In 1993, my sister and I were in a flea market. Even back then we had a lot of fun hunting for inspirational items. An old couple in a booth stopped us. An old woman wanted to sketch us. Her husband sketched my sister while she sketched me. She captured everything, from my mole to my heart shaped pendant. After our sitting, she placed my portrait in this very simple cardboard frame and then placed it in a plastic bag. I still have this portrait. It only cost me $20 but it is one of my most precious artworks in my studio. The kind old artist captured a moment in time, the year before I started university (living away from home for the fist time). The blank page where one chapter ends and a new chapter begins. She captured how my hair would always bunch up at the back of my neck. She is an amazing artist, but she added one feature that in reality I do not have. I do not have ear lobes. I often share the story of how all of us have quirky things about ourselves, our nuances, our special secret. My special secret is that God forgot my ear lobes. My kids laugh every time.
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One of my past trips to Berlin, Germany, we visited one of my husband's best friend's flat to grab some home cooked lunch. As I walked around his gorgeous apartment with high ceilings my eye caught a glimpse of the most intriguing paintings. The paintings had such depth to them. Then I was exposed to the story. My husband's best friend is the grandson of Paula Modersohn-Becker. Paula Modersohn-Becker was a Germain painter and one of the most important representatives of early expressionism. I do not like to categorize painters but she was truly modern for her time. Fast forward years later, I sometimes bump into magazine articles and books all on Paula Modersohn-Becker's works of art. Her paintings are breath-taking and after reading her biographies and watching documentaries of her life and her art ~ she truly painted for herself. She died at a very young age, but she left this world with such a legacy and such beautiful art. She is an inspiration. I have this wooden storage chest where I buy several copies of all the magazines I happen to come across; gifts for when we visit Germany again.
'I Know a Place' will be showcased during the BowsART 150 Holiday Group Exhibition at ART SQUARE Gallery located right across from the AGO. The exhibition will run from November 22 - December 4. Opening reception will take place on Wednesday, November 22 from 7 - 10 pm.
90% of the world's population who have Diabetes, are Type 2, and the remaining 10% have Type 1. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time. Doctors, scientists and researchers do not know the cause of T1D and at this time, there is no cure. A cure is just around the corner. We have the brightest individuals working towards finding a cure for T1D. We are now part of the T1D community; and we will be active in this community. November 14 is World Diabetes Day and this is a day of awareness. We are on the path to better eating, including more physical activities, having a strong and disciplined mind; living a more conscious-driven life. Life is short and when one of my little ones gets diagnosed with T1D - the message hits home loud and clear. Live each day to the fullest and try your best to live a healthier lifestyle - for yourself and for your family.
A letter to my 11 year old daughter ~ we will manage this disease. This is just one part, one piece, one variable to a long written equation. An equation that would take up 5 large chalk boards. You are surrounded with love, you are surrounded with experts in their fields, mommy and daddy are with you. In the ICU you looked up at me and whispered, "We have to stay positive mommy ~ always"; at that moment I witnessed the definition of brave. We must have 20 nick-names for each other; we would have more but that would be too confusing. So I will pick 'Bububs', one of your favourites, to close out this love letter. To my 'Bububs' - we will stay positive, a cure will come one day, and until then we will always be 3 steps ahead. Please know that mommy and daddy, our family, relatives, and friends all love you...so much. Love MaMa Bear
Working on new art pieces for Yellow House Gallery. I will be participating in the 'Precious Snowflakes' 2017 group art exhibition. The size limit for the art pieces is 10x10 in. and so I found these great wood boards in 10x10. So far I am pleased where the art is taking me. I miss the apartment I grew up in and the 'apartment' has been on my mind lately, so painting the apartment just came naturally. I will be submitting two art pieces for the upcoming show at Yellow House Gallery. The Fine Arts Society of Milton (FASM) 2017 winter show is also coming up. I will be showcasing two art pieces at the Holcim Gallery in Milton, ON. Also, BowsArt 2017 is just around the corner. All details and dates will follow shortly. 'Tis the season to showcase the art !
Summer is officially over. Our trip to Germany was amazing; as always we were surrounded with loving family and friends. There was a dynamics at play while I was away and the last few days have been interesting to say the least. This morning I pulled out my "special tin box". In this tin box I have letters from family and dear friends. I also have my lucky number 8 a dear old friend gave me one day; also a sign of "infinity". My love for my family and friends is infinite; they are my safety raft in this sea of life. I found at the bottom of my tin box a letter a friend of mine wrote; we met in 1994 in university and we are still such kindred souls. It stated at the end, "I wish you peace in whatever state you are in at this moment, and I bless you with my good intentions". It's in these quiet pensive moments that I am able to press the hold button and take inventory of the blessings in my life. I love my life and the people I hold dear to me. I would not change a thing.
My "Life is Art" series can be found in the August/September 2017 issue of Aesthetica Magazine on-line. My art piece "In the City_3" can be found in the August/September 2017 issue of Aesthetica Magazine in print.
Attended the opening reception for 'O CANADA' at URBAN GALLERY in the heart of Toronto. The gallery was full of great conversations all about art and being Canadian. Calvin and Allen along with URBAN GALLERY staff continue to be gracious hosts. I am grateful to be a part of this group show; surrounded by kindred spirits and loved ones.
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November 2018
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