Little Pieces of Art by Brandie Butcher- Isley

A Second View Out of My Grandmother's Window

When looking on, off the front porch of my Grandmother's nursing home, it is like I am looking at forever,  As if this word were a thing, as if the word were something tangible that I could touch and feel.  I know that this view will be here long after she is, long after I am standing here in this little moment of time.  
I experienced a sad revelation upon our last visit. She will be gone soon.  Soon there will not be a reason to stand here and gaze at the beauty just steps off her porch. Upon this revelation, I made a pact with myself.  I have decided to spend each moment of our future visits as if they are the last.  I will thank her for all the gifts she has given me throughout my life.  I will make her laugh loud and often for this is the lovely sound that will reside in my heart along with this amazing view forever.

Maybe this is how we should approach all of our relationships, considering our human mortality...  Life can be short.  Live it without regret.

My Grandmother's View

This is the wintery view from my Grandmother's nursing home.

My last visit with her was very interesting. When Ali and I arrived, she had all of her things out of her drawers and closet.  Her dresses, shoes, and such were lying neatly accross her bed beside an open suitcase.  She informed me that her son (my uncle Parky) was going to pick her up on Friday, she said she had asked her to live with him.  I asked her to hang out with Ali for a moment.  The nurses asured me that no, she wasn't moving, that Every once in awhile she gets confused.

My poor Grandma.

You will see I have updated my blog a little.  I've added the beginnings of my 2010 Festival and Workshop schedule on the sidebar under my picture.

You will also find a few shops around town where my art is currently "hanging out" listed on the left sidebar as well.

I will be posting some art soon!

Brandie 

"Cowboy Up" Commission Piece

"Okay Boys"...  "Cowboy Up".  This is a piece created for my cousin Misti for her friend.  Isn't he amazing?  What a charming little cowboy!  I also have in the works a HUGE piece (well at least huge for me, the largest I have done yet.) for Misti.  I find my self putting a lot of thought into each element placed in this collage,  I can't risk losing the composition by being hasty in my choices.  I am thinking about posting it in stepped stages.  Cross your fingers, we will see if I am brave enough.

I have been busy with art and writing that can not be posted on my blog...  It is top secret stuff!  I have been working on my contribution to Pam Carriker's book "Art at the Speed of Life". My recent life has defined this title.  After deciding to go back to work full time, I have found my life moving so much faster.  With fewer hours available to devote to art, I have found myself beginning to organize my time more creatively.  I have to figure out ways to "preserve" my inspiration until time allows.   My struggle with time lately has been Working on the book's artwork and article contributions and Commissions with Christmas deadlines.  Unfortunately the Blog has been set aside for these. 

Be looking for more art, as my deadlines become less pressing!

Thank you all for looking,

Brandie