I've had plenty of adventures this summer, so nothing but gratitude here, but I miss the ocean bad. It's been 385 days since my last pilgrimage.

I learned how to construct a garment on a sewing machine this week at KCAI! It was pleasantly challenging, and I felt like I was in a state of flow all week. Learning this process gave me an even greater respect for the people who make and design our clothing  - there's a lot that goes into it... not to mention the undervalued gendered aspect of clothing production, both historically and present-day. I keep thinking of the people (especially women) in countries where clothing is constructed who aren't being compensated as well as they should be for this form of skilled labor. 

Piecing everything together... I used the free motion foot to "draw" with the sewing machine.

Pinning things on/trying out compositions

My finished piece, from the back

The garments made by our class

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Bloch building at the Nelson

I found a book to read while taking a coffee break

Downpour (Prairie State Park), watercolor.

My family and I visited Japan this past week and it was INCREDIBLE. Absolutely wonderful experience. I am so grateful.

Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing

View from the shinkansen

Kyoto

Kyoto

Kinkakuji, Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kyoto

Tea Ceremony

Yasika Pagoda

McDonalds in Japan! I am a very average American... I could lose a few pounds, but I'm not significantly overweight... but I was absolutely the fattest person in the Osaka McDonalds that we stopped in for lunch... an experience which is unlikely to ever be the case in the United States. There were probably 60-70 Japanese business people - strangers - sitting next to each other, packed in the McDonalds like sardines, silently eating their meals. I found the contrast really interesting.

Osaka.... massive

Nara

Nara

  

The breakfasts in Japan were the best breakfasts I've ever eaten.

Matcha in Tokyo

The last time I was in Japan, I was 5. It was amazing to experience it with an adult lens. Returning was a tremendous gift.

Me in the East China Sea, circa 1993?