Follow the Trail of Curiosity : observe, wonder, research, journal & express the discovery … through watercolor & ink paintings

Taking a stroll through Reiman Gardens in Ames, IA is always full of things to observe, wonder about, and enjoy. On the day of the Art Fair, it is multiplied many times as they invite artists of all kinds to popup and share their wares.

Reiman Gardens’ mission is: To educate, enchant, and inspire an appreciation of plants, insects, and the beauty of the natural world.

Enchanting is a fitting adjective of this venue; and even though I was only able to take in a small sliver of it, I was charmed and happy to be a part of their Art Fair this year. Unfortunately, I did not snap many photos, nor venture very far to visit other vendors because of the extreme heat of that day and my inability to walk very well. But the folks who stopped by my booth were both delightful and refreshing – much like the breeze that did happen now and then throughout the day.

As is most often my experience, event volunteers and the fellow vendors I was able to engage with were as kind as they were committed and/or talented. From the help setting up my tent to the ‘keeping an eye” on it while I took bathroom breaks, to taking down my tent and loading out, I was blessed.

Following the Trail of Curiosity is my art-making process. It is just digging in and beginning, drawing upon what my heart holds, and expressing my Joy.

Years ago (in the early 80’s), a fellow artist invited me to bring some of my glass-etching pieces and sit with her at an art fair. I was excited to do so, but I remember being somewhat in awe of the whole art fair scene and thinking I would never be able to do such on my own. … This is my second year of participating in various venues nearby – just me, on my own . I have been at the Iowa State Fair’s outdoor Art Fair for the last three years (and will be there this year).

It has been a kind of pipe dream turned bucket list experience I could say.

Yet, the heat experienced at this last event combined with weakened stamina from months-long dealing with foot pain put me in the proverbial corner to think about things. Why am I doing this? Should I continue? Does my artwork really lend itself to this market? Am I being too “pollyannish” in a world so desperate for hard Truths – there are so many ‘you can do it, rah rah’ messages out there and they seem to be grounded in self-reliance/preservation rather than in dependence upon our Maker. Is that how my stuff is perceived? How do I proceed?

I had a fever Sunday night that finally broke mid-day on Monday. It was in those feverish hours that I sat in my corner … wondering. I did cancel my next event that was to be in Knoxville, IL this weekend. It was just going to be too much too soon.

This is a rather raw “review” of my Out&About experience at Reiman Gardens. That event was wonderful; this is not about that. It is a heart-felt review of my presence at any event. The rest of my commitments are local. I am healing and working slowly on building up my fortitude; therefore, I should be able to participate in them as planned.

After that? We will see.

Reiman Gardens’ mission … To educate, enchant, and inspire an appreciation of … reminds me of a statement I made this spring: .

“By sharing my work, I have discovered many pieces also hold stories that belong to viewers– sparks of happiness. I encourage these folks to do a little digging themselves, taking time to notice, be in awe, and express it!”

Perhaps physical pain and becoming very overheated clouded my thinking and scorched my heart from feeling the very Joy that is within my being:

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and. Uphold me by Your generous Spirit” O God.” (Psalm 51:12)