Hard Working, Creative Hands.

I awoke this morning with my hands hurting. I have been grinding on stones to make beads for the last couple days. It feels good to be back to work. Hands have been on my mind these days. I keep watching my fellow artisans at the market as they weave string together, file on fine silver, make a hand stitch, or form a coffee mug handle. I believe we take our inspiration from somewhere beyond our physical self, some energy that flows through the mind and spirit of the artist. But ultimately, whether we are holding steady the body of a digital camera, or touching a canvas with a fine tipped brush, it is our hands that manifest the vision and bring our creations into being. So, I guess it is appropriate that hands have been on my mind. I will soon be back out to my shop to use these hands, which at the moment are typing these words, to cut rough peridot into beautiful, rich green beads.

We have a new member of our market, newborn baby Kosmos was born on January 29, 9 pounds 4 ounces. Kids growing up in the market are some of the coolest people I have met. We have a lot of new kids in the market. I am so proud of my little buddy Forest, the son of Patti and Dan Elster, who went through major surgery last year and came out strong as a bear. Savanah, his sister, was equally courageous watching her little brother go through so much. For Patti and Dan, and all of us, those little people are precious gifts. The one who caught the viewfinder of my camera this past weekend was little Kosmos. Maria, featured in this article holding little Kosmos, has a couple of her own beautiful grandkids. I will look for opportunities to photograph them as the summer progresses. I guess I am just sentimental, or reminiscent, as I remember my own two boys sleeping under my table as I did my first shows at Saturday Market in Eugene, or the many shows we did while vagabonding in our van. Great memories.
I think the new, temporary, outdoor Shakespearean stage is supposed to open this weekend. This might be a good thing for the market as patrons of the plays will walk within eye shot of the market. I am hopeful that our best days of the summer are right in front of us.
It is supposed to be hot! Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Accuweather is calling for highs near 100 degrees by the Fourth.

Here is the Music lined up for the weekend.
Saturday, June 2
11:30 – 1:30     Matthew Gwinup
3:00 – 5:00     Cole Cullin
Sunday, June 3
11:30 – 1:30     The Rail Birds
3:00 – 5:00     Intuitive Compass
Monday, June 4
11:30 1:30   TBA
3:00 – 5:00   Juniper Ridge