As I’m writing this, the wind is whipping around the house and it’s -12 F outside, but feels like -33 with wind chill. Bad as that is, it’s much “warmer” that this morning’s readings of -24/-50+! My January visit to my parents in Arizona is just a delightful memory. Certainly no sitting out in the sun to read today!
Every year when I visit, we stop at the two tent shows running from January to March. These tents are large enough to hold 100+ artists, many of whom are pursuing their art right there. It’s fun to observe and talk with them. There are a number of artists I love each year and look forward to seeing what new creations they have.
Michael Jones Designs is one of those favorites. He does wonderful metal work and I’d love to have a piece one day when we own our own home again. The website I found seems to be down, but you can look for him on Facebook and see better photos of his wonderful work. Today, though, I’ll share my less-than-stellar shots for your enjoyment. There’s only so much you can do with a phone, lots of other art around, and the ever-present sun. 🙂 But I think the beauty of his doors/gates shines through anyway. He also does marvelous fireplace screens and lovely coffee tables, which you can see on Facebook.
Another of his sculptures in the background
for Thursday Doors
What interesting art works, the screen with the trees appealed to me
Yes, that’s a beauty, Pauline. What fun to see one of these everyday in your yard or garden.
janet
It would fit nicely in our garden.
It would!
They really are wonderful! Thanks for sharing them. I love creative gates.
My pleasure, Cheryl. These are quite something and you should see his coffee tables!
janet
I love that sort of metal-work! Glad you’re staying warm inside. It sounds brutal outside there.
It is brutal, Madison, but “warmer “ this morning: -21 and feels like -34. 🥶. However, I’ll be bundled up this morning to go to the library and Aldi. Both are nearby and I’ll be dressed super warmly.
A lovely post to view on this winter’s day.
Thanks, Helen. I’m glad it helped. Today it’s “only” -9 (and -24 with wind) at almost 11 am. Quite an improvement but still cold. I did go out for a library and Aldi run but I know how to dress for the cold. Now I’m home for the day, with hot tea and an almond croissant. Oh, yes, and a load of new books. 🙂
Stay warm!
janet
Enjoy tea, croissants and books.
I have and I am, although the croissant is long gone. 😁
I’m sure Aldi’s will have more tomorrow 😊
There’s only one Aldi in the Chicago metropolitan area that has a bakery and fortunately, it’s not far from us. 🙂
Beautiful metalwork, I love that last one, Janet.
This man is a talent, that’s for sure, and that last one is wonderful.
Love these artistic gates, Janet. What a wonderful imagination he has. Stay warm and imagine you’re still in Arizona. 🙂
Ha! I enjoy winter, Sylvia, and I enjoy escaping it every January to visit. I would love to own one of Michael’s pieces eventually, but we’ll see.
Am planning to make it to Scottsdale one time:) The sunflowers make a great design, but I also like the pointy trees (and they give great shadows!). Reading next to wood stove or whatever heat you have, seems more comfortable right now!
If you get there in Jan.- March, look for the two tent shows. You’d love them! So many fabulous artists and not just western art.
We put in a wood-burning fireplace when we lived in Cleveland, but our rental has only a fireplace, which we never use. They tend to waste heat, rather than help. Thank goodness for furnaces!! Our hard-working one will likely breathe a big sigh of relief when it gets above zero!
janet
Yes Scottsdale is well known among artists! Am glad at least you have a furnace! Stay safe and warm:)
Into the 20’s tomorrow!! 🙂
Ouch!
Much better!!
These are simply gorgeous. Some serious artistry involved in pieces like these. Excellent choices 🙂
Thanks, Norm. I’m happy to share his work as I love it.
janet
Wow, very cool sculptures!
Thanks, Peter. Glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for taking time to comment, too.
janet
Those are truly magnificent gates, Janet. I really lie the sunflowers!
I thought you and Norm night especially enjoy these, Dan. Glad to see I was right. 🙂
I admire the craftsmanship that goes into making them. It’s art and hard work.
I agree.
Please stay safe in that terrible cold, Janet. I.e. keep the doors closed!!!!
Ha! These doors wouldn’t do much to keep out the cold. Thankfully our doors are quite a bit better. 🙂
janet
Great artwork 👍 I think the hand sculpture is clever. Reminds me of jazz hands 👐 I’m sure there were many wonderful creations. 😎
If I remember correctly, the hands sculpture has the names of family members on each hand.
Such a lovely idea … a wonderful grandmother gift. ~~~ : – )
Very true and he makes smaller ones, too, the size to fit on a table or mantle.
With the gate’s shadows cast on the ground, you get a double dose of design!
And a beautiful double, too. 🙂 Nice to hear from you, Lisa. Hope all’s well there. I know it’s warmer.
janet
Wow! That’s a great tradition. I love seeing proper handmade art on display. So much of the artist is in those pieces. Lovely stuff. Love the sunflowers.
I love going to these shows every year, Joey. So much amazing art on display and chatting with the artists is both fun and informative. These pieces are just wonderful, aren’t they?
janet
Truly.
Marvellous! Gentle and tender. It would be a joy to own anything of these.
I agree wholeheartedly, Manja!!
janet
Hope you enjoyed time with your parents and are now staying warm. Lovely artwork! 🙂
Thanks, Brenda. I had a great time as always. The art shows are something I look forward to every year as well.
janet