The women in my life.

"Just for Today" 12"x36" acrylic

I am developing a visual language about women right now.  This language definitely speaks about love, beauty and honour, although I find it very interesting that viewers who prefer traditional paintings think these women to be ugly.

"The Vessel" 24"x36" acrylic

"Just for Today" is based on a haiku as follows:  Biopsy, Bust Just for Today, Cherry Blossoms.  I know so many strong women, who no matter what the anguish in their lives, can lay the troubles aside just for one day and appreciate the moment they are living in.  "The Vessel" is a piece that reflects not only the universal condition of pregnancy but also recalls my own experience as a mother as well as watching my daughter through her pregnancy.  Both are a tribute to all the women I know and those I read about around the world.

A Pleasant Surprise.

"Dreamscape Series - Challenge" 24"x30" Mixed Media on Canvas

A complete and very pleasant surprise when this painting was juried into the Mission Art Gallery and on top of that was awarded Second Place in the show.  My expectations were low because the jurors were a somewhat conservative group.  I'm beginning to think the FCA is becoming more tolerant of non-traditional painting styles.  A couple of years ago I was at the point of feeling I might need to find another community to study with and develop as an artist.  I am becoming hopeful this year.  I admire the Federation of Canadian Artists as an organization and I really enjoy the members and fellow artists I meet there.  I'm pleased that I am beginning to feel like I belong there.

Making Progress on Priorities

Slowly, slowly I seem to be making progress on the priorities in my life.  I actually spent yesterday preparing paintings for a show and completely ignoring all the housework that was shouting at me "What if someone comes over and sees your house like this!"  First time that has happened easily... and I'm still OK about it this morning.  YAHOO!!!

A Ray Of Hope?

Recently I gathered up the courage to start showing the first of the mixed media paintings from my Dreamscape Series.  This initial piece is called "Journey" and speaks specifically to the life journey of my husband's two brothers who passed away from cancer within the space of 3 years.  In a broader sense it also reflects a more general physical, emotional or spiritual journey that anyone might embark on.  I have been very reluctant to place this set of paintings in public view because it is so personal for me.  However, the cycle of painting is not complete for me until there is some sort of public viewing.  I was most relieved when this piece was selected by the jurors as "Best in Show" ... a small ray of hope that one day my work might be acknowledged by my peers, that one day I might not feel like an imposter, now exits.  I will be most interested to hear further reaction over the course of the show.  Cautiously, I am considering the next in the series to show ...     

Welcome Fall!!!

Ahhhh, the sweet relief of cold nights and cooler days.  I feel like I wake up in the fall - physically, mentally and spriritually.  Maybe because I was born in October?  Don't know.  Wish I felt this good through every season, but then again maybe I would not appreciate it so much if I did.  My heart smiles today.

The joy of giving.

I was browsing through some photographs of my paintings and came across "Ocean Nocturne".  This was a multi-media piece that I gave to one of my nephews as a wedding gift.  I really like gifting my paintings when I know that someone loves a particular piece.  The act of giving it as a gift is actually more satisfying to me than making a sale.  As I mentioned in my facebook page this morning my paintings are pretty much like children and the best feeling of all is knowing that they are somewhere that they are truly loved.  I'm so thankful for the joy that painting and sharing my paintings brings me.

Random Thoughts

     So here is me and my honey... we renewed our vows in 2007 and our nephew Mike took some uber-cool photos of us that day out and about the farm.
     The old Kubota tractor is one of my husband's favourite things, well next to me of course.  I love to tell him I'm going to bury him and the tractor together when the day comes.... kind of like the Egyptians.
     We have a good life together and are both grateful to have found love a second time around.  So that's me and Ken.   XOXO