 Since a couple of the women in this pandemic project have moved along, I added a couple more to bring it back to 60. I'm hoping to share this body of work again as I've now attached the portraits into 6 groups of 10 to measure 28" x 35" which may make it easier to share. I am so pleased to be back in my old studio now that my daughter has left for England to gain her Master's Degree in Holocaust Studies. She is greatly missed but I do love being in this space. Especially surrounded by these incredibly inspiring women!
 I am preoccupied with life's ambiguities and dualities and in my later work I am reaching more and more from the dark toward the light, freedom and a transcending exuberance.  I know I have violated the photos by adding text and by editing out part of the image when I wipe the etching plate, but they aren't about photography or printmaking. The images have become symbols of the people who have said these things to me."  For several years my friend and fantastic local Chef Lianna Robberecht has suggested I paint a series of pets...people's best friends. Though I've painted several for commission or gifts, I've never focused on a series, so I thought I should finally paint Momo...she reminds me very much of a family pet from years ago who was so gentle and well-loved, Cookie. It is always such a pleasure to create a painting for someone whom I admire greatly.
 As I've been struggling with what I want to focus on over the next year, I was pleasantly surprised at the incredible find at Where on Earth Antiques, my favourite place. They had come across these miniature photographs, which we guessed may have been photographer's samples, from Head Studios in London, England. Many of them even have names penciled on the back. I'm so excited with this find and know that it will be the inspiration for what I do next. For now, I will be documenting plans and ideas in my sketchbook which is absolutely perfect for me. I usually have a plan by this time in the year, but, to be honest, I've floundered a bit after creating three series through the pandemic. At least I've been having fun with teacup and travel journal painting as a way to document my days and to remain creative...that along with a few commissions and plans to exhibit previous bodies of work both locally and in British Columbia. Plus my teaching roster has become busy once again after my hiatus this summer to spend time with my girls. I'm getting quite excited for what's ahead.
 INTRODUCTION TO WATERCOLOUR:
AB Culture Days FREE DROP-IN / EVERYONE WELCOME! DATE: September 23, 2023 TIME: 11-4pm (drop in anytime for an informal lesson) PLACE: ASA Gallery ADDRESS: Crossroads Market, 1235-26 Avenue SE (2nd Floor) Before she left for England, my daughter created this lovely video for me.
I am such a lucky mom!  v4 Belugas have good hearing that’s why they sing and call. They don’t mind stinky seaweed … (turn page) / … because they have no smell at all. The Good Thing About…Beluga Whales is a charming, rhyming children’s book to start a conversation about conservation and to raise funds for a Beluga conservation group (Canada), a companion to Living with Koalas (Australia). I chose to paint my twp-page contributions for verse 4 using the Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer watercolour markers and added embroidery to represent singing (bubbles) and seaweed. This was a fun project!
Recently my daughter & I went to Nvrlnd Art Foundation to get tin type photographs taken...it was my daughter's third time but I'm still amazed by the process of colloidal processing. It's fascinating to watch Riley at work and I love the fact that he states that he is a Photographer + Alchemist as that really is what he does. I'd love to arrange a session for my other daughter and her husband as a wonderful wedding memory as well.
 Mixed Media Mixer: Altered Books
Sparrow Artspace, 36 4 St NE, Calgary, AB Sundays, October 15, 10am - 2pm $100 (Maximum 15 participants) Join artists Ana Zanella and Veronica Funk in this introduction to the world of mixed media art journaling through altering books. Utilizing reclaimed and recycled materials along with a large selection of supplies we will guide you in creating a beautiful and personal book while learning a variety of mixed media techniques. Altering books is a wonderful way to save books, repurpose and give them a new life in a beautiful way by recycling damaged or irrelevant books. Creating an altered book is like creating a beautiful journal filled with personal memories. The supplies required are really flexible. The fun thing with this creative process is just that…it’s extremely creative and open to all sorts of ideas. Wander through hardware, craft supply and dollar stores and pay attention to what draws your attention. Little gifts, cards or items such as receipts, paper napkins, postcards or business cards often end up working beautifully in an altered book. We will provide you with a book as well as a variety of materials available for you to use. REGISTER HERE |
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