For those of us on the west coast of Canada, Fall and Winter are perfect seasons to stay inside guilt-free and pursue any kind of creative venture. I say this because when I’m painting indoors in my studio on a nice day I can still hear echoes of Mom saying, “go outside to play, its a nice day!”
Actually we probably weren’t given much choice. It was expected that kids went outside to play, rain or shine. We were happy to do it for the most part. Clad in raincoats and rubber boots we could always find adventures splashing our way up small ditches, playing hide and seek etc. There were a lot of kids in our neighbourhood too. So there seemed to always be playmates ready and available.
My point being that I still struggle with being inside on a sunny day. Imagine when I lived in Hawaii for a year! Every day seemed to be sunny and so on the occasion when I really just wanted to hang out inside I had to give myself a good talking to.
So this Fall has been busy with art making (lots and lots of rainy days!). I have 2 gallery shows in which I have some artwork. This has been fun, exciting and a challenge. Who knew all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes in prep for the show. Aside from painting and creating there is the finishing (varnish, etc), tidying up the edges, wiring with the correct wire at the correct height, shipping, transporting, etc. Standards for shows are very explicit. Needless to say I’ve learned a lot.
Below are the two pieces accepted into the Federation of Canadian Artists upcoming 10″ squared show which is a fundraiser. From my ‘Life; boat series: #6 Destination and #5 Night Crossing. They will be hanging in the gallery on Granville Island, Vancouver. Here is the link to see the gallery on line or see it in person (good chance to visit Granville Island!). https://artists.ca/federation_gallery The show doesn’t start until December 13th and runs till the 23rd. And while the show is on these pieces can’t be sold from my website (part of the contract of most shows).
The other six pieces are in the square foot show at Artwrx gallery: https://artwrxstudio.ca/ This show is in-person till tomorrow and will continue on-line through to December 19th. All work is sold through the on-line venue.
And finally I am getting ready for December 21-24th for a pop up table at Comox Valley Art Gallery, https://www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com/ on the lower level. I will be there with 2 other artists/artisans. So if you are out and about walking downtown Courtenay come and visit me.
Here’s to rainy days! Cheers. Elaine
