Putting a Bird on it since 1982
My college “business card” notice the dearth of information including my last name!
My dad recently found these “business cards” of mine in a desk he was sorting out. I put business cards in quotes because you’ll notice there is no actual information; no phone number, and no address, not even my full name. I don’t have a strong memory of making these but I’m sure it was in college when I was often between phones and addresses, and maybe experimenting with a Madonnaesque one name only moniker. Anyhow- the thing that caught my attention after all these years was that was I put a bird on it. And I guess I’ve been putting a bird on it ever since. If any of you are familiar with the sketch comedy show Portlandia then you might be familiar with the episode in which Carrie and Fred spruce up a shop’s merchandise and “put a bird on it” every where (Portlandia). It’s a spoof on Portland and groovy shops and the predominance of birds on everything. Well I have to say I’m guilty as charge- I’ve be putting a bird on it since 1982!
Signs & Symbols #1 – 48×24″- recent work in my exploration of expressive, intuitive painting
I’m not sure what that proves but I do know the bird as symbol is a powerful one.When my son was growing a frequent topic of conversation would start like this “if you were an animal what would you be?” or “if you had a super power what would it you do?” my answer was always be a bird, sometimes a hawk or a sparrow but often a smart, sassy, loyal raven. My super hero strength was always flight. So I guess I’ve always been drawn to the bird and so the bird is drawn into my work. These new paintings are a part of my new story. My who am I and where am I going now wandering and wondering. Yesterday was my last day teaching at the elementary school and I’m not sure what is next in my life – but one thing I do know is what ever I make I’ll probably still be putting a bird on it, and dreaming of my life as a bird!
Signs & Symbols #2 – 48×24″ – recent work in my exploration of expressive, intuitive painting
Judy Markoff (Fabrications and friend Phyllis Rapp)
I see my suggestion to you to check out Flora Bowley hit a responsive note! Glad you like her……thought you might find her a soulmate of sorts…..your work looks great….keep it up
Anne R. Blanton
I know wherever life takes you you’ll feel the winds and soar!!! (and if they get a little rough, you’ll take cover until the blusteries pass.) Congratulations on all you have given those children- which I know has been A LOT. Love you Lisa, anne
Big sister always
Lisa — How funny and beautiful it is that you reference “put a bird on it” in today’s blog. Your niece Francesca is about to burst in her readiness to fly the coop. She mentioned just yesterday how that Portlandia episode you referenced just cracks her up and makes her think of you, someone she knows she can always fly off to or back to if she needs a dose of your soaring creativity and love. Thanks for helping me feather Francesca’s nest all these years and for making our lives more rich and beautiful along the way.
lisathorpeartist
Sweet!