A Prairie Sunset that Fills Me with Peace

Prairie Twilight II

I love the soft gradients of some sunsets. This kind of sunset is a quiet counterpoint to the wild, heavily textured sunsets we sometimes have. I like both kinds.

This kind fills me with peace.

Prairie Twilight I

These two skies were on either side of me. The top photo is looking east in the evening twilight … then I turned around and shot the photo below, facing directly west.

Prairie Twilight II

Wood, Trees and the Spirit of Nature

Photo of Cherry Tree - Dining Set by Tim Carney

Dining Chair by Tim Carney - Photo by Maureen Shaughnessy

1+1=1 is becoming a reality! On November 8th our little month-long gallery will have an opening reception during the Helena Fall Art Walk. The reception is from 6 to 9 pm.

Photo of Cherry Tree - Dining Set by Tim Carney

The idea of 1+1=1 began when my husband, Tim and I were talking with our friends Mike and Colleen over dinner at their house. We were asking them how they helped Doug Turman get his start as an artist and gallery owner and Mike told us about the popup gallery he and Doug had years ago. Now Doug and his lovely wife, Mary Lee, have the always-happening Turman Larison Contemporary (art gallery) in downtown Helena. And it just so happens that the place we found for our popup gallery is right next door to Doug and Mary Lee’s gallery. Awesome!

We have been wanting a place to show Tim’s studio furniture and my photography and paintings for a long time, and the idea of experimenting with a temporary gallery was enticing.

Sushi Table and Day's End

So we’re doing it! We found an empty retail space on Last Chance Gulch and Mike helped us arrange a deal with the owners of the building for just one month to try out this gallery idea. It’s pretty last minute because we wanted to have our opening during the Art Walk, and be open for the holiday shopping season before Christmas.

Desk and Burn Color

Tim and I share a common esthetic and creative vision, although we have very different ways to express that vision. He works with the spirit of trees through his hands, making functional art furniture. I express my connection with trees and nature through photography, painting and mixed media collage. Our home is filled with art from both of us and our friends and family. We live a blessed, simple life and we both feel lucky that we can make a living creating art that we hope helps others connect with Nature on a deep level.

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DreamtimeBeaver-imp

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Desk and Burn Color

Sushi Table and Day's End

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I am Lucky as a Photographer

Dezmond in a Fedora

Ali with Tom, the Horse

  • I am lucky because I have been involved in this young woman’s life for over 4 years.
  • I am lucky because she allows me to know her — the real her.
  • I am lucky to be able to point my lens in her direction almost anytime … she doesn’t mind. And she knows how to drop the mask and be herself. And she lets me see that. And record that part of her.
  • I am lucky to have been able to photograph her belly three times now. And the babies. And toddlers.
  • And finally I am lucky to watch healing happen in the heart a girl who was so wounded … and to see her find a partner who cherishes her, who is a good papa, who is gentle and funny and real.

On the Bridge

Here’s a peek at some of the images my lens captured today. Check back for more. We’re still in the stage of choosing which ones we like best.

Ali-Nick-Dez-Adrian02-imp Dezmond in a Fedora Ali-Nick-Dez-Adrian04-imp

Ali-Nick-Dez-Adrian03-imp Nick, Ali and Adrian Maternity Belly Photo

Dez and Tom, the Horse Nick wanted to do the "Lion King" pose Ali-Nick-Dez-Adrian15-imp

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My Hometown: Looking for Light

On my photo walk this week I found myself in such glorious beauty that at times it felt transcendent. It was my birthday today. Charlie and I spent a couple of hours at Cox Lake and on the ridgeline above the lake. Trying to take in the beauty. Trying to take in the light — the incredible crisp, clear, morning light just five minutes from our house.

I could not make myself post just one photo today. Though these are not my best photos ever, still I love the quality of light in these images. So, here are a few, for your viewing pleasure. I hope these images lift your heart as the place did mine.

Grasses and Bokeh Sun Sparkles Cattails in Morning Light Wild Asparagus Catching the Light Melted Snow Drops Reflections in Blue