Ilka's Attic -- Mixed-Media Artist Susan Tuttle

through the window

2009-11-06T07:23:00.007-05:00

...some wintry views from my bedroom windows early this morning.
more snow as you can see

hot coffee
quiet
a book of poems
gazing out on the white
a few minutes to myself

Exciting news -- I just launched my very own photoblog (in addition to this blog), where you can view some of my photographs in large format.

winter knocks

2009-11-05T13:27:00.016-05:00

earth is slowly putting herself to sleep for winter
the signs are here;
ground is beginning to harden underfoot
frosty mornings
with visible breath
at the bus stop

along the old stone wall, i see the last of the downy white, wild aster seeds
and plump, blood red berries of the Hawthorn trees.

brown leaves the color of cinnamon and fragrant orange pine needles blanket the woods, dirt road, and grass now turning the color of straw.

i'm contemplating making some wild, old-fashioned Hawthorn berry jelly.

a leaf floated down to me and i put it in my woolen pocket.
turning it over in my hand, its soft, velvety brown skin reminded me of a lovingly worn leather book cover.

i see with more frequency the wild turkey, deer, and fox.
The extra blankets are on the beds
there's warm milk and the putting of one more log on the fire before sleep
nodding off to the sounds of singing coyotes and bard owl hoots just outside the window panes.

and then this morning!
rubbing our scratchy eyes awake
to the surprise of first snow

squeals and quick pitter-patters down the stairs
door unlatches
swings open hard...

...my little children unleash me in that moment
reminding me how to dance
in the light of
pure
simple
unadulterated

bursting

joy
heart
fun!

Did I ever mention how much i am in love with the soulful soundwaves of Bon Iver?:)

i must apologize sweet peeps for being out of touch -- under the weather a bit here and putting all my energies into family life and teaching my VisualPoetry online class. I look forward to visiting you lovelies very soon:)

2009-11-02T12:12:00.004-05:00

euphoria
i think.
with paint art makes you
look
the white dress
in the tree
caught by a thread
spinning
a ghost dance
catching perfect light
which came first?
a man once asked me
the light or the object?
i couldn't say

i saw you in the corner
in the periphery of my vision
in the center of my heart
whispering
it is this way
leave the books behind
bring only
one brush
and one cup
to catch the rain

for painting
your dreams

{Echo} Week 2 - Decorate

2009-10-28T17:51:00.011-04:00

Welcome to week two of Echo -- a collaboration between Chrysti and I where we explore a bi-weekly prompt on Wednesday, through the lenses of our cameras. This week's prompt is decorate. The first photo in the diptych is credited to Chrysti, the graffiti door my interpretation (which worked out to be an interesting juxtaposition of country and city environments I think). Visit Chrysti's blog to see our second diptych. We have really enjoyed your interpretations of the last prompt and again invite you to play along this week (it's not necessary to pair with someone, but if you can, it sure is fun) -- just interpret the prompt through your own camera lens, post your photograph on your blog, and leave a link to your post in the comment section of either of our blogs. We look forward to seeing through your eyes this week.

I recently created this digital montage titled All Hallow's Eve.

There are still a few spots left for my VisualPoetry online workshop which takes place from November 1 - 29 (I am offering the first class again due to popular demand and am taking on a greater number of participants this second time around). I also have more online digital photography and digital art classes in the works for 2010.

And another news flash before I close -- my second book, Digital Expressions: Creating Digital Art with Adobe® Photoshop® Elements (North Light Books) is now available for pre-order on Amazon here. It will be released in May 2010. In the book I share 25 of my digital projects with you, all stepped-out with written instructions and screenshots. Explore photomanipulation, digital collage, montage and more. In addition to the projects, the book contains a gallery section of inspirational pieces and features artwork from contributing artists. A CD filled with imagery and custom brushes accompanies the book.

wholeness

2009-10-21T00:24:00.005-04:00

i collect words
no,
on second thought
i think it is that I attempt to collect meaning

today i brought my camera into my studio
and took random photographs of words embedded in my artwork and text from books, journals and objects lying about
it was interesting to juxtapose them in a montage
and see how they are all a part
of the whole

what words do you collect?

and, i was just playing around with images of us -- my beloveds
it was interesting to juxtapose our likenesses
to see how we are all a part
of the whole

A reminder that registration for my Digital Photomanipulation online class begins this Sunday, October 25 at 7 PM EST (offering class 1 again due to popular demand). I also have other classes in the works for 2010, so stay tuned.

{Echo} Week 1 - Emerge

2009-10-14T11:52:00.010-04:00

i am sipping hot cider in a mug made of clay from this mountain,
the same mountain in the story Blueberries for Sal.

i'm hoping for poetry, but the words are not coming
so i will leave you with red leaves.

...and a look into my heart. It's about letting go for me these days -- here is my story.

On another note, Chrysti and I have begun an artistic journey together as we explore a bi-weekly prompt on Wednesday, through the lenses of our cameras. Today is the launch of our first collaboration -- interpretations of the prompt emerge. The first photo in the diptych is credited to Chrysti, the acorn my interpretation. Visit Chrysti's blog to see our second diptych. We invite you to play along (it's not necessary to pair with someone, but if you can, it sure is fun) -- just interpret the prompt through your own camera lens, post your photograph on your blog, and leave a link to your post in the comment section of either of our blogs. We look forward to seeing through your eyes.

Another reminder that I am offering the first VisualPoetry online workshop again from November 1 -29 due to popular demand. Registration begins October 25, 7 PM EST -- be sure to register early as spots are limited. I also have more online digital photography and digital art classes in the works for 2010.

I find joy in sharing music that moves me, so before I close...this is for you.

2009-10-12T23:25:00.011-04:00

there's a glow coming from the woodstove tonight
little dancing flames reflected on the stone hearth
warming my bones
kindling my heart

i am rejoicing in the building and lighting of this first fire of the season
it helps me to transition and embrace the coming of quiet winter

did you hear? there will be snow tonight.
just a dusting mind you

i want to show you...

...my home
...my heart

the tiny Maine town i live in
where the sweet musty smell of the rivers coax nostalgia
and dreams

one river to the east across the road -- past the stand of crooked mailboxes, through the newly-hayed field, just beyond my favorite apple tree

the other to the west -- just through the wood, follow the path.

i cross the bridge in town nearly every day

and drive slowly by morning sunlight illuminating my neighbor's field

another bridge -- this one a single lane, crosses the Abagadasset and looks out upon decaying reeds, so beautiful at high tide

when you travel down my dirt road, your eyes will wander up to red rattling in the wind

and just beyond them you will see my little white house through the trees

come in
stay a while

i will bring you a cup of hot tea and warm mittens and we will sit out on the porch and talk

bundle up
i will take you with me into the woods and show you all the treasures

there are always surprises...

Good news -- yes, yes:) I am offering the first VisualPoetry online workshop again from November 1 -29 due to popular demand. Registration begins October 25, 7 PM EST -- be sure to register early as spots are limited. I also have more online digital photography and digital art classes in the works for 2010. And another teaching announcement coming soon!

2009-10-06T21:32:00.021-04:00

I know why people gravitate towards this beautiful person. Susanna Gordon is gentle, kind, intelligent, open and easy to talk with -- she has a special sweetness and softness about her. We met up in my all time favorite city of NYC and had ourselves an amazing, artful adventure! We enjoy the same things -- delicious food, art, taking photos (her talent abounds!), good conversation -- making this trip a piece of heaven.

New York City is electric -- a playground for the senses, with something to experience at every turn. Catching a scent of curry on the air followed by a burst of sweet vanilla, conversations like music in tongues from around the world, laughter, colors and patterns of graffiti on the wall, djembe in the subway -- a perfect metaphor for the pulse of the heart of this city. Anything goes. You can be you -- stand out and blend in at the same time. It feels like home. I am equally city and country mouse:)

John Derian. It's the ultimate curio shop filled with unique collectibles that could turn any house into home.

We walked through the Bowery, Soho and Greenwich Village.

I had the privilege of putting into flight one of Susanna's winged messengers -- serendipitously so, the theme of the messenger she made me has been a recurrent theme these days -- enough to give me pause and reflect. Susanna has the ability to change lives with these gifts -- even though they are small, they are that big.

We grazed on food the caliber of ambrosia! -- from authentic Cuban food at Cafe Habana, to steamed mussels in the perfect garlicy, buttery broth at the Cornelia Street Cafe. Red wine singing with tones of chocolate, plum and spice -- a memorable toast with my friend.

...through my lens...

Sweet perfection. I can't put into words how very delicious. Magnolia Bakery.

I don't have to put it into words -- just look at sweet Susanna.
And me in this photo that Susanna took...

And before we said our goodbyes, we watched the city that never sleeps go from day to night.

You can see Susanna's post on our adventure right here.

credit:
The textures used in the apartment building photographs and the one of my boots hitting the pavement are Photo Art Blends available from Cottage Arts.

An aside:
I am catalyst #82.

woolen blankets homemade soup

2009-10-01T22:39:00.009-04:00

i'm curled up beneath a heavy wool camping blanket this evening, staring at the empty, black woodstove, wishing it was aglow, warming me to the bone. It is a cold Maine evening here in the woods near the river -- i heard the first batch of Canada geese fly south over my roof at supper time (be still my beating heart). Maybe this glass of merlot i am sipping will warm me up in time. I do welcome the change in season and temperature -- I love to bundle up and dress myself in woolen sweaters, knitted hats and wrist warmers. comfort. And i get to wear my new soft leather cowboy boots -- ok, i'll admit, they make me feel like a sexy mommy -- i say that (chuckle, chuckle) because you can often find me in sweats behind the wheel of a minivan:)

i am feeling dreamy and so excited for this weekend -- I get to spend a day with the lovely Susanna in one of my favorite places. i can't wait to share our adventures with you!

soup. A favorite part of Fall and Winter. i love to throw together homemade soups -- i make it up as i go along. Today i used the last carrots and kale from the garden to make a hearty chicken soup. If you want to try, i took notes:

throw together:
1 chopped onion
5-6 leeks (thinly slice the white part)
5 garlic cloves finely chopped
4-5 sliced carrots
sweet potato -- cubed, leave skin on
chopped kale (between 1 and 2 cups) -- be sure to slice the leaves off either side of the stem (don't use stem, as it is bitter)
1/2 tsp dill
1/2 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
chicken cut into small pieces
about 48 oz chicken broth/stock
cook spaghetti noodles separately (chop and add to soup when it's ready)

you will find that the dill adds a special flavor -- it's officially the secret ingredient:)

i have the perfect music to accompany your culinary creating -- i am IN LOVE with this band -- I want to play that bass drum so badly -- Mmm, those rhythms make your soul move!

macro, baby!

2009-09-25T22:16:00.001-04:00

today i felt like i was experiencing the world for the first time
wonderment, bliss
heaven
just by attaching my new birthday gift 100 mm macro lens to my camera
i was shrunk down to lilliputian proportions and noticed details of minutia that had previously escaped my eyes...

like the way a Queen Anne's Lace is painfully beautiful in death -- dropping its life force seeds and closing in; returning
to the way in which it arrived as a bud.
full circle.

i did not know until today that an ant has fine hairs on its body...

or how winterberries can look like full, ripe autumnal apples.

i discovered the beauty in decay.
and that my soulful attraction to trees may have an explanation ...

2009-09-20T11:53:00.006-04:00

There's a robustness about Fall that makes me want to jump in, shout YES! and feel the strength of my aliveness pulsing through all of my senses.

A just hand-picked apple in the palm of my hand, alight with red, green, and yellow, speaks to me like a still life oil painting I recall; a masterpiece.

There is a comforting and familiar quiet thud that it makes as I move it back and forth between my hands; hinting at the magic inside

tempting me to take a bite

and when i do...

There is song on my tongue.

Autumn gifts us with final bursts of color
like a fireworks finale before the muted, still tones of Winter.

joy

when you pick out your perfect pumpkin

2009-09-13T15:24:00.005-04:00

Fall
held in the tips of my fingers
slips away
with the wind
short-lived
makes it
precious
beautiful
like
time
with
ones
i
love

cherish
them

always

my treasured
garden
preparing
sleep
winter
i love the sound of that word

life is full

school activities, projects, and my VisualPoetry class starting next week

i miss connecting with my blog friends. i think of you often and promise to reconnect soon, when i have some breathing space.

i want to share a favorite recipe perfect for chilly Fall morns.

Morning Bread

1/2 cup salted butter
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups dried cherries

Cream butter and sugar
beat in eggs one at a time
add vanilla
add sour cream
Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl (not cherries yet)
Add dry to wet ingredients a bit at a time, stirring in between
Mix in cherries
Pour into greased, 9x5 loaf pan
Bake 350F about 60 minutes

Crunchy topping option:
Before baking, cut tiny pieces of butter and put on top of bread (about 8 little pieces), then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mix

2009-09-05T15:57:00.005-04:00

a faint drum is beating,
marking time

the end of summer draws near
the return of the wild aster tells me so
with its soft, billowing, cascading white
spilling into the wood

morning and evening chill is setting in
i sit in peace on my front porch
sipping lapsang souchong from a chipped teacup
its smoky, woodsy aroma echoing the autumnal tones in the air

there is a banjo music playing in my head

cricket calls are fading
cold this eve
so i've made plans for a late night moonwalk
down the meandering dirt road.
i took my favorite wool sweater from atop the closet shelf today
the one my husband knitted for my birthday

i'll walk to the apple tree just behind the row of mailboxes
it's full of fruit a bright red
how did i miss them grow and turn to flame?
it seems too soon

just a little too soon

but i am in love all the same

2009-09-01T23:45:00.003-04:00

"There was seemingly nothing out of the ordinary the morning I wrote this, until I wrote this..." -- visit my September WishStudio column to read more.

On another note, I have been diving deep into the digital world waters, submerging myself in study, falling in love with the process -- there has been endless play in Photoshop CS3 where I am making new discoveries, defining my own artistic voice and finding my own niche. Here are some of my recent digital montages that are featured in my article in the latest issue of Somerset Digital Studio. Both Thumbelina and Stagefright feature imagery of my dear friend Jess. Working with her likeness brings a whole new powerful dimension to my art-making -- feelings of caring, love, attachment, and awe for my beloved friend infuse every artistic move I make, bringing the pieces to life in a whole new, authentic way.

Thumbelina

Stagefright

Trust
credit link for stock photo of ballerina

Helen's Visit

I wanted to announce that my second book, Digital Expressions: Creating Digital Art with Adobe® Photoshop® Elements, will be published by North Light Books in April 2010. It is a technique-based book appropriate for both beginners and more seasoned folk. I promise to let you know when it is available for pre-order on Amazon.

I am completely enamored with this English band -- you can find me these days swaying and leaping about the house to this song.

birthday boy

2009-08-27T15:45:00.005-04:00

When you made a wish and blew, i made one for you too. Can you guess what I wished for? I can't tell you, or it may not come true, but here's a big hint: may you always...

Just a bit of housekeeping news -- I recently updated the format and design of my VisualPoetry online workshop information site HERE.

heart

2009-08-24T22:49:00.011-04:00

I awoke to a foggy morning, with hints of golden sun delicately shimmering through the clouds. I raced outside and stood still, watching the marvelous show unfold before me, slowly, as the murky fog burned off into heavenly bursts of sunbeams.

keep looking up; always up

This treasure I am keeping close to my heart; the most precious gift from a dear, sweet friend. I know I will be holding onto this beautiful talisman a lot as the upcoming weeks unfold. My son is headed off to kindergarten. The mix of emotions I am feeling has put me on a bit of a wild ride. One minute I am so happy for him, feeling his excitement over riding the bus, celebrating his readiness for school. Other times I am graced by tender memories of him just a babe in my arms -- like when I used to sing him to sleep with this song. And then there are moments when a sadness creeps up and in on me, my eyes flood with tears and there is a tightness in my throat and just over my heart as I think of letting my baby go. But inside I know that letting go is the only way for him to realize his own precious heart's capacity for greatness and love.

first bounty

2009-08-20T13:25:00.004-04:00

The excitement this morning at our home was almost tangible. It was time to pick the first yield from our garden. Peas, beans, tomatoes and lettuce were ripe, heavy and ready for harvest. Salad for lunch tasted like golden sunshine.

I am enamored by this artist, whom I just discovered. This song is especially beautiful.

maine heat wave

2009-08-17T16:16:00.005-04:00

heat
thick
air
heavy
glistening
sweat
dripping
tarty limeade
slippery glasses
green kiddie pool
splashing cold
squealing
relief
ice cubes
kiss
cherry ice pop
melting
fast
mind
slow
cleansing
erasing
meditative
heat

The premiere issue of GreenCraft has just been released by Stampington & Company. It is filled with clever, creative projects that you can make from everyday recycled objects. For the issue, I made a soap dispenser out of a French lemonade bottle, hand cream pump and scraps from my studio. Save the planet, save a buck, have fun!

there's no Rose sweeter than you...

2009-08-12T21:57:00.004-04:00

...my beloved daughter, Rose.

how to flower

2009-08-07T21:07:00.005-04:00

To bring beauty into my life I sometimes have to work hard, tend, nurture, push myself, sweat, even struggle to get to that peak, exercising free will to manifest my intentions. The act of gardening is a metaphor that comes to mind when I think about this sentiment, along with the timeworn phrase about reaping what you sow.

My gardening boots are well-worn and show evidence of how hard I can push myself.

Sometimes beauty in life is meant to evolve on its own without tending, much like the flora that grow naturally, all by themselves in the fields and woods around my home.

I call that destiny.

I need to realize what is out of my control. Part of that involves listening; listening to my heart, my inner voice; even listening to the Universe when it may want to take me in another direction than what I originally thought. I must have complete and utter trust in a loving Universe that has my best interests at heart.

I am learning there is a delicate balance between destiny and free will; knowing when to act, and knowing when to let go...and that is the ultimate dance.

WishStudio Column

2009-08-03T09:59:00.006-04:00

My monthly column, In a New Light, was just launched over at the WishStudio, a wonderful little nook in cyberspace that contains such goodness, inspiration and sharing from a variety of artists. My column's aim is to coax and inspire you to joyfully leap into brand-new experiences, visiting places you have never been, trying something different, and seeing the ordinary and familiar in a whole new way.

What kinds of ordinary, extraordinary magic are you making this summer?

a remarkable woman

2009-07-29T20:04:00.007-04:00

Miss Jenny Doh! She was here in Maine on vacation with her family and what a gift and treat it was to spend some time with her. This woman is remarkable, in every way. She has enormous talent as we all know -- that goes without saying. Jenny exudes a special warmth and has an infectious glow about her -- she's witty, down-to-earth, fun, and makes me laugh out loud time and again.

She's one beautiful soul I am blessed to call friend.

summerness

2009-07-27T10:25:00.008-04:00

The fruits of my gardens are bringing me so much pleasure this summer. The act and art of gardening resonates within me in many ways. Physically it broadens my strength, emotionally it gives me quiet, peace, comfort, and instills a hope that my efforts are not for naught, that this living on earth has great purpose. Flowers do a dance with my inner light, bringing it to the surface. This happiness is thick, golden.

On my belly, I could stare into this lily for a long time, getting lost in regal purple, a sweet buttery center and flecks of sunshiny yellow.

The honeysuckle bush in the woods is heavy with berries, iridescent in the dappled light. Can you see my reflection in their perfect roundness?

Summer has been full and a bit of a whirlwind so far. In some ways I feel like I cannot keep up with the pace, so I don't. I am focusing on what is important to me, mainly spending time with my family. In the Fall, my son will be going to Kindergarten and I will have to loosen sweet ties and let him go a bit. I can't let my mind and heart go there just yet. I will stay and revel in summer until it is time.

I think it is best to just enjoy the ride, don't you?

Saturday, August 1st at 9pm EST is a special day for me -- I will be opening registration for the first online class of my VisualPoetry series. The response has been huge so far -- such a wonderful surprise. I have been putting a lot of energy into the creation of this class, and am so eager to share it with you:)

2009-07-17T13:25:00.017-04:00

i adore weeds

as much as i do roses
maybe even more so

they grow from the same place
soul seeds in the whole

weeds;
like the parts of
me
that i love
the most

are

strong
wild
unkempt
unfettered

beautiful in their own right

they remind me of my spirit
that just wants to
be

they show me how to shine
just by being
me

My dear friend Chrysti gifted me with some of her breathtakingly beautiful photography that tugs at the strings of my heart without fail and makes me feel not so alone in the world. The universal feelings and sentiments she explores are palpable in her work, and she brings them into a new and special light. These are the two prints that recently arrived in my mailbox -- oddly, or not so very so, the postal box had a shiny glow to it that day that I can only attribute to its magical contents:) You can view more of Chrysti's work here.

On another tangent, it was a pleasure to chat with the warm and talented Alison Lee of Craftcast. Her website has such a wealth of crafty resources and podcasts! You can listen to our interview here if you'd like.

I have been a bit remiss in visiting the blogosphere and promise to catch up this week wonderful peeps.

And of course, this post would not be complete without a little share -- one of my favorite songs of all time.

cloud gazing

2009-07-17T13:16:00.006-04:00

i spent an entire day looking mostly
up

the sky holds many a treasure

i especially love finding hearts
and wings

what do you see when you look up?