LOOKING BACK AS I MOVE FORWARD

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!  

It's my hope that all of you are sailing smoothly into 2012 and that the skies are clear and the wind is up and the water is just turbulent enough to give you a thrill as you head into each new day.  Stay buoyant, stay alert and take the challenge of whatever comes your way!

LAKE NIPPISING

Now that Christmas is behind me (it was a great day and the dinner was at our house), the New Year celebrations are over (we spent the evening at my sisters) I've now found some time to sit down and think about the past a bit.

STONY LAKE SKY

During the past week I've spent quite a number of hours cleaning up the files/photos/etc. in my computer, on my desk and in my studio.  The idea is to get some semblance of order so that I can download items in my  computer I'm not currently using into my auxiliary hard drive and re-orginize my other stuff into smaller files/piles.  It's always a time consuming thing to do and it's quite shocking the amount of files that collect that have no real use at all...other than taking up valuable space in your computer or on surfaces throughout the house.  We are all pack rats to some degree and while I try to be consistent and thoughtful about how I organize my files and what I save I've managed to hold onto a lot of superfluous 'stuff'!  Can't tell you how many items I've sent to the Trash (the cyber one and the real garbage in the garage)...but it's considerable and the act of purging feels great!!!!

While going through my files I was also able to recollect/reminisce about things that have gone on over the past three years and if I'm like most of you it's a considerable amount.  Life is all about ups and downs, ins and outs, good things and bad things, etc., etc. but when we get right down to it and try to analyze the past it's pretty easy to come up with a lot more positive things than negative things...at least that's the way I see it!

Some of the events I was able to look back on were simple but memorable.  A sunset view through the beautiful pine trees of Stony Lake. Photos of our late and always dear American Cocker Spaniel, Angel, (who gave us so many years of loyalty and joy) in the snow...how she loved a day of cross-country sking on a sunny crisp Ontario day.     Rachel, the little Coton de Tulear that we brought home one snowy January day, who quickly won our hearts and showed us how much she liked snow...and also how  she loves the water.  Her antics will continue to delight us each day as she continues to grow into a 'little big dog'!   An impromptu golf trip David and I took down through the Carolinas and then on down to Florida to stay with his brother. 

SNOW ANGEL - SHE WAS THE BEST!

WATER BABY RACHEL - SHE'S A PRETTY SPECIAL GIRL

A NATURAL HAZARD on one of the three beautiful golf courses at SEA TRAILS RESORT in NORTH CAROLINA

SQUIRREL/RACOON????  THESE COMICAL CRITTERS skitter up close just as you're about to PUTT!

THERE'S NOTHING MORE MEZMERIZING THAN BEAUTIFUL DUNES - OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C.

A GORGEOUS SUNSET at OCEAN ISLE, N. C.

Long views, water or land,  always move me...and even though I'm not a professional photographer I somehow manage to capture some of my favourite scenes at their most beautiful.  My photographs serve me well when I am considering a new composition for a painting or a piece of sculpture but more than anything they trigger memories of generally good times that I've experienced in wonderful places. None of the places I've been have been particularly exotic; however, they give me enough eye candy to keep the artist in me happy and satisfied.  Sometimes the most ordinary scene can have the most impact on me...and leave an imprint on my mind that I can always bring to the forefront when I need it.   

I'm always combing through my old photos or clippings from magazines or newspapers that I have collected over the years...to find just the perfect thing to inspire me to paint or sculpt.  The fun of working with a selection of photos and juxtaposition bits from one or the other to create an interesting composition is a lot of fun for me and in fact is as thrilling as doing the actual carving or painting.

When I look through the plethora of photographs, miscellaneous items from magazines and newspapers, paintings, sculptures and written words by others that I have collected over the years it's amazing to see a pattern to the things that I like to look at and then try to recreate through my own art mediums...painting in oil, sculpting in stone and writing.  Most of us do this and from it we learn and grow at our own pace by using those things as a guide to help our imagination.  At least that's the way I use these things.  On the most part most everything I 'save' has some kind of relationship to how the image or words affect me at that particular time.  How it affects me emotionally!   Is there a message to be sent out for everyone to hear/see?  Is there 'a cause' that I feel strongly about and want to make it more effective through my art?  Does it warm my heart/spirit?  Does it make me sad/happy/concerned?  Does it give me peace?  Does it make you think beyond just the painting, sculpture or writing?  Is it somewhere I like to be and want to make a permanent image of it that reflects how I really see it?  Is there a moodiness to it that I want to project to the viewer?  Is there a question lurking somewhere in the composition that leads the viewer to use his/her imagination to complete the story?

I look at the photos then choose the ones I want to re-create using my own means of portraying a mood or a message.  My paintings and sculpture help me do that and I genuinely get pleasure from working up a composition based on what I have collected in my files or on my computer.  The photos I've included in this bog are ones that illustrate all that I have explained above.  

COUSINS

THE BATHER

BLUESKY DRAGONFLIES

FLORIDA JAMMERS 

OSPREY and GOSLINGS

BEST FRIENDS

HAPPY CAT

OTONOBEE RIVER CATTAILS

FOXY

STORMY SKY over HAYBALES

MOODY BLUES

SUN TURTLES

AUSTRALIAN MADONNA

KATIE with ATTITUDE

HARBINGER OF SPRING on the OTONOBEE RIVER

Most compositions have come to me with happy thoughts, good memories and/or thoughtful recognition about what should be and what might be.  I hope you enjoy looking at these works and quite possibly if you feel at all creative it will spur you on to recognize in your own collection of files and photos the potential to work up a composition that will set a mood for the viewer or at the very least give them food for thought or some interesting eye candy.   If we look closely enough we don't have to go very far afield to find something interesting that we feel emotionally connected to that we can re-create through our art.   Children at play, animals we love, our own gardens, places we've been, expressions on a baby's face, causes we believe in and want to make a statement about...and so on...there is something in all of us that MOVES us.  So if you're a painter, PAINT; a sculptor, SCULPT or a writer, WRITE!   Get INSPIRED and then put your heart into your art (no matter what your medium) and create something that makes you feel good, or that sends a message about something you feel strongly about.  DO IT FOR YOURSELF, NURTURE YOUR CREATIVE SPIRIT...AND ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

We're into a NEW YEAR and it's going to be a GOOD ONE...at least that's the way I see it!!!!!  

If you're going through the cobwebs that are clinging to the files of the past year or two, the way I have been doing this week, take a serious look at everything and reminisce a bit about all the good, bad and ugly things that have happened.  Then, PITCH OUT THE NEGATIVE and HANG ONTO THE POSITIVE by setting up a new file called 'KEEPERS for INSPIRATION' (or something like that) to be used as ideas and positive direction for new works of art as you progress into 2012.  

MAY YOU HAVE GOOD HEALTH, POSITIVE CREATIVE INCENTIVE and MUCH HAPPINESS FOR 2012

CHEERS, 

ANGELA

GETTING BACK ON TRACK...what does that mean? AND THOUGHTS OF CHRISTMAS WISHES

It's hard to believe it's November 30th!!!!  I have been remiss in my promise to myself to be consistent with entries to this blog; consequently I find that it's been more than a month since I have last made an entry.  I was suppose to be back on track by now!!!!  The whole purpose of this blog is to help me...and possibly help some of those who read it...be more consistent about allotting time to creating art and improving technique, etc.  Doing is the best way to improve, build confidence and ultimately create better pieces of art.  For me writing helps build up creative adrenaline...it's a way of opening up and letting things flow.     

I can't exactly say where the time has gone nor can I say with any honesty that I've accomplished a great deal in that amount of time.  What I will say is that the following items give a pretty good idea of what I've been up to: 

1)  It's been a great Fall here in the Peterborough area so all the days that were sunny and warm, or just warm, I played golf, walked Rachel all over the place, enjoyed our property on the river and generally spent most of the daylight hours outdoors. 

2)  David did much of the same...only he played a lot more golf than I did, but didn't walk Rachel as much as I did.  He also spent the best part of a week at our friends cottage and did a bit of kayaking...although he picked a week that turned out to be wet and on the cool side; thank goodness the sauna was up and running and available for him to use between quick plunges into the late October water of Toad Lake. 


3)  David had an operation on November 14th to remove two of the three plates that were installed in his right leg when he broke it two years ago.  The plates had been giving him a great deal of grief so his surgeon said it was time to get rid of them.  He's been able to put full weight on the leg since the surgery and tomorrow he will have the staples removed so he'll be able to start hitting the gym within the week I would think...slowly at first of course but the goal would be to get as strong as possible so he can get back to golf ASAP...maybe early Spring!!  Hallelujah to that!

3)  Our evening hours are spent reading or watching television or visiting with friends. 

But enough lolling about...it's time to get seriously FOCUSED!  


I've never been very good at getting things done or endeavouring to start new projects without a deadline...like many others I work better under the gun of a deadline and often produce my best work (and often can multi-task better, too) when the pressure is on.  So through total procrastination on my part I now find myself with a deadline that I must adhere to.  Many, many months ago I promised a friend that I would do a painting of two of her favourite horses (which, sadly, had to be put down last year) and her dear old boxer who is a constant companion when she's with her horses.  I never promised the painting ASOP; however, I did indicate that I'd get it done at some point! 

In the late Spring, using Photoshop on my computer and photographs my friend had given me of her dog and the horses I developed a pleasing composition for the painting.  I sketched the composition on a new white canvas and that's as far as I got! 

THE CHOSEN COMPOSITION SKETCHED ON AN
l8" x 24" STRETCHED CANVAS

The beautiful weather of Summer came and went and the Fall has now come and gone...there's been golf, kayaking and a September Wedding in Tofino, B.C. that filled the days with planning and fun but not so much as one drop of paint was placed on the canvas!  The painting was obviously on 'the back shelf' even though it was sitting on my easel in the middle of the studio...dust was collecting on the top surface!  Not a good thing!   


My sister, Julia, and I have gotten back into the routine of painting with Fran every Tuesday afternoon at Averill's house and it's been good to get back to being together to work with our favourite mediums.  Averill does the most amazing things with watercolour, Fran works wonders with watercolour and/or ink and Julia manipulates oil paint like an Old Master.  We have fun having lunch together then we move up to the studio to create, chat and listen to the happy purring of Averill's beautiful cats!  It's a friendly time and most days we get quite a lot of work done; on other days we may spend most of the time just chatting and enjoying each others company and our different views on various subjects.  

Every artist should have a group of people to spend 'creative time' with.  I never used to think it was important but after having been involved with three other artists for the past four years I find that I really miss it on the odd occasion that we have to skip a week for one reason or another.  I also found that after taking a break during the summer months I was anxious to get back to 'the groove' and also in finding out what my artistic friends had done over the summer and to share notes and photos and ideas of what the painting days ahead of us will be full of.  

I for one have a collection of photos that I took while in Tofino that I know will become subjects of some of my paintings.  It was interesting to note that all of us were glad to be back at our 'work stations'.  We all have ideas up our sleeves for new compositions that will stretch our abilities and help us gain another bit of confidence in our chosen mediums.  It's all fun...and even on the days that one of us, or heaven for bid all of us, doesn't feel 'inspired' then we're there for each other and before you know it we're all absorbed in our work again or deftly trying to solve one creative problem or another through serious and often tough but friendly critiquing. 

Anyway it's thanks to this bit of weekly routine with these creative women that I'm back to working on the 'promised' painting again.  However, I've found just working on it once a week isn't moving it along quickly enough so this week I've brought it home and will take it back and forth to Averill's until it's finished...hopefully the week before Christmas!  Between yesterday and today I've managed to get a good number of hours into the process and so I feel I'm there's a good chance I'm going to meet my personal deadline.  The plan is to work a few hours or more a day and get back into making this sort of routine a 'natural habit'.  


No matter what your art medium is you have to treat it as though it's like keeping fit.  Your body needs exercise on a regular basis...nothing as strenuous as a marathon run or an 'extreme workout' in the gym; a good walk every day will do it.  If you're in the habit of doing something physical every day and then all of a sudden for one reason or another you have to stop for a long period of time it's often extremely hard to get back into the 'habit' of doing it again every day.  Everybody's experienced that I'm sure.  Well, taking a break from your art...whether through a holiday season or due to 'creative block' it's often very hard to get back on track.  It requires a lot of conscious effort to get the creative juices flowing again and sometimes the best way is to visit galleries, read books about the type of art you love to create and also spend time with creative friends.  It works for me!

THE PAINTING IN PROGRESS IN MY STUDIO WHERE I'M SURROUNDED BY
MY FAVOURITE THINGS INCLUDING A VIEW TO THE RIVER

Now that I'm back on track, creatively, I also realize that tomorrow is the First of December.  We had our first bit of snow today...I mean the kind that stays for more than a minute on the grass...and it's been bitterly cold; so I guess I can officially start thinking about the Christmas season...not about the commercial aspect of it but the message that the Season carries. 

This past week I got to thinking about Christmas cards.  I love sending Christmas cards each year and most years I try to create my own cards.  With today being an age of emails, iPhones and text messaging sending anything by mail seems dated and old fashioned, but I still think it's very special to receive a Christmas Card in the mail.  When you see a bit of familiar handwriting it's like 'being touched by someone'.  It's a small gift to hold and to treasure.   


I went through my old files and have included a few of the cards I've designed over the years in this blog...some go back as far as 1985.  I love to write Christmas Cards because it gives me a chance to reminisce about the family members and friends that I have that are not close enough to visit over the holidays and it allows me to connect with them and give them a sense of why they are so important to me.  It's also a very pleasant way to relax, enjoy a cup of tea and think about the 'non-material' things that I have that make me and my family very fortunate.  I'm blessed and I try very hard never to forget that.

The messages in my cards always include thoughts of loved ones that are lost or absent during the holidays. The wording is different depending on who the card is being sent to but the message is always the same and it's universal...because we must all care and love one another no matter who we are or where we are in our lives.

Peace, Joy, Love, Faith in One Another, Caring, Hope, Patience, Empathy, and Charity to Those Less Fortunate than Ourselves are the things that come to mind when I think of this Wonderful Season.  We must all try to keep these notions close at hand so that they are there when we have cause to use them...they are gifts that are easily given and all come with a great reward...a Peaceful Mind because we've given from The Heart.  As we move into another New Year we should all try to keep these 'seasonal' thoughts in our minds because you never know, you may have an opportunity to give freely when you least expect it.  

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE...WE WISH YOU
A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

For those that have come this far with me today I commend you!  You will be pleased that I now realize I've come to the end of another day (it's well past 11:00 p.m.)...and finally to the end of this blog entry.  I hope that I haven't taken too much of your time nor bored you completely...my intent is never to do that.  I wish only to stay creative and in turn pass a small amount of inspiration onto you.


I hope to have one more blog entry between now and the Christmas/New Year's holiday; but in the event I do not get back to it until the New Year I will say this: 

ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND YOURS

FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON

AND MUCH MORE OF THE SAME IN 2012!

JOY TO ONE AND ALL!

AFTER THE TOFINO WEDDING (The CHALLENGE OF GETTING BACK IN THE GROOVE)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011

Well, here it is…Saturday and we’re homeward bound from Vancouver.  When we left the little apartment on West 12^th, where we were staying, it was a grey and overcast morning.  But Alex picked us up and stuffed all our items into his truck and whisked us off to the airport.  It was good of him to take the time and a bonus to be with him for the short trip.  Precious moments that I wouldn’t have given up readily.

MORNING WAS OFTEN FOGGY

Our time in British Columbia was pretty special and won’t ever be forgotten.  The ‘together’ time that Joanna and Alex organized for us with her parents was to be commended.  Seven days of getting to know each other was made easy by J and A allowing us to stay with them in a wonderful cabin at Tofino.  For the most part the weather co-operated favourably and while there were some pretty wet days from Wednesday to the weekend of the wedding it was great to be there and to take advantage of the elements as they were thrown at us. 

We spent many hours riding the stretches of beach on bicycles and one day we, 'the four grownups', actually braved the Pacific.  Joanna’s parents donned wetsuits and managed to use boogie boards to ride the waves and enjoy the water in relative comfort.  David and I weren’t as warmly equipped but went into the 12 degree water wearing only our bathing suits.  We stayed in long enough for two short boogie board rides on our tummies then called it a ‘chilly experience’ and opted for watching the others do their thing in the water.  We at least ended up with 'bragging rights' that we had actually gone into the Pacific Ocean!

The days were lovely and we spent them well…exploring and enjoying the beautiful surroundings that Tofino has to offer.  We dined out a few times but mostly we ate back at the cabin where Alex (who has become an excellent cook) and Joanna prepared fabulous meals for us.  The fare always included fresh oysters, crabs, prawns, salmon and all good things.  We lived like kings/queens and got thoroughly spoiled!  A very good life indeed.

A COLOURFUL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

WIND, WAVES and WEATHER

THESE BEAUTIES were
BOUGHT LIVE from the
FISHERMAN WHO HAD JUST
COME IN FROM HIS BOAT

A BEAUTIFUL BOUNTY OF FRESH THINGS

IRRESISTIBLE...OH SO YUMMY!

The wedding weekend was really special…even though it was filled with periods of cloud cover and sometimes heavy rain.  But nobody really minded and the celebrations started with all of the guests arriving at Middle Beach Lodge…a very beautiful resort that overlooks Chesterman and Cox Beach and has views of Frank Island and the Pacific that are endless.  There was a barbecue for everyone to enjoy on the Friday night.  The food was over the top in selection, quantity and quality.  The drinks flowed and the atmosphere was fun.  Afterwards those less familiar with the terrain were led down a dark and winding path, and over a nasty jumble of rocks down the cliff to the beach.  It was a bit of a scary walk since we didn’t know where the h… we were going but trusted (in our case) the young women that were leading the way.  The girls were actually leading David, who, with three plates and 14 screws in his right leg due to a nasty fall two years ago, was feeling a little unsure of himself to say the least! 

As gifts from the bride and groom we had all been given little flashlights in the shape that resembles a Beaver and it was an amazing sight to see all the little flashlights blinking, like many fireflies, as more and more people joined the gathering on the beach.

TINY BEAVER-SHAPED FLASHLIGHTS THAT BLINK !!!
IN THE WEDDING COLOURS - TURQUOISE and ORANGE

We eventually arrived at a protected spot on the beach where a bonfire was lit and the party continued to acquire a much livelier atmosphere.  At around midnight or so, by way of a much easier route up the steep and rocky cliff, we returned to our room at MIDDLE BEACH LODGE.  The younger people REALLY enjoyed their party...we were told it didn’t end until close to 3:00 a.m.!!!!

SEPTEMBER 24^th, THE WEDDING DAY turned out to be a mix of rain, cloud and a smidgeon of sunshine.  Those who were surfers took advantage of the weather and the big waves by spending the morning riding waves, or trying to, until they got pinched for time and had to run up from the beach to don their wedding attire.  At 4:00 the Groom, his Best Man and Ushers, the Maid of Honour and the Bridesmaids, and all the guests gathered in a room made cozy by a fire blazing in the beautiful stone fireplace. We held our breath and waited quietly for the bride to ascend the stairs with her father.

Andrew was elegant and handsome as he looked lovingly and proudly at his daughter, Joanna, who looked stunning and was radiate in her winter white gown that set off her colouring and her beautiful red hair.  Her shoes were a wonderful surprise…they were bright turquoise!  The bridesmaids wore turquoise and carried mixed bouquets of flowers and carried deep red/orange shawls later when they were outside having photographs taken.  The colours, turquoise and orange, were chosen by the bride to reflect the colours of the area…sea and sky.

Alex, the groom, was dashing in his dark suit and crisp white shirt.  He and the gentlement attending him were handsome and beautifully dressed for the occasion; but were tie-less and only wore flip flops on their feet.  A statement to further enhance the fact that the celebrations were taking place in an environment which is always controlled by the raw elements of nature…the surf and the sand; the wind, the rain and the sun. 

The wedding vows were deeply emotional and personal and brought tears to the eyes of most guests…very special moments for every one.  Afterwards the party began and it was a great party!  Wonderful food, fun speeches and lots of dancing and laughing.  Very impressive in a natural and intimate setting.

THE TOES WAIT

ALEX and JOANNA in the SETTING they LOVE to be in
at TOFINO on the PACIFIC RIM of BRITISH COLUMBIA

MAKING IT LEGAL

       

The DONUT MOUNTAIN and 'CHOOSE YOUR OWN TOPPINGS'

The BRIDE and the GROOM from the DONUT MOUNTAIN and
the original knitted donut which became a temporary
ENGAGEMENT RING

...and MAY THEY LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

The day after the wedding David and I returned to Vancouver for a few days to enjoy what the city offers…galleries, shops and restaurants.  Ula and Andrew were gracious and made us feel at home in their city and they were also most generous to let us use their wonderful little apartment.  We had marvelous dinners out with them and were joined by Joanna and Alex when they returned from Tofino a few days after the wedding. 

We had a pretty fantastic time and will treasure the fun we had and also be thankful for the fact that through Joanna and Alex our family circle has become bigger and also been enriched by the joining of these two vibrant and wonderful individuals.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

As you can see by the dates on this blog there has been a large space of time between writing the above entry and today.  That’s because I’ve been trying hard to get back into a more consistent routine here in Peterborough after having spent such a wonderful time in Vancouver and Tofino.

After re-reading the above entry I mentally re-visited the entire sixteen days we were away.  David and I were extremely lucky to have experienced such a good time over that period of time.  But more than that I personally pinch myself every day because I feel that our family, which has now become bigger since the wedding, has been truly blessed…our lives have been so good to this point and I see no reason for it to not continue.  We are all strong and caring individuals so I know that the ‘links of the chain’ are solid and secure and there will always be comfort in that. 

Last week was Thanksgiving Weekend…a family weekend. David and I were able to celebrate it with family that lives close to us and raised a glass of wine to all those who weren’t with us.  But, many times during the course of the three day holiday I stopped to think of those less fortunate than we are and made a silent wish/prayer that some how, some way their lives might improve…one day at a time.  The poor, the sick, the lonely and the ‘broken’ men, women and children that for some reason have been handed a more difficult path to follow.  I’m not a religious person really but I do have faith in human kindness and it would be my hope that those in need of food, shelter, warmth, kindness and love will be given a ‘lift’ of some sort to help them continue on without getting totally ‘lost’.

Years ago when I was a small child I was given a gift from an aunt.  It was small bookmark with three pretty coloured ribbons on it.  At the end of each ribbon was a small charm…a cross, a heart and an anchor.  The symbols of FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY.  I carried it everywhere, but alas, which is often the way of small things, it got lost.  However, I’ve never forgotten what the symbols mean.  Ocassionally, in this rat race of a world we seem to be living in it’s hard to actually work those precious things into our lives.  But we all…and I include myself in the word 'we'... must try harder to keep these symbols in our hearts to remind us of others 'needs'.

Well, this is unbelievable!!!it’  Is already 2:00 p.m. and the morning has become mid-afternoon!!!!  I had determined I was going out to use part of my morning up by weeding the front flower bed…but as it turns out it's been raining off and on and the draw of writing and my computer have controlled me.  How I love to write…and this blog is a great catalyst for me.  I write to ‘get it down’ and I write to ‘help inspire me’ with ideas that come clearer with the written words.

I’ve been content today doing what I like to do…'musing' while sipping tea, eating a croissant lathered with honey and peanut butter and listening to “mellow jazz” on my little internet radio.  My dog and two cats lie sleeping close by.  Can’t get much better than that!

I will not go further with this blog today.  There's some food for though here and I feel there’s enough to this blog for the moment…tomorrow I may write again.  So until next time move through the seconds, hours and days with HAPPINESS and may every smile you freely give be returned with one just as warm.

CHEERS to all!
Angela    

SAND, SURF, SOME SUN and FAMILY FUN

SUNDAY, September 18, 2011

TOFINO, B. C. is a wonderful place and I really feel so comfortable here.  The beach, the walking, the bicycle riding, the wonderful landscape.  And, of course the beautiful waterscapes that are continually changing all day.  There’s such a different kind of ‘heartbeat’ here compared to an urban area.  It’s a lighter, more casual rhythm and consequently it’s more relaxing…less stressful.

MORNING ON THE BEACH

The beaches that are close to where we are staying are called Mackenzie Beach, Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay

David, Ula and I took bikes out today and we cycled for several hours on the beach and enjoyed watching the surfers as they were continually challenged by the way of the water.

For the local surfer’s it was a bit of heaven here today.  At this time of the year when the weather brings in bigger and more powerful waves the air is charged with chatter and anticipation by the surfers of how they will try to conquer the waves.   Apparently the time to run to the beach with your surfboard changes by an hour every day during this season.  Today the beaches were dotted with black wetsuit clad figures as they approached the waves then flung themselves on their boards and hand paddled themselves out to sea.  (By 5:00 p.m. the waves were up about 4 metres.)

HOW SMALL WE ARE IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS

From my vantage point with my little camera I could only capture a landscape with bobbing specs floating on the white waves.  But standing watching these young people displaying such agile and acrobatic displays of confidence against one of the world’s strongest natural elements…the sea…is in itself exciting and made me feel very much ‘in the moment’ with them.  Some managed to ride the waves while others tried and failed only to get back on their boards and paddle back out to wait for another wave to crest.  Even when the day turned to dusk these black bodies would try one more time; then eventually, one by one or two by two they would pick up their boards and emerge from the foaming water and wander back to their cars or their bicycles and head for home.

As a by-stander it is a very surreal experience watching the black shiny bodies of the surfers and the breathtaking views of the spray and the foamy water surging around the dark, rough rocks.  It’s lovely in the sense that you can recognize that these surfers are totally drawn in by the power of the ocean and that they swim out to ride the waves as a lover is drawn to his/her beloved.  There’s a magnetism that somehow cannot be controlled…it just has to be accepted.  But how small we are in the scheme of things.

We explored many of the rocky areas of the shoreline.  We were awed by the views and delighted by many of the small impressions in the sand which were made by various sea creatures.  The beach is strewn with barnacle bits, luminous shell pieces and the interesting pulpy leaves and long stems of kelp.  The wonderful rock formations are Mother Nature's sculpture...they rise up from the sand and surf like great animals and the trees that manage to grow on the rocky islands reach tall and strong to meet whatever blows their way...always moving with the rhythm of the wind.

In one area we found many beautiful/ugly starfish.  Ugly because of their slimy jelly-like appearance; beautiful because of their unusual colours.  They get tossed up on the rocks during high tide and end up being trapped in shallow pools or crevices as the water recedes.

Nature is most fascinating.  We also saw thick areas of kelp moving back and forth in the deeper water of the bays but alas no sea otters were seen.  I’ve done carvings and paintings of water animals that are typical of those found in the fresh water lakes of Ontario…mink and otters.  But the otters I’ve seen are much smaller than Sea Otters and I would really love to see some in their natural habitat.  Below are two pieces of artwork that I have done depicting animals that are more familiar to me.


The mink that I carved in this beautiful piece of Chinese Pink Soapstone was inspired by a family of mink that lived close to the shoreline of our cottage and I loved to watch them move silently and quickly through the high grass and bullrushes then slip silently into the water and disappear under the dock or into the crevice of a rock then reappear again further down the shoreline.  There beautiful bodies were always sleek and shiny and often glowed in the late evening as the sun disappeared from the sky.

CAUGHT IN THE AFTERGLOW - MINK

The River Otters in the painting below were inspired by the otters I've seen in fresh water lakes of Ontario and I interpreted them in my own way with pen and ink and added acrylic colour for the ripples in the river.  

THERE IS MORE THAN BLACK AND WHITE IN THE STREAM OF LIFE

The message written in the painting is:  THERE IS MORE THAN BLACK AND WHITE IN THE STREAM OF LIFE.  In simple terms:  I believe that if you look closely at everything you see then you will see much more than you imagined!  Life can be complicated but that's what makes it interesting. 

On that note I'll close this blog...

and anyway it's now Monday, September 19, 2011…and we are heading to another beach…Long Beach a short drive from where we are Chesterman Beach and   Alex and Joanna are looking for bigger swells on the Ocean.

By the time we get home Andrew and Margaret will have arrived from the Vancouver via Horseshoe Bay Ferry and from Nanaimo to Tofino.  They’ll be tired because it’s the first time Andrew’s driven to Tofino so they’ll be travel weary when they arrive.  

I’ll start another blog in a day or too…in the meantime BE HAPPY!