Here we are, the beginning of a new year following a year most of us would like to forget. I, however, have to start by saying how grateful I am to have discovered art at this stage of my life and all the joy it brings, especially during the challenging days we have had and are still dealing with. I am grateful to have the support of family, friends and the many local businesses that carry my art. Many projects kept me going, one which was called "Art in Isolation". A series of word prompts from Sheri Kunzli from the Vernon Community Art Centre encouraged me to create every day for almost two months and which I added to this board.
Then the lovely Lauri Wiberg and I worked together to create and publish two children's books. My illustrations and her delightful poetry came together in "A Whimsical Journey, Books One and Two".
To top it all off, I worked hard on creating this new website from which you can now purchase my greeting cards, prints, books and more. See Children's Book in the Gallery.
December was a busy month getting organized for the local fundraiser "Artsolutely". Up until the last week we were not sure it would be a go but we were approved to open and the Vernon Community Art Centre had it's best year ever. Shoppers enjoyed having a safe place to view and purchase local art from our amazing artisans.
The new year has begun with having a new coloring book ready for print [Book 7] and a small ABC booklet that can fit into a greeting card. Makes a great little extra gift when sending a card and filled with 26 of my illustrations. Check out the Coloring Book section in the Gallery.
And of course Valentines is around the corner so hearts are in abundance in my art. Check out the Seasonal section in the Gallery.
Making concrete plans for markets and shows are still not in the works but with vaccines coming soon and more people following COVID protocols, I hope that some kind of normal happens soon. I miss being with family, seeing faces of friends, celebrating special events and giving hugs. However, creativity rules and I read the best use of imagination is creativity and the worst use of imagination is anxiety. "Deepak Chopra"
Happy New Year to All!!