Scattered

 

"Jitterbug" 24x72in mixedmedia on canvas $3456

Surrounded by scattered bits of tension, I hold a space where peace prevails. Living with tension seems to be the way of the world these days. Wars, weather and politics take their toll on patience. Amid so much negativity a positive outlook becomes more difficult to maintain.

I am thankful we decided to disconnect from news sources and television years ago. We have discovered we learn all we need to know from scattered bits of trusted information without the hype. A lack of hype allows space for reflection and peace of mind. Reflection is a daily routine over drinks before supper when we express our gratitude for the best things our day has brought to us.

“Jitterbug” looks scattered. A collaboration between myself and Doris Charest, we find our spirits renewed in this trusted alliance. Doris began this triptych with smooshing. She handed it over to me for the next steps. A month went by. Incubation time for ideas varies with the challenge. Accidents help. In the end we captured a playful spirit that can be displayed together or individually. We have entered it in the ISEA online competition “Utterly Profound”. Wish us luck!

Information on various events and shows is available on my website.

Celebration

"Celebration/célébration" 12x12in $490

 As a family, we do a lot of celebrating. I often hear the remark: I am so grateful for my family. At one time, celebration clustered in March and November. With the addition of several family members, we expanded to April, July and September. February is getting busy too. The more the merrier!

Collectively we can now join the natural celebration of spring. Finally!! The birds have already started. The ice and snow have melted away and I can walk to the pool again without fear of falling. “Celebration” commemorates this joyous occasion. Nestled in the wild woods just north of Stony Plain, the pond shows signs of open water although the geese still slide as they land. Beavers enlarge the space of open water with their noses and tails. Everything is excited.

With celebration in mind, Doris Charest and I are on our way to Stone’s Throw Café (13019 20 Ave NW Blairmore AB) which opens on the 12 May. Also VASA (25 Sir Winston Churchill Ave St. Albert) is holding their spring show from May 5  to May 30. In the meantime, I still have a solo show in Zyp Art Gallery in Calmar AB until August 3. A few other shows are on the way in June before we enter summer break. You can find more information in the “Events” section on my website.