7th Grade Blue Dog

Jacque Rodrigue reading from his father's book, wearing art created by Judith Parsons.
Photos by Chopper photography 2020.

Edited Blue Dog press release:

Cedarwood School’s 7th Grade students had their first experience with sculpting masks this past February. Their focus was George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog. They each had the opportunity to recreate the Blue Dog in their own unique vision of it, mirroring Rodrigue’s versatile use of his main icon. The children interpreted the masks into various themes: stained glass geometric, alligator, and the American Flag to name a few. Their abstract discoveries were shared with George’s son, Jacques Rodrigue. He visited the school and even tried on a mask. He spoke with the students about The George Rodrigue Art Foundation, which supports young artists in achieving their artistic dreams. 

Attentive students at Cedarwood school.
Photo by Chopper Photography 2020.

Now- the rest of the story:

Finally, I have the seed of the story, the whole Jack-in-the bean stalk story. Art is about family. The legendary George Rodrigue lives on with his son. Jacque allowed us into the storybook memories that brought the Blue Dog alive.

The real dog that inspired his famous paintings was seriously protective of George, and used to nip and bite at visitors that came into the studio. The son smiled as he reflected upon the hours his dad spent painting the Cajun history we all have come to know and love.

I have students who have artist as parents and grandparents. They proudly tell me about their granddad who sculpts and another dad who paints. Then, there are mother’s who come into the school to help decorate the hall ways for our international parade. I am blown away by their creations. They have created hanging plum tree art and waves with surf boards. All that art waits for us to come back. To replant the seeds of creativity. To plant anew again.

The time of coronavirus is a strange place of mask and protective gear. The mask art you see here isn’t trying to protect anyone from anything. Maybe it is time to make art again that celebrates the New Orleans we all know and love, to create masks of playful wonder. 

This blog is written with my seventh grade students in mind. I miss y’all! This year you rose to the challenge. You rolled up your sleeves and you stepped up and made amazing art! My first year at Cedarwood was amazing- because of y’all!

Brilliant creative masks by incredible students! Thank you 7th grade!

Cat. Begin again.

5 cats. Original one-of-a-kind art.
Created by Judith Parsons Art.
(Do not use without permission)

There is a place I go. Much like this song, when I close my eyes I see all the watery memories of us. 

Our toes at the edge of the ocean. If you have shared fluid moments beside me, then close your eyes…SEE the real me.

See?  Remember her?

Imagine me- grinning from ear-to-ear. We are grinning with the sun bright, I can see your sparkling eyes. Your grin is so amazing.

There are a handful of you, who have been night swimming with me. Also sailing with me. Glorious times. Scary and thrilling. There is nothing like it.

Then there are the wind splashed memories, water coming over the bow, the boat speeding along at hull speed. Yep. A few of you have experienced flying upon the water with me.

I leave you with the link to the song I have been playing over and over again. 

Edge of the ocean.

Now, I have become a cat. I see this little independent lioness sitting at the edge of the ocean. She is content, looking outward at the horizon.

This time away from the world, except for my little neighbor (waving at D) I have been doing some introspective connecting the watery drops. 

Money, it isn’t what I thought it was. My old sand castle dreams have washed away. So I sit looking outward, aware- ever so aware of this body that carries me — not even sure what to wish for anymore.

Those last 8 words. 

(sighing)

What is our purpose? What? What is the point of beginning again? 

My twin brother called this morning (waving). I cried after I hung up the phone. I wept for the miracle that happened. It is a long story- for another blog- for another time.

Let us start over.

Over and over. The lioness of me- in my silver fur- sits at the edge of the ocean- looking out. Wondering what in the world life is about. 

No sure anymore of anything.

Enjoy the song. Think of our watery moments together. I will think of your smile. AND that is enough for now.

My cat art, creating using Adobe Illustrator. Sit beside the cat of me. And let's begin again.

Sharing and sparing during quarantine.

Art for the times! Art by Judith Parsons Art 2020.

This blog is about sharing and the way energy becomes art.

A few weeks ago National Public Radio had a segment on about kindness.

National Public Radio had a segment on about kindness. During that segment a uber driver was talking about how in between his money paying pickups he would assist his neighbors who needed help.

He would offer them a ride and pick up groceries for them. 

He said these words: 

“If you can spare it-share it. That needs to be the words we chant through these difficult times. "

The segment aired a few weeks ago. The energy of his words stayed with me, for 3 weeks now.

Art that wants to be created will whisper to you everyday, until you give it attention.

It stays with you. I created the art above- thinking I would join vista print and make t-shirt art. I will keep you posted on this.

My neighbor and I share meals, if I need an onion she shared one.

Do you know your next door neighbor? 

Is there anything you can spare?ss. During that segment a uber driver was talking about how in between his money paying pickups he would assist his neighbors who needed help.

He would offer them a ride and pick up groceries. 

He said these words: “If you can spare it-share it.”

The segment aired a few weeks ago. The energy of his words stayed with me, for 3 weeks now.

My neighbor and I share meals, if I need an onion she shared one.

Do you know your next door neighbor? 

Is there anything you can spare?

Sparing-sharing and caring!! Keep shining sweet Luvs!!