 Such a wonderful week...my youngest daughter graduated with Honours. It's been a long, hard road but she says it was worth every moment. Now she's preparing to head to England in autumn to focus on a Master's Degree in Holocaust Studies. We will miss her terribly but are so grateful to be able to spend the summer with her.
Thanks to Gil Tucker for coming the Sparrow Artspace today to learn more about Veronica Funk’s work and meet some of the women who she has painted.
Check out Global Calgary Friday, June 2nd, at 5,6, and 11pm to catch the interview! Opening Reception at 36 Fourth St NE in Calgary Saturday, June 3, 1-4pm.  For #the100dayproject I have completed 100 miniature portraits of 100 historical female artists. What a joy this has been! They will be packed up into two mint tins and then travel into Calgary to be exhibited at Sparrow Artspace during my artist residency through the month of June. I'm very excited to share these little works of art.
 The essence of "creating your own history" lies in the experiences that shape your personal narrative. Whether positive or negative, each layer of experience contributes to who you are as a person. It's liberating to recognize that no matter where you are in your journey, there is always room for growth and progress. Collective experiences define the history of a place or community, while individual experiences and interpretations of those shared experiences shape our unique qualities.
Throughout June, we will offer various opportunities to share experiences…from mixed media, travel journalling and portrait painting to exhibits and author visit. Everyone is welcome. RECEPTION: Saturday, June 3, 1-4pm LOCATION: Sparrow Artspace, 36-4th Street NE, Calgary EXHIBIT: June 1-30, 2023  My friend Ana Zanella & I have so many great events taking place during our Artist Residency at Sparrow Artspace in Calgary in June:
Register for Travel Journalling & Portrait Painting here.  In my early days of painting, I think my biggest weaknesses were in not trusting myself. I questioned the work I created and how I created it, believing that the work of other artists was more valid. I questioned whether I deserved a place 'at the table.' I also trusted the advice of others...at times, to my detriment. I invested money where I wasn't comfortable. I continued to create work that had an audience far longer than I should have and it ended up making me sad. In fact, I ended up giving away my supplies and easel and fell into a depression. Over time I have learned to trust my gut. And that has served me well. Every day I make choices that work for me and give me joy. And every day I cannot wait to get into my studio to paint.
 Early on in my career as a professional artist, these three books were so helpful. I began in the pre-digital era so it wasn't very easy to find information about the business of art and, even though there is more information available now, I still find these three more valuable.
Taking the Leap-Cay Lang: This one is filled with information and examples of everything an artist needs to create a professional portfolio, from writing a curriculum vitae, to an artist's statement, and more. The author even discusses how to connect with galleries. These were all the things I never learned in art school but what I needed. After sending out my first 6 submissions to galleries, I was contacted for interviews by 5 of them and immediately got a solo show that ended up on television and in print. That was amazing! The Creative Habit- Twyla Tharp: This one is an inspirational read. Choreographer Twyla Tharp discusses how she comes up with ideas and then actually follows through on those ideas. It is a book that I return to over and over for inspiration. Writing Down the Bones-Natalie Goldberg: This one was incredible for information on how to write anything. When I stumbled upon this tiny edition I was so happy as I could carry it around in my purse. I spent a lot of time in the dental office with my daughter (braces) so I could pull it out and read it anytime. It really helped me to not be intimidated by writing but to actually look forward to it. So, though these three don't all have something directly related to the career of a painter, they were all wonderful resources.  My primary focus for several years has been creating acrylic on canvas portrait paintings of women. My work has included a project titled Nasty Women, which involved painting 100 portraits in just as many days, and my current project, Woman's Work, shares the contributions of women in our society. The goal of every one of my portrait projects is to celebrate women. Recently, I have been transitioning from acrylics to watercolours, using both wood and paper as my substrates.
During this in-person workshop, I will discuss my method of creating an abstract acrylic background and adding a portrait to it. I will also demonstrate how to paint directly on wood using watercolour. In addition, we will explore how to simplify complex subject matter and create interest by layering transparent watercolours while creating portraits on paper. This workshop will be a fun and supportive environment suitable for all skill levels. All materials needed for the workshop will be provided. Maximum 10 participants. Date & Time: June 24, 1-4pm Location: Sparrow Artspace, 36 Fourth St NE, Calgary, AB Fee: $25 Maximum: 10 Register: https://www.veronicafunk.com/workshops.html  Keeping a personal record of your travels and experiences can be a fulfilling hobby that produces a cherished artefact. For me, keeping a travel journal has become the perfect way to remember my trips.
At Sparrow Artspace, I will conduct an in-person workshop where I will introduce you to my travel journaling techniques and practices. I will share my sketchbooks and demonstrate how I work while traveling, including my use of minimal watercolour supplies. During the workshop, we will work together to start a new journal, utilizing a variety of water media and working in A6 (4-1/8” x 5-3/4”) Field Sketchbooks. The workshop will be relaxed, and you will have ample opportunities to ask questions. All necessary supplies will be provided, and registration will be limited to 20 participants. Whether you want to capture past travels or plan future trips, this workshop promises to be a rewarding experience that will inspire new creativity in how you document your journeys. Date & Time: June 15 at 1-4pm Location: Sparrow Artspace, 36 Fourth St NE, Calgary, AB Fee: $25 Maximum: 10 Registration: www.veronicafunk.com/workshops.html  The booklet that I created for the 'Woman's Work' project is finally ready. I love creating these mementos both for myself as part of my portfolio but also for others who would like a keepsake. They are now available to purchase online through Blurb books here.
|
|
