expressions

Two of my pieces Zephyr Moon, copper and Green/gold were donations for the charity that Charlie Hodge has helped to organize for the Bridges Programme.

Corey Doak sang his Scruffy the Elf song

So many great musicians and bands donated their time that I felt that there was compunction on my part to attend. I have been less than healthy for over 7 weeks but kept chugging along. However, I do have only a few items to complete and my list can rest until the new years.

Corey entrances the audience

Some of the images that I took of the bands I worked with Paint Shop Pro to reflect the sound of the music. I really enjoy recreating the feel of an original situation and keeping the energy in my final piece. Nixie is a band I have been following for several years now. Moving to Vancouver, B.C. from Kelowna, they have now stepped up to move their career to a higher point.

Corey Doak award winning song writer

Corey Doak is a musician that Cameron has played bass for on some of his CD’s and his sound is creative and full of his personality. He stood alone on stage and held the audience. His fan base is large. Playing Christian music at his church, he has garnered a big following.

Nixie singing their set

Currently, I am completing 110 Christmas Cards which will be used by the City of Kelowna. Each is unique because I have drawn into them with metallic ink and Indian ink pens.

over lay of picture of Nixie

It was a laborious, time consuming task but it means they are NOT the type of works that are churned out by a factory like process. I cannot by my very nature ever work that way.

Nixie playing in Kelowna

Loading to my web sites, attending to my on line galleries is the next task for the business.

final image that I really like

Next week I will finish a very large committment to my community with the all candidates forum that I have organized. And not least, hopefully not last, is the wrapping and mailing presents.

paint shop pro layers

Since I will be a hermit for a while after some surgery, I want to have things all complete.

Cameron is working full out on the electrical jobs he is getting.

electronica, rock

He finished working on two houses in the last two weeks and is completing a garage. He must also replace the service to our house in the next two weeks to comply with the insurance companies proviso.

bright sound, big sound

Hopefully, there will be time to knit, to read and to enjoy the “cave” existence of winter. For every season….

Looking forward to cinnamon spice tea, naps and dreaming.

Today is the day after a three day art show. The day after two weeks of preparing small art pieces for sale in the show. It is a day that requires much of me. I would rather be resting but instead have a show to hang. I have 110 Christmas Cards to prepare and I have a student.

My task is to listen to the whimpering sound in my head and to not ignore it. My task is to hear the whimpering sound in my head and comfort the ego-child that is wingeing and cringing. My body is giving me signals to slow down. The ankles, hands, neck, stomach are all threatening me with action if I am too active.

this piece is 36 x 27 inches on canvas for sale

Today will be an opportunity to practice staying on the path. I set my intention to be gentle with myself and kind to others as I move through the day. Previous patterns would call for me to push, to push hard, to shut down messages from my body and to use the situation to re-victimize myself. It would be a lovely little drama about how much is required of me by life and how little others care about “poor me.”

setting intention to see the world

Driving to Vernon with my art in the car, I will enjoy the lake and the chance to see the stretch of seasons touching the edge of the hillsides. I will see things which will please me. Perhaps a family will be stopped by the road and enjoying one another. Perhaps the Gatsky’s stand will have the wonderful mannikins primping in their dresses which blow in the wind. Judith will meet me at the College and her presence is always delightful.

Perhaps I can find ways to live in a new manner which makes me feel safe, calm and aware. I am tired and I have much to do. But I am surrounded by love. And I know how to show love to an already stressed body. I set my intention to enjoy both the day and the sense that I can learn as I move through it.

Recently the CBC held a forum on support for the arts in Kelowna on the Day Break Show. It amazed me how optimistic the program sang in tone. We were told that 200,00 people were in the Rotary Centre in the past year. The issue of how the community supports the arts was totally by passed because there was no discussion of what “supports” means.

from photo up knox mountain

If by support, you mean they attended a musical event or play that had an ’80s rocker or a play that was popular in other cities in the 90’s, then yes. I guess that is support. But what of the local artists, musicians and performers. The real question is what is happening to make sure that we keep these people alive (as in fed), give them an audience (as in inspired) and build a fan base (as in future security). Is that happening? Most artists and musicians that I know are working on their art at a cost. It is financial with the need to find other sources of income to feed the fire. It is emotional in the attempts to garner a respectfully paying gig, or customers who will buy enough to keep them in paint.

the bridge is the answer to all problems

Why were there 50 fewer artists in booths at Propera this year? The economy is down. But it has always been “down.” We rely so heavily on outsiders to support and appreciate our local talent that most artists end by feeling like creative buskers in a tourist town.

Further to the issue of passivity and apathy, is the up coming by-election. I am really curious as to what percent of individuals here will bother to go out and vote. The last major election it was under 20%. What are you guesses as the interest of Kelowna residents in their future?

The all candidates forum is on Wednesday, November 25th. How many care? How many will come to the forum? Which individuals will have the energy and commitment to the future of the city to go to a polling booth? We will have to watch and see.

where are the dolphins

Meanwhile, I am tired and happily in bed after the Potters and Artisans Show at the Rotary Centre which has just one more day. Hope to see you there Sunday and at local voting station November 28th. We deserve the kind of government we get.

The anxiety over the economy and the falling of a pox upon all of our heads both literally (H1N1) and figuratively has many people contemplating the end of life as we know it. The demise of the earth through the catastrophe of climate change is almost a pleasant alternative to suddenly coughing and then dying in a “Love Story” type movie scenario painted by media. Distrust is growing of  leaders in the areas of food production and other societal concerns such as, “Where the hell is my job?”

handmade black crochet and macrame purse

So with those issues firmly in mind, we head out to our cars to purchase some nice articles made in China that (we are recently told) are lowering our male’s sperm counts, poisoning our babies and altering us in ways not even capable of being analyzed as yet. Credit card? Who is going to use a credit card when it is for many people the rubber raft on a possibly sinking ship. Perhaps tug boat would be a more appropriate metaphor. If all else fails, shove off in your mastercard or climb into your visa to keep you from going under immediately. To live to regret another day, is always an option.

embossed black and blue roses

We have discovered that our Christmas present will be the replacement of the electrical service to the house because we have to meet new stipulations…. and we weren’t informed until our insurance was four days from the deadline for renewal. Such a nice surprise in our Christmas socks. But you know what? It would have had to be done one day. We can winge and wring our brows, our hands, our lips. What does that do? So our Christmas is pretty much decided.

even the sewers of Paris have Art Deco beauty

Others are looking around for something more meaningful than the recently traditional experience. A suggestion that I can offer is now is the time to buy experience.

Kelowna is full of artists and artisans and crafter who can make a beautiful hand-made gift that is special. Most of us who work in the arts are willing to do commissions for our clients.

How about buying a class for someone? The Potters Addict in the Rotary Centre has classes for children.http://www.bonnieandersonartist.com/andersonclasses.html

I offer classes through UBC-O and private classes in my studio.

Instead of spending money on a cheaply made mass manufactured one of thousands item, you can buy something very special this year. Because your money matters and has to go a long way, buying local contributes to the economy, saves the environment and gives the recipient something very personal.

Think about it. This Christmas can be special. And you can keep your credit card as the rope ladder to throw out the window, should the need arise. We all need insurance, hey?

Penticton Art Gallery now has two pieces of mine for their pre-Christmas sale, I will be in a show at the Rotary Centre for the Arts for three days November 12th on, then the next week Gallery Vertigo is letting me have a show at the Kalamalka Campus. Summerland Art Gallery is holding a pre-Christmas sale of art cards and books which has motivated me to get producing again.

photograph of my hand shadow on a scrap book page

Hand made books are a real pleasure to create and I want to have three or four more ready for Gallery Vertigo’s book store.

This thursday I will be in the Rotary Centre for our First Thursday Open house. Last month 30 students from UBC attended and it was lovely to have a chance to meet the up and coming art teachers that will be inspiring students in the high schools and elmentary schools.

texture abounds in this piece for a CD cover

I am a featured artist in Homes for the Holidays and will be putting up the pieces that I created next week in the show home. All of those great photos I took one day last winter after a heavy snow fall should look great in this old fashioned christmas themed open house.

star gazer lily in my neighbours yard

Meanwhile, I am organizing an all candidates meeting to get more interest in the election. Only 22% of citizens turned out at the last election and there seems to be a more prevasive kind of negative inertia in our town. People are quick to complain and critize but don’t go out to the cities open houses or respond to on line surveys. I guess it is human nature to have everything be alright until it seems to be all wrong. What about the place between?

Sutherland park after fresh snow

Cold weather, art, politics. That is my life right now. Happy November.

Very scaary! Very, very scaary how we have become so obsessed with Halloween. The urge to costume oneself and then commence a baccaanal is so catholic. First the frenzied feeding of the senses and then lent. Abstinance. But why has our Canadian and the entire North American culture become so invested in the Halloween ritual?

photo of bird standing in setting sun

I would like to see some  Spring rite of rebirth which would involve flowers, soft music and a sense of renewal become the focus of our anticipation and spending.

We worry about so much that is out of our control and ignore a great deal that is totally within our power. People are starting to line up, in droves, in groups to get the vaccine that just two weeks ago they were determined to eschew. As I see the lines on tv, I wonder if the line isn’t one of the prime places to get the flu. Standing together, outside for hours. Hmm?

Today I finished the pieces for homes for the holidays, cleaned up my studio, prepared a submission for Gallery Vertigo’s contribution to the art show for the Olympic torch event and read Chris Tyrell’s Artist Survival Skills. It did motivate me to reexamine my web site and to consider spending more effort marketing and less time creating.

I love making art but I need to take some time to consider where my best market is. I have made submissions to several galleries lately. Also, many of my small pieces have gone to donations for local charities both to contribute and to stimulate more repeat sales.

winter trees in a dark sky

The Potter’s Show is in two weeks and the pre-christmas sale for Summerland Arts Gallery is coming up so I need to prepare some works such as art cards, etc, for sale.

I haven’t had much opportunity to enjoy the weather lately because of the demands for shows. But tomorrow, I intend to gather some leaves and enjoy the yard. Perhaps some leaf prints on cards would be fun as well. The article in YLW Magazine has been seen by quite a few people which is very nice. Hope it generates some sales. Tomorrow is daylight savings time. What do we save? Time?

All of these shows mentioned above are coming up fast and furiously. I am going through pieces that I have stowed away for quite a while now to send to the Penticton. The show called “Under $300 is the Annual Christmas Exhibition and Sale. It will run from November 7th to December 24th. While the official opening ceremony is to be Friday November 13th, I will be elsewhere.

golden woman in leather frame

At the Rotary Centre for the Arts 421 Cawston Avenue in Kelowna  the Potters and Painters show runs November 13th, 14th and 15th.

Fire one of the series of Elements: Feng Shui

I will be showing my newer pieces, some hand made doorstops and various hand made cards which are one of a kind.

Neon Weave with Gold metallic foil

Also, leaning against my way in my studio waiting to go out into the world are the pieces that I have created for the Livessence Show which will run the same weekend of November 13th to 15th at the Rotary Centre. As well, I have been asked to do a piece a show home in Homes for the Holidays tour. That hadn’t been finalized as yet, so it looks like some furious last minute work there.

From November 4th until December 16th I will have work hanging at the Kalamalka Gallery in Vernon.Vernon has a brand new art gallery.

Kalamalka Vertigo is located at the Kalamalka campus of Okanagan College and presents a selection of art works by Gallery Vertigo studio artists. Kalamalka Vertigo represents a new joint venture between Gallery Vertigo and Okanagan College. This is the newest incarnation of the ongoing partnership between the two institutions.

I am also loading up my etsy sight with hand made doorstops, cards, small hand painted magnets and some of the purses that I have collected over the years. CHERIEHANSON27.etsy.com

The pearlescent cloud of soft beauty surrounds resting woman

Because I like life in the slow lane, I am currently also putting together an all candidates forum at the Senior’s Centre #17 at the corner of Richter and Fuller. Inviting all of the published candidates and the various neighbourhood associations is done. Now to do a press release and ask my favorite sound guy for some help. “Oh, honey….”

This would be the year for people to buy something handmade, local and of real, long lasting value. The gift of beauty.

Check out the new issue of YLW magazine that has a feature article about Kelowna artists who show all over the world. Great pictures and informative.http://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/ylwconnection/2009fall/#/0

Art is my life. I am also exploring a spiritual path that leads away from the briar patch of anxiety, jealousy and tears of low self-esteem. Up the mountain… my eyes are looking. So every day I sit meditation and watch my ego mind chattering, swinging through the low lying branches and just observe. One suggestion that a long time student offered was to visualize the ego as an animal and give it a name.

Open to Passion inspirational doorstop

Then when the ego appears, remember discipline. Gentleness. Not anger is the way to a calmer co-relationship. My ego is a chimpanzee much like the one who used to be in the Tarzan series on TV in the 50’s. Her name is Cheetah and she puts up a god awful racket.

Open the Door to Passion inspirational door stop on Etsy

She can talk, she can swing agilely from one idea to another, from one branch to another with her lips curled out. She is also amazingly clever. A real entertainer is this ego creature. But don’t be fooled. She has teeth and will either attack or throw her long arms about and sulk noisily if she doesn’t get her way.

Consequently, I need every tool I can find to deal with 65 years of programming. This is where the idea for my newest art pieces came from.

Open to health

My husband has pieces of wood left over when he made our back gate. “Doorstops,” he said. “You like to paint everything. Why don’t you make doorstops?”

Open to Health from Etsy shop

So…. things have been slow because I have been going to physio twice a week trying to get the pressure on my nerve from my neck to my hands to lessen.

Open to Health from Etsy Splash Over Designs

I have used the time between appointments and recovery from appointments to do this small project. OPEN THE DOOR Inspirational pieces have been really fun and not laborious. My mind is quiet when I paint.

Cheetah sleeps somewhere in the overhead trees.

Open to Love waves of color with green jewels

Here are the pieces that I have completed so far. All are for sale on my Etsy shop SPLASH OVER DESIGNS at $20 each.

Open to Joy rhinestones on flowers