Real Love, Journal Page June 30 2010
All summer I’ve been running around like mad preparing for my upcoming September exhibition: “Pieces of Me II” being held at the Ottawa Public Library. You know, I practically grew up there. It’s where I first fell in love with reading and story telling. All those years ago, I never dreamed I’d be showing in a space I consider sacred: a place of knowledge and escape. Some years ago, I arranged to have an exhibition there but chickened out fearing the public spot-light. With the start of my new business, however, came new courage. Facing old demons, I booked another show. For those of you who are new to my work, my latest pieces are a series of 17 new collage/mixed media journal pages that give the viewer insight into aspects of my life. You may be asking: why the heck does she want to expose herself so publicly? This is a question I’m asked often. Truth be told, I’ve always felt the need to share my experiences with others. I feel through sharing our life experiences with one another, we may perhaps find a sense of solidarity and connection to each other. My entire career has been based on art that explores personal issues surrounding my family and heritage. I began speaking through art installations, the internet, and now, journaling. It’s been a long journey. As my second solo show approaches, I want to thank those creative souls who helped me get my act and confidence together this year. There is Carmin Davidson, an amazing portrait photographer whose photos now grace my artist statement and biography website pages. The majority of my web portfolios have been documented by Peter Farris-Manning, a brilliant local photographer. The images he has taken of my “Fly Girl” assemblage never fail to blow me away and garner constant praise from website visitors. Digital scans from pieces of both my 2010 shows (as well as prints) are done by Norm Prest of GPC Labworks – I can always count on him to take care in capturing my images digitally as faithfully as possible (I know, I know Norm – you can never get the original colours!). Then there is Luis Salazar (Art World One) whose expert framing style perfectly accentuates my work. Luis is also a great advisor on life and art. Where would I be without friends and colleagues like: Elaine Coombs (in San Francisco!), Jean Griffin, Gates Cooney, Olive Jones and Susan Ashbrook as well as family members: Kevin (my hubby) and Teresa (my youngest sister) whose advice and encouragement get me through the toughest periods of creating and exhibiting my work. A friend I’d like to single out is Margos Zacharian, my hairdresser, who gave me the opportunity to have my first solo show in his salon this spring. A great supporter of local emerging artists, he is a master of colour and design himself working his magic through hairstyling. Speaking of hairstyle I must not forget make-up! Generally I never wear the stuff, but when I feel the need to be just a teeny bit glamorous for PR-related photos, I can always count on Carla Richichi of the Aveda Boss Arts Salon to jazz up my best features! Finally, there’s Pat Velte (in Oklahoma) of White Wing Design who has been instrumental in fusing together this website. Through her cheerful, calm demeanour, expert organizational and design skills and creative flair, she is able to weave the most amazing pages together. I enjoy collaborating with her – even though we’ve never met in the real world! So thanks to these wonderful folks – it’s this great collaborative effort that gives life and breath to my career as a working artist and I’m very grateful for it!
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