workshops, create memories, laugh over meals together, immerse yourself in engaging special events, and more! (ReMe Ocracoke is an all-inclusive event, other than your travel to and from our location.   We have it all covered, so come-as-you-are, and leave a Re-Newed person!)

 

This concludes today's ReMe Announcement.  I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow for the first day of our blog hop!

Bobbins and Keys Available Now, With Free Shipping in February!

I have a thing for old metal parts and pieces, and keys and sewing machine bobbins happen to be two of my favorites.  The ones in this photo have been altered by the addition of a handmade lampwork glass bead that was created directly onto the metal.  They've become extremely popular among collectors, and I never seem to have more than a few of them at any one time on hand in my studio.

So, I decided to use every minute of our snow-filled week in North Carolina to create finished necklaces from these beauties.  For the first time ever, I've listed every single one of them in my online store, and you'll find a great selection there for a limited time.  

Also, between now and the end of the month, if you'll enter the code 'February2014', you'll receive free shipping on all of your online purchases from Jean Skipper Originals. 

Thank you!  And I hope that you'll be as inspired by these pieces as I was while creating them.

Where On The Worldwide Web Will I Find Jean Skipper Originals?

On the Internet, you'll find Jean Skipper Originals by visiting the websites that follow:

You'll find a visual sampling of my work on My Website.

To purchase from my existing body of work, please visit my My Online Store. 

I'll attempt to tell a few of my stories and present a small slice of my view of the world on My Blog (That's right, you're here!)


On Facebook, you'll find my business page at Jean Skipper Originals.  Please "Like" me on this page, for updates regarding my show schedule, class opportunities, recent work, and special sales. 

On Facebook, you'll find my personal page at Jean Kessler Skipper.  Please "Friend" me if you'd like to stay on touch on the personal side of life.  (I welcome you to join me on both of my Facebook Pages, as I'm working to eliminate the business overlap between the two.)

For brief descriptions of my work and life, in 140 characters or less, you'll find me on Twitter.

For a visual glimpse of things that inspire and amuse me, you'll find me on Pinterest.

In 2014, I'll be teaching in Stamford, Connecticut, at Art Is...You, Your Mixed Media Art Retreat.  You'll find my class information here.

And finally, in 2013, I co founded a company with Jodi Ohl and Penny Arrowood.  These women are amazingly talented artists and even better friends.  Our company is called ReMe.  Please click here for more information about ReMe Retreats and Other ReMe Happenings.

Whew!  This seems like a lot, and yet I'm sure that there are others too.  If you're seeking a custom creation, a specific piece that you saw in person at a show or gallery, or the answer to a burning question, please contact me anytime by email at jeanskipper@jeanskipper.com .


Thank you again for your support.  It's helped me to find the courage to live my dreams, and for that I will be forever grateful.