The Science of Art
I've been working on some little paintings (very little for me!), and I've been thinking about nature, observation, science and art. Specifically, the science of art…
Details from a work in progress…
I've been working on some little paintings (very little for me!), and I've been thinking about nature, observation, science and art. Specifically, the science of art.
Science:
The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
Art:
The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
For me, every painting begins as a thought experiment. I ask myself, "What if?..."
And then my imagination goes to work. As Einstein said,
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
So, I observe, then imagine, and then I experiment...
I'm having fun creating these little paintings. They're definitely an experiment! But each painting then triggers a new idea, and then I begin all over again...
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Upcoming Event
We're having a group show at Welch Street Studios on December 6th and 7th. It will be all small works (hence the little paintings!). The first day will be an evening opening (with refreshments!) and on Saturday, December 7th, we'll also have our studios open for day two of this event. Stay tuned for more info!
“Fiction is experimentation; when it ceases to be that, it ceases to be fiction. ”
Water Lilies and Why I Paint
There are lots of reasons why I paint.
I paint because I have an over-whelming desire to create; to have a sense of creative discovery is deeply satisfying. Every painting is a new adventure...
Water Lilies, 36" x 36", oil on canvas
There are lots of reasons why I paint.
I paint because I have an overwhelming desire to create; to have a sense of creative discovery is deeply satisfying. Every painting is a new adventure...
I paint because it's fun. Making art is sometimes just pure, playful fun! And that's healthy...
And therapeutic. When I'm painting, time disappears and I can let go of all the noise of the outside world. I'm in my world now... I never feel depleted after a full days work in the studio.
I paint because I'm very visual and constantly noticing the colours and shapes in the world around me... And I want to express what I see and experience.
I painted Water Lilies purely as an expression of the beauty and tranquility of one of my favourite places... a little pond in the woods in Norway where all you hear are the birds singing and the wind whistling through the trees...
Beauty makes my heart sing.
And sometimes, all I want to do is paint a pretty picture.
A Labour of Love
Sometimes I'm asked why I paint on (mostly) large canvases. Because, the way I paint, it can take a long time to finish a painting.... So it requires a lot of patience.
And because they are so big, they aren't easy to move around. Sometimes I have to rent a large vehicle to transport them...
Sometimes I'm asked why I paint on (mostly) large canvases. Because, the way I paint, it can take a long time to finish a painting.... So it requires a lot of patience.
And because they are so big, they aren't easy to move around. Sometimes I have to rent a large vehicle to transport them.
They're not something you can hang over the sofa either, so they're not for everyone...
They are large, colourful statement pieces with a story to tell...
Sometimes I think it would be fun to whip off a painting or two in an afternoon...
And it would be!
But truth be told, I really enjoy my labours of love. I like a big project...
I think we paint the way we are (and I love big ideas and big visions!)
So I'll continue on with my large labours of love.
And... Since it's Labour Day this weekend, I thought I'd offer a flash sale on any print in my print store - (A smaller version of my labour of love).
But just until Monday, September 4th at midnight! Just enter LABOUROFLOVE at check out and receive 20% off all prints!
Love and Freedom
Love and freedom. They're both important to me… And they have something in common.
They both require letting go. It’s a bit of a paradox… To receive you must let go.
Receiving is allowing...
“Painting depends on freedom. When you’re feeling completely free, you can create, and this power to create is, in turn, the greatest freedom of all.”
Love and freedom. They're both important to me… And they have something in common.
They both require letting go. It’s a bit of a paradox… To receive you must let go.
Receiving is allowing.
I wrote about this in my Little Book of Big Dreams. Receive is the 6th step in the creative process...
“I imagine it like a stream of creative life energy that flows around me. If I focus too hard on any part of this stream, I stop the flow and life becomes a struggle.
Instead, I match the energy of my desires and my whole Being then becomes a part of the stream… I ‘go with the flow’.
So it’s a delicate balance. You have the desire and intention for something, yet at the same time you are completely at ease whether you ‘have’ it or not. ”
You “don’t care”.
In a good way.
In a non-striving way…
And then suddenly you come to this place of love. And you are free…
People are “looking for love” and looking for ways “to be free”. I think most people are just looking to be themselves, to express themselves and not care what anyone else thinks…
This is why love and freedom are important to me. As an artist I must paint and create what I am... And it must come from that place of love and freedom.
“Freedom and love go together. Love is not a reaction ... To love is not to ask anything in return, not even to feel that you are giving something - and it is only such love that can know freedom.”
“The place where I had freedom most was when I painted. I was completely and utterly myself.”
The Art of Fashion
One evening, while driving home, I looked up and saw the most amazing sky. I was transfixed. I kept driving west towards it until I could turn off and head down to the ocean. The sky was changing quickly and I wanted to capture it before the sun went down…
One evening, while driving home, I looked up and saw the most amazing sky. I was transfixed. I kept driving west towards it until I could turn off and head down to the ocean. The sky was changing quickly and I wanted to capture it before the sun went down… I pulled over and then, walking down a little path to the sea, I came to a beach. The tide was so high that the water level was all the way up to the logs at the top of the beach. I lay down on a log and just watched the beautiful sky with shape-shifting clouds and the colours of the sunset reflecting on the water...
Secret View captures the magic of this dramatic evening sky and ocean. Although this painting represents British Columbia’s West Coast, it also reminds me of the northern summer sky in Norway where the sun sets at midnight and one can watch for hours the changing sky moment by moment; each moment more brilliant and breath-taking than the next, the reflecting colours dancing on the waves...
I created the Secret View Dress from this painting. This dress comes in either a flare or fitted style and can also be worn with the Secret View Kimono, as featured in last year's Harmony Arts Festival fashion show.
This year's show; The Art of Fashion is on Wednesday, August 9th at 1:00 pm and I'll be showing all new designs and creations! The show is on an outdoor stage (weather permitting) and features 25 artists with their unique clothing and accessories.
Fine Art into Wearable Art ~ video journey
I made a little video documenting the journey from painting to finished product... Fine Art into Wearable Art. It's a slow process (so I speeded it up for this two minute video!)...
I made a little video documenting the journey from painting to finished product... Fine Art into Wearable Art. It's a slow process (so I speeded it up for this two minute video!).
You could call it "slow clothes" as each clothing design is created from original artwork. The painting is digitally reproduced onto fabric, then hand cut and sewn.
I will have a few of my new clothing designs modelled in the fashion show ~ Slow Clothes, The Art of Fashion at this year's Harmony Arts Festival on August 9th.
Until then, I'll be working behind the scenes... Lots of creating going on... And travel!
(It's all about the journey after all... And you can follow my journey on Facebook and Instagram)
The work is the journey and the journey is in the work. (Any reward is just the icing on the cake!)
Off to Hawaii!
Everything that is created begins as a seed of an idea.
One painting began as a pretty photo I took from a spring garden. Looking closely at the garden was like peeking into a tropical jungle… The vibrant and lush paradise of a tiny garden world of dancing flowers and hidden creatures swimming in greens and blues…
Everything that is created begins as a seed of an idea.
One painting began as a pretty photo I took from a spring garden. Looking closely at the garden was like peeking into a tropical jungle… The vibrant and lush paradise of a tiny garden world of dancing flowers and hidden creatures swimming in greens and blues… Each flower appeared to be dancing… And so I called this painting Three Graces.
And just like all gardens, many more seeds were planted… The cycle of creativity continues.
This week my newly designed Three Graces dress is off to the lush and tropical land of Hawaii...
Watch the creation of Three Graces:
The Three Graces Dress is off to Hawaii!
The Magic Tree
Every painting has a story. Sometimes the painting is painted with the story in mind; other times the story evolves as I’m painting…
When I was little I got lost in Stanley Park. (Stanley Park is a 400 hectare public park in Vancouver where I grew up). It has giant, rainforest trees, and is surrounded by the ocean and beautiful beaches. Most kids growing up in Vancouver have memories of the park…
Every painting has a story. Sometimes the painting is painted with the story in mind; other times the story evolves as I’m painting…
When I was little I got lost in Stanley Park. (Stanley Park is a 400 hectare public park in Vancouver where I grew up). It has giant, rainforest trees, and is surrounded by the ocean and beautiful beaches. Most kids growing up in Vancouver have memories of the park… From playing on the beach, to rolling down the grassy hills, to the children’s zoo and train, or theatre under the stars… We were always excited to go to the park!
One day, when I was about four years old, I went to the park with my sisters and some family friends. As usual I was in my day-dreamy world (only half aware of my surroundings) when I suddenly realised I didn't know where I was… My sisters and the family I was with, were nowhere to be found!
When I think back to it now, all I remember is feeling very alone and frightened. There were lots of people around, but I didn't dare go up to someone I didn't know… Instead I saw a great, big, magnificent, grandfather tree. I went straight over to it and, cuddling up next to the huge trunk, I started to cry. Somehow I felt the tree would protect me.
Well, I guess it did because it wasn't long before a nice family came along and rescued me (and took me to the “Lost and Found” where I was eventually returned to my rightful owners).
So that’s my little tree story… And if you look closely, maybe you can see a little girl nestled contentedly, high up in the branches of The Magic Tree...
Live Your Childhood Dreams
It’s a rainy, blustery day and I’m cozy warm in my studio…
Looking out my window at the Vancouver harbour, I remember that only a few years ago, this was my dream...
It’s a rainy, blustery day and I’m cozy warm in my studio…
Looking out my window at the Vancouver harbour, I remember that only a few years ago, this was my dream.
In fact, it wasn’t until I moved into this studio that I realised... I actually visualised this very space.
Well, the studio wasn’t built yet, but I did imagine it… I imagined the size, the location... And with windows facing the waterfront…
“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.”
Being an artist was really the only childhood dream I had.
And now, here I am... Living my dream.
“Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the action stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.”
And, once again, here I am... Day-dreaming out my window… Thinking… Imagining….
(I always was a dreamer).
So I thought... It's time to start another dream...
So...... Beginning November 21st, I'll be launching the 21 Day Dream Journey.
This (FREE) 21 Day Dream Journey is a gentle, peaceful, yet powerful way to connect to your dreams and change your life.
When it's time to birth a new dream, idea or goal in life, you can use the Dream Journey Guide to become clear on your vision and take the steps needed to bring your dreams to life.
You can register now... (You'll also get your free PDF ~ 7 Steps from Ethereal to Real, part one of the Little Book of Big Dreams, so you can start creating your dreams today!).
Secret View
One evening, while driving home, I looked up and saw the most amazing sky. I was transfixed. I kept driving west towards it until I could turn off and head down to the ocean. The sky was changing quickly and I wanted to capture it before the sun went down…
With each painting I create there is something that sparks my imagination...
Beauty, nature, colours, shapes... elements of design...
And something in that initial spark inspires my imagination to explore it more fully and to make it magical and visually stunning. I'm often asked what inspires me to create something, and so I decided to write a little about each painting... What inspired me and what the painting symbolizes.
Each week I'm featuring one painting, from its beginning inception, to everything its become. This week's feature is Secret View...
Secret View, oil on canvas, 60" x 48"
One evening, while driving home, I looked up and saw the most amazing sky. I was transfixed. I kept driving west towards it until I could turn off and head down to the ocean. The sky was changing quickly and I wanted to capture it before the sun went down… I pulled over, and walking down a little path to the sea, I came to a beach. The tide was so high that the water level was all the way up to the logs. I lay down and just watched the beautiful sky with shape-shifting clouds and the colours of the sunset reflecting on the water...
Secret View captures the magic of this dramatic evening sky and ocean. Although this painting represents British Columbia’s West Coast, it also reminds me of the northern summer sky in Norway where the sun sets at midnight and one can watch for hours the changing sky moment by moment; each moment more brilliant and breath-taking than the next, the reflecting colours dancing on the waves...
Secret View - Original Oil Painting - Available
Secret View Draped Kimono - This week's featured product. Subscribe and receive 10% off weekly featured products. - Available in the Boutique
Coming soon... Prints!