 After years of physiotherapy and new shoulder exercises, as well as approaching my work in a different way (working on the floor or drafting table) and using Canadian-made Tri-Art acrylic paints which don't bother my husband, I am finally able to work a bit larger once again. Woot! Woot! These images were inspired by my week at the Banff Centre for the Arts last summer. I've decided to incorporate embroidery as well as it was the first art form I learned as a young elementary school girl. My parents are from South America, so embroidery is a huge part of my family's culture. I had added embroidery to a painting during my artist residency at Sparrow Artspace 1 1/2 years ago and was trying to figure out how to incorporate more. In fact, my first large painting project in university in the mid-1980s incorporated embroidery which was a large part of the piece. I've also recently taken a small Sashiko course, the beautiful Japanese art of mending, so I have incorporated some of those designs. I'm really enjoying the work and excited to see where this leads. Fingers crossed!   I had such a nice time when I had the opportunity to work with the employees at TC Energy to jump start my commission. The theme of this painting is "Community" so it certainly was fitting to begin with the community. It was an amazing space to work in and the catering was amazing. There were so many people involved, mostly males, which was a pleasant surprise. I have really enjoyed working large again and my shoulder brace has worked wonderfully. There will be an official unveiling next month, I'm looking forward to it.
Since I absolutely love 52 WEEK projects, one thing I've begun this year is weekly visual journalling. Using a small 5.5x3.5 Portrait Handbook Journal Co. Artist Sketchbook, I create a weekly journal incorporating images and words. I thought this might be a fun & relaxed way to work in my sketchbook without a lot of pressure as I can work on it a bit at a time or just once a week. It's been a great addition to my travel journalling but it allows me to continue working in my sketchbooks regularly without leaving my studio. I've been incorporating everything from daily chores (decluttering my bookcases & spice cabinet) to art supplies, plus my courses and books I'm reading. I'm already considering increasing the size of the sketchbook for the next year (maybe 5.5" square?) but I guess we'll see how this year goes. So far, so good. :)   I couldn't believe it when I saw the Spring issue of WHERE Women Create at my local Safeway on Valentine's Day. I was so thrilled I couldn't stop smiling...especially when I saw my 2-page photo spread on the inside of the front cover. It was taken when we were camping at Beaver Mines Lake in southern Alberta while the wildflowers were in full bloom. I sat in one spot and rotated around to capture images of the beautiful flowers that surrounded me. This publication is a real 'pinch me' moment as I have dreamed about being included in it for many years...it's the same publisher as WHAT Women Create that featured the 'Extraordinary Women' project on the cover several years ago. It is now available at most stores and bookshops where magazines are sold. :)    Through several years I've been trying out different water brushes for travel painting. I don't like brining containers for water, especially when I travel longer distances, plus it can be difficult to find enough water to refill the dish whenever needed and, an even greater challenge, not knowing what to do with dirty water as watercolour paints are still professional grade and require proper disposal. I tend to prefer a medium or fine brush...so, here are a few that I still use (left to right):
1. Derwent: I like the shape and size but find the barrel really hard to press whenever I want to draw more water to the brush. The lid also doesn't post on the end of the brush so I have always had to be careful where I put it down so I don't lose it. 2. Sakura Koi: My 2nd favourite brush as its short and narrow to fit easily into a pocket or bag though the water control can be a bit challenging and the brush is a little large when I use my smaller sketchbooks (3.5x5.5 Landscape Handbook Co. Artist Journal). It does have a cap so that the brush can be disassembled while still holding water in the barrel to make it even smaller. 3. Yasutomo Niji: This is my biggest brush so it holds quite a bit of water and is the one that I keep in my Art Toolkit for studio use. 4.Faber-Castell: I like this brush but it is a little longer and, when I travel, size is important. I also find the lid a bit bulky so, instead, I've filled it with ink to write which has been fun. 5. Pentel Aquash: This is hands down my favourite because, even though I prefer the mini brush for travel, it still holds quite a bit of water, it doesn't leak and I can easily control the water flow. Plus, the lid "posts" on the back when I use it so I don't run the risk of losing it. And the bristles are tough...something I need. 6. Caran D'Ache (not shown): I did not like this brush. It's bulky and water control is difficult as you have to squeeze two buttons to get the water moving. It's also very awkward to fill as the rest can be easily filled by pouring water into it using a tap or bottle.  After meeting journalism student Monica Gonzalez Bruch last summer when she took my photo at Sparrow Artspace for a project, I met up with her again in order to contribute to a documentary that she was creating. I was honoured to be asked and to discuss the travel journalling that has become such an important part of my creative process and for my mental health. And she is lovely...I am grateful. Thank you Monica.
 I've decided to share my well-worn copy of 'Taking the Leap' by Cay Lang. This was the book that catapulted my career oh-so-many years ago. After preparing a body of work, I learned how to write a Biography, Artist Statement, Curriculum Vitae (resume), prepare my portfolio and research opportunities to exhibit and share my work. The draw will be held in my next newsletter so if you are interested, you can sign up on my Contact page here.
 This month I had the privilege of joining Mastrius Artist & Co-Founder Julie deBoer in her Winter Residency. The goal is for artists to launch into the New Year with new goals, fresh inspiration, masterful teaching, encouragement, support and accountability. Our discussion focused on Portfolio submission...something I struggled with early on in my career but have been given so much great information and support on throughout the years. I've shared everything that galleries request, from photos to bio, statement, curriculum vitae and also writing press releases as being published definitely helped open up new opportunities as an artist. The information is also available on my website here. To join Julie in future residencies, please visit Mastrius.com.
Bluerock Gallery always makes my work look so much better than I do, they take the best photos, and I feel so fortunate to have been represented by them for the past 13 years. These relationships are so valuable and I'm so glad that they took a chance on me so many years ago and continue to do so. If you haven't been, I'd highly recommend a visit. They are located in a historic building in the town of Diamond Valley which is a lovely drive just south of Calgary. Not only do they carry paintings, but also glass, pottery, books, weavings, furniture, sculptures, jewellery, puzzles, art supplies, etc. and the very best cards. It's my go-to for gifts.
I've been giving a lot of thought to goals in the future. I know I need something to work towards and, since I have met so many of my goals over the past 25-ish years, I'm wondering what's ahead. I'll be 60 next year, which is definitely a milestone, so that makes this time of reflection and goal-setting even more important...a turning point of sorts.
These are some of the highlights:
So...what's next? I know that I will continue working on my current body of work, the reason I spent a week doing research at the Banff Centre for the Arts, and I'm preparing for an exhibit with my friend Ana Zanella at Framed on Fifth in Kensington this summer. I also want to continue my studies as I'm so close to my goal of achieving a Bachelor of Arts degree. Other than that, I'm not sure. I've been involved in so many great things: been a member and co-founder of amazing creative Boards, taught, wrote, curated and travelled for art, and, best of all, have received so much incredible support for what I do. Maybe, for now, I just need to focus on my guiding word for the year, Calm, and allow myself to enjoy this time of painting and learning. If something comes up, I'll think about it then. |
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