bohoarte

BRAVE INTUITIVE YOU

2012-01-29T21:40:00.000-08:00

Next week I start an online art course that will investigate "Brave New Intuitive Me".

My girlfriend Lianne bought it for me as a surprise. This is an acrylic/oil painting. The underpainting was done with acrylics and the top layer was painted with a new oil product that cleans up with water. FANTASTIC! The colour and layering is richer than anything I could do with simply acrylics alone.

ROOFTOPS

2012-01-29T21:14:00.000-08:00

This large acrylic painting was inspired by a photo from an old national geographic. I think it is a village in Belgium. I'll need to check. The photo is pinned to the bulletin board in the studio.

Thinking Tree

2012-01-12T22:03:00.000-08:00

fractured forest

2012-01-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

091088

2012-01-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

BrCA1

2012-01-12T12:09:00.001-08:00

Applied Biology

2012-01-02T22:18:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Sometimes the universe send you a message and you can't even see it. A month or so before Christmas I went out for a couple of errands on a rainy Saturday. I thought I would be home in an hour or so. Five hours later, I found myself at the counter of a local coffee shop ordering an Americano. The owner/barista saw me holding one of my prints while waiting for my drink and asked me what it was. My response was at most luke warm. "I kind of paint pictures and this is one of my prints", I replied as I rummaged through my wallet for some change. "I'd sure like to have some art up on the walls in here", he said. I smiled and kept searching for a quarter and then it hit me. "Do you think you might be interested in some of my work?", I asked. Within 45 minutes I had driven home and back, and was busy showing Scott and Tina (the owners of Perc's on 5th) some of my large canvases. The paintings have been up for a month now. Today I sold a painting (above) from the collection to a visiting couple from Victoria. I have officially declared 2012 The Year of the ARTIST.

Comox Glacier

2011-10-02T21:31:00.001-07:00

I have a clear 16 year old memory of sitting on the deck of The Blackfin Pub and looking up at the glacier while house hunting with my husband and thinking ...wow...we're going to move here. We've never looked back. The valley has been an ideal place for us for many, many reasons. I have been staring at the glacier daily for those many years wondering if I wold ever try to paint it. Finally, it happened. This is a straight acrylic paint on canvas (24 X 36). Now that I've painted it, I would really like to climb it. All in good time :)

Orchid

2011-10-02T21:25:00.001-07:00

Lady Bug

2011-10-02T21:23:00.003-07:00

Blue Dress

2011-10-02T21:23:00.001-07:00

Jungle Love

2011-10-02T21:20:00.001-07:00

Daybreak

2011-10-02T21:17:00.001-07:00

Fish

2011-10-02T21:15:00.001-07:00

Gazebo

2011-10-02T21:10:00.001-07:00

Fogo Island

2011-10-02T21:06:00.001-07:00

Pink Bamboo

2011-10-02T21:05:00.001-07:00

Disco Princess

2011-10-02T21:03:00.001-07:00

westcoast

2011-10-02T20:38:00.001-07:00

westcoast, originally uploaded by artsychik.

blue serenity

2011-10-02T20:37:00.001-07:00

blue serenity, originally uploaded by artsychik.

love

2011-10-02T20:36:00.001-07:00

love, originally uploaded by artsychik.

TRUFFULA

2011-10-02T20:35:00.001-07:00

TRUFFULA, originally uploaded by artsychik.

MATH WARS

2011-09-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

Remember high school math class? Long rows of kids with their books, pencils, calculators and silence. For some reason it felt like if you had a clue what was going on you sat in the first seat of the row and by the time you got to the last seat of the row it was complete confusion. I used to try to sit somewhere in the middle of the row as a general rule. Who would have thought that I would have become a math teacher? This is a big mixed media piece done with acrylic ink, grease pencil and acrylic paint. It is a tribute to everyone who has ever felt trapped in a math class. I think that just about covers all of us :)

LOVE TAGS

2011-09-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

FALLING WATER

It's hard to believe that I have to go back to my day job tomorrow. In the morning I will begin yet another school year. I figured out that aside from traveling and being too young to go to school, I have been going back every Tuesday after labour day for 43 years as either a student or a teacher. This year will be a little different as our oldest is starting university in Vancouver leaving us only one child at home. Along with my responsibilities as a parent and teacher, I will also need to find time for my art. Life is all about the balance.

GARDEN GIRL

These past few weeks have been full of family get-togethers, camping, preparing my classroom, professional development, sending our son off to school, getting our youngest ready for grade 7 and trying to stay on top of my creativity. This past month I saw my very first retail order. Our local card and gift shop "URANUS" and a card and gift shop in Victoria called "OSCAR & LIBBY'S" both ordered some of my "LOVE tags" as well as some cards. Life starts to get a bit more complicated but I'm up for the challenge. The pictures I am including on the site today are of my "LOVE tags". They are designed with colour, and daily wear and tear in mind. Let me know what you think.

BLUE DRESS

"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony."
Thomas Merton

Comox Valley

2011-08-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

I grew up in Vancouver. When I was young my family would often camp at Miracle Beach for our summer holidays. That was when it was still free to camp and there was no trouble finding a site. My days were filled with comic books and sand dollars. Little did I know that I would eventually end up living within a 10 minute drive of this magnificent park. The entire Comox Valley always held some mysterious allure for me. As a child, I remember buying some of my back to school clothes on fifth street (and today I find myself doing the same thing with my own children), and buying corn for dinner in Black Creek. I am thrilled to now be a member of the community. The acrylic painting that I am posting today is of the Old Post Office downtown. This building is now our community museum. This is another one of my Comox Valley Community pictures. I am hoping to paint some more over the next few months.

LAZY DAYS OF SUMMER

2011-08-17T14:05:00.001-07:00

It is at this point every summer when I think to myself, "how do I find time to work outside the home from September to June?" Being a teacher has afforded me the opportunity to enjoy some serious downtime each July and August. Sometimes it is filled with travel, camping or renovations. This year my summer has been filled with a lot of painting. I have found myself fantasizing about what it would be like if this were my real job. What if every morning I woke up, had my coffee, got dressed and walked out to the studio for the day. WOW! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE teaching. It is one of the most rewarding jobs out there. However, if I had to change vocations for a while, it sure would be fun to be a full time visual artist.

I am currently working on a series of acrylic paintings that reflect life in the Comox Valley. The two that I am posting today are from pictures that I recently took at the Crown Isle Golf Club. The gentleman is working on his short game on the practice putting green and the building is of the gazebo beside the clubhouse. I'm exploring a new painting style that I am having a lot of fun with. I hope it is reflected in the compositions.

DON'T FORGET TO DOODLE

2011-08-10T14:17:00.001-07:00

In the summer I finally have time to exhale and examine my world. One of my favourite things to do is to look through old sketchbooks. I still have some of my sketch books from high school. Last night I was supposed to be painting but decided to let myself get distracted by going through my sketchbook archives. My old drawings still provide me with inspiration when I look at them. I love reading the fine print that surrounds many of my doodles. It serves as a snapshot into what I was thinking while I was drawing the subject at hand. Sometimes the words reflect background noise, interactions that I had with others earlier that day or deeper social/political editorials that may or may not be connected to the imagery. The art is random and spontaneous. Taking time to doodle can help me to process my world and is still an important part of my evolution as an artist.

CVAG's Art on the Plaza

2011-07-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

Up until last week I had never painted in public before. I like the quiet predictable space of my studio. However, when I was asked by the Comox Valley Art Gallery a few weeks ago to paint on the plaza I knew I had to be fearless and take advantage of the opportunity. It was surprisingly a lot of fun. I enjoyed setting up my tent with prints and cards to purchase and I even enjoyed painting on the street.

The art gallery had approached 6 artists to participate. Meeting other local artists made it a bonus for me. The experience made me realize that I am not that familiar with our local artists. I am hoping to go to an opening at the art gallery tonight and start working towards a strong and supportive relationship between myself and our arts community in Courtenay. Thanks to Emily and the CVAG for the chance to paint.

GIRLFRIEND GETAWAYS

2011-07-18T08:12:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I hosted an evening at the studio for the women on my staff. We gathered to celebrate the retirement of one of our most loved and respected administrators. What a great time. We had planned to do some art but spent all of our time eating, drinking and giggling. At the end of the night a good friend of mine on staff , Becky, asked what I thought about using the studio to host a baby shower. What a terrific idea. What better way to celebrate with a group of friends than an afternoon of creativity and conversation.

Yesterday was shower day. Becky, Jana, Nicole, Alison, Lisa, Fiona, and Myriam (our guest of honour) arrived at the studio for the celebration at around noon. The women brought their own snacks and I provided the space. The first hour or so was spent outside catching up and enjoying some goodies. Fortunately, Becky is a complete foodie and spoiled us with some incredibly yummy treats. While it has been raining here for most of July, the sun came out and the guests were able to eat, drink and visit on the edge of our beautiful west coast rain forest behind the studio.

Then it was into the studio space to use mixed media techniques to create. The best thing about mixed media is that there are no rules and you don't usually know what the final piece is going to look like heading into the exercise. It really is about the process not the product. I have learned that like most things in the universe, the less pressure there is to reach a specific outcome, the more likely that outcome will be reached.

I introduced the women to water colour techniques, acrylic inks, acrylic paints, grease pencils, stamps, tissue layering and image distortion. What a great group. I think we can all use a little time away from our crazy lives and art is a perfect way to escape. Each guest created minimum of 2 compositions. The first composition was small and was meant to be an investigation to introduce the guests to many different techniques.

The second composition allowed each guest to choose their favourite techniques and play with them on a larger scale. There were some beautiful pieces done. I love that in creating art we can all start out with the same information, supplies and technical advice but then we create such incredibly diverse work.

Before the workshop ended, each of the small compositions were cropped and a small 3" X 3" tile was used in the creation of a paper quilt for the guest of honour. Myriam took home her own work as well as a beautiful signed keepsake of the event.

It was so much fun I can't wait to do it again soon.

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

2011-07-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

This composition is a combination of metal work, image distortion and found art. The copper was scrounged at a garage sale and the images are either old pictures from an atlas or photocopies of old advertisements or original compositions from my sketchbook. Each of the attachments between copper pieces are chunks of old pieces of jewelry that I have picked up over time. The focus of the piece was to represent my relationship with my partner. The pictures worked to show our past, present and future. The very top of the piece is wired into my old wedding band. It no longer fits, but serves as a terrific hoop to hang the composition on the wall. The base of the piece suspends my grandmothers watch, and a singleton ear ring that my husband bought me years ago ( I have since lost its partner).

We all have our own time machines,
don't we?
Those that take us back,
are called memories.
...and...
those that carry us forward
are dreams.

Uber-Morlock

Queen of the Universe

2011-07-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

June is a big month for mothers and teachers. As a mother, it is the start of an exciting couple of months when you have your children full time without distractions. As a teacher, it is the final chapter of a very fun and often challenging year. Being a teacher and a mother, I am sensitive to the unconditional effort and support our children's teachers have given them over the years. This June our son graduated from high school and our daughter finished grade 6. It was busier than usual but full of wonderful memories. This is an acrylic painting I did for our daughter's teacher. In the background you can barely make out words like passionate, understanding, supportive, enthusiastic, dedicated, patient etc. The body is a combo of acrylic inks and paint, and the head is a paint out of a printed image of her face (an artistic make over). I took a mild mannered teacher and turned her into the "Queen of the Universe" ( a self appointed title). She absolutely made a positive difference in the life of our daughter this year. We are incredibly grateful.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Max Ehrmann 1927

ART, AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

2011-06-12T19:58:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I last posted. I have been busy at school tying up loose ends and wrapping things up for year end. Recently, I have been working with one of my classes to create some incredible 3D tissue sculptures. Each student was asked to design and create something that could be found in the garden. The students' choices ranged from pink flamingoes to flowers and from snails to bumble bees. The class has generated over 40 individual sculptures that we are now show casing at our awards night. Together the pieces are each an integral component of an enormous 3D garden that will sit beside our stage. The final product is incredibly beautiful. It has been an absolute pleasure supporting and working with these young artists. They have reminded me why I love teaching and why creative exercises should not have a ceiling. Their insight, energy and vision have been inspiring and I am SO proud of them.

Summer has arrived at the Garage Mahal

2011-05-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

Finally we have had a day of warm weather. I spent it organizing our outside space. I find it so much easier to be creative when my space has some semblance of order. The back of the studio is now complete with stones, lawn furniture, fire pit, table and umbrella and loads of japanese maples planted out back. I am already daydreaming about having time to just sit out there and draw and read. Once the mowing, hauling and planting was complete, I was able to find a little bit of time to do some painting. This is an acrylic piece called "Summer Dreams". It is a reflection of an older version of my daughter sleeping in the grass. As soon as she saw it she asked if was supposed to be her. She loves it.

WISDOM, GRACE AND MOTHERHOOD

2011-05-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day.
I wanted to dedicate this post to all of the special mothers in my life and especially my very own mum.
Here are the things she taught me:

1. Be patient
2. Stand up for what you believe in
3. Leave things better than how you found them
4. If you don't have anything constructive to say then don't say anything at all
5. Remember this all looks good on a resume
6. Love art and music
7. READ!
8. Don't take yourself too seriously
9. Always be willing to crank the stereo, open the windows and dance or sing
10. Hug your babies
11. Learn as much as you can
12. Enjoy every day
13. Nobody's perfect
14. Set goals and work hard
15. Drive carefully

Mum is quiet on the outside but loud on the inside. She has loads of beliefs and tons of wisdom but chooses not to share unless asked. She is graceful and strong. She is a feminist but has never lost her femininity. She is tough but generous, kind and understanding. She is my hero.

LOVE YOU MUM

4 Day Weekends

2011-04-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

I know I am not alone when I suggest that the 4 day on- 4 day off work schedule would be pretty easy to get used to. I am enjoying the tail end of my Easter Long Weekend. I have enjoyed a family dinner, an outside fire, a picnic in the yard, Easter breakfast, the company of friends, lazy mornings, hockey games, walks, time in the garden and even a little painting. Our veggie beds are built and await seeds and starters and plants that have been transplanted from the garden wait anxiously for a little warmth and sunshine. Neither of these are currently available. When I look around the yard I can see that the buds on the Alder trees, fruit trees and mock orange are ready to burst out. In a few weeks our 5 acres will turn into a paradise of greenery and solitude. I can't wait.

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

2011-04-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

The rain is pounding down outside and the wood stoves are roaring. It feels more like fall than spring. On days like today I try to make sure that I can carve out at least an hour to go to the studio and create. That's exactly what I did this afternoon. My son had gone to work. My daughter was at the movies, and my husband was watching the masters. It was a perfect storm for creativity. My goal was to finish a piece that I had only just started yesterday. I was certain that I could just add a few finishing touches and the composition would be complete. I was quickly reminded that one should never approach painting with a deadline. It is usually is the kiss of death. When I went out to the studio the painting looked as though it needed a few minor changes and now it looks like it will be hours before I reach completion. Funny how that goes. In frustration I considered painting over it entirely and starting again, but I am hopeful that the composition will develop a depth and richness as I muddle through the process.

I did manage to finish this painting of the bride this week. I had been working on it off and on for a few months. I was trying to capture the contentment in the facial expression of an angel I used to have on my Christmas tree as a child. I think she has a certain 70's quality about her. To me she represents love, peace and hope wrapped in a beautiful flowing white dress of grace and dreams.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

2011-04-03T18:31:00.001-07:00

It was an incredible sunny and clear day in the Comox Valley yesterday. I'm not sure if it has been a longer winter than usual or if I am just ready for a change of seasons but I found myself excited as I felt spring is definitely in the air. My gardening books have been pulled off the shelves. I started making "the list" of things we need to get done outside over the next few months. Kitchen cupboards are getting cleaned out and the dog was even hunting for bullfrogs in the pond. These are all signs of spring in my world. As it turns out it was a bit of a tease as the temperature was much cooler today and we had little sun. Regardless, I am confidant that it is just around the corner. I painted this picture of tulips to remind myself that it won't be long now. This is a 2' x 3' acrylic painting with an oil pastel finish.

SHOPPING

2011-03-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

I think I would enjoy shopping if I didn't have to worry about how much money I was spending. Instead I write up a menu each week and try to shop to that. I have had all spring break to get my shopping done for the week but I have left it to the last possible minute. I even talked myself into painting a quick composition of a woman (with money) going shopping instead of getting in the car and going myself. The good news is that this 2' X3" painting was done in less than 90 minutes and I really like it. I often find myself fiddling over pieces. Spending far too much time on the product and not having as much fun with the process. I would write more but I REALLY have to go and get some groceries before dinner.

Art and The Space Time Continuum

2011-03-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy few weeks and very little time for non-prescriptive creative energy. I have been to Houston, TX for work and have been working hard at school to keep ideas fresh and marks up to date. Finally, today I was able to get some much needed studio time. It was stormy and rainy day. A perfect storm from a creative perspective. I had nothing that I HAD to do and the weather made it difficult to feel obligated to do much else than get the dishes done and do some painting. I am busy working on a city scape that I hope to share with you next week. This week I am showing you a picture of some crazy jewelry that I created at a moment when I was feeling a little sorry for myself. I had just complimented a woman on her wonderful necklace at the local coffee shop. It was chunky, creative and unique. I started to drive home from getting my coffee and thought that I must be able to make my own jewelry (even though I had little money). On the way I stopped by the Hospital Thrift Store and found an old cuckoo clock for 25 cents. I brought it home and bashed it apart. I created my own unique piece of jewelry using the motor and chain that came with the clock. I have had more compliments on this necklace than just about any other piece of jewelry that I own. I am now constantly on the hunt for old and ignored industrial pieces that may have an accessory application. It certainly makes garage sales a lot more interesting.

ALTERED BOOKS

2011-02-19T21:21:00.001-08:00

An altered book is a form of mixed media artwork that changes a book from its original form into a different form, altering its appearance and/or meaning. Recently I got together with a good friend and colleague at my school to develop a unit on altered books. The goal was to give the students of an English 10 Honours class each an atlas and some drawing and painting techniques to get started in developing their own creative reflective journal. The idea was not a new one. I had done it before with another good friend of mine, but it was a long distance relationship and I wasn't able to fully participate. A few years ago I tried it again with one of my art classes but it wasn't the right group. This time it has been different. Students are crawling out of the woodwork to ask me for art supplies and paints at lunch. The art rooms are full of teenagers being creative even without being asked. Many of the students now developing the altered books are neither Art students nor English students. They simply represent a portion of our population that need to express themselves creatively. We are having so much fun watching the students explore and take risks without worrying about breaking the rules.

"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun." - Mary Lou Cook

SHADOW BOXES AND BIRTHDAYS

2011-02-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

You only turn 80 once. This last week marked my mother's 80th birthday. My mum and I have a wonderfully close relationship. My parents separated when I was 12. While my dad played an important role in my life and we were also close, I was especially close to my mum. I have three brothers and a sister but they all had moved out on their own by the time my mum and dad broke up. It was just me and mum for the next 10 years.The teenage years were a challenge. I wasn't the easiest kid to raise and my mum was working 3 jobs just to cover the bills. Even with all of her financial obligations, she never missed a parent night and rarely a home game. She sat patiently in the stands between shifts to cheer me on. She has gone out of her way to make herself available to me physically and emotionally. She has always been my biggest fan. When I became a mother I often found myself wondering if I could be as a great a mother to my own children as she has been to me. While I haven't lived up to my mother's legend in my mind, I have found my own way through motherhood and have had there beside me to help support and guide me on my journey. This weekend I hosted a birthday party for her. All three of my brothers, my sister, my niece, nephew, grand nephew, my wonderful outlaws and close friends all managed to take time out of their busy lives to come to celebrate mum's 80th. The question of the day was ..."what do you get an 80 year old woman who doesn't want for anything ?" We decided to create her a shadow box. Everyone was asked to bring something that reflected their connection to the day. In the end we worked together to create a small but intimate time capsule that reminds us all why our mum is a hero to each of us. We love you mum. Thanks for everything.

MANADALAS

2011-02-06T22:16:00.000-08:00

It must be wishful thinking on my part but I have found myself wearing my flip flops most of the week. It's not like it has been exceptionally warm, but I have noticed a small change in the temperature. I think it's still only 3-4 degrees celcius in the morning but at least it's not freezing. I don't have to warm up my car. I don't have to scrape its windows. The days are getting longer. I can feel spring just around the corner. This latest painting represents one of nature's mandalas. Recently my mum bought me a beautiful book on mandalas. It is full of incredible imagery and reflections. One of my favourite quotes from the book is one by Pearl S. Buck. It reads, "Order is the shape upon which beauty depends". I look forward to nature's mandalas this spring. It won't be long now.

THE ART OF ANATOMY

2011-01-29T23:11:00.001-08:00

It might be apparent by now that I seem to have a preoccupation with the human body. My day job includes teaching biology to high school students. One day when I have more time I will complete an entire physiology painting series. As I work my way through the curriculum each semester I have to fight the urge to focus on the information relating body processes less and focus on the compositions found within the systems more. Eventually I will have the time required to explore the human organism from a purely artistic perspective and just read about the structure and function for fun.

FERTILITY AND THE UTERVERSE

2011-01-23T21:18:00.000-08:00

I have always had incredibly vivid and dynamic dreams. Many years ago before my children were born and I was doing very little art, I had a dream that I was standing in a gallery looking at a massive painting. Everyone was gathered around it chatting and commenting. I asked the person beside me who had painted it and he said "you did". What? I was a gallery opening of my work? The composition was huge (probably 6' x 8'). The painting was of a monstrous uterus with stars inside of it. The cervix was wrapped and knotted with a piece of rope. I looked at the title card on the wall. It read "Woman Confined by her own Fertility". I still remember that dream like it was yesterday. It has been an interesting point of reflection for me as I have tried to balance parenting and motherhood with my creativity. I am happy to say that it hasn't been an "either-or" situation for me. While I may not be a full time artist I still have time for art in my life and my children couldn't be more supportive of my pursuit. This painting is not the same painting from my dream but it was inspired by it.

SNOW DAY!

2011-01-12T19:07:00.001-08:00

Last night when I went to bed the snow had already started. I absolutely LOVE being a teacher but secretly inside even I was hoping for a snow day. When I woke up this morning and looked outside I saw just shy of a foot of snow on my deck. Next, the radio was announcing that school was cancelled. They also advised people to stay off the roads and I was more than happy to oblige (sometimes it can pay off to have a 20 minute commute). I grabbed my daughter and we ran outside to build a snowman.

I'm not sure what it is about a "Snow Day" that makes it so appealing. It wasn't like I had loads of extra time. We had to dig out the cars from the driveway (400 feet of unsealed surface) and get them out to the road for tomorrow so that we could be sure to get off the property in the morning. That took quite a while because as we got them part way down the drive, they inevitably got stuck again. By early afternoon the sun was shining and the cars were finally out at the road. However, last time I checked the snow plow hadn't got to our street yet. Living in the country means that you get your road plowed last. Getting into to town was still a problem.

After the cars were taken care of I came back in the house, made myself a cup of tea, marked some papers, prepared for some classes and headed out to the studio. It was like a found day. I had not been expecting to be in the studio at all today. Working, commuting and parenting are a very full order. I was only out there for an hour or two but it was so rewarding. Things always feel more fulfilling when we don't expect them.

A Fresh Start

2011-01-04T19:11:00.000-08:00

WOW! Christmas break came and went faster than ever. I want to wish you all a very happy new year and warm wishes for 2011. While I don't believe in resolutions I do love the fresh start that the new year provides me mentally. One of my goals for the year is to expand my internet audience. If you see anything you like on my blog please consider forwarding my link to a friend. I am working at learning how to do a better job at promoting my art and blog readers play a key role in helping to keep my work alive online.

Today I started back at my day job (high school teacher) and wish I had found more time to paint while I was off. I did manage do create a few things and will be sharing them with you over the next few weeks. The first thing I wanted to share was a present I made for a good friend of mine. This gift was inspired by an old luggage tag from her parents house I found in a winter coat she had downsized to me over 10 years ago.

I first attached the tag to a larger manilla tag before it was all attached to a piece of copper. Using inks, paints, and scoring I transformed the circa 90s luggage tag into something that appears to be much older. The opposite side of the copper seemed a little bit bare so I attached an old map of her home town and did my best to age it as well. Both sides were embellished with some odds and sods I had hanging around the studio and VOILA! While I was creating the piece I learned that the old house will soon be on the market. Timing is everything isn't it?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2010-12-26T19:35:00.001-08:00

Wishing you the very best of the season and

hoping you are all surrounded by peace, love and happiness.

Winter Vacation

2010-12-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

Today marked the first day of my winter holidays. At 8:30 am this morning not a creature was stirring. The house was quiet. Nobody was fighting for the bathroom. I was not doing my version of fridge tetris as it was ransacked to find food for the children's lunches. Even the dog was still sleeping. By 8:45 am my daughter was up and squealing. It was snowing outside and it was sticking. Soon we were searching for a Christmas tree to cut down. It seemed especially rewarding to be looking for a tree on our own property with the snow coming down. It felt incredibly Canadian. I love snow. I love Christmas.

SEA CHARMS

2010-12-12T18:57:00.000-08:00

I try to make a different tree ornament each year. This year I decided that I would keep costs down by creating some chachkas out of found objects. Our local beaches were scoured for shells and jewelry boxes were emptied for broken chains and solo ear rings. The result??....SEA CHARMS. I wrapped the treasures onto the shells with silver wire and adorned them with some old beads and VOILA! Simple. Elegant. Unique. Every sea charm is different. They reflect my geographical world and pack rat nature. They are on sale at the Comox Valley Art Gallery and also out of my studio.

WITH GRATITUDE

2010-11-27T20:33:00.000-08:00

We made it. My first open house is officially over. The studio has been cleaned. The dishes are done and put away and here I sit at the computer sipping white wine and feeling incredibly grateful. Grateful for family. Grateful for friends. Grateful for snow on the ground and a cozy outside fire. Grateful for good weather. Grateful for positive feedback and fabulous energy. Grateful for a wonderful open house. Grateful for so many of you that have inspired me to follow my dream. I'm almost afraid to ever do it again as I can't imagine it being any better than it was today.

PEACE AND LOVE

Birthday Parties and Prayer Flags

2010-11-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

Birthday parties have always been a big deal for my family. When the children were younger it was my way of staying creative is a busy and distracted world. While it was only once a year per child, I would spend hours planning and creating to pull it off. Most parties were designed around a theme: cowboy/cowgirl party (complete with bad guy, gold and line dancing), fairy party, masquerade party, jammie party etc. The kids are getting older and my daughter is the only one that still wants a party. Yesterday we celebrated her 11th birthday with a Prayer Flag Party. We invited 16 girls but in the end only 13 could make it (thank God). We headed out to the art studio where I showed them how to make their own stamps using fun foam from the dollar store. Once the stamps were dry, we used them as well as many other stamps I have gathered over the years to decorate some pre-cut and pre-basted pieces of broadcloth. Each girl painted and stamped 7 flags. They were so happy to have the time and space to create together. I was grateful and excited to be able to provide them with both. The flags are still hanging in the garage but I will package them up today and send them off to school with my daughter tomorrow to distribute. I don't know what I'm going to do when she stops having parties.

Old World Ornaments

2010-10-29T13:26:00.001-07:00

These Christmas tree ornaments reflect some of my favourite things: the holidays, old art, and junk. Two years ago I found myself at a garage sale (which is often the case) where there was a large piece of tarnished copper for sale. I picked it up for next to nothing and it has sat ignored ever since. This fall as I was sorting out The Garage Mahal, I came across the piece of old copper and a donated art book that was falling apart. There is something special about creating something out of found materials. The end product seems to project an inherent street cred. In the case of the book and old copper I was able to synthesize my Old World Ornament Collection. I'm already thinking about next Christmas.

Doors and Portals

2010-10-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

Anything can be a canvas. When my husband and I were working on the Garage Mahal, we gratefully accepted used building materials from friends and family. One of the items we received was an old garage door. While we did not find a use for it as a door, I recently decided that it would make a terrific canvas. My passion for trees seemed like an obvious compositional choice. Now we need to decide where to put it. It may serve as our address sign at the foot of our driveway or it may just be hung on one of the outside walls of the garage. Wherever it ends up it will always serve as a reminder to me that I don't need much to create...just time and space.

Forces of Nature

2010-10-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it's already October. I wake up most mornings before 6 and enjoy standing on my front porch and feeling the change in the air. It's cool but mild, clear, crisp and fresh. I think autumn may be my favourite time of year. I bake bread, make soup, and start fires in my wood stove. I long for storms and rainy nights. I patiently wait to have many of my compositions revealed to me in my sleep. Autumn and winter seem to bring me many images while I dream.

I continue to work on "Evolution of the Larynx". While this may never be complete, here is the latest installation. I have also completed three other pieces: "Danish Orchid", "Snow Banks", and "Medieval Reflections". The last piece was created for a teaching unit I am doing with a colleague that explores Medieval Art and reflects heaven and hell. I plan to go into her class this week and teach the students some mixedmedia techniques and guide them through a process that will result in the creation of individual "stained glass" compositions to go on display around the building. I'll keep you posted.

Evolution and change

2010-09-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

This title sums up my life most days but specifically this last week. I have pulled out an old painting and I am changing it. I started the piece a year and a half ago and it has changed many times since its inception. In the spring of 2009 I lost my voice. I actually lost it for 4 months. It was a strange time. I am used to being in control and running other people's lives. My condition made it very difficult for me to do this. I had to take time off work and was only allowed to talk for 20 minutes a day. The kids got used to my foot stomping patterns on the floor and even the dog learned to come in from outside when she heard a specific hand clapping sequence. I didn't know what to do with myself, so I decided to paint. My first painting was the one that I have just recently pulled out again. It started out as a composition of my voice box and has now changed into an abstract painting of a flower. The painting is called "Evolution of the Larynx". It seems so appropriate that I have begun working on it yet again as I had to return to work on Tuesday after having the summer off. Working full time will prove to be a challenge. Evolution and change are my personal themes this week. I'm not sure if the painting will ever be finished. I think it may always be getting shaped by biological forces in its environment but I thought I would share this piece as it is transformed from one generation to the next.

The Garage Mahal

2010-09-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

Two years ago my girlfriend talked me into going to ARTFEST in Port Townsend. I remember having a specific conversation with her about why I was ignoring my art and why wasn't I carving out a space on our 5 acres to have a studio. At the time I was completely overwhelmed at the thought of it. I couldn't imagine spending the money, or finding the time to build or re-build an existing structure. My days were already full of teaching high school, driving two kids back and forth to their activities, and managing a household. Even if I did find the time to create the space, I couldn't imagine finding the time to use it. My husband and I did some changes to an existing structure and less than 2 years later we have the Garage Mahal.

I no longer have to try to make dinner around my easel. My family is not finding paint brushes stuck to the bottom of their dinner plates and I am not constantly washing my kitchen floor. I have the luxury of setting up a few compositions at once, working on them until I fell like stopping and then walking away. It makes all the difference in the world. Every artist needs a habitat.

Today I am an artist

2010-09-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and something was different. I felt as though I have had my metaphorical bags packed for the past 2 years but today I started my journey to becoming an artist. Thanks to the overwhelming support of my friends and family I am now a "Local Artist". Yesterday our local art gallery (Comox Valley Art Gallery) and a wonderful gift shop in Comox (the Cottage Gardener) accepted my work. I can't tell you how nervous I was showing up with my art cards and prints in their sealed cello bags, hoping that I was not going to embarrass myself. The women in charge of both shops were genuine and warm. Both of them took the time to smile, laugh and encourage me on my journey. Both of them took my work and seemed happy to have it. Who knows if my work will sell but it has now been officially released to my community. This Blog will serve as my journal for the next many months/years as I balance my life between motherhood, art, partnership, and teaching. I will sign off for now as I promised myself I would spend some time in the Garage Mahal (my studio) this afternoon. It will feel different today somehow.

Arbutus

2010-09-03T13:21:00.001-07:00

arbutus, originally uploaded by artsychik.

As a child I spent many hours swimming in Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island. Looking back to shore from the water I remember all of the craggy arbutus trees growing out of the rocky bluffs. I was always amazed at how little soil and water they needed to survive. This print is taken from a larger (18 X 24) composition created from acrylic and pastel.

Petula

2010-09-03T13:20:00.001-07:00

pink petula, originally uploaded by artsychik.

As a child I always grew up with music in the house and remember dancing all the time. One of my favourite songs was “Downtown” by Petula Clark. This piece always reminds me that we all need to stop and dance a little more often. The original canvas is a mixed media piece of acrylic, pastel and collage.

Garden girl

2010-09-03T13:18:00.001-07:00

aqua garden girl, originally uploaded by artsychik.

Just like my art, I like to have lots of colour in my daily life, and gardens are the best way for me to accomplish this. Garden Girl symbolizes all women and their search for colour and beauty in the world around them.

Ovulation

2010-09-03T13:17:00.001-07:00

ovo, originally uploaded by artsychik.

I painted this piece when i was pregnant with my second child. It depicts the egg being released by the follicle on the surface of the ovary. I was thrilled when my girlfriend Lianne Raymond decided to use this as the cover to her eBook, "What is Dying to be Born: a compilation of women's wisdom, vision and imagination".

Pink Serenity

2010-09-03T13:13:00.001-07:00

pink serenity, originally uploaded by artsychik.

This mixed media piece went through many evolutions. I created it when a good friend of mine was in need of peace in her life. The word serenity encapsulated what i wanted to give her.

Red Peony

2010-09-03T13:11:00.001-07:00

red peony, originally uploaded by artsychik.

This is one of my favourite paintings. I am gravitated to the sharp contrast between the red and green as well as the depth of colour at the base of the petals.

Delphinium

2010-09-03T13:08:00.001-07:00

delphinium, originally uploaded by artsychik.

Every year i plant delphinium in my garden and every year i seem to accidently mistaken it for a weed and pull it out. This acrylic painting is of the one delphinium that made it through my weeding campaign. I have more delphinium in my garden this year as i have forgone weeding all together.

Miss Ross

2010-09-03T13:06:00.001-07:00

Miss Ross, originally uploaded by artsychik.

If Diana Ross was a flower she would look like this. I am not sure whether it is the bold contrast or rich colour but this piece symbolizes a simple and quiet elegance to me.

Fresia

2010-09-03T13:04:00.001-07:00

fresia, originally uploaded by artsychik.

This is a painting of one of my favourite flowers. i tried to reflect a more oriental feel to this composition.

Daisy

2010-09-03T13:03:00.001-07:00

daisy, originally uploaded by artsychik.

I can't seem to get enough of nature and garden inspired art. The repitition of colour, tones, and patterns always lends itself to such rich and simple compositions. This is a painting of a daisy form my front garden that got a colour makeover.

Haight

2010-09-03T12:59:00.001-07:00

SF, originally uploaded by artsychik.

This arylic and pastel composition was created after I visited SF with my family. One of our favourite things to do when we are in the city is to walk and enjoy all of the architecture that SF has to offer.

FAIRY

2010-09-03T12:57:00.001-07:00

FAIRY, originally uploaded by artsychik.

My daughter like many little girls loves fairies. This mixed media composition was designed for her bedroom. She represents imagination, empowerment and beauty.

FLW

2010-09-03T12:54:00.001-07:00

FLWolives, originally uploaded by artsychik.

This composition was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and retro scando design.

morris

2010-09-03T12:51:00.001-07:00

morris, originally uploaded by artsychik.

This is a new age William Morris inspired piece. I like to imagine an entire entrance hallway with the walls adorned with this wallpaper.

ABERDEEN

2010-09-01T13:20:00.001-07:00

ABERDEEN, originally uploaded by artsychik.

A composite mixed media painting of my husband's grandfather from Aberdeen.

waterlillies

2009-08-07T22:14:00.003-07:00

waterlillies, originally uploaded by artsychik.

brave new world #2

2009-04-11T16:38:00.007-07:00

brave new world #2, originally uploaded by artsychik.

almost famous

2009-04-11T16:37:00.007-07:00

tree block, originally uploaded by artsychik.

Healing Garden

2009-04-11T16:37:00.005-07:00

medicine, originally uploaded by artsychik.

holding tank #1

2009-04-11T16:37:00.001-07:00

holding tank #1, originally uploaded by artsychik.

smiling buddha

2008-09-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

2872739507_8a158db906_b, originally uploaded by artsychik.

Freedom

2008-09-22T17:49:00.003-07:00

IMG_8951, originally uploaded by artsychik.

kelp

2008-09-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

IMG_1502, originally uploaded by artsychik.

horse skull

2008-09-20T13:30:00.001-07:00

IMG_8936, originally uploaded by artsychik.

molly's garden

2008-09-20T13:27:00.001-07:00

molly's garden, originally uploaded by artsychik.

Molly

2008-09-20T13:26:00.001-07:00

IMG_8923, originally uploaded by artsychik.

Will

2008-09-20T13:25:00.001-07:00

IMG_8924, originally uploaded by artsychik.

Buck

2008-09-20T13:21:00.001-07:00

IMG_8940, originally uploaded by artsychik.

Faith

2008-09-20T13:18:00.001-07:00

IMG_8941, originally uploaded by artsychik.

reflectICON

2008-09-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

IMG_8902, originally uploaded by artsychik.

boo

2008-09-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

IMG_8917, originally uploaded by artsychik.

rachael

2008-09-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

IMG_2452, originally uploaded by artsychik.