Kalaya Steede

This week I've been working on a gift to give for Valentine's Day but my mind gets in its way and says things like... it's more stuff, more clutter, and I don't want to give something to someone for it to become their burden. GET OUT OF YOUR WAY ALREADY! Now I'm stuck on my own ideas, and my own judgments.  What's really going on here? Hahahaha!!! Okay anyway, I came up with this design satisfying two needs.  One, the need to give, and second, the need to let go. My partner in crime needed something to send in to a race called the BIGFOOT 200 . So I designed this key chain.  He can decide to keep it or send it away. Either way my feelings won't be hurt.  It was a way not to attach myself to a piece or even an outcome. If that makes any sense at all? Here is the process if anyone is interested. I think you can get it all from the pictures. Cut it all out, AND THEN just put it all back together. Kind of like Humpty...

Bonjour!  I've been AWOL this past month but been working hard in the studio.  Really! As you know or may not know the fleur de lis is a symbol seen in many places and especially here in New Orleans. I don't use this in my art because...well...just because but decided to make some key chains for gifts this year. This particular shape of fleur de lis dates waaaay back.  Here is a picture of it from an old text book. Floor at Saint Denis Basilica That ochre color sandwiched in between is a piece of tin from Cafe de Monde. Which makes it extra special! Can you smell the coffee from here? Together it says New Orleans.  At least to me it does. Have a great Tuesday and talk to you all soon! _/\_ Namaste Kalaya