A kaleidoscope of butterflies

Hi loves ♥️ I hope this finds you well and taking good care.


With all 2020 classes and workshop bookings canceled and many venues closing their doors permanently, the path in front of me has zig-zagged into a dream come true 'artist-at-home residency' opportunity!

In this new life chapter, I will be focused on creating artwork for online sales and future Gallery shows, booking specialty workshops/retreats next year, and aim to get back into private tutoring by this September 2020. Stay tuned!

The range of emotions is vast, and I’ve got a kaleidoscope of butterflies in my stomach. Beyond the disappointments and acceptance of big changes, I fear the common struggles of freelancing and managing a fine art business in an uncertain economy. Yet going along for this ride with all the feels also includes feeling loved, supported, grateful, inspired, and excited for a new challenge that will test the strength of my wings.

Sending love and comfort out to you all, every single day you show up with courage and move forward despite your fears.

Happy summer! ️ Stay strong, stay in touch, stay safe xx

A gift from Jack for tutoring him in Schoology Grade 7 (English, French, Math, Science and Geography) during Covid-19

A gift from Jack for tutoring him in Schoology Grade 7 (English, French, Math, Science and Geography) during Covid-19

“It seems to me that the less I fight my fear, the less it fights back. If I can relax, fear relaxes, too.
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— Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

"Dearest Fear:
Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip. I understand you'll be joining us because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life and that you take your job very seriously. Apparently, your job is to induce complete panic whenever I'm about to do anything interesting, and may I just say, you are superb at your job. So by all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must. But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring. There's plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us so make yourself at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize that you are part of this family so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still - your suggestions will never be followed. You're allowed to have a seat and you're allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You're not allowed to touch the road maps, you're not allowed to suggest detours. You're not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you're not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive."

A love letter to students

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I see you in the forest, in the sunlight and through the trees .... I miss you. I love you. I’m holding you in my heart, now and always. 

Memories of your brilliant smiles, laughter, and excitement to create continue to fill my heart with so much joy! The warm hugs, silly gestures and sounds we each made walking into the classroom because we greatly missed each other since the last time. Little 'ah-ha' moments of discovery and sharing with each other, knowing we are surrounded by unconditional love and support. There are only a few rules ... 1. wear an apron if you sit in the front row of my demos 2. be filled with curiosity, awe and wonder, and open to all possibilities 3. think and speak of yourself with kindness and positivity. 4. Respect and honour your individuality ... your amazing, unique and natural way of mark-making/seeing/thinking. 5. Always learning!

Trust and remember this…. We will fill a room with laughter, and create together, once again. Of course, we don't know what we don't know right now, but as always, I remain hopeful, positive and determined. 

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The Sounds of Spring

Art is a form of love. Art is the ultimate gift. Art heals life. -Robert Genn

Here's to the Spring we await & we know is around the corner (even if it doesn't feel like it sometimes). Acrylic, Charcoal & Soft Pastel - 11"x15" (sold)

Here's to the Spring we await & we know is around the corner (even if it doesn't feel like it sometimes). Acrylic, Charcoal & Soft Pastel - 11"x15" (sold)

Life is happening ...

When a new year begins, it always seems like a blur.

We've accomplished a lot, even if we don't feel like we have. Somehow, amazingly, reality hits us around the spring. Time changes - we look forward to more ... and maybe, it's also good to look back a little.

I have a little chart that I've been updating since 2009. A simple excel file - one column for each year (what I've done). Then an ever changing column for what's upcoming (for clarity), and one for dreams (the almighty bucket dream list!). I can look back and see all the wondrous things I have accomplished ... also, look forward.

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This year, I just updated all the amazing new things! -- The 'Try It, You'll Like It' weekend workshops at Visual Arts Mississauga in February; Luc Sculpture teaser workshops in Feb & Mar, and the latest awesomeness at The Japanese Paper Place feat. PanPastels & Washi with 'Birds of a Feather'.

I dig the idea of accounting memorable moments (mostly good, and sometimes, not ((yes, I do include rejections and efforts lost!))). It's all motivating and inspiring. It's a tool that works for me ... since time does fly by - I never want to forget how lucky and alive I truly am. ♥