In 1979 Eleanor rented an apartment on Marine Street in St. Augustine. A painter traveling from Mexico she found a place that fit her desires. An ancient, tropical enclave by the sea. A few months later she met Curt, a newly arrived woodenboat sailor who had traveled down the East Coast from the Outer Banks of North Carolina stopping and working along the way. He too had found a good reason to stay.

From that time, through their years together and the many places they have lived, they have documented their experiences through creative expression. Their story continues here...

Friday, January 11, 2013

Thankful

Eleanor is working on her illustrated book, researching letters written over 60 years ago that describe her family's lives during the Depression and WWII. Their financial and emotional struggles seem to parallel those facing many in our country today. We feel very fortunate that we are able to spend this time expressing ourselves creatively.


Eleanor's mother during the Depression


Last month our family, the Bowman side, gathered in North Carolina. It was a hard time for my Dad had moved to a nursing facility, unable to live alone any longer. It was quite hard for the grandchildren to see the changes he has gone through. We are thankful for all the time we have spent with him this year and are surrounded by and constantly taken by the many canvases of 'faces' he has drawn.











I look through Iphoto often for inspiration and memories that help to keep me mindful of the journey we have been and continue to be on. Here are two of my favorite painters in their past environs. These studios are gone but the work is still pouring out.


Mary in her studio with Eleanor circa 2009



Eleanor in her studio, 2007