Love Those Raccoons
One of the wonderful things about having collectors who gather my pieces over time is that we get to become friends
I share my artistic journey as I go along and they support me both by collecting new pieces and also through their encouragement for whatever new direction has captured my attention to explore. We get to know each other and stay in touch. As an artist working alone in the studio, these friendships come to mean a lot to me.
Hilke and Ed first connected with me back in 2014 when they purchased one of my totem poles. As so often happens, when I saw their home full of wonderful objects, I knew my totem would be right at home with them. Over the years they’ve added pieces to their collection and each time I make a delivery I get to visit the pieces they already have. I love seeing them move to new spots around the house and garden as changes to the arrangement of things happen.
As an artist, I really treasure seeing these pieces again. For me, there is a circle that closes when someone loves something I’ve made enough to make it theirs but there is also a tiny piece of loss I feel at letting the piece go to its new home, I miss them when they’re gone. So, when I get to go on a visit it’s a double pleasure of visiting with my friends and seeing my pieces again.
This time my visit to Hilke and Ed’s house was to deliver three new raccoons they’d commissioned to go on some magenta walls they’ve had built in their yard. We thought they would look so cute scampering along on top and they really do! They have just the right mixture of mischief and curiosity.
The raccoons are a nice compliment to the frog trio that already sits on another set of walls delighting people walking by on their way to the beach. The frogs were originally built to go on the rim of some raised beds but over time they have hopped around the yard and eventually settled on the pink walls - at least for now.
This yard has so much whimsy and fun. From the minute one passes through the red door you know you have entered a special garden filled with fun and laughter. It is well matched to the playful spirits who create and care for it. Their ongoing project is a delight and I am so honored to share in their magic.
What do you like to rearrange at your house?