Preparing for an Art Show

I am so excited to be participating in the Bloom 11 show being held from March 13th to March 31st at the Coast Collective Art Gallery! Not only am I participating but my piece “Let me be Your Wonderland” is being featured on the poster! However, I must admit leading up to this event has been a total disaster, but I am happy that after everything my work is hanging in a gallery! 

First of all this was one of the largest pieces of work I have ever done in coloured pencil. It has taken me months to complete, my hands are still aching from all of the hours of detailed work. There were so many challenges from the overall size of the piece, to the hundreds of layers it took to achieve the depth I wanted. I really didn’t know if I would be able to finish it, but once I filled in the last flower it felt like the weight of the world had been lifted. I sprayed it right away to ensure that it did not smudge. This was when my world came crashing down…The fixative that I used left splotches all over. Looking at the splotches on my nicely blended flowers made me sick. Thankfully after late nights researching how to fix the splotches, in addition to some tears I was able to correct the problem. One thing I cannot stress enough is to learn how to correct your mistakes, because they will happen! 

I knew that the deadline to have the framing done was fast approaching, and I had to have it photographed for prints before it could be framed. I was planning to do this myself, because this has been something that I wanted to learn to do. On the day that I had planned to photograph this piece, water began pouring from the ceiling flooding the house. To make matters worse my husband left me in the middle of this mess to referee a hockey game. I had no clue where the main shut off was to the water, let alone how to turn it off. I went 50 shades of homicidal that day, so needless to say photographing this piece was not a priority. On a side note, I learned that self-control is a major quality of mine! After all of this I considered withdrawing my application to the Bloom 11 show, because it was starting to feel like the whole project was doomed, but I didn’t. 

One week before I had to drop off the picture I needed to (keep in mind I work full time): find a frame, re-finish the frame, have the picutre photographed, and then frame it. Finding the correct sized frame was a nightmare in itself. Lesson learned: pick the frame first and then create the piece to fit the frame. After searching countless stores I was able to find a frame at an antique store, but I had to refinish it. I ended up purchasing the wrong paint and had to run around town finding an alternative only to have the paint peel. After redoing the frame not once but twice, the photography nightmare began. I had my local print shop photograph this for me due to time restraints. At this point with only two days to go I thought I was finally in the clear… Until I looked at the media files of my print and noticed all of these black spots all over the picture. I was panicked, I had no idea what it was or how it got on the picture! To make matters worse the picture was already at the framers about to be framed. After convincing myself that the picture was ruined, the dust came off easily and it was framed without incident.

So when you’re admiring an artist’s work in a gallery remember that you are truly seeing their blood, sweat, and tears. Some people have an ideal that artists sit in a studio in this zen state creating brilliantly coloured pictures with everything working out perfectly. In reality the artist is about to lose their mind after attempting to frame a picture countless times, yet every time there’s a new piece of cat hair wedged under the glass. There is a significant amount of work that goes into painting a picture and then preparing that same picture for a gallery showing. I feel like this experience has shaved a few years off my life, but it has all been worth it to see my art hanging on a gallery wall….

Do you See what I see

As some of you may or may not already know, I am visually impaired. Despite this I can still paint some pretty amazing things…There’s been a few rumours, so I figured I needed to set the record straight. 

This is what I see

At 13 years old when most kids were out causing all kinds of trouble I was facing the biggest hurdle of my life. I was diagnosed with a rare form of Macular Degeneration (yes I know only older people are supposed to get this). By 16 my vision deteriorated significantly to the point where I was linked up with the Canadian National Institute for the  Blind. Not only did I lose the majority of my sight, but I felt like I had lost my freedom. I underwent multiple treatments that had brutal side effects, one of which was systemic and caused my body to feel like it was on fire if I was exposed to light. I was wrapped like a mummy in order to try and prevent the burns while travelling  home from Vancouver. This was especially fun during the hot summer months. On top of the treatments I was met with other obstacles like learning how to read print again, navigating the internet, not to mention trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life after I graduated. 

Thankfully, after undergoing multiple experimental treatments I regained a significant amount of my vision back. Now I am left with blind spots in my central vision where my eyes are scarred from the leaking blood vessels. It’s actually a miracle that my sight although impaired is as good as it is. I will always run the risk of losing more of my sight it’s just the nature of the beast. Due to my vision loss there are certain activities that I can’t do like drive, and I am also now night blind so activity in low light is difficult. That being said there are way more things I can than can’t do. I really try and focus on all the things that I can do because it can be pretty devastating if I only focus on the things I can no longer do. 

Art is one thing that I can do, and it’s something that I’m pretty good at too. When I first experienced my vision loss I didn’t really focus on art as much, but over time I was able to adapt. Small adjustments like lighting really helped. It has to be the right lighting, because I also struggle with light that is too bright. The introduction of the iPad is actually life changing, because I am able to enlarge reference photos and zone in on certain areas. My central vision is what is effected the most, and in order to see certain parts of the paper I have to focus on a point above or to the side of the area I want to see, and use my peripheral vision to paint that area. I can’t just look at an area directly because of the blind spots. So needless to say it’s a pretty exhausting process for me. It definitely takes me much long to complete a piece than other artists. 

Vision loss does have it’s bright side as it is a huge bonus for doing impressionism! I don’t have to squint at a reference photo to blur it like other artists do. All I need to do is remove my glasses and paint! If I’m having a particularly rough day I usually paint in this style so I don’t have to worry about every brush stroke I can just go for it. Also my sense of colour is a bit better than before because I can really focus on colour variations. That being said, I do still enjoy painting in a realistic style, and I think the use of an iPad along with good lighting allows me to do this. 

People are often pretty shocked to hear that I have vision loss, and don’t really understand how I can paint. Yet they fail to realize that some of the world’s most renowned master artists were visually impaired when they created their greatest work. Monet created his famous water lilies after losing much of his sight due to cataracts. His impressionistic style is attributed to his vision loss, it’s also interesting to see how his use of colour changed as his sight diminished. Edgar Degas was believed to have macular degeneration in his late 40’s when he started to created his masterpieces. Rembrandt was also another famous artist who lacked binocular vision causing problems with his depth perception yet he went on to create endless masterpieces. I feel that my vision loss simply gives me a different perspective, and naturally allows me to pick focal points that other people may not be able to ‘see.’ My eyes will naturally gravitate to a different part of a landscape or still life, because of this I can tackle a painting from a different perspective than other artists. People also comment on the bold colour choices in my work, this is simply because it’s easier for me to see!

All this being said the goal for this post is for people to understand that just because the world sees you as having a limitation, doesn’t necessarily mean it is one. People with disabilities can do amazing things, and should never let their limitations hold them back. For me I can tell people that it is possible to become a nurse with vision loss, and it’s also possible to be an artist. I’ve learned that it may take longer to achieve my goals, but it can be done. You are faced with losing your sight I encourage you to find ways to do the things you love regardless of the challenges you may face along the way. It may be trial and error for the first little bit but it’s worth it if you can continue doing what you love! 

I’ve received so much positive feedback from this post already that I have decided in a future post to share my studio set up and more specific ways to make it easier to create if you have vision loss. 

I Chose a Bachelor of Science Instead of a Bachelor of Arts

There are so many reasons why I didn’t pursue a formal education in art, and I can say with about 98% conviction that I am happy I chose the path that I did. As you know I am a Registered Nurse, I feel that I was meant to travel down this path despite all of the ups and downs. Nursing has taught me so much about life. It has driven home the need to live in the moment;  tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone. Most importantly being a nurse gave me the knowledge and skill to care for grandma when she was dying of cancer.  Being a somewhat vicious advocate for her in itself was worth going down this often very difficult path. I don’t necessarily think a degree in art could have taught me as many life lessons like nursing has. Granted I have no idea what my life would look like if I pursued an art degree so this is just an assumption, but I think it’s a fair one.

I know so many people who have pursued a degree in art, and because of it they have lost their drive for creating. They’re forced to follow a curriculum and paint something that they may not enjoy. They also have to be resilient enough to have their work critiqued.  I would likely be expelled for slashing the tires of a professor’s car after they critiqued my art…Some of my friends have made it through year one of art school, then by year two they have changed degrees and never pick up a brush again. I don’t want to be that person.

Just because art school wasn’t in the cards for me doesn’t mean it isn’t for other people. Some people are driven by critiques and assignments. I survived nursing school with enough critiques to last me a lifetime. At the end of the day everyone’s circumstances are different, and some people have different expectations in life. Right now being a nurse affords me the luxury of doing the things I want to in life like travelling the world.

Art is such a huge passion of mine, I work really hard to ensure doesn’t turn into a ‘job.’ This is contrary to what most artists are trying to achieve with their careers. I’m careful in how I approach commissions or projects, I never want it to feel like creating is something I’m forced to do in order to survive. Being a nurse is stressful, and I depend on art as my creative outlet, which to me is really important. If I pursued an arts degree there would be the forced notion of having to make money from my work. I know this would slowly eat away at the passion I have for it. At some point in my life I do want to be able to do what I love for a living, but right now it’s just not reality. One day it will be, but just not right now. 

Despite the fact that I am self taught artist,  I am constantly seeking out new learning opportunities. I learn so much from the many mistakes I make along the way. Just because you haven’t invested the time and money into an arts degree doesn’t mean you can’t grow as an artist. Like any skill it takes dedication and practice to continue to grow. There are so many great artists out there who have no formal education who have successful art careers. They’re dedicated to their craft and they just make it work. 

At this moment I don’t know what the future holds. Right now art is something that I simply love doing, and at the same time being a nurse allows me to buy fun (or expensive) art supplies! 

Should I go into that Gallery?

It took me years to actually set foot in a gallery, for some reason I had it in my mind that galleries were only for ‘serious’ artists, and for people who could afford to spend thousands on artwork. At that point I did not know how amazing galleries truly were! 

I find Art galleries to be a great place to check out local artists and find inspiration for you art. I am now obsessed with checking them out wherever I am in the world. It’s amazing to walk into a gallery in a foreign country where there is a language barrier, and be able to still understand the artists process. It’s interesting to see  how a common interest can create a bond between strangers.

Now that I am raving about galleries it’s important to note that not all of them are created equal. There are some where you will walk inside and the staff will completely ignore you. It’s really unfortunate when you run into galleries like this. Regardless of the fact, I still walk through with my head held high and enjoy the artwork. I’m not going to let someone intimidate me or make me feel unwelcome, I’m just there to check out the artwork! On the other hand there are galleries where the curators love talking to you about the artists that they are featuring, and some galleries even have artists doing demos which is always interesting. These are the places that I keep going back to every chance I get to see what new pieces are being showcased! 

Bottom line get out and start exploring local art galleries in your area. They are full of surprises and it’s a great place to be exposed to other local artists. You will also be exposed to other mediums that you may want to try. At one gallery there was an artist doing scratch art demo, this was the first time that I saw this medium. Right away I tried it and actually hated, but at least I can say I tried it! 

Even if you aren’t an artist or into art, galleries are a great place to find colour inspiration for your home! You may not think that certain colours work together until you have seen them in a painting! All that you need to do next is create a colour inspiration Pinterest board, that way you’re ready to hit the stores to find accent pieces! I don’t know how many times I’ve seen colours in artwork and then gone home and change out my entire bedroom decor to incorporate the new colour scheme. 

Here are some galleries on Vancouver Island that I really enjoy checking out whenever I can: 

Qualicum Beach: 

• The Old School House Art Centre: They often have featured artists doing demos in the studios at the school. There is also a wide range of classes and workshops being offered during the year.  

Greater Victoria: 

• Coast Collective Gallery & Art Centre: This is a great gallery that connects local artists with community members. They also offer a variety of classes and workshops throughout the year. The gift shop here is amazing, offering local handmade items that are priced to suit all budgets. 

• Gallery at Matticks Farm: It’s a great little gallery with really welcoming staff. They feature local artists and routinely change up the artwork.

• The Village Gallery and Frame Shop: This is a fun little gallery in Sidney that features local artists. They also have a variety of prints that you can purchase if the original work is not in your budget. You can also purchase art cards here. I sometimes buy these cards and frame them when I want to add some colour to a space, but I'm not willing to commit to a larger piece. 

• West End Gallery: This is one of my favourites because they have so many colourful pieces! The windows of this gallery are almost intoxicating, you’re instantly drawn in. 

I'm Seeing Nothing but Pink....

Right now I am preparing for the Bloom11 show that takes place in March. This is a juried show, so there is no guarantee that I will even be selected, the fear of rejection is real. 

I am currently trying to finish this flamingo painting. This is the largest coloured pencil piece I have ever done. I decided to create a piece that combines my two obsessions: flamingos, and flowers. I wanted to do something slightly different creating the body of the flamingo in a variety of pink flowers that are all within the same colour scheme. The reference photo of the flaming was used to achieve the overall shape, then I meshed together a series of flower photos to make up the body. 

The size of it is rather daunting, I’ve had to section it off, work on each section at a time to make it more manageable. Tackling a painting this size has been challenging in many ways. The biggest hurdle is not smudging the finished areas. Next time, I will work starting on the left side working my way over to the right as I am right handed. This will hopefully prevent me from resting my hand and smudging the finished areas. I also would use a different colour of pastel mat, I’m finding that I am fighting against the tooth of the paper and they grey easily shows through. I’ve had to use less transparent pencils for the base layers due to this, then glazing over top with a more translucent colour to build up the depth. I can't wait to see how this one turns out as there are still elements that I may add! 

I’m really enjoying this flamingo and it is a bit addicting. I’m wondering if I can make this into a series….

Meet the Evil Twins- My Studio Assistants

I would like to introduce you to my two evil twin kittens Pancho and Loonie. Whether I like it or not they are always in the studio with me causing havoc, and leaving a path of destruction behind.

Pancho and Loonie 8 weeks old

We adopted these two little monsters after my beloved old man Tanker passed away at the age of 17. Right up until his last few days he was at my side or perched on my shoulder in my studio. My heart was utterly broken when I lost him and our house was deafeningly quiet. So my husband and I decided to rescue these two little beasts. 

Rest in Paradise my Beautiful Tanker

Unfortunately, Pancho and Loonie had a rough start to life to say the least. Within minutes of adopting them we were at the emergency vet, they became critically ill for no apparent reason. After countless tests they were diagnosed with Panleukopenia, which is almost always fatal. After losing my Tanker I couldn’t face losing another pet, so I was prepared to do everything possible to save them. 

Poor Baby Pancho After his Ultrasound

My husband and I had to do syringe feeds every two hours plus medications.  It was a two person job, my husband and I ate more of the cat food than the kittens did. I am still finding the food sprayed on the walls and furniture. During the day when we were at work the kittens were in the kitty ICU (yes there is such a thing as kitty ICU), then at night we started our kitten shift consisting of syringe feeds and medications. It took months and thousands of dollars, but they went from malnourished boney little things to overweight harp seals. Their nicknames are now Prada and Louie, because my Prada bag fund has since disappeared, but they are worth it. 

Loonie Chewing on a New Brush

Now when they destroy things, or I find my paint brushes strewn throughout the house, I keep reminding myself that THIS is what we worked so hard for. When they were little all I wanted was for them to be wild kittens. Their destruction means they’re healthy…I had a stack of Arches hot pressed 300lbs paper (This paper is what dreams are made of), I found my studio broken into and there was Pancho happily chewing up the paper. How can I get mad at him after he nearly died? Because they are so passionate about destroying things in my studio, I’ve had to put a lock on the door to keep them out. 

Loonie and Pancho Christmas 2018

But they’re healthy!

On a side note please vaccinate your animals!!!! This could have been a tragic end caused by a preventable disease! Sadly these kittens were exposed to the virus in an dirty cage at the pet store too soon after being vaccinated, and they did not have the immunity built up yet. 

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