fall farmer's market

(c) Lauren McNerney, 2012

mixing materials

I am loving this collection by Ann Yee. Her lines and use of materials is really inspiring me to do something with a mix of silk and wool fabrics + chunky knits. I have been really interested in all three materials (starting multiple projects with each) but after seeing Ann's pieces I thought "Of course! They are even better together"!

fabric samples

Some fabric designs I worked on today to use for a possible clothing collection -- all inspiration from my travels. Are you drawn to any in particular?

Polonio

Tiberias1

Granada2

Granada1

Salta

self portraits in loudun, france

I've been harboring a lot of creative energy - and summer trips, obligations, and travel have taken me away from the world of textiles - at least temporarily. But a camera, coupled with many late nights and lazy afternoons, gave me an opportunity to explore my world a little bit -- while in Loudun, France.

France was wonderful. I had the chance to spend time with my sisters, my mother, and myself -- and away from the one person who sees me the most. This sort of change conjures up many feelings and thoughts.

My family and I stayed in a chateaux that belonged to a Saint who was martyred in Vietnam for his faith - beheaded and cut to pieces. The house still belongs to his distant family and the town is decorated with his name and figure. While there, I explored several series of self-portraits using a self-timer and the occasional help from my sister, Ellen. I'm not really sure how to introduce the few I chose to share... but they all harbor a strong emotional response I had to the spaces that I was in. 

Possibly some normal travel photos to come...

au revoir

I'm headed to France tomorrow with my two sisters, Ellen and Jenny! We will be meeting up with my mother in the Loire Valley for about a week and then going to Paris. I never thought i'd be going back this soon. 

Alexei has a theory about worldly places - he says that Paris is a 5-year city, meaning that you can find some excuse to go every 5 years. I don't know about that, but I'm happy to be visiting this amazing place once again. It's actually been 6 years for me (although I was in Bordeaux last year)! I found this picture of me at 22 years-old in front of the Eiffel Tower. I have no idea what I was doing. I think this was supposed to be a perspective shot that didn't quite work out. Nonetheless - I look at the person in this photo - traveling for the first time in her life: I was so young and my heart was so big for the world. I'm happy to say that it still is. Although the girl pictured could have nevered imagined what life had in store for her, I am happy that she, I, still have this same love and spark for life. 

I will try to write a little about my travels when I can. Au revoir for now. France, mon ami, here I come!

wonderful, yet conflicting news

It's been an emotional morning. I don't know why I am getting so worked up over this: but I got a call from the Oregon College of Art and Craft to let me know that I will be receiving a full scholarship to attend the course of my choice this term.  They are pretty much offering my dream class - but the workshop dates happen to coincide with the art-opening of someone very dear to me (and who coincidentally wrote me my letter of recommendation). After calming down about the dilemma, I am now convinced and excited that I will somehow attend the workshop and make it out to California to see the art show. 

Mina Stone

Dusen Dusen

Shabd

Raquel Allegra

fruit loop

I had been anticipating this day-trip for awhile. The Fruit Loop is a 35 mile scenic drive on the Columbia River Gorge just south of Hood River, Oregon. It's named quite appropriately since it's a loop in which you will find a treasure trove of fruit orchards, stands and u-pick farms - and much much more. 

My picks:

• Rasmussen Farms: Amazing u-pick sunflowers in so many varieties and colors. They give you a giant Coca-Cola cup and you can fill it as much as you want for $5.25 - my sister and I definitely picked our money's worth. They also had all these very creepy gourd people, most of them which were decapitated from their bodies and interacting in some sort of Olympic game trials. I mean, their were A LOT of these things. 
• Cascade Alpacas & Foothill Yarn & Fiber: I love alpacas! Ever since my time with them in Peru I have become smitten. They are just the coolest, most lively little guys. Plus, their fur makes amazing yarn. We got to feed and pet them and then sink our hands into a huge variety of fresh roving and spun yarns. A fiber lover's dream :)
• Hood River Lavender Farms: 70 varieties, u-pick (all you can fit in a zip tie for $5), views of Mt. Hood, awesome. 
• Draper Girls Country Farm: Great u-pick orchards. The only thing in season this late in summer were the peaches (although they sold lots of other pre-picked fruits and veggies). They give you a bin and you set out into acres of orchards and pick whatever you want. Really good prices. They also make their own unpasteurized apple cider, yum. 
• Apple Valley BBQ: Barbecue smoked ribs, period. 
• Apple Valley Country Store: Different location. Huckleberry milkshakes, yes please!

We also checked out a winery (there are several) and ate more than I care to mention. We finished our day in Hood River, watching the kiteboarders glide on the river. We sunk our toes into the water and bathed in the setting sun. Then we headed over to Double Mountain Brewery before making our way home to Portland. 

If you live in Oregon, or even if you don't, this trip is a must. Best times to go are July - mid-August, but they also have a Fall season with apples, pears, pumpkins, gourds and chestnuts. Oh, I'll be back...

dye inspiration

Hand-dyed muslin bags, Portland rose gardens, clouds over Safeco field

Light spatter, pinball machine, florist scraps

opening shop

Well, I finally opened up an etsy shop for all of the cool thrift items I find. There isn't much for sale right now, but I'll be adding more items over the week. Excited...this is something I've been wanting to do for awhile. I hope it takes off...and people like what I find!

muslin bags: results

dog mountain

It's been awhile since I've done any serious hiking. On Saturday, Alexei and I drove to Cascade Locks on the Columbia River and hiked Dog Mountain. It was a strenuous hike and reminded me that I'm definitely out of shape - but it also reminded me of how capable I am and how challenging myself is the only true way to experience the reward that comes from facing and achieving one's goals. A year ago I faced my biggest physical challenge to date, climbing Torres del Paine - a five day trek through Patagonia's glaciers, mountains and valleys. It was a deeply emotional and spiritual journey, one that I look back upon with great significance and pride. The world is such a rich and curious place - and I can't think of any greater importance than exploring all that awaits out there - and how it's all so intimately tied to what lies inside of us. 

muslin bags: step 1

peonies

champoeg

if i were a flapper

 This is my dream wardrobe at the moment. So in love with the 1920s. 

japanese gardens

Portland, OR

a sunny day

a night on the farm

Photo courtesy of Kimi

On Saturday night, Kimi, Alexei and I headed out to the Pendarvis Farm in Happy Valley to celebrate the end of a one month retreat for our friend James - who spent February living and recording a new solo project there. It was bittersweet, listening to his new work and wishing him farewell as he now heads back to his hometown in North Carolina.

What a magical night. We listened to the new work both live and recorded, we lit Chinese lanterns and sent them off into space, we laughed and drank and sang and danced. Right now I am loving this song and video, by James's band Bombadil. It's so sad when people go - but I wish him an incredible journey!