Friday, June 19, 2009

Finding Purpose


Today was the girl's last day of exams so they are obviously all pumped up about the fact that school is over until September...........me?.....I'll let you know at the end of the summer. Now I do love having them around because they are good company and pretty cool kids but along with that comes all the driving which I feel quite mixed about. My oldest is supposed to be getting her license this summer but that too, is a double edged sword. I mean I know it's time and she is becoming more independent but now rather than driving her around I'll be sitting at home worrying that she's safe. There is no one more responsible than her and I know she'll be a great driver but I'm not deriving much comfort from that these days. Oh, the trials and tribulations of parenting. I suppose it never ends which is what my mother constantly tells me so I'll have to face the fact that I'll be spending a large majority of time breathing deeply, keeping my fingers crossed and realizing that some things are not under my control.

I need to be more like this guy that I met in the park last week.
He told me he sits on the same bench everyday and feeds the chipmunks. As I was standing there talking to him I was amazed at how many of them were gathered around him. He had names for them also, which some may find strange but I totally get. Jolly, is the chipmunk he's feeding in in the photo and I didn't ask why he named him as such. He said that coming to the park everyday and doing what he did gave him "purpose". That really resonated with me and I thought about it for hours afterward because isn't that what we are all looking for..........something that gives our lives purpose and meaning no matter how big or small............purpose........yeah, I love that!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Work for Images and the Joy of A Maple Latte

Reflection
6"x6"
Acrylic on Canvas, Copper Thread


Yesterday's yoga class has me wishing I was taking another one today. After class I felt so refreshed and ready to get back home and start painting which I did........but not until I stopped at the Blue Bottle for a Maple Latte which was probably one of the most amazing things I have ever tasted. Thankfully I don't live in Barrie or I know I'd be shelling out $4.00 a day drinking one. I asked the woman who prepared it for me how it was made and she kindly told me it was two shots of expresso, steamed milk and a shot of maple syrup. Can't get much more Canadian than that.


The above piece is the first I've finished for the upcoming Images Studio Tour. I think I'll do at least ten or so as they are a great price point at $100.00, come framed and most people who've seen them have picked one up. I've taken copper thread and inlaid or collaged it into the ground cover. The jpeg came out much darker than the actual piece is and doesn't quite pick up the shimmer like seeing it in real life would. Work is good and I'm happy with the way it's progressing. I'm almost finished my first 16"x20" which scared the hell out of me at first but I'm slowly getting used to working bigger. The small works are still fun but I do feel the need to branch out and experience what it is to work on a larger format.


Wherever you are in the world today ........... have a good one!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Flexibility


Tomorrow I'm off first thing in the a.m. to take a yoga class at the Y with my friend Diane. She is a member and has a free pass, one of which I used last week to take a Pilates class with her. The next morning when I got out of bed I felt as if I'd had a C-section in the night. My abs are still sore. When they say "work the core" they're not kidding. Speaking of yoga......
little known fact about me is that I'm a certified yoga instructor. Yes, I keep up a practice every day at home but it sure is a treat to take a class. Flexibility becomes even more important as you get older in both body and mind and believe me, I'm older so I know.
I've got three paintings to varnish before Friday. The Silverbridge Gallery wants to take some bigger pieces so I'm headed up to cottage country then. Truth be told I really hate varnishing. I just feel as if I'm going to totally screw it up and ruin my work. I generally use the brush on kind but am seriously thinking of the spray. Anyone out there with any advice?

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Dancing With Myself


For the past few weeks I've been surprised to find myself in the studio during the evening hours. Most of my work has generally taken place during the day with morning being my favourite time but I have to admit, I'm really liking the night. Not that it changes the work but it most definitely changes the vibe. I can't quite put my finger on it but there's something about the darkness that fuels me creatively but also mellows me out. I just recently saw Mara Korkola's work on Bravo's show "The Artist's Life". I am in amazement of her night time paintings of Toronto. So many of them remind me of driving down the Gardiner Expressway into the heart of the city. That is how I feel when I paint at night.


With all that being said......paintbrush in hand and ipod on.....I work and dance.


The girls find the dancing part disturbing. My oldest pointed out just last night that anyone walking down the street could look through my window and "see me". Oh no! Will they be scarred for life having seen me dance? Now I quite understand that fact that I won't be auditioning for "So You Think You Can Dance" anytime soon but come on......I'm not like Elaine in that Seinfeld episode.


Think I'll download some more music for tonight and invite the girls in to dance with me. At some point they'll realize the old saying "if you can't beat 'em ........might has well join 'em".

Friday, June 5, 2009

Simple Things Make Up A Great Day

Just Beyond
Work in Progress..................
16"x16"


Yesterday did not go altogether according to plan..............
John and I both needed to renew our passports and since he is headed to Colorado for a fly fishing trip in July we figured we should visit the passport office in Toronto in person. My passport photo is probably the worst photo I have ever had taken.....yuck.......I look like I just returned home from the asylum.... and no, I can guarantee you it will never be posted here.
So other than I fright I gave the passport clerk when I pulled out my photo, all went smoothly. $165.00 poorer.
John had an appointment so I dropped into Chapters........books and a chai latte... deliriously happy.
Lunch ended up being a fantastic little Indian restaurant just north of the city. We were planning on eating at the King Eddie but it was getting late and we decided not to drive downtown. So as were sitting there, across from each other, the only promise we made was to not talk about the kids. This was our time to discuss our stuff. We talked about how well things were going lately with my work , his work, a bit about politics but mostly about us.........
Note to self: Need more romantic lunchs with the man.
We we arrived home there was an email from Michelle at the Silverbridge Gallery letting me know she had sold two of my paintings today. Good news!
So here I sit ......... happy in this moment.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Getting Things Wrapped Up

Wide Open Spaces
6"x6"


Headed to Toronto tomorrow so I'm doing my best to get things wrapped up in the studio. Looking forward to taking lots of photos on University Avenue as I hear the trees are stunningly gorgeous right now. Back on Friday.............