​I've been painting landscapes ever since I began painting. Sometimes they have been abstract, sometimes not. Some have figures but most do not. If there is a figure it is represented by nature or animal but I rarely paint a human figure. I will expand more on that in another post. 

I don't just paint landscapes though. Each of these landscapes has an underlying theme or message that I send into that painting. These themes are central to each new series that I create. I've always told stories in my art work and it used to frustrate me as a child when people (teachers) wouldn't understand my symbolism and story telling.

Almost all of my paintings have water in them. Not all, but most.

​In Anishinabek culture, water is sacred and women are the caretakers of the water.
​In my last series, Hiraeth, you will see in each piece that I have painted GutchiGumi (Lake Superior) which translates to Great Water or Great Lake. I have tried to show you the spirit of the land of my ancestors. I have also woven themes such as climate change, conservation, feminine uprising and power, spirituality, and human connectedness to Mother Earth into these paintings. When in doubt, the titles usually offer a clue. Most of my titles are snippets taken from song lyrics, story or poetry. 

I suppose I should write a separate blog post for each painting in the series to give you a little insight as to where it's located and what I was trying to say. It's a fine line with art. In one way I think art should speak for itself and you as a viewer should interpret it as you wish. On the other hand, maybe some of you would like to know more about the my underlying themes and what I was thinking about when I made my paintings.
Let me know! Mystery or Story?

I've also had some Collectors inquire about my Indigenous heritage and that is another blog post that I am planning in depth (so many blogs so little time!). For now, just know that I am from Alderville First Nation in Ontario and have an interesting and artistic family history which I am looking forward to sharing with you soon.

I realize that song is meant to be more existential but I feel like it applies and I can't stop singing it in my mind with the following:

First there is an art show, then there is no art show, then there is (fingers crossed).

Yep, that's the way she be, as my kiddo likes to say. So what the heck is going on?

Well, in 2020 a local gallery booked me for a group art show that was set to open right about now. Then, our government put us on a lockdown for the holiday season so the opening was bumped to accommodate the Provincial order. But THEN a stay at home order was issued which is to last until mid-February so I felt for sure the show would be cancelled.

Guess what? I received an email today that the gallery is still working to make this happen but later in February when the stay at home order is lifted (please please pretty please). 

I will give you dates as soon as I'm able but for now at least, just know that this is still going ahead and with any luck you'll be able to see my art in person, hopefully.

​#Gratitude
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It's been a busy morning around my house today. We have a snowfall warning in effect (which may or may not happen) so I did a little preparation in case tomorrow is a snow day. After the school run I got the shovel is ready, stopped for coffee cream, took the dog for a walk, started a load of laundry and just finished a nice hot cup of joe. It's grey skies out there today folks and I am working on a painting that mirrors the outdoors today. It's all blues, grey, and silvers. I painted the third layer quite thickly the last time I worked on it so I've been waiting for it to dry and it's ready for more today. I've posted pics of the progression for you. I'm thankful that my darling husband installed a daylight bulb right over my easels because there isn't a lot of natural light to paint by today. Keep warm and bundled up, my friends, and drive safely.

Playlist:
I'm listening to Mellow Indie on Songza.