Heart Shaped Rock

Tati's Heart Shaped Rock

In college, my roommates and I would walk to the beach together, gathering rocks. There were so many, varying all shapes, sizes, colors and patterns. We began noticing many that were heart shaped, then our collections became more specific. 

This past weekend, I found another heart shaped rock in Malibu, while walking my pup on the beach. It made me think of Tati, one of my beloved college roommates. So I grabbed it and painted it for her. I sent it off in the mail yesterday, and cant wait until she gets it- sending lots of lover her way. 

There is a theme here... Birds with Words.

Mom's Rock

Mom's Rock : Christmas 2011

A gift for my mother this year was a rock, this rock to be exact. On the 24th, my family took a stroll on the beach in Malibu. Mom found this rock and told me to paint it. So, I did, and gave it right back to her for Christmas. She loved it. Thanks for the inspiration Momma!

Painting rocks is my new hobby. Found canvases are the best, to me. They are unique and can add life to whatever you create on them. I love nature, and intertwining it with artwork. 

more to come...

Adventures with Bela

 

The joy of having a pup: she makes a great companion.

 

"Zophe"

While I was visiting my sister and her family, a little over a month ago, we took a drive to the beach one evening. My nephew Max was catching white sand crabs in the small dunes, and Sophie was writing her name ever so cutely in the sand.
 

Sophie, age 4

The Family That Tattoo's Together...

About a week ago I was in North Carolina, visiting my parents. Prior to the visit I had discussed my next tattoo idea with my dad, and asked him to come up with a design.
I have been challenged and growing in my faith. I wanted something to mark this stage of my life, and act as a constant reminder for when times get tough. I wanted an ichthus and a cross, both which are very symbolic in Christianity. I didn't want it to be cheesy and super religious, even though I do believe in Christ, I do not believe in religion. Religion is not viewed how it should be any longer {but this is a whole separate topic}. 
Anyways, I knew my dad would have an awesome design, and he did! This is what he came up with:

 

On Tuesday my dad set up an appointment at Warlock's which is a tattoo shop in Raleigh. But it wasn't just me getting the tattoo. My mom and dad wanted it as well! 
{Side note: This is not a first for my family. We have been tattooing together for years. My dad even has a slogan: "The family that tattoo's together stays together." And, that's us!}   
I decided to document this bonding moment. I must admit, my parents are the coolest and very hip.

 

Catching Dreams

I made this dreamcatcher for my mom, when I was in college a few years ago. At the time, I lived at the beach and would often come home from walks with driftwood and rocks. I have always been a collector of: stuff {with a plan to make it into some sort of art piece}. 
I wanted to make her something special, and handmade gifts are always the best. The dreamcatcher goes along with our Cherokee background and it catches good dreams and lets the bad pass through. Thankfully she liked it and now it hangs over my parents bed.

details:

Watercolor

 Flowers {mostly} from my watercolor phase, which I loved and need to start back up again. I love these little paintings. Next time you see or hear from me I will have been painting.

Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.

~ Louisa May Alcott

Next Steps

photo taken in Savannah, GA

 My next steps…

…involve interests that are widely diverse, and deeply confusing at the moment. I love all things creative and all things Godly. I have asked God for direction in my life and to open doors, showing me which direction to go in. When you ask you definitely receive! In the past two days many options have opened up for me. Now I am trying not to get overwhelmed by what to do next. I just feel like I need to be doing something.

• Be more creative {always}  
• Go back to school
• I want a farm {involves money I don't currently have...}
• Live on a farm…
• Continue doing what I am doing, just amplify everything
• Travel {takes money}

I guess things just involve money. Where to go, what to do, and what to do with where I go…or stay?

Life is confusing, directionally, as a 20 someone. I am enjoying it though. I will amplify everything I am doing now, until I conclude otherwise {or win the lottery!}.

Keep looking up †

Somewhere in Oregon: Huge, Beautiful Sequoias

Weddings and Things

Chelsie, my friend of 23 years, recently married her love, Jono. I had the privileged of taking photos at their wedding. Here are three of my favorites from that beautiful day.

A Cloudy Day

i took this photo the other day while riding my bike around the city. there is so much more character when the clouds come out to play. 

Looking up in Koreatown

i really love clouds. they are such a beautiful thing to me.

Popcorn Flowers

For Francesca & Eric.

Thank you...

The Coincidence of Color

my eye has always been drawn to color. 

the repetition

the coincidence

the pattern

Oh the Places You'll Go

Made with the idea of being stuck somewhere 

and imagining where else you could be.

Being sick for three days can have it's perks... Who woulda thunk!
Created a little over a week ago.

Bela

Kelvin bought me a pit bull puppy last week. She brings so much joy (at times frustration: the potty training process) to my life. So cuddly and sleepy, growing by the day, she brings me new life and inspiration. I am excited to have her, train and teach her, and see what she teaches me along the way. She is my little love. <3

Grow Like a Tree

New watercolor illustration.