it's a bird! it's a plane! it's a...balloon?

So my kids and I were hanging out, when we began to hear a loud noise outside our house that has become quite familiar--the sound of hot air balloon fire. Tonight however, it was louder than usual, so I hopped up from my seat and ran with my kids outside to find strangers parked in our driveway and a hot air balloon landing in my neighbor's yard. The people parked in our driveway must have been (what I assume) balloon chasing, which is something I've been known to do on occasion. We live in a community where hot air balloons float above the tree line most summer evenings, and if we happen to be driving and see one descending, my kids will make a plea to chase it, but until tonight, they've always landed somewhere hidden.

We invited the family who parked in the driveway to join us as we witnessed the balloon gently land in my neighbor's field.

up

going...

going...

*and this is the point when I decided to ignore the niceties of politeness and stand at my neighbor's gate smiling until he let me and my kids in [thanks neighbors!].

In the words of my 9 year old son, "those were about the best 17 minutes of my life." (he's very literal by the way--it probably was 17 minutes, in fact I'm sure it was; he noted it)

(jen)

3...such a nice number

So tonight we placed some art at Mode Organic Salon (on Roosevelt) in Seattle, and it went efficiently well thanks to my friends Heather and Angela. [3 is such a nice number]

Mode is a cozy organic establishment, and when I first visited to scope it out, I was inspired to create something specific for its environment.

Images that came to mind during inspiration:

delicate

muted colors

whispers

branches

paper

history

...and I think judging by these photos, my original idea came to life, which is fairly remarkable considering that doesn't happen too often [inspiration translating into something tangible without losing original integrity or evolving into something completely different]. I imagine I'm not alone in that?

Anyway, it's another one of those moments that when I step back and feel as if it came together on its own accord with me as the mere conduit.

This work will hang at Mode for about 2 months, so feel free to pop in and check it.

6317 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle

(jen)

Something old + Something new

I've waited to post anything, because I wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to see the video Renan created of Heather's brother and sister-in-law's wedding reception. Intoxicating to watch--in a good way--and if you haven't seen it, check it.

Shown here are two examples of some current works, finished today, that I plan to install on Monday at Mode Organic Salon on Roosevelt. There will be some canvas floral pieces, and 13 new [vintage] postcard pieces. I've been inspired to hang them integrating organic materials, but I'm not sure how it's all going to come together (very typical, although it always does). Heather has also offered to help with the hang--thank you friend!

(jen)

married man

here's a great video of my brother's wedding in Norway. It's our last day here and we LOVE the people and new family... we will for sure be back! The video was created by Renan Ozturk (my brother's best man and one of my favorite artists/people) BIG congats to my baby bro Seth and his beautiful new wife Maren (WE LOVE YOU!!)

XO,

Heather