Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Nature in the Balance at Lightcatcher Museum

If you are interested in seeing our local artist's interpretations of the effects of global warming on the planet...take a look at this show at the Lightcatcher Museum: Nature in the Balance http://www.whatcommuseum.org/  I have a painting of an Antarctic iceberg hanging in the center section...my thinking in painting it being, if we truly see the beauty on earth, how can we harm that. We should do anything and everything in our power to protect what we have.

Art is a good way to make statements about what we hold dear.  When I was a beginning painter, an instructor said to me, What are you saying?  I shrugged...That I like pretty flowers?  If it was good enough for Georgia, couldn't it be good enough for me?  Still I like the shape of the iris and if you take a look at my painting, you will see it resembles a flower.  Toward the culmination of the piece, I noticed shadows in the right corner that resembled Leopard Seals...a native of Antarctica.  I believe in the process of the subconscious...it will come through every time with meaning, whether we are conscious of what we mean to say or not.

How do we become more conscious?  I think writing and art are helpful tools in discovering meaning.  Also, we have meditation, the mountains, walking, breathing, listening to bird calls and beautiful music.  Summer is a good time to recline in nature, close one's eyes and listen.  A bee, a fly, the wings of a bird, the water lapping, a fish jumping, the croak of a frog.   This morning early I heard a loon call twice.  This is what I am saying in my paintings.  Nature is precious and beautiful.  I bask in this beauty.  And I want to protect it.

Here's the piece in process...the final version you will have to take a look at at the museum.  The show hangs through the summer...so you have plenty of time.  Enjoy!

Antarctica Iceberg

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Winter Show at Jansen Art Center

If you haven't been to Lynden, it's a treat to visit this special town not far out Meridian from Bellingham.  There's a great Dutch bakery there to enjoy a treat and the windmills are delightful.  I'm reminded of my old stomping grounds, Coeur d' Alene, Idaho...only there we had a statue of Paul Bunyon.

But this quaint town has more to offer than Dutch treats, there's a beautiful art center near the bakery.  This winter my work is being shown there.  So give yourself an artist date and take in the art center, the gift shop, and the cafe at the art center.  Here's the link:
Jansen Art Center in Lynden. www.jansenartcenter.org/

Also, if you like doing collage, I'm holding a collage class this Sunday, the 20th, from 1-4 PM.  Currently I have three folks signed up.  I can have up to 10.  I think 6 would be ideal.  It is $25.00, which includes, board, glue, & magazines.... and I'll have the teapot on and some snacks.  If you are interested let me know.  I can be reached at wildcanyons@msn.com