NEWS AND STUDIO UPDATES
This section includes highlights of some of my latest work, as well as
information about exhibitions and shows.
KAREN HALLER:
BEHAVIOURAL DESIGN CONSULTANCY
November 2023
Since April, I was enrolled in the Advanced Colour Group Mentoring Programme through Karen Haller: Behavioural Design Consultancy. Based in the UK, this fantastic program specializes in Applied Colour and Design Psychology. Last week, I received a Certificate in Advanced Colour and Design Methods for Industry Professionals, Stage 1 - Foundation Course.
I really learned the importance of creating harmonious colour palettes for our overall well being and the psychological effects colour has on our behaviours. I also learned the importance of positive colour choices in creating supportive environments and to always be thoughtful of the behavioural outcomes within a given space.
I highly recommend this course to anyone who works with colour within their business. As an artist, this was something we did not learn in Art School and this valuable knowledge moves beyond the concepts of the colour wheel and the principles of art and design. For more information, please check out karenhaller.com
NEW WORK
November 2023
The Japanese poet. Kobayashi Issa once wrote:
“This dewdrop world - is a dewdrop world, and yet, and yet…”
Embracing Kintsugi - the art of ‘golden joinery’ I rub the cracks with iridescent gold and mica pigment. Creating these golden veins chronicles my imperfect past and is a reminder of the beauty of human fragility. I weave linen by hand then crack grout to create tactile skins. Using a hammer and chisel I chip away then patiently mend, saturating them in acrylic paint. This dewdrop metaphor is a reflection of life in a world of instability - stability, adversity - fortitude, suffering - beauty.
Image: "Weaving the Chronicles of my Past in a Dewdrop World". Mixed media. 42" x 48". 2023
.jpg)
A COMMISSION FOR A CALGARY OFFICE COMPLETE
MARCH 2024
Completed this commission for a Calgary office inspired by the landscape of the Prairies. Thank you so much to Nathan and The Effusion Gallery and Glass Studio in Invermere.
Image: Inspiration from the Prairies: A Study in Blue and Yellow Ochre. Mixed media.
40" x 30". 2024
Image: Commission in Progress
Image: Samples in Progress
CELEBRATING MY 56TH COMMISSION
As 2024 is here, I am celebrating my 56th commission. I am grateful to my wonderful galleries, my lovely clients, my forever loyal and faithful friends and family for their constant support and creative encouragement, especially over the last three years. As I think about the upcoming year, I think about gratitude, genuine connections, friendships and fortitude.
Katie Drobina once said:
"Maybe you didn't ask for this chapter of your story, the one that feels like a winding road with no end in sight. Yet, here you are, with fortitude, showing up for every turn in the path. Like a river curving and carving along the edge of the banks, you are a force to be reckoned with, here to become who you were always meant to be."
THANK YOU!
INTERESTING READS PAGE
I have been adding new books to a reading list as well as MY WISH LIST located on my INTERESTING READS PAGE. I also have a list of books for creative confidence for children on my TEACHING PAGE.
COME CHECK IT OUT!
I would also love to hear some of your interesting reads so feel free to drop me a message.
"A room without books, is like a body without a soul".
- Marcus Tullius Cicero -
Image: Searching for a "Meditative State" with blueberry pie and a good book
AN ESCAPE TO A
MAGICAL PLACE
August 2023
"A utopia nestled at the end of a long, winding logging road, at first I questioned whether this place existed".
This is how I describe Hihiume Lake. Located high into the mountains at 4500 feet elevation near Cache Creek this remote place is magical. Rustic cabins, a pristine mountain lake, hand made fishing boats and the call of the loons - HiHiume enables one to totally lose track of "time".
Known for their Kamloops rainbow trout we would spend endless hours in our fishing boat then smoke our catch from the day. I would spend some afternoons on our porch watching cats chase chipmunks, the loons swimming peacefully on the lake sipping a cold can of local cider. If you are in need of a getaway from the bustling city, a detox from technology or are in search of inspiration - this place is for you. It is the perfect place as there is no cell service and electricity.
Check out hihiumlake.ca.
Image: One early morning on Hihiume
NEW WORK FOR
THE UKAMA GALLERY, GRANVILLE ISLAND
MARCH 2023
These three pieces entitled, "Meditations on rediscovery and restoration". mixed media. 24" x 96" will be installed at The UKAMA Gallery the first week of March. These pieces explore the art of kintsugi, and rediscovering a new mental clarity. The pieces also utilize an iridescent mica pigment rubbed into the surface - symbolizing that in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light or hope within us.
Image: "Meditations on rediscovery and restoration #1, #2, #3". Mixed media. 2023
Image: Detail. "Meditations on rediscovery and restoration #3". Mixed media.
2023
.jpg)
A COMMISSION FOR A NORTH
VANCOUVER HOME
"The Mystery and Serenity of
the Deep Blue Sea"
Just completed this 42" x 72" commission for a North Vancouver home in hues of dark emerald greens, pthalo blues and greens, raw sienna, cobalt blues and black. Inspired by the clients passion for scuba diving, this piece utilized more then 80 washes of colour. Thank you so much to Dave and The Ukama Gallery - I am grateful for your constant support and creative encouragement.
Image: Final Installation
A COMMISSION FOR A PALM
SPRINGS HOME
"An Ochre: The Oldest Known
Natural Pigment
Thank you so much to Janine and Mireille from The UKAMA Gallery and Gregory for this exciting commission. This 24" x 70" piece will explore titanium white, nuances of greys and yellow ochre. Ochre is the earliest known pigment to paint our world. It was the most commonly used pigment for painted walls in ancient Egypt and the Egyptians loved yellow ochre as they associated it with gold - "the colour of the Gods." Yellow ochre can be found throughout archeological sites in Great Britain, Ireland, France, Spain, Mexico and Egypt.
_edited.jpg)