Art, Inspiration, and Little Moments: A Catch-Up
Getting Ready for Beyond the Horizon
May is just around the corner, which means I’m in full preparation mode for Beyond the Horizon, my upcoming exhibit at the Pearl Ellis Gallery. I’ll be showing alongside Maggie Ziegler, Sharon Lalonde, and Susan Putney-Mark—three incredible artists, each bringing their own distinctive vision and approach to the show.
For this exhibit, I’ll be sharing Visual Stanzas, a series of figurative collages that explore rhythm, movement, and lyrical expression—like visual verses unfolding across the canvas. Working on this series has been an intuitive process, layering textures, gestures, and elements that suggest stories without spelling them out. As I put the final touches on my artist statements and create the list of artwork for the gallery, I’m thinking about how they connect to memory, presence, and the spaces we hold within ourselves.
Gearing Up for the Comox Valley Arts Studio Tour 2025
This summer, I’ll be participating in the Comox Valley Arts Studio Tour for the second time, and I’m making some exciting changes! I’ll have a canopy tent set up on our driveway (…or some may say James’ driveway) as my exhibition space, and I’m thinking through every detail to make it as welcoming and engaging as possible.
I’ve been soaking up every bit of advice from the Artist Incubator Program with Miriam Schulman, refining how I present my work and connect with visitors. One thing I’m considering is adding some unexpected decor elements to the display—something that makes the space feel more personal, immersive, and a little playful. I’m also thinking carefully about how to arrange the artwork, what the flow of the space will feel like, and which piece will be the featured one. It’s all coming together, and I can’t wait to see how people experience it!
These photos are from 2023:
Hosting Stick 'n Sip Parties
Over the past couple of months, I’ve hosted two Stick 'n Sip Parties, and they’ve been such a joy! These gatherings are all about creativity and connection—playing with collage, layering textures, and experimenting with materials in a relaxed, social setting. There’s something wonderful about seeing people let go of expectations and just enjoy the process. And of course, the “sip” part makes it all the more fun! Watching everyone dive into their own creative flow has been inspiring, and I can’t wait to host more of these in the future.
Daily Conversations Across the Ocean
One small but meaningful part of my days is my daily check-in with Silvi in New Zealand. Just a few minutes, but it’s a grounding moment—a thread connecting my life here with my life there. These little conversations remind me how presence doesn’t always have to be physical; sometimes, it’s just about showing up, even from a distance.
As I move forward with these projects, I’m reminded of why I love what I do—the endless exploration, the surprises along the way, and the connections made through art. I can’t wait to share more with you soon!
