My Art Journey

Walking the path to become a full-time artist has been both exciting and at times quite daunting.  Almost two years ago, I took a leap of faith to step away from other employment and into this elusive world, despite not knowing any artists making a living solely through their art.  While I may not yet be bringing home the full-time bacon from my painting, I’ve made valuable connections and do have some income through various art-related activities.

Through perseverance and a supportive art mentoring program (more on that in a minute), I feel like I’m getting there and sense that I might be on the verge of a breakthrough!  You might be wondering about the basis of my hope-filled prediction. Well, I’ll be honest to say that my bold statement is actually more for my own encouragement than anything.  In reality I’ve been working very hard and was hoping that I would be further along than I am.

Recently, I took an inventory of my activities, connections and events of 2023 (I’m not a January person 😊) and discovered that more has happened than I realized. One of the reasons is definitely due to an art mentoring program that has provided support, encouragement and the opportunity to interact with other artists.  My membership in Matt Tommey Mentoring (https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/) has been the spark for me to implement 90 day goals, build a website, forge a network in my local area, and among other things, commit my art making and business path to God’s keeping.

Henri Matisse said, “creativity takes courage” and I couldn’t agree more. Being an artist is a personal journey and not just a job. And so, courageous I go with some new resolve today to just keep going and see where it leads.  Thanks for joining me in my little pep talk and I’ll let you know when the big breakthrough happens. 

THREE THINGS Issue 15

THING ONE  

February was a busy month for the "Fraser Valley Watermedia Society".  Our membership is a merry little crew of artists who gather to encourage each other in our artsy goals (in a nutshell!).

We had two local exhibits in February - one in the Community Arts Space of The Reach Gallery Museum (public gallery) and another at Open Space, a new cultural hub in the downtown area. Both had lovely artist receptions to kick off the events and I was pleased to have some friends and family come by.

I also had the opportunity to present to our group one evening on Slow Art, my book project and my artist residency experience. A very supportive gathering of painters that I'm genuinely appreciating.                                                              

Our society's big show will be at the end of May at the Clearbrook Library (more details to come as it gets closer). Right now we've been creating 5 x 7 paintings to go in the library display case to advertise our exhibition. They are all on the theme of the great masters in art and below is my nod to Vincent.    

             

THING TWO

Last summer I became intrigued by a forgotten labyrinth in a nearby park. I looked up some background on these inviting pathways and decided I would paint the pattern of that particular labyrinth. I've worked on it in fits and starts and it became a long project as I included many (many) watercolour flowers and hundreds (maybe thousands?) of small pieces of paper I had painted, ripped and glued into place. Now I'm calling it done.

I like the idea that a labyrinth can take you on a small and meditative adventure at any time. It can be a calming experience not only walking the actual physical path but even by using your eyes to slooooowly follow the trail on a picture. 

       
 “Find Your Way” is 48" X 30" and I'm not sure yet what I think of hanging it on the wall.  It's different, but I guess in a nice way. Maybe I'll dunk it in some sort of plastic resin and put it outside in the garden. 
 
One of the most famous indoor labyrinths is at the Chartres Cathedral which is just under 2 hours from Paris. This extraordinary structure, including the labyrinth, was build in the 1200's!  "Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral is a mecca of sacred art with all of its works celebrating the glory of God for 800 years". (from their website). Yet another location on my list of places to visit!

This one is a bit tricky to follow with your eyes so you may want to enlarge it and try using your finger or cursor to find the way. Remember to take it slow!
 

THING THREE

"I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree ...
Joyce Kilmer

A glimpse of my latest collage work called "Night Forest".

   
 

Thanks for reading my "Three Things" for this month and have a great March.
 
Artfully yours,
Glenna  

THREE THINGS Issue 14

THING ONE

Talk about starting off 2024 with a bang!  On January 1, I jumped (well, drove) onto a ferry and made my way to the little town of Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island.  There I found the Blue Art House where I spent the next TWO WEEKS. Below is my happy, whimsical take on the place :)               

I walked, painted, wrote, talked with the other arty residents and spent time thinking (a treat!). Actually the whole thing was a gift and was just what I needed.

Lots of strolling around town.....                         

Here's a little peek into the art I did while I was there. Some of them aren't totally finished yet but I have lots to build on now that I'm home. (Just so you know, the photos of art aren't proportional to each other - some are very small sketches or paintings and others are medium or larger sized :)                                                            
                                                      
I also worked on my Slow Art kid's book project (here is a tiny snippet).

                            

Getting into the Flow . . .

If you had to choose, would you rather be rambling in the rainforest or riding on the river?
Make up a little story about these kayakers and their adventure.   

Piece of a Poem

“River, river, little river
Bright you sparkle on your way;
O'er the yellow pebbles dancing,
Through the flowers and foliage glancing,
Like a child at play.

From “The River” by Caroline Anne Bowles (1829)

Creative Journey 
Make a mosaic river with paint chips and a bit of paint!

Overall, the artist residency at the blue house was a great experience and definitely an awesome way to begin the new year.

THING TWO

Here's another arty house you might be interested in.

Raymond Isidore (1900 - 1964), resident of Chartres, France, built a simple cottage for he and his wife. In 1938 a shiny piece of broken crockery caught his eye and his creativity kicked into full gear. For the rest of his life he was devoted to transforming his house and garden into a mosaic wonder.  On his walks, he found ceramic, porcelain and glass fragments that he added to this masterpiece, eventually covering every surface of his property. You can still visit "Las Maison Picassiette", one of the world's most unique homes, today.
https://www.maison-picassiette-chartres.com/


    
THING THREE

This week at my C3 gallery gig (that's Coffee, Cookies and Culture), we made mosaic interlocking tiles on paper. What fun! It's a very slow art thing to do as it takes a while, but was enjoyable and genuinely rewarding when we put all of our pieces together.  You can do it too!  We used cardstock for the background shapes and paint chips for the colours.  Let me know if you need any instruction.


Well, "Three Things" for February is a wrap. 
 Happy Valentine's Day to you in a couple of weeks.  Be sure to be sweet to those you love.  


Artfully yours,
Glenna

THREE THINGS Issue 13

THING ONE  

Along with a very Happy New Year to all of you, I'm also celebrating myself a bit here today.  This is the first anniversary of both my Three Things (arty news) and a whole year of Slow Art Sundays (on Instagram). 

I am grateful to all of you who have walked along with me in this art venture and encouraged me in my journey. It honestly means a lot. As a New Year's THANK YOU, I have compiled the past year of Slow Art Sundays into a simple guide for your enjoyment! I hope you'll find it to be a gift that will slow down your heart rate and increase your art appreciation. 

You can look for this PDF document in another email. I'm also happy to share it around and think it would be an awesome 5 minute classroom activity for teachers who always need a hand. If you know someone that might enjoy using this, feel free to forward it on.  

                             

THING TWO

It's January 1st and I'm heading off on a two week adventure!  In the village of Lake Cowichan, BC on Vancouver Island is an artist residency program that I have been accepted into. I have an artsy project that I will be working on while there and I'm very excited to have this opportunity.

Watch my Instagram for details as I go along (unless I'm too busy in which case I'll fill you in when I'm back   )

Ferry rides, island forests, fabulous art time, and walking fearless into 2024!

         

 
THING THREE

What does your 2024 look like?  Do you pick a word of the year for yourself? Does the pace you keep need to change this year?  I really like this page from Brooke McAlary's' book SLOW.  Is there anything on the list you could use more or less of in 2024?
 
Out of the slow living movement has emerged "slow art".  This is a method of looking at art that is proving to help kids focus more (amongst many other benefits, but this reason is my current favourite).  Part of my project at the residency will be zeroing in on Slow Art and I'm anxious to see where that may lead.  I can't wait to have some time to really think through what it is that appeals to me so much about this practice and what my role with it will be.

As you look ahead to the new year may you be blessed to follow your God-given calling, whatever that might be. To 2024! 

Artfully yours,
Glenna

Slow Art Sunday - Harrison

As we look ahead to the horizon of a new year, Slow Art Sunday brings you “Dawson City” by British-Canadian artist Ted Harrison. Spending many years living in the Yukon, his artwork radiated the colours of his adopted homeland. Harrison’s significant contribution to Canadian art gained him widespread recognition for his unique style and his esteem of the North. 

Harrison was a schoolteacher for decades while also painting, illustrating and publishing award winning books. His delightful art has likewise been a big hit with children.

On this last day of December are you wondering what colourful stories might be awaiting you in 2024? Take some time today to inspect this dazzling, almost glowing tribute to the far north of our home and native land.  Perhaps it will inspire you to imagine some intentions for a sparkling new year.

#slowartsunday #tedharrison #dawsoncityyukon #canadiannorth #canadianartists #slowart #slowartflow

Slow Art Sunday - Cocco

Slow Art Sunday would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very warm and happy Christmas. Today we have an engaging depiction of the birth of Jesus by artist Jorge Cocco (Santangelo). Cocco’s unique creative style has been called “sacrocubism” for his interesting approach that combines sacred or religious images with elements of cubism. The bold colours, sharp angles and strong composition reflect the cubist influence.

Born in 1936 in Argentina, Jorge has been interested in art since he could hold a pencil. His work has been acquired by important collectors and museums around the world and enjoyed by many.

Take some time today to look intently at this artwork titled “Bethlehem”.  The original is large (48” x 36”) and no doubt can sweep you into the wonder and excitement of this event so many years ago.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

#slowartsunday #jorgecocco #bethlehem #merrychristmas #christmaseve #slowart #slowartflow

Slow Art Sunday - Mondrian

Today, Slow Art Sunday brings you a bright watercolour by Piet Mondrian. “The Amararyllis” is both the title and a beautiful flower associated with Christmas for its festive look, promise for the new year and a meaningful gift often given at this season.

Born in the Netherlands in 1872, Mondrian began his artistic journey as a landscape painter and later moved towards abstract art. He fled World War II for New York City in 1940 and lived the last four years of his life there. His work had a significant influence on the American art scene. Primary colours and geometric shapes were a signature of his style.

Take some time today to enjoy the simplicity of this painting. Are the contrasting, vibrant colours appealing to you? Do they make you smile? All the best in your final preparations before Christmas and perhaps an amaryllis is the perfect gift for someone on your list.

#slowartsunday #theamaryllis #pietmondrian #dutchartist #slowart #slowartflow

Slow Art Sunday - Michelangelo

Today, Slow Art Sunday highlights art so well known that viewing it is a destination for millions of art lovers and curious alike each year.  “The Creation of Adam” took Michelangelo four years to paint on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel; part of the Vatican museums and official residence of the Pope in Rome, Italy.

Over 500 years ago, Michelangelo used a technique called fresco which is painting upon freshly laid plaster.  The iconic image shows a powerful and symbolic connection between the divine and the human and is the central panel within a larger masterpiece of Old Testament stories.

Known for his intense dedication to his work, Michelangelo’s legacy is profound.  He contributed to art and culture through painting, sculpture, architecture and poetry and truly is one of the greatest artists in history. A leading figure of the Renaissance, he significantly helped move the world from the dark ages into a beautiful, creative season.

Take some time to consider the skill and perseverance it took to produce the beauty we can still enjoy centuries later.

#slowartsunday #thecreationofadam #michelangelo #sistinechapel #thevatican #romeitaly #therenaissance #slowart #slowartflow

Slow Art Sunday - Tanner

On this first week of the Advent season, Slow Art Sunday brings you beautiful light and shadow in The Annunciation. Painted in 1898 by American artist Henry Ossawa Tanner, his early aptitude led this minister’s son to study art in both the United States and France.  He gained a reputation largely through his religious paintings which often captured the emotions of the human spirit. 

Despite racial challenges at the time, he was the first African American to achieve international acclaim in the realm of art.

Take a long look today at this lovely work of art so full of feeling.  As we wait expectantly to celebrate the coming of Jesus at Christmas, consider Mary and the extraordinary news Gabriel has just delivered.

#slowartsunday #theannunciation #henryossawatanner #advent #christmasiscoming #angelgabriel #marysnews #slowart #slowartflow

THREE THINGS - Issue 12

THING ONE

I’m sorry if this is repeat news for you BUT since it's my biggest news in the past month I thought I would share it in my newsletter as well.

I was recently invited to join the Federation of Canadian Artists!  After submitting 10 paintings that went through a jury process, I am now part of their crew.

A couple of the benefits include being eligible to submit work to be shown in the Federation gallery on Granville Island and being listed in their member directory (in case a buyer is looking  ). 

I can officially use this badge in marketing, on my website, etc.
  
Federation Gallery on Granville Island in Vancouver, BC

  

          

THING TWO

I want to tell you about my special Christmas project that's about to get underway. Keep reading for how you can get in on it!

Who doesn’t love getting Christmas cards in the mail? Is anyone else worried about the tradition of giving Christmas cards becoming a lost art?  I love getting real cards in the real mailbox with real handwriting inside! I can’t say I have a perfect record of supporting the cause but overall I’ve sent them more Christmases than not.

My Christmas venture this year goes by the name of “O tidings of comfort and joy!” (not short but definitely sweet – who couldn’t use some comfort and joy about now). I plan to write a Christmas card to whoever would like one. You can be a friend or a stranger and you can live anywhere on earth; it doesn’t matter to me because my goal is to send out a little comfort and joy wherever I can.

You may already be on my list but just in case you’re not, send me your name/address to be sure. If you know someone who could really use a card this Christmas season, please consider sending me their name and address to
glennalundberg@gmail.com

Thank you for supporting tradition and the spreading of comfort and joy!


BONUS History Lesson - In 1843, Sir Henry Cole was a civil servant in the UK who helped to establish the Post Office.  He wanted to come up with an idea to encourage all citizens, not just official government business, to use their new postal service.  Together with an artist friend, they designed the first Christmas cards and as they say . . . the rest is history.

THING THREE

Where did the name of my Christmas project come from?  A wonderful line in the very old song “Good King Wenceslas”. 

God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
 

 
English illustrator Ethel Larcombe (1876-1940), "Good King Wenceslas."


 Artfully yours,
Glenna