My Sculpture BFA Journey has taken a turn and a new business title "Dara Luci" This is Italian for "She Gives Light".

     I am currently in the BFA program at BYUI. The Business for the Professional Artist class is helping me grow on line. Class assignments include regularly posting on Instagram and making a website with a domain name. When I found out that my first name "Dara" meant "she gives" in Italian, then I chose to add the word "lights" to it "Luci". "Dara Luci.com" will be my business name and website. It is my wish to share the joy of light in stained glass with you.

    A bit of background: While enjoying our time in Seattle Washington area, I took some stained glass classes. But this story started back in 2008 when my husband and I took a trip to Italy. One of our stops was Venice. While in Venice we took a taxi boat to the island of Murano. We wandered around and found a collection of blown glass sculptures. Though photos were prohibited, I experienced an emotional response that brought tears to my eyes. I was a bit of confusion as to why this happened. The sunshine and glow of the glass creations were beautifully stunning. Sculptures and ideas that I had never thought of were embedding in my mind at that time (better than a photo). Only after I became obsessed with creating with stained glass did I realize the connection back to Murano. In those classes I learned about fusion, staining glass (painting portraits) that are fused, lead came work using beveled glass, foil stained glass images and Three-dimensional lighting (a Pendant light). The process and end result takes more time than painting but when the sunlight comes through the colored glass and lands on any surface around the glass art, that is where the magic is.

Here are a few of my glass creations:

Mental Cleansing 2023

Temple Spire 2019

One of four curved panels to be combined in a sculpture narrative-2023

Match Making 2018 (my first glass creation)

Gothic Arch Jesus 2020 (fusion painting)

Glass Girl Portrait 2020(fusion painting)

Pendent Light at our home entrance 2019 

Dee's Art Expressions #2

 The Bible story of Abraham's servant who seek for a wife for Isaac. When the servant asks for a drink, Rebekah gives him a drink. Then she draws water for the camels. This was an answer to the servants prayer to reveal who should be Isaac's wife. This painting "Rebekah at the Well"was created first by Michael Deas in 1995. Because this image has been a favorite of mine I have recreated it as a study in figure, drapery and landscape. The above acrylic/ oil painting was painted by Dara Wells 2015. Size 3 feet by 4 feet on canvas.

 This is an original sculpture "Mother and Infant" created by Dara Wells in 2014. Size 13 inches by 7 inches.

 This is a study in figure and light. The duplication was made in 2014 by Dara Wells. Size 24 inches by 18 inches. Material paper, black/white charcoal, black/white pastel.

 An original creation by Dara Wells, "Shell and Pearl" made in 2015. Size 8 inch by 8 inch by 10 inch. Materials: pine wood block, wire, cheese cloth, drywall mud, resin sealant, gesso, pearl.

 An original oil painting "Paintbrush and Rose" Painted in 2016 by Dara Wells. Size 12 inch by 20 inches on masonite board.

 An oil painting of the sea shore with golden sky. Duplication painted by Dara Wells in 2016. Size 11 inches by 16 inches on canvas. A study in landscape from the Hudson River school of Painting mid-19th century period landscapes.

 Johannes Vermeer, a 17th century Dutch painter created "The Geographer". Duplication painted by Dara Wells created 2016 done in oil. Size 11 inches by 16 inches on canvas. Study in figure, still life and light.

 William-Adolphe Bouguereau, (1825-1905) "Madonna and Child with Lamb". Duplication painted by Dara Wells created 2016 done in oil. Size 10 inches by 20 inches. study in figure, drapery and landscape on canvas.

 An original by Dara Wells "Son Creates Music in the Dark" painted 2016 done in oil on masonite board.

 Duplication done by Dara Wells painted on canvas paper 16 inch by 11inches. Done in oil. A modern study of figure and light.

 An original still life painted by Dara Wells "Vegetables in vessels", 2016 on canvas paper 11 inch by 16 inches. A study in color, shape and composition.

 A duplication with variation done in 2016. "Humble Swan couple with flames" sculpted with granite, wood, wire, cheese cloth, newspaper, drywall mud, resin sealant, gesso. Size 18 inch by 24 inch by 15 inches.

 Original painting by Dara Wells "Light that can not be extinguished". Created 2015, materials: acrylic paint, oil paint, masonite board. Size 20 inches by 30 inches.

 Duplication with variation. "Abstract for Virginia" created for commission by Dara Wells 2017. Size 3 feet by 5 feet on canvas.

This beautiful photo was created by Aaron Wells. The composition of this was created in pastel by Dara Wells in 2013.

These art pieces represent the works and interest of my Expressions. As I seek for my style I find visual works that speak to me asking for an interpretation that I have explored. This effort is an effort in seeking joy. I hope these have brought some joy to you as a viewer in some form.
Sincerely, Dara Wells

The Way Back

After four wonderful years in Texas, we're heading back to the Northwest! Our trip will take us from Texas, which we have loved, to our new home in Mukilteo, Washington. Travel starts August 12th, and we hope to see some old friends along the way.

2016 Newsletter

January

Alayna and Dallin went to BYU-Idaho. Alayna for her first semester in college. Dara continued working on her art degree at Austin Community College (Painting, Digital Imaging, and Figure Drawing)

February

Daniel went to China to teach English. Aaron ran the Missions Half Marathon in San Antonio.
March—Family spring break trip to Houston where we saw the Art Museum, Natural History Museum, and NASA. We fixed our downstairs air conditioning unit in anticipation of a hot Texas summer).

April

Alayna came back for a visit between semesters and went to Prom with Jared Kilidjian.

May

Aaron went to Indianapolis to run the Indy Mini Marathon with his brothers and sisters. Our family went camping and canoeing at Inks Lake.
June—Annika went to girls camp and David participated in a High Adventure camp with a 100 mile bicycle ride. Aaron was released as an Early-morning Seminary Teacher and called into the Bishopric.

July

Aaron, Dara, David, Annika, and Abigail took an extended history trip to Kirtland, Palmyra, Philadelphia, Hershey, and Nauvoo. We then all met up together in Branson, Missouri for the big family reunion with Daniel, Nick, Amanda, Dallas, Nora, Dallin, and Alayna. The first time we’d all been together at the same time.

August

Alayna and Daniel started jobs in Texas to save money to get back to college. David started High School. Annika started 8th grade, and Abigail started Middle School. Dara continued ACC (Painting, Sculpting, Print Making)

September

Aaron accidentally participated in the Austin Tri-Rock Triathlon. Daniel won the City of Georgetown “on the move” 5k. Dallin got an internship on the set of “Extinct”, an new TV program that will be on BYU TV next year. We were all deeply saddened by the sudden death of our dear pet cat, Jane Austin.

October

We had a 21 day challenge to keep our house clean so we could get...a new kitten named Misty. Dara won the “disappears the fastest” award at the Halloween Chili Cook-off. Our dog Blue Jeans went to obedience school with David.

November

Annika performed in the select All-Region Choir. Aaron, Dara, Daniel, Alayna, David, and Abigail ran the BYU Allumni 5k. Daniel came in first place. Dallin came for Thanksgiving. Dara took a trip to Dallas to the Kimball Art Museum. Dallin’s internship on “Extinct” became a paid position on the production crew.

December

David and Abigail piano recital. Annika participated in the UIL Theater Competition, and a Ballet Recital.

Ongoing interests and hobbies

Dallin: film making, David and Abigail: piano lessons, Annika: ballet lessons, Aaron: running, Dara: painting and sculpting, Entire family: movies, games, and ward choir.

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Middleton 4th Ward Christmas Party 2010

The ward Christmas party was so much fun. My thanks goes out to everyone who made it such a success: especially the Nichols and Tolls. They really made the evening special.

For any parents who want a copy of the pictures we took of their child with Santa Claus, you can get them right here.

The album is private to protect the privacy of those who don't want pictures of their children available to the public on the internet. However the password is the last name of our bishop in all lower case letters.

However, all the Elders in the Synchronized Swimming team gave their permission to post our video. So here they are...



Or, you can find the video on YouTube here.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Summer...whence hast thou gone?

Go not lightly, nor without one last throw. Leave not the trappings unturned. Nay. Bid me not the sweet words of departure, but gasping, choking out each last moment's remorse. For this day shall not return. Of this cup drain each drop of dregs, if only for the wanting. Tarry until none remains;not of blood, nor marrow, nor flesh, nor bone. And if this, then, if not haply, completely used and measured leaving nothing wanting.

The last weekend of summer at Remington Bay, OR

What are men, compared to rocks and mountains?

The faster we goes the more behinder I gets...

It is really impossible to know where to start this post. Daniel's Graduation from High School and the typhoon of activities around that. Concerts, recognitions, awards, receptions, etc. Of course a huge thank you to everyone who came to wish Daniel well at his graduation. We were so pleased to see friends and family (as well as friendly family) from all over the country come.

Then there was the small window of time after graduation and before the family reunion at Cody, Wyoming. We spent a fantastic week with Dustin and Jennifer and their family while the boys went to Cedar Badge Youth Leadership Training. Dustin, Jennifer, Tyler and Caroline came all the way out to our house. We made a mad dash with the boys to Driggs, Idaho, to the scout camp, then spent a good part of the week relaxing in anticipation for the big family reunion.

It wasn't over, however. Amanda and I took Daniel to college where he has a dorm room and an all-you-can-eat meal plan.

Meanwhile, the entire clan was gathering at Cody, Wy for the big Family Reunion.

We certainly missed Daniel, Jarvis, Dave, and Joel. But everyone had a great time.

Yellowstone

Towards the end of that trip Dara Dee and Heidi conspired to travel to the Sacred Grove, Kirtland, and Nauvoo for a grand whirlwind tour!

Aaron hitch-hiked the family camper behind Brandon & Goldie to get home. Fortunately for Aaron, they (and many other friends) also took pity on him during his extended bachelorhood; Thanks to everyone who fed or otherwise took care of him!

With everyone finally home, it was time for Dallin to go on the Scout High Adventure trip to the Sawtooth Mountains. Aaron went along for the 20 mile hike through some of the most rugged country in Idaho. They climbed from 7200 ft to 9500 ft at one point. The trail through the snowyside area led them past some beautiful and undeveloped country anywhere. Under full packs, they went seven miles the first day, one the second, and twelve miles the final day of the trip. Being a primitive area, there was only foot-trafic and pack animals allowed on the trail (they were both), and they had to pack out everything that they carried in. It was the most amazing and exhilirating thing in the world to fish and swim in lakes fed directly from snow run-off.

The summer is already half-full! Let's see what the second half has in store.

Sawtooth Mountains

Unbridled exuberance

Finally a warm week-end.

Friday was quite a whirlwind of a day. Aaron drove from our house to the Salt Lake Temple to attend the sealing of Erik Hall and Shellie Linford. Shellie's grandfather performed the sealing and had been her patriarch for her blessing. It is always so wonderful to see the promise in the eyes of two wonderful youth embarking on an eternity together. After the 11:50 sealing (they keep a tight ship at SLC) and pictures Shellie's parents hosted a luncheon at the Lion House, then it was back in the car for a return drive.

Saturday morning found each little Wells awaking to the candy and hidden eggs of our spring celebration. Spring Celebration is a holiday of our own design. It comes each Saturday before Easter Sunday. The bunny brings baskets of candy and he hides colored and candy eggs in the yard for our children to find.

Easter, on the other hand, finds those same children at Church listening to lessons and testimony of The Lord, resurrected and living after three days in a borrowed tomb.

Saturday, was not complete with just the candy and eggs. There were soccer games to play. David had two games, one and 9 and a second at 1:00. Daniel's team was in Mountain Home at 1:00. Because the Prom was also Saturday, many of the team didn't go to the game. However, there were five U16 players who came to the game (only four could play). It was also nice to see Tyner play again. Daniel and David both were playing well. Mountain Home, while sunny, was windy and cold (like always). In the end, the boys teams won all three games.

Daniel and Amanda attended Prom with six other youth from the area. Amanda and DaraDee made Amanda's dress. Her date's name is Phillip. He is a nice, quiet and respectful young man who attends a performing arts charter school. He dances and is very accomplished in piano. Daniel went with Michelle, a very lovely and nice young lady from school.

Spring is worth being exuberant about, even if unbridled.

The 5000 Year Leap

DaraDee bought me a book a couple of months ago. Somehow, I didn't realize that she had purchased the book specifically for me, I thought that it was something for her book group. They've been reading the Federalist Papers. Anyway, I glanced at this book and the title "The 5000 Year Leap" and didn't persue it with much enthusiasm.

A few weeks later, I realized what she had purchased for me. W. Cleon Skousen's work on the Constitution and Bill of Rights and the reasons why they are different and revolutionary. I'd actually read part of these books as a teen because my father actually met Dr. Skousen back in the 1980's and was part of a multi-week study course containing his material.

So, when the realization hit me that "this was the book", I dove in reading with earnest. Unfortunately, the biggest change that this book has had in my life is to render me quite upset and dissatisfied with those in pollitical office who are either unknowingly, complicitly, or explicitly breaking the supreme laws of the land. I'm left with questions that don't have good answers:

• Why, after 200+ years of amazing achievement, do the polliticians still want to model our government after those in Europe that have given us two world wars?
• How did the states become convinced to ratify the 16th and 17th amendments, effectively removing the States' checks and balances from the Congress and giving an unlimited ability to tax the individuals of our country?
• Why was I taught in US History that the new deal saved our country from the great depression, and other socialist propaganda rather than simply shown the facts of increasing federal spending and programs, and worsening unemployment? It was only the manufacturing boom of World War II and the increased saving (via war bonds) that pulled us out of the great depression and led to the economic prosperity of the 50s and 60s.
• Why was John F. Kennedy allowed by the states to mobilize the State Militia to fight in foreign wars? This clearly illegal act has never been challenged by any state governor, and continues to this day in Iraq and Afganistan.
• Why does the President legislate through executive orders?
• Why does the Supreme Court legislate through wildly creative interpretations of a very clear and simple document (our Constitution)?
• Why do we have all kinds of federal agencies that (via personal taxes) appropriate our money, then blackmail our states into fulfilling the mandates of bureaucrats by withholding the same money if their programs aren't implemented?

What do I do about it?

So I wrote my congressmen and representative a nice letter telling them that I am very concerned with the actions of all three branches of government; that I support repealing the 16th and 17th amendments, and that deficit budgets should only be allowed in the case of war or specific emergency as ratified by congress, and then only if the debt is repaid in the generation (within 20 years) of the deficit.

I still don't feel any better.

Where can I join the "federalist party"?

learning to blog

Thanks to my friend I am learning

Danny boy and Abigirl are the sweetest of friends. This was taken fall of 2008.

I think I'll have Thanksgiving for Halloween

Halloween is not my favorite holiday. Thanksgiving is. So, we decided to have an early Thanksgiving with our family in Illinois and Indiana. Look through our Recent Pictures on the right.

One short day in the emerald city...

Ok, so the only time Chicago is like the emerald city is St. Patricks Day when they color the river green, but Daniel and Amanda and I went to Chicago to see Wicked and eat real chicago pizza. We rode in on the Train from Lockport. We wanted to ride in from Joliet, but the parking lot was full.

This picture is Daniel and Amanda at the train station with the Sears tower behind them.

Just east of the Sears Tower is Wells Street.

Wicked, the Musical was an absolutely amazing production. We had great seats just off of center at the front of the first balcony.

Chicago stuffed pizza for dinner. Yummy!

All good things must come to an end. So we get back on the train and wave good-bye to the Sears tower and Chicago. We had a great time!

Holiday Newsletter

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our annual family newsletter will soon be printed and mailed to many of our friends and family. However, since you are a reader of the blog, you can get your own copy... in color right here.
With that out of the way, I can prepare for a wonderful turkey, stuffing, pies, and games for the rest of the weekend.
I think Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday...

Hello, I must be going...

Monday:

• 5:00 U14 Boys Soccer Parents Meeting
• 6:00 Home Evening
• 7:00 - 9:00 Varsity Soccer Practice

Tuesday:

• 5:00 - 7:00 U14 Boys Soccer Practice
• 7:00 - 9:00 Varsity Soccer Practice

Wednesday:

• 5:00 - 6:30 U14 Boys Soccer Practice
• 7:00 - 8:00 DIII Representatives Meeting (in Meridian)
• 7:00 - 9:00 Varsity Soccer Practice (missed)

Thursday:

• 5:00 - 7:00 U14 Boys Soccer Practice
• 7:00 - 9:00 Middleton Soccer Board Meeting
• 7:00 - 9:00 Varsity Soccer Practice (missed)

Friday:

• 7:00 - 9:00 Varsity Soccer Practice

This was my schedule for last week. Just me.

Add Dara Dee's temple trip and women's night out, Daniel & Dallin's temple trip, Daniel at a baptism, Registration for High School, Amanda at mutual, and there's no wonder that we need a day of rest on the Sabbath.

We're really looking forward to this week. Andrea and Shalene are coming out to visit, Daniel has two soccer games. We have 12 soccer practices. School starts: Annika begins Kindergarten, and Abigail gets Mommy all to herself for half of the day. Oh, and of course, the Back to School street dance!

Life goes on: sit down, hold on, and enjoy the ride.

The wind-up and the pitch

Those long summer days seem to evaporate as quickly as the morning dew. Last year's high school seniors disperse like so many autumn leaves. How did it become possible that I have a son ready for his Senior year of High School? Certainly time has been kind and callous in it's unending march.

This week we've had several of our summer activities come to a close, as many of our preparatory requirements for the upcoming school have unavoidably arrived.

David and Abigail got the chicken pox, they are the last of the children to get them. Alayna and Annika have lost all traces of their illness. However, this has interfered, yet again with swim classes. I think that chicken pox are a subtle reminder that we are not in complete control of our environment, that despite our technology and progress, we must be aware of our inability to create a completely "safe" world, there are so many things out of our control.

The children in front of the swimming pool

Daniel started his High School two-a-day practices for Soccer. This started monday morning at 6:00. The team is better prepared than any of the previous teams I've helped coach; they are also a fantastic group of boys, to an individual, they are smart and unselfish supportive players. They should do well this season.

School registrations also happened this week. We have three in grade school, one in middle school, and two in high school. That makes for a lot of registration.

Daniel and Amanda went to a multi-stake back-to-school dance this week. The theme was "the red carpet oscars"; everyone was to dress as their favorite celebrity or movie star; of course modest standards applied.

Here is Daniel as Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones (recognize the hat Jim?)

And Amanda as Avril Levine

I guess that we're just getting started down this crazy road that happens every year at this time. It is always quite a roller coaster - best just hang on and enjoy the ride while it lasts.

The Big Blue Room

This weekend found us traveling to Twin Falls for a short camping trip. Daniel went on a camping trip with the Scouts, but Amanda, Dallin, Alayna, David, Annika, Abigail, Dara Dee and I all packed ourselves into the Big Blue Van (BBV) and towed our little trailer down to Anderson Camp to spend the night. We enjoyed their swimming pool, and game room before we settled down to bed. Saturday morning we were pleased to discover that there was a little stream (give oh give) and an Apricot tree full of small, ripe fruit. Anderson Camp is a clean, if aging, campground at the Eden exit of I-84.

The main purpose of our trip to Twin Falls was to let our family see the Twin Falls Temple during the three-week open house. This is a rare opportunity for people who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to see the inside of a Temple before it is dedicated as a sacred building. We wanted our children to have this opportunity as well.

The Twin Falls, Idaho Temple is a magnificent two-story structure with beautiful flower gardens encompassing the grounds. The ground floor contains the offices, reception area, and baptistry, while the endowment and sealing rooms are on the second floor. There are three sealing rooms, each of which is on the eastern-facing side of the building. The endowment room is adorned with a magnificent mural depicting the beauty of creation in the area of the Twin Falls. This room flows into the telestial room which is elegantly simple. The Celestial room is a vaulted room with high stained glass windows adorned with an absolutely amazing chandellier with thousands of crystals. Of course, the craftsmanship and decorations are very elegant and tasteful throughout with beautiful stone, hardwoods, and stained glass. The Syringa (the Idaho state flower) is used throughout the edifice as an ornimental element in a simplified neuveau art-deco style. Also on the grounds is a new church building that is used to stage the many visitors to the site.

The guides told us that over 100,000 people had visited the temple to date during the open house, with over 6000 visiting before we had on Saturday. We had about a 1 hour wait before we were able to enter the Temple, but we got there at about 11:30 in the morning; probably the absolute worst time, as there were only a few people after us that were waiting. Presumably, most people were at lunch and the visitors would pick up again afterwards. There are about 600 people needed per day to host the open house, all are friendly without being over-zealous or preachy. Questions are answered, and those interested in finding out more information may fill out a contact card. The only preachy people we encountered were not from the LDS faith; these people insisted on giving us a "newsletter" explaining what they considered to be shortcomings of the Mormons. The temple will be hosting the open house until its dedication on August 24th.

In other news this week, Daniel and Amanda got their wisdom teeth removed. Both were swolen up like chipmunks, but at least they could tease each other evenly. Annika and Alayna both got over their chickenpox. David and Abigail never seemed to get them, at least they haven't broken out with them yet. Annika injured herself on some playground equipment at the swimming pool and poked a hole completely through her ear.

In all, due to sickness, injury, and recovery, we didn't participate in many activities outside of home the first half of the week, but it was refreshing to me to be able to be at home without many outside obligations. This is soon to change as Soccer season gets under full steam this week with High School two-a-days starting tomorrow morning.

Catching up on May, June, and July

It's been a really busy time since our last post. The end of the school year is always full of concerts and trips. Amanda went with her choir group to Lagoon in Utah.

Both Daniel and Amanda had choir concerts as well. They were in the Caldwell High School Auditorium. I think this was a nicer venue than Albertson College, er... the College of Western Idaho for the performances. The FX Choir performed the musical numbers from "Hairspray", and I must say that they did a really good job. Daniel really does shine on stage, you can see what I mean in this picture.

This was the end of David's first year of school. He graduated from Kindergarten. He had been our most shy child, he didn't really take to nursery right away, so we worried that school would be difficult on him; we shouldn't have worried. He took to it like a bird to the skies; learning all he could, especially about reading. He discovered that he could play all sorts of video games if he could read the instructions: that is all it took, and now he is reading really well. The picure is of David and his teacher.

My birthday was in June, the big 4-0; and DaraDee arranged for a little "surprise" party for me. We went down to Boondocks, and raced the cars as well as to the park in Boise for a picnic. It was not as bad as I expected it to be (turning 40, not the party).

We also went on the ward campout. Great fun with old and new friends in the mountains of Idaho. Dara Dee went on a morning hike with Annika and many friends, here is a picture of Annika along the path.
One fun project that Dallin and I worked on was a Tree Fort. He got the plans from the Dangerous Book for Boys and we worked on it with his friends. In the end, it is probably the most impressive tree fort I've seen in a long time (if I do say so myself). It has an 8 ft x 8 ft platform that is 10 feet up in the air. It has cedar decking and redwood beams with a trap door and the guard rails are supported by tensioned aircraft cable. I think he's probably slept up there ten times since Dara Dee declared it "safe". Here is a picture of Dallin and I working on his Tree Fort.

Our annual family pilgrimmage this year took us to Phoenix, Arizona; a great place to visit in July! We drove down there with Brandon, Goldie, and Gideon in the Big Blue Van with our nine, so the van was as full as it could be. Well, at least our miles per person per gallon of gas was very efficient!

On the way there, we stopped at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. There is no way to overestimate the amazing grandure of this place. The picture can not do justice to the scale of this amazing place.

When everyone finally got to Phoenix, we had a great time. The weather was hot, but the company was terrific. There were several swimming pools, and lots of good air conditioning. Here are just a few candid shots of our reunion in Phoenix:

We stole two nephews after Phoenix and brought them home with us (ok, it was part of the plan). But along the way we stopped to see my good friend Jim Lutz and meet his family. It was wonderful to get to know them, we plan on going back to see them again soon.

Also along the trail home, we stopped to see Dara Dee's Uncle Dart and Aunt Young Sun. It was so nice to see them and renew those friendships as well.

There is more to post, but this will have to do for now. I'll put more pictures up and link to them so everyone can see our goings on.