vEARL continued from page 11 vHUFFS continued from page 19 her cards. She sometimes uses the artwork her grandchildren create to adorn both the cards and books. I have seen some of her grandkids work and it is obvious talent runs deep in this family! She creates other popular pieces with paper such as her luminaries. From the large earthy wall pieces and tabletop luminaries to the smaller shaded wall lights, there are no two pieces exactly alike. In addition to paper, Earl adds elements of nature to these pieces such as twigs, leaves, pinecones, etc. Another medium Earl works with is felting, particularly Nuno felting. Nuno felting is a wet-on-wet fabric felting technique which bonds loose fibers, typically wool, into a sheer fabric ultimately creating a lightweight felt. Earl creates beautiful scarves with this process using Moreno wool, which is a soft wool, and saris for the lightweight fabric. In addition to scarves, she creates felted pins and coin purses, and one of a kind vintage inspired hats (I have one and wear it with pride). I asked Earl how many hours a week she spends in her studio creating. She said, “it is more than full time with shows on the weekends…it is not a job, but a way of living or being”. I asked in addition to the Crimson Door event at the G.A.R. Hall during the Christmas holiday, our gallery, and other local venues where she sells her artwork and what shows she attends. Earl said she and her husband attend instate shows in Spearfish, Sioux Falls Fairgrounds, and the Governor’s Hunts. They also attend out-of-state shows in Philadelphia, Pa., Atlanta, Ga., and Jackson Hole, Wy. Most of the shows are outside events and weather plays a factor, especially in the summer months with the heat. The elements do not bother her though. They have a modern new camper with all the bells and whistles fashioned in what style I ask…? If you said retro vintage, you are correct! Would you expect Earl’s camper to be anything but artistic, colorful, and hip? When asked where she saw herself in the future, she said spending time with her grandkids and traveling around the countryside. I asked if she has considered teaching art to others and she replied, “to my grandkids”. What a quality gift of time, togetherness, inspiration and memories she is making with her grandkids! As I walked out of her studio and left her home, I felt myself smiling and inspired. Earl walks to the beat of her own drum; the type of humans I have always gravitated toward. The creative, unique, folks who are centered enough to accept who they are and can be themselves. If you are not familiar with Earl’s work, I encourage you to seek it out and enjoy her creations which come from a very genuine honest place. She wants her patrons to view her art as “fun, relatable, and reasonable”. In my opinion, she has reached this ideal and so much more! n lighter and fewer calories. And it can be stored cold because it’s pure vegetable that lasts for days.” But the fiery corn salad wasn’t the only star. Steve pulled out a container filled with a mashed green concoction. “This is split pea guacamole that you can spread on grilled bread and top with thin radish slices,” he said. “You take two cups of frozen peas, which are cooked until they turn soft. They’re mashed and mixed with fresh mint and lemon zest.” Our Just Desserts We moved from one course to the next, eating a great deal but not feeling weighted down. That turned out to be a good thing with one more surprise awaiting us. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better — it did. Tracy has shown a flair for desserts. “I like to follow the recipe of people like Jessica Seinfeld,” she said, referring to the celebrity cook. In the past, Tracy has rolled out everything from brownies to carrot cake. In keeping with the meal’s theme, she kept things lighter with cookies and toffee. Steve enjoyed wine with his seafood meal, but he paired the toffee with a cognac for good conversation under the stars on their patio. He enjoyed a good cigar as part of the ambience. Tracy stayed with her favorite, a cabernet, during the evening. “I’m not concerned about associating wines with certain meals,” she said. “People say you should go with chardonnay with fish and seafood, but I stick with cabernet. I like it with any type of meal.” Steve agreed, saying it reflected his philosophy. “You should never feel obligated to certain things,” he said with a smile. “Life is too short. There are times you just have to do what makes you happy.” n Let Your Home Reflect Your Style! FREE In-Home Design Consultation With Our Professional Designers 2401 Broadway, Yankton • 605-665-3719 • slumberland.com Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday Noon-6pm HERVOICEvJULY/AUGUST 2019v27