Joyful

"Joyful/joyeuse" 36x30in $2160

Easter week approaches its finish already! This joyful season set at the equinox as the days lengthen into a very welcome spring, celebrates new life. I think everyone is very tired of snow. I am certainly tired of ice. The pathway to the swimming pool has been invaded again and I am not much good at skating.

A joyful little waterfall

“Joyful” aptly describes this little waterfall adorning a small stream within the Mackenzie King Estate in the Gatineau Hills of Ontario. My husband and I visited the park a very long time ago. A photo takes years to incubate sometimes. While researching new inspiration for my obsession with water, I stumbled upon this old image in my collection. Little streams like this one make my soul sing. So, this painting now numbers among the creations in my series named “Source”.

Balancing act

As an artist, I wish to show my work so I apply to all sorts of different venues. Never certain of acceptance, lately, I have had to refuse one or two. Now I am juggling images wondering if I can avoid double dipping. Committing one image to two different venues does not really display good management. My joyful discovery of Artworks Archive is worth celebrating and I highly recommend it to anyone trying to keep things in order. 

Upcoming exhibitions

“Joyful” will be part of two exhibitions coming up in May and June. In the meantime, Duo (my collaboration with Doris Charest) has a show at the Walterdale Theatre from 15 to 25 April. Anyone who joins us at the reception on 14 April at 6:30pm can also join us for the preview of the latest play “Waiting for the Parade”. So looking forward to that! I also have a solo show at the Zyp Art Gallery in Calmar from 24 April to 31 July this year.

You can find more information in the “Events” section on my website. https://www.karenblanchet.ca

 

Communion

 

"Communion" neomosaic/mixed media on gallery wrap canvas $2025

For the Love of Water

The exhibition “For the Love of Water” opened on 5 February at CAVA (9103 95 Ave Edmonton). It closes on the 28 March.

Abundance

 My relationship with water began in my teens. Living in a country where water is plentiful, I am grateful for the abundance that surrounds us. Just as these children find the stream endlessly amusing, I too appreciate the pleasure water can provide.  Recreation forms a major part of my self-care. Whether I am relaxing in a bubble bath or swimming in the local pool, water provides the setting for peace and renewal.

Scarcer times

I have also lived without abundance. Residing on a boat during my early twenties, I discovered how to live within limits. We prioritized its use to drinking or cooking. As we had neither shower nor laundry facilities, cleanliness took on a different meaning. A basin, a bar of soap and a towel with a cup of water covered the necessities until we docked at a port of call. First on the list were laundry and refilling our five-gallon water containers. Scarcity enhanced respect in our relationship.

Delight

“Communion” centres on relationship. My daughters playing in the stream embody playfulness and ease. As I watched them, I cherished the delight of the moment. The shade and the cool water made it even more pleasurable. The joy we shared bubbled over into laughter and skipping rocks.

Complex relationships

Relationships are not always easy. The brokenness of my work hints at something amiss. When the glaciers disappear and the rivers run dry, I wonder how we will survive without our green lawns. In the meantime, I am thankful for modern plumbing and readily available drinking water. As for our lawn, it must fend for itself.

Shows

Just a reminder: both the CAVA and Artrium shows are coming to an end at the end of this month. New opportunities abound nonetheless. Duo (Doris Charest and Karen Blanchet collaboration) is showing in the Walterdale Theatre from 15 April to officially the 25 April. The Opening is on 14 April along with the preview of the new play to which every one is welcome. Then we are off to Crowsnest Pass and the Stone's Throw Cafe 13019 20 Ave Blairmore AB. Duo will be there from 12 May to the 7 July. 'Source" will be busy for the rest of the year, showing at the Zyp Art Gallery in Calmar AB from 20 April to 3 August and then in October at the Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery. Check out my website for more information.

For the Love of Water

 

"Salty Source/source saline" 40x40in neomosaic on gallery wrap canvas

$3200

All my adolescent and young adult years were spent breathing in the salty air of coastal waters. I love the sea. Moody and unpredictable, the water can soothe the soul as on this sunny day near Sydney, BC, yet it also possesses the power to tear a city apart and sink ships.

A Sejour on Vancouver Island

My parents took up residence on Vancouver Island for a brief while. Still in elementary school I failed to fully appreciate the beauty surrounding us. Here the ocean waters flow from the Arctic, enough to chill the bones. 

Setting sail for Australia

Just before my thirteenth birthday my family set sail on the HMS Iberia bound for Australia. Stopping in Las Angeles we said goodbye to some aunts and uncles we would not see again. Hawaii, still pristine before the fast-food stands arrived, captivated our imaginations as we shopped and waded in its warm waters. A typhoon made the crossing to Japan interesting and nauseous. I first saw poverty in Hong Kong. A memorable birthday celebration onboard preceded our stop in Manila, and eventually we arrived in Perth.

Enjoying the Seashore

Most of the Australian population hugs the ocean shore where people excel at surfing and all water sports. My previously sheltered life allowed me some swimming lessons for which I am most grateful. Swimming is an exercise I continue to enjoy even though I live far from the coast in the middle of a continent. Occasionally I stop doing laps and just lie in the water allowing it to soothe my soul.

Soon to be Seen!

“Salty Source/source saline” is on display along with four other 40x40in canvases from my series on water. CAVA (9103 95 Ave Edmonton AB) offers refreshments at the opening reception on 5^th February between 5pm and 7pm. Would love to see you there. Do check out my "Events" page on my website https://www.karenblanchet.ca for other upcoming shows.

Reflections on Water and the New Year