tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411514460704319622024-03-04T23:19:56.414-08:00Strong at ArtThe life and musings of an artist with a passion for birds and animals.Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-7486098018228933822023-08-24T23:04:00.013-07:002023-08-30T13:31:08.961-07:00Re-Emergence<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm sure many of you have been wondering if I'd ever write a new blog post. I have to admit, I've been wondering that too! It seems like life took on... well... a life of its own. Pulling up stakes on the mainland, moving to an island, building a house, moving in, and getting re-settled all took up an incredible amount time and energy (not to mention the impact of the pandemic on these activities). I didn't stop making art but it was at a fraction of my usual output. Now, just over a year after my building project was completed, life has finally shifted into a more "normal" pattern. I feel like I have emerged from a haze of unsettled busy-ness and can now take a deep breath, smell the air, listen to the birds, and concentrate my thoughts on art making</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have just spent a number of blissful weeks getting back into the type of routine I enjoy most, and it includes a block of creative time in my studio each day. It's my favourite way to roll and the results have been most satisfying! I have been able to focus on some of the inspirational moments I've been storing away in my mind, nursing them, cogitating, and planning what I would do with these ideas when the opportunity arose.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like the day I was able to observe a pair of violet-green swallows scoping out a nest site in an arbutus tree. The couple flitted and chattered and clearly seemed to be quite taken with a hollow knot in the tree trunk...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JFvEOdjjJrL-JcOJJL2eMAjL2d8vM0TiYNsn5fo9uck_AOs60aY8PCFlCT_kIAQnqrOftjUmDtFnSNP8zCqB1iP_NBXGpjgWu7-v5e6qAREvPZYFsCNqZgolk2lnq_2P4GnLAVjAyQ7b4Emk92qDbBuxNmj6FZxcEsqAitjhc4H-s_nA4GYlglQux_rf/s507/violetgreen%20swallows.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JFvEOdjjJrL-JcOJJL2eMAjL2d8vM0TiYNsn5fo9uck_AOs60aY8PCFlCT_kIAQnqrOftjUmDtFnSNP8zCqB1iP_NBXGpjgWu7-v5e6qAREvPZYFsCNqZgolk2lnq_2P4GnLAVjAyQ7b4Emk92qDbBuxNmj6FZxcEsqAitjhc4H-s_nA4GYlglQux_rf/s320/violetgreen%20swallows.jpg" width="316" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or the time I was eye-to-eye with a great horned owl (I think a juvenile) who seemed just as interested in observing me as I was in her/him...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN1vGAEHmUhgi13nwxU_7QyoklwHahykk3__RFERIZUUyFi5vb85mDyLHmTXVDhXdbSwMKrmHgJvXsYMWD5Jd1ebBGJix17x5lzqC84ZArnT8KZqDXtQyz_W-uAtMHTi2CoiV8LSkB0QUQjgpeE3QQm1W0-kSyxDDC-oahiZnpI0WmsIm1eMfZTiXgF5f/s600/greathorned%20owl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="284" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN1vGAEHmUhgi13nwxU_7QyoklwHahykk3__RFERIZUUyFi5vb85mDyLHmTXVDhXdbSwMKrmHgJvXsYMWD5Jd1ebBGJix17x5lzqC84ZArnT8KZqDXtQyz_W-uAtMHTi2CoiV8LSkB0QUQjgpeE3QQm1W0-kSyxDDC-oahiZnpI0WmsIm1eMfZTiXgF5f/w189-h400/greathorned%20owl.jpg" width="189" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or the delightful few weeks when a Pacific-slope flycatcher couple decided to build a nest and rear a family on the light fixture over my studio door...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFtFMN7K43avvCMhErr9HAGLtG0KE77C1Tgj-p66NIckshFeG_QZ9WKVJ5_rxHF63w9lGHacZH680UUYFz3g8PnspgrpN2lzT_SVt3WWD-N5kpBcJKxijaZFA5so6QvJzypiDrghA_sItbZBml0Z2xpTMdfJIe8bCCeEH2b3E7R_SSZrHJlVyjjDG0hya/s919/flycatcher.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="919" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFtFMN7K43avvCMhErr9HAGLtG0KE77C1Tgj-p66NIckshFeG_QZ9WKVJ5_rxHF63w9lGHacZH680UUYFz3g8PnspgrpN2lzT_SVt3WWD-N5kpBcJKxijaZFA5so6QvJzypiDrghA_sItbZBml0Z2xpTMdfJIe8bCCeEH2b3E7R_SSZrHJlVyjjDG0hya/s320/flycatcher.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Flycatchers had chosen this same site a couple of years earlier (I wrote about them in a <a href="http://strongatart.blogspot.com/2021/04/not-just-another-little-brown-bird.html" target="_blank">2021 blog post</a>), and I was thrilled to welcome them back. They would whistle companionably to me as I tip-toed past so as not to disturb them more than necessary. I particularly enjoyed watching them pose on the old horse skull that adorns a tree stump outside my studio. When the babies fledged and flew away into the wide world, I felt a mixture of regret that I'd no longer be greeted by the familiar whistle and relief that I could stop sneaking around!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">These new artworks plus a few more have come together for a solo exhibition at a local gallery-café here on Mayne Island. I call the exhibition "Feather & Bone" in deference to the flycatchers' liking for the horse skull. It feels good to have been working in the studio and to be able share these new pieces in combination with some other works that aptly fit the theme. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9j3bTLbm1oFdBOOYMUumXOw3T9yozvSO6vhq6JuUsI37p6Fhb6M5gvW-CJIv__CsmfYroqO6-fdtBRjVVuYIkl--IJzjseiVBe32tr1kd9tbcR1DvKG7XpL6qYDlYp3Eb4QXjyqpY_veS5KFtTbExmNJ-56HqfrOf7iSSi38kttkYvblpUZpB-StduKc/s3080/FeatherBonePoster%20edited.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3080" data-original-width="2326" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9j3bTLbm1oFdBOOYMUumXOw3T9yozvSO6vhq6JuUsI37p6Fhb6M5gvW-CJIv__CsmfYroqO6-fdtBRjVVuYIkl--IJzjseiVBe32tr1kd9tbcR1DvKG7XpL6qYDlYp3Eb4QXjyqpY_veS5KFtTbExmNJ-56HqfrOf7iSSi38kttkYvblpUZpB-StduKc/w303-h400/FeatherBonePoster%20edited.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're on Mayne Island during the show dates, be sure to visit </span><a href="https://shavasana.ca/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Shavasana Art Gallery & Cafe</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to see my latest work. If you miss the show, my studio is open to visitors year round (check my </span><a href="https://www.strongatart.ca/visit.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">website</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for details). As I re-emerge into the world of art-making after a distracting few years, I look forward to spending more quality time in my art studio and sharing the outcomes with you!</span></p><p><b><i>Please note that the afternoon concert scheduled for Friday, September 8 has been cancelled.</i></b></p><p></p>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-62112896621035856462022-07-30T11:14:00.001-07:002022-07-30T11:58:05.672-07:00Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days<p class="MsoNormal">On July 8,
2022 the crew putting the finishing touches on my new house left for the
last time. As fate would have it, this was exactly 365 days after the excavator broke
ground on July 9, 2021. What a year it has been!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">From the
dirt and dust and drought of a Gulf Island summer....<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYk4nA9-0d1w3FSS0n1W6DrLga2vvBx4x80JE-6vKLNmS9HVVyrStniNny9Rt8BSwT6yuEKBJxJbmG7XUlqS09dFrH_tHw0KSe7rZV-CT5bHMBF1kv4EFi7G4E3_BC2rf0yrieAl2M5Pr3B5Kppo2eYdnXun4ozupbyDNhy1PjNn1PeQKUenlUF-jD1g/s2160/20210708_121453_resized.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYk4nA9-0d1w3FSS0n1W6DrLga2vvBx4x80JE-6vKLNmS9HVVyrStniNny9Rt8BSwT6yuEKBJxJbmG7XUlqS09dFrH_tHw0KSe7rZV-CT5bHMBF1kv4EFi7G4E3_BC2rf0yrieAl2M5Pr3B5Kppo2eYdnXun4ozupbyDNhy1PjNn1PeQKUenlUF-jD1g/s320/20210708_121453_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY9AeyPxXaDzc-9xF4RLu6I91Cv_MaLPJhWJM1XcNBlNZFszEQ6SdTfSn_133xMwu9pcFraeOF9lXehWb6A0PV4ul-98-U8O3P6-C6226FnV4rKLfyalUvalEltyhipEuN62JZV2y2ZBe1d-Zzq8PKxl7XlVuWHcT4AXp7Vz0eQIC_mvI5iWUorW8gw/s1640/20210709_204010_resized.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="1640" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY9AeyPxXaDzc-9xF4RLu6I91Cv_MaLPJhWJM1XcNBlNZFszEQ6SdTfSn_133xMwu9pcFraeOF9lXehWb6A0PV4ul-98-U8O3P6-C6226FnV4rKLfyalUvalEltyhipEuN62JZV2y2ZBe1d-Zzq8PKxl7XlVuWHcT4AXp7Vz0eQIC_mvI5iWUorW8gw/s320/20210709_204010_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lily snoozing amidst the chaos.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">To the fall
deluge of rain that started in September and seemed to go on forever... and
ever...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToUBTdd6vm-E-Lwt5OH8uUgu1A60p85Q9iXsMQtPZ1tddynd-M9jII0JoVdYLwMvX2ZnF70eCDlvRsL2mh8L9oGiESuONiYlCguXPVzE25oXwQXeEd2BqL3Ph6iDAGh3wC5luAAtLhIgXP1sgQIdL4DhsGEq9LV40bV-HfChwrhdK7zWENLqoBYrDeA/s1440/rain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToUBTdd6vm-E-Lwt5OH8uUgu1A60p85Q9iXsMQtPZ1tddynd-M9jII0JoVdYLwMvX2ZnF70eCDlvRsL2mh8L9oGiESuONiYlCguXPVzE25oXwQXeEd2BqL3Ph6iDAGh3wC5luAAtLhIgXP1sgQIdL4DhsGEq9LV40bV-HfChwrhdK7zWENLqoBYrDeA/s320/rain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">To a blast of fridgid mid-winter temperatures well below any seasonal normal....</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmE-GA0PWUo45uVM-VplAt3boglmR7FdSR7WYrfQlev6qn2DfRb2ZU0sfHU46c8oasOMtSSEhsNpiObb3W9cDrOrZnPBgIo1hHfM70xKrE4iu-aKcfP-Gf2VEbniQOsGMHODccIqemDdyDKGAUJW1VUUTk4vkVh5-vBP4Ez1fWGdg139nvHKjoORu1A/s1440/colder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmE-GA0PWUo45uVM-VplAt3boglmR7FdSR7WYrfQlev6qn2DfRb2ZU0sfHU46c8oasOMtSSEhsNpiObb3W9cDrOrZnPBgIo1hHfM70xKrE4iu-aKcfP-Gf2VEbniQOsGMHODccIqemDdyDKGAUJW1VUUTk4vkVh5-vBP4Ez1fWGdg139nvHKjoORu1A/s320/colder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpWnomni7rqAmft9MmqFL1Zqh0KyFWviYzSZRdcUQmHMM2lIlnTW45YYOeYSBiFTgwntZlfB7V3lBbvSDVoWrUf3dFDCA0ACcmSfRXWy-5SRi9w3f5KJPp67dZcn_q0p5crSw9Ke4wfMwd76M1p5h9gWG5hSEtQQ9TZv1k8r0Or2__kL2AZOJFO_2eA/s1440/cold.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpWnomni7rqAmft9MmqFL1Zqh0KyFWviYzSZRdcUQmHMM2lIlnTW45YYOeYSBiFTgwntZlfB7V3lBbvSDVoWrUf3dFDCA0ACcmSfRXWy-5SRi9w3f5KJPp67dZcn_q0p5crSw9Ke4wfMwd76M1p5h9gWG5hSEtQQ9TZv1k8r0Or2__kL2AZOJFO_2eA/s320/cold.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">And,
finally, after a long, endlessly wet spring ... completion!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcI8OY0GEBavfBXshOt604N9AWaFZ-0fzske_fjicjm6sH5wfD3MlVDtOAq3Mq839hLSsLxKI_jNYRcPdHEYi3C6pgXLiZpeivxvBschAVV6NHm1kmmhM0w52n73zuqoLHJSZjVDOQXBIJhLmhi-GB0F5wCQxYB8j4YVZcvfS0frpwmMp2JvC5qWlr_g/s1440/wetter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcI8OY0GEBavfBXshOt604N9AWaFZ-0fzske_fjicjm6sH5wfD3MlVDtOAq3Mq839hLSsLxKI_jNYRcPdHEYi3C6pgXLiZpeivxvBschAVV6NHm1kmmhM0w52n73zuqoLHJSZjVDOQXBIJhLmhi-GB0F5wCQxYB8j4YVZcvfS0frpwmMp2JvC5qWlr_g/s320/wetter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQCQijJ6XNrI2dk7bjfHxXhLB9nimLFnGck8hENooK7ct49nFaVJ3bYLb2owZeBIaLruRRSauigYYF86miynIBFjCHP79jDZFHasTWMfXIjnkyz-WtFWJFGs_x7D2eDgtU29amnBO0E1iwi-0EWcoZcGWx0Wsd_U4tbq6vKbQSEsDwz12WxBuWwaOuw/s1440/lacrimose.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQCQijJ6XNrI2dk7bjfHxXhLB9nimLFnGck8hENooK7ct49nFaVJ3bYLb2owZeBIaLruRRSauigYYF86miynIBFjCHP79jDZFHasTWMfXIjnkyz-WtFWJFGs_x7D2eDgtU29amnBO0E1iwi-0EWcoZcGWx0Wsd_U4tbq6vKbQSEsDwz12WxBuWwaOuw/s320/lacrimose.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ozEyj35LJyOflcvg3Qtf9wPliwU77u-7Tn2MMyJB8Mdh9z-izoaYrt6Km9SyHCcXGqlQI4bjN-Qma1eit6sNF-iywT7OEnrCsix9qIa5bkhcbhiK2xlh8z4PY4Ljc5ecAsCzdUZobIjDxXDj2fC4IJRXemzm0C7W0rdiNfZ03hKDeGMDdZ3xYuF7dA/s1440/house1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ozEyj35LJyOflcvg3Qtf9wPliwU77u-7Tn2MMyJB8Mdh9z-izoaYrt6Km9SyHCcXGqlQI4bjN-Qma1eit6sNF-iywT7OEnrCsix9qIa5bkhcbhiK2xlh8z4PY4Ljc5ecAsCzdUZobIjDxXDj2fC4IJRXemzm0C7W0rdiNfZ03hKDeGMDdZ3xYuF7dA/s320/house1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN-CA"><br />On the longest day
of the year - the first day of summer - the building inspector signed my
occupancy permit. How better to celebrate the solstice?!
The finishing touches on the house took a bit more time and as of July 8
it was all well-and-truly done.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KOqJ5y3CV0xJvq3ftb0uoBUaQeYLEo3gHj_pEgpxAgkO2o2dMAoohkxEZmOLqgwJBPZTeGnOAAQnWOlTMe8clPLJGFteI15Rmh6HlGK45hxZvkSU1DL8KDVyuQoRFnBuAisGyRAmvlXiKTfjHit74ybcgdeWhhucO_N8mHLd9Puzh5SneaO6K5pbTA/s1440/permit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KOqJ5y3CV0xJvq3ftb0uoBUaQeYLEo3gHj_pEgpxAgkO2o2dMAoohkxEZmOLqgwJBPZTeGnOAAQnWOlTMe8clPLJGFteI15Rmh6HlGK45hxZvkSU1DL8KDVyuQoRFnBuAisGyRAmvlXiKTfjHit74ybcgdeWhhucO_N8mHLd9Puzh5SneaO6K5pbTA/s320/permit.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gleefully taking down the Building Permit notice.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Living in
the little house makes me smile. The stress and the challenges of
building it on a small island during a pandemic are now just memories. For a creative person there are
few things more satisfying than having the seed of an idea germinate and grow, and to have it mature into into something as big as a house is an artist’s dream come
true.</p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0f9ppB8knVrZ_N157uXae5Iy4an0aFZIthsWWI93jthi1pLrpH6HMmXwkinTpJtGU1itk5Hiuaip0dDj9gAroHB3J2teFLS17bDnhZ5pp5ny_JpEr0OHV75poQtGlECtzvKnlWTbBjiqe-SSWsiX8kgIsb2DT37qTPgLCyDhLDJ90Yf39E1x2arBvQ/s1440/complete.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0f9ppB8knVrZ_N157uXae5Iy4an0aFZIthsWWI93jthi1pLrpH6HMmXwkinTpJtGU1itk5Hiuaip0dDj9gAroHB3J2teFLS17bDnhZ5pp5ny_JpEr0OHV75poQtGlECtzvKnlWTbBjiqe-SSWsiX8kgIsb2DT37qTPgLCyDhLDJ90Yf39E1x2arBvQ/s320/complete.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTdyBjMNISnkbYxps1szKpYnJ0BzQYrMU9Pg2XQASfOP6Qa3aVAKoaHOmaw9ngKOcwRbMwjCOEeKXowCY6pj3V1KzUfVKgXxOLki8hSUXpsN9rlVC0o01ePriWTMv8CP9auJqYwH75WtDPHr0hcIHyiLKQd3D9w4BI1UwDiyNSb9QjX6VvhrfbZ0I0Q/s1440/nitepic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTdyBjMNISnkbYxps1szKpYnJ0BzQYrMU9Pg2XQASfOP6Qa3aVAKoaHOmaw9ngKOcwRbMwjCOEeKXowCY6pj3V1KzUfVKgXxOLki8hSUXpsN9rlVC0o01ePriWTMv8CP9auJqYwH75WtDPHr0hcIHyiLKQd3D9w4BI1UwDiyNSb9QjX6VvhrfbZ0I0Q/s320/nitepic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Atop a gentle rise, nestled among tall evergreens, angled to capture the filtered afternoon
sun, the house fits beautifully into the landscape. The
playful punch of the bright yellow doors adds a whimsical touch in keeping with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELblBQC-zYY" target="_blank">Yellow Bird Art Studio</a>. I like to describe the style as as West Coast
Modern meets Gulf Island Charm.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSAK9BP0OZVrOpksUtdlynGs9u_CEedH8LAY8w9RYDTJh1fx0qOa_rZ_yJM5RTfYA2Yldcr4LhI6zlkGdj51ji1tfAa4Ma8zA77vOp50-XB9FrpVrJ2D_ZB1iH1ALxyLKDpiydpCl9DFM4Lrkmzd4L8ziQvN4K83Oge0367Fs7hmb2qDoALXRhkXWpQ/s889/20220730_110603_resized_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSAK9BP0OZVrOpksUtdlynGs9u_CEedH8LAY8w9RYDTJh1fx0qOa_rZ_yJM5RTfYA2Yldcr4LhI6zlkGdj51ji1tfAa4Ma8zA77vOp50-XB9FrpVrJ2D_ZB1iH1ALxyLKDpiydpCl9DFM4Lrkmzd4L8ziQvN4K83Oge0367Fs7hmb2qDoALXRhkXWpQ/w307-h320/20220730_110603_resized_1.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Looking out from the kitchen windows, there's my vegetable garden in
its deer-proof stockade, and over there is my little art studio that pre-dates the house and is
complimented by the new building's angles and exterior finishes. It all makes me smile.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83HZrMYDCBZIGGADLIM0AnFjYULXK2jSpG_oG3gwBu85H5TV9mytOyzBvPMjuqU5ynHQGWZib44VcOjQvu_5XIAPj_pyVYwT_t3P3CNZcV2piLXPtGcgsMCVY4dLQeT80tbq9-2XokiIUR5Tv4w8_kTLZx1c7WN83pLTCN0DHkOunGZKhnXlmoMGpug/s1440/window1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83HZrMYDCBZIGGADLIM0AnFjYULXK2jSpG_oG3gwBu85H5TV9mytOyzBvPMjuqU5ynHQGWZib44VcOjQvu_5XIAPj_pyVYwT_t3P3CNZcV2piLXPtGcgsMCVY4dLQeT80tbq9-2XokiIUR5Tv4w8_kTLZx1c7WN83pLTCN0DHkOunGZKhnXlmoMGpug/s320/window1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfmiMG9FoV_5WQrhJofnPphzYHoRywOMxbzWjFFchtVDVS-rmk-feEptkxFBbZplW9ImKkKydBcAmyrQTVqMPVYqsqg-qJXSEdqw4nQXE1c5exOoZIhtgO_sVBV35ur1Z1ePEdAbVqbvWREeKKK00kGJFo97-JfIV8X55bh2QjkN1P5-Nl61dDVpl5Q/s1440/window2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfmiMG9FoV_5WQrhJofnPphzYHoRywOMxbzWjFFchtVDVS-rmk-feEptkxFBbZplW9ImKkKydBcAmyrQTVqMPVYqsqg-qJXSEdqw4nQXE1c5exOoZIhtgO_sVBV35ur1Z1ePEdAbVqbvWREeKKK00kGJFo97-JfIV8X55bh2QjkN1P5-Nl61dDVpl5Q/s320/window2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN-CA"><div><br />The interior space, with its tall ceiling and big windows, feels light and airy. The footprint isn’t large – about 1,000 square feet - but it feels bigger, particularly after spending nearly two crowded years in the small rustic cottage at the back of the property.<br /><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRivdtjL_0lGMF4xYPd3re6FegeLEuSzLuQjjinyrRbJAEZh2ttEhBtJ4w3SgCEP3rn3MxSceEscV6ZP_xn0yhrVTr_FQT1oZRH1MJVy3-b8wLDHF-ydaW9ncYymxk_iX5X_w1BUsLpT0mHk6QnK3lE0uiMgAbU4KUGh3mtzlAhJFFRijVS7xDzVjhMw/s1440/livingroom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRivdtjL_0lGMF4xYPd3re6FegeLEuSzLuQjjinyrRbJAEZh2ttEhBtJ4w3SgCEP3rn3MxSceEscV6ZP_xn0yhrVTr_FQT1oZRH1MJVy3-b8wLDHF-ydaW9ncYymxk_iX5X_w1BUsLpT0mHk6QnK3lE0uiMgAbU4KUGh3mtzlAhJFFRijVS7xDzVjhMw/s320/livingroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span lang="EN-CA">Unique
interior touches make things interesting. </span>There are <a href="http://strongatart.blogspot.com/2022/03/admiration-for-tessellation.html" target="_blank">hand-made tiles</a> in the kitchen and bathroom - 700 of them - that I formed and tinted and glazed one-by-one during winter hours spent at <a href="https://www.mayneclay.ca/" target="_blank">Mayne Island Clay Works</a>. The colour
scheme in combination with the organic geometry of the shapes is, to my eye, visual poetry.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekpNxUod3dhVO3j_PoCFh3Ri3fEBOV4jHKRVsWij9n9hN6_63DN9CikooTEEDPu-LkogzsmVWJsLZghET1wfiUkQX6EdlPVdzOZSQ3Fa5A1stKJ9UWNGxnZUJl_8c60AYYkPBVMjh8cvaObnt9vVeaUbJnkbDTCjWOiOh_zsJya4YP0f1Lbj8qalkWA/s1440/kitchen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekpNxUod3dhVO3j_PoCFh3Ri3fEBOV4jHKRVsWij9n9hN6_63DN9CikooTEEDPu-LkogzsmVWJsLZghET1wfiUkQX6EdlPVdzOZSQ3Fa5A1stKJ9UWNGxnZUJl_8c60AYYkPBVMjh8cvaObnt9vVeaUbJnkbDTCjWOiOh_zsJya4YP0f1Lbj8qalkWA/s320/kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29EMW4nDVjUU7cimy67E0tGkuMX2BzZM8iMMVul12gJrax1kex47V2Q5vVX6RB7aPrjhvS8SL_Viy5E76HH0Ur8DG_jwFJzqng7HRf49OWS_EsNb3aBMVbCQZjxbpxojxEtkJZStz-AWWaW2Zw6vOXe_JbKlqXGm_rZcyHoRdt3hXLmTpfPXBzQM8mw/s1440/bathroom1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29EMW4nDVjUU7cimy67E0tGkuMX2BzZM8iMMVul12gJrax1kex47V2Q5vVX6RB7aPrjhvS8SL_Viy5E76HH0Ur8DG_jwFJzqng7HRf49OWS_EsNb3aBMVbCQZjxbpxojxEtkJZStz-AWWaW2Zw6vOXe_JbKlqXGm_rZcyHoRdt3hXLmTpfPXBzQM8mw/s320/bathroom1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoWrWynWyZBvLPN_Z4pCf_nWvk_NpZvSjfKKdK-Zh9QA6iXO6J-y4aWPZ_mSnudo9fyIlSllNbS8H8d8XliAGRdwaHofnK1JlDoOaGmbUtVZ7j74H7h1ZK9skikWjqVbz7UHBtA5StivHAn-bqleyPIU97eu1dVB0etGoT-vIETB8Wu79ToYH1LK1lg/s1063/bathroom2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="753" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoWrWynWyZBvLPN_Z4pCf_nWvk_NpZvSjfKKdK-Zh9QA6iXO6J-y4aWPZ_mSnudo9fyIlSllNbS8H8d8XliAGRdwaHofnK1JlDoOaGmbUtVZ7j74H7h1ZK9skikWjqVbz7UHBtA5StivHAn-bqleyPIU97eu1dVB0etGoT-vIETB8Wu79ToYH1LK1lg/s320/bathroom2.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The tiler's little helper</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Topping off the kitchen island is a beautiful slab of re-claimed maple from my childhood stomping grounds in
Aldergrove, and it is echoed in the fireplace mantlepiece. Credit for these unique pieces go to <a href="https://www.zatorswoodworking.com/" target="_blank">Zator’s Woodworking</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8QfGfYipmjHCaUwzEDmPgoa1QJbdhG4QwFmqPQ_LdU1XySwnPTuXbN9d7geSpUD49VW4IR1nrcd378Bw4sOWPvFjY4rpDnBz8ZOJU-43TFtKd68ZE_uSpCw_qMF2TOsTO9iMk3Z7pZgqXdPjohwGv1VKnNo-q0j-57Lt_88vPmJnRvuODXRWOM3bMQ/s1440/islandslab.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8QfGfYipmjHCaUwzEDmPgoa1QJbdhG4QwFmqPQ_LdU1XySwnPTuXbN9d7geSpUD49VW4IR1nrcd378Bw4sOWPvFjY4rpDnBz8ZOJU-43TFtKd68ZE_uSpCw_qMF2TOsTO9iMk3Z7pZgqXdPjohwGv1VKnNo-q0j-57Lt_88vPmJnRvuODXRWOM3bMQ/s320/islandslab.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1B5fWjsIOo7tzVGK6aRBojA28qJCvgwaXa8fV-KD_f2o5v5Efe2vsAhDzhhdmKfOLriUqGFvR9x1ZI-YZhz2l63h3gciKEZQo2qr-GAgbAJdWWK9xW-unyzrGBEp6i_dxkmuKFfHsyiSle7ih02sxb-Vr0w4bmAjvC0FN8PD-1hLgwsAX45HoWrUbg/s1440/mantlepiece.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1B5fWjsIOo7tzVGK6aRBojA28qJCvgwaXa8fV-KD_f2o5v5Efe2vsAhDzhhdmKfOLriUqGFvR9x1ZI-YZhz2l63h3gciKEZQo2qr-GAgbAJdWWK9xW-unyzrGBEp6i_dxkmuKFfHsyiSle7ih02sxb-Vr0w4bmAjvC0FN8PD-1hLgwsAX45HoWrUbg/s320/mantlepiece.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">And there’s
the collection of stuff – the furnishings and art and objects and trinkets – that
make up my personal history: a mish-mash of styles and textiles and colours that reflect my life and my taste. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">A favourite
is the pair of old William Morris style rocking chairs that came from under my late husband’s family home in Trinidad where they’d been discarded. The stripped
layers of green paint revealed rich mahogany, and the chairs are finished with
seat cushions adorned in colourful Madras cotton, purchased in a Caribbean
market in days long gone by. They evoke fond memories of my former life and the
places I was fortunate to experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AuTRmeY3-xyyor0kWJD2pN6IBoDv29pWlRiaLXGLbw23RfJ6LA_sukhTTjcR-g4iXHcoLAMVPRx_8Mdfkk5q-HoIPFkdAzAaEYGnukvtlemz5LKu2tDn43wOwS8CkZazaPoFM-f4pq99rxuhK7ypT8lwXI4hmtM1ffj2JpSpb8EOHWL_v6pVOh_Cgg/s801/rockers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="801" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AuTRmeY3-xyyor0kWJD2pN6IBoDv29pWlRiaLXGLbw23RfJ6LA_sukhTTjcR-g4iXHcoLAMVPRx_8Mdfkk5q-HoIPFkdAzAaEYGnukvtlemz5LKu2tDn43wOwS8CkZazaPoFM-f4pq99rxuhK7ypT8lwXI4hmtM1ffj2JpSpb8EOHWL_v6pVOh_Cgg/s320/rockers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Then there
are the curtains that hung in my own family home. Originally from Ikea about 40
years ago, they were recently made long enough for my new windows by having a panel of complimenting fabric sewn in. They’re like old friends and they make the
new place feel like home.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeb3vvsaCm9_y1yDNaFP2VIR7MvTPIfu-hmZ-pB2mn_lEPYw_JKSPD_QEcqcTfWxM6zJ1Gyyv0QH6FgnrexfR3MFs5Xmr1LiGrWNT1EmcUNzF8CfdlHuIiXn_aPHWrXJgPn5dByfUTJwtyLCGa7Cr2C0WTO4m5ZldMbbZLqckwifisiUub623kmm3Hug/s1440/curtanis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeb3vvsaCm9_y1yDNaFP2VIR7MvTPIfu-hmZ-pB2mn_lEPYw_JKSPD_QEcqcTfWxM6zJ1Gyyv0QH6FgnrexfR3MFs5Xmr1LiGrWNT1EmcUNzF8CfdlHuIiXn_aPHWrXJgPn5dByfUTJwtyLCGa7Cr2C0WTO4m5ZldMbbZLqckwifisiUub623kmm3Hug/s320/curtanis.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />It’s not
fancy, it’s not big, and it wouldn't be everyone’s dream-come-true, but I couldn’t be
happier. Lily and Hugo, and now Casper – our newest team member – all seem to
agree.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cgNmM0mmHN8LcEVE9Pe8dIibalLz_w1dNM2tau_fJ0XB1zuFbjK67U4iWMSxLGPlYoBc9dfqTUXlfvRWFMNwcb3KhLXagC9PoCMzq9MDInPbHRx1Cot7gvd02zDV0XgmRHvdEHaiVPMKgGo7oHPz3Zi3ozyd50fj6vuL5puVIGSEvKIiTB6r5k5EbQ/s1440/gang.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cgNmM0mmHN8LcEVE9Pe8dIibalLz_w1dNM2tau_fJ0XB1zuFbjK67U4iWMSxLGPlYoBc9dfqTUXlfvRWFMNwcb3KhLXagC9PoCMzq9MDInPbHRx1Cot7gvd02zDV0XgmRHvdEHaiVPMKgGo7oHPz3Zi3ozyd50fj6vuL5puVIGSEvKIiTB6r5k5EbQ/s320/gang.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>And now, 365
days later, it’s time to start making art on a smaller scale once again. I’m
heading back into my art studio! </p></div>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-28853698427556582562022-03-08T08:15:00.004-08:002022-03-08T09:21:24.865-08:00Admiration for tessellation<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">What better way to acknowledge International Women's Day than with the story of an amazing woman - unknown to most - whose legacy is quietly playing out on a small island in the Salish Sea. I'm speaking of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjorie_Rice" target="_blank">Marjorie Rice</a> who, against odds stacked firmly against her, quietly made a name for herself in the world of mathematics. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Marjorie's name is not exactly a household one. Born in the USA in 1923, she received only a basic education and lead a pretty ordinary life as a home-maker and mom of five children. However, even though she had no training or experience in mathematics and geometry, she had an innate talent. After reading a magazine article that piqued her interest, she dabbled and doodled and eventually unravelled the mystery of new ways in which a five-sided shape (a pentagon) could fit together in repeating patterns. Anyone familiar with the work of the well-known Dutch artist <a href="https://mcescher.com/" target="_blank">M.C. Escher</a>, famous for the cleverly repeating, interlocking patterns in his art, understands what a tessellation is even if they're not actually familiar with the word.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Developing new pentagonal tessellations might not seem like a huge achievement, but this unassuming housewife did something that had been deemed impossible. In the 1960s had been concluded by experts in the field that there were no more ways to fit pentagon shapes together beyond the patterns that had already been discovered (and it goes without saying these "experts" were men). But plucky Marjorie quietly discovered not one, but four new pentagonal tessellation shapes. Here's one of them:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSMvhTDKUFdQ2Yr4wzHxZIXQwkzZghSgV3zTI9PiaU0kJOqESDgz9nNIJFOta1J9fZykU82-oR0o5k5cqY9jfnOxkRscBDOQoLro_04BlJR99BEILFVpnEFVxS8xCdc-bmgkcOPYE1rRaWgNCAFFUIhF-l-eAjSmROqeUN7yQ_-bF_hHPiA0Je3G84Ew=s265" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="212" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSMvhTDKUFdQ2Yr4wzHxZIXQwkzZghSgV3zTI9PiaU0kJOqESDgz9nNIJFOta1J9fZykU82-oR0o5k5cqY9jfnOxkRscBDOQoLro_04BlJR99BEILFVpnEFVxS8xCdc-bmgkcOPYE1rRaWgNCAFFUIhF-l-eAjSmROqeUN7yQ_-bF_hHPiA0Je3G84Ew" width="212" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you're yawning now, please bear with me and read on. It's going to get more interesting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fast forward to 2022 - just shy of 100 years since Marjorie's birth - to a small island in the Salish Sea where a potter enamored with Marjorie's work decides to develop kitchen tiles based on Marjorie's discoveries. Another artist (the one writing this) happens to be building a house, sees the prototype tiles, and is also enamored with both the tile pattern and the empowering story of Marjorie. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And so, for the past number of weeks I have been spending time at Mayne Island Clay Works making tiles based on Marjorie's pentagonal discoveries. I've worked under the tutelage of ceramic artist Kim Korol who created the molds, instructed me in the tile-making process, and who has provided gentle guidance throughout. She has taken care of the kiln firing of the tiles in collaboration with her business partner Kristine Webber, another Mayne Island ceramic artist. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My goal: to manufacture 700 tiles, each one lovingly made by hand in colors of my choosing. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvo7rjtL-9LNo3hPJO5ExPGljrx9b-8BOGBINVabPSMt0WXqCcYYAKAGNGm3g3bOdxFMHtTAMg6rfYcSh4zBNAMwHzUeUuICry1cMhZVp_K2eYlC2oEptmhb6WvCRtrJq3ZzUCQDLktUBfUJBq_b0gwGyqoDG_XG2oTEVb75s4QiA0_0XwcBBdvSxy7g=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvo7rjtL-9LNo3hPJO5ExPGljrx9b-8BOGBINVabPSMt0WXqCcYYAKAGNGm3g3bOdxFMHtTAMg6rfYcSh4zBNAMwHzUeUuICry1cMhZVp_K2eYlC2oEptmhb6WvCRtrJq3ZzUCQDLktUBfUJBq_b0gwGyqoDG_XG2oTEVb75s4QiA0_0XwcBBdvSxy7g=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGpODjwDuBqB4-mNOrw8Tv4It6WPCSJ6VRtCHg8Bis46LIbHv4y1DRtJg9JRYW1QWVIEbCw5Hqs4X2IGqyYrkEPAR1PNdv2vPu0sohnNSrSdGfLhaTvsfiCnGy2NfgrVkIGI1K3WNhZ60jOhVeIhZX6qoFrV_NlxTX1nrNk_ezK4ukn6pnWjQ3IPKmwQ=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGpODjwDuBqB4-mNOrw8Tv4It6WPCSJ6VRtCHg8Bis46LIbHv4y1DRtJg9JRYW1QWVIEbCw5Hqs4X2IGqyYrkEPAR1PNdv2vPu0sohnNSrSdGfLhaTvsfiCnGy2NfgrVkIGI1K3WNhZ60jOhVeIhZX6qoFrV_NlxTX1nrNk_ezK4ukn6pnWjQ3IPKmwQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVglvN9GpmkS8FzoenOWwvzcqwFRoMo0WNxj9D6U09tm5Ek7uvZMj7Bk8L1nQ6zNJDktMXkGKq0TR7VoOl7DWzfy_U-wrX3DLWXJmNgTzIteq5zyHoR6wo60ddaUx-2BC5spIqUQol7MECi3fv9JAiISUdP0KlIJbhUIuKJs45x5m-oVTmuBeEKesB1g=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVglvN9GpmkS8FzoenOWwvzcqwFRoMo0WNxj9D6U09tm5Ek7uvZMj7Bk8L1nQ6zNJDktMXkGKq0TR7VoOl7DWzfy_U-wrX3DLWXJmNgTzIteq5zyHoR6wo60ddaUx-2BC5spIqUQol7MECi3fv9JAiISUdP0KlIJbhUIuKJs45x5m-oVTmuBeEKesB1g=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixGudxaE8x2GMdPy7qQqYVFhyb1yrWa4BFCh8n4oMdOTzJAflzAbLdKPbg92ayQpcTGI35MbUsEZ_QIerawLyRQdRDdL8keJwD9fyX71EoYVNCyRmfX2E73eflhKjzmnhzi_anVTtZ_KSRHKUCHMNAlrw7pWB4dBIxYPPsZepFO52pphjAtyK9UUDNYw=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="1620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixGudxaE8x2GMdPy7qQqYVFhyb1yrWa4BFCh8n4oMdOTzJAflzAbLdKPbg92ayQpcTGI35MbUsEZ_QIerawLyRQdRDdL8keJwD9fyX71EoYVNCyRmfX2E73eflhKjzmnhzi_anVTtZ_KSRHKUCHMNAlrw7pWB4dBIxYPPsZepFO52pphjAtyK9UUDNYw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFTaJyR-zzuJcy190DcCB3M3DUHPgZAMcYaXVohfRor8j2gobK31zBrNHP09pXFzB6MA5Ig1bM9bZLmYGm8N6hfoJ-vj-z30DbpOxoUIi9HUn0WsCjbQJu-CR8o-zLgVFpc-SLXo9gpJ7zlL14TFELwTo5o3A3SRGnEXfEtlkAYe8i6Fygf69DjRIjRg=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFTaJyR-zzuJcy190DcCB3M3DUHPgZAMcYaXVohfRor8j2gobK31zBrNHP09pXFzB6MA5Ig1bM9bZLmYGm8N6hfoJ-vj-z30DbpOxoUIi9HUn0WsCjbQJu-CR8o-zLgVFpc-SLXo9gpJ7zlL14TFELwTo5o3A3SRGnEXfEtlkAYe8i6Fygf69DjRIjRg=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div>The story of Mayne Island Clay Works is in itself a story of women. Kim and Kristine have teamed up on a new venture to manufacture clay ollas (pronounced "oyas") - vessels that, once buried in a garden with only the top of the neck protruding, can be filled with water that slowly seeps through the porous walls of the olla underground, ultimately conserving water while serving the moisture needs of surrounding plants. Kim and Kristine are a dynamic duo and it's been a treat to watch them in action while I've been toiling away at tile making.<br /><p></p><p>When the last tile is completed I will miss spending time at the Clay Works but am looking forward to enjoying these hand-made tiles that will adorn my new home. I have to admit I'm also looking forward to spending more time in my own studio once the house building (and tile production) is behind me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiq5L1lUyJCl_xOliXYKXQYycMYHFPqdNaLFulo4cm8KEc6UxYyCNlaVps1Rzghljbv9E6Gw-GCMGC2G78D055mYGc2b0y1BQS7p9xsWviIztogFg149q7wIpcOoCFw02CDWQJginIBPdpb_H8pumMI7ZOBNUW8AOkV8YLgat4Ox79mfIfaDmecYelkZQ=s1711" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1711" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiq5L1lUyJCl_xOliXYKXQYycMYHFPqdNaLFulo4cm8KEc6UxYyCNlaVps1Rzghljbv9E6Gw-GCMGC2G78D055mYGc2b0y1BQS7p9xsWviIztogFg149q7wIpcOoCFw02CDWQJginIBPdpb_H8pumMI7ZOBNUW8AOkV8YLgat4Ox79mfIfaDmecYelkZQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Thank you, Marjorie, for your creativity, mathematical skills and determination that set tile-making wheels in motion decades later here on this small island. I think you'd be delighted to know how your legacy lives on.</p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Happy International Women's Day all!</span></p>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-80789338326989890372022-02-26T10:11:00.005-08:002022-02-27T11:04:47.085-08:00Timing and Luck<div><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's been said that timing is everything. Good timing or bad timing can be the make-or-break factor in all kinds of endeavors, contributing to heady success or crushing failure. Timing and luck are unquantifiable and intangible but oh-so very helpful when they align in one's favour.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The past couple of years have been tricky, to say the least. For some it's been downright devastating. Most of us could never have envisioned a global pandemic or comprehended its multi-layered impacts on our lives. It has taken place in tandem with weird and often destructive weather - from dangerously suffocating heat, to unprecidented deluges of rain, to what we weather-wimps in southwestern Canada consider to be devastating cold. Record numbers of people have been laid low during wave after pandemic wave of infections, work has been compromised, supply chains have been damaged, and transportation challenged by weather related road closures, covid related shut-downs, and a host of other problems. People have been migrating from city life and establishing themselves in more rural places in record numbers, and I count myself among them. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">What better time, say I, than to do something momentous? Why not take on the life-altering project of building a house!? And for added excitement, build it on a small island - a daunting logistical proposition at the best of times. Just go for it!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">And so, for many, many months, my house-building project has been my life. It started as an idea that I put down on paper. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA4fLn9nRoCfhfifuwi6KtAz57ep3XkbA2iV-EDy8tfhdglISu_X4eqz61OLRQWKafbZkE9yyY0tu3DiGso4zr-40l1RoEXBLC0DWFY6dJkJipvyg95P6Ar33ltd8NxjUrQWpQCPoKAQ0WFdHw-xXzMkON3EwGtjFZ-X-4cXbj67by0vybks94XPvMzw=s3256" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="3256" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA4fLn9nRoCfhfifuwi6KtAz57ep3XkbA2iV-EDy8tfhdglISu_X4eqz61OLRQWKafbZkE9yyY0tu3DiGso4zr-40l1RoEXBLC0DWFY6dJkJipvyg95P6Ar33ltd8NxjUrQWpQCPoKAQ0WFdHw-xXzMkON3EwGtjFZ-X-4cXbj67by0vybks94XPvMzw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then it ever-so-slowly emerged from a gigantic hole in the ground. The day the walls went up was surprisingly emotional. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ12slYQbSK6Uy0dmoC0mC3dgs8aanFugCQXGOSQVNkwM3m8YRZjJUyyK-JI4AQtZD6VwS1LfWdc-jXAzKYwR-yXb9L-euNoMH6_Yq-QEfn0AFVa8VsTi7hYYPb_l4Nj1-CGkHuS-nhuHtlHdArDG24o9tWEawHs6AWgyNs6vwwY3JUQW8IBSUCAT5cg=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ12slYQbSK6Uy0dmoC0mC3dgs8aanFugCQXGOSQVNkwM3m8YRZjJUyyK-JI4AQtZD6VwS1LfWdc-jXAzKYwR-yXb9L-euNoMH6_Yq-QEfn0AFVa8VsTi7hYYPb_l4Nj1-CGkHuS-nhuHtlHdArDG24o9tWEawHs6AWgyNs6vwwY3JUQW8IBSUCAT5cg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXcr5mNS4i0J39Fb63_-zUFVO6hIMpUaQ4PpaRK3lsFfyY0pBFRtHzu_HPqg7NB-fT4wRmSoPU09NV5is9EClK6QjWx3AwduAzCtRuiI62LNMUYK3yLDhIEYiZ5BONN3FohVyJXdoLcXDYX2GtZgujoF0VQjgVJXzEDpl0BzguxKgGriYTl-kxnS1nVg=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXcr5mNS4i0J39Fb63_-zUFVO6hIMpUaQ4PpaRK3lsFfyY0pBFRtHzu_HPqg7NB-fT4wRmSoPU09NV5is9EClK6QjWx3AwduAzCtRuiI62LNMUYK3yLDhIEYiZ5BONN3FohVyJXdoLcXDYX2GtZgujoF0VQjgVJXzEDpl0BzguxKgGriYTl-kxnS1nVg=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ1Tuv03P0HchSodvQJYpk8slMFhSXQNQxZwWTsf78As6tkjQGyECM8hLXODIyrhlg3ZaoBOGrXSdlgXPhILG2XuySdKY30vY00LzJrwIDf1nxHCi0fFlzOQtJ3EfsLFelSgCj08stqjs68EdC5rkKiB0Mc84kMr0w3npS1fEknRFfnkH4ICtPJVRHfw=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ1Tuv03P0HchSodvQJYpk8slMFhSXQNQxZwWTsf78As6tkjQGyECM8hLXODIyrhlg3ZaoBOGrXSdlgXPhILG2XuySdKY30vY00LzJrwIDf1nxHCi0fFlzOQtJ3EfsLFelSgCj08stqjs68EdC5rkKiB0Mc84kMr0w3npS1fEknRFfnkH4ICtPJVRHfw=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj7tdVHelGeRtJ7i4OU-m7enQF-xGdEHVUZWizL9FBV8OP9Twx3_AP4KmWfDI64MnFWnoMtMMExzmDQHrMcYHCXFLIjAB-Hj0w2FcQEr6960RzQniCDtuMZfPKX9nU4h8a_fYNHunqWkmCjFweBhmkRSVRJphCSD6UAAsbE7cYMbJft5Sm-e6DkZF8yQ=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj7tdVHelGeRtJ7i4OU-m7enQF-xGdEHVUZWizL9FBV8OP9Twx3_AP4KmWfDI64MnFWnoMtMMExzmDQHrMcYHCXFLIjAB-Hj0w2FcQEr6960RzQniCDtuMZfPKX9nU4h8a_fYNHunqWkmCjFweBhmkRSVRJphCSD6UAAsbE7cYMbJft5Sm-e6DkZF8yQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg43_YrfJGk1M6uOHzLJeWHLBZnohmkFQ8dR_3cAQfJsBQFtUEb0yvmp3RBTM6VKBS8kl-q7Ny_DwW7KRwuG_TqkZdIHXfHXscMiOeIVXU7Ff2FsZWKZ4eaR14AS5_REirItn0jVHPgZDFxOCdcFGDgZeRCw_1LBjLEdoFN7EgDbICg7Eu5B3a9Cv5lpQ=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg43_YrfJGk1M6uOHzLJeWHLBZnohmkFQ8dR_3cAQfJsBQFtUEb0yvmp3RBTM6VKBS8kl-q7Ny_DwW7KRwuG_TqkZdIHXfHXscMiOeIVXU7Ff2FsZWKZ4eaR14AS5_REirItn0jVHPgZDFxOCdcFGDgZeRCw_1LBjLEdoFN7EgDbICg7Eu5B3a9Cv5lpQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw3nGkGjYQu9avP9A5lNwKjM820qc3oD9sv-eWw_zkfCUfXb08WHDzTguznAyPvqnYx0O-UeQx1o0g5w8pKQJoel_2NtrPhsAVU-COLfg4JxLwd0wj7oTYpVKkb6grdk0XI0ER49aRwMlh-Ysa7OdpSPLy7rCyhmzJB26oHPO9B2lwC0_3WUqCGyeJ1Q=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw3nGkGjYQu9avP9A5lNwKjM820qc3oD9sv-eWw_zkfCUfXb08WHDzTguznAyPvqnYx0O-UeQx1o0g5w8pKQJoel_2NtrPhsAVU-COLfg4JxLwd0wj7oTYpVKkb6grdk0XI0ER49aRwMlh-Ysa7OdpSPLy7rCyhmzJB26oHPO9B2lwC0_3WUqCGyeJ1Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZILZSDUWZlJ1MhYSoAvidph4nWxUlEzKB6wEN2DJHwdymijYyVnK2yFBXZDliPULW7hKWXyz6GzGgJmPcYtsDW15XC_kBqvGTS0Cd8TPeSOWOifv44LcVthK_dPOf_AhHK3P9DbXKQMGXN201uX9WC46EpNjyD228Z1lEz7F2Mmk-qgETjk9HAyfbfw=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZILZSDUWZlJ1MhYSoAvidph4nWxUlEzKB6wEN2DJHwdymijYyVnK2yFBXZDliPULW7hKWXyz6GzGgJmPcYtsDW15XC_kBqvGTS0Cd8TPeSOWOifv44LcVthK_dPOf_AhHK3P9DbXKQMGXN201uX9WC46EpNjyD228Z1lEz7F2Mmk-qgETjk9HAyfbfw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The house is now inching towards completion. It has walls, and windows, and doors, and a roof, and I'm already seeing the finished abode in my mind's eye. Inside, it is light and airy thanks to the tall windows that face southwest and lofty ceilings that make the space seem bigger than it truly is. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the summer, after a productive day in my art studio, I'll be able to gaze at my vegetable garden from the kitchen window or enjoy some late afternoon sunshine on the deck. In winter, I'll curl up by the fireplace with a good book.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQzLsNXz52UoqkMLZ7V8qmTFiF6ql_NTmcMtNo3Pueb6eoRmg_9AfYoorwBCnUW8vr3Y1GyZYQj6O0JDCTI6HNydVWskiSY6QuU87Thc3CsYYMdGF1JfLBXwjdLqkvrqeIAHDaP6iJxGjhF2SPp9W0vjXBtroG8CnvE2qa51SBte_yuPZ6zYx99o7vMQ=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQzLsNXz52UoqkMLZ7V8qmTFiF6ql_NTmcMtNo3Pueb6eoRmg_9AfYoorwBCnUW8vr3Y1GyZYQj6O0JDCTI6HNydVWskiSY6QuU87Thc3CsYYMdGF1JfLBXwjdLqkvrqeIAHDaP6iJxGjhF2SPp9W0vjXBtroG8CnvE2qa51SBte_yuPZ6zYx99o7vMQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Best of all, it's on that little piece of the Southern Gulf Islands I fell in love with some years ago. The new house is a stone's throw from my studio and it's tucked just in front of the little old yellow cottage where I've been living throughout the building process. Happily, when I evacuate the cottage for the comforts of the new house, that old friend I've called home will live on as expanded studio space.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">While my timing for this epic project could have been much better, the many hair-pulling challenges and teeth-gritting frustrations - not to mention the absolute wonder of seeing a fuzzy idea gradually solidify into an actual building - will some day be just memories. And even so, these days when I step out of the cottage and make my way through the mud, past the piles of debris, and step through the door of the as-yet unfinished house, I know how lucky I truly am.</span></div>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1Mayne Island, BC, Canada48.847610499999988 -123.283891443.049877264480116 -132.07295390000002 54.645343735519859 -114.49482889999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-9334689969203983242021-04-06T10:46:00.001-07:002022-02-27T11:06:06.292-08:00Not just another little brown bird<p>I have a particular fondness for an unlikely kind of bird ever since I was introduced to the species by a friend who had a pair nesting in her secluded garden. The nest site was the top of a service box on the exterior wall of her house. The nest itself was a simple but artful construction of lichen and moss. The parent birds flitted from perch to perch, quietly keeping a watchful eye on us while we, in turn, observed them respectfully. The sweet little birds I'm talking about are Pacific-slope Flycatchers.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHklsLZGh73Ly10H2zeOKowvg0Y77sI0VWLrYoOEJFIRdpC8-g9LEs3Fpt9EqTSdoiSe4L4lpyp7O21qoRTQpEV8xPNWLC5bFG26k-V2z53UefGd0u-8YWU4fGNOYaw8BriwvJ-vjHmsj-/s432/PS+Flycatcher+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHklsLZGh73Ly10H2zeOKowvg0Y77sI0VWLrYoOEJFIRdpC8-g9LEs3Fpt9EqTSdoiSe4L4lpyp7O21qoRTQpEV8xPNWLC5bFG26k-V2z53UefGd0u-8YWU4fGNOYaw8BriwvJ-vjHmsj-/w400-h266/PS+Flycatcher+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Small, nondescript, brown-ish birds, they're definitely not the rockstars of the forest. They are what one would describe as "understated" as many flycatchers are with the exception of exotic types like the robust, colourful, loud, and in-your-face Kiskadee Flycatchers I got to know when I spent time in Trinidad. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuMw8v3KDWFg2XvGff53NC9RK1FUvNtFav1tYv4u8toxyhG86JrRMUuKdC_K0CpgEQjtAjxnYt4eILK_0__JzV7qzUZBdgXdM9FEe78c5EC-cJz_PocD0i7N3wR9O-izvhEtLix-nRtvO/s432/Kiskadee.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuMw8v3KDWFg2XvGff53NC9RK1FUvNtFav1tYv4u8toxyhG86JrRMUuKdC_K0CpgEQjtAjxnYt4eILK_0__JzV7qzUZBdgXdM9FEe78c5EC-cJz_PocD0i7N3wR9O-izvhEtLix-nRtvO/s320/Kiskadee.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Like their much bigger and far more boistrous tropical cousins, the distinctive whistle of Pacific-slope Flycatchers makes their presence known. Even those who have never observed them may recognize their voice.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NOv0Wmoxt-q9VYZMfna7pGf0Gv1EQY5D6ajc6b-EFGTeobQvXAMI7SQC6VtjFKlO6WhYz3eDrzlorhzKeqZfbYuaYTfQbhNPh3eRbJmwvLnx60Yc9r-5vDa0vY1Ek0NalVVu3yDAnkKE/s432/PS+Flycatcher+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NOv0Wmoxt-q9VYZMfna7pGf0Gv1EQY5D6ajc6b-EFGTeobQvXAMI7SQC6VtjFKlO6WhYz3eDrzlorhzKeqZfbYuaYTfQbhNPh3eRbJmwvLnx60Yc9r-5vDa0vY1Ek0NalVVu3yDAnkKE/w400-h266/PS+Flycatcher+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As a self-professed bird nerd, I was wildly excited last spring when a pair of these little darlings decided to use the light fixture above my studio door as their nest site! </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJOc2ISpBCm3stXgNXMwVMRvaocLz67mKQgPvDFrbOsoLqVYA07d9Ctj0J2mu30I7jbB4AJ3QC_E51dFbk5pStf7f_qHfMlmT_F_RzVunvfw0aVFIMwzPdZrMFdgRZ_qUMwzXpuR5AZFR/s432/PS+Flycatcher+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJOc2ISpBCm3stXgNXMwVMRvaocLz67mKQgPvDFrbOsoLqVYA07d9Ctj0J2mu30I7jbB4AJ3QC_E51dFbk5pStf7f_qHfMlmT_F_RzVunvfw0aVFIMwzPdZrMFdgRZ_qUMwzXpuR5AZFR/w400-h266/PS+Flycatcher+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>It made getting any work done a challenging for two reasons: 1) I feared disturbing them each time I passed through the door, and 2) the distraction of watching their activities was hard to resist. I could pull up a chair and easily spend hours observing their goings-on.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFTo3sie9Ut2-VVXjKQhk48I6paLraSiWKU7nTbCrTZmaz5vXJB6Ih-e5PsgMjsdhk4EUQPeihpna-YsocU2O6Y6ynl85feaAb_orarYm8Y6UMSLmzyerTNbNnCun92TxKNI5j_zBT69l/s432/PS+Flycatcher+7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFTo3sie9Ut2-VVXjKQhk48I6paLraSiWKU7nTbCrTZmaz5vXJB6Ih-e5PsgMjsdhk4EUQPeihpna-YsocU2O6Y6ynl85feaAb_orarYm8Y6UMSLmzyerTNbNnCun92TxKNI5j_zBT69l/w400-h266/PS+Flycatcher+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_5PwQjGdcIBYCEOi8pL5bxKJ5NcGuJyITrY2R73F7bqS2Gv_yxW3M-fVHb-6K_nELhNQ7j7iFmR9QrGAGJTxJrXQW7srC0kraI507kMZiSSMLYdYDJcyE9-WdasbrqPiP5WKUhSHVWIn/s432/PS+Flycatcher.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_5PwQjGdcIBYCEOi8pL5bxKJ5NcGuJyITrY2R73F7bqS2Gv_yxW3M-fVHb-6K_nELhNQ7j7iFmR9QrGAGJTxJrXQW7srC0kraI507kMZiSSMLYdYDJcyE9-WdasbrqPiP5WKUhSHVWIn/w400-h266/PS+Flycatcher.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo_onMdaHYk9LKo8Ts02Hc1_gHMp5IIkQKJKJvvpnh8SCilSmLWZvxGVqqgwlAEkXnuOkQDVHAkxCEyCBy61CwRh0a7PWq_S_FRYF6AFb48yQCJQXfsS8Tok8Fod2ides2eDWx22kMT5d/s432/PS+Flycatcher+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo_onMdaHYk9LKo8Ts02Hc1_gHMp5IIkQKJKJvvpnh8SCilSmLWZvxGVqqgwlAEkXnuOkQDVHAkxCEyCBy61CwRh0a7PWq_S_FRYF6AFb48yQCJQXfsS8Tok8Fod2ides2eDWx22kMT5d/w400-h266/PS+Flycatcher+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Thankfully the birds didn't seem bothered by my presence and eventually I was able to control the amount of time I spent gawking at them. The nest got raided once, as evidenced by a piece of broken eggshell I found on the doormat, and I thought they might give up and move to a new location. However the plucky little creatures persevered and eventually a brood of babies hatched, grew and fledged. One morning I discovered they had slipped quietly away into the forest. Life felt a little empty without them. The nest now resides on my studio window ledge.</p><p></p><p>When a Call to Artists came out early this year from the Art Bird Card project inviting artists to illustrate a bird identification card as part of a fundraiser for the Rocky Point Bird Observatory, I was delighted to see the Pacific-slope Flycatcher on the list. I knew this species would not be the first choice for most artists, or even second or third choice, but I put my hand up right away. The result is this little drawing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqzCF0bmnR3EQ3vQkXObd4vDx3JAkjbeT3X0Wr6wdXj8rof3YGMLkjwO9qYn2EyzGl9CML2IG8TtsGAB-Jgk3UDIYYIzUZGNSplFtfB9bX4g7mlsqgZnWZo5cOuHqRKKLpTRsW8uYRDHN/s588/Pacific+Slope+Flycatcher+-+final.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqzCF0bmnR3EQ3vQkXObd4vDx3JAkjbeT3X0Wr6wdXj8rof3YGMLkjwO9qYn2EyzGl9CML2IG8TtsGAB-Jgk3UDIYYIzUZGNSplFtfB9bX4g7mlsqgZnWZo5cOuHqRKKLpTRsW8uYRDHN/w273-h400/Pacific+Slope+Flycatcher+-+final.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><p>It is one of 35 species included in Set 2 of the bird identification Nature Cards which will be available later this spring. Last year I illustrated a card for Set 1, and that time it was indeed the rockstar of the forest: the flashy, noisy and exotic-looking Piliated Woodpecker.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zT-83DwhOciP6hnDmY2wZMY0n3Wy8g9ffK3mKzXJj6NY45rgbtBR-Gqf1CofjcTyIiBdHOJ022pda2Kn1kmxwdg_A7-7G2Jb0NvKZrzDrPmENFqpBa5nJuhRwbHQLA3fu0Vpq_j9Cfq9/s600/pileated-lr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zT-83DwhOciP6hnDmY2wZMY0n3Wy8g9ffK3mKzXJj6NY45rgbtBR-Gqf1CofjcTyIiBdHOJ022pda2Kn1kmxwdg_A7-7G2Jb0NvKZrzDrPmENFqpBa5nJuhRwbHQLA3fu0Vpq_j9Cfq9/w266-h400/pileated-lr.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is another species that regularly visits my property. A team of them is currently dedicated to using their drilling power to sculpt a dead cedar snag near the road. </div></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNeLPkT6ouk1rUQBOwbyDnbQMh91siyrx9bk7uaFhJZcKCmcty_dKh9OGiKsVWeAnlifXtN943dddVdJXsHAA6vigS71Wje1S4nBRQQ60ssbuoOu5LQR4_gNTRfqJF1oqghuqUvIOXdZv/s2048/woodpecker+tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNeLPkT6ouk1rUQBOwbyDnbQMh91siyrx9bk7uaFhJZcKCmcty_dKh9OGiKsVWeAnlifXtN943dddVdJXsHAA6vigS71Wje1S4nBRQQ60ssbuoOu5LQR4_gNTRfqJF1oqghuqUvIOXdZv/w225-h400/woodpecker+tree.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>While Piliated Woodpeckers are year-round residents, Pacific-slope Flycatchers are spring/summer visitors who stay only long enough to nest, rear babies, and enjoy the seasonal bounty of insects before migrating south to warmer winter climates. It's early April as I write this, and I'm already listening for the distinctive whistle that will herald their arrival. And I have my fingers crossed a nest will once again be built where I can observe their comings and goings.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHQ4g43hMUs7wXr883gF1ufw7x-teSYzUJ2lMIC6TY4lMMeEwmUWzyy-I2xbUHouCobEcFh6ZjZWomix2ovFQgM-fXjUMouQXMsjXkc-KNkrcpLuvi_SLylv7FEsdyTq4NGBfHW9exLVP/s432/PS+Flycatcher+8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHQ4g43hMUs7wXr883gF1ufw7x-teSYzUJ2lMIC6TY4lMMeEwmUWzyy-I2xbUHouCobEcFh6ZjZWomix2ovFQgM-fXjUMouQXMsjXkc-KNkrcpLuvi_SLylv7FEsdyTq4NGBfHW9exLVP/w400-h266/PS+Flycatcher+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're interested in the Nature Cards produced by the Art Bird Card project, visit the <a href="http://rpbo.org/art_bird_cards.php" target="_blank">Rocky Point Bird Observatory website</a>. To learn more about the Pacific-slope Flycatcher, here's a <a href="http://www.birdweb.org/birdweb/bird/pacific-slope_flycatcher" target="_blank">good link to visit</a> where you can also hear their distinctive whistle.</div><p></p>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-41427416544340404362021-03-21T12:19:00.000-07:002021-03-21T12:19:14.127-07:00The Three Cs (Plus Three More)<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">From time to time I have the pleasure of being called upon to adjuticate artworks for juried exhibitions. The experience of reviewing the art that's been submitted never fails to get me thinking about just how important art fundamentals are to the execution of successful art pieces. While on one of my rambling walks recently I came up with with a formula I'm calling "The Three Cs."</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>1. Composition </b></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">No matter what medium or style, the underlying "bone structure" of any piece of art is its composition. Balance, symmetry and movement are all words used to describe it. Rules of thirds, rules of odds, and other rules apply. Some artists have an instinctive knack for composition and are driven by intuition while others approach it in a meticulously calculated way. No matter how an artist reaches his/her compositional decisions, it's well worth the effort of careful consideration. An artist may have perfected their techniques in every other way but if the composition is lacking, the work suffers. Confident artists will sometimes intentionally break compositional rules, but to do that successfully the artist is usually making a deliberate choice.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>2. Colour </b></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The use of colour is another fundamental consideration. The choice not to use colour makes its own statement, but when colour is applied it can be easy to see which artists have given it careful thought. The use of complimentary colours is a sure-fire way to energize, while a more analagous palette can tone things down. High key or low key, hot or cool, intense or muted, colour is very much the language spoken by artists. Those who are most fluent have studied its nuances and harnessed its power.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>3. Creativity </b></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Whatever, the style, medium, subject or approach, artists must be creative and strive to be unique. Finding one's artistic "voice" can be a difficult task, increasingly so thanks to the sharing of so many digital images and ideas online. It requires the ability to ignore a lot of external forces, including the images that pop up on Social Media and that instructor whose work we are so tempted to emulate. When we stop looking at others, we are more likely to find ourselves.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">When teaching, I often use this drawing of mine as an example of The Three Cs: </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9sm5LsRv_DUv_u6y8BccTGEXgsFgizeDSaNG9l4GD8-KaXt9RLWpGyl3KhXwqCJQfXBA4bvaySAUmkuOoWL_OeZ73eqlhtxjLOP3S3lm36dbJAasfY8H8LwxvAavYeY_fCvr5m-Ed5y8/s400/muscovy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="400" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9sm5LsRv_DUv_u6y8BccTGEXgsFgizeDSaNG9l4GD8-KaXt9RLWpGyl3KhXwqCJQfXBA4bvaySAUmkuOoWL_OeZ73eqlhtxjLOP3S3lm36dbJAasfY8H8LwxvAavYeY_fCvr5m-Ed5y8/w400-h288/muscovy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">This composition is not conventional. The placement of the bird's eye satisfies the rule of thirds but having his beak point straight into the corner would typically be a no-no. However, I deliberately broke that compositional rule to create energy and tension. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">I used complimentary colours (red and green) to energize the drawing. I developed naturally occuring shades of green by blending blues, yellows and other colours including red. It's also worth noting that black is never just black - it is the presence of all colours. For the bird's feathers I worked in blues, purples and reds to create rich black tones.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lastly, this is one ugly duck but I chose not to concern myself about creating a pretty picture. Instead I celebrated his unique appearance. </span></li></ul></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">While I believe The Three Cs cover the fundamentals, there are a couple of additional Cs that are also worth acknowledging:</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>4. Concentration </b></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The fabled 10,000 hours of practice, practice, practice - in the studio, or back bedroom, or kitchen table, or garden shed, or wherever it is we make art - is key to becoming accomplished. When we persevere to find time, to focus, and to keep producing, it shows!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>5. Courage </b></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Being an artist takes bravery in so many ways! Artists infuse their innermost-selves into the art they make and then expose it to public scrutiny. They also tend to lead unconventional lives. "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif">And there's one last practical C...</span><br />
<span face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif"><b>6. Camera </b></span><span face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif">Know how to use one - properly! Understanding how to light artwork is a key aspect for successfully photograping it, whether we're using an expensive high-resolution camera or just a smartphone. We also need to know how to process digital photos so the original art is represented as closely as possible and the file has the correct technical specifications. </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I would add, </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">for those who use photography as reference material</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> for the art they make, that it's very, very tempting to use other people's photos, or public domain photos available online, or even to break copyright laws and swipe an online image. Resist those temptations! The effort of building our own libraries of reference photos will ensure our art speaks from our own experiences, not someone else's. Ultimately it will help with the tricky task of finding our own artistic voice. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif">And now I'm off to the studio on this cool, rainy early-spring day to see how I can effectively apply these principles. Happy art making all!</span></span></div>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-91445302791389576772021-02-04T15:11:00.011-08:002022-03-06T10:58:02.323-08:00The question of "When?"<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's impossible to exist these days without being acutely aware of the struggles people are experiencing as they cope with the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people appear to be preoccupied with "when" questions: when can they travel, when can they plan vacations, when can they attend events, when can they gather together, when... when... when? We are told there are no clear answers to these questions - not yet, at least.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Artists tend to be solitary sorts of people and true-to-form I have found that staying home hasn't been terribly difficult for me. I can remember when my calendar was always action-packed and every moment of my time accounted for. Now each page is mostly blank. I find I don't really mind. When life eventually resumes a more lively pace, I'll be rested, refreshed and ready for action!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">While I sorely miss my friends/family, for the most part I'm reasonably content. That's not to say I don't have the occasional bouts of frustration. However, my mandate is 1) I don't want to get sick, and 2) I abhor the thought of spreading the disease, particularly to someone more vulnerable than I. I'm also not a conspiracy theorist. I observe the numbers of deaths rising world-wide. I trust in science and in the people who have the education and expertise to lead us through these challenging times as safely as possible, imperfect as that leadership may sometimes be. And given the seriousness of the situation - the illness, the loss of life - I feel that the very least I can do is to do my part, and do my best to do it with good grace. When I'm able to see and hug my family/friends, to share a meal with them, to celebate an occasion together, I'll be all-the-more grateful.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My personal survival strategy for these days, weeks and months of mostly-solitary time is this:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Get outdoors.</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Spend time outside each day and go for long walks as often as possible. Breathe the air, observe the birds, and enjoy the physical experience of walking. <br /><br /></span></span></b></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Eat well.</b> Prepare fresh, nourishing meals (and limit wine intake to a prudent level).<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Talk and laugh.</b> Keep in contact with friends and family via whatever electronic means work best. Communicate with at least one human every day and share laughter whenever possible.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Pat the dog and the cat.</b> Show appreciation for the four-legged sidekicks and make the most of their constant companionship.<br /><br /></span></li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1134" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEity7x-86TwQ1FusB7czRGHsGDcrQRLlvDyBHt04UBSaCoSkiVQu6U5es2MGBLtkETwGzCzQD0YpIKDvAeOUfZj187eHtDsDLq3DLFJI2HcTz86t278Eakd6rF7M7b3tK1rfUK6dIN8CllR/s320/lily+hugo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily's "when" question is "When will Hugo get out of my bed?!"</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEity7x-86TwQ1FusB7czRGHsGDcrQRLlvDyBHt04UBSaCoSkiVQu6U5es2MGBLtkETwGzCzQD0YpIKDvAeOUfZj187eHtDsDLq3DLFJI2HcTz86t278Eakd6rF7M7b3tK1rfUK6dIN8CllR/s1134/lily+hugo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I top up these habits with a bit of blessing-counting. Each day I find it's not too difficult to be thankful for some small thing, or sometimes for many. I'm focussed on keeping the glass half-full rather than dwelling on what's missing. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">When the world regains its equilibrium, I hope to carry forward some of these habits.</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Not surprising, given my line of work, I'm also committed to doing creative things:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Working in my studio.</b> Right now I have a couple of dog portraits on the go and a lengthy list of upcoming projects. <br /><br /></span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyZUThqXhG8yjAs488ewdC7xU7k4K_RU0m6L3CeTo0va9OvU_sivY7YHWqDS_sP8DqgrG8HPfn78qXtfu8x_5S9_6nEjQVAiycX66oW7eCagRcXbhbqx985YNLnsXKg49d1fVHcYFSGp2/s800/studio+jan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyZUThqXhG8yjAs488ewdC7xU7k4K_RU0m6L3CeTo0va9OvU_sivY7YHWqDS_sP8DqgrG8HPfn78qXtfu8x_5S9_6nEjQVAiycX66oW7eCagRcXbhbqx985YNLnsXKg49d1fVHcYFSGp2/s320/studio+jan.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Exploring a new art form.</b> I'm fulfilling my interest in sculptural work by learning about needle felting. Because of my experience with silk painting, it feels natural to experiment with another fibre-based medium. I have a ways to go before I'll feel fluent enough to tackle a significant project but for now I'm having fun fooling around making little birds.<br /><br /></span></li></ul><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpW2n2bm8JSZdYODb5uB7apPszf0IVajHtsGEOXRhadUFrWefpIo8aLi0zS22rLg9XfuOzqZdP2bLSh2w37arDr0hBXIzL4F3JTjWzMXpePuUDrN1EHtspmJVJBdy7p_fWSrW-vVzw7SC/s1089/felting.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1089" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpW2n2bm8JSZdYODb5uB7apPszf0IVajHtsGEOXRhadUFrWefpIo8aLi0zS22rLg9XfuOzqZdP2bLSh2w37arDr0hBXIzL4F3JTjWzMXpePuUDrN1EHtspmJVJBdy7p_fWSrW-vVzw7SC/s320/felting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oystercatcher</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2UvafUTlU6vKFHm3dx0oWLzYlfH9Almf0seysXvEafqYm6uJNxf7nr9LrfFZ5MSxlGRTfgJExYhx_qHTEvRa5FQ8Vr11ZZj4jy23Q43zO2b-51A13A4WRoQmFIv2nHJGZ1dZ9gYWjbwz/s1080/felting2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1023" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2UvafUTlU6vKFHm3dx0oWLzYlfH9Almf0seysXvEafqYm6uJNxf7nr9LrfFZ5MSxlGRTfgJExYhx_qHTEvRa5FQ8Vr11ZZj4jy23Q43zO2b-51A13A4WRoQmFIv2nHJGZ1dZ9gYWjbwz/s320/felting2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuthatch</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Building something. </b>I have ambitions to expand my pandemic-inspired vegetable garden that materialized last spring. My enthusiasm is blossoming as I observe daffodils emerging from the earth, garlic sprouts shooting bravely upwards, and self-seeded cilantro making an appearance. I'm also inspired by the fact that I'm still eating home-grown veggies from my freezer and from my kale patch that has continued producing all through the winter. Soon I hope to be building more beds and erecting additional deer-proof fencing. Recently, when tidying my shed, I discovered an ample supply of hammers inherited from various sources - enough for any carpentry project I could wish to take on (not to mention enough to outfit an army of carpenters should the need ever arise).<br /><br /></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVOOLRQq5Glo-_igaQcYZs9ZvmmqrVvwrS0rhk772GHXN50-umj5cUVKBifvrmgutv9cX0YCCm_pfEiktdluIMoRYvNQGptFNL3I5lHJdfovwpaybo0dM9bCed6LriIliZgMymyT-S-FC/s1939/hammers.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="1939" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVOOLRQq5Glo-_igaQcYZs9ZvmmqrVvwrS0rhk772GHXN50-umj5cUVKBifvrmgutv9cX0YCCm_pfEiktdluIMoRYvNQGptFNL3I5lHJdfovwpaybo0dM9bCed6LriIliZgMymyT-S-FC/w400-h113/hammers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I understand each person's circumstances are different and that I'm fortunate to live in a place I love with ample room to roam outdoors. When it's possible to travel once again, I'm confident that I'll always return to this place and be glad to come home. </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've consciously made an effort to practice living in the moment, given planning ahead these days often ends in disappointment. Living in the moment has got to be one of the most difficult things for humans to do because we tend to constantly project into the future. It's not that I don't have dreams for what's to come but I'm keeping timelines intentionally fuzzy for now. When I'm able to resume making concrete plans I'm confident I'll still remember how. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As I write this a hummingbird is visiting the feeder outside my window, I can see juncos, sparrows and towhees pecking at seed I scattered this morning, the sun is peeking through the trees, Lily is snoozing in her bed in preparation for our walk, and Hugo is, in the way of cats, somewhere of his own choosing. Across the driveway my studio beckons. Today is much like yesterday, and tomorrow will be much the same. When times change, I suspect I'll remember these days with fondness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">What I wish for everyone during this unusual moment in history is, first and foremost, safety and good health but also that they are able to adopt coping strategies that work for them - strategies infused with grace, caring and thoughtfulness, spiced by dash of optimism and perhaps a pinch of creativity. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ultimately, I believe the answer to to the question of "when" can be found in the way we navigate "now". </span></p>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-21158319855886533632020-11-28T10:28:00.001-08:002022-02-27T11:07:35.670-08:00Measuring Success<p></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>Written Saturday, November 14, 2020</i></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Art is kind of a strange business. In fact, simply associating the
words "art" and "business" is a bit strange in itself.
However, for those of us who make art from which we derive some sort of income,
business is part of the picture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The question I want to explore today is how do artists define their success? Coming from the perspective of a working artist, here are some
of my observations:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MFBbVNZnDKY-9tjnUL1gQvj8R8HJ_U6qlbewUOEW-YaYogah4ddfbMa82obXwoltX24RdectMdfibBNg9N7vz55eoqGo_ynYPDm1O924tA_DKkxHT57a0M_b1VYvj1Ed28i6NF1ULumA/s1200/sold.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MFBbVNZnDKY-9tjnUL1gQvj8R8HJ_U6qlbewUOEW-YaYogah4ddfbMa82obXwoltX24RdectMdfibBNg9N7vz55eoqGo_ynYPDm1O924tA_DKkxHT57a0M_b1VYvj1Ed28i6NF1ULumA/w170-h89/sold.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The simple answer for many is that success is measured in terms of
sales. While this is a system everyone fundamentally understands, there are
some tricky nuances. For example, at art fairs I have observed sales-aggressive
artists steamroller over neighbouring artists to attract the attention of
potential buyers. In the online setting, some have been known to hijack social media threads to
bring attention to themselves. They might choose to only participate in
exhibitions or events that have the potential to generate sales. To keep their
sales up, they may focus their art on subjects or colours that are in keeping
with decorator trends, or they may poach styles, techniques, and/or imagery
from other artists. These actions ensure they won't win any popularity contests
among their artist colleagues. However, if one uses sales to measure success, they are
clear winners.<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p></p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3U-qr-bSZWC5pV4N5ieXkb8HH1pSA7aoQJpd4z6QdHyPi0k_fjfCPOqkjOLehJSldlS9MdH5sqJa7PO0nqvpNDtmlXG0BSYioAWonaa3cgoD-UOB4bfMEp5wesc-OdOps-JhCUfZdP9B/s512/certificate.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3U-qr-bSZWC5pV4N5ieXkb8HH1pSA7aoQJpd4z6QdHyPi0k_fjfCPOqkjOLehJSldlS9MdH5sqJa7PO0nqvpNDtmlXG0BSYioAWonaa3cgoD-UOB4bfMEp5wesc-OdOps-JhCUfZdP9B/w150-h150/certificate.png" width="150" /></a></div>Some artists are award oriented, measuring success by the display
of certificates on their wall. Seems like a simple system but once again, it's
not without pitfalls. I have observed artists exhibiting the same work over and
over again in different shows - sometimes for years - repeatedly earning
accolades. They may not be producing much new work and/or they may be so
focussed on winning that they are inhibited from exploring daring new artistic
possibilities. They may also inadvertently limit their scope by only participating in
settings that hand out honours and thus miss out on other types of
opportunities. However, judging by their accumulation of award certificates,
they are clear winners.</span></span><div><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">Some define success by bestowing their wisdom on others either
through formal teaching or by sharing information by some other means (such as
a blog </span><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">😉</span><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">).
Others may define success through their own accumulation of education, the
names of the illustrious artist-instructors with whom they've studied, or perhaps
the credentials they have earned. Learning, whether approached as teacher or
student is fundamentally important to us all, so why wouldn't it be a measure
of success to be an applauded instructor or, for that matter, to be on the
receiving end of wisdom from an esteemed art maker? While some can balance
teaching and learning, the lines can become blurred to the point where the
artist may ask themselves "Am I more teacher than artist?" or
"Am I developing my own original artistic voice or am I a disciple of some other artist?" </span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqHsLqvhp5_a_lpKjkrC6CY1G4G8mEI_gliP-W7LV84CXe2r3BpPtDEtHk3goQ6t0BoVTE84TFtdaaTpGCeaF_cMU5bVj5pQNdajXtGLgcYsBuQZ2kuhxfKSDnZs7EvaTa6hvRGT9OtFg/s500/creativity.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="442" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqHsLqvhp5_a_lpKjkrC6CY1G4G8mEI_gliP-W7LV84CXe2r3BpPtDEtHk3goQ6t0BoVTE84TFtdaaTpGCeaF_cMU5bVj5pQNdajXtGLgcYsBuQZ2kuhxfKSDnZs7EvaTa6hvRGT9OtFg/w105-h119/creativity.png" width="105" /></a></div></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And then there are others who measure success by the satisfaction
they get from making art, the fulfillment of that inner urge to create and set
free the artistic voice within them. The simple (or highly complex) act of
making art is their measure of success. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I maintain there is no a clear way for artists to truly define
success. I've been at it for a good, long while and I've produced some art
that's been profoundly satisfying (not to mention some I've enjoyed shredding). Making art
hasn't made me monetarily rich but I've earned a decent income. I've shown
work all over in a wide range of settings with diverse bunches of art-makers.
I've been fortunate to win some awards here and there along the way. I've known
the joy of teaching and of reveling in those "ah-ha" moments when a
student perfects a skill or grasps a concept. I've had some formal art
education, earned some credentials, and learned techniques and tips from
inspiring individuals. Each of these experiences has offered some sense of
achievement but none completely define me or my art, both of which will always be works in progress.
Nor do these experiences offer a yardstick by which to measure the success of
what I do. In my mind, success as an artist is not tangible. It has more to do
with an inner sense of satisfaction.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ72vcHSGeD5CBuXXcf7z0vVoTXSDib6zBRox7faZSTx6cOlG-Nl_BYF85xDPhFAf3dbhN7LjCRothBpqgmwfrhUHVxL9bYGRKB0shTIDgoGBJakz26eoGEBWJnSvL1Ob8GEn1RVaA8bH2/s2048/mayne+studio+interior.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ72vcHSGeD5CBuXXcf7z0vVoTXSDib6zBRox7faZSTx6cOlG-Nl_BYF85xDPhFAf3dbhN7LjCRothBpqgmwfrhUHVxL9bYGRKB0shTIDgoGBJakz26eoGEBWJnSvL1Ob8GEn1RVaA8bH2/w225-h400/mayne+studio+interior.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today, during the Mayne Island Fall 2020 Studio Tour, on a cold,
damp November day in the midst of a global pandemic, I opened my little art
studio. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9KlE4cx444o_RQfxwRri3lwhMuDTH0oJOyE9zurV27rhdVUErU1caNXZzIe3W_7xxeB5KdLwRjSHvMNJ_dEmwx-DapXQPZMcoOzGAhng2dua6MThDv1VbW3aSAwS6OAGgYE0tJOgGBue/s1515/sign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1515" data-original-width="1134" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9KlE4cx444o_RQfxwRri3lwhMuDTH0oJOyE9zurV27rhdVUErU1caNXZzIe3W_7xxeB5KdLwRjSHvMNJ_dEmwx-DapXQPZMcoOzGAhng2dua6MThDv1VbW3aSAwS6OAGgYE0tJOgGBue/w300-h400/sign.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p>I donned my mask, sanitized my hands, bundled up, and from a spot just
outside my studio (it's too small inside to allow proper social distancing) I
welcomed a steady trickle of visitors. Some were aspiring artists interested in
learning, some were shopping, some said they were impressed by my art, some
simply chatted, some said very little, and others I'm quite certain had come
just to look at my artfully built studio. I sold a few things and I had some
excellent conversations with new acquaintances and familiar friends alike about
art, island life, and other topics. In between, while warming up indoors, I
attended to email and did a bit of bookkeeping. I also observed the goings-on
of birds - pine siskins in the trees above the studio, juncos in the birdbath, hummingbirds at the feeder - as I took time out for a cup of tea. </p></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-COFQ-OxLhD7G1Dyzh3iaoQSoYFwSN_NS9TMBHiGtv_9BKSDrJcIYzJLdeEwccJWLF1thItp2wSQMBKUCjAqekYL2X72-8H6I5UUECc8EYMJoibRNHJ8oxaj5aISflVYaM6YOQFJrcG-/s1728/Lily.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="1134" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-COFQ-OxLhD7G1Dyzh3iaoQSoYFwSN_NS9TMBHiGtv_9BKSDrJcIYzJLdeEwccJWLF1thItp2wSQMBKUCjAqekYL2X72-8H6I5UUECc8EYMJoibRNHJ8oxaj5aISflVYaM6YOQFJrcG-/w263-h400/Lily.jpg" width="263" /></a></span></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p>After closing the studio and before November's early darkness set in I
entertained Lily with some ball-throwing. All in all was a very satisfying day.</p><p>And that's how this particular artist measures success.</p></span></span><p></p><p></p></div>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-68459873907940243012020-11-10T19:01:00.002-08:002022-02-27T11:08:35.999-08:00Sometimes it takes a pandemic...<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We've all heard the saying that "change is the only thing constant in life". Change has certainly been my seemingly permanent sidekick for quite some time now. It has ebbed and flowed around me like the sea, and in the past few months the tides of change rose high as I pulled up stakes and moved house...again. But unlike the last <a href="http://strongatart.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-art-of-dismantling.html" target="_blank">momentous upheaval</a> just a few years ago, this time I have, for want of a better word, "consolidated". As of September 1st, 2020, I became a full-time Gulf Islander. My nifty live/work townhome on the mainland now belongs to someone else.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLdzb9qkg30px7LyNBIz4eHslNKuMPkbwExfA7J2pJU6LKMX-eOO_dYxqlUFwDtmqlR44EDUd-kme6ZNzbodcRSBM-l6MK0lqY4hxC5XMwsUMb5THZEciclmTvi2s3KisYSzR4bnNlpqc/s1024/surrey+studio.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1024" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLdzb9qkg30px7LyNBIz4eHslNKuMPkbwExfA7J2pJU6LKMX-eOO_dYxqlUFwDtmqlR44EDUd-kme6ZNzbodcRSBM-l6MK0lqY4hxC5XMwsUMb5THZEciclmTvi2s3KisYSzR4bnNlpqc/w320-h285/surrey+studio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glimpse into my mainland studio.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There's nothing like a global pandemic to help one come to terms with priorities. I have loved my little place on Mayne Island, with its dilapidated cottage and rustic amenities, its towering evergreens and sunny meadow, since first I laid eyes on the <a href="http://strongatart.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-little-piece-of-paradise.html" target="_blank">little piece of paradise</a> six years ago. The intervening time has seen much change for me but the little cottage has remained a constant factor, as has my dog Lily and her cat friend Hugo. I made gradual improvements to the comfort level of the cottage, had a little studio built, got involved in the island's arts community, and over time I found myself spending more and more and more time tucked away in my place among the trees just a stone's throw from a pretty beach. Consequently I spent less and less time in the "real world" of the mainland. Many people I got to know on the island didn't even realize I wasn't a full-timer. Ties with the mainland slowly unraveled.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When the pandemic came along I was at my island cottage so I stayed put. I <a href="http://strongatart.blogspot.com/2020/05/creativity-in-isolation.html" target="_blank">planted a garden</a> - a sure sign of commitment! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW6aB032CqjtYieJmlIUDI3TAnqGq1-XIKv7g8o9MpE11g4hRANZQhGJEGJ_eCUN1xeOFrP8alHuzabhxnWwpx79wRGxhayHW5O4B8LNOQtMPjWvVI071-7f2cJevwuQ1J52c8X9vTQhh/s1422/scarecrow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW6aB032CqjtYieJmlIUDI3TAnqGq1-XIKv7g8o9MpE11g4hRANZQhGJEGJ_eCUN1xeOFrP8alHuzabhxnWwpx79wRGxhayHW5O4B8LNOQtMPjWvVI071-7f2cJevwuQ1J52c8X9vTQhh/s320/scarecrow.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrLE-BndlQMezxmn9mS-Ucn9PUh9IN0vLpb5WAkYI0lFKTH5YW4jlC5fZeqReJ3P6e-9oZEJmKT4LzFHg-T-9eUwn1zbxKeRVXcuJ-MKp1m_uu9lOPUyvkTFP1p2qB58HVSopcDbX_TYF/s1196/harvest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrLE-BndlQMezxmn9mS-Ucn9PUh9IN0vLpb5WAkYI0lFKTH5YW4jlC5fZeqReJ3P6e-9oZEJmKT4LzFHg-T-9eUwn1zbxKeRVXcuJ-MKp1m_uu9lOPUyvkTFP1p2qB58HVSopcDbX_TYF/s320/harvest.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I also did a lot of existential thinking, asking myself questions about where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. I realized the answer was right in front of me or, rather, below my feet. I felt the winds of change begin to blow - at first a gentle breeze before gradually gaining force.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And so, over the summer, when the pandemic abated slightly, I sold my townhouse. Then I hustled and I bustled, and I packed up its contents and consolidated my life into one location. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5gV2xF3X7oX8UCMUhGEHuXdNiqb7sHF7Amsh5gj8T1-7l2iCcvHSRkBpsKBKZmW6bQCzrtqCVklqParlvTjI4aS7MA6TKIXApVjIDI5jqeGfjjan_YAeDD8Oo0BPsl0jsbFPyVCijlEt/s2016/townhouse1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5gV2xF3X7oX8UCMUhGEHuXdNiqb7sHF7Amsh5gj8T1-7l2iCcvHSRkBpsKBKZmW6bQCzrtqCVklqParlvTjI4aS7MA6TKIXApVjIDI5jqeGfjjan_YAeDD8Oo0BPsl0jsbFPyVCijlEt/s320/townhouse1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside my mainland home before...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqeDwcroYCX2PAV8nO39pETzcO_B0IRIjRZnw2pz6Jp955g9V7sV0ngDGe5szDHWUFexGhP6Hg9rjuMsuLRnU98oJk9EoU5CGRmd97hse2CbUSakOMvhn_ZBcVshCHoBVlDNVagrTSOwo/s2016/empty+townhouse.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqeDwcroYCX2PAV8nO39pETzcO_B0IRIjRZnw2pz6Jp955g9V7sV0ngDGe5szDHWUFexGhP6Hg9rjuMsuLRnU98oJk9EoU5CGRmd97hse2CbUSakOMvhn_ZBcVshCHoBVlDNVagrTSOwo/s320/empty+townhouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and after, when only a ball remained.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My little cottage is now crammed full of a LOT of stuff but it feels good to have everything in one place. I don't much miss mainland life, nor the duality of maintaining two homes. Fortunately the things I do miss, my exceptionally wonderful friends, are only a call or an email or a ferry ride away. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ24S44L-r7C1FrBcLnJgVCiMrMGBSS1e4ZVGbIldhMYtEIURnCuJcDtgQntNaztoyFX9PxzqQOCNQ3VxpbZiMCjCDphChnNH_xKiPFAxJxPQPC7yb0kabkg1esvSNpDqIpkh20AUUH1Nu/s2016/moving+day.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ24S44L-r7C1FrBcLnJgVCiMrMGBSS1e4ZVGbIldhMYtEIURnCuJcDtgQntNaztoyFX9PxzqQOCNQ3VxpbZiMCjCDphChnNH_xKiPFAxJxPQPC7yb0kabkg1esvSNpDqIpkh20AUUH1Nu/s320/moving+day.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The moving truck unloads, bathed in sunshine!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The changes won't stop now. I have a spot picked out among the trees where I plan to build a snug little house that I will be able to call home for the foreseeable future, a place I will age into - hopefully with grace and contentment. And I'm confident the process of building a house on this little island will be another story worth telling! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">But for now the dilapidated cottage is home, the small-but-mighty Yellow Bird Art Studio is my workplace where, after a year of many distractions and not much artistic output, I look forward to spending lots of productive time while Lily reigns supreme over the outdoors keeping wayward squirrels and ravens at bay, and Hugo watches benignly from his catio. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdT2XUN-U7Dln95PLeUlzvFnQ_RVugE6glvib9A2W58EaopVVe3XulaU8i1krP9DlUPZhyO1TySWc42sj3i41dpnwS9P4vfN6S8btPLa1HHzsHpvGO4hwqn3rSmd7kYHsjRloAyYF0LIR/s1221/studio.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1134" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdT2XUN-U7Dln95PLeUlzvFnQ_RVugE6glvib9A2W58EaopVVe3XulaU8i1krP9DlUPZhyO1TySWc42sj3i41dpnwS9P4vfN6S8btPLa1HHzsHpvGO4hwqn3rSmd7kYHsjRloAyYF0LIR/s320/studio.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lgrpNCs5y5_mSEBPH_lHo32Jtd8xwfG4ykJLHq0_SQfy3oAUYx1W0dAJt3yLkrwYHu2vdVSHvHc9OX4Z4Xt9EmXsBqHDFUtmsR2xFYzbtpX0aYgWr_OV6OQbHU7agfIgdaSLYo2a_SSw/s2016/owl+art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lgrpNCs5y5_mSEBPH_lHo32Jtd8xwfG4ykJLHq0_SQfy3oAUYx1W0dAJt3yLkrwYHu2vdVSHvHc9OX4Z4Xt9EmXsBqHDFUtmsR2xFYzbtpX0aYgWr_OV6OQbHU7agfIgdaSLYo2a_SSw/s320/owl+art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We are all happy here.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBj0XByG57h_xWqPb3k51EjMg-XVAXQSQtxySer98JxKZCyt16AcG59DX3RH0mHpObz592rhUW894AELZL6niVI4mO2acbaNfko3dL1zAH-eEUfUf4ey0T5OA40mrdq8bw1pU25kJTYc94/s754/lily+and+hugo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="678" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBj0XByG57h_xWqPb3k51EjMg-XVAXQSQtxySer98JxKZCyt16AcG59DX3RH0mHpObz592rhUW894AELZL6niVI4mO2acbaNfko3dL1zAH-eEUfUf4ey0T5OA40mrdq8bw1pU25kJTYc94/s320/lily+and+hugo.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-86192193366105548052020-05-30T22:01:00.001-07:002020-05-30T22:26:52.124-07:00Creativity in isolation<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been hunkered down since authorities advised we do so in early March in response to the Covid 19 pandemic. Like many, I've spent more time than usual online reading this and that, and noticing that lots of artists appear to have been taking this time in stride, busily cranking out loads of new work. I have not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The underlying uneasiness of the pandemic has, I suppose, limited my ability to concentrate fully on my work. It's not that I have stopped - just that it's been difficult to get my shoulder fully to the wheel and be significantly productive, particularly when upcoming exhibitions have been cancelled and life, as we had known it, has been so significantly altered. However, that's not to say I haven't been creative! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I designed and built an artful vegetable garden in my sunny meadow, inventively re-purposing salvaged and found materials. The project was completed by the delivery of a load of good garden soil where seeds can germinate and roots can take hold, and the purchase of some deer mesh to keep the hungry hoofed marauders at bay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtKztEZ7B-igjGjyRBkxGYDIA3gou2bF5tIOOWf-S0NpbAGat01UXTnKvHQ7XBMIr2ME6QNTkv7LtyNSQX_Z4KQ9wRFoiy8uVc1pO36XCTzuYLKvC5YNnuKz1rBzhK5wkc34UxTmSnMlw/s1600/garden+complete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtKztEZ7B-igjGjyRBkxGYDIA3gou2bF5tIOOWf-S0NpbAGat01UXTnKvHQ7XBMIr2ME6QNTkv7LtyNSQX_Z4KQ9wRFoiy8uVc1pO36XCTzuYLKvC5YNnuKz1rBzhK5wkc34UxTmSnMlw/s400/garden+complete.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cobbling together the gate from bits and pieces of lumber from my scrap pile, some driftwood, and some hardware found in a coffee tin in my shed was a particularly gratifying task. Lily demonstrated the effectiveness of the gate even before the fence was built!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OWb55-ejEJt1f607DmEdYZAJVQfwEWWacpMGeWvSFB44F6RY12FHBSe85UO5GRXodvuIEny_X89E7LixtMp75Qhp2I6D4q0-uLka9MB1gd9h7vlcAbxFuJdrQwaUhsFYzsBuP7PqidUd/s1600/gate+with+lily+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1164" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OWb55-ejEJt1f607DmEdYZAJVQfwEWWacpMGeWvSFB44F6RY12FHBSe85UO5GRXodvuIEny_X89E7LixtMp75Qhp2I6D4q0-uLka9MB1gd9h7vlcAbxFuJdrQwaUhsFYzsBuP7PqidUd/s400/gate+with+lily+cropped.jpg" width="290" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was also intensely satisfying to dust off an old weather-vane which adorned my childhood home and subsequently traveled with me for the past 35-or-so years without finding a permanent location till now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB2YY3kb5ENm_a8BBIyRkiTBPlYEmGS7WEWXew-8jrWWmC0SamI0J_feARIT-1fyrPxNzRfAr2rnz2xOOhfuMD0rEN5LLDLKJ_qkkgEtc6DZwTkB9WdLf4iLj_cYUn6mF-yLKi270XHCh/s1600/weathervane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1362" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB2YY3kb5ENm_a8BBIyRkiTBPlYEmGS7WEWXew-8jrWWmC0SamI0J_feARIT-1fyrPxNzRfAr2rnz2xOOhfuMD0rEN5LLDLKJ_qkkgEtc6DZwTkB9WdLf4iLj_cYUn6mF-yLKi270XHCh/s400/weathervane.JPG" width="340" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The same can be said for an old wheel-hoe and a few other well-used tools that somehow managed not to be lost during life's travels and have now been brought out of retirement. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And within a day of installing a funky bird-box on the fence, a house wren couple took up residence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHpxYbEdfe0fBNt8vKhee9Xkj0BVqucwE_g4vpZoDbFxh5pmVCgHpYpq_RAZPaodmYUyv2Uh0o7l5vYgnOL87pXF1o1pTNwnxFQ0_4IDG_XuAMgmmsv7ke7P5XxW6vCguunOxpaSUUK2J/s1600/wren+house+may.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="1273" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHpxYbEdfe0fBNt8vKhee9Xkj0BVqucwE_g4vpZoDbFxh5pmVCgHpYpq_RAZPaodmYUyv2Uh0o7l5vYgnOL87pXF1o1pTNwnxFQ0_4IDG_XuAMgmmsv7ke7P5XxW6vCguunOxpaSUUK2J/s320/wren+house+may.JPG" width="309" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The garden is a delightful addition to my day. I visit each morning, sometimes with coffee in hand, to see how things are progressing, dropping by again later in the day to weed and water, and I'm already enjoying some fruits of all my labor in the form of lettuce, kale and herbs. It won't belong till there's more to harvest if the garden god(dess) is benevolent. I have hopes for strawberries and blueberries but I know I'll be in stiff competition with the birds. Maybe they'll be generous and leave a few for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So while art production is down, there's no shortage of creative energy and life has taken on a gentle rhythm. Veggie production is up and, like the plants in my garden, ideas for new art are taking hold, inspired by moments such as a golden crowned sparrow amid chartreuse leaf-sprouts earlier in the spring...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvtwZA1_4ibZPG5y_JEBrmGv5UMCOmhqhzvu3KwCWHOfGBN4U5TGKAMhSvTAC57hvsTYZDKqKp6Wc5Kkmq4UUGKq2Iy-PFAeBupcgbBr6IULjy0WaAddUmCBHY4V-sI0s2JNhyphenhyphentUh6HF3/s1600/yellow+crowned+may.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvtwZA1_4ibZPG5y_JEBrmGv5UMCOmhqhzvu3KwCWHOfGBN4U5TGKAMhSvTAC57hvsTYZDKqKp6Wc5Kkmq4UUGKq2Iy-PFAeBupcgbBr6IULjy0WaAddUmCBHY4V-sI0s2JNhyphenhyphentUh6HF3/s320/yellow+crowned+may.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...or a well-camouflaged bank swallow choosing a nesting cavity...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineAuYDoD1QjvUssnCGO-w6eLG3dwTID6dgCfj7QqLOzkyHnm7b1Qp9Qv5o27PoslvjH0RHqyfmWQS2iLutrPGN3CpjBI1bhLoL-nGAqWu6Alcxi7ulLSL0AVseRKe_lMybnIZbilSOKP4/s1600/bank+swallow+may.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineAuYDoD1QjvUssnCGO-w6eLG3dwTID6dgCfj7QqLOzkyHnm7b1Qp9Qv5o27PoslvjH0RHqyfmWQS2iLutrPGN3CpjBI1bhLoL-nGAqWu6Alcxi7ulLSL0AVseRKe_lMybnIZbilSOKP4/s320/bank+swallow+may.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...or visits from the resident barred owl who has taken to hanging about in the trees around my cottage and observing my activities with apparent interest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZl15dA0QKhplUtdu_g0dT5g4U396fU54Jv7cMrptI2QSkve0Pt9kRQuky7oEJnpxQq8LNAsxEwlDtxro5xk-4oul_zzlVfR9mPx9b_htZWaI4kiNq0PkorfEE974W_VxZH767vu6Ypuav/s1600/barred+owl+may.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZl15dA0QKhplUtdu_g0dT5g4U396fU54Jv7cMrptI2QSkve0Pt9kRQuky7oEJnpxQq8LNAsxEwlDtxro5xk-4oul_zzlVfR9mPx9b_htZWaI4kiNq0PkorfEE974W_VxZH767vu6Ypuav/s400/barred+owl+may.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The world may have slowed down for many and virtually ground to a halt for some but nature keeps going, and gardens keep growing, creativity keeps flowing, and my studio awaits.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAIL8qUlSWbx9coYAF-frWLwaGrUkRJhn7yK0kRcy-s2A2Mb_jdI2iVq6U65zj0q5gvyuRm0Gg211wFFohu1Z70mHYZhaNzB-SKWXQMbofm6wCBFuOTLDMH7__o36b88eByJs0VNto9j1/s1600/owls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAIL8qUlSWbx9coYAF-frWLwaGrUkRJhn7yK0kRcy-s2A2Mb_jdI2iVq6U65zj0q5gvyuRm0Gg211wFFohu1Z70mHYZhaNzB-SKWXQMbofm6wCBFuOTLDMH7__o36b88eByJs0VNto9j1/s400/owls.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Two new works - a great horned owl and a barred owl - on my studio window ledge.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-6406937955327952722020-01-22T12:28:00.001-08:002020-01-22T14:13:55.929-08:00A Bird on the Arm<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">During past winters I have often written about visits to places where hot, sunny climates provide welcome contrast to the chill, grey dampness of Canadian west coast winters. However this year my travels took me elsewhere: to England - a place where the winter weather mirrors that of home but where family connections provide me with a different kind of warmth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">During my stay I was treated to an other kind of heart-warming experience, one especially tailored to appeal to a bird-loving artist. I visited <a href="https://www.icarusfalconry.co.uk/" target="_blank">Icarus Falconry</a> for some up-close-and-very-personal interactions with large birds of prey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My visit started with a tour of the facility and an informative introduction to the various bird residents. The birds' handlers enthusiastically shared their wealth of knowledge. They are passionate about conservation and are experts in the care, training and handling of owls, falcons, hawks, eagles and vultures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The first bird to join us in a nearby field was a little American Kestrel named Mojito.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgs-LOFh7QhZLI8-sFCgsl4AQm4G1Lt2qd1FPfXmG0tdqjVR_Swsp2FobvVSdHsgzjH-FbvEcbspi8DoXnZQmLOOHI7rOrga14orXvJdMBHq6mZlSZ_7OHDqN6SbUK_HkWjgEwh_D47d7/s1600/kestrel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgs-LOFh7QhZLI8-sFCgsl4AQm4G1Lt2qd1FPfXmG0tdqjVR_Swsp2FobvVSdHsgzjH-FbvEcbspi8DoXnZQmLOOHI7rOrga14orXvJdMBHq6mZlSZ_7OHDqN6SbUK_HkWjgEwh_D47d7/s400/kestrel1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She charmed us as she flitted back and forth between a distant perch and the gauntleted arm (or in one case, phone camera) of visitors. Still a juvenile bird and a novice at her work, she was definitely a crowd-pleaser. I expect she has a long career ahead as an ambassador for her kind and educator in the ways of raptors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStQFO2aeAtx6t6bFtkmD7LUYJYcOBCb3-PjuGYaegFzq1sPkeFlLp_bGEuZroU00HetO6wzg7rW4_mAorahlLyaPLdRoO_teIlkwnx7sgiNmwMNyhNTeFn454BnqWwtV4YbxxUNYz2kJT/s1600/kestrel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStQFO2aeAtx6t6bFtkmD7LUYJYcOBCb3-PjuGYaegFzq1sPkeFlLp_bGEuZroU00HetO6wzg7rW4_mAorahlLyaPLdRoO_teIlkwnx7sgiNmwMNyhNTeFn454BnqWwtV4YbxxUNYz2kJT/s400/kestrel2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IJmKt4VZSSQ_-dVNqo-xq36pPIEPzyKUvmNfmdZ2MBTRREvvonSC8GPY4Mjvt118CCWs0oXtTIj3sQSdpK3qMhkNSY0ZzLKxOKYKT5j4Og2W9O2Em9iDy01SA3LMygAaPAykNrx-z0kY/s1600/kestrel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IJmKt4VZSSQ_-dVNqo-xq36pPIEPzyKUvmNfmdZ2MBTRREvvonSC8GPY4Mjvt118CCWs0oXtTIj3sQSdpK3qMhkNSY0ZzLKxOKYKT5j4Og2W9O2Em9iDy01SA3LMygAaPAykNrx-z0kY/s400/kestrel3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Another bird joined who us was this very athletic Harris' Hawk - a fierce and powerful species of Latin American origin who, like wolves, often hunt strategically in groups. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yh-toOxEKUsYXWQunp33owmXNK8c1ATBkngWNDGaq4B_G78NZ6Ho9XD3kjQvp3F_nzpI_Y2OTgczki9CLX58LpQH1OWK3NouqBF0GimYb4rIq2jVwgeVZz5cx8qZwsW3U_MDI_enTdm3/s1600/harris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="288" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yh-toOxEKUsYXWQunp33owmXNK8c1ATBkngWNDGaq4B_G78NZ6Ho9XD3kjQvp3F_nzpI_Y2OTgczki9CLX58LpQH1OWK3NouqBF0GimYb4rIq2jVwgeVZz5cx8qZwsW3U_MDI_enTdm3/s400/harris.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's worth noting that each bird wore a tiny GPS signalling device in case, for some unexpected reason, they desert their handler and make off into the nearby woods. While the obvious bond between handler and bird combined with the careful training each bird receives makes this an unlikely occurrence, this particular Hariss' Hawk is known for his liking for hunting the free-roaming pheasants in the area. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To my delight, we also made the acquaintance of several species of owls including an African Spotted Owl, fondly known as Spot, who posed beautifully on a nearby fence before executing graceful flights across the field to land on outstretched arms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3UCkaCcIr_1paJCLq0L8t0G0vWJng2WsJGZH6b1z7KtTaC64SezOeHBkj18nbdoc4Yo8PodCpxYs_oP5k7CdfKosQfcp_Xl9j_iifPOmpxsepB4EnWIGFTOw1wYlP4h1xbutk8fZBWYB/s1600/hornedowl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3UCkaCcIr_1paJCLq0L8t0G0vWJng2WsJGZH6b1z7KtTaC64SezOeHBkj18nbdoc4Yo8PodCpxYs_oP5k7CdfKosQfcp_Xl9j_iifPOmpxsepB4EnWIGFTOw1wYlP4h1xbutk8fZBWYB/s400/hornedowl1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsLYr_qrg-xud7-pW2xwn6pa0ljGkb2By5DY1NNKK_Fv9oHcxRLuplFT1XVUlAvwcZLHdQCnqPsUS4DFaoRp1rUj1ijOYvQFjA7c802ySg5JFsQbArZcz_7XlefdDLnq30a8uLYMD5RGz/s1600/hornedowl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsLYr_qrg-xud7-pW2xwn6pa0ljGkb2By5DY1NNKK_Fv9oHcxRLuplFT1XVUlAvwcZLHdQCnqPsUS4DFaoRp1rUj1ijOYvQFjA7c802ySg5JFsQbArZcz_7XlefdDLnq30a8uLYMD5RGz/s400/hornedowl2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEORrGoquSWOldqt6R1efddRsovr6JcT1gC_eNfuKTLL4GTbMgIY6UAF9ppMLmzRFrhlo_G-eKnxpCOXPvM0H-dVKZZV4tUHOj9inNHVhwHKV_J4zVRfykfV8amUEaMuj1uz7pGbitQV0E/s1600/hornedowl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEORrGoquSWOldqt6R1efddRsovr6JcT1gC_eNfuKTLL4GTbMgIY6UAF9ppMLmzRFrhlo_G-eKnxpCOXPvM0H-dVKZZV4tUHOj9inNHVhwHKV_J4zVRfykfV8amUEaMuj1uz7pGbitQV0E/s400/hornedowl3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Another resident was this huge Milky Eagle Owl - one of the world's largest owl species - named Orion. Also of African origin, his fuzzy eyelids and charming head-bobbing "dance" could deceive one into believing he's not actually a lethal predator.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoXV5QQlmbenJCAQXXx1B-lSXCXdX3lP_y8A1aku_nKGwQAJdEQdCHURSx2xjcSoSXkBqlgG4fxKVksvvrQemhdtEkSu-G5XkY7LQTs-rm6Vrcy07ayBefe10_SjVES_Olj91koNjkRwu/s1600/african1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoXV5QQlmbenJCAQXXx1B-lSXCXdX3lP_y8A1aku_nKGwQAJdEQdCHURSx2xjcSoSXkBqlgG4fxKVksvvrQemhdtEkSu-G5XkY7LQTs-rm6Vrcy07ayBefe10_SjVES_Olj91koNjkRwu/s400/african1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgaUoDa4ZM5BRMSnOzJMQijhAEYFkuERYRi3AE5-UEBsbuqs0PF2l6Jmve7xpaTuLkc-JkNDJTpy4g8MWqo-pzyKD15dzTpYOLL45tE_N-Yl4HbsHY9TSnfZrJsbrqZtMiU2OF_v9MV_Z/s1600/african2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgaUoDa4ZM5BRMSnOzJMQijhAEYFkuERYRi3AE5-UEBsbuqs0PF2l6Jmve7xpaTuLkc-JkNDJTpy4g8MWqo-pzyKD15dzTpYOLL45tE_N-Yl4HbsHY9TSnfZrJsbrqZtMiU2OF_v9MV_Z/s400/african2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtptqYB3tM0LnCD9HFbEsI7rZRRvk685ooi-JRFRSPAamecrd1-3Bs6m2Vyh2BhquwV63uSz_hNycCIORnFO8dSNG7DlTQtrVTPs6y9nO8NoAvi_I5pFW06W654NT9LHL1IwQpH-ZJF_d/s1600/african3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtptqYB3tM0LnCD9HFbEsI7rZRRvk685ooi-JRFRSPAamecrd1-3Bs6m2Vyh2BhquwV63uSz_hNycCIORnFO8dSNG7DlTQtrVTPs6y9nO8NoAvi_I5pFW06W654NT9LHL1IwQpH-ZJF_d/s400/african3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Upon return to his enclosure after wowing us with his flying skills, he hopped after his human care-giver hollering plaintively for more attention. All of the birds at Icarus Falconry have been bred and raised in captivity and have imprinted indelibly on their humans who treat them as family members.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was all very inspiring and every bird magnificent and compelling in its own way. However for me, the most enthralling moment was this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYm2Cj0fDW90GMeF3Ds6awoH_RDdkeGotj6wkwUhzPQdT0EZt5fci_RIOEmdbATwpTmWewnIH-Uvvz2TM7u963y0zN751VdI3CvCTeZSpUgpeU3W6oSGoPtVE9auaXkecyTJiCLO4s38PG/s1600/greyandme.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYm2Cj0fDW90GMeF3Ds6awoH_RDdkeGotj6wkwUhzPQdT0EZt5fci_RIOEmdbATwpTmWewnIH-Uvvz2TM7u963y0zN751VdI3CvCTeZSpUgpeU3W6oSGoPtVE9auaXkecyTJiCLO4s38PG/s400/greyandme.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZgJF01O8LqQCfyuSmeRmK6IvSD419-1QEH6-0I-3qRHy9YZcJlcy6RN1HnM3UIf863VB9OlisJDMk8BtydTguq2eWGKeZNQYpVxqhGqUkzHMQzBwxT-qR8xK_emKeo6-Pvi4dCE2SJ_0/s1600/grey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="288" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZgJF01O8LqQCfyuSmeRmK6IvSD419-1QEH6-0I-3qRHy9YZcJlcy6RN1HnM3UIf863VB9OlisJDMk8BtydTguq2eWGKeZNQYpVxqhGqUkzHMQzBwxT-qR8xK_emKeo6-Pvi4dCE2SJ_0/s400/grey.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Galileo, the great grey owl at Icarus Falconry</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Having this magnificent Great Grey Owl land on my arm and perch quietly is an experience I'll never forget. A couple of years ago I commemorated another Great Grey Owl in this drawing "Out of the Shadows":</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="670" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLTwJsOfN8QYNk5MlG8uFIzbiVvKt3qbM5-qiDB6E8QuQdXBSbtzzVcVoMB0NABjlvwRkDum3U0WauhCgXOhBigmPcEU80dp2VHWl4m3ZsCjUAisuMpZhsQ7LlC7Os-mXcJX5USjhQlN5/s400/greyowl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Out from the Shadows"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLTwJsOfN8QYNk5MlG8uFIzbiVvKt3qbM5-qiDB6E8QuQdXBSbtzzVcVoMB0NABjlvwRkDum3U0WauhCgXOhBigmPcEU80dp2VHWl4m3ZsCjUAisuMpZhsQ7LlC7Os-mXcJX5USjhQlN5/s1600/greyowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As anyone familiar with my work knows, owls are a favourite subject including recent pieces featuring birds I've sighted closer to home:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSl-w24UZmu0KTwz0gNfrermIzZHbnCCtPPXkmMUTd68GEDMaS-gs8ypNTl6oGRYGGdudCPsaxqngUYUMrgrAkRrPz_VSuRtlYOCDQsWZMxernwNWdSjFG9133HEw-jWt_wxwT81A4CN4/s1600/barred+owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSl-w24UZmu0KTwz0gNfrermIzZHbnCCtPPXkmMUTd68GEDMaS-gs8ypNTl6oGRYGGdudCPsaxqngUYUMrgrAkRrPz_VSuRtlYOCDQsWZMxernwNWdSjFG9133HEw-jWt_wxwT81A4CN4/s400/barred+owl.jpg" width="160" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Hiding in Plain Sight"<br />Barred Owl, Mayne Island</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1gRdeN3PSybmiUfXQQWvVMyOfFibY6lOsNlZUAiuc-btfUgxo2YvQ8brhuXypnJLlOBEj0JI8xYr-HxhQ74WpC102XWJ12_y8A2DUb34vgguititcGpwz61qZaK9TZZcCMj44ee28xFj/s1600/short-eared+owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="629" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1gRdeN3PSybmiUfXQQWvVMyOfFibY6lOsNlZUAiuc-btfUgxo2YvQ8brhuXypnJLlOBEj0JI8xYr-HxhQ74WpC102XWJ12_y8A2DUb34vgguititcGpwz61qZaK9TZZcCMj44ee28xFj/s400/short-eared+owl.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Short-eared Owl", Boundary Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My encounters at Icarus Falconry are likely destined to find their way into future art projects. In the mean time I will, as always, be alert to the presence of wild owls such as this juvenile Barred Owl who spent the afternoon hanging around my Mayne Island cottage one summer day not so long ago.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HrGkwcYlU0XcPucRbbTf3e7uQa65M4mRUZ2JgZ0hgKGAFZM23tbIAzf5F84lYN8WxopZWB1NrEnXDGdf5uc0anbEDiYWWIlcdTLtPVMgUlXfHhV8QhP4HhphGVn9LmzlBRMgaFpXmMVJ/s1600/barred+owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HrGkwcYlU0XcPucRbbTf3e7uQa65M4mRUZ2JgZ0hgKGAFZM23tbIAzf5F84lYN8WxopZWB1NrEnXDGdf5uc0anbEDiYWWIlcdTLtPVMgUlXfHhV8QhP4HhphGVn9LmzlBRMgaFpXmMVJ/s400/barred+owl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can read more about my owl encounters in previous blog posts <a href="https://strongatart.blogspot.com/2017/12/year-of-owl.html" target="_blank">Year of the Owl</a> and <a href="https://strongatart.blogspot.com/2012/03/day-of-owls.html" target="_blank">Day of the Owls</a>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-29679628669070633862019-08-01T10:18:00.001-07:002019-10-16T20:48:05.807-07:00A bird in the hand...<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been keeping a low profile for a while, spending a lot of time in my studio, much of that preparing for a solo exhibition at <a href="https://shavasana.ca/" target="_blank">Shavasana Gallery and Café</a> on Mayne Island. A small, cozy venue in a small, rural community, it made a fitting location for a a show focussed on one of my great passions: birds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoX06i89II4msYNa563O_iNvjU4IUVIPex7vo5YOFGkC8_QtNUaba_iMMNE0seYBapeZ-13WTCvBOuQiBq1I_hAYHnSx0-zsVCRbzwd2DwAtWg0xa32UncbwvDlSQChB-VNT8qPwCS-b7/s1600/Bird+in+the+Hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="439" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoX06i89II4msYNa563O_iNvjU4IUVIPex7vo5YOFGkC8_QtNUaba_iMMNE0seYBapeZ-13WTCvBOuQiBq1I_hAYHnSx0-zsVCRbzwd2DwAtWg0xa32UncbwvDlSQChB-VNT8qPwCS-b7/s400/Bird+in+the+Hand.jpg" width="242" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One particular wall in the gallery lead me to create a series of 10 small-scale coloured-pencil drawings of feathered creatures to be found on the island or nearby mainland. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVr8DX1ekJGkY6sLh3QriyVkf0fxl7b7ayY0V6klpVwaaUhmADbOaVWvw3DFoyRbIkQI6MqCMzNCswVclL6Yuogy2xwOXUxLJi3_aJ_xzAteE4rTFxoOmNROTCg2ambNoOWS535PpcXWq/s1600/shavasana+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVr8DX1ekJGkY6sLh3QriyVkf0fxl7b7ayY0V6klpVwaaUhmADbOaVWvw3DFoyRbIkQI6MqCMzNCswVclL6Yuogy2xwOXUxLJi3_aJ_xzAteE4rTFxoOmNROTCg2ambNoOWS535PpcXWq/s320/shavasana+wall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Included in this selection are these:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="462" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR0blBm-_Y4Y4dTRi5e7ILCbhHeXic7CcSH1MPAEFOQn6J516L3sNa9n4nPic_t2dZOy-JJOnucbAN67gzjPLT2kZSYJeTDxDOuUsbBW0bIjoUEOfelxEYrt8-LferjDYw1GH93Cnj1X5/s320/junco.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="92" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark-eyed Junco<br />
(Horton Bay, Mayne Island)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeGAwhbUAIKlVzqnqo-uVhPSfQhlXGEdpUYyGxDtj2cOE7HeZMh7HkUpA6T1BeN4rSLWVF6sUg4dhZRa0SvQzZ2nB_tJnq_eyND3pJ2TCO-bwJzqBvXHT-6X6d1JpNikgUkFT-M9wFEaJ/s1600/Marsh+wren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeGAwhbUAIKlVzqnqo-uVhPSfQhlXGEdpUYyGxDtj2cOE7HeZMh7HkUpA6T1BeN4rSLWVF6sUg4dhZRa0SvQzZ2nB_tJnq_eyND3pJ2TCO-bwJzqBvXHT-6X6d1JpNikgUkFT-M9wFEaJ/s320/Marsh+wren.jpg" width="81" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Marsh Wren <br />
(Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Ladner)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeGAwhbUAIKlVzqnqo-uVhPSfQhlXGEdpUYyGxDtj2cOE7HeZMh7HkUpA6T1BeN4rSLWVF6sUg4dhZRa0SvQzZ2nB_tJnq_eyND3pJ2TCO-bwJzqBvXHT-6X6d1JpNikgUkFT-M9wFEaJ/s1600/Marsh+wren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="409" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2AesWPbW_ZrNlJhNdzUR_Hs-MeK9HyFwjDzIoen4xWQJG5w5G3qEunZ1H7RhTSZxlHLZonWL4_M4Va0nHLhu1gzQYTdM8D-2XjDmahj2Kra9zg1mSOOLDYb63HFy6FcdAekSr9ZEIvq_/s320/Downy+woodpecker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="81" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downy Woodpecker<br />
(Henderson Park, Mayne Island)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2AesWPbW_ZrNlJhNdzUR_Hs-MeK9HyFwjDzIoen4xWQJG5w5G3qEunZ1H7RhTSZxlHLZonWL4_M4Va0nHLhu1gzQYTdM8D-2XjDmahj2Kra9zg1mSOOLDYb63HFy6FcdAekSr9ZEIvq_/s1600/Downy+woodpecker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have also been working on a new technique that allows me to create coloured pencil drawings that can be varnished and presented without glass. It's re-invigorated my art practice as I get to know a different way of using a familiar medium, and experience the associated challenges, surprises and successes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaejSk6QeqCJ8_FqS-bklfMHbwyfwN5y6d0-HHMPZYxu25NKHcZFV55ertTgmQCAU98sIEKZS-g49R0cC6lneaH2t46yssx5-_mQC2jyMoZzXafTWR7trmzKn8FtgcDYFOmJ3T0VpxMKw/s1600/in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="500" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaejSk6QeqCJ8_FqS-bklfMHbwyfwN5y6d0-HHMPZYxu25NKHcZFV55ertTgmQCAU98sIEKZS-g49R0cC6lneaH2t46yssx5-_mQC2jyMoZzXafTWR7trmzKn8FtgcDYFOmJ3T0VpxMKw/s320/in+progress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />Perched on a low branch (pictured above left), the only reason I noticed a lovely barred owl a few feet away from my path in Bennett Bay was due to the "mobbing" of the songbirds - robins, towhees, and the like - calling out their danger alert and drawing attention the predator in their midst. The raven (above right) was an early-morning companion at Horton Bay beach just after sunrise on summer day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rounding out the exhibition are drawings of other local birds:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vIEOA24kLabOitDhOp5wWOHrInAptzO1uVLFGayY0aqRn-sTu6ja9mhA4w1xCiCkiKzvvWVo734ntlRkh55jwLrWN2-Hkbxb4No8IFXY64Btwa2MMG5xF6M-eLrYlR6sKbIF0hHzTG3i/s1600/bushtit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vIEOA24kLabOitDhOp5wWOHrInAptzO1uVLFGayY0aqRn-sTu6ja9mhA4w1xCiCkiKzvvWVo734ntlRkh55jwLrWN2-Hkbxb4No8IFXY64Btwa2MMG5xF6M-eLrYlR6sKbIF0hHzTG3i/s200/bushtit.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer's End: Bushtit,<br />
(Bennett Bay, Mayne Island)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYmNyNxSvr_H4hZNppKW9f2HHPaw2hdZKu4m6pFngTsVGhOZaoXGAib8P5Yt9fRY-zVYYrlIaR5oMIEz4ct9ywWt7BWnokxhKd7zDj8oX4brIR7xJ5nOoXKujYAGE32nHwZIVOEhY2rib/s1600/turkey-vulture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYmNyNxSvr_H4hZNppKW9f2HHPaw2hdZKu4m6pFngTsVGhOZaoXGAib8P5Yt9fRY-zVYYrlIaR5oMIEz4ct9ywWt7BWnokxhKd7zDj8oX4brIR7xJ5nOoXKujYAGE32nHwZIVOEhY2rib/s320/turkey-vulture.jpg" width="182" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Love Vultures: Turkey Vulture<br />
(Horton Bay, Mayne Island)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Each piece represents a personal encounter and the careful composition of the moment based on hurried, and sometimes blurry photographs that help jog my memory in addition to providing insight into the bird's anatomical detail and posture. The bushtit posed with rosehips (above) was observed in a meadow dotted with wild rose bushes on a late summer day, and in a few weeks' time the change in seasons revealed the remains of a sock-like nest dangling from a thorny branch. The turkey vulture (also above) is a juvenile who roosted nightly with his family in a tree beside the beach near my island cottage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yDRDsWjxG102ZnEUPsAeW68Lbwk7cgyY_OouujYnZ7CHEUtQf5a9XgEDeO1DN2c3wqZvLL9lw6TSZwKq97fOgX4Uf3VL-BKNEOqYFHhoPvhf0jLyrmbj4Fukp4pyFP0lQyUFdRUHqWyb/s1600/bushtit+nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yDRDsWjxG102ZnEUPsAeW68Lbwk7cgyY_OouujYnZ7CHEUtQf5a9XgEDeO1DN2c3wqZvLL9lw6TSZwKq97fOgX4Uf3VL-BKNEOqYFHhoPvhf0jLyrmbj4Fukp4pyFP0lQyUFdRUHqWyb/s320/bushtit+nest.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushtit nest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There is one exception in the show, and this little drawing is based on photographs of a bird I dearly wish I'd seen: a northern pygmy owl sighted by a friend-of-a-friend who graciously granted permission for me to use his photos as my reference material.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMYn5c2cjbttlHDYDD9aeVCnzZOFVHZq6l8nLzT4uDFVRAzSI3eSE8hW0Pl-uMABuMMkC2FKyhsoJmpq7RJ1ihCXMQokODJ4ywHi-s283WKOokm7k7WBpIbwcS1tcFikvEjassBdTBEcX/s1600/pygmy+owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMYn5c2cjbttlHDYDD9aeVCnzZOFVHZq6l8nLzT4uDFVRAzSI3eSE8hW0Pl-uMABuMMkC2FKyhsoJmpq7RJ1ihCXMQokODJ4ywHi-s283WKOokm7k7WBpIbwcS1tcFikvEjassBdTBEcX/s320/pygmy+owl.jpg" width="93" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Pygmy Owl,<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Source photograph: Ron Knelsen)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This palm-sized bird with its fierce expression makes a fitting "mascot" for my show. I look forward to a future encounter with a member of his species and to the other encounters with birds of all sorts that will continue to fuel my artistic passion.</span>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-76433626171601325622019-02-15T17:03:00.001-08:002019-02-15T19:46:33.502-08:00Contrasts and Values<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's been an inordinately long time since I last wrote. My excuse? I don't really have one other than I've simply been living life and (dare I admit it?) not been very focussed on art making.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It has, however, been a time of contrast. I have fluctuated between urban life on the mainland and rural life on Mayne Island. I've travelled to the wild west coast of Vancouver Island where storms were the order of the day - including a rare and utterly spectacular mid-winter, middle-of-the-night thunder storm - to sunny Mexico where despite balmy temperatures I heard many complaints about how "cold" it was, and then back home to an unseasonable interlude of what's been affectionately (or not) dubbed "Snowmageddon" here in southwestern BC - a place where the first hint of snowflakes brings panic but inches of the white stuff can mean only that hell has indeed frozen over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3iDLyyPhjviPCzUWDJuHFOwJALY6J6OD98e5p1EAFC8ZFC2-IpYEt7cMrfH9tKkE_cTObkPwqiOVeQagccT9cQHsN674a4bIc3RYmDO_cCOCg64J54e2Ft09A6koHnJ_TJYMER4FJGyp/s1600/Chesterman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="413" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3iDLyyPhjviPCzUWDJuHFOwJALY6J6OD98e5p1EAFC8ZFC2-IpYEt7cMrfH9tKkE_cTObkPwqiOVeQagccT9cQHsN674a4bIc3RYmDO_cCOCg64J54e2Ft09A6koHnJ_TJYMER4FJGyp/s320/Chesterman.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chesterman Beach, Tofino</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On Mayne Island, daffodils were blooming back in January when it seemed spring had come early...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5dtR7o0bH_cIhyZtNZWS-ykGWym4pkkTffgirVxD4uKUXoqDw6hFFbh9aCOLYMu17fzcY3lvIFEbhyirzLUi8g_JTnbDH73UeGVjnb4lX0oZJZxZk7TqpKUIy4S8auU1snwtW3q98giT/s1600/daffodils+Jan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5dtR7o0bH_cIhyZtNZWS-ykGWym4pkkTffgirVxD4uKUXoqDw6hFFbh9aCOLYMu17fzcY3lvIFEbhyirzLUi8g_JTnbDH73UeGVjnb4lX0oZJZxZk7TqpKUIy4S8auU1snwtW3q98giT/s320/daffodils+Jan.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">... but this is what they look like now - that is, in spots where the snow didn't bury them completely...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE9F5NlD1DmoRCczfwwyBz3pg7DIiBa42XIvCL2Rcp0eAP50QLH8-E1CXTntxe1JdMKJx5pUFbwh-B8rRQA95UOdntp1yHhYn1s40o_qF7N1L6I2zwmsA72Z-L9G186eojvv6zRbSo495/s1600/daffodils+Feb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE9F5NlD1DmoRCczfwwyBz3pg7DIiBa42XIvCL2Rcp0eAP50QLH8-E1CXTntxe1JdMKJx5pUFbwh-B8rRQA95UOdntp1yHhYn1s40o_qF7N1L6I2zwmsA72Z-L9G186eojvv6zRbSo495/s320/daffodils+Feb.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Whatever the country or climate, birds always factor into my experiences. In Mexico most days during my daily beach walks I observed an elegant egret fishing in the surf...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHb96uS3iYzSompkLexKvFYN-QYTacTB2vqxjT2U2FFvLlqcWpevh913ECee0hIpyvZVY5tHL6sIJfb4eyLW-GOXT4zcD8Z7wg5vFqroCnr7EbmiHkwRVRt8vHBk4ie6r7GMFTsrfkG6lG/s1600/Egret.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHb96uS3iYzSompkLexKvFYN-QYTacTB2vqxjT2U2FFvLlqcWpevh913ECee0hIpyvZVY5tHL6sIJfb4eyLW-GOXT4zcD8Z7wg5vFqroCnr7EbmiHkwRVRt8vHBk4ie6r7GMFTsrfkG6lG/s320/Egret.JPG" width="230" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Snowy egret</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">... and pelicans smoothly soaring just above the waves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4dv32L05aPTBCtm3EnVvsoJnxLhYKdDXOQQEGARNBOZNhJxDVfwAwWyW7nfEiG87yZ0rARSnIrrfc_7_qlFYoF1CuiZd9CNU2kYpZXVz_zIlgRAyMHTVE8EHI7eNpFV9czD3L3wHJ3iE/s1600/Pelicanos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="533" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4dv32L05aPTBCtm3EnVvsoJnxLhYKdDXOQQEGARNBOZNhJxDVfwAwWyW7nfEiG87yZ0rARSnIrrfc_7_qlFYoF1CuiZd9CNU2kYpZXVz_zIlgRAyMHTVE8EHI7eNpFV9czD3L3wHJ3iE/s320/Pelicanos.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brown pelicans</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And each morning, just outside my balcony, this lively woodpecker made an appearance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSoA2gP1MA11GRCLak7GTjXupL9hgvDllyhxOgjx9nRQ5GHsb3US_PJa7gSnnjBx47QA1elRgrSQFBOj6P9tUbEeQf91anneiQimPT4sau6uU5zkii8yijz4kZ1Ibl0cdSfMv1n849jG6/s1600/Mexi+woodpecker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSoA2gP1MA11GRCLak7GTjXupL9hgvDllyhxOgjx9nRQ5GHsb3US_PJa7gSnnjBx47QA1elRgrSQFBOj6P9tUbEeQf91anneiQimPT4sau6uU5zkii8yijz4kZ1Ibl0cdSfMv1n849jG6/s320/Mexi+woodpecker.JPG" width="267" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gila woodpecker (I think)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Since returning to Mayne there has been just one better-weather day that allowed me to get out for a good, long walk. I saw flocks migrating robins congregating in the snow-free areas created by tree cover and weak February sunshine.,,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dGDi7KqdsWcdXmagqj0bhWU6nALX7Z6BqEYE1jIg-ny_8KbzyMJB6CcmKr6W5eYEU4aZicRbHoje7N5rY8Lhk4hG250K8Yei7TNcvNCg8neS2cVo3m6ilguGTfHyQVXHWSEfQQEla6gA/s1600/snow+robins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="426" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dGDi7KqdsWcdXmagqj0bhWU6nALX7Z6BqEYE1jIg-ny_8KbzyMJB6CcmKr6W5eYEU4aZicRbHoje7N5rY8Lhk4hG250K8Yei7TNcvNCg8neS2cVo3m6ilguGTfHyQVXHWSEfQQEla6gA/s320/snow+robins.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Robins in a snow-free zone</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...mergansers sunning themselves on my own nearby beach...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyrsmHVMyMyZ5KmkEZDul1NI2Ya4eziJ0Xbab65hjw6Kh33c04dmTptgViDZt5MKkws1uWNmEamiAcUWMAQcQwxhEagTmqqlrhjXsQesvswx45-nSh732E-XnVGP0EtdI64icLDF1dv6l/s1600/mergansers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyrsmHVMyMyZ5KmkEZDul1NI2Ya4eziJ0Xbab65hjw6Kh33c04dmTptgViDZt5MKkws1uWNmEamiAcUWMAQcQwxhEagTmqqlrhjXsQesvswx45-nSh732E-XnVGP0EtdI64icLDF1dv6l/s320/mergansers.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Common mergansers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...and green-winged teal foraging on that same shoreline.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTyfGBe__J2AzPZQvwJyIhm6CwcPYuhDlA2mx6ns5DOAHGK6isnkzpqsg02Q9QaliDzK-UxF4_aXo4qee7uUVTD5uyi7taN_AK_p5FcMoET_JC8SGt2xgoSaHfN6l3Swq-qbIGn8y22pf/s1600/teal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTyfGBe__J2AzPZQvwJyIhm6CwcPYuhDlA2mx6ns5DOAHGK6isnkzpqsg02Q9QaliDzK-UxF4_aXo4qee7uUVTD5uyi7taN_AK_p5FcMoET_JC8SGt2xgoSaHfN6l3Swq-qbIGn8y22pf/s320/teal.JPG" width="244" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Green-winged teal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The memory of daily barefoot beach-walks in Mexico offers an amusing contrast to the past few sub-zero days which have required multiple layers of sweaters and wool socks, topped off by a toque whether outdoors or inside my poorly insulated Mayne Island cottage. Instead of relaxing by a swimming pool observing flocks of free-loading grackles, I have spent a significant amount of time attempting to thaw frozen water pipes with a hair dryer, only to be stuck waiting for a plumber to fix the leak that was subsequently revealed - a plumber whose snowed-in van made the wait longer than would normally be expected.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mhuQ4hDbJYfNw7hAziwE0tegUIlXY5ZpUWJMZRw3-k8NyBcZeLZ1gFlf6_wVEIqFG7JwNCfOSRWTfj9hRBsG_Owc1_pWxqO2-BH6e168kqJ2CPCLW9xeItFcSovhM1Czn-xcohZ2gCng/s1600/Grackle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mhuQ4hDbJYfNw7hAziwE0tegUIlXY5ZpUWJMZRw3-k8NyBcZeLZ1gFlf6_wVEIqFG7JwNCfOSRWTfj9hRBsG_Owc1_pWxqO2-BH6e168kqJ2CPCLW9xeItFcSovhM1Czn-xcohZ2gCng/s320/Grackle.JPG" width="234" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Freeloading grackle eyeing up my lunch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There's nothing like a few days of deprivation to make one appreciate conveniences like running water. In an effort to cope, I channeled my pioneer ancestors, recalled back-country hiking experiences where drinking water was filtered from frog ponds, and I thought long and hard about the fact that running water - a convenience most of us take far too easily for granted - is denied to so many, including a significant number of First Nations communities here in Canada. I recognize that I am very fortunate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The past few snowed-in days have provided a quiet time to consider contrasts and think about values. I have also developed ideas for new art which will hopefully be the topic of my next blog post in the not-to-distant future as I get refocused and head back to work in the studio.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Till then, I'm hunkered down in my little yellow cottage in the snowy woods, appreciating being able to turn on the tap and see water flow freely, thinking about the contrast summer will bring, how in other parts of the world the sun is shining on birds fishing on a warm, sandy beach, and valuing this quiet time of reflection.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And as for Lily, the snow can't melt soon enough so she can resume her normal ball-playing activities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA776SIgr-7Y_XA9lp0Ki8maSZXB6J5Z_eVUKotqadbgepFWXqYTYaX1p_DheLElHJspE3rdtk_NNe5zm6oXFMbB1Vqexyc5wMDc7K1tBnzy2oGKHvon71uhDU3eVNx7isWUgy4g9eK5J/s1600/snow+lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA776SIgr-7Y_XA9lp0Ki8maSZXB6J5Z_eVUKotqadbgepFWXqYTYaX1p_DheLElHJspE3rdtk_NNe5zm6oXFMbB1Vqexyc5wMDc7K1tBnzy2oGKHvon71uhDU3eVNx7isWUgy4g9eK5J/s320/snow+lily.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-84543319434856143492018-11-11T11:40:00.000-08:002018-11-11T13:27:13.179-08:00Closing one door & opening another<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I started writing this while minding at my booth at The Mane
Event – an annual equine extravaganza that has been an anchor of my fall show schedule
every year for the past decade or more. I was surrounded by my art and working
on a little coloured pencil demo project in between conversations with
customers and neighbouring vendors. When the day was done I packed up my
display for what feels like could be the last time.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Y96_VpOVr0IKtQESpN-HrBWZ3EoJeuPz7Q_yungROJhpIN-JKCq-qm2538cd0jfrIVqEA7usUkNm5VaPALZgXF0Q4YpRWPTO9cOaSUvkoQYivT1jPm8HH4qv3KAu_hNBfy9yL7MRHJap/s400/mane+event+2018.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My booth at The Mane Event (Chilliwack, 2018)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuqjFUPMV1lrkCi2ihpkuy1JHH_iOWfTM47qH83WB97QXfuNpYA4pJd_mkL8lr4tehQvZSHSKsGkykmBZGQWYx0lT9Fb11R8dTXz5659wT9qnuYEAOqiAhYw29oOCelx57Dyd1j4Y-t47/s1600/hugo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuqjFUPMV1lrkCi2ihpkuy1JHH_iOWfTM47qH83WB97QXfuNpYA4pJd_mkL8lr4tehQvZSHSKsGkykmBZGQWYx0lT9Fb11R8dTXz5659wT9qnuYEAOqiAhYw29oOCelx57Dyd1j4Y-t47/s320/hugo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My demo drawing of my good friend Hugo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Throughout my career as an artist, I’ve been involved with events where participants bring their wares and set up for a few days to
engage with the public. I’ve been part of big events and small ones – from back-yard gatherings
of a handful of artists and artisans, to nationally renowned festivals that
attract vendors and visitors from across the country, to regional trade shows where art is just a small part of what’s featured. I’ve lugged more stuff, travelled more miles, and set up and taken down displays more times than I can
even recall.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A key component to participating in this type of event is
figuring out a display system. Mine evolved gradually from a humble handful
of scruffy home-made easels to my current slickly professional show booth. Many
events have taken place outdoors, and so I have transitioned from covering things up
with plastic sheets to erecting my sturdy canopy tent and setting up within its
cozy space. My “mobile gallery” is now a tidy affair that feels like home in any location.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5i98fowf4-rPuO8zPrlXrTUOoRMJaUuhXCJ1hGGcSS9sdwi9uTYhHnH-TqTJ0V9P5AWyjAOVl0An5rTq7_LM7ddJGnG0HB66UuIM-HfH-jJ5NRiqEq155y1f9rImyvskBb3WJfhASqUes/s1600/filberg+2017+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5i98fowf4-rPuO8zPrlXrTUOoRMJaUuhXCJ1hGGcSS9sdwi9uTYhHnH-TqTJ0V9P5AWyjAOVl0An5rTq7_LM7ddJGnG0HB66UuIM-HfH-jJ5NRiqEq155y1f9rImyvskBb3WJfhASqUes/s400/filberg+2017+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "mobile gallery" at the Filberg Festival, 2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />The weather has not always been perfect. Sometimes I’ve been
forced to batten down my tent with ropes, shield my art from driving rain, or
shelter it from the sun. A time or two I’ve looked on in horror as paintings
were blown from easels or drenched by downpours. I’ve driven through storms and endured heat
waves. I’ve been hot, cold, dusty and damp, but in
equal measure quite often the conditions have been just right – at least that’s
what I remember.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And when I reflect on these experiences, I think of the
people. I have met countless clients – some who purchase an art card, others
who have become collectors of my originals, and still others who have participated in my classes, or commissioned a custom piece of art – as well as artist colleagues,
vendors of all sorts of other wares, show organizers, and random passers-by.
I’ve had fascinating conversations, been puzzled by weird comments, learned
valuable lessons, and made firm friendships.
Because art-making is, for me, most often a solitary pastime I will miss these opportunities
to connect. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, the lure of spending more time in my studios –
particularly my cozy Mayne Island space but also my more urban mainland location – and pursuing the ideas I have for new
work is undeniable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiol1CMd-Ymp8P4ElwfSiFm3ij-Xb1mUOq7ZgyxjtRUWkPT2RZgB8V_KvUX0yDU9WYlXU3cK6Xxj0wVBsoRT5Xfz5oFwnja-Ogsa9y_AXa9mo9kqoxBg8BJcSPdaUCbjkQpTLkPTyKXdT/s1600/studio+%25281024x911%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1024" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiol1CMd-Ymp8P4ElwfSiFm3ij-Xb1mUOq7ZgyxjtRUWkPT2RZgB8V_KvUX0yDU9WYlXU3cK6Xxj0wVBsoRT5Xfz5oFwnja-Ogsa9y_AXa9mo9kqoxBg8BJcSPdaUCbjkQpTLkPTyKXdT/s320/studio+%25281024x911%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside my South Surrey studio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiQVUWUIGXwHqQKPLJI6wSuw3u_HorAtoBz0yutC5v6A2MDr7Yxl_DXp4_DcNVPzEDFilnMQT7ynAz2CZywSC95rxT1Thx6bh195mF4Te7fyXI-exhOhhIJrH-MgdhI88jfVxS23pRDTS/s1600/studio+interior+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiQVUWUIGXwHqQKPLJI6wSuw3u_HorAtoBz0yutC5v6A2MDr7Yxl_DXp4_DcNVPzEDFilnMQT7ynAz2CZywSC95rxT1Thx6bh195mF4Te7fyXI-exhOhhIJrH-MgdhI88jfVxS23pRDTS/s320/studio+interior+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside my Mayne Island studio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Maybe some time in the future I’ll be coaxed out to take part in a street festival, or art pop-up, or trade show, but for
now I’m easing the door closed on that
chapter of my artistic career and flinging open the door to my studio(s). I’m going to head inside and make art, and that’s where you’ll find me. You’ll also be able to see
my work on line, and you’ll find it in galleries, gift shops and other venues.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I finish writing this, I'm in my snug little Mayne Island studio on Day Three of the island's annual fall Art Studio Tour. I've chatted with visitors, sold a few things, made some new connections, and begun work on a new drawing. So far, so good!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoyh6hLrnZEq_Cjbz5ezSfeYbPNW1SUMTD7_napCY_A8tIAqzyh4M282gThsBKmceSiTn8DY0dnmZlNMB2JBdyPeoJjXLgQ_-MVVLTW2v0pyo9V4SZM-Ubrby8eQZ9VDok_nuFSa-UUcD/s1600/studio+exterior+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoyh6hLrnZEq_Cjbz5ezSfeYbPNW1SUMTD7_napCY_A8tIAqzyh4M282gThsBKmceSiTn8DY0dnmZlNMB2JBdyPeoJjXLgQ_-MVVLTW2v0pyo9V4SZM-Ubrby8eQZ9VDok_nuFSa-UUcD/s320/studio+exterior+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-35740781578155639632018-09-15T12:46:00.000-07:002018-09-15T19:38:34.899-07:00Slippery as silk<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Those familiar with the art I make know I work in two quite diverse media: I make detailed drawings in coloured pencil and also lively paintings on silk. My subject matter is consistently animals and birds, but what I produce in coloured pencil is stylistically different from my silk paintings. New viewers sometimes think two different artists are involved. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Coloured pencil has been a favourite of mine since those long-ago days when they were a staple in every public school classroom in Canada. If you are of my vintage, you will remember the Laurentian brand of pencil crayon that was on our supply lists every fall. I never outgrew them, I just discovered better brands, learned new techniques, and kept going. They've been a staple of my art-making practice my entire life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For that reason silk painting still feels like the new kid on the block in my studio. However, when chatting about my art the other day I came to the shocking realization that as of 2018 I've been working with silk for 30 years! Time, like silk, is a slippery thing. Not only am I older than I care to think about, I'm a veritable veteran when it comes to silk painting!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I became interested in silk painting while I was working in a small art gallery doing custom picture framing, soon after graduating from art school. Several silk pieces came across my table and I was fascinated - captivated by the vivid colours, the luminous nature of the fabric, and the freshness of the designs. I found a one-day workshop on the topic and immediately enrolled so I could find out first-hand what it was all about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The workshop introduced me to the <a href="http://www.silkpainters.org/wiki.php?WID=31" target="_blank">serti</a> method of silk painting - one that involves drawing outlines with "resist" (a liquid, wax-based product) to define shapes, and then the colour comes from water-based dyes that are applied by brush. It appealed to me on several levels: 1) it involved drawing, and drawing is my "thing"; 2) the colours were luscious and vivid beyond anything I'd experienced with other media; and 3) the dyes flowed gorgeously and somewhat unpredictably through the silk, forcing me to loosen up and providing an excellent contrast to my detailed coloured pencil drawings. After spending just one day learning about silk painting, I was hooked!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's not the simplest medium to master. There are a number of steps and significant technical challenges. Since this was back in the days before Google, I read books, experimented, and made mistakes. I've heard it takes 10,000 hours to master a new skill. I'd add that it takes an equally great number of mistakes. I certainly made my share but eventually I figured it out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Since then I've made countless paintings and from the get-go they were well received. This painting called <i>I've Never Seen a Purple Horse</i> was one of my first back in 1988.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSlOMwbZWxJddBPeSKBp7epLIWhyphenhyphenyTsgKsy7AfDoYdQ6AmdfTAJqeakPYHY3eexQGDePbJb2wyLfR9Mp9G6aAEynrNzCXpgj4OlQ4EXbRDdoPCJNyEm_i3sr7-anc7UgjkyB5e4G7U16r/s1600/purple+horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="325" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSlOMwbZWxJddBPeSKBp7epLIWhyphenhyphenyTsgKsy7AfDoYdQ6AmdfTAJqeakPYHY3eexQGDePbJb2wyLfR9Mp9G6aAEynrNzCXpgj4OlQ4EXbRDdoPCJNyEm_i3sr7-anc7UgjkyB5e4G7U16r/s320/purple+horse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The original hangs on my wall and I continue to sell prints of this popular image. It was even featured in </span><i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">US Equestrian</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> magazine profiling artists with unique approaches to depicting the equine form.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've created some ionic pieces that many will recognize....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOX6BLkUryTCoePilOnnwUdKvhM9q9afhakRZtS5xPcGwoADKD0s27oNa-fggCb_mWrNlv3s1Ul_eXQFNWtDm77tJwUAnCECn0RKYXA1kSCtYrHeki37es6nt7LPDKdsZsycKfSHSKxt6/s1600/walkingdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOX6BLkUryTCoePilOnnwUdKvhM9q9afhakRZtS5xPcGwoADKD0s27oNa-fggCb_mWrNlv3s1Ul_eXQFNWtDm77tJwUAnCECn0RKYXA1kSCtYrHeki37es6nt7LPDKdsZsycKfSHSKxt6/s320/walkingdog.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Walking the Dog - October</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBQeqfKxyxti4NvKywoMeoi-uOlomPAbZ0Ru700m9okxoh1ntK5dGHhh53a_xa14MUXPL4eSyRff16hPS22uR_6PM_NlNvP8UaK2cuGr2UNG6e_SV0NfJU02nZQ0fNZv0fRZT5oag3qOr/s1600/waiting+for+walk+time+-+silk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="500" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBQeqfKxyxti4NvKywoMeoi-uOlomPAbZ0Ru700m9okxoh1ntK5dGHhh53a_xa14MUXPL4eSyRff16hPS22uR_6PM_NlNvP8UaK2cuGr2UNG6e_SV0NfJU02nZQ0fNZv0fRZT5oag3qOr/s320/waiting+for+walk+time+-+silk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Waiting for Walk Time</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've had the good fortune of having created paintings that won awards, including these two...</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlVshR6PC_OVyVcB3CC7FGOwCzLplnWhHxD50OYnZz3aYecpzy7CdNRz8ckDdph5QbqTSEFQFYjN4HlThjUgGBoq73RnFgs7xjevsa3ganXUqrpADQnHplay46RxQxeWWRqrySJ-55ov5/s1600/snowgeese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlVshR6PC_OVyVcB3CC7FGOwCzLplnWhHxD50OYnZz3aYecpzy7CdNRz8ckDdph5QbqTSEFQFYjN4HlThjUgGBoq73RnFgs7xjevsa3ganXUqrpADQnHplay46RxQxeWWRqrySJ-55ov5/s1600/snowgeese.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Transients: Snow Geese</i><br />
Envison Masters Award, Oil & Water 2014, South Delta Artist's Guild</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexX3otOaqxmZmswJ35Yb5TdMwjEKZRExi7g-eja1I3xyQCHhArvYUJovlqJ-vpxJ4vjK3qtu5gNg7sQkeBq1hPpMwji3zBowgBsXkUvxqMvbEQtqLXd4k9gve13S1Pv7T40rVSZZc_JEq/s1600/kildeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexX3otOaqxmZmswJ35Yb5TdMwjEKZRExi7g-eja1I3xyQCHhArvYUJovlqJ-vpxJ4vjK3qtu5gNg7sQkeBq1hPpMwji3zBowgBsXkUvxqMvbEQtqLXd4k9gve13S1Pv7T40rVSZZc_JEq/s320/kildeer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Killdeer</i><br />
First Prize (water media), Arts 2011, Surrey Art Gallery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some of them have travelled the world to buyers in far-away places...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0skoklBH9iBHl-4LmA9iL4CUXe2M8AWCaRZFE3YJsLnPhzg41jUBCdLvrBmEG_9Z3riHyZQE7CtdnPETNlTBgy35dQKuNz10A4-hlkOsjE7JBtiQJaRi9sA9UIoodQCvDrqUGFItVhmHl/s1600/sandhill+crane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0skoklBH9iBHl-4LmA9iL4CUXe2M8AWCaRZFE3YJsLnPhzg41jUBCdLvrBmEG_9Z3riHyZQE7CtdnPETNlTBgy35dQKuNz10A4-hlkOsjE7JBtiQJaRi9sA9UIoodQCvDrqUGFItVhmHl/s320/sandhill+crane.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Quiet Reflection: Sandhill Crane</i><br />
resides in in Malta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8v3zzIgzbb2tKBvQhmxLG-ZoDrbzAYTUITn-28MFyYmozVahnGeE-LcxGWaiv6LRBXexN6F3nuMHJhjw2l9SqRB0ISg1TNATXQbq-7YqktXFL37xFlou7XE5MwNiVGhCt4jdhoQGHhV2/s1600/macaws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8v3zzIgzbb2tKBvQhmxLG-ZoDrbzAYTUITn-28MFyYmozVahnGeE-LcxGWaiv6LRBXexN6F3nuMHJhjw2l9SqRB0ISg1TNATXQbq-7YqktXFL37xFlou7XE5MwNiVGhCt4jdhoQGHhV2/s320/macaws.jpg" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Treasure of Nariva <br />(Blue & Gold Macaws)</i><br />
resides in Trinidad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've taught workshops to eager learners wanting to give silk painting a try, and have had students join me from across Canada and as far away as Brazil!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF1jmEPn2nb1p7CWOMB3X6uVfC1OE7yx8xj4xhJuch4LMwH3MJI6iFo3lFxEB1AyjcsYrXKgYAsU1F-hrm5-LG9_Z6ZGk1Ha7k6khOHlszf4eQT9kZL0Wc-DeYfqib3ZzOA_g50QlC8qX/s1600/workshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF1jmEPn2nb1p7CWOMB3X6uVfC1OE7yx8xj4xhJuch4LMwH3MJI6iFo3lFxEB1AyjcsYrXKgYAsU1F-hrm5-LG9_Z6ZGk1Ha7k6khOHlszf4eQT9kZL0Wc-DeYfqib3ZzOA_g50QlC8qX/s320/workshop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I illustrated a children's book with silk-painted images...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4w775ReBpoI_YZMgT6lPoeUhe4OmNR-eYJvs1wwxzJPyn-p2oTpYsspizPVrVXdQ5AFzndjjhB2_DhnyD4SJ1eRdh2XXgmMpdBbDtm9wy9FM2-ehfHE1Itz1q-P1rIzHJ5KCMFPZ3DCc/s1600/LivingWater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="463" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4w775ReBpoI_YZMgT6lPoeUhe4OmNR-eYJvs1wwxzJPyn-p2oTpYsspizPVrVXdQ5AFzndjjhB2_DhnyD4SJ1eRdh2XXgmMpdBbDtm9wy9FM2-ehfHE1Itz1q-P1rIzHJ5KCMFPZ3DCc/s320/LivingWater.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And I've created some very personal works, such as these...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uv1hWXr6fIDf_DzaqJGgbD-ohJXoYq5fNKHFUyB2eqhvayVWu6lZNowCrT6MtCXMYAb_mfD8Y5taMQi_GdXiljLrHlG5VuMiXhSkCb4ipeSMg3WlQCV-VTwD_DZDnGkZzOAHarnFLefz/s1600/three+red+raincoats+-+silk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="700" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uv1hWXr6fIDf_DzaqJGgbD-ohJXoYq5fNKHFUyB2eqhvayVWu6lZNowCrT6MtCXMYAb_mfD8Y5taMQi_GdXiljLrHlG5VuMiXhSkCb4ipeSMg3WlQCV-VTwD_DZDnGkZzOAHarnFLefz/s320/three+red+raincoats+-+silk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Three Red Raincoats</i>My dogs Riley and Ginger Snap, both gone now, <br />
with their buddy Roxy who remains alive and well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOo7iYYSwrN_czrV_FcRy_WXC3PArSQjhsUirs2F9Mr8pWELhdTdkHABjOStG4Z4gCs0XoM6K0zG9dACrBOB-PhwwMX_iP12pdTG6DOJWywpnZxts3qDbNqJJVOV544KSW7sEvGM767f1d/s1600/couch_potato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOo7iYYSwrN_czrV_FcRy_WXC3PArSQjhsUirs2F9Mr8pWELhdTdkHABjOStG4Z4gCs0XoM6K0zG9dACrBOB-PhwwMX_iP12pdTG6DOJWywpnZxts3qDbNqJJVOV544KSW7sEvGM767f1d/s1600/couch_potato.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Couch Potato</i>My cat Jasper, now deceased.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacxagMjzic0LGS4OdCOC97LRS8U7lVBtv9v3K8AoBxICU3lUd_kKF2_Ojx194IArxmrzEla0ir0hCToCp1FulConfJ4WxYXsMIhTJyUkBjyhAikOM-KGZIIvOZWKU3r_TRaoxcPfq5k2x/s1600/talisman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacxagMjzic0LGS4OdCOC97LRS8U7lVBtv9v3K8AoBxICU3lUd_kKF2_Ojx194IArxmrzEla0ir0hCToCp1FulConfJ4WxYXsMIhTJyUkBjyhAikOM-KGZIIvOZWKU3r_TRaoxcPfq5k2x/s320/talisman.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Talisman</i> <br />
(Read its story by clicking <a href="http://strongatart.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-talisman.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's been a thirty-year labour of love - a journey that's involved countless hours of creative exploration and generated emotions ranging from elation to crushing disappointment, as is the way with any artistic endeavour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These days I find myself focussing mainly on my c</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">oloured pencils. However, I know the lure of shimmering silk and vibrant, flowing colour will, at some point, cause me to break out my supplies and turn my studio over to silk painting once again. I will lose track of the minutes and hours while exploring its colourful, slippery universe. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Perhaps I'll even lose track of another decade or two!</span>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-22580103478956132122018-07-08T14:53:00.003-07:002018-07-08T15:08:38.120-07:00A Day at the Dog Show<em><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Written by Lily the cocker spaniel</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It started out as an ordinary day here on Mayne Island - one of those summer days when I get up, go outside to play ball, then I have breakfast, and a nap, and then usually I play more ball, and more ball, and more ball - just about as much ball as possible, all day long. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC4AIpqkv9EP95-ERLdm9lJlu8z-26mwUjysGtWawnzPextv0zNXwm4l5ZzS563D_K3NzucT8AFl0Bx7DXlZ4k_s-m4s1Jdz9hBE4ff8iNLfDtJbl3z9V4Kf8Xl_evb3tLHFasseDK6w7/s1600/Lily%2527s+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC4AIpqkv9EP95-ERLdm9lJlu8z-26mwUjysGtWawnzPextv0zNXwm4l5ZzS563D_K3NzucT8AFl0Bx7DXlZ4k_s-m4s1Jdz9hBE4ff8iNLfDtJbl3z9V4Kf8Xl_evb3tLHFasseDK6w7/s320/Lily%2527s+ball.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But on this day things were different. After breakfast I had to have.... a BATH! And I hadn't even rolled on any stinky dead crabs at the beach so I couldn't figure out what was going on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Vuo3APHz9TJgFu21TnFBGSk3h_5KxGWLD8BNTj-vZoVK8z3GceYUD6rfGDEGAW6ufafFYdwdf6MH81aHvjA0dXN0Wa7nsLrvE7_7Cii3r5ro66ieM0jL9KJIesMUun2Qmnyz8OjoR6uu/s1600/Lily+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Vuo3APHz9TJgFu21TnFBGSk3h_5KxGWLD8BNTj-vZoVK8z3GceYUD6rfGDEGAW6ufafFYdwdf6MH81aHvjA0dXN0Wa7nsLrvE7_7Cii3r5ro66ieM0jL9KJIesMUun2Qmnyz8OjoR6uu/s320/Lily+bath.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After the horrible bath, instead of going outside to play ball I had to stay in the house because Deb said, "You have to stay clean for the Dog Show". I was pretty sad about that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw-sKtRkNYlx2dA8vrlWLDhI0IVPI7ghCCOQSck2vreO0ef9TU3qdK_Y22i_3f6bq8oV-5CuX-eLrGsSPhFs-blnNPb8RZSUJs1XuYOZPs36Zty6WyOoL4PHUB-W_lhqfYrkKbXRtxKWm/s1600/Lily+wet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw-sKtRkNYlx2dA8vrlWLDhI0IVPI7ghCCOQSck2vreO0ef9TU3qdK_Y22i_3f6bq8oV-5CuX-eLrGsSPhFs-blnNPb8RZSUJs1XuYOZPs36Zty6WyOoL4PHUB-W_lhqfYrkKbXRtxKWm/s200/Lily+wet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I didn't know what a Dog Show was. However, I figured it might be fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And it was! We went down to the park and hung out in the sunshine and visited with lots of other people and their dogs... big dogs, small dogs, older dogs and puppies. I got lots of cuddles and pats from people who thought I was cute (without sounding like I'm bragging, that actually that happens to me a lot but even more on this day). Then we lined up for the Dog Show.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First we entered "Obedience". I was supposed to sit, stay, and then run to Deb when she called me. I sat really nicely, and I stayed... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisU2wIV0I48vfhZs8A9wqVa8juz0iYHyLAC92G6e81K39r7rR-75QM9-D0EstTaXE4vjPnyI2bxekkrg2cnyeirsA_YgiVMc203TKPlrk5s_b2F1hi8FYAQ4l3WSvm3D2xMPCcUdVCbiH1/s1600/Lily%2527s+obedience.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="500" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisU2wIV0I48vfhZs8A9wqVa8juz0iYHyLAC92G6e81K39r7rR-75QM9-D0EstTaXE4vjPnyI2bxekkrg2cnyeirsA_YgiVMc203TKPlrk5s_b2F1hi8FYAQ4l3WSvm3D2xMPCcUdVCbiH1/s320/Lily%2527s+obedience.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">... but when Deb walked away I got distracted by some people sitting behind me who wanted to pat me. They gave me some nice tummy-rubs! Then when Deb called me I ran towards her lickety-split, but there were more people behind her who wanted to pat me so I ran right past her for more tummy-rubs! Turns out the judges thought the winning dog should run to their person, not to other nice people, so I didn't get a trophy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We also entered "Dogs and Owners Who Look Alike". Deb said it was A Long Shot. It turns out that another dog got that trophy too so I guess that's what A Long Shot means.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But then we entered my favourite category: "Jumping". Was that ever fun! There were a bunch of little dogs around my size.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzf88cpwq9TvukK4yXro0gPiioMIR9fhs2uIW7NVclL9Dn_ETjsaqoVNC6NezVE6x8KDgAGymtKyQNvwpFaNOrNK55jZFvkPOf01xMp6sHJouuOIxPvhAFd8yWhPy208Eqv9AUcTO68Mz/s1600/DSC_7997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="800" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzf88cpwq9TvukK4yXro0gPiioMIR9fhs2uIW7NVclL9Dn_ETjsaqoVNC6NezVE6x8KDgAGymtKyQNvwpFaNOrNK55jZFvkPOf01xMp6sHJouuOIxPvhAFd8yWhPy208Eqv9AUcTO68Mz/s400/DSC_7997.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We all took turns jumping over a little fence. At first it was really easy...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF3ji3ZRa4ugDmXqyTOOkGmN9hB8LBnrsFW82abPjW89fqtp6xMsKYeen_Vtdn277wOx0OXDU5Ca2BVfgt6_lDhF9ifTtl-WtQEYTP-AgbJ0c_xaeLXtGsfM_hVk1AdfoaToIGnuxZeOu/s1600/Lily+jump01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF3ji3ZRa4ugDmXqyTOOkGmN9hB8LBnrsFW82abPjW89fqtp6xMsKYeen_Vtdn277wOx0OXDU5Ca2BVfgt6_lDhF9ifTtl-WtQEYTP-AgbJ0c_xaeLXtGsfM_hVk1AdfoaToIGnuxZeOu/s320/Lily+jump01.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then the fence got higher....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrC63LltWRkVGrLVsrrxnAOA_4GZTtV3rH6pugKskNS941gXNbe7vSbUOZzPyNWw0NnRkrSYdtrWl-LU1j7LydH7QhVG6a5fD6A8NeS3UW3hyphenhyphenDUjp3ATUAnFjkiNmxNCghAjBdF9AVkKv/s1600/Lily+jump1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrC63LltWRkVGrLVsrrxnAOA_4GZTtV3rH6pugKskNS941gXNbe7vSbUOZzPyNWw0NnRkrSYdtrWl-LU1j7LydH7QhVG6a5fD6A8NeS3UW3hyphenhyphenDUjp3ATUAnFjkiNmxNCghAjBdF9AVkKv/s320/Lily+jump1a.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">... and higher...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMbelbLZs2VyH3tRGGrbUcppmsgbE5b-X_dXv6XP00JlTKv7cQepNOST0rz3eeE95xZUoFMJ3cCt2V29NIB120EC_40cbWTXKpOH6PIXigpLqidWH3Bma8gmEKcbc1VnF8P12pbapga3c/s1600/Lily+jump2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1051" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMbelbLZs2VyH3tRGGrbUcppmsgbE5b-X_dXv6XP00JlTKv7cQepNOST0rz3eeE95xZUoFMJ3cCt2V29NIB120EC_40cbWTXKpOH6PIXigpLqidWH3Bma8gmEKcbc1VnF8P12pbapga3c/s320/Lily+jump2a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.... and even higher..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2cjnQj0TEzRro8UgpvocMK-b4YCGsFCg-XEqYc38C-zyjINulvS15crszL-1N94OztdSK6Iv7rjjCThXt4o01PsjuDAiIqFwF0jcVcWZGiZpJ0QGcnbNj21qZu1iQjsmFKuhq6jef0Rz/s1600/Lily+jump3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2cjnQj0TEzRro8UgpvocMK-b4YCGsFCg-XEqYc38C-zyjINulvS15crszL-1N94OztdSK6Iv7rjjCThXt4o01PsjuDAiIqFwF0jcVcWZGiZpJ0QGcnbNj21qZu1iQjsmFKuhq6jef0Rz/s320/Lily+jump3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...and then really high ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf6ln8jCzGD29EXA7QgHTGsmC5P_pxAkMGNNFE3Wlu57q0PXQpb35f-OC6IFgaWV-LDX_5Cz5nSu2oPSMBk7UzFgQ0pnk04ssWp0pbQphRkNcaCQTGPutHHjkwNeTeKwwD-6BSL7IexMz/s1600/Lily+jump4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf6ln8jCzGD29EXA7QgHTGsmC5P_pxAkMGNNFE3Wlu57q0PXQpb35f-OC6IFgaWV-LDX_5Cz5nSu2oPSMBk7UzFgQ0pnk04ssWp0pbQphRkNcaCQTGPutHHjkwNeTeKwwD-6BSL7IexMz/s320/Lily+jump4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...and then even higher!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2FSX5s76zPUVsN5QVhjxqREy_6-EVAnOQBDkB19m-9TH1d-p7tsZzOGq3XazlbbOssoCEONFNRyIM1xSO72zPdBn5EihQSgrAeHQbKxKjQYe_6lH3EbrSYhfHcu2P-_kaz_j1T6wC0uI/s1600/Lily+jump5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2FSX5s76zPUVsN5QVhjxqREy_6-EVAnOQBDkB19m-9TH1d-p7tsZzOGq3XazlbbOssoCEONFNRyIM1xSO72zPdBn5EihQSgrAeHQbKxKjQYe_6lH3EbrSYhfHcu2P-_kaz_j1T6wC0uI/s320/Lily+jump5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> And guess what? I jumped higher than any other little dog and I got a trophy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNouY7h-cGedyvpKn7snFjqBgisy7GMpbM1f40tWxLKqiXpf1Ot675GpE7-pELC-lhjOHXFJFHy6jLYHD1gQzWfGM0OldYDBPlpisYuHIUq8Qhi3FcUZZ2vQY7kwiTqe0INa5jZzhhNCv/s1600/Lily%2527s+trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNouY7h-cGedyvpKn7snFjqBgisy7GMpbM1f40tWxLKqiXpf1Ot675GpE7-pELC-lhjOHXFJFHy6jLYHD1gQzWfGM0OldYDBPlpisYuHIUq8Qhi3FcUZZ2vQY7kwiTqe0INa5jZzhhNCv/s320/Lily%2527s+trophy.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am now officially Mayne Island's "Best Small Jumper"! Am I ever proud. I can't wait for next year even though it means I'll have to have another horrible bath. I guess I'll probably end up having a few more baths before then anyway, especially if I find stinky dead crabs on the beach.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was pretty tired after the Dog Show but that's OK, at least I got to go back home and play ball.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekjM0vY2Y8CHWa-zyoF7yuWXs-R-xghBfboV79zecq0em-7ihv3k3ZOkz_iFi6kBJV1c9oIbK_BCTFtIj-WHnRvQt5WnAgD_ExS0lcUZFmxAevvRRqs1KwWpwgf-lwTFNtmJfXSbNYrV4/s1600/Lily+at+rest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekjM0vY2Y8CHWa-zyoF7yuWXs-R-xghBfboV79zecq0em-7ihv3k3ZOkz_iFi6kBJV1c9oIbK_BCTFtIj-WHnRvQt5WnAgD_ExS0lcUZFmxAevvRRqs1KwWpwgf-lwTFNtmJfXSbNYrV4/s320/Lily+at+rest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
__________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some photos courtesy of Stephen Cropper and Toby Snelgrove. More pictures of the show are available online at <a href="https://tobysnelgrovephotography.smugmug.com/Mayne-Island/Dog-Show-2018/i-bzvzBxB" target="_blank">Toby Snelgrove Photography</a></span></i></div>
Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-3406046788644762012018-05-27T14:48:00.001-07:002018-06-04T11:52:56.575-07:00The Art of Collecting<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Collectors and their collections come in many forms. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Artists are typically overjoyed when their work captures the attention of someone who likes it enough to buy it. We're even more excited when that person comes back for more and becomes what's known as a Collector. Some Collectors have homes full of original art, others may </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">have only a couple of precious pieces, but whichever the case their enthusiasm and appreciation for our work is one of the driving forces that keep us busy in our studios.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Artists are often Collectors themselves. It's an occupational hazard. Our appreciation for and ongoing exposure to the work of other artists makes us prime candidates for stretching our limited budgets so we can surround ourselves with works of art that bring us joy and satisfaction.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There's also another type of collecting that we artists are also susceptible to, and that's the impulse to acquire objects that spark our creativity. Anyone who's been around me for long knows I have a particular weakness for feathers, and also for shells, rocks and, most recently, bits of wood. In my living spaces and studios there are pots and piles of feathers, assortments of shells from sea-side rambles, and handfuls of pebbles deemed special enough to be slipped into a pocket or backpack.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62pHDVCuV-DiJ1r7ZFT2Acl0gCILb7P66yuptiYo9KbGoqrq1pX9N8VadQTzpb1dgpfxIDOMzp6IWgji6DJSdjHsUu_iDPv5aBU8yQemZdnzbHSZtAHDz_FoE8jfgULmV3aB-ZuctpL3P/s1600/pocket+rock.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62pHDVCuV-DiJ1r7ZFT2Acl0gCILb7P66yuptiYo9KbGoqrq1pX9N8VadQTzpb1dgpfxIDOMzp6IWgji6DJSdjHsUu_iDPv5aBU8yQemZdnzbHSZtAHDz_FoE8jfgULmV3aB-ZuctpL3P/s200/pocket+rock.jpeg" width="169" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have created my own beach inside my urban townhouse.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaARv268_ZRIY2u9docwMYKQAsHW3uwTwVaSrvWG60YrbZBNlAmxJF8GhHcFJtlJsSnJsArDd2zvX5ynOzSfa-fyO-QdZCXPqo3W_obMfexrvuhOtt0_lIpqzBvF43bvj2ch3Ng8jYvyXY/s1600/indoor+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="700" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaARv268_ZRIY2u9docwMYKQAsHW3uwTwVaSrvWG60YrbZBNlAmxJF8GhHcFJtlJsSnJsArDd2zvX5ynOzSfa-fyO-QdZCXPqo3W_obMfexrvuhOtt0_lIpqzBvF43bvj2ch3Ng8jYvyXY/s400/indoor+beach.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Shells and pebbles fill bowls and adorn shelves and window ledges.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgSthgNY3hB3wOatmIN7zYi4NaPf_W3a5MLiWOd0woC94X2X4nOmgCi8J2iC1WF8ZgdXd8cm4aaSrmp1xSDKYGgZurSMSzgfDYXUe3EwHElI_g24JUOe4v4-Ok5okZ95y5PxE5k5OChgT/s1600/shells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgSthgNY3hB3wOatmIN7zYi4NaPf_W3a5MLiWOd0woC94X2X4nOmgCi8J2iC1WF8ZgdXd8cm4aaSrmp1xSDKYGgZurSMSzgfDYXUe3EwHElI_g24JUOe4v4-Ok5okZ95y5PxE5k5OChgT/s320/shells.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Feather "bouquets" can be found in both my city and island studios.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9gHDjfNK0qKJJZHgsVDfNvyQssjX0bpvjLJpF54VqgitKtVn7v3_oLpj8zHk1r0vhs1dmP4hkk6hDxv319VGQQs6m3e2tIPhpZZhtnxtkQD2Vqhm6QoNgbqBzpFVG9X7wurjH3-BTudC/s1600/feather+bouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9gHDjfNK0qKJJZHgsVDfNvyQssjX0bpvjLJpF54VqgitKtVn7v3_oLpj8zHk1r0vhs1dmP4hkk6hDxv319VGQQs6m3e2tIPhpZZhtnxtkQD2Vqhm6QoNgbqBzpFVG9X7wurjH3-BTudC/s320/feather+bouquet.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And then there are the sticks. My selections are often bits of driftwood but I also particularly like arbutus branches.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2P27S-MyjOzduYwifQfF3TB_imLRqGGpHsqtSk0C7qkhFmZ0XvL_gz1ffOHH5cUDXH9xSMYStkNBlvTLCen0K9bEVAOBvxF31QvwzL-_dQB0ui0xLhWkVcpRsdzFEBgKJGEMaMek5kkZ/s1600/debs+stick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2P27S-MyjOzduYwifQfF3TB_imLRqGGpHsqtSk0C7qkhFmZ0XvL_gz1ffOHH5cUDXH9xSMYStkNBlvTLCen0K9bEVAOBvxF31QvwzL-_dQB0ui0xLhWkVcpRsdzFEBgKJGEMaMek5kkZ/s320/debs+stick.jpg" width="220" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think I have developed this affinity for wood from my four-legged companion Lily who rarely comes home from a walk without bringing a stick. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some are big...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeydXQ7zpfzKBKstVaoHioN1kIz2fp-6mAUcXu4a2hu3DjxcjMXrzo-R5tnkG-VWiP-8pfbQd0Q0u6s-s5OrJzaxIWfnVNHvJRMmeo0akwR54X4qcryh_1vpcucZMtXGegv-0xetx5Lkeh/s1600/big+stick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeydXQ7zpfzKBKstVaoHioN1kIz2fp-6mAUcXu4a2hu3DjxcjMXrzo-R5tnkG-VWiP-8pfbQd0Q0u6s-s5OrJzaxIWfnVNHvJRMmeo0akwR54X4qcryh_1vpcucZMtXGegv-0xetx5Lkeh/s320/big+stick.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">... and some are small...</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKoIZmXCpGOojKoOyJ38jv0EL1GdEmnd_kjwibMkI5rjPVJDXk_v79Ey-U_Ig2jbfsqry8u_s7qUfrgRkkBLsn82Rx0udxUpNPI_ym06GOuVyCeSxo-LQR8aPmD6Am9eAN5cxfYxL3Sue/s1600/small+stick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKoIZmXCpGOojKoOyJ38jv0EL1GdEmnd_kjwibMkI5rjPVJDXk_v79Ey-U_Ig2jbfsqry8u_s7qUfrgRkkBLsn82Rx0udxUpNPI_ym06GOuVyCeSxo-LQR8aPmD6Am9eAN5cxfYxL3Sue/s320/small+stick.jpg" width="191" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...but just about every day a stick finds its way home with us. There's a growing pile of her sticks at the end of my Mayne Island driveway, most of which were acquired during our evening rambles to the nearby beach. I sometimes find one of her sticks carefully tucked away in a cranny in back seat of my car. I have observed her burying the most special of her sticks in carefully chosen locations around the yard. Lily, who comes from a line of dogs bred to retrieve and carry, is a dedicated Collector.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The act of collecting is integral to the life of an artist given we produce artwork for our clients to collect and we collect items for our own inspiration. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And sometimes we simply hang out with others for whom collecting is in their DNA.<br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGum9tS6iLcQ1IaUnw43dwDMUdToEH3rIeEdWU1-B-0ywz0j6Tdy5dH98icDUemDByHjq5I-e2wR1jWcBwmkdOcmFiENjnrgDJsFta_LbSxp7kGR8NUXrO1IQkqE0_gfYQSLq0EnRqftWK/s1600/collector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="569" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGum9tS6iLcQ1IaUnw43dwDMUdToEH3rIeEdWU1-B-0ywz0j6Tdy5dH98icDUemDByHjq5I-e2wR1jWcBwmkdOcmFiENjnrgDJsFta_LbSxp7kGR8NUXrO1IQkqE0_gfYQSLq0EnRqftWK/s320/collector.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
<span id="goog_1411473257"></span><span id="goog_1411473258"></span><br />
<br />
</span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-43887035325097157592018-03-23T12:37:00.001-07:002018-05-27T14:19:36.523-07:00Success!<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A few days ago the equinox marked the onset of spring - a time when the earth comes into bloom, birds announce the arrival of dawn, and frogs awaken from hibernation and commence their evening chorus. Spring is also the time when the Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) convenes a jury of its Senior members to review the portfolios of artists applying for advancement within the organization. This year I was one of those applicants.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For those not familiar with the FCA, it's a national organization dating back more than 75 years. It counts Lawren Harris and AY Jackson among its founders, and Emily Carr as an early member. Its mission is "to advance the knowledge and appreciation of art and culture to all Canadians, offering education, exhibition and communication in the Visual Arts, and to support and promote emerging to professional member artists". There are three levels of FCA membership, all of which require artists to complete a jurying process to determine eligibility. It starts with "Active" status that offers the opportunity submit work for FCA exhibitions. Active members who are accepted into enough exhibitions over a defined time frame can then apply for Signature status, either as an "Associate" or "Senior". (Complete information about the FCA can be found at </span><a href="http://www.artists.ca/"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">www.artists.ca</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Applying for Signature status is a nerve-wracking process that involves submitting a selection of carefully chosen artwork for review by the jury. As most artists know, jurying of any kind generates a significant level of anxiety as we expose ourselves and our work to critical review. When we're successful, our angst is transformed into euphoria. The standards for the "Associate" level are high, and for "Senior" they're even higher, so when I received the call to tell me I had succeeded in my bid for Senior status I felt absolutely elated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In celebration of my success, I'd like to share my portfolio. All 10 of these coloured pencil drawings were submitted on line as digital images, and three of them (<em>Wild Muscovy</em>, <em>Master Builders</em> and <em>Butterflies & Goosebumps</em>) subsequently delivered to the gallery for "live" viewing and inclusion in the Success! show in the gallery once jurying is complete.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9sm5LsRv_DUv_u6y8BccTGEXgsFgizeDSaNG9l4GD8-KaXt9RLWpGyl3KhXwqCJQfXBA4bvaySAUmkuOoWL_OeZ73eqlhtxjLOP3S3lm36dbJAasfY8H8LwxvAavYeY_fCvr5m-Ed5y8/s1600/muscovy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="400" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9sm5LsRv_DUv_u6y8BccTGEXgsFgizeDSaNG9l4GD8-KaXt9RLWpGyl3KhXwqCJQfXBA4bvaySAUmkuOoWL_OeZ73eqlhtxjLOP3S3lm36dbJAasfY8H8LwxvAavYeY_fCvr5m-Ed5y8/s320/muscovy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>Wild Muscovy</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOOzA9A801JbcVBkkqBIIZ7zd0Zziy5B-hMvHH142Nr8SipQxi_DrLgRxcR4nOXVKiVxZluz-1UAFYWsNblQL0e1UWecS4bo3kP8MeGt7eablsweu2oT6ZNOX_vaflHUOCMWgipjf50Ze/s1600/Strong%252C+Deborah+-+Master+Builders+Bushtits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="241" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOOzA9A801JbcVBkkqBIIZ7zd0Zziy5B-hMvHH142Nr8SipQxi_DrLgRxcR4nOXVKiVxZluz-1UAFYWsNblQL0e1UWecS4bo3kP8MeGt7eablsweu2oT6ZNOX_vaflHUOCMWgipjf50Ze/s400/Strong%252C+Deborah+-+Master+Builders+Bushtits.jpg" width="191" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>Master Builders (Bushtits)</em></span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="234" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_5_iERcbVTezHNTvpidC-8zOJMMEIqkWbbELlGLvvjXpJnoj1xFsXJiObbdCf6qgMK7wQrcPV48ncQyA204z64YY8x33ZrH8ZD8a4gOgV_Q5dbe4uq0ZurLi94Z5ORPpl9Z7TKXUnh6s/s320/Chinese+Geese.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="187" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>Butterflies & Goosebumps <br />(Chinese Geese & Cabbage Moths)</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_5_iERcbVTezHNTvpidC-8zOJMMEIqkWbbELlGLvvjXpJnoj1xFsXJiObbdCf6qgMK7wQrcPV48ncQyA204z64YY8x33ZrH8ZD8a4gOgV_Q5dbe4uq0ZurLi94Z5ORPpl9Z7TKXUnh6s/s1600/Chinese+Geese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLTwJsOfN8QYNk5MlG8uFIzbiVvKt3qbM5-qiDB6E8QuQdXBSbtzzVcVoMB0NABjlvwRkDum3U0WauhCgXOhBigmPcEU80dp2VHWl4m3ZsCjUAisuMpZhsQ7LlC7Os-mXcJX5USjhQlN5/s1600/greyowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="670" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLTwJsOfN8QYNk5MlG8uFIzbiVvKt3qbM5-qiDB6E8QuQdXBSbtzzVcVoMB0NABjlvwRkDum3U0WauhCgXOhBigmPcEU80dp2VHWl4m3ZsCjUAisuMpZhsQ7LlC7Os-mXcJX5USjhQlN5/s400/greyowl.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>Out from the Shadows <br />(Great Grey Owl)</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE-OStiUab9S46Rc81zJEEm0tbkBvqvxRcGJXYltANDNCzJVEhil070D4LCW-9-3hr49H1CVpmaOzc1eNBh0RVCMztdtfK_klDjJ2yF3kDzLJT3fkGnx6AwVpCterAZg2m07vo-2iqtQh/s1600/grey+jays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE-OStiUab9S46Rc81zJEEm0tbkBvqvxRcGJXYltANDNCzJVEhil070D4LCW-9-3hr49H1CVpmaOzc1eNBh0RVCMztdtfK_klDjJ2yF3kDzLJT3fkGnx6AwVpCterAZg2m07vo-2iqtQh/s400/grey+jays.jpg" width="201" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>Canadian Icon (Grey Jays)</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhck-4RAYDizZ7FBhMhmc8uPj6b_qzok48ES0hTxKi1OwfkwbV9mmuIyKCm0y5MijeAmhe7b3FLLFQuUvl_APlFthCdpN8JWSNN7Yz9TNvNgXYK566bodC7mVpAzZ2fSl6j6v1iAb3KasRQ/s1600/warbler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="504" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhck-4RAYDizZ7FBhMhmc8uPj6b_qzok48ES0hTxKi1OwfkwbV9mmuIyKCm0y5MijeAmhe7b3FLLFQuUvl_APlFthCdpN8JWSNN7Yz9TNvNgXYK566bodC7mVpAzZ2fSl6j6v1iAb3KasRQ/s320/warbler.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>Yellow-rumped Warbler</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrMqFB7cSCxLVpJ1sOSpT8kYHz9O7ma4CdHOHwKLbB9O3R4pI9-oo4VKh7drbOuXy7v5PYwBAS3putiVTuSKB6ZIyUQtWboMy0wY2-YEmUvaXeaYG6ers2UXYVinVbJ3E2HVQebc6rfL5/s1600/scrub+jay+artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrMqFB7cSCxLVpJ1sOSpT8kYHz9O7ma4CdHOHwKLbB9O3R4pI9-oo4VKh7drbOuXy7v5PYwBAS3putiVTuSKB6ZIyUQtWboMy0wY2-YEmUvaXeaYG6ers2UXYVinVbJ3E2HVQebc6rfL5/s320/scrub+jay+artwork.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>Scrub Jay</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL6sIuZA2B5P0v8T8LW7HX-FacLYIbBuHIJ0yIQkuxowZpf6D52vopA9THo9R1ijIQ_ZZggOzVR6pECVHWvuTLYdxVMnpXIH7rI4doUEQCXFbHOJBCscLGm96NUt2fIPILiBC4ee_03JK/s1600/bushtit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL6sIuZA2B5P0v8T8LW7HX-FacLYIbBuHIJ0yIQkuxowZpf6D52vopA9THo9R1ijIQ_ZZggOzVR6pECVHWvuTLYdxVMnpXIH7rI4doUEQCXFbHOJBCscLGm96NUt2fIPILiBC4ee_03JK/s320/bushtit.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>Summer's End (Bushtit)</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="400" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNjFEMrSYlSz46oUFhOJO3Y8epV0xqbDxAbmZUUtTuqAMPHZxoFUipAOqE5DBTR82o0BEQC66E0leyw9diaMXWFGQT_NJfOkgQrQ5MfIPnQwU1mM78hVGP5rmvMVdpP9gaXBK8kbt-msJ/s320/stickleback%2527s+misfortune.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>Stickleback's Misfortune <br />(Great Blue Heron)</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />I can now proudly use the initials SFCA after my name and count myself among the artists who have worked to make the Federation of Canadian Artists recognized for the standards it maintains for its members and for its ongoing commitment to the Visual Arts. </span><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-86655878669102088642018-02-05T13:37:00.000-08:002018-02-05T13:37:20.992-08:00The Talisman<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I often find myself contemplating ravens. I always thought they were interesting birds - highly intelligent and resourceful, known as The Trickster by First Nations cultures, and in other cultures as a symbol of good or evil, life or death, depending on who's doing the labeling. However, it's only in recent years I've given them much consideration and I now find I have developed some very personal feelings about them. In fact, the raven has taken on the quality of a talisman for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On a terrible February day not so long ago - a day of loss and sorrow - one of the few things I recall clearly is the sound of ravens calling in the tree tops. In the months and now years that have passed since then I have been acutely aware of these iconic black birds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I often hear and glimpse them in the high trees around my Mayne Island cottage, giving me an appreciation for their vast and varied vocabulary and for the soft whooshing sound made by their wings as they move about the neighbourhood. From eavesdropping on their conversations and spying on their interactions I have come to understand just how social they are, how they form relationships, how they care for one another. In many ways, they are not unlike we humans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have had dozens of up-close encounters with them, including high in the Rocky Mountains...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlthc9GIn0p1ajFxMhJCDf7Q0AdKp-GecW5SwcwYj5_cL4ixamT4wYaJH-B-2pEo8xPIO8QUaLLqDP9hHrMMfTHh1AFP1iErN9xfGVOokEFiPxX-GEsYmWBRTeSHJOYxLnQAcuRFQycaH5/s1600/rockies+raven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlthc9GIn0p1ajFxMhJCDf7Q0AdKp-GecW5SwcwYj5_cL4ixamT4wYaJH-B-2pEo8xPIO8QUaLLqDP9hHrMMfTHh1AFP1iErN9xfGVOokEFiPxX-GEsYmWBRTeSHJOYxLnQAcuRFQycaH5/s320/rockies+raven.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...deep down in the Grand Canyon... </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3q5qn5jsMEYG9uug24oApyJuuKUT89c_b4Co1YaGNG8IhApRR9ZIii0LkBoYVhyphenhyphen0EfhDoVasHbGY5XkiAKF4dnfoLLdBn0uylFbS8UgODnlmu06THbIiZPjkUqTEhVkVc8aZG2szlYlqf/s1600/canyon+raven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3q5qn5jsMEYG9uug24oApyJuuKUT89c_b4Co1YaGNG8IhApRR9ZIii0LkBoYVhyphenhyphen0EfhDoVasHbGY5XkiAKF4dnfoLLdBn0uylFbS8UgODnlmu06THbIiZPjkUqTEhVkVc8aZG2szlYlqf/s320/canyon+raven.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">... on the vast, sandy beaches of Vancouver Island's wild west coast...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwngbH5nkWQag_YcSQXz4S_oGYnyBMZR32Iz0roiwHaFkKYZXFD_eeddhKobcmybc3qZ-fBI1wkTU0owQiOo3Yp84dT8LQmvAWWkYW-JrwQ2vCPPI7AHE_BNgNCZqXb7Xu7dpwHh1GyyM/s1600/pacific+rim+raven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwngbH5nkWQag_YcSQXz4S_oGYnyBMZR32Iz0roiwHaFkKYZXFD_eeddhKobcmybc3qZ-fBI1wkTU0owQiOo3Yp84dT8LQmvAWWkYW-JrwQ2vCPPI7AHE_BNgNCZqXb7Xu7dpwHh1GyyM/s320/pacific+rim+raven.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...and on the picturesque gravelly beach that's a stone's throw from my Mayne Island cottage; a place where I like to watch the sun rise (the ravens appear to like to do that too).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBDj8LsAksj9YvDyUkfmh2bSgk9-FAgymS64uTQdZzNbTYIKgaHQqGVPbXMg3iad7w7l1AM5xBTB7LWp8bDq5SRpDYEK1ZBmVbzBVuD5FVBLLWursUB2OwaFUDI_1OUxZ8gpYQpglRok7/s1600/raven+mayne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="400" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBDj8LsAksj9YvDyUkfmh2bSgk9-FAgymS64uTQdZzNbTYIKgaHQqGVPbXMg3iad7w7l1AM5xBTB7LWp8bDq5SRpDYEK1ZBmVbzBVuD5FVBLLWursUB2OwaFUDI_1OUxZ8gpYQpglRok7/s320/raven+mayne.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These smart, social, statuesque birds are with me, it seems, wherever I go. I have collected stray feathers and greatly admire the iridescent blackness of them. When I see a raven, I acknowledge it and like to pause to appreciate its presence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It seems only fitting that a raven should feature in my art. In particular, a silk painting I call <i>The Talisman</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpQuqevttCe-f0L2ZjLWAcBJjtI18C7xm9jn4mRmK1YiIBeZPYG9FpcGJ67XPaOeur4TDfUE3XvAuYCJo2V5ITOWdjM-Zm39JmCjpMtWKAI7BxszFw1oEHjKWeSRhvaN9fIT8wjo8bcte/s1600/talisman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpQuqevttCe-f0L2ZjLWAcBJjtI18C7xm9jn4mRmK1YiIBeZPYG9FpcGJ67XPaOeur4TDfUE3XvAuYCJo2V5ITOWdjM-Zm39JmCjpMtWKAI7BxszFw1oEHjKWeSRhvaN9fIT8wjo8bcte/s320/talisman.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I gave it this title for a handful of reasons. While working on it, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I found myself reflecting on my life's learnings and experiences. The dark plumage with its intricate patterns </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">is an apt metaphor for a sorrowful time shrouded in grief and the somber journey out from that shadowy place. The bird's bright eye reflects wisdom gleaned from those experiences, and its sharp, sturdy beak points the way forward. The cherry represents the sweetness life may yet have to offer. Shades of purple and magenta resonate for reasons I can't articulate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's an important, personal piece - a milestone of sorts - invested with emotion. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While I </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">completed the painting some time ago it wasn't till now that I felt right about sharing its story here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With a few notable exceptions, I rarely keep much of the art I make. However </span><i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">The Talisman</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> is one of those exceptions. This painting will stay with me and help guide my onward journey as well as serve as a reminder of where I've been.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">_______________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Dedicated to Thomas Kalpatoo, December 21, 1948 - February 17, 2015</i></span>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-25126902727584384072018-01-14T11:42:00.000-08:002018-01-15T10:26:51.084-08:00Walking into a New Year<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is the time of year when there's a lot of talk about new year's resolutions - often with regard to improving one's commitment to an exercise regime. I'm the kind of person who thinks we can change things in our life at <b><i>any</i></b> time - not just at landmark moments like turning the page of a calendar - and I also believe in having some sort of daily physical activity that doesn't involve making a special effort that could prove difficult to maintain. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, I do believe a new year can be an excellent time to acknowledge what works in our lives and, in doing so, reinforce good habits.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of my own favourite habits is my daily practice of getting out for a walk. Sometimes it's a short-ish amble, other times it's a vigorous hike that goes on for hours, or even days. For me, walking simply feels good on a physical level. I love the way my body moves naturally, the way my heart rate elevates with a hill or a bit of speed, the rhythmic feel of my stride, and how I become aware of my posture. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Physical benefits aside, it's also a mental break - a time to problem-solve, or come up with fresh ideas, or sort through some nagging issue, or simply to daydream. Sometimes I memorize poetry while I walk. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As an artist, walking sustains my creativity. I never know what I'll see to inspire me! Other times a moment of simple beauty will intangibly nourish my creative spirit. I might not rush home and create a piece of art based on that moment, but it reinforces how gorgeous the world is and reminds me to appreciate my place in it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vh1x8FENQ-Hxe7l9e-82aFIJE66yO7oTBuJoiHNka6WD2Wic8Vmi_fschxgFQq1PGDmLnpeWTmPSk0z17_k_RzEvNms7hdFcFdoEIZ-1qP_1KTwEFSkeO4csDV8xqvoMUcs7cmZCh9I3/s1600/beachwalk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vh1x8FENQ-Hxe7l9e-82aFIJE66yO7oTBuJoiHNka6WD2Wic8Vmi_fschxgFQq1PGDmLnpeWTmPSk0z17_k_RzEvNms7hdFcFdoEIZ-1qP_1KTwEFSkeO4csDV8xqvoMUcs7cmZCh9I3/s320/beachwalk.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite kind of walk involves a beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />Walking might appear to be a solitary pastime but I don't feel like I'm ever alone. My trusty cocker spaniel Lily is virtually always by my side, plus there are the other dogs and people we sometimes meet, and the wild creatures we invariably encounter - birds and occasionally something larger. Sometimes I walk with a human friend and we have a chance to chat and catch up on one another's lives. Always my thoughts and ideas and memories keep me company.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQB-6mYNL98Yd6pl3_karq5YuUcQI6t65-RropDNh-4L6bkx9ulTB2lFiBesMGk9r3TpgGYNo2i2a_yihGLSQA68YWBIbkZHUPbQwO0EpC5kBJrpwB0n23Qvt99mlFW4IYKwLrdhvXgH8/s1600/Lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="400" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQB-6mYNL98Yd6pl3_karq5YuUcQI6t65-RropDNh-4L6bkx9ulTB2lFiBesMGk9r3TpgGYNo2i2a_yihGLSQA68YWBIbkZHUPbQwO0EpC5kBJrpwB0n23Qvt99mlFW4IYKwLrdhvXgH8/s320/Lily.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My coloured pencil portrait of my walking companion Lily.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Above all, going for a walk is an opportunity to be outdoors, to breathe the air, and to appreciate the simple gifts life offers. I'm particularly fond of walking in wild spaces but any space will do. When I'm on a ferry, as I often am, I like to walk laps around the deck - benefiting from the physical activity and appreciating the ever changing vista of sea and shoreline.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd8PlQ2j3Ao_24HRHz9Od7gni_-wkMnVxTkk1YdtAm5fE4QxyiK_wIqN6KIM7nZhxegufmtyH8nEOMNmTGschY8tkixSYnDOu2Oq2DhJmMYdyPgGppn-zBpniC3Rc3LW_KWNWswviB0GC/s1600/ferry+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd8PlQ2j3Ao_24HRHz9Od7gni_-wkMnVxTkk1YdtAm5fE4QxyiK_wIqN6KIM7nZhxegufmtyH8nEOMNmTGschY8tkixSYnDOu2Oq2DhJmMYdyPgGppn-zBpniC3Rc3LW_KWNWswviB0GC/s320/ferry+view.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A summer sunset viewed from a ferry deck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have celebrated walking in a couple of past silk paintings</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and I have more ideas for this series that I'm hoping to execute before too long.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPS5OhsMvDQIF3KsSkGriFencwE8jMjiHZ5GSIvhzlYOD6m2X-9yBzonTzuqa6Owte11X0otK4xYbk6Wm7LcLRu6Li6YGgylHReOwBKCE54DbJHU1f0hFFu2jta7ib6eBAyD4vbDk6abOK/s1600/walkingdog+october.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPS5OhsMvDQIF3KsSkGriFencwE8jMjiHZ5GSIvhzlYOD6m2X-9yBzonTzuqa6Owte11X0otK4xYbk6Wm7LcLRu6Li6YGgylHReOwBKCE54DbJHU1f0hFFu2jta7ib6eBAyD4vbDk6abOK/s320/walkingdog+october.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Walking the Dog - October</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7GNrfWSsL_RTdm-9UPSNq-mKjSXWLzTQhIc22LTIxzK36i57J9oZfGWG_vVXOAkFYQhqhYjeU9ACifB8v3eXHslYXoUvYSFtthAuez-9aMERMFFvR9GVc2xfq6hm5r9gWOCGNeftr7Xw/s1600/walking+the+dog+in+april.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7GNrfWSsL_RTdm-9UPSNq-mKjSXWLzTQhIc22LTIxzK36i57J9oZfGWG_vVXOAkFYQhqhYjeU9ACifB8v3eXHslYXoUvYSFtthAuez-9aMERMFFvR9GVc2xfq6hm5r9gWOCGNeftr7Xw/s320/walking+the+dog+in+april.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Walking the Dog - April</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While walking, I have captured countless other moments that eventually work their way into my art.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJbki6JhSaNpVTBjmyGoGytP-3mMk8ezxA51N7-n5luLxgY-0naTg5Sb9lc1LPWX2G38LJNF6kQRt6MoDFr5qgK6EEk0NGqliCSm1Z6P8GSiFYqbRjuECw3SHrcstA8hHL_DGEsXc7HuF/s1600/dune+walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="500" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJbki6JhSaNpVTBjmyGoGytP-3mMk8ezxA51N7-n5luLxgY-0naTg5Sb9lc1LPWX2G38LJNF6kQRt6MoDFr5qgK6EEk0NGqliCSm1Z6P8GSiFYqbRjuECw3SHrcstA8hHL_DGEsXc7HuF/s320/dune+walker.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My silk painting <i>Dune Walker</i> which originated <br />
during a beach walk in Mexico.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have made momentous decisions, such as during my 2016 sojourn in the Grand Canyon where I tested my physical abilities and found the inner strength I needed to move forward in my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzYpVeZI-AnlQ-Ms-miqh3MvVtYeRjz-j05EXnadvHbIaXN31r1cl9_ymi9PYnkj4Ie50URv3ZCie6jsW-MKrhGRIajBiifoRNDHa5ihLwnvrxFXkJT7ue9TmQuCHABUV7uS5wyElBgJd/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="504" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzYpVeZI-AnlQ-Ms-miqh3MvVtYeRjz-j05EXnadvHbIaXN31r1cl9_ymi9PYnkj4Ie50URv3ZCie6jsW-MKrhGRIajBiifoRNDHa5ihLwnvrxFXkJT7ue9TmQuCHABUV7uS5wyElBgJd/s320/before.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have seen sights I would not encounter other than on foot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LfJwkhPSrSTkBiP05rDr6dmNVc9oTF-DzNc1Vm8yM-pKoS_1JcToBsJvMP5GzK0PawkUSH_fZMm2Qcyise7mHDulSCvIa5svPCjjIhg0ukR6Za7khqmpBMyDtWLQAvsLDG4tUHfk8-e0/s1600/oystercatchers+pastel+lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="600" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LfJwkhPSrSTkBiP05rDr6dmNVc9oTF-DzNc1Vm8yM-pKoS_1JcToBsJvMP5GzK0PawkUSH_fZMm2Qcyise7mHDulSCvIa5svPCjjIhg0ukR6Za7khqmpBMyDtWLQAvsLDG4tUHfk8-e0/s320/oystercatchers+pastel+lr.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pastel drawing of Oystercatchers as seen on one of <br />
my favourite Mayne Island walks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Much has been said about the value of walking. Recently I picked up an illustrated book of quotations by Henry David Thoreau for whom walking and nature were as fundamental to life as breathing. His enthusiasm for walking in all kinds of weather is inspiring and helps me to get out the rain gear on those soggy days that are so plentiful here on the "wet" coast. I also recently read an article on how the simple practice of walking sets our minds free to roam in creative directions - something essential for those of us involved in art making. And of course the physical benefits of daily exercise are not to be sneezed at either. The ways in which our bodies and our brains benefit are well documented. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On that note, I am walking purposefully into 2018 - not only because of its many benefits for my body, mind and spirit, and for the creative inspiration, but because of the simple joy it brings me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now I'm off to put on my walking shoes. Come on Lily!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmpu_Jb0t4w6iGGBBdBwA4Xb_S1crLT20oAXB3lOPehwJw2RVnXIqjMq_tsjUMcELsHb7gBuR1ygH0YqwxXv2ECaqk_eNthmiIpEjn9Rrt1-dAf_R6fnrhVe9oVZiFM8mH39bNBe9geAQ/s1600/rainwalkers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="400" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmpu_Jb0t4w6iGGBBdBwA4Xb_S1crLT20oAXB3lOPehwJw2RVnXIqjMq_tsjUMcELsHb7gBuR1ygH0YqwxXv2ECaqk_eNthmiIpEjn9Rrt1-dAf_R6fnrhVe9oVZiFM8mH39bNBe9geAQ/s320/rainwalkers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-28905296968780248522017-12-17T19:07:00.001-08:002022-03-01T22:40:22.143-08:00Year of the Owl<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">2017 has been, for me, a year of transformation. I decided
it would be a time to let go of a lot of obligations and nurture my art-making
self. I have travelled, I have experienced the joy of spending as much time at
my Mayne Island refuge as I possibly could, I have had the deep satisfaction of
seeing a small art studio erected there, and I have remembered how to laugh and
to find joy every day. And I have been making art!</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">My unofficial guide through this transformative year has
been that elusive species of bird: the owl.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD872Rka5ZaNMxDYZaftzK16qlaKqD_hFrWqGhGm_crmFmGlXTcJ4O-lSs7YG2N8geWZXxEACTj3J3Cd8lfy9Hbry-jrEAkojjphKiolkiEDPuAKVwHAGnR_2VOd13eW_xR6NCWqlrMFeZ/s1600/barred+owl+ravine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD872Rka5ZaNMxDYZaftzK16qlaKqD_hFrWqGhGm_crmFmGlXTcJ4O-lSs7YG2N8geWZXxEACTj3J3Cd8lfy9Hbry-jrEAkojjphKiolkiEDPuAKVwHAGnR_2VOd13eW_xR6NCWqlrMFeZ/s320/barred+owl+ravine.jpg" width="202" /></span></a></div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">It started in January when I visited the Northern Spotted Owl breeding facility in Langley, BC - a rare opportunity to view a species that's nearly vanished from my home region where it was once abundant. I wrote about that experience earlier in the year in my post <a href="http://strongatart.blogspot.com/2017/01/predator-vs-alien.html" target="_blank">Predator vs Alien</a>.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Later in January, while spending a couple of blissful weeks on the island of Maui, I caught a glimpse of a Hawaiian short-eared owl. It was a brief sighting (too quick for
a photo) that happened while I was wandering around one of Maui’s state parks. On an island
where the native species of birds are edging towards extinction for a variety
of reasons, this felt like a rare gift.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">In my mind, seeing an owl somehow always feels like a
special privilege, one that some people never experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year the barred owls of Mayne Island
seemed bent on being my companions. They regularly showed themselves to me on
my walks and swooped through the trees around my cottage. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjChYfCJ3E7VTUeCeapPPygAgGsP8zqEUEpBe_GPl_u-MIaV5naJkrhojiKAKZS_OpDcHZVS99Pv_cGnm7VKcexsMwAd6KAL7iar8U3jx3vV0j9qNiTHFuTNDf9pKwWiTfESvbGu-E9cp/s1600/owl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjChYfCJ3E7VTUeCeapPPygAgGsP8zqEUEpBe_GPl_u-MIaV5naJkrhojiKAKZS_OpDcHZVS99Pv_cGnm7VKcexsMwAd6KAL7iar8U3jx3vV0j9qNiTHFuTNDf9pKwWiTfESvbGu-E9cp/s400/owl.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Their calls often echoed
through the woods around my little island home – most memorably on a full-moon
night in August. One October day a gorgeous specimen landed on the road right in front
of me and stared straight into my eyes before silently rising back into the air
and disappearing into the woods. </span></div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU6J_n9Fvmu7GMQy5NxO5GD-OWulp5Sp_2sq4zxbtVKLeZOOPcuZ5ogPuUJxGMGYVr-622t3j4y7aVbpA9evCCr-SP-0q2rDYvBlZS-yJtgU7qMHkjLfJ2cqBAHHnxI6qSvAe38ecaZsp/s1600/mayne+barred.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU6J_n9Fvmu7GMQy5NxO5GD-OWulp5Sp_2sq4zxbtVKLeZOOPcuZ5ogPuUJxGMGYVr-622t3j4y7aVbpA9evCCr-SP-0q2rDYvBlZS-yJtgU7qMHkjLfJ2cqBAHHnxI6qSvAe38ecaZsp/s400/mayne+barred.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br />Even in the wooded ravine adjacent to my urban townhome on
the mainland, the owls came to me. Not just the familiar barred owls but a
glorious juvenile great horned owl. For several weeks over the summer he/she
was there, seemingly waiting for me when I went for my morning walk with my dog Lily.
As the summer waned he/she quietly departed but I still scan the trees in hopes
of another sighting.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKfDiQQnX5F-eAtmS4_i9loAf1QKJZOEHBwh1INUQT6AhA7Micj6jQhlsg4R12-557_nKzvS4NcJSwoMSiF2qVNyBniI-Z8p7i_-LhSSSiWeU-3iRqcmi9Jpnbs9B7HxYlF5wS38XRZhW/s1600/horned+owl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="358" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKfDiQQnX5F-eAtmS4_i9loAf1QKJZOEHBwh1INUQT6AhA7Micj6jQhlsg4R12-557_nKzvS4NcJSwoMSiF2qVNyBniI-Z8p7i_-LhSSSiWeU-3iRqcmi9Jpnbs9B7HxYlF5wS38XRZhW/s400/horned+owl.jpg" width="286" /></span></a></div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">These wild moments aside, it was a different owl experience
that has found its way into my art. At England’s Whipsnade Zoo I attended a presentation about birds. Several
species took turns flying freely in the open air before returning to their handlers on command, including a familiar bald eagle, a band
of African hawks, couple of raucous parrots, and some vividly coloured macaws that
generated wistful memories of past travels in South America. And then .... there it was: a great grey owl, massive and
magnificent.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPGCDCBp_i4OWKeOuJMWyF2VPHrVJulZ53LYETK9UR34vSZl7_8kABnilo28eT3O7-W-8uOQjxGpDHDK9ur1tAdhAQrxBM1v9Qsj6zaBZXLs7VM-Jshe9GesJceoyM9OnKTmlE3iRp6QL/s1600/great+grey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="357" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPGCDCBp_i4OWKeOuJMWyF2VPHrVJulZ53LYETK9UR34vSZl7_8kABnilo28eT3O7-W-8uOQjxGpDHDK9ur1tAdhAQrxBM1v9Qsj6zaBZXLs7VM-Jshe9GesJceoyM9OnKTmlE3iRp6QL/s320/great+grey.jpg" width="227" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Seeing this wondrous bird reminded me of a rare sighting many years before when, on horseback, I
wandered into a grove of huge trees occupied by a pair of large owls (most likely great horned owls but in my mind's eye I picture great greys). It was a moment I’ll never forget in a place that’s long since been cleared for a housing
development. I was inspired to create this coloured pencil drawing I call "Out From the Shadows":</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiAm1FVH7kDXvh_OyprZqYE9B8yaUDqKHKpBGW0aZUgPsxcS7oxwyZmPcpD0hm0VDULScd0sp1rM9EhugGB0ebiqF_Hak1VuWN9lDvtADMKn9mKa1OVDl72-r5rOAGkDoZ2faiMt-zG7L/s1600/greyowl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="670" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiAm1FVH7kDXvh_OyprZqYE9B8yaUDqKHKpBGW0aZUgPsxcS7oxwyZmPcpD0hm0VDULScd0sp1rM9EhugGB0ebiqF_Hak1VuWN9lDvtADMKn9mKa1OVDl72-r5rOAGkDoZ2faiMt-zG7L/s400/greyowl.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Owls are thought to represent anything from omens of death,
to indicators of change, to symbols of feminine strength. However I like what poet Mary Oliver says – that they conjure thoughts of “pleasure, good luck and a happy life”.</span></div>
</div>
Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-41043861552386841172017-10-16T10:44:00.000-07:002017-10-16T18:49:05.282-07:00Rural Routes<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Earlier this year I had the privilege of spending some time in the United Kingdom. I visited family in England, spent a couple of days in Scotland, and generally enjoyed as much as possible of what there was to see and do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A huge highlight was a week of long-distance walking along the Hampshire coast on England's southern shore (I touched on this adventure in an earlier post "<a href="http://strongatart.blogspot.ca/2017/07/where-does-time-go.html" target="_blank">Where Does the Time Go</a>"). I was able to not only enjoy wild coastal environments and urban cities, but also some rural countryside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">As always, wherever I go my experiences and the creatures I meet along the way provide inspiration for the art I create.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A brood of sunbathing piglets became the incentive to create a colourful silk painting...</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5YUnhM3cbGOYVzmiRM3H2u5SbK1FTEGd-aGeQ3EHWHIKXGdAfi51J7bI5PahzSPV7LwibQOSDUWnVj0DrOpa2gaXqeBMH-XTHZ6AsOXG3MlGxbC32O_aBlCEvVEhu0OIUWjFElxWSLyw/s1600/piggies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="504" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5YUnhM3cbGOYVzmiRM3H2u5SbK1FTEGd-aGeQ3EHWHIKXGdAfi51J7bI5PahzSPV7LwibQOSDUWnVj0DrOpa2gaXqeBMH-XTHZ6AsOXG3MlGxbC32O_aBlCEvVEhu0OIUWjFElxWSLyw/s320/piggies.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0U-xYPF1V-dkjC-KZ11ISeL2Hnbln6kjAa9mtbU-d-RD25vVoDDCWXmVjy-ZyTFMmPd7Fxjm_6jUaa1gQazPbN4Jg5Z5ZKDDRf6gFcxABxKypss6S9F-Eqp9VVmXUkR2NdO-Z_LP7VYO/s1600/silk+pigs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="500" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0U-xYPF1V-dkjC-KZ11ISeL2Hnbln6kjAa9mtbU-d-RD25vVoDDCWXmVjy-ZyTFMmPd7Fxjm_6jUaa1gQazPbN4Jg5Z5ZKDDRf6gFcxABxKypss6S9F-Eqp9VVmXUkR2NdO-Z_LP7VYO/s320/silk+pigs.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A herd of curious heifers provided me with inspiration for another...</span><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44v5O2_r_ZYsadq9CJNyrlZ6nsTOuGYVRmpmf4l_G-8RyAIA322wGbjEJjCowVI3eL-DeI1QG08EHuz4jV-_UDEtg3WQTOC4djFd4a-LO1idUsjIOG-yNAphJt_6yYUqMZmYZRE-QGFDj/s1600/cows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="504" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44v5O2_r_ZYsadq9CJNyrlZ6nsTOuGYVRmpmf4l_G-8RyAIA322wGbjEJjCowVI3eL-DeI1QG08EHuz4jV-_UDEtg3WQTOC4djFd4a-LO1idUsjIOG-yNAphJt_6yYUqMZmYZRE-QGFDj/s320/cows.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8UT_9uX19Q4wau_KRIUo2WgKUrzHK5iiR_lXw1yKnmqUznFzxOIkwf-q6_sTtecCuV614KJtkxrseaj0n9m6dT6WIoUI8gN-DDi-_-A66r8df1U3FdEStKbEqhsin780gLReMdmtl8GE/s1600/silk+cows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="500" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8UT_9uX19Q4wau_KRIUo2WgKUrzHK5iiR_lXw1yKnmqUznFzxOIkwf-q6_sTtecCuV614KJtkxrseaj0n9m6dT6WIoUI8gN-DDi-_-A66r8df1U3FdEStKbEqhsin780gLReMdmtl8GE/s320/silk+cows.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And a handsome gypsy pony posed for another painting in my series of silk horse "portraits"...</span><br />
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz85t8HIUV4cTVap-CRnTNtlVwXZThCpngE7Rd1ub6kf2LyP_L3-9Q8FntC6rWbCNGPFOGpnZqbvMDnSoI5EdqnFMsbOXepuw2w1wSG4WWY-QgMcNiGki3M_nU_jQog3QWTc7vSz8-dp5/s1600/gypsy+vanner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="504" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz85t8HIUV4cTVap-CRnTNtlVwXZThCpngE7Rd1ub6kf2LyP_L3-9Q8FntC6rWbCNGPFOGpnZqbvMDnSoI5EdqnFMsbOXepuw2w1wSG4WWY-QgMcNiGki3M_nU_jQog3QWTc7vSz8-dp5/s320/gypsy+vanner.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuq41rI33cy7Nm9N9X9S4aGo0gO1OgAZJhmzwHrYNXZD1dEK4TI7NqQfTbirtauNYdc4tJlB9wBfkLyUPbshAqVd1EHAxfl8Bt4nxjWvysioKgIPG2A2UIXmRehw9pZlsmuA4y7KKJBBLJ/s1600/silk+gypsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="500" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuq41rI33cy7Nm9N9X9S4aGo0gO1OgAZJhmzwHrYNXZD1dEK4TI7NqQfTbirtauNYdc4tJlB9wBfkLyUPbshAqVd1EHAxfl8Bt4nxjWvysioKgIPG2A2UIXmRehw9pZlsmuA4y7KKJBBLJ/s320/silk+gypsy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">There are many other moments from my UK trip that may, at some point, provide artistic fuel. However </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">for now, working on these three new paintings has been a satisfying experience. Not only</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> was I able to re-live those moments in the English countryside, it took me on another journey back down memory lane to my own rural roots growing up on the family farm in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. I find it fascinating how new</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> experiences often parallel the old, and fresh memories connect us with our past.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">And now... I'm heading back into the studio to see what lies ahead!</span>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-30410276062696691642017-10-05T12:28:00.000-07:002017-10-05T12:28:07.101-07:00The Balancing Act<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Art is, for me, a pretty serious endeavour. It's not only my passion, it's my vocation. It's how I express myself and it's also how I pay my bills. Finding a balance between "art as work" and "art as a pleasurable activity" can, at times, be a challenge. One thing I have learned is that when I get too serious - about what's going on in my life or about my art itself - my creativity suffers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Over time I have developed a few strategies to help maintain my creative equilibrium. One is weekly life drawing sessions where my focus is simply on the act of drawing. I can easily lose myself figuring out how to capture the essence of that day's model, and what I produce is for nobody but me. I can experiment, play, goof off or get serious about it - whatever feels right for the day or the moment. No pressure, no fuss - it's about me, the model, and my drawing materials. Sometimes it's fun, sometimes it's not, but it's always a welcome break. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA-BzeeEQR4QhJ4wyE88gxbL02PnahB6WbJHAuGel6cp-IEq6aZCMAwiUYf_8ZBSeb3PoXQwsgld0nWdiyn3p-cEMHJejOhfkp-MVDYt591zZcI0sA4iXqYwsYY1gWt1k0vkScztG5N8b/s1600/life+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA-BzeeEQR4QhJ4wyE88gxbL02PnahB6WbJHAuGel6cp-IEq6aZCMAwiUYf_8ZBSeb3PoXQwsgld0nWdiyn3p-cEMHJejOhfkp-MVDYt591zZcI0sA4iXqYwsYY1gWt1k0vkScztG5N8b/s320/life+drawing.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Another strategy is getting outdoors into a natural space. I do this every single day, even if it's only for a little while. Being out in the air, walking among trees or by the water, listening to birds, feeling the crunch of leaves or grit of sand under my feet is soothing to my soul. It lifts my spirit and helps my mind find a peaceful place where thoughts can drift and sometimes solutions can be found for problems that seemed unsolvable indoors. When I'm on the mainland I head into the ravine across the street where during my wanderings I might be lucky enough to have a close encounter with a woodland resident like this great horned owl:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kwiNtGOn6hHojsWilvH03JIV-RwO5ahCNxEIpFuxCJnvGRKVyUkbYTzI1qc0wtLxIvuXvCjSHkTQR9r0asupwuW1E8hiPFBOZ1y-0j26YW1RgXUw48Hc8mBZgm2I35e39VQfIVxSn5ap/s1600/horned+owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="500" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kwiNtGOn6hHojsWilvH03JIV-RwO5ahCNxEIpFuxCJnvGRKVyUkbYTzI1qc0wtLxIvuXvCjSHkTQR9r0asupwuW1E8hiPFBOZ1y-0j26YW1RgXUw48Hc8mBZgm2I35e39VQfIVxSn5ap/s320/horned+owl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I'm at my Mayne Island studio, all I have to do is open the door and the forest air pours in. It never fails to make me feel good.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOQgIJDtuOo9cQPP6BZHlxu6v2_JvWKrc1y7q0HHZZa3sdZlM3KvaknE02XgjXhKdFTBCY-U2uvuKS9xMC08GpO9B8X80DojTSvKnMR_5cwWyvVdgYBsIcW4Kc7BU6gRutTKN3FDLjoCx/s1600/forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="500" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOQgIJDtuOo9cQPP6BZHlxu6v2_JvWKrc1y7q0HHZZa3sdZlM3KvaknE02XgjXhKdFTBCY-U2uvuKS9xMC08GpO9B8X80DojTSvKnMR_5cwWyvVdgYBsIcW4Kc7BU6gRutTKN3FDLjoCx/s400/forest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Every so often, I also like to take part in a class or workshop where I can learn something new or tap into a different part of my creativity. I recently had the infinite pleasure of taking a multi-day workshop that focussed on nothing but simply being creative. It drew me into a world where art making was about looking inward for guidance, looking outward for inspiration, and creating art in an experimental, playful way without any expectations. We conjured up words, we tinkered with found materials (in my case some pigeon feathers), we collaged, we made prints of various types, we stencilled, we drew, we painted, and we did visioning exercises. I came away feeling refreshed, re-energized, and ready for action. I also have a few new ideas percolating for creative strategies to work into my life and art practice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp_dM-IsuCD4herkHH6swte2wOH7mJegWhXPv5sQnSDMRVCOQdf_aZ4ZccYRsqADxW6FkhTHB2WV3TTt904KzKw4vVLhyWSEBaQjPuegVjNz1VLMrE5jvNqb-4d5lZE8JyWfZBNKrwIcq/s1600/creative+studio+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="500" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp_dM-IsuCD4herkHH6swte2wOH7mJegWhXPv5sQnSDMRVCOQdf_aZ4ZccYRsqADxW6FkhTHB2WV3TTt904KzKw4vVLhyWSEBaQjPuegVjNz1VLMrE5jvNqb-4d5lZE8JyWfZBNKrwIcq/s320/creative+studio+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrHQ7k6-nI4Kqbr49q5K3f2uGPg0mLcT-2d7Q7wIP6NpKxEQu6mSsaip7kO1PKISr7em9wy88Lwb-o5wMIIWHJVaofIM5CUMStdVWMxz16siXupHx7Q9PFrwbz_2X4H5AEWwKXC9tM4YZ/s1600/creative+studio+4+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrHQ7k6-nI4Kqbr49q5K3f2uGPg0mLcT-2d7Q7wIP6NpKxEQu6mSsaip7kO1PKISr7em9wy88Lwb-o5wMIIWHJVaofIM5CUMStdVWMxz16siXupHx7Q9PFrwbz_2X4H5AEWwKXC9tM4YZ/s400/creative+studio+4+wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Today I'm back in my mainland studio with art projects on the go, paperwork to attend to, and this blog to write. Yesterday was my weekly life drawing session, and in a little while I will head out into the ravine for some time among the trees and a chance to soak up some fall sunshine. I'm also counting the days until my return to my island sanctuary. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Finding balance is a tricky thing - a continual creative work-in-progress in and of itself.</span></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-49163371214631414432017-09-09T11:53:00.000-07:002017-09-09T12:16:16.346-07:00Creativity + Girl Power = Limitless Possibilities<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
I’ve spoken before about how creativity takes many forms. In
my world I tend to think primarily about the drawings and paintings I make, but
obviously there are all kinds of creative folks making sculptures, or textiles,
or music, or maybe they’re dancing, or writing, or engaging in any of a whole long list
of artistic pursuits. There are also the kinds of creative
activities that are worked into day-to-day life like gardening, or cooking, or
carpentry – the list is truly endless when we think about how we use our minds
to problem-solve as we make and do things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Recently I’ve had the
assistance of some very able-bodied women in what some would consider unconventional creative
pursuits that have left me feeling empowered and impressed at what “girls” can
do when we put our minds and bodies into a project.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bring together three women on a sunny summer morning and
there’s no telling what might happen! We can take a load of split rails and a pile
of blocks, and create the most artfully made, well-engineered split
rail fence imaginable! This one now adorns the front of my property on Mayne
Island:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPFrm3zGaHbWDFqSYUFFiiuAsTdbVpd87uI_8yKhzxk_8YndacbAAIov4c4ybS703DjhP0wIoRr4wT5BhWxxiMz6fB3Ca_FH8NUyf9YPYcbzUiNTmVe09OgpJt_pUDZOaJRLPNTRhERwW/s1600/splitrails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPFrm3zGaHbWDFqSYUFFiiuAsTdbVpd87uI_8yKhzxk_8YndacbAAIov4c4ybS703DjhP0wIoRr4wT5BhWxxiMz6fB3Ca_FH8NUyf9YPYcbzUiNTmVe09OgpJt_pUDZOaJRLPNTRhERwW/s320/splitrails.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It brings me joy every time I look at it, and the locals seem to appreciate it too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileAsuAU5OtIzyFm7G9H9Qwuqv6eDBvySXvlrTI5MVKivjlQpxykoBzokn0OdhbBvSNrZuHJjKvyaF74YhpABWPamtgmEd7RmSzXL9Nsi5OyMMbIjDCi3kk0beMOEYHSYqlNnTwvrh-GuF/s1600/neighbours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="504" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileAsuAU5OtIzyFm7G9H9Qwuqv6eDBvySXvlrTI5MVKivjlQpxykoBzokn0OdhbBvSNrZuHJjKvyaF74YhpABWPamtgmEd7RmSzXL9Nsi5OyMMbIjDCi3kk0beMOEYHSYqlNnTwvrh-GuF/s320/neighbours.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On another sunny summer weekend, bring together two women with a
reasonable knowledge of power tools, a load of lumber, a bit of know-how, some
determination, and an all-important helping of creativity, and the results can
be nothing short of amazing! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh9G356P0SLsLU65EWrWG6J4jCuViHOh9FecsGyGF3qRNab9P-LK5sP1unLICAlTcG9OSdTWzkuIHTlaRbhUI3NK7rIZAHodvecVKuwsBQqpFQG1BBNk1uM9_iCU9YUcYaOSeMgrWLXzx/s1600/lumber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="504" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh9G356P0SLsLU65EWrWG6J4jCuViHOh9FecsGyGF3qRNab9P-LK5sP1unLICAlTcG9OSdTWzkuIHTlaRbhUI3NK7rIZAHodvecVKuwsBQqpFQG1BBNk1uM9_iCU9YUcYaOSeMgrWLXzx/s320/lumber.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64COOYKivHWahaPfRr8wbl2pi1C1D49MfObH1-SRSvAU05jEAxCne6dvdggcdjD9t2NObqe81Vd3CKU8D7XWTCE2UE4VEICmbtznnmfa2yjdGY5DIt9XsYEewCto3EXeY6SSdYb_zKJv5/s1600/tools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="504" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64COOYKivHWahaPfRr8wbl2pi1C1D49MfObH1-SRSvAU05jEAxCne6dvdggcdjD9t2NObqe81Vd3CKU8D7XWTCE2UE4VEICmbtznnmfa2yjdGY5DIt9XsYEewCto3EXeY6SSdYb_zKJv5/s320/tools.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The rickety, rotting front porch of my Mayne
Island cottage, with a dilapidated set of stairs fit only for mountain goats, has been transformed
into a sold, comfortable outdoor space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxrJEc7Wx2UewaTuEd4IvHT2gs89VjdU9VRaRFh4ke7GJOiAxVVszJFv2d3_zcLjzieC58UtMV00HSjYrelDOvsj08eVhFDycO8odY2SJ-fHNwP_2RiMQ8c8eN3uykRctsmxF0UlF0hoI/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="504" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxrJEc7Wx2UewaTuEd4IvHT2gs89VjdU9VRaRFh4ke7GJOiAxVVszJFv2d3_zcLjzieC58UtMV00HSjYrelDOvsj08eVhFDycO8odY2SJ-fHNwP_2RiMQ8c8eN3uykRctsmxF0UlF0hoI/s320/before.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8AqprL29HJcrMFPFe-eEIrxYiPHNnsLrtGfBI4bZ1-D_3nrIgYcDGukgWMvJtJf9rAGDWowmd5TSwNFRc-_Nq-eB-MCN0Bpn2nZURyjCcHJ8Ot0uqnojuY5qmcUXXRTgOPhbSvJqAij9/s1600/during.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="504" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8AqprL29HJcrMFPFe-eEIrxYiPHNnsLrtGfBI4bZ1-D_3nrIgYcDGukgWMvJtJf9rAGDWowmd5TSwNFRc-_Nq-eB-MCN0Bpn2nZURyjCcHJ8Ot0uqnojuY5qmcUXXRTgOPhbSvJqAij9/s320/during.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post demolition...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGhl_m-_nbi0GWlrVrtqMqpEP9pL8Q-1x8iKYmNVynAV-gw-7-lCjHZclgZ89M1tbNMNTLvIGY_FQBMym1Iws5WeFCEmK-N26eyn6757SlQpGCzpHaMEMW8PiTnGiaeT84w8Mp0FATqp/s1600/after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGhl_m-_nbi0GWlrVrtqMqpEP9pL8Q-1x8iKYmNVynAV-gw-7-lCjHZclgZ89M1tbNMNTLvIGY_FQBMym1Iws5WeFCEmK-N26eyn6757SlQpGCzpHaMEMW8PiTnGiaeT84w8Mp0FATqp/s320/after.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It’s now a perfect spot for whiling away an evening watching the trees and gazing fondly at my little art studio across the way. And there's
no longer any fear of sprains or broken bones while navigating the perfectly
spaced, soundly made stairs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwHtiRatlnPOeGc50spxeOoXc8f8R9yWeg3MIeg_7Gpu22V56YxhU3AoGRWlJY7y1qihMn7gltNIsPonAQ94IKjVyIZgf3MbcEiKk2e-MpKR0AdHRPkDB2ekH3glHUn3gbQug4BX9mDmK/s1600/relaxing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwHtiRatlnPOeGc50spxeOoXc8f8R9yWeg3MIeg_7Gpu22V56YxhU3AoGRWlJY7y1qihMn7gltNIsPonAQ94IKjVyIZgf3MbcEiKk2e-MpKR0AdHRPkDB2ekH3glHUn3gbQug4BX9mDmK/s320/relaxing.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This project also brings me immense joy and a massive
sense of pride and accomplishment, not to mention gratitude to my skillful and
enthusiastic friend who spearheaded the project. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I will never forget this summer, the projects we
accomplished, and the lessons I learned working with my strong, skillful,
creative female friends. </span></div>
Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441151446070431962.post-52164681463419644472017-07-19T16:26:00.000-07:002017-07-29T22:17:24.658-07:00Where does the time go?<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I recently realized the last time I blogged was about three months ago. When I first started blogging I thought I'd write every week. So much for that! Time has simply flown by so this post will be a quick catch-up of some of the the goings-on in this particular artist's life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Travelling</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was fortunate enough to take a trip to the United Kingdom where a week of walking on the Hampshire coast was on the agenda. One marvellous part of it was the birds and animals encountered along the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I and my party walked through bird sanctuaries where shorebirds abound, such as this lapwing...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMODSCjBHiA1F1YZ7FGOTr1pvVFYR13G8oQJa6PDG0J3J6RgFn2N1QcG85NvrjsURoBmZ5Drc6uj96S0d6T2LKXVGlTyIlJwjURlkwgx6leVUzPA6TbLJd3HF9xYWEHKPno0XUIt5Pip8A/s1600/lapwing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMODSCjBHiA1F1YZ7FGOTr1pvVFYR13G8oQJa6PDG0J3J6RgFn2N1QcG85NvrjsURoBmZ5Drc6uj96S0d6T2LKXVGlTyIlJwjURlkwgx6leVUzPA6TbLJd3HF9xYWEHKPno0XUIt5Pip8A/s320/lapwing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the New Forest we were treated to encounters with curious pony foals...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLVljZgP6SFtSSfCvy5hbMefSogVdkYR7J-wmBahDiHFxH2Ln7RG_qwAovdhM9ANDMgP3Hr1EqTSd_k2amyC-fO_K1Uh_kW3NUtZhmlC9cimwJX1ST95kcxUBlrsi1sfmnFuN58pXzhih/s1600/pony+foal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLVljZgP6SFtSSfCvy5hbMefSogVdkYR7J-wmBahDiHFxH2Ln7RG_qwAovdhM9ANDMgP3Hr1EqTSd_k2amyC-fO_K1Uh_kW3NUtZhmlC9cimwJX1ST95kcxUBlrsi1sfmnFuN58pXzhih/s320/pony+foal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And herds of inquisitive heifers...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLbNCbm9qCtsT_v74jHldTKbxWPwi5e2W3KjFMrMOnrUJY2Mkmjt08lBMRmxmJzjEoMDueMX9OIxAXtEMOjcI_uIiU-24K0G6b2K5w6s_VJb4q6uSpHTMMt61IyCxlWBxX7T6cbfGvW09/s1600/heifers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLbNCbm9qCtsT_v74jHldTKbxWPwi5e2W3KjFMrMOnrUJY2Mkmjt08lBMRmxmJzjEoMDueMX9OIxAXtEMOjcI_uIiU-24K0G6b2K5w6s_VJb4q6uSpHTMMt61IyCxlWBxX7T6cbfGvW09/s320/heifers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">There were families of swans...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2jw3ydi8Izsme8NBUNJbrfJ10MZbMFvIRh0gEIdHqT2Ox8bRWVTz3BbdEnSdQkzvtoikxGeIsiLzJczURwvKbE-vCnKa5aXDMQCOUN2RPVpETMacn5lVSDKu4mIEkp3x3nXP8fhfEkDp/s1600/swan+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2jw3ydi8Izsme8NBUNJbrfJ10MZbMFvIRh0gEIdHqT2Ox8bRWVTz3BbdEnSdQkzvtoikxGeIsiLzJczURwvKbE-vCnKa5aXDMQCOUN2RPVpETMacn5lVSDKu4mIEkp3x3nXP8fhfEkDp/s320/swan+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">And we were fortunate to glimpse a timid and rather moth-eaten looking deer...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRi9ImZcxZJw7cAI8n5VBdWQ1vp6qlusUg_zZN5xqokVNpGmM59et4u3mnO3i27X8wZh0jCYEJFcxH5McH0XG8w_zQBlWoWI57jLcpOzVFlb-gpmnLl8z4ZEpReSI9ilDbEmNBqQIkFwL/s1600/deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRi9ImZcxZJw7cAI8n5VBdWQ1vp6qlusUg_zZN5xqokVNpGmM59et4u3mnO3i27X8wZh0jCYEJFcxH5McH0XG8w_zQBlWoWI57jLcpOzVFlb-gpmnLl8z4ZEpReSI9ilDbEmNBqQIkFwL/s320/deer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">And on a later day trip, there was the wonder of seeing feral parakeets dwelling in the big trees of urban London. They may be considered "invasive" but they are darned cute!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zlNU_RZmEYU3iCn5rk6U0kPwNM8pJ8wS6k4OSvnoZZvC-J-fAmnYv0hDoitsTbgYha5CNsN7zXJBK1uiMz8cV3j7FEAIc2KR2d6SlEjj8IIuqTOvqu0awUuqYgi1CTlu0J2-o5yxxsEJ/s1600/parakeets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zlNU_RZmEYU3iCn5rk6U0kPwNM8pJ8wS6k4OSvnoZZvC-J-fAmnYv0hDoitsTbgYha5CNsN7zXJBK1uiMz8cV3j7FEAIc2KR2d6SlEjj8IIuqTOvqu0awUuqYgi1CTlu0J2-o5yxxsEJ/s320/parakeets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Long-distance walking in the UK is a stark contrast to hiking in the <a href="http://strongatart.blogspot.ca/2016/04/my-grand-adventure-part-1.html" target="_blank">Grand Canyon</a> where I spent a couple of weeks last year sleeping in a tent and lugging a hefty back pack full of supplies. In England each day ended with a comfy bed & breakfast and a meal at a local pub. It's all quite civilized by comparison with sleeping on the ground, eating dehydrated food, and drinking water filtered from frog ponds. However, each adventure has its own kind of charm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Exhibitions</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As many of my readers know, I now divide my time between British Columbia's Lower Mainland and Mayne Island, and as I establish my art practice on Mayne I've been starting to show my work there. I have participated in a couple of excellent group exhibitions in the historic Agricultural Hall and had a solo show in the Mayne Island Community Library, all courtesy of the Southern Gulf Islands Arts Council. I'm enjoying getting to know the art community on the island and finding my own niche. My art cards and prints can now be found on the island at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionGallery/" target="_blank">EnVision Gallery</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Studio construction</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My little studio on Mayne Island is almost finished! The furniture is in, the hanging system installed, and all that's left now is the installation of a problematic custom window. In the mean time, with sturdy plastic covering the empty window cavity, I've been able to make good use of the space and have found it to be every bit the perfect creative zone I had envisioned. Outside my studio door the birds call to one another in the tall trees and deer wander through the sunny meadow. There are few distractions apart from Lily requesting I throw her ball, and the lure of a walk along the nearby beach. I hope to have the studio open to the public when the finishing touches are complete so stay tuned!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7Jv6ELXySpRbjfruFIm-DmKIwp4ifOv9C2Bgb8-pee-7aITJuUlcmOGWwCKtRyTPcvfg_TCRfOhdYcFkrjwNFqk0PKv0TEi0_8C2mjqqGmuAPTKs6MkVCATua-B9zwDhQN_FXQr14BPe/s1600/mayne+studio+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7Jv6ELXySpRbjfruFIm-DmKIwp4ifOv9C2Bgb8-pee-7aITJuUlcmOGWwCKtRyTPcvfg_TCRfOhdYcFkrjwNFqk0PKv0TEi0_8C2mjqqGmuAPTKs6MkVCATua-B9zwDhQN_FXQr14BPe/s320/mayne+studio+1.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgiybmtA7QGNssKHDwQ9LycG7GBIzfCnOAywo3mWR5YDJwnyzxQ1LDvBp7XywnGiIipR8163RJXRRm-f_ykAZYJiLIxeWB4pLBYO_1h5ifTCfM6DjbUXejocLv4uIw5gto8PJcah6ZDrE/s1600/mayne+studio+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgiybmtA7QGNssKHDwQ9LycG7GBIzfCnOAywo3mWR5YDJwnyzxQ1LDvBp7XywnGiIipR8163RJXRRm-f_ykAZYJiLIxeWB4pLBYO_1h5ifTCfM6DjbUXejocLv4uIw5gto8PJcah6ZDrE/s320/mayne+studio+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">New Artwork</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been busy creating some new work and there's more in the planning stages. Among my most recent pieces is "Canadian Icon: Grey Jays" (coloured pencil), an appropriate subject in this year of Canada's 150th birthday celebration. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBht8oyjRxZPGUnGB9RWFghz9dJImTNJgJX50NmZV-vgzGXRqlgSZZIqRx2KSBocIcT6rzL2ZkDekwXBlwpYm-XXmyMGSn0pT0MBI31HC3WKgY9cpgWybiphrXn37RshSNfnZDOW-2ecp/s1600/grey+jays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBht8oyjRxZPGUnGB9RWFghz9dJImTNJgJX50NmZV-vgzGXRqlgSZZIqRx2KSBocIcT6rzL2ZkDekwXBlwpYm-XXmyMGSn0pT0MBI31HC3WKgY9cpgWybiphrXn37RshSNfnZDOW-2ecp/s320/grey+jays.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I'm on Mayne Island nuthatches abound in the trees - often visiting my birdbath - so it's only fitting that one of the first pieces I produced in my new studio is this little one I call "The Acrobat" (also coloured pencil):</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYY2A6gDQTeyUrajYwxE4OOcrYsvb-Qi6MCcvXchSsCANgANadgN4FqZMIAMhbe4wuLmZacP13NFYIpSDPu6icooP9YM_F2v4hwJVmngd61dpIi3i3nhnAz9oI6657Z4LsaoiuzA0Sn7j/s1600/nuthatch+%2526+cone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYY2A6gDQTeyUrajYwxE4OOcrYsvb-Qi6MCcvXchSsCANgANadgN4FqZMIAMhbe4wuLmZacP13NFYIpSDPu6icooP9YM_F2v4hwJVmngd61dpIi3i3nhnAz9oI6657Z4LsaoiuzA0Sn7j/s200/nuthatch+%2526+cone.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And I even broke out my soft pastels - a medium I haven't done much with in years, and created this piece featuring a flock of sleepy Oystercatchers resting on the rocks at Bennett Bay, a half-hour's walk from my studio. The loose quality of pastels was a welcome break from the fine detail of coloured pencil.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w6ZjRalJejcxlrHIQU_JVDK8DhjTjqiZILT3FrnSNTK_lZpMXQZjHfymCBY8vGcGmZI7Em7OiAXvND-3zVqf8gj3Em-CTc8QLtaExsLLSI1zxmNtTpSahDT_imlEQW2LabXrZw0pLUur/s1600/oystercatchers+pastel+lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w6ZjRalJejcxlrHIQU_JVDK8DhjTjqiZILT3FrnSNTK_lZpMXQZjHfymCBY8vGcGmZI7Em7OiAXvND-3zVqf8gj3Em-CTc8QLtaExsLLSI1zxmNtTpSahDT_imlEQW2LabXrZw0pLUur/s400/oystercatchers+pastel+lr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fans of my silk paintings will be happy to know that I have some new silk pieces in the works, to be unveiled soon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><strong>Upcoming</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My next event is the annual <a href="http://filbergfestival.com/" target="_blank">Filberg Festival</a> on Vancouver Island - always a favourite and one I recommend to anyone who is able to attend. I'm currently hunkered down in my mainland studio preparing, with the able assistance of Lily and her friend Roxy who is currently visiting. It's obviously exhausting work!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNR3JdA9GhmIofG1DWapnCySfgmj1X2ll-KtGl8j1H8VQ4Juyj1Xg6jZW8Gywj7rTuPQs8L7kB70XqW38Upzy5eLAy7J0pY0zXs_8QwbXVrmdoS7bdPxQpGRwYTXHaFvnazy-J-J10K_H/s1600/lily+and+roxy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1161" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNR3JdA9GhmIofG1DWapnCySfgmj1X2ll-KtGl8j1H8VQ4Juyj1Xg6jZW8Gywj7rTuPQs8L7kB70XqW38Upzy5eLAy7J0pY0zXs_8QwbXVrmdoS7bdPxQpGRwYTXHaFvnazy-J-J10K_H/s320/lily+and+roxy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I'm not making any promises but hopefully it won't be quite as long before the next blog post. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">T</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">ill next time...</span>Deborah Stronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17160848202077502389noreply@blogger.com0