::VERONICA FUNK::
  • Journal
  • Portfolio
    • A Room of One's Own
    • Alberta Bound
    • Portraits >
      • Ahead of Her Time
      • Extraordinary Women
      • Grandmothers
      • Heroes
      • Mastrius Women
      • Nasty Women
      • Pocket Portraits - 100 Women Artists
      • Postcard Portrait Project
      • The Women
      • Women of the West
      • Woman's Work
      • Wunderland
    • 52 WEEKS >
      • Art Journals
      • Gratitude
      • Storytellers
      • Wild
      • Wildflowers
    • Fashion Plates
    • Sacred Vessel
    • Simple Pleasures
    • Sketchbooks
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Galleries
  • Free Resources
    • Info for Artists
    • Workshops >
      • Painting Animals
      • Painting Art Journals
      • Painting Backgrounds
      • Painting Bees
      • Painting Canoes
      • Painting CityScapes
      • Painting Flowers
      • Painting Hearts & Houses
      • Painting Landscapes
      • Painting Portraits
      • Travel Journalling
      • The Business of Art
  • Contact

Journal.

Avoidance

4/30/2012

 
Picture
It doesn't happen often but there are times when I avoid my studio...particularly when I feel stuck.  I find it doesn't happen as often when I'm working on several pieces at once, but currently I have only one canvas on the go and it has definitely given me pause - as, I guess, have most of the pieces in this new series.  So, instead I've been knitting dish cloths, cooking & baking (these wonderful Williams-Sonoma Country Rolls and Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies and delicious macaroni with penne, fresh ham, peas and sauce made with asiago, romano and parmesa cheeses...mmmmmmm...) - and, of course, plenty of reading.  'The Night Circus' is quite beautiful and haunting and I recently completed 'The Birth House' by Amy McKay which was wonderfully written.  Plus I've listened to The Civil Wars over and over and over again.  Musical poetry.  So, last night I brought my canvas up from the studio and placed it on the hearth to look at throughout the evening.  I dreamt about the piece and felt drawn to paint early this morning - it is finally moving forward.  This painting includes a Haida war canoe along with pictographs of warriors and hunters.  Not sure where this will lead but I'm excited.   And now, back to painting so I'll leave you with my book review of 'The Birth House':

The Birth House
by Amy McKay

Though this novel was published a few years ago, and I held it in my hands many, many times, it took me this long to finally read it.  I'm always drawn to books with beautiful covers and this is definitely one of them.  Dora Rare is the protagonist in this one, born with a caul and then studying with an Acadian woman to be a healer and midwife in a time when it was frowned upon as witchcraft though all the towns people took advantage of these gifts.  The story takes place in Nova Scotia around the beginning of World War I when a doctor, backed by an insurance company, arrives to bring 'modern medicine' to the area.  McKay's writing is lyrical and she has certainly done her research on the medicine of the times.  At times funny and poignantly sad, it's a novel about human nature and relationships - I'm thinking I may have to add this one to my collection for a future re-read.

PostScript:  I'll be adding a few paintings in the WHISPERS series that where featured in Cloth, Paper, Scissors to the shop today.

PostPostScript:  I love eating by candlelight - particularly enjoy the scent of vanilla beeswax candles.

When She Woke

4/27/2012

 
Picture
It has been absolutely grey and rainy here for days which is the perfect weather for baking (made these yesterday - delicious!).  So, as I wait for dough to rise I take advantage of the time to read.  For the past few days I've been awaiting a few books that were ordered (through both the library and amazon) and because I'm keeping a few books on my shelves as summer reads, I decided to grab something out of my daughter's bookcase.  I always read voraciously and carry books with me whenever I know I might be waiting for some time so I can read almost anything.  This past year I read all the 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' series, the 'Outlander' series by Diana Gabaldon (I'm waiting for her to finish book number eight), 'The Hunger Games', 'The Help', along with numerous others including the books I've mentioned here previously, almost anything by Canadian authors (Jane Urquhart, Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Lawrence - 'The Stone Angel' is a favorite, Elizabeth Hay, Joseph Boyden, Carol Shields, Miriam Toews, David Adams Richards, Thomas King, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Gail Anderson-Dargatz, Mary Lawson, Alice Munro, Rohinton Mistry...not Margaret Atwood) and much non-fiction particularly inspirinational writing (books on creativity) and biographies of creative people.  Working at a library eight hours a week doesn't seem like much, but I get so many recommendations from staff and patrons that my reading list is always full.  Beside my bed is a pile that includes 'Before I Go To Sleep' and 'The Night Circus'.  The last book I finished:

When She Woke
by Hillary Jordan

This is an unusual story, set in a dystopian world where a convicted felon's skin color is altered genetically to reflect the crime for which they were convicted.  Though the book is compared to 'The Scarlet Letter', to me it felt almost like an adult version of 'The Hunger Games' as the entire lives of these criminals is publicly displayed on television after they are isolated  and then placed in society to survive on their own.  Hannah, the protagonist of this story, who was raised in a strictly religious environment and taught that this form of punishment was acceptable, learns through her own experience that human life isn't about absolutes.

Whispers: Soul Painting

4/25/2012

 
Picture
Today I began my day by delivering some of these 'whispers' that were featured in the May/June edition of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine to Evanescence Gallery in High River.  It is always such a blessing for me to visit Arlene at the gallery - she is such a beautiful soul.  And the drive through the rolling hills is so heart-filling.  So today has been a busy one, but definitely a pleasant one with great conversation and food and drink, though not quite enough art - I'm glad yesterday was filled with painting.  While I drive I tend to do a lot of reflecting...on my challenges and also on the abundance of all that I have been given.  It seems funny, but one of my favorite things is to sit and think, to reflect...I was labelled a dreamer when I was attending school and I have to say that must be why I paint, because I can dream my days away.  Lately I've given a lot of thought to the future as my eldest daughter is about to graduate and head off to university so it was quite interesting to open the Globe & Mail to read:

"What is your most outrageous dream?  What is the one thing you wish for more than anything else?  It doesn't have to stay beyond your grasp.  You DO have what it takes to make it happen - and now is the perfect time."

Cloth Paper Scissors

4/24/2012

 
Picture
In his last two newsletters, Robert Genn has spoken of how he finds joy in creating and sharing art.  And I have to agree whole-heartedly.  So, I can FINALLY share the fact that Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine's current issue (May/June) features a 5-page article which I wrote about a process that I had been working on for the last year (see my name in the top right-hand corner?!?).  I wanted to incorporate texture and to create 'softer' work while playing with abstract painting, and these paintings titled 'Whispers' were born.  It's so exciting to share my work, my inspiration, and my process with others.  One of my favorite things about my job as an artist and curator as Art Program Coordinator at our public library is the fact that I do get the opportunity to encourage others. 

On Saturday I taught a workshop for kids aged 9-12 and decided to teach the lesson of blind contour drawing.  It's an exercise to connect the eye, brain and hand.  If you want to try it, all you need is a pen or pencil and a piece of paper.  Look at the object you want to draw (a vase, fruit, a sleeping pet, a shoe) and begin to follow the edge of the object slowly with your eyes while at the same time moving your pencil on the paper.  Don't look at the paper as this isn't meant to be a final drawing.  Do this several times (on the same piece of paper or on several) and then do it again while drawing the inside and outside of the object, still not lifting your pencil.  Finally, draw the object while looking at both the paper and object.  This forces your eyes and mind to see what is in front of you - paying attention to distance between spaces and the actual shape, focusing on the perspective. 

This issue hasn't hit the newstands in my area, but keep an eye out as it will be around very soon.  It's such a wonderful publication and I am thrilled to be part of it.  You might see my work grace the pages again sometime ;)

These hands.

4/23/2012

 
Picture
Since I was a little girl I had old hands...hands filled with lines, stubby and crooked fingers.  These hands are filled with stories of babies held and the clay pots thrown, words written and tubes of paint squeezed (sometimes too much just because it feels good).  These hands held the hand of my husband in an emergency room, have signed documents for a myriad of personal medical tests, made many, many matcha tea lattes, turned many pages, and always carried found rocks, branches and feathers.  I will be 46 years old this summer and I'm beginning to grow into these hands.  These are the years I looked forward to for as long as I can remember even all the while knowing that time wouldn't make anything easier, that the challenges I would face would still be there but would be different, but also that the memories and joys would increase.  Accumulation.  The most beautiful woman I have ever known was my grandmother.  The lines in her hands and face foretold the wisdom behind her sparkling eyes.  Her skin so soft, her long locks of silver like plumage.  I wanted to be like my grandmother...and instead of being wise and kind and softly quiet, I am full of emotion and cry tears of joy, of sorrow, of anger.  I am a chatterbox who loves to laugh and to share everything I have learned.  And I am learning to love myself just as I am.  To be thankful for the wisdom and kindness of my grandmother; to remember to let go when I know I should; to appreciate every thing, every day; to be grateful for these hands.

I love...

4/20/2012

 
Picture
words
*
 the civil wars
*
daughters
*
cumulous clouds
*
a murder of crows
*
alizarin crimson
*
sunlight spreading
*
my husband
*
bluejeans
*
matcha tea latte
*
vanilla beeswax
*
autumn
*
a comfortable chair
*
silence
***
what is it that you love?

Poetry.

4/19/2012

 
Picture
Yesterday I worked all day, continuing to add pattern and color to the canvas I began and then last night I slept like a baby.  Today, I will add some symbols that I dreamt of but will also be writing.  In the past I had the great privilege of studying with a wonderful local poet, Cecilia Frey, and also have had poems published.  But, even more so than my painting, or maybe because I have already shared my paintings in many, many exhibits, I find it difficult to share my poetry publicly.  So, to challenge myself, and to open my soul even more, I have been writing poems in conjunction with this series of paintings I've been working on.  I may read a few at the opening and thought I'd share something in progress today:

My Paddle Sings

I miss the song my paddle sings
as it dips
and
drips,
dips
and
drips
in the cool
black
northern water

'I saw!'
Raven cries
as
he flies
over boreal forest

'I see,' I think. 
I see.

My home is this land
north of 56
where
Timber Wolf talks to Moon
and
Black Bear turns to watch
with amber eyes.

'Yes,' I think. 
Yes.

This is the song my paddle sings.

Change.

4/18/2012

 
Picture
I've now completed 11 paintings in this series and have just begun canvas no. 12 which measures 30x36 inches.  In conjunction with this piece, I will begin painting number 13 which measures 48x60 inches...that's the one I'm really excited about as I love working large.  I have held these pieces a lot closer to me than I usually do, only sharing the completed work with very few people and I think it's probably because they are so personal.  It's been fun sharing some of the steps in progress and as much as I'd like to share the completed work, I know that it needs to sit quietly for awhile.  This body of work will be shown as a series at the Inglewood Fine Arts in Calgary this fall so I will be happy to see them exhibited as a collective.  I am so happy to have this work for my hands and my heart as I have been struggling personally.  My eldest daughter is about to leave the country and though it is only a short trip this is the first time she's been somewhere that I cannot be near.  She is also preparing to leave home for University in fall which makes my heart heavy as I love having her here.  All this separation is definitely causing me some anxiety though I know it will be so good for her...and for me, too.  I am grateful to have a younger daughter to dote on while my other grows up and away.  And I am extremely grateful to continue this work that gives me so much joy.

Joseph Campbell

4/17/2012

 
Picture

The Naked Leaf

4/16/2012

 
Picture
I'm so excited - I've just signed off the final proof for artwork to be published on tea tins by The Naked Leaf located at 305 10th Street N.W. #103 (Kensington) in Calgary.  It will be available in the shop next month.  Can't wait to get mine.  Also, more good news from another publication that is publishing an article I wrote which will be out later this month - excited to share with everyone once it arrives.  Spring is always an interesting time for me - both physically and spiritually.  This time of year is the most eventful as far as the weather on this side of the Rockies.  A few days ago I was wearing sandles and then, the next, boots and a parka.  In my home I like to take this time to 'lighten up', to go through closets and cupboards and let go of the things that I know I really don't need or necessarily appreciate as much as I should.  By nature I'm a very organized person and tend to feel slightly claustrophobic when I'm surrounded by too much - too many things, too much on my schedule, etc - so I look forward to these times of cleaning house.  And I always feel good knowing that these items will move to places where they will be seen and appreciated with new eyes.  At the same time, I am always rewarded in return in other ways, with new opportunities and gifts.  Reduce, reuse, recycle...it's definitely a great model.
<<Previous
    Picture

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Journal
  • Portfolio
    • A Room of One's Own
    • Alberta Bound
    • Portraits >
      • Ahead of Her Time
      • Extraordinary Women
      • Grandmothers
      • Heroes
      • Mastrius Women
      • Nasty Women
      • Pocket Portraits - 100 Women Artists
      • Postcard Portrait Project
      • The Women
      • Women of the West
      • Woman's Work
      • Wunderland
    • 52 WEEKS >
      • Art Journals
      • Gratitude
      • Storytellers
      • Wild
      • Wildflowers
    • Fashion Plates
    • Sacred Vessel
    • Simple Pleasures
    • Sketchbooks
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Galleries
  • Free Resources
    • Info for Artists
    • Workshops >
      • Painting Animals
      • Painting Art Journals
      • Painting Backgrounds
      • Painting Bees
      • Painting Canoes
      • Painting CityScapes
      • Painting Flowers
      • Painting Hearts & Houses
      • Painting Landscapes
      • Painting Portraits
      • Travel Journalling
      • The Business of Art
  • Contact