Gail Swanson
@joyinthecenter
Trauma-informed technologist | Writer | Artist | Motorcyclist I ask a lot of questions. I think a LOT. I make things.
How it’s going… Chasing a fuel leak on a 1998 Moto Guzzi California V11 EV
There’s always a post with instructions from people who have previously done what I’m attempting on a Moto Guzzi. Next time I’ll actually look before I spill fuel all over myself.
Rode motorcycle to lake. Jumped into lake. Basked in the sun. Took the long way home. It was good.
It was about 2 degrees cooler so I left my house and looked at art. Specifically enjoyed “Crowd” by Lee Ungno, inspired by the Gwangju Uprising. Zoom in.
I took my cynical ass to see the Obama Presidential Center and an event last night. It felt like medicine. Soaking in the mission of working together to lift each other up. We need to start working on that again.
It’s done. And on time. I’ll get proper photos later, but today I celebrate this accomplishment.
Taught myself how to solder automotive wiring this week. Motorcycle repair is empowering in a way that fights feeling helpless in today’s world. Proof that when stuff is broken, I can figure it out and have the tools to fix it. Plus, I get to ride my Guzzi.
Motorcycle repair is fun when you have another bike that runs or it’s a gloomy day. Frustrating when you have to fix an electrical problem in order to go ride
Continuing explorations in color intensity and tone, here’s a sunrise.
Not what I wanted to see in my studio today. Rain coming in through the wall. I’m sure it’ll be attended to swiftly. It’ll be challenging to deal with drywall dust and wet paintings.
If you’re in Chicago 3/20-3/21, come through and see all the amazing artists and their work in their studios.
Stuck in a mental morass lately. Gathering the food as you do, I saw a fabulous shade of blue with the moon plunked in the center. Nothing will ever kill my awe for the unexpectedly beautiful in my every day.
Came here to share these brothers because they rarely sit together now that they are “mature”
Visit to the Textile Discount Outlet today. One of those places that is a sensory delight for me. Textures and colors all manner of sparkling things.
Line work complete. Time for a wash and press, trim to size and start on the thread painting fill. Loving how it is emerging. #art #makecoolstuff #fiberart
I owe my sanity, as thin as it is, to this embroidery project. It’s going to take many more hours and that’s a good thing. #art #embroidery #fiberart
Progress on the velvet skull appliqué. #art #textileart #makecoolstuff #skull #momento