Tag: artists path
During Valentines’ month we see hearts everywhere, a shape recognized as the symbol* for love. The heart has taken on added associations this year as it is linked to support for frontline workers as well as a reminder to be kind to others and to not take our pandemic frustrations out on innocent people.
Reflecting on this (Robert Davidson) quote again, I think “the knife edge” between the past and future is where true creativity lives. Some think creativity is only painting, drawing, dancing or making music, but I think it is really also about living.
This painting is loosely based on a view of the Comox Valley, perhaps from Cumberland or somewhere in the Beaufort Mountains. It describes the place in a mountainbike ride or a hike you enjoy after having done the hard work of getting there. Here you may have a snack, sketch, take a couple deep breaths or take a nap. You may be with others sharing light conversation or a meaningful moment.
A weekly planner has been part of my daily life for over ten years now. There are countless ways of keeping track of life’s commitments; such as in a wall calendar, computer or phone. I enjoy being able to write on paper and getting an overview of a whole week at a time. Once the year is done I have a record of this time in my life in one little book.
Every time I visit the place I grew up – Pt. Holmes on the windy tip of the Comox Peninsula – I still feel very connected to the smells, sounds and sights. It feels like visiting an old friend or relative.
Lately I’ve been writing in my journal almost daily as well as taking pictures as a way to stay in touch with my creativity in the midst of a busy life with a two year old.
Sketches aren’t about making a perfect picture, it’s the act of looking that is important. By completely stopping to look and draw (a flower, a tree, person, building..) you start to notice things you didn’t before.
This painting called “Monarch Mountain” is inspired by a hike with a friend in Atlin, B.C. (near Whitehorse) last summer. Due to this being a south facing slope in a northern latitude in June, I witnessed the most wildflowers I had ever seen in one spot. We were surrounded by colour!
Daydreaming is a way of making connections in our life, finding meaning and coming up with new ideas. People value busyness and the resulting rewards of a productive life but I believe that time to just let our minds completely wander is underrated.
One thing I’ve learned about being an artist is that no one else will tell you that you must create. An artist needs to have their own belief in what they have been most equipped to do. This takes an incredible amount of courage and also: self-love. And not in a pumped up ego kind of way, but in a way that you truly believe that you are a worthy person and it is right to trust your inner voice.
