Day 5086: Artist, Marsha Godoy-Schindler & Himalayan Snowcock.

"Journal spread": ballpoint sketch & junk paper collage.

 

                                                                       

Want music?

    Click: Leon Bridges, Steam.

2GN2S

Artist, Marsha Godoy-Schindler.

From a distance, it looks like a tree trunk... but take a closer look, and you'll discover a face whispering a story." This isn't wood—it's clay brought to life by artist Marsha Godoy-Schindler.

Inspired by nature, Marsha transforms clay into breathtaking sculptures where tree bark seamlessly blends with expressive human faces, reminding us that people and nature are deeply connected. Every crack, texture, and carved expression tells a story of time, memory, and our roots.

Before dedicating herself to art, Marsha worked as a marine biologist. Today, she combines her scientific curiosity with artistic imagination, creating ceramic sculptures that celebrate the beauty and mystery of the natural world.

If you stood in front of this sculpture, what would you notice first—a human face or the spirit of a tree?

#WomenInArt #MarshaGodoySchindler #CeramicArt #CeramicSculpture #ClayArt #ContemporaryArt #NatureInspired #TreeArt #SculptureArt #WomenArtists #ArtLovers #CreativeProcess #NatureAndArt #ArtistSpotlight

   

High above Nevada's treeline, an unexpected resident from the Himalayas has quietly thrived for more than six decades.

In the early 1960s, wildlife managers introduced the Himalayan snowcock to the Ruby Mountains after recognizing that the region's rugged alpine landscape closely resembled the bird's native habitat in Pakistan and neighboring Himalayan ranges. The first shipment proved difficult, with only one bird surviving the journey from Pakistan to Nevada. Encouraged by its survival, additional birds were imported, and in 1963 the first successful group was released into the mountains.

Over the following years, more than 2,000 Himalayan snowcocks were released in the Ruby Mountains and nearby East Humboldt Range. The population eventually became self-sustaining, and today hundreds of these remarkable birds continue to inhabit Nevada's highest peaks.

Weighing up to seven pounds, the Himalayan snowcock resembles an oversized partridge with gray plumage, a white throat, and distinctive chestnut markings. It thrives on steep rocky slopes, alpine meadows, and rugged cliffs, spending each day slowly climbing uphill while feeding on grasses, seeds, roots, and other mountain plants before gliding back down the slopes in the evening.

The species has become legendary among birdwatchers and hunters alike. Spotting one often requires climbing thousands of feet above the treeline, where the birds blend almost perfectly with the rocky landscape. Many visitors hear their distinctive whistling calls echo across the mountains without ever catching sight of them.

Today, the Himalayan snowcock remains one of North America's most unusual wildlife stories—a Himalayan mountain bird that found a permanent home among the rugged peaks of Nevada.

 

  

 

A 1+ minute video, Miumiu sings, here.

 

 

Just because ...

 

Yellow-billed Stork / Painted Stork

Tuesday's Smiles ... 

 

Hoping you feel all the good things in your day.

  

Day 5085: Still Sorting & The Likweli.

"2 -1/2 kids": ball point sketch for painting, in journal (1964)

                                                                       

  

Want music?

    Click: Patti LaBelle, On My Own.

2GN2S

 Still Sorting! 6 file boxes of old 8 x10" art work to go through. 

Some work I can look at and think of someone who might want it, a lot I initially want to throw out. Some I can tear up and use in other work if I will really do that? Some I could possibly sell? Who knows? At 84 my decisions don't occur quickly anymore. A former student, blackbelt and very smart lady, Megan, has offered to tackle my studio and everything would go to keep, donate or trash. She is so organized and would do a great job, I am just not ready for quick yet? But it is in my near future. And so, I have found a few pieces that I will use for 2GN2S for a while, like today's sketch above done in 1964, while working on my masters.

   

The Likweli

Scientists have formally identified Likweli, a rare orange-faced monkey hidden deep within Congo’s rainforest.

Named Colobus congoensis, Likweli is a newly described species of colobus monkey found in and around Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its glossy black coat, orange-cream markings around the mouth and nose, white rump patch, distinctive calls, physical features, and genetics separate it from every known colobus species.

Researchers recorded 114 observations between 2018 and 2022 across a known range of roughly 1,700 square kilometres. Because this elusive monkey occupies such a limited area and faces hunting and habitat pressures, scientists have proposed that it be provisionally classified as endangered.

#Wildlife #Likweli #Conservation

 

 

  

 

A 4 minute video,  Cat at Concert, here.

 

 

Just because ...

  

Gambel's Quail

Monday's Smiles ... 

  

Hoping you see all the good things in your day.

  

 

  

Day 5084: Artist, MILFORD ZORNES & Picasso Tigerfish.

"Community": junk paper collage.

  

Want music?

    Click: Jackson 5, Got To Be There.

2GN2S

 I have a dear student, blackbelt, Rick who trained with me eons ago and he had a terrible house fire, loosing everything. He said the hardest losses were the photos and personal gifts. We talked for a long time and I said I would hunt through my "too much" stuff and might find duplicates etc, that I can send to him for his birthday, August 1st! And so, believe it or not, today on the 25th I am working on it. I may update later?

Of course in the process I do get distracted. I opened an old journal and saw this ...

In January 2006, I was lucky to be a member and in attendance when legendary artist, Milford Zornes demonstrated watercolor for the Huntington Beach Art League. I took this poor quality photo as he worked, and later sent it to him, thanking him. He actually called me one morning, I was gobsmacked but thrilled. He asked me if I was painting? I was working on a collage, but said yes. He said, "Me too". We probably only talked a few minutes, but it is still a highlight memory. I remember he was in his late 90's then, and still working every day. Inspiring.

Not long after, I went to a gallery where they were selling his art, books and prints, all out of my price range. But I found a sketch that had been cut out of a notebook and with a little splurge, it was mine.

(If you look close you can see the cut edges)

Milford Zornes, 1908 - 2008

  

This is the PICASSO TRIGGERFISH – 

The Reef's Living Masterpiece!

Found in the warm coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, the Picasso Triggerfish is famous for its bold colors and striking geometric patterns that resemble a painted work of art.

Despite its beautiful appearance, this fish is highly territorial and uses its powerful jaws to crush hard-shelled prey like sea urchins, crabs, and mollusks. When threatened, it can lock its strong dorsal spine into place, making it difficult for predators to pull it from rocky crevices.

Did you know: Picasso Triggerfish often sleep wedged between rocks at night, using their "trigger" spine to stay securely in place!

#picassotriggerfish #reeflife #marineanimals #ocean #wildlife

 

  

 

A 1+ minute video, Brayton heat a Sax, here.

 

 

Just because ...

Violet-backed Starling

Sunday's Smiles ... 

 

by Michael Adder

Hoping you feel all the good things in your day.