Computer Gives Up The Ghost

My computer has finally given up the ghost. It has been making this strange beeping noise for the past few weeks when I try to turn it on and I've been just too lazy to find out what what the problem was. You could usually unplug it from the back and then plug it back in and voila you were in business but yesterday...no such luck. I dropped it off yesterday afternoon but haven't heard back yet. I just have a feeling the news ain't gonna be great. Luckily I can access the internet from my daughter's computer so all is not lost but I am trying to remember if I backed up my lastest works. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Another Show Comes To An End

Well I can't complain about the weekend except to say I'm tired out today. The tour was extremely successful even though the weather was less than cooperative. Any show in which I sell work is frankly, a good show. I considered this to be a great one. I sold framed work as well as some new stuff and picked up a lecture in Toronto for 2010.

I love how most people were trying to figure out "how does she do that?" so it's rather fun for me to be standing around listening to their comments not knowing who I am. Lots of talking and explaining but it was great as most days it's just me in the studio talking to myself and embarrassingly enough....answering.

My biggest thanks probably go out to John's mom who really picked up the slack around the house and made a fantastic meal for us everynight. If it were left up to me it would likely have been Kraft Dinner. Too exhausted by the end of the day is my excuse.

So during the show their is always one odd thing that happens that seems to stand out. Mine came from a man who confessed he hadn't even looked at my work yet but absolutely loved my artist statement. After finding out it wasn't yet posted to my website he asked if I could email it to him. Never ever received that request before but I'm a firm believer that there is a first time for everything.

So in my aim to please, here it is in it's entirety. Feel free to print if off if you'd like and even frame it if you want..........and yes, I am kidding!

MELODY MADDEN

ARTIST STATEMENT

Through my work I try to explore the persistence of things in the world. This fascinates me. The sky, bodies of water, trees and humanity………..the strength of the human spirit…….all of these things become symbols of endurance and timelessness
Within my art, glimpses of everyday merge with fragment of memory and of personal experiences. I do not concern myself with capturing naturalistic impressions whether they be nature based or figurative but instead focus on capturing a mood or a feeling. That blurred, soft, dreamlike line between where reality ends and spirit begins intrigues me. Creating work that is fluid and ever changing just as in life……a connection of sorts to a moment in time that inevitably disappears in an instant.
The use of organic materials within my work keeps me rooted in the natural world. A world of lush wools and silks, small stones from the shores of Lake Superior and finely woven threads. The delicate balance of these alongside manmade acrylic paints satisfies my need to remain grounded and centered in my work as well as in my life. It somehow connects me to the space in which I live, the world in which I inhabit.
My art does not strive to make a statement whether it be political or societal but instead it is, and continues to be, my search for enlightenment and connection which may in turn be a statement in itself.

Images Tour Begins Tomorrow

Deeply Rooted

Mixed Media on Canvas

Quick post as I'm just on my way out the door to help Hartley and Gary set up the show. If you are in the area and would like to take in the local colours as well as view some beautiful, original artwork.....please check out the Images Brochure on the website. Would love to see you.........

Split Decision

Mixed Media on Canvas

6"x6"

Crazy day today with the tour beginning on Friday but I'm hoping to blog tomorrow about our trip to the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) on Sunday. The Vanity Fair Exhibit was outstanding.

On The Go

Yesterday my beautiful first born baby turned 17. I looked at her and could feel nothing but love and pride at how wonderful a young woman she has turned out to be. I'm not taking any of the credit as my part and her dads was quite small. But if I had to take the credit I would take the loving, kind part and John can take the stubborn part.......o.k I'm only kidding!

Last night also turned out to be the university open house where all the schools show up to recruit a new batch of students who are looking to head off next fall. I didn't hold out much for the presentations but in the end it turned out to be quite informative and gave Sierah a better idea of what would work best for her. When I glanced over as she asked a question I couldn't help but notice at how grown up and independent she had become. For a split second I thought I may start to cry and totally embarrass her and have everyone thinking her mother may have emotional issues but I thankfully held it together in the end. I am excited for her and for the opportunities that will be there for the taking. Her life will open up in ways that she has never dreamed possible and truthfully, there is no one I know that is more ready to embark on a new chapter in their life then Sierah..................my beautiful, independent baby.

At The Five Media Launch

The media kickoff to the Images Studio Tour turned out to be a resounding success. My friend Anna who is also the owner of the North Simcoe News picked me up around 3:15 and off we went. The event was being held At The Five and was hopping when we walked in at 3:45. Anna, being with the media, was entitled to a Images Tour Cocktail which ended up being a Green Apple Martini with Carmel.........me?.... well artists had to buy their own drinks. Story of my life.................


So after some mandatory speeches, the food arrived and and everyone naturally gravitated there. This year the tour has joined forces with our local farmers and we are proudly raising the banner for supporting local food and local art. Most of the food the chef from At The Five served was local..........everything from butternut squash soup, vegetarian pizza, cheeses and salmon. It was all delicious and hats off to Kathy Hunt for organizing such a wonderful event.

By the time I got home I was hoping someone in the family had stopped off for a pizza as I was stuffed and forgot to take something out for dinner. Luckily I had made a large salad earlier in the day and threw together a few grilled cheese sandwiches. No one looked all that excited about the meal I had prepared (thrown together) but it was eat it or make your own. Everything got eaten.............

Food.....yummm

Artists Marlene Bulas & Gary Brierly

My friend Anna & the Mayor Harry Hughes

Images Tour Kickoff

Spent a bit of time in the studio this a.m. but the house needs to be cleaned in a bad way so after throwing in some laundry I washed the floor and started in on the bathrooms. I know I'm going to have to make some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies this afternoon as I promised my daughter I would yesterday and forgot and felt like a "bad" mother but I honestly don't feel like wearing my June Cleaver hat today.

On the art front..........our kickoff for the Images Tour 2009 will be held Monday September 28th At The Five Restaurant in Barrie from 4pm to 6pm

Check out the Images website and click Media Info for all the details.

Hope you have a great weekend