In the Labyrinth

Skulls: Knitted, Filigreed, and Filled

Just in time for the Halloween Holidays, let me share my favorite skulls of the moment:

Crania Filigre Anitomica from Joshua Harker, an artist exploring a phenomenal new process between sculpture and software that permits him to create incredibly rich organic forms beautifully complex and delicate like this filigree skull. Needing funds for his work, Harker posted the film below on Kickstarter ( a website that allows artists to bring their projects directly to the public for funding). He requested $500.00 in donations and received $77,271. Click here to see the skull in awesome 3D

Need to whet your whistle? How about these fabulous painted glass skulls filled with tequila from Kah Tequila, specializing in artful tequila bottles to honor loved ones on Day of The Dead? They come in full sized bottles, but are also available in a pack of three miniature skulls -- perfect for your ofrenda altar.

I am in awe of this knitted skeleton -- the skull so soulful, detailed, and slightly fuzzy. This is the work of fiber artist Ben Cuevas whose talent with the needles astonishes me. Like the skeleton? Check out the knitted hearts for his "Waiting Room Installation."

Spring Spheres...Really?

Ok...some things are just ridiculous. Here's a news article about a public school in Seattle changing the name of "Easter Eggs" to "Spring Spheres," so that the objects in question wouldn't suggest any religious affiliation. That's right up there with "Candy Rabbit, "Winter Fat Guy, and Tooth Confirmed Bachelor." (All of which you hear about in a hilarious bit on the Lightning Fill in the Blank round of Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me on NPR -- scroll down a bit in the transcript...)

Happy Easter From the Desert

Happy Easter everyone. I thought I would repost this wonderful drawing done by my grandfather Pierre Menager because I love the combination of the bunny, chick, and cactus. After a month of hot, dusty-dry weather, we've had two days of glorious rain that resulted in snow in the mountains and a much needed drink of water for the valley. Everything has begun to bloom, especially my favorites, the yellow "roses" on the purple Santa Rita cactus. The day is cool, fresh, redolent with the peppery smell of creosote and mesquite. And the bunnies are everywhere in the yard, fat and sassy. It'll be a good day for a hike in the mountains -- something to work off the cream-filled chocolate eggs and peeps.