I originally began this blog in 2009, as an investigation into “handmade things,” which I interpreted pretty broadly: art, home-grown veggies, furniture, peacework (not to be confused with piecework, an entirely different sort of handmade item).
What’s followed has been surprising to me. In December 2009 I was able to experience a long-desired art residency, and while I was there, working hard at being an artist, I had a curious download. Painting away late one night, I was hit over the head with the understanding that I was supposed to be working with plants. It was downright mystical, the biophilic in me springing to the surface in that crusty old cerebral art scene. Not what I was expecting!
Since then, this blog (and my life) have been slowly turning towards other interests, like those plants, and community organizing, and urban bird-watching. After a last gasp of art-related posts at the end of the year, I decided to put my artist self on sabbatical, at least for a bit. If I’d known what a relief that would turn out to be, I’d have done it ages ago.
These days artgardener seems to be more about observing my piece of property in Albuquerque (and the gardens and animals contained herein). There is much to learn, even after 10 years on this tiny plot.
And now: I’m off to plant some carrots.
