Arts education is important. Where is our MLA when we are faced with trying to solve a problem? We need to have to have everyone at the table, willing and ready to work on a complex problem. Let's get on with it!
In the richest province in this country, in one of the most affluent communities of this province, your child cannot take art and drama in Canmore, Alberta. In fact, if you are in Grade 10, Stream 1 - you cannot take Drama at all. If you are in Stream 2 - you cannot take Art at all. Who is responsible and accountable for this? We all are.
Art can cause us to think - to make connections between things that we would not necessarily connect but yet upon discovering them, seem to be totally obvious. The beauty of art like this lies in it's ability for us to change our perspective and perceptions of the world around us - to imagine the seemingly unimaginable and to make change where change is required. Good art holds a mirror up to ourselves and shows us our backsides....what we normally cannot see, or do not want to see! This IS...a beautiful thing, if only we take the time to look.
I'm very pleased to announce my first solo public exhibition of works at the Okotoks Art Gallery. January 11 - February 27, 2013. The exhibition will feature multimedia works, paintings and installations and also integrate my recent experience with the theme as Artist in Residence in Gwaii Haanas National Park.
I've been dedicating the last week to sketching - pencil and this evening, with oils. It's reminded me that getting back to the basics and practicing those skills is not only relaxing, but necessary.
Now, it's time to take some time and celebrate the success of this wonderful show. I'm usually not one to pause long enough to catch my breath....but catching my breath was exactly what I did yesterday when I saw the works all hung together. As artists, we need to take a moment and celebrate the accomplishments along the way. It is no mean feat, taking hours of manpower, years of training, eons of practice and a little magic!
It feels like Christmas! This is my first solo show in twelve years!!!...And the ONLY solo show of my work for 2012...AND...introduces some fabulous new figurative work that incorporates 22k gold and silver. Can you see me grinning from where you are? I'm very excited. There are secret pieces in this show from my own private collection and brand new works which I have to say are the best work that I have ever completed....and YOU ARE INVITED!!!
I'm pleased to present the finished work, "The Artist's Daughter". Featured in earlier posts, and the subject of a process video (see links below), this has been an important work for me - not only because my model and muse is my daughter Grace, but because it was my first concentrated effort in creating a figurative work in a classical style.
Process is everything. Arriving at the destination is always so much less than the journey when it comes to creating - for me, anyhow. The thrill is in seeing how things emerge, the spirit that comes through...or in some cases, drops back from the original concept in a piece. There is so much learning. There is so much learning and this is what excites me about painting. It is different every day.
