September 2011: Collage Bits & Bytes

Mary Delany, Detail of Passion Flower, Paper Collage, 1777

First Love Blooms in Molly Peacock’s Paper Garden

If you’ve read my blog: Unearthing Molly Peacock’s Paper Garden, you’ll know how inspiring her book is for those of us struggling to make an art career for ourselves late in life.  Having just finished reading chapters “Hound’s Tongue” and “Damask Rose” which relay Mary Delany’s teenage years, it was hard not to shed a tear as Peacock recounts the untimely demise of young Mary’s first suitor, a handsome military fellow, who she reluctantly refuses to marry; he’s so infatuated with her he steals a paper cut out she made and places it under his pillow (sigh)!  It’s all so bitter sweet as not long after Mary, a blossoming young thing, is forced to marry the wealthy, curmudgeonly old Mr. Pendarves!  Peacock bases each chapter of the book on one of Mary’s floral collages… analyzing each one and carefully and thoughtfully drawing out the fragments of Mary’s life that seem to be in sync with the types of flowers she re-creates  – she’s such a gifted story teller!  I love too that Peacock fuses her own similar life circumstances with Mary’s – drawing us closer to author and subject.  It’s hard not to get the feeling that even though these two lived centuries apart that Molly Peacock and “Mrs. D” might have been the best of friends.  This book is gold!

Margit Hedig, "Journey 23", Mixed Media Painting

Journey through the Gatineau Hills with Margit Hideg

In August I visited the Gordon Harrison Gallery on Sussex to view the work of another Shabooya colleague.  Margit Hideg’s “Journeys” is a series of mixed media landscape paintings inspired by Quebec’s magnificent Gatineau Hills.  A frequent visitor to the Gatineaus, I felt an instant connection to it.  This revealing series allows one to discover, explore and wander through the natural terrain through the unique visual perspective of the artist as well as feel its impact on her inner being.  I was taken up by the calm, earthy colours, gorgeous textures and delicate line detail found in Margit’s work.  In describing herself as an artist, she states: “Each of my paintings is a personal expression. Emotional and intuitive. My paintings are always charged with content taken from the natural world.” “Journeys” is not to be missed! 

Andrea Harrison, "Stay There", Collage, 2011

Andrea Harrison Defies Her Comfort Zone

A veteran of my Basic Collage class, Andrea Harrison continues to amaze me with her burgeoning collection of new collages… at least 14 plus I’ve counted so far!  A few of these she has even done using Photoshop.  I’m so excited to see her extending the bounds of collage to a virtual medium.  Now she’s even sharing her collages with family and friends as well as giving them as gifts to loved ones.  So glad to see you making collage an integral part of your world, Andrea – a gift made from the heart and hands is priceless. 

Drawing & Painting Classes with David Kearn

Through my blog entry Defying My Comfort Zone, you learned about the fabulous plein air class I took with fellow artist David Kearn.  If any of you in Ottawa are interested, he’s offering fall and winter classes in drawing and painting.  Be sure to check out his website for details regarding these as well as new portfolios he’s posted of his latest figurative and plein air works.  David’s a very knowledgeable, attentive teacher as well as a wonderful artist; I just love his gentle manner and English accent!

One Lost Boy children's book illustrated by Hamid Ayoub

Hamid Ayoub’s Lost Boy Paintings

Recently, another Shabooya colleague of mine, painter Hamid Ayoub had his colourful paintings of the African landscape and its people published in a children’s book: One Lost Boy which relays the true story of a young Sudanese boy fleeing civil war who makes a new life for himself in the US.  It’s fitting that Hamid was chosen to illustrate this narrative because his own tale of flight is just as harrowing.  This summer he promoted his work at a show in New York.  Congratulations, Hamid – your paintings will now be part of the imaginative landscape of young readers all around the world!

Atrium Show “Gala”

This month, Maggie “Free Spirit” Jordan and I have started planning the details for my opening at the Atrium Gallery on November the 8th (mark your calendars!).  We’ve just gone over a dizzying array of information related to serving food and drink (so many rules!), rounding up volunteers, as well as familiarizing ourselves with the gallery setup and opening etiquette.  I’ve learned so much from Maggie who has a real savoir faire for these types of affairs.  Although we’ve ironed out a number of details, we’re still debating that age old question – what are we going to wear!?! … tiaras and gowns!!!?… Maggie’s thinking of going formal; I’m still up in the air!  It’s going to be a mixed bag.  If you can make it, I’d love you to come just as you are!

Michael Jackson Rocks My World Again!

I’m a BIG fan of Michael Jackson.  This summer I lamented not being able to get tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s: The Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour in Ottawa; this week my husband got two free tickets to the show – I’m on cloud nine!

That’s it for my news … I’d love to hear about any exciting bits and bytes going on in your creative life.