Isadora 8

She goes to the quiet Church in Milford Bay, our Isadora. Down winding snowy streets, past Butter & Egg road, to the place where candles glow on honeyed oak walls as you sing carols. Drink back deeply; dark crimson wine from the golden cup, offered to you and all mankind. Taste its iron; move it over your tongue and feel its warmth as it travels down inside you, warming you at your centre. Shake hands and greet your Brothers and Sisters; old friends and new faces. Break bread together, kneel, give thanks. Move to the back with glowing cheeks and warm ears. Hug each other; kiss and breathe in strong perfumes that mix pleasantly with the welcome, cool, midnight air as you venture out into the close and holy darkness. Big, ripe flakes gently begin to fall; in the stillness the world is perfect. Celebrate, for you are loved. Merry Christmas to all; I love you.

Isadora 7

She has traveled down empty highways in late afternoon and smiled; there is a sense of wonder in being the only person on the road at this time of year. On either side, snow-laced farmers' fields glow off-white; the surrounding trees outlined by a winter sun that hangs low behind the clouds. The sky is pink and orange; she is almost home, our Isadora. Gifts have arrived from overseas, wrapped in brown paper; tied with coarse white twine and addressed in thickly-stroked, black, permanent marker. Inside: great slabs of rich milk chocolate, sealed in royal purple wrapping foil; spiced tea; black licorice; stones of smooth, maple-coloured toffee in small card boxes. Appreciative mouths delight.

Isadora 6

She's been playing coy, our Isadora, hiding her colours. Revealed now in their first inception, tomorrow they will change. She is fickle but, for the time being, she is charged and static and will use it to her advantage. She will draw you in with her heat and vibrance; seduction is not a lost art for our gentle muse. Outside the snow is falling in the pitch of night; inside the flames dance behind the hearth. The glow casts peaceful shadows that dance across the walls. She is on fire, our Isadora; keep warm under the covers.

 

8.5x11"
Pencil, Sharpie, Prismacolour Markers
For Sale: $150.00

Isadora 5

Winter is here and, though it has come in like a lamb, our Isadora is prepared for the lion's breath. She is bundled up, and sips sweetened black tea from a tin mug as she walks the lakeside in sunlight. The Winter Winds scatter the remaining dry leaves of autumn - softly and steadily blanketing tarnished gold in white; Isadora greets them with rosy cheeks upon which Jack kisses her gently. He will kiss her more passionately in February.

 

5.75 x 8.25"
Ballpoint pen on Design Paper
For Sale: $50.00

Isadora 4

She's seen a thing or two, this Isadora; she is well-traveled. The soles of her feet are black with earth, the tops thinly caked in dust. She's run through dandelion fields in summer, thick with tall grass for the garter snakes to hide in. Some experiences have hardened her but she will not turn to stone; the warm rains in August will soften the mud and she will be renewed. At night she will put on thick, hand-knit sweaters that cover her hands and lie beneath the open sky. There is strength in her -you can see it in her eyes- and she will keep on smiling.

 

5x7"
Pencil, Sharpie, Gel Pen
For Sale: $50.00

Isadora 3

She began in mid-afternoon; the ground was not yet white with snow, and the sides of houses out my window -facing West- welcomed the sun that struck them. She has green eyes, this Isadora - the third, but by no means middle child. She has dirty blonde hair that catches the light as she stands in open doorways in early summer; her lips will make you hesitate before leaving and welcome you back with a passion that is truly heartfelt. Drink and breathe her presence in deeply.

7x11
Pencil & Ink on Sketch-Paper
For Sale: $150.00

Isadora 2

Here she is, the second Isadora; already, how different. She came to life over the course of a day. In the warm, sun-soaked morning, I pictured a red-head with hair wavy and cut short; her skin soft and supple, white and rosey and delicate. She is graceful in her implied nudity and commanding in her jewellery. I picture light orange freckles laid carefully across her face and neck. In her I see a return to something natural and elegant; of green, hand-woven cloth and creaking wooden floorboards. She's a twenties gal, this Isadora; smiling slyly, knowing something you don't.

9x11
Pencil & Ink on Sketch-Paper
For Sale: $150.00

Isadora 1

Here she is, the first of many. Conceived gently, with patience and care over tea and breakfast in a wooden family kitchen on a chilly Sunday morning in late November, 2011. I was staying with friends out in Keswick; a home away from home in peaceful farm country. Almost too fitting and perfect a place to render the first image of the Muse for whom we all burn. She is special. Many will follow, none will ever be quite like her. Here's to realizing old ideas and making them fresh. Clunk your warm mugs of tea together in celebration; welcome Isadora.

9x12
Pencil & Ink on Card
For Sale: $200.00