BECOMING BOONE
BARN DOG
MAR STARTARI
Poet ~ Painter ~ Pen-and-Inker
Originally from Halfway, MD, Mar Startari-Stegall holds a degree in Communication Arts from East Carolina University. She has lived in the high country of western North Carolina (Boone) since 1991 and has taught art, creative writing, geo-graphics, ultimate frisbee, whitewater, rock-climbing and orienteering. “Mar Star” is also a wife, mother, sister, juggler, painter, pianist, poet and philosopher.
Why Do We Color?
One of the first creative activities we humans participate in is coloring. It is a simple way to build motor skills through hand-eye coordination. It is also one of the first times we assert our ability to make decisions in choosing colors and where and how they are used. Some people use markers, crayons or colored pencils while others use paint. Some color inside the lines and others do not. There are no rules, no pressure.
Everyone is an artist. That means you! I have completed the skeleton or the ‘bones’ of the design in each of my posters, cards, and coloring books. When you bring them home, it becomes your job to ‘open the door, Dorothy’ and add the color. Put some flesh on those bones.
The best part about what I do is creating collaboration between me and you. When you color my designs, not only are you relaxing therapeutically but my art becomes our art. Learn more about my artistic process through my blog – it’s full of writing, custom colored art, thoughts, and imagery.
THE
BARN DOGS
The Namesake Canines
Any dog can be a barndog; just has to be a wild and willing trail buddy. Our barndogs are Norwegian elkhounds, a northern dog descended from the Spitz and used by the vikings 4,000 years ago for hunting moose. Intelligent work dogs, the elkhound is fiercely devoted and needs to run or walk on trails. My favorite feature is their scent which resembles the snow they adore. You can get lost burying your face in the furry mane.
