RAINY DAY VIDEO OF KATE'S GALLERY

https://youtu.be/Cb6yB8hlRFc       Hanging out and sewing in the gallery and we decided to make a little video. I'm feeling happy to be wrapping up some big projects.     

  

HAPPY EASTER WEEK !

Whew! I finally got my Alice in Wonderland suitcase bag finished. I'm so happy with it. It was a long haul but well worth it. I like the way I developed the story on this one. All the elements are my own take on this classic tale. I love my mushroom and the little green caterpillars. I like the way the rabbit is so expressive, and I think I really nailed the side eyes. But, my favorite element is the little mouse on the crown. So, as spring comes to the yard, and our local rabbits are turning from white to brown, Happy, happy Easter to you all!

It is up for sale on my website. https://www.kateboyan.com

GUS'S LAST RIDE

 #5 in my book report series

  I rarely read a book twice. “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry was pure pleasure both times, I read it once in the 80’s and now for my book series. I’m sure the first time I read it, it was for the enjoyment of a long (858 pages)  wondrous epic. The adventures of two ex-Rangers (Gus and Call) who take the crew and the cattle from Texas to Montana. It’s a real page turner and has everything. Heroic characters, complicated villains, unexpected plot twists, and tragic love. In my second reading of the book I cried more than I care to admit. It felt so relevant to my life circumstances right now. The more subtle issues of accepting our circumstances and the denial we can allow ourselves to live in, jumped out at me. Also the poignancy of two old timers on their last big adventure. My best friend is dying. Hard to say out loud. She lives on the other side of the country and I always thought we would have one last great adventure. But due to circumstances, Covid, no money, and such, it won’t be happening. As Gus would say ” Life ain’t for sissies.” So tomorrow as I finish up this piece of beadwork, I’ll box up this book and send it off to her. We can share the adventure via a tale for the ages. Books can take you places. It’s also what I hope to do with this beadwork. I had a few struggles on the piece. Mainly in keeping the definition of each part. It’s a complicated pattern and there are so many different colors butting up against each other. But in the end, I’m happy with the way it turned out.

NEW YEAR, NEW WEBSITE

 Well, as we say goodbye to 2020 tonite I'm happy to show off my new website! https://www.kateboyan.com

It's almost true that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but seeing as how the gallery has been closed for almost a year now, due to the pandemic, I decided I should join everyone with the online selling thing. The computer is not my forte. I've struggled, cursed, almost cried, asked for help, and finally feel pretty good about it. It's funny how I cringe when selling my work, I think it's common for artists. But here it is, my blatant attempt to be a self promoting capitalist. I've learned a lot. Thanks for taking a look. Happy New Year to all. A brilliant 2021 to everyone!

 

Día de los Muertos

 A celebration of life and death. Very meaningful in my life right now.

 

# 1 IN BOOK SERIES

   In early March of this year, right as we were beginning to learn about Covid 19, the Iditarod sled dog race was beginning in Anchorage. I remember thinking, "Now that's the ultimate social distancing." I would watch the coverage of the sled dog racers crawl across the the windy, snow covered landscape. During that time I was able to listen to a recorded version of “ Call of the Wild” by Jack London. So this was actually # 1 in my book series. Can you believe I’ve never read it before. It was hard to listen to in many parts. I hate with a passion animal cruelty, love all dogs, so it was hard. I have a huge dislike for the fact that so many dogs are forced to live on chains. Living in Alaska you see it alot. I don’t know maybe it’s everywhere. But I digress.  Buck, the dog hero, doesn’t die. I put up this review from an 11 year old. 

January 29, 2020

Brutal Characters in a Freezing Landscape

If you like a survival story, Jack London's "Call of the Wild " is for you! The main character is a dog named Buck. He is good main character because he has thick fur, he is big and strong. In the beginning of the novel, Buck becomes a sled dog and pulls a sled.The book takes place in the Yukon Territories.

I like this book because Jack London uses vocabulary I did not even know existed! One word that came to mind is feigned; it means to pretend. I also like that it is a survival story because it makes me feel excited about what is going to happen next. If you like survival stories packed with brutal characters, in a freezing landscape then you will enjoy this book. Beware, it can be hard to read at times because there is animal cruelty. I recommend this book for people twelve and older.

 I did the beadwork back in March but am just now finishing up.  

If you’re like me you have lots of projects going at once...

" I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS"

 The fourth book in my series is  “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou. After watching the debate last night I felt like getting this out there now. When Donald Trump declined to disavow white supremacists, and then when he was asked directly to condemn the Proud Boys he said “ Proud Boys, stand back and stand by “ I was not surprised. I’ve known men like him my whole life. In Angelou’s book, which is auto biographical, she deals with her personal experiences of oppression in a male dominated society. Through out the book she does a riveting, seriously intense job of describing what it's like to live in a world under racist oppression. I was moved, I cried, but at the end of the book I felt hopeful. Now, my feelings are up in the air, hopeful or despondent?

 I didn’t read this book in high school, like so many of you probably did. I  attended a program called Project Careers in Juneau Alaska. Basically it was kind of like getting a GED, which means I tested out. I was 15, living with sister who was 19, and we were on our own.  I needed to graduate so I could get a job. So, I missed out on many of the required reading wonderful books. I’m glad to be catching up on my high school reading now.  

 When I was designing this beadwork I made a few choices that I’m happy with. Using the black, white and gray color scheme seems to work. Up in the the top corner I used the notes from “ Lift Every Voice and Sing”.  I'm so far from finished, but I wanted to voice my thoughts tonight.