For the birds

My husband, Jim Edmon, is a true creative in every sense of the word. An artist since childhood and graphic design warrior for 25 years, he is an illustrator for both stock and clients (Balance Creative), and he has a line of greeting cards. He's also a prolific mixed-media artist and was selling paintings at galleries years before I picked up a paint brush. One of the most fascinating qualities about being a creative and living with one is is the approach to an ordinary or basic task. A chronic list-maker, his pages are filled with odd jobs, ideas and his words become secondary to the doodles and sketches. 

So, when he decided to build bird feeders I had no idea what to expect. And his first endeavor (above) is functional for sure, but what a cool piece of art. Wood (mostly repurposed) is a staple in his studio, used for substrates and frames and the figures and birds he carves for paintings.   

Jim has been my biggest supporter, since I turned to art after retiring from our business due to health reasons. I went from stealing his art supplies to ordering my own, though I do love his brushes:) and we've had lots of fun poking around junk stores looking for the good stuff.  

When he brought these home I flipped! Boxes of player piano music in their original boxes, some signed by the pianist/composer. I have no idea (yet) what I'm going to do with this fabulous find, so for now it will go to the studio where I can admire the detail and craftsmanship. 

Then there's rusty junk. Who doesn't love it?? Jim's (business) landlord decided to have a salvage sale and we couldn't resist! The guy was a bit puzzled by our 'selection' and he gave me most of it (looked like salvage to me:) but I don't even have to make a rust bath! I'm nearly finished with my daughter's book and can't wait to get started on whatever comes next!