845-887-3156 debra@debracortese.com

Shifting Totems

“Shifting Totems” art by Debra Cortese
opens April 6th at Narrowsburg Union
in 5 Gallery Art Exhibition

Golden Autumn Riverbank Totems

White Beard Bridge Guardian Totem

Rock Totem Bridge Guardian

I’ve been an artist/designer and avid nature lover for a long as I can remember. I grew up in Narrowsburg in the 50’s and 60’s and returned to the area in 2013 where I quickly became entranced by the ever-changing views of the Delaware River. My studio has an expansive view of the Narrowsburg Bridge across The Big Eddy* and I’ve been photographing and documenting this ever-changing landscape for six years with a focus on the rock formations and their reflections.

The impressive rocks above and deep below the river surface are natural palisades that not only provide the structure that guides the flow of the river, they also protect an ancient energy portal that I perceive as a multi-dimensional stargate. The portal aligns with specific energy patterns, usually moving in spiral vortex patterns that are momentarily visible during aligned periods of the dance among the sun, wind and clouds. These seem to be fleeting moments, but I sense they are energetically aligned to allow the River Totem Guardians to present themselves in force during the opening and closing of the portal gates. This is a protected gateway for multi-dimensional travellers. I imagine that the presence of Rock Guardians has always been a necessity.

The Opening Reception for ‘5 Gallery Art Exhibit’ is on Saturday, April 6th, 2019 from 5 to 8 pm at the Narrowsburg Union Gallery, 7 Erie Ave, Narrowsburg, NY 12764. This exhibit runs through May 18th. HOURS: Monday – Saturday 8 am – 8 pm. Sunday 8 am – 5 pm.

The participating artists are: Nancy Wells, Debra Cortese, Claudine Luchsinger, Gregory J. Pelly and Blake and Jessica Barroso. This exhibition is curated by Brandi Merolla.

* The Big Eddy is the widest location on the Delaware River and the Narrowsburg Bridge spans the narrowest and deepest area of the River.

 

To view the current Shifting Totems Collection, click HERE.

 

Spiraling into the murky abyss of ‘cabin fever’

I woke up feeling ok, but as soon as I check the cat room, the spiral begins. Someone pooped on the floor again and right in front of the boxes; I clean this up before anything else and then, I feed them (yes I know, what goes in comes out), Squeeky cat throws up almost as soon as he’s finished gulping his breakfast. What is it with cats? Every day, the same nasty bodily dumps.

And, while I’m complaining, for several days my coffee has not had the taste I most enjoy. Did Starbucks change their roasting process? wtf? I love their French Roast, especially whole beans so I can grind my own and really get the full flavor. Lately it tastes flat and stale. Maybe it’s just me?

So… by the time I get to making the stale coffee, I’m already stressed and feeling like a bitch for being angry with the cats who no doubt are also feeling trapped. When it isn’t 12 degrees out with a four inch blanket of paw-cutting, crusty snow, they always head out their cat door for a morning walkabout after breakfast. The reality however is that it is the peak of winter here in the Catskills along the banks of the Delaware River. Even the birds and squirrels are reluctant to go on their daily foraging jaunts. I have also been secluded in my living room/studio for too many days in a row.

Sobbing with tears running down my cheeks

So, I finish the clean up and put my new Willow & Everett kettle on in hopes that today’s coffee** will again have the taste I crave, but first, I pour some of the hot water for Sammy cat’s thyroid meds and a bit for my essiac tea and, as I do every day, I prepare to invoke a daily wellbeing blessing.* However, I instantly break into a sobbing, tearful mess! I could not even get through the first line. So, when I finally calmed down a bit, I just pleaded for guidance to get me out of this depressing spiral.

With the tears wiped away and my mediocre, but hot, coffee in hand, I headed to my usual routine and opened emails. I choose to read the inspirational ones first, so clicked on Mike Dooley’s Thoughts from the Universe message that included the TEDx talk by Dewitt Jones.

And I knew this was a response to my plea for guidance!

Perhaps today is the day that you can also appreciate the information that Dewitt Jones has shared in his uplifting, TEDx talk, “Celebrate What’s Right With The World!”

*My daily request: Divine Diamond Golden Source Light, energize all of today’s fluids, solids, thoughts, beliefs, emotions and actions to align with the energy of total wellbeing and love across all dimensions, known and yet to be known, across time and space for complete physical, mental, emotional balance and harmony.

** I don’t use a coffee maker. Prefer to boil filtered water and pour through a paper filter. Always make it fresh, by the cup.

SNOW DAY – Seeds of Intention Workshop POSTPONED!

We are having a winter wonderland kind of day here in Narrowsburg, NY. The Western Sullivan Public Libaries are CLOSED TODAY due to snow conditions so my Seeds of Intention Workshop will be rescheduled and all pre-registered participants will be notified of new day and time via the Library. Check your emails or check back here. I’ll post new schedule as soon as I meet with Claudine to see which days/times are available.
In the meantime, enjoy the winter wonderland and stay safe and warm!

first selfie of 2018

selfie in warm, kids bear hat

Narrowsburg, NY – wicked winter winds blowing across the Delaware River and I’m freezing inside with 3 layers of clothes on…

So, I can’t get warm, make another coffee, put on my old gray knit gloves with fingers cut off so I can type and find the warmest hat in the basket. Must have been some magic in that old child’s bear hat! Who knew it would inspire this image and that I’d be brave enough to share it! Warmed and cheered up my day when I saw my reflection! I’m still smiling and had a blast stylizing the image 😉 Hope this selfie creates a smile on your face!

Stay warm!

Pine and oak trees overlooking the Delaware River inspire nature patterns for clothing, home decor and tech products

Original photo of the pine and oak trees that inspired Debra’s new bark patterns

My studio view overlooks these magnificent trees and the Delaware River in Narrowsburg NY. The visiting buck was a big photo bonus! - ©2013 Debra Cortese photo

Both the pine and oak bark patterns that are featured on clothing and home decor products were inspired by my love and curiosity for the variety of textures and colors of my surroundings. The models for this new design were actually the mature pine tree, the tall one behind the canoe in the landscape photo, and the hand-holding couple of oak trees that stand like guardians on the bank of the Delaware River just outside my studio window.

The trees and the surrounding plants (along with my gardens) serve as hosts to many creatures depending upon the time of year. In spring and summer, this particular pine tree is often inhabited by a hive of honeybees. They return each year to a long, narrow crevasse in the tree’s west side. I haven’t yet tasted their honey but am quite certain a visiting bear delights in his visits to this tree!

The colors and textures of the bark on this glorious pine tree were best captured with macro photography which I intently reviewed to select a most appealing detail section for the pine bark pattern. I’ve added images of several of the most popular ‘Pine Bark” products that are available from my Society6 shop. 

I hope you enjoy the texture and colors of my tree bark designs. I certainly enjoyed creating them!

Pine Bark original photo section by Debra Cortese Designs
Pine Bark Pattern on Duffle Bags by Debra Cortese Designs
Pine Bark pattern pillow shams by Debra Cortese Designs
Allover print women's T-shirt in Pine Bark Pattern by Debra Cortese
Pine Bark pattern leggings by Debra Cortese Designs
sample section of Debra Cortese's Pine Bark Pattern

3 Oak Tree Bark Patterns by Debra Cortese
now available on clothing, accessories, tech and home decor products

click on images for product descriptions, options and pricing

Oak Tree vertical bark pattern on Duffle Bags by Debra Cortese
Oak Tree vertical bark pattern on Wall Clocks by Debra Cortese
Oak Tree Blue Portal greeting cards by Debra Cortese
Oak Tree bark with blue portals pattern duffle bag by Debra Cortese
Oak Tree bark vertical pattern floor pillow by Debra Cortese
Oak Tree Blue Portal iphone skins by Debra Cortese
Oak Tree Bark Horizontal Pattern Duffle Bag by Debra Cortese Designs
Oak Tree Bark vertical pattern wall tapestry by Debra Cortese Designs
Oak Tree Blue Portal rectangular pillow by Debra Cortese Designs

YAY – beautiful spring day here in Narrowsburg, NY!

I think the cascades of bell flowers popped out all at once! Not sure what this bush is officially called, but it is right along my walkway and outside the cat door.


Lilacs are one of my childhood favorites and this gorgeous little bud is growing right next to the giant pine tree on the edge of the lawn overlooking the Big Eddy of the Delaware River in Narrowsburg, NY.

 

It was almost like I could feel the tiny buds and blooms stretching to face the warmth of today’s glorious sunbeams. Of course I went out with camera in hand. Nature was calling and I couldn’t get outside fast enough. Pretty sure I shot over a hundred photos and will be processing them over then next few weeks. There is an entire new series from today’s inspiration and I can say that it will be quite different from what I’m posting today 😉

~ Debra

Red-Shouldered Hawk in Golden Morning Light

Looked out over the Delware River to the perch tree about 8:30 this morning and saw this golden glow on a Red-Shouldered Hawk that was surveying the Big Eddy landscape. Never cease to be amazed and inspired by my surroundings… by nature!
– Debra

This gorgeous bird of prey was glowing in the morning sun on the popular eagle perch high above the Delaware River. Apparently surveying the Big Eddy for breakfast options. I am so blessed to have this daily view. Took the photos still in my cozy zebra robe and before first cup of coffee because I know too well that a photo opp like this can be gone in seconds.

Hope you enjoy this bit of my morning wildlife inspiration. And here’s the article where I learned a bit more about Red-Shouldered Hawks: http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/species/spotlight/redshouldered/

Two more photos – a bit blurry, but remember, no coffee, still in wakeup mode and the hawk is flying off the branch…

What story will you be telling in 10 years?

Oreo's morning walk-hunt along the Delaware River

September 2014 Oreo out for his morning hunt along the Delaware River

I’m writing from my studio with an absolutely priceless view overlooking the Big Eddy on the Delaware River. Early on this September morning I woke to the sounds of geese practicing their travel honks and flight formations.  The fish were joyfully leaping out of the river and a small flock of ducks was out for their morning swim. The warm sun and cool air carries the message that the autumn transformation is approaching quickly. I can already see hints of color on trees across the river. The cool weather is energizing and of course with the sights and smells of autumn is the sense of urgency to complete garden and yard tasks before… winter arrives.

But today, with the fresh air and nature sounds so prevalent, I’m feeling energized and in a bit of a planning ahead mode. I’ve known for the past 2 months that I want to refocus on the creative work that I love and to be honest, I’m finally very concerned about the story I’ll be telling over the next 20 years.

Nature is and has always been my source of inspiration.

5 Ducks, Morning Swim, Delaware River

Another September photo of ducks our for a morning swim in the Delaware River

Art Salon at Mildred’s Lane

I’m more than a bit behind in my posting, but wanted to share a few images from the outstanding art salon at Mildred’s Lane from last Saturday, May 31st, 2014.

and click on the next image for The Band at Mildred’s Lane

click here to see slides of The Band at Mildred's Lane

 

Mildred’s Lane Art Salon – May 31, 2014

Keynote Speaker : Mary Jane Jacob

Live Jazz/Blues in the field with musicians, Rusty Lewis, Doug Vanderhoof,
Alastair Gordon, Kevin Vertrees, and Bob Lohr
Host: J. Morgan Pruet,
Bonfire Design : Amy Yoes with Paul Bartow.
Guest Chef : Cheryl Edwards, 2014 Digestion Choreographer

photos by Debra Cortese 

 

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