The theme was carnival of mirrors. The energy was high. I must have biked a few hundred miles in the 12 days I was there. I'm talking about this year's Burning man. It was my first time attending this magical gathering. It's really way beyond words trying to explain it to people. Not only did I go, but I participated in an interactive art installation too. The creativity was endless and the people were energized. I covered a lot of territory on my bike trying to take it all in. And I continually craved more. Where do I begin? The art was incredible! The endless art and theme camps included a symphony, a rock opera, recycled aluminum jewelry workshop, dance parties on art cars, poetry reading, folk singers, human carcass wash, burning temples, naked bicyclists, dust storms, trebuchet flaming piano, shooting stars, gifting, hugs, advice, counseling… By day it was this open platform on the desert with art spread out across its floor. But at night when the city's skyline was lit everything changed. It was charged with energy. I had always heard about Black Rock City but hadn't thought much about it until recent years as friends where migrating out there. It truly is a city. Of 70,000 people. And it only exhibits a little more than a week every year. On Saturday night the Man burned. As an environmentalist, I have mixed emotions about these things. But I have to say, it was powerful. The Mayan Warrior art car was parked behind us, tribal drums beating in anticipation. I stood there in his same position, feet apart, hands pointing down towards the ground. Breathing. As he burned I felt my feet ground to the earth like I had never felt before. I was with my tribe and felt wonderfully at peace. Next burn up was the totem of confession burn. It was a beautiful brothel looking Gothic church that appeared to be made of cardboard. It housed Timothy Leary's ashes brought there by Susan Sarandon. As it burned the fire danced. It kicked off small, but tall funnel clouds of dust. I'm not just talking one, there were several. As the fire died down, two funnels jumped out. They danced and twirled, then became one and lifted up into the sky. What a sendoff for Mr Leary! In the "default world" as they call it, people are guarded (including myself) and everything is take take. It was refreshing to see all of the giving, openness and random hugs from strangers. I wish this would manifest in the real world. Despite the ridiculous amount of dust storms, cracking skin, constant dust boogers, lack of showering and gross port a johns, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I’m not surprised. What an amazing community of motivated creative people. I made some beautiful new friends and I'm thankful for the encounter and wonderful memories that I will always carry. Good bye Black Rock City. I think I'll be back. Peace, Jo

All the way from South Florida!

Elaine atop the trailer

The Love Tester going up

The Love Tester is up!

Magnificent Mazu temple built by friend, Josh Boyer

Totem of Confessions housed Timothy Leary's ashes

My husband squishing the Man =]

Breathe: one of my favorites

Mayan warrior art car

Teeter totter fun with Misselaineous

Don't forget to LIVE!

My beautiful bike got me places

Space age dance party

The Man 2015

Sacred Temple of Promise

With my new friend Ashley

Reflecting, I am at peace.

New Year newsletter from Jomama

We're only a few weeks into the new year and I'm already off and running! Now I'm not one to make resolutions, but I do find lately that I've been setting more goals. The difference being goals are something I actually want to achieve as opposed to things I think need changing. Last year ended on a good note after getting my work into two art galleries. I feel that with some hard work anything is possible. I've already been hitting the studio hard this year producing new work, which I hope will reach even more galleries this year. If you believe in something, go for it! Hope 2015 is being kind to you so far. Thank you for your support. You can view more of my work @www.shopjomama.com Peace, Jo

I can make that

I’ve heard it before. You’ve said it before. Even I’ve said if before. “I can make that”. So you go home, you gather supplies, thoughts, time. You jump in. Working feverishly, you paint, form, mold, move, cut, file, manipulate. Why doesn’t it look like the one I saw? It can be insulting to say this out loud. Truth is, you can’t “make that”. It was in fact the artist’s vision that you were drawn to; their style. It was their use of color, texture, juxtaposition or the materials. However it did inspire you, it got you motivated. In the end, that’s a win win. Keep on creating, it will become your own! Peace, Jomama

On the 4th of July, you can't help but feel pride in America and things made here. Personally, I think it's extremely important for the future of our country. As I work and search for new materials, I always keep this in mind. How rewarding to know you're part of the solution to our struggling economy. Since I don't leave the country often, the found objects I work with are definitely made in the USA! The concrete I use and the handspun yarn I buy on Etsy are also made in the USA. Even ICE Resin is American made =) It's really pretty easy. Sure you might pay a little more, but as an American, isn't it worth it? I think so. Have a safe and happy 4th of July! Peace Jomama www.shopjomama.com

Earth Day every day

Today is Earth Day. In my world it’s Earth Day every day. I preserve, protect and cherish her. She is my God. She breathes life. Her breath is our breath as well. Without her, we cease to exist. So honor her, thank her; and most of all, respect her. Happy Earth Day! Peace, Jomama www.shopjomama.com

Talisman project with Ice Resin®

When I agreed to participate in the Ice Resin® Talisman project I had to pick a word. Any word. My thoughts are, of ALL of the possible words, which one shall I use? The talisman word I chose is… nur·ture [Nourrir in French] noun \ˈnər-chər\: the care and attention given to someone or something that is growing or developing. I've never thought of myself as a nurturing person. I don't coddle or baby, I'm too busy for that. I'm independent and motivated, and I love to do my own thing. But then, it hit me! I do nurture. I nurture my soul, while creating, I nurture the earth when I garden, and also when I recycle; I have the utmost respect for her. I've realized I nurture nature. I'm beginning to notice something here; I AM a nurturer! So you may not think of yourself this way either, but in some way, you probably are. Somewhere deep within. So, whatever aspect of your life it is that needs you, nurture it!

Here I used copper wire, a hobnail bezel, Ice Resin®, Iced enamels, a bottle cap, quail egg and a wishbone...

Nourrir, Jomama stylishly saving the planet, one design at a time. www.shopjomama.com

Spring trends 2014

Spring is here! You know what that means? Spring trends. Now I'm not trendy, never have been, but who doesn't like a few new pieces in their wardrobe? So I like to keep an eye out. First up Pantone radiant orchid. Not sure how I feel about this one, reminds me a little of Barney the dinosaur.

Heels and socks; Ok, I've been doing this for years and people thought I was crazy :)

Tribal touches; I'm on board. Let's just not go overboard with this please.

Flowing pants; Now this I can dig! Soft, feminine, and no muffin top!

Bottom line here, take what you like from the latest releases and put your own twist on it. Create your own style. Be you; don't buy an outfit off the mannequin! Happy spring! Peace, Jomama