Fallen Leaves
Summer has past, leaves are falling and the trees are readying for winter’s long sleep. Another season come and gone. During these uncertain times I've been seeking light where I can in an artistic way, focusing on home and my creative community.
Art to Zen in Deloraine, MB (Nov 7)
Deloraine is a lovely rural town about an hours' drive from Brandon with a beautifully restored heritage building known as Prairie Skills Inc., now in use as an Arts Centre. In this presentation on November 7th, I look forward to sharing my artistic journey from A to Z, and talking about the creative process as a beneficial and therapeutic problem solving tool.
MAN 2024 Showcase (Oct 24-26)
Manitoba Arts Network's Annual Showcase promotes visual, performing and emerging artists, and was held this past weekend here in Brandon, MB. This showcase and MAN’s ongoing programming connects artists with Manitoba community arts organizations and attending the showcase is a great way to catch a glimpse of the incredible local talent out there! Some of my hand crafted work was shown there as part of their 210 Gallery Gift shop display table.
Little Valley Retreat near Polonia, MB (Oct 18-20)
10 days ago I went on a delightful weekend adventure with 4 other artists - a lovely creative getaway at the Little Valley Retreat near Polonia, just over an hour's drive east and north from Brandon. While there we enjoyed lively conversation, great food and focused creative time. I spent my time drawing out more of the linocut design I had started last year. What a beautiful location, and huge thanks to Roger our most gracious host. This venue is available for your getaway needs by leasing on AirBnB. Since then I finished drawing my design onto lino, and now the carving has begun!!
25 Days in Northern Tuscany, Italy (Aug 31-Sept24)
Three friends and I travelled to northern Tuscany for a creative holiday. We first arrived in Pisa, then spent 2 weeks at an art retreat 5km outside of Barga - north of Pisa in the foothills of the Apuan Alps - before heading to Lucca and finally Florence. Our instructor’s focus was a working en plein air - an outdoors creative adventure, weather permitting - while at this Art Toscana workshop. Huge thanks to Christopher and Krysia Bell for opening their home to us, sharing their hospitality, food and knowledge of the area and creative process. For me, the highlights of this amazing trip were the art retreat experiences, seeing my first Violet Carpenter Bee, walking the ancient city wall of Lucca, night dancing to a busker’s music on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence, and of course the food and wines of the region! Amazing scenery, creative learning and new friendships.
Fallen Artwork
My artwork Fallen #6 depicts our fall leaves in all their delicate glory, reflecting on the cycles of life, including a gradual drop in the heat of summer days, when leaves start to turn and fall, trees readying for their winter slumber. Leaves are symbolic of fertility and growth, while the colours blue, orange and yellow represent serenity, hope and happiness. I've produced ceramic mugs with this design and also have Fallen #6 original artwork listed in my website shop.
Thanks for your ongoing support of local artists and artisans, and best wishes to you and yours!