Lady Dons a Blue Ribbon

This macro shot I took of a ladybug perched delicately on a budding daisy radiates a quiet, yet powerful, charm. I called the piece Lady.

I remember it being a warm sunny day at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens around 15 years ago. Maybe longer. I’ve forgotten about it till the Cheyenne Artist Guild called for local artists to showcase their art on their September 2024 garden-themed show. It brought back memories.

The intricate details of the scene – each petal soft and fresh, the ladybug’s tiny, spotted body perfectly nestled within the greenery – are captured with a level of clarity that invites you to pause and reflect. The lush green backdrop creates a serene contrast with the vibrant red of the ladybug, a subtle metaphor for the coexistence of simplicity and complexity in nature.

When Lady was awarded first place and donned with a prestigious blue ribbon at the Guild – the validation, the recognition; it was a testament to the passion behind my humble craft. And the photo’s immediate sale the very next day added another layer of affirmation, making me feel deeply overcome by the appreciation it garnered.

In that moment, the journey from capturing the photo to seeing it appreciated in such a public and meaningful way culminated in a profound sense of fulfillment. My art had touched others, just as nature had touched me. For this, I am truly grateful.

A Win is a Win

I am so grateful that even when I am out of town, I could still receive good news from far away. Apparently, one of my photography pieces was picked by a group of selected judges to win a third place ribbon last month while I was on vacation overseas.

I have received a few first place ribbons within the last year but any placement is always an honor. A win is a win!

Now, time to prepare some pieces for the summer shows.

Humbled and Honored

As the golden hour light gently fades over the horizon, it casts a warm glow on 1880 Main Street, Wyoming. This very scene, captured through my lens, has been a journey of passion and patience. Today, I stand humbled and honored, as “Main Street” has been awarded first place in the Cheyenne Artists Guild art competition this March.

“Main Street” is more than a photograph; it’s a narrative frozen in time, a slice of everyday life in the old west that resonates with the vibrancy of the human spirit. Winning this accolade is not just a personal victory; it’s a testament to the stories that we, as artists, strive to tell through our work.

With numerous submissions that were nothing short of inspiring, each piece was a window into another world, a different perspective, and a unique voice. To be in the company of such talented individuals is an honor that fills me with gratitude.

The Cheyenne Artists Guild is a community of artists. It has long been a beacon for creative minds, and this competition has once again highlighted the incredible talent within our community. It’s a reminder that art is not just about individual achievement but about collective inspiration and growth.

As I reflect on this experience, I am reminded that the journey of an artist is never solitary. It is paved with the support, encouragement, and inspiration we draw from one another. “Main Street” may have won this time, but it is the shared passion for art that truly triumphs.

Thank you to the Cheyenne Artists Guild for this honor, and congratulations to all my fellow artists. May we continue to capture the world through our art and inspire each other along the way.

To everyone who has followed my journey, your support means the world to me. Let’s keep creating, exploring, and sharing the beauty we see. Here’s to many more stories to tell!