up north


When I consider that I live only a few hours' drive from some of the most spectacular scenery in this part of the country--not to mention an area of charming small communities in which I actually know people, and don't have to feel like a total tourist--I wonder why I don't go there more often. The top photo above shows a bit of the shoreline of Lake Superior, where sandy stretches of beach alternate with rocky ones, and gorgeous cliffs tower over dramatic waves. Above, I am hiking with some friends.

My husband and I actually own a small piece of property not far from this region, about an hour from the Lake Superior shore. But it's completely undeveloped, and I'm not much of a primitive camper...so I don't go there often (though he does--it's on the edge of a huge disc golf course!) But, when I'm invited to stay in a lovely lake home, visit with other artists, hike, eat extremely fresh fish, and sit around in coffee shops where everyone talks to each other, it makes for a very nice visit.

Two artist friends who are in the process of retiring to this area along with their husbands are fiber and mixed media artist Jane Herrick (upper photo), shown with a couple of her sculptural works, and Sally Bowker (below) whose work includes painting, drawing and quilted fabric pieces. Several of her charcoal drawings based on water plants are seen in this shot. It was a pleasure to visit with both of these old friends, talk about art and life, and see what they have going in their studios. We all share a strong inspiration from the natural world, interpreted in very different ways.



  ¶ 7:19 AM