The Creative Act + Quiet Patriotism

Some of you might know that I have been reducing my time on Instagram and trying to connect more actively on platforms that aren’t owned by billionaires. So, I’m stepping up my e-mailings a little and I’ll be posting here to see if a blog takes hold. Here are a few things that have piqued my interest lately followed by a bit about some recent art shows I was fortunate enough to have been juried into. Enjoy.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION: THE CREATIVE ACT
I recently read Rick Ruben’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being. I can see this one living on my nightstand for some time to come. Part Buddhist philosophy, part how-to, this book is for anyone who has chosen to immerse themselves in a creative life. Rubin’s book quietly cheerleads readers along the often fraught path of self-expression. If you are a creative — or you love one — visit your local library to find this book. Vancouverites who wish to purchase this book through a Canadian retailer can contact Pulp Fiction.

FREE DOWNLOAD: THE ORIGIN OF YOUR ART SUPPLIES
File this under 'Making quiet patriotic statements'. Like many of you, I’m trying to prioritize as many things Canadian as I can while navigating these head-shakingly absurd times. And that includes prioritizing Canadian-made art supplies or, at the very least, buying from companies that are based in countries not trying to annex us. To that end I have started a list! If you see any errors or would like to suggest other often-used-brands to add to the list so that informed choices can be made, please get in touch. I'm personally looking for a replacement for Yes! Paste, and Excel and Xacto knife blades. VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE LIST HERE.

SOUNDTRACK: CANADIANA
Here's another one for that patriotic file. I have created a Spotify playlist called 'Canadiana: True North Calm and Free' filled with mellow tunes to play while you paint, work, stretch, walk, drink tea. It's a versatile playlist. Once there, click the '+' sign to follow the playlist. FIND IT HERE.

MY ART NEWS
Map commissions have been keeping me busy since last year’s Crawl. Thank you to my wonderful new collectors. I have also been painting bivalves in watercolour (more on that another time). In addition to map-making and clam-painting, I have inadvertently front-loaded my year with three back-to-back group juried shows, all at Federation Gallery.

We started with Sechelt and Jervis Inlet which hung in the Emerging Members Exhibition and which, I was delighted to see, received a very kind write up in the gallery’s newsletter.

That was followed by Of a Feather which was juried into the Animal Exhibition that ended in early February. Fun fact: this piece was inspired by water marbling experiments where I floated paint on top of thickened water.

And until March 2nd you can visit my map Shuswap Lake in the Scenes from Canada Exhibition. There is some really stunning work in that show. Well worth a trip to Granville Island to see it!

AND FINALLY A QUESTION FOR YOU… DO YOU KNOW OF ANY VENUES I MIGHT APPROACH?

In 2025 my aim is to find more places to show my work around Metro Vancouver — I’m thinking retail, coffee shops, restaurants, etc. If you have any leads for places that might be interested in some coastal themed artwork, please let me know. Thank you!