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| I painted. A LOT. Six big canvases + 2 smaller ones (getting ready for a big show in Mar/27), a whole bunch of mini west coast scenes painted on clam shells, and a watercolour sketchbook that turned into a daily journal - so those 30 days wouldn’t blur into one long, beautiful dream. Whenever the weather was nice, I explored the island, driving all over to hike the trails and hang out on the beaches (sooo much painting inspiration!). Near the end of my stay, I hosted an open house so the Sointula locals could see what their island inspired. I even had two of my fabulously-talented art friends Helen Utsal and Michelle Barkway also came up for a few days to explore and paint with me.
But really, the wildlife stole the show. There was a humpback whale right in front of the house at sunset (can it get any better than that?) and a mink who kept me company while I painted on the beach (we’re friends now, I’m pretty sure). There were eagles, seals, porpoises, countless sea birds, a sea otter floating by having a crab dinner, plus THREE humpback breaches on a day trip to Alert Bay. And yes, I took up cold dipping in the ocean. In October. On purpose 🤪. One morning, I watched a loon calling back and forth to its mate less than 20 feet from me while I stood there neck-deep (I stayed in longer, mesmerized, than I would have otherwise 🥶). Another day, also while cold dipping, a sea lion popped up not 10 feet away from me! Wow, I was a bit startled - but so in awe ✨
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Was I lonely? Even though I was completely on my own for most of the month - not even a little! Yup, I'm a confirmed introvert (with a few fun extrovert tendencies thrown in for good measure). I loved the quiet, the wide-open calendar and that nobody could hear me making sound effects while I painted 😆. (At least the paintings don’t judge.)
The biggest lesson I brought home is that my productivity "problem" isn’t time … it’s attention. At home, everything wants a piece of me: the laundry, the endless distractions at home, the “quick” trip into town that somehow eats the whole afternoon. For my time in Sointula, the only things competing for my attention were the view and the tide - and my canvases 😁. I spent so much time painting and creating, right up to when I went to bed, that I didn't even open any of the books I'd brought with me!
I’m already scheming to go back there for another residency. I must experience more sunsets from there! Fingers very firmly crossed 🩵
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| You’re invited! Come out to see what is sure to be an amazing group show called By Her Hand at ArtSea Gallery in Sidney, BC! We’re two potters and four painters. (I’m one of the painters, in case you were wondering whether I secretly took up pottery while on the island - I did not. Trust me, my mugs would leak 😂)
This show is a celebration of women creators, and I’m so proud to be hanging my work alongside these talented friends ❤️. Six women, two mediums, and one gallery full of colour, clay, and creativity ... Come meet us all at the artist reception on Saturday, October 24. We’d love to see you there!
The artists: Janet Anderson, Michelle Barkway, Sonia Lesage, Marcela Strasdas, Ester Strijbos - and me 🤗
Fri October 23 - Thurs October 29, 10 - 4 pm
Artist Reception ... Sat October 24, 2 - 4 pm
ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park
9565 Fifth Street, Sidney, BC
The gallery is right by the water, so you can make an afternoon of it with art, a seaside stroll and maybe a treat on Beacon Avenue. I would LOVE to see you there. Please come say hi!
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If you haven’t come across InFlow yet, it’s a quarterly digital magazine created to inspire people to live more intentionally and with more curiosity and creativity.
Each issue is filled with stories, poetry, interviews, and reflections from writers and artists all over the world. This one includes pieces on showing up for your creativity even when you’re stuck, growing as an artist, and gratitude, plus interviews with a poet, a mixed media artist, a gardener, and a sunrise-chasing ocean dipper. There are even a couple of fun word puzzles at the end. It’s the kind of read that’s perfect with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket.
In my interview, you’ll find out how a zoology degree eventually led me back to painting, why every canvas I paint starts out pink, and why I keep leftover oil paint in my freezer (yup, really lol).
Here’s how to get your FREE copy:
- Go to this link
- Enter 0 in the “name a fair price” field
- Click “I want this” and follow the prompts to download it
The magazine comes as one big PDF, so you’ll find me on pages 28 to 30.
And if you’d like to support Carol and Stephen’s beautiful work, you’re welcome to name a price above zero instead 🩷
I'm sure you will enjoy this inspirational magazine!
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| November 28: Paint with me at OPUS Art Supplies (Victoria)... Register HERE
December 1-31 - SOLO art show, Coast Hotel & Marina, Victoria, BC
January + February ... A BIG adventure is being planned, I can't wait to tell you more soon!
March 13 - April 25, 2027 ... McPherson Playhouse Theatre
April 2027 - SOLO art show, Parkside Hotel.
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