Hello, January 2024 – My quote of the year: “New Year – Same Old Me.” But for this website, we’ve pivoted and there’s a whole new trajectory for the content of the website. Let’s Pivot! 

Above: Torquey Museum Garden, 2016
Below: Iris Gardens in Bloom, 2018

For many decades, I’ve devoted my free time to my favorite hobby, travel. But over time, I’ve realized that as the cost of travel has skyrocketed, I’ve had to pivot to more local and regional travel to scratch that itch. I’m still saving up for those big European vacations, but I’m mostly going to become a tourist in my own area for the next three years.

The result? In the future, I’ll be sharing more than just photos. As I travel I do all those usual tourist things, sightseeing, dining, and going to monuments and flea markets. But as I do these things, I’m recording my adventures not only in photos but as writing, sketches, and artmaking in journals. Expect more artsy-fartsy content, travel, and art journaling. 

Speaking of “Artsy Fartsy” – Did you know that my artwork “Junk Mail” won a division ribbon at the San Mateo County Fair Art Show? This piece of sculpture was made out of found objects and recycled materials. Although she took second in her class, the director of the event gave her the division win for “Exceptional creativity and outstanding use of materials.”
Below: “Junk Mail” mixed media sculpture made from upcycled and recycled materials. The Red Ribbon for Class and Purple Division Title. San Mateo County Fair Art Show, 2023.

So moving forward, I’ll be including more local San Francisco/Bay Area photos and more textile and paper mixed media arts inspired by history and travel.

CHEERS to this New Year!
~ Dawn Devine ~ Davina
January, 2023

PS: One of the inspirations for “Junk Mail” is the work of Gau Pei. I went to her exhibition four times and loved soaking up all the details of the design and construction of her inspired works of wearable art!
Below: Gau Pei exhibit at the Legion of Honor Museum, San Francisco, 2022.