Madonna of the Dieing Trees
This has been an amazing year so far, with many exciting events happening and an incredible amount of time spent in my studio producing copious amounts of artwork. I’m still not sure why the time gets away from me though – it may have something to do with not wearing a watch, perhaps.
I’ve just returned from my second year of exhibiting with the Perspectives Art Group at their ninth annual art show in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan. This year I created some new works, in the form of mixed media collage, to hang alongside some of my art quilts. My series is based on goddesses from ancient cultures around the world and images of religious icons from renaissance paintings. Each one has a wonderful facial expression which certainly contributed to the somewhat humorous titles I gave them. The first ‘Madonna’ is representative of Mother Earth, protecting her ancient trees from reckless cutting and disease.
Our Lady of the Grand Tiara
Our Lady of the Grand Tiara was great fun to work on, especially when I decided to emphasize her crown in a whimsical way. Each of the pieces measure 12″x12″ and began as an acrylic painted canvas, with many layers of colour building up the background. Hand-marbled paper was collaged beside the image before adding stamping and dry brushing techniques. I embellished her crown with gilded leaves and glass bead jewels, and completed the artwork by adding hand painted braid trim along the bottom edge of the canvas for texture. I imagined Our Lady attending an inaugural ball or perhaps just a high school prom, or even better yet, just grocery shopping at her local supermarket. I think every occasion is perfect if you are wearing the right tiara, don’t you agree?
Moon Goddess
Our Lady of Household Accounts
All of these wonderful goddesses were a joy to create and I have such a feeling of peace wash over me whenever I gaze on them. I wish all projects could provide as much pleasure as these have.
Well this upcoming weekend I will be attending the Biggar and District Adjudicated Art show at the museum in Biggar. I have entered part of my series ‘artless fabrications’ in the hopes of gaining some recognition for the collection and perhaps the opportunity to tour it throughout the province of Saskatchewan. I will also be presenting an inspirational talk at the Kerrobert United church on Sunday, June 6th.
The date has been finally set in stone for the gala opening of my new show at one speckled egg in Plenty – mark your calendars for June 18, 2010. This exhibition has been a long time in the making and is all new work created since December, 2009. The title of the show is “extraordinarily ordinary” and features a collection of textile art, photography, paintings, and collage, all inspired by found objects. This exciting new show will open with a gala evening on Friday, June 18, 2010, 6:00 – 10:00 pm at one speckled egg gallery on Main Street in Plenty, Saskatchewan, and will continue on Saturday, June 19, 2010, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. I certainly hope to see many familiar faces at the gallery, and the possibility of making new friends as well.