Some days are especially difficult, for whatever reason, and it is in those times that I particularly need to spend time in my studio.  This is a place and a view that makes me very happy.  The way the light hits my prayer flags to cast shadows on this wall of canvases fills me with joy and hope.  I wish everyone had a space like this...one that fills the soul, that shines light on the dark spaces. 

A poignant look at the disillusionment and angst of the post-World War I generation, the novel introduces two unforgettable characters: hapless Jake Barnes and flamboyant Lady Brett Ashley. The story follows them as they journey from the wild nightlife of 1920s Paris to the brutal bullfighting rings of Spain with a motley group of expatriates.

**To view previous images in this year's 52 WEEKS::Storytellers project, please click here.

Last weekend I had so much fun leading a group of students through the monoprinting process.  I love working with kids.  If you would have told me ten years ago that this is what I would be spending much time doing, I would never have believed you.  I'm also grateful for the support of the community as I get so many opportunities to share my love of art with kids.  And next month I will be leading a school of grade 4 students in Calgary through my exhibit and process at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.  I've come to realize that I prefer actually painting, demonstrating or teaching rather than just hanging around at an exhibit opening.  Not that I don't appreciate those opportunities as well - I really, really do - but I like to keep busy as my anxiety levels tend to rise when I'm waiting...waiting to see who will attend (if anyone), waiting to see how I will respond to questions, waiting for the event to finish so that I can go home and collapse.  And it also feels as though the times that I'm engaged in a talk or demonstration are the times it is less intimidating for others to step forward and ask questions, which always makes me happy.

Last summer I turned 50 and I have really noticed that at this age my tolerance level has begun to drop...not in general, but related to how I spend my time and how I want to live my life.  Typically I want to spend my time in my studio or with my family...no more obsessive housekeeping to make sure everything is perfect (I was always so ashamed of dust bunnies....not so much anymore), making all of our food from scratch, regimented spring and fall cleaning, regular bleaching and folding and ironing...not so concerned about any of that any more.  I want to spend less time doing things that I felt was necessary.  Now I have a simpler wardrobe and am not concerned about whether my outfits have shown up in photos many times before but rather more about whether I am comfortable and like what I wear.  I feel like I'm doing more for myself, which is very new to me.  And I feel so much less obligation.  My family is happy, and I still love my home, in spite of the dust bunnies.

I am so please to share that last year's 52 WEEKS::Heroes project now is in a book! I have absolutely loved this project and love how other women connect with it even more.  It will be unveiled during the Amazing Airdrie Women Awards which is sponsored by AirdrieLIFE magazine to be held at The Woods Restaurant at the golf club in May and I'm really looking forward to that event.  There is another little something in the works that includes this project and I can't wait to share.  The book is available online and can be previewed here.

Generally, when I carve blocks for prints (typically for stamping), I use Speedy Carve rubber blocks from Speedball.  This time, I wanted to create an image which I intend to be kept for the block, so I decided to carve into linoleum that has been mounted on a wood block.  It's definitely not as easy to carve but, when heated using my heat gun, it is a treat.  It's been a long time since I carved a lino block so it's definitely having it's challenges, but I do like the way the material accepts fine cuts, unlike the rubber blocks.  And, of course I had to carve a crow...they are my favorite after all.

Esther Greenwood begins the summer with an internship at a popular women’s magazine, but her hopes for a career as a writer are dashed when she returns home to Massachusetts to discover she’s been rejected from a prestigious writing seminar. Listless and suffering from the onset of depression, Esther attempts suicide, and eventually finds herself in a variety of hospitals undergoing controversial electro-shock therapy.

**To view previous images in this year's 52 WEEKS::Storytellers project, please click here.

Here's to a weekend of grace, peace, contentment and art :)

I haven't carved a lino block in a long time, preferring to carve a softer material especially with my shoulder problems but am giving it another go.  I have my heat gun handy to warm the block prior to carving so that should help.  Now, my greatest challenge is deciding what to carve.  I've really been drawn to fantasy images through watching the Game of Thrones, but at the same time, I'm still drawn to animals and nature.  These are times that my sketchbooks are both a blessing and a curse.  It's like having a pile of books that are calling to be read and yet I can only focus on one.  And this time, I think I may pull a print or two, but because this linoleum is mounted on a wood block, I think it would make a beautiful finished piece as is.  I guess we'll see.

So...I'm three weeks into the new 52 WEEKS project and my feelings have fluctuated immensely.  One minute I'm elated and full of ideas, and the next disappointed.  It is at these times that I have to keep in mind that these are the feelings that come over me every single year.  I often think that's why working in series can be very difficult.  I question my choice of theme, images, and work and begin to wonder if I should just throw in the towel.  And then I remember how fulfilling the past projects have been. I have also been doing a little something on the side with my last project that I can't wait to share.  So, that is what keeps me going.

I'm also feeling a little lost since I finished my final exam.  After months of working every spare moment on essays and research papers, I suddenly have time on my hands...but, at the same time, I'm not ready to begin another course just yet.  I loved studying Indigenous Literature and am so grateful to live in a country that offers such amazing opportunities to continue studies through university at any stage in life.  So, for now I will just keep dreaming and planning and see what comes next.