High Expectations

When I was finishing my University degree, my medium of choice was pipe cleaners.  I love how fast I could create without stopping, so this allowed me the freedom to go without thinking of the next direction.  It is what some artist call process art.  There isn't much thought in it, but the act of moving in the moment to see what wants to be expressed.

Through the process of creating this sculpture, I found that my inner world seemed to have a difficult time swallowing the high expectations that seemed to be put on women for having to look and be a certain way.  I remember when I was in my teens, my friends would talk about their wedding, what the dress would look like, what songs they would play, how many people would be at the wedding???  And in fact, these friends of mine had no boyfriends, so how could they know what the wedding was going to be without asking their potential husband.  Didn't partnership come into the equation, asking the other what he also wanted???  I know that dreaming is a good thing, but the illusion around what a marriage was going to be always left a bad taste in my mouth.   I even tried to live within this illusion for a time, but it never felt comfortable just like high heal shoes felt like I was climbing into a world that I didn't want to be a part of.  

This sculpture reminds me of the tangled thoughts of being a women.  A lifeless body made up of believes that had little meaning in the real world.  Yes, I am a woman, but what or who I become is for me to chose and no-one else to judge.

Unlike me ........

I have enjoyed creating this blog, so that I can share a bit of myself with all who wish to have a look.  I'm very touched by all your stories and how much you share so many personal challenges and passions with us.

It is unlike me to share to many intimate details as  I like to keep this blog to my art and writings; however, I'm would love to tell you a little more about myself.

At the tender age of 18 months, I loved to suck my thumb.  It was the best thing ever, and I continued until I was 10 years old.  Yes, there could very well be some good therapy sessions with this confession, but oh well, I believe being a little odd is a good thing.

My family wanted to stop me so badly that they even had a family friend say that my thumb will shrink and fall off if I continued.  But alas, I continued and found myself measuring the size of my thumb everyday just to make sure that my left thumb was not getting any smaller than my right.  I still have both thumbs to this day.

Portrait of my thumbs!!!

It is unlike me to share such personal stories, but I just had to let this one out of bag.  :)

Dreaming inside clouds

As summer is coming to the end, I can feel the tug of fall pulling at my heals.  I feel a pillowy softness that beckons me into a more internal life.  These images were taken while I sat in the park, looking at the trees, the insects, and the sky.  I do love how the clouds speak after the wind has given them a different shape.  Let the wind of fall begin the descent into ourselves, allowing our souls to mingle in the joy of being alive.

Oh la la

In celebration to my trip to Paris in the spring of 2013!!!!

I love making these hats!!!  Now the next step is to wear it out!!!  Oh la la!!!!

To celebrate children both young and old

A personal intention in my life to see with child like eyes where everyday is fresh and new and full of adventure.  I remember as a child I loved to draw and create many different things.  I was able to bring this into my adult life, which I feel much gratitude.

My Mom just found these two drawings I did as a child.  My Grandmother was an artist who did pastel drawings of horses and dogs.  She also lived on a farm, so these drawings have a strong connection for me to my past.

In celebration to all children both young and old!!!  

Keep speaking your truth

I was reflecting on how important it is to keep with who we truly are.  In this world that seems to be run by many who just follow the other, without thought about what is it they truly want to say.  I have decided that it is my passion to always be who I am no matter what others think.  My belief has brought wonderful people into my life, but I have also be rejected by others both in family and friends.  I've had to walk a path alone, but have found a deep love for life.  I regret nothing and feel that by speaking my truth I honor others for being who they are.

I wanted to introduce a Victoria artist, Emily Carr.  She was  a woman back in the early 20th century who chose to create her own voice in paintings, drawings, and books.  There is a story of Emily and a friend talking about their paintings.  Her friend is also an artist, selling proper paintings during this time and Emily is creating her paintings of trees and native symbolism.  What is different about Emily is that she speaks about the spirit of the land, which brings her unique voice into the world.   Unfortunately, Emily's work was not selling and her friends was making a profit.  Her friend said, why don't you stop painting those trees!!!  Emily knew she couldn't stop as her inner voice was to strong to discontinue what was her truth.  Of course, many artists during that period were very poor and so was Emily, but she stayed with her work. Near the end of her life, she began to sell her work and became very well known all over the world.  Now her work reaches up to 1 million dollars.  She believed completely in herself and didn't falter to others points of view.  I'm always inspired by women who have allowed themselves to rise above group ideals.

This is only one of many tree paintings that Emily created from the British Columbia coast line.  I love the movement and color of this piece.

 To all who speak from their heart, know who they are, and go forth into a world where the mass majority of people don't have an individual thought!!!  I celebrate you all!!!!

My Trip to Vancouver, British Columbia