On display this November during the monthly Open Studio event First Saturdays, I have lots of original artwork hanging for visitors to come and take a look. I find the process of making art very relaxing, and often people comment how calm they feel when they visit the studio. I value the time I give myself to paint and relax, perhaps I am making art that conveys that feeling to the viewer as well. Nature gives us so much, even our artistically re-interpreted versions of nature can act as her proxy.
I love gardens, and my latest series abstracts garden motifs into a potential portal into another world. I am fascinated by gardens, all that life borne from a seed. I am simultaneously overwhelmed by the volume of shapes, shadows and motifs I may like to paint! I sometimes sit in the garden, sketchbook open, pen in hand, scanning the patterns … and scanning… and taking a rather long time to pick a slice of the garden to sketch. As I sketch, I can’t help but wonder how all these plants, these sources of food, the floral beauties that make the neighbours smile, how they can all come from a densely packed genetic code repeated in each seed. Eventually, I make my notes in the garden, and take my marks to the studio to create a series of paintings.
Open Studio events are a precious chance to see friends, meet new people, and have a hangout in a creative space. I like to think that visitors go home energized after an afternoon on an art date with themselves. This month, two artist friends joined me with their inspiring photography. It feels so good to bring people together with art as the magnetic force.
The final open studio for this year will be held on December 6, 2025. Multiple artists open up their studios at the charming City Centre Artist Lodge, a former motel converted to 80 artist studios in the heart of Vancouver, BC. Come for a visit and explore the open studios at 2111 Main St. on December 6th.
For now, I am back to the studio, freshly pumped from yesterday’s open studio. I am feeling energetic and excited to create more art for the next time we fling the doors open! Hope to see you there.
