Suitcase Art

It is the season of tourist. You can spot them a mile away. No, it's not the camera or the comfortable walking shoes. It's usually the woolly coats and hats. 65 degrees is summer here. An Alaskan will of course be in sandals and shorts soaking up the hot weather. The tourists will be huddled together sipping a hot drink.

Tourist season is good for artist. Whenever I travel I find the perfect piece of art to bring home. It's a great souvenir. The cheesy back scratcher seems like a great idea when your mind is free of worry and schedules. You get home and think, did I actually buy this and haul it all the way home? Not so with art. Usually you pull it out from your suitcase, carefully unwrap it and fall in love all over again.

Hence the term 'suitcase art'. It is a word used a lot this time of year. Art that can travel safely in a suitcase to it's final destination. I have been creating suitcase art and nothing else these days. It does get a bit tedious I have to admit. I create items that I think I would buy if I was seeking the perfect art item or art gift. But creating dozens of the same work wears on the creativity. For most artists these items will pay the bills for the next several months. I know I am grateful for that. Now the trick is to keep that creative fire burning while I create a beautiful Alaska scene.....again.