Another page has turned ~ another year passed. As always at this time of year I reflect on where I have been and the direction I intend to take for the coming year as I continue on my Artistic Journey.
It has been quite a year filled with many adventures. In the spring my travels took me to countries my grandparent's families were from; Ireland, Isle Of Man, Italy and Finland. Five weeks of writing, painting and personal discoveries. Pure bliss! I was also very fortunate to meet some relatives in Italy and here on this side of the world that I have never met before. What a joy to know I have more aunts, uncles and cousins! Life really is filled with many magical moments!
One of my goals this year is to combine some of these experiences through my paintings and poetry then compile them into book form. This I know is only the beginning and do realize it will take a great deal of time and effort to complete but I also know that only by starting can it ever be achieved.
I also worked throughout the year using oils to paint the landscape of this Northern Ontario region. A collection of 23 paintings, "This Place Where We Live" exhibit opened in November at the Fort Frances Museum. It was a challenge that I enjoyed immensely and look forward to exploring more in this medium.
I have also been asked to illustrate a children's book by a company from the U.K. This will be a wonderful challenge and I am especially excited to work on this now that I have 2 grandchildren. My little Jessie and Ben will be all the inspiration I need!
I realize that only by pushing myself in new directions artistically do I gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this life of art that I lead. I do feel blessed to be able to share with you my discoveries and am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout my career.
The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another, and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it. (James M. Barrie)
It has been quite a year filled with many adventures. In the spring my travels took me to countries my grandparent's families were from; Ireland, Isle Of Man, Italy and Finland. Five weeks of writing, painting and personal discoveries. Pure bliss! I was also very fortunate to meet some relatives in Italy and here on this side of the world that I have never met before. What a joy to know I have more aunts, uncles and cousins! Life really is filled with many magical moments!
One of my goals this year is to combine some of these experiences through my paintings and poetry then compile them into book form. This I know is only the beginning and do realize it will take a great deal of time and effort to complete but I also know that only by starting can it ever be achieved.
I also worked throughout the year using oils to paint the landscape of this Northern Ontario region. A collection of 23 paintings, "This Place Where We Live" exhibit opened in November at the Fort Frances Museum. It was a challenge that I enjoyed immensely and look forward to exploring more in this medium.
I have also been asked to illustrate a children's book by a company from the U.K. This will be a wonderful challenge and I am especially excited to work on this now that I have 2 grandchildren. My little Jessie and Ben will be all the inspiration I need!
I realize that only by pushing myself in new directions artistically do I gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this life of art that I lead. I do feel blessed to be able to share with you my discoveries and am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout my career.
The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another, and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it. (James M. Barrie)
May you make your journey in this life be one that compares well to your dreams and always remember to enjoy the ride ~
