Studio Update - September 2024 
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Memento Mori
A few weeks ago, I learned that an 81-year-old friend had died. I first assumed it was from a health condition or natural causes (whatever that means). But no, he was hit by a car when getting his mail. Death can be cruel and unexpected which is one of the reasons we don’t like to think about it. Memento Mori is a Latin phrase which essentially means “remember you must die.” I have toyed with this theme in my artwork for a few years now. The general concept is that thinking about your death will help you live a better life 🖤 and here are a few ways to do just that:  

If you're not familiar with the Memento Mori concept, the Daily Stoic explains it in less than five minutes in this video.

If you're finding this a bit depressing, you can look at it from the flip side of Memento Mori which is Memento Vivere. That means “remember to live!”
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I met Joanna Ebenstein virtually during the blur of the pandemic. A thoughtful soul and oh so knowledgeable about all-things memento mori, she is the perfect person to have brought this book to life. You can get your copy at Bluebird Books in Detroit Lakes, MN or click here to purchase online. 
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I’m trying out the “We Croak” app which helps you “find happiness by contemplating your mortality.” Each day, you receive five invitations to stop and think about death in an effort let go of things that don’t matter and honor the things that do. The invitation comes at random times throughout the day and at any moment, just like death.

Jodi Wellman, author of “You Only Die Once” says that statistically, we get about 4,000 Mondays in our lifetime, so if you're halfway through your life, you might have roughly 2,000 Mondays to go. Yikes! Click here to listen to her TEDx Talk on the subject. 
 
She also told me (via a LinkedIn exchange) that “Since you're an artist, creating things that might live beyond you is a fabulous way to ease any potential death anxiety. It's called "symbolic immortality” and creatives naturally benefit from it in ways that others don’t.”
 
So, there’s that! Go ahead and write that song, knit that scarf, make that thing…and keep on creating!

Wicked Plant Art Update
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I think I am (generally) ready for my Wicked Plants exhibit at the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE. So, if all goes well this will be the last time you’ll have to hear about it in this update 😉. 
It has been a lot of fun to create and promote, so no matter what happens with the sale of the artwork, this project is already a WIN in my book. 🌿

Join Me!
Upcoming Mixed Media Workshop
In Austin, Minnesota
Create your own, personal collage and assemblage with paper, glue, paint, and found objects. Learn basic and advanced techniques including stencils with molding paste, cloth on Yupo paper, dry brush on textured surfaces, and more. Each participant will take home their own, one-of-a-kind, masterpiece(s). 🎨
  • Prior artsy experience is not required
  • All materials included
  • Bring any trinkets or photocopies of images you would like to include. (Or, you are welcome to rummage through my personal paper and ephemera stash for inspiration.)
  • This might get messy, so please dress accordingly
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In The Shop 
(through September 30)

 
Are you working on a fun project (artsy or otherwise)?
I'd love to hear about it! 
 
Drop me an e-mail at Carmen@StrangeFarmGirl.com 
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Until next time, all the best to you!
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End Notes:
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  • Check out my Books here.
250 State Street West, Suite 1473
Detroit Lakes, MN 56502, United States