Be still and listen. New Artist spotlight.
Leaves are out in full splendour. Plenty of 'material' to do Earth Art.
I love this time of year for all the earth is communicating. The colours, the smells, the letting go, the preparation for winter. Getting outside, and truly listening refuels creativity. Playing with natural materials even more so.
A movement that started in the 60s to draw attention to the natural world, 'environmental art,' 'earth art,' 'land art' is one that truly helps people experience the earth, and enriches the artist experience and connection with it.
"I want to get under the surface. When I work with a leaf, rock, stick, it is not just that material in itself, it is an opening into the processes of life within and around it. When I leave it, these processes continue." Andy Goldsworthy
Practicing the simple, but time consuming act of earth art, comes about most strongly at this time of year.
Indigo Bowick, Berries and Birch
Fall projects are almost complete (who am I kidding, are they ever complete?). However, we did get the boardwalk done (well, the kids did). Mike built a beautiful wood shed. So nice in fact, it is where the pottery kick wheel will live. The cabin is almost complete and ready for art making.
New Artist Spotlight: Part of listening and being inspired also comes from other artists. The interaction, the conversations, the work. I am constantly inspired by the lives and works of other artists, whether they be writers, musicians, dancers, painters.... The passion and talent of like minded creative types truly excites me. And I want to share that with you because there is so much talent in this world, and in our own backyard. I am starting a new series of posts on this blog about artists, so we can all learn more about their work and the artists themselves.
First spotlight is on Kelly Shpeley, who is an artist, living in Nelson and was recently sponsored by Wood Gundy and the Nelson and District Arts Council for an artist residency at Hidden Creek. Her art work is absolutely mind blowing. Talented and so personable. Of her time at Hidden Creek, Kelly says "the retreat space itself was such a gorgeous environment. I felt at ease right away. The work space was perfect, the light, perfect." I am going to start doing q&a's, but Kelly already shared a pictorial essay of her time and her process on her blog.
Please visit: Kelly Shpeley to share in her journey on retreat.
Kelly Shpeley, "Thursday's Keeper" 2017.
