![]() Covid did a number on community-based entrepreneurs like myself. Markets were out, of course. And the whole lockdown pretty much coincided with my technical coming-of-retirement-age. I succumbed, I guess, figuring it was destiny. It was during this time that I committed myself to creating fine art. I took the fundamental courses for Houston's museum art school, then printing classes. Enjoyed it — and learned SO much. But I found myself in the same quandary I had been in, way back in my first years of college. Was I really an artist? Everyone seemed more passionate than me. Took me back to those conversations in 1972 when my fellow art students were deciding whether to buy cigarettes or oil paints. To me, there was no decision: cigarettes. Not enough fire in the belly, in '72 or in 2022. But then we emerged from the pandemic. And retail was back, markets were back, more plentiful than ever. I decided to do what I called a "last run," really to use up all the stock I had in the studio, and dip my toe back in the water. My first season back — boy! was I in for a shock. Over the lockdown years, things changed in my tiny screen printing / textile / fabricating world. The suppliers changed, the ink formulas changed, my supplies exceeded their expiration date, my equipment aged, websites and online selling evolved, etc., etc. It was like starting from scratch. New school I re-enrolled in printing classes and even had a good idea of where my textile printing / manipulation direction would take me, but the truth was, retail was calling me. I missed the world of creating and selling hard goods that people used every day. Why? It's beyond me! So, we're back. It's getting easier. We're figuring out how to work in this new terrain. . And, wonder of wonders, we feel welcome. We've missed you! It felt like time to diversity from plants and insects, and apparently it was, because the first stream of consciousness images for this year's towels focused on another obsession, fashion. Introducing the Beyond Her Paper Dolls Collection, new for 2023. Don't worry — plenty of nature still in the rest of our world. ![]()
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Houston Voters!! Nov. 8 = Election Day | Early Voting = Oct. 24 - Nov. 4, 2022 Voting is a right that we take for granted in the USA. But it is also a very serious responsibility. It takes time to do the research and form the opinions necessary to vote our individual minds, rather than what our families, parties or demographics tell us to. But unless you do the research yourself, you are voting blind. Here are some resources to help you #Vote Your Mind — and see for yourself. The links will take you directly to the websites, but in many cases you’ll have to poke around to find the information you’re looking for. It’s not as easy as it should be to be informed when you go to the polls. Keep in mind that upcoming elections in Houston in 2022 include a special constitutional amendment election to the Texas constitution on May 7. And a runoff for the primary elections on May 24. But these sites are updated with information as the year progresses. They are always a good place to start. HarrisVotes.com • This is a county-wide office that provides specifics on voter registration, poll locations, vote-by-mail information, a vote-casting calendar, and specific ballot finders. The site also covers voting machine operation and info for voting overseas and for people with disabilities. LWVHouston.org • LWVHouston is a nonpartisan organization that seeks to engage people in politics through access and information. For every election they provide a VOTERS GUIDE with details on issues and candidate information. The website also contains voting guidelines and coverage on developments in redistricting and voting laws. Vote411.org • Vote411 is a “one stop shop” for voter and election related information. In addition to polling, registration and individualized ballot info, Vote411 also lists debate and candidate information. VoteTexas.gov • This is a state-wide reference powered by the Texas Secretary of State. In addition to legislative and legal information on voting rights and regulations, the site contains election statistics and filing complaints. It also provides access to ballot information, polling locations, and guides to becoming a registered candidate. apps.TexasTribune.org • As a Texas-centric newspaper, the Tribune has numerous articles on Texas politics, but searching for upcoming elections will lead to very specific coverage. HoustonChronicle.com • This local publication is a good resource for general election information (search “upcoming election” for current local coverage). The site provides info on candidates and the Editorial Board makes recommendations on specific candidates that can be taken into consideration. Testing the installation at the studio April 27, 2022. The original #VoteYourMind installation took place on April 30, 2022 in Houston TX. Although prompted by the upcoming elections, the concept encourages us all to break free from the herd and become educated, self-governing, and frequent voters.
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