NWC Biennale {Road Trip to Oklahoma}

 Last weekend, my friend Heather and I, traveled to Norman, Oklahoma for the National Weather Center Biennale artist reception. 

My photograph, Brewing, is one of 27 photographs chosen for the exhibition. Paintings and Mixed Media are also part of the show. With over 500 entries worldwide, 90 final pieces were selected by artist Joe Goode to represent art and weather. 

What an honor to be part of this exhibition! I am the only artist from South Dakota as part of the show and am so proud to be representing my beautiful state.   

We received a catalog featuring each art piece. Several artists I had the privilege of meeting exchanged signatures in our books. What a fun tradition and one I hope to repeat if my work is chosen again.

This painting by David J. Holland was one of my favorites. 

 I enjoyed meeting Cyndy Carstens and her work is just beautiful! 

I also got to catch up with my dear friend, Karri Jo, who moved down to Oklahoma three years ago. Was so good to spend time with her! 
I was also very thankful to have Heather along with me. The 12 hour drive went by much quicker with someone to talk to and laugh with.

Me, Karri Jo & Heather

This was my second visit through Oklahoma City. Both times I've gone to the memorial. I was in 7th grade when the bombing occurred. 

Reflecting Pool

The people who put this memorial together did an amazing job creating such a beautiful place to remember this tragic history. This memorial makes me proud to be an American.

Field of Empty Chairs-enscribed with the name of each person who died, and is in the row that represents which floor they were on. Nineteen smaller chairs are for children.

The Survivor Tree-witness of April 19, 1995. The only tree to survive the bombing and continues to stand today.

If you are ever in Oklahoma City, I highly recommend stopping to remember and to honor.

Passing By {Thunderhead}

I rode out on Shadow to check cows for new babies after supper last night. My husband and the kids were feeding the heifers hay. 

This thunderhead, gathering in the north was just amazing to watch. The colors from the falling sun cast beautiful hues upon the clouds.  

I used my Tabacco grad filter to create more contrast in the clouds for B&W. 

 I never get tired of this wide open view full of majestic clouds!

The Clouds

The clouds today were so fluffy and big. So alive and full. So much a reminder of summer days to come. The sun was warm and it was such a gorgeous spring day! 

I was out around 3:30 in the afternoon, not an ideal time for shooting. I brought along the grad Tabacco filter and it worked great to darken the clouds while keeping the foreground a little light.

I hope you were able to get out and enjoy today!

Spring Open House

Back in February, I created a small gallery in a local business, 209 Main. Located in downtown Murdo, SD, I rent space along with four other businesses. This Saturday, we're hosting an Open House and I wanted to share it with you.

 
 Stop by and sip some lemonade, enjoy a few appetizers and browse the sales we have to offer. All of my photography, including greeting cards and mini canvases will be on sale at 10% OFF!

To see more photos of the shop and current sales from the other businesses, please visit this Facebook Page Event.

No Expectations {From the Prairie}

A friend gave me some old photo equipment and I was recently going through the filter kit. I found a grad Tabacco. Intrigued, I took it out for some testing.

I used the shade White Balance to really bring out those warm tones. I absolutely love the creative expression that photography provides for me. I'm surrounded by beauty that is often flown over and viewed as desolation.

In a world of constant rush and instant gratification, the prairie forces me to just relax. To breath. To intentionally enjoy the moment free of worldly demands, if I'm willing. 
There is no judgement, no expectation. The prairie is always there, beckoning. 

Will you come?

 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, 

and I will give you rest.  

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, 

for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls.  

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

                                                                      -Jesus    {Matthew 11:28-30}