Artist journal
May 2025
It's been a whirl of activity since returning to Salt Spring Island from France in November. Six months passes in a slip of time. It’s Family time and with gallery closed it’s a welcome space to enjoy home by the fire.

Mid January I travelled to Mexico, a small town on the edge of Lake Chapalla near Guadalajara. For five weeks I retreat in a small colonial style hacienda soaking up the sun and walks on the malacon. Restful times interspersed with swimming in the lovely courtyard pool and painting by the pool edge.
I return mid February with ten lively colourful Mexican sketches and fresh ideas for new paintings. But first our annual auction fills our time. Selling over 70 paintings gives clarity and space for exciting new projects percolating.    Our neighbours bordering our property get sheep! Two ewes and three lambs, happily our hedge row between us is cleared I can visit the sheep easily, they quickly become quite friendly. More painting inspirations!

 

I have decided to open my painting studio by appointment for those wishing to view my originals. I hire a carpenter to create a courtyard privacy environment, it’s now almost finished. I envision private times with discerning collectors, while giving space and ambience to my creative space. It’s exciting to see the unfolding and honouring of my work space. Cleaning, organizing my art catalogue all builds on my confidence to share a more intimate experience with an appreciative audience.

As external world events that make little sense influence my thought I notice a feeling of inner calm and a perceptible bubbling of excitement, I  know all must crumble to make room for the bright new world that is birthing. l feel resilient, confident and and at times very exhausted. My artist garden offers solace as does my painting time as my active mind is quieted when in total immersion of my creative hands on pursuit. More energized than I can remember I amaze myself as ideas flourish, projects get done and more ideas flood my thoughts. Next year I turn seventy five I am grateful for my abundant energy and remind myself it’s the everyday habits and lifestyle choice that allow my good health.