I finally finished the second Gouache painting from the Translation Series I started at the Vermont Studio Center back in 2019. I still have seven more paintings to complete. The process is definitely slow and steady, but I’m making progress!

Translation #2 - Gouache Painting, 2021, Gouache on canvas, 10 x 10 inches — *Translation #2 - Gouache Painting*, 2021, Gouache on canvas, 10 x 10 inches

I spent the rest of the month getting organized to start the art book project funded by the Canada Council for the Arts. I went out and got an extra large calendar that I’ve colour-coded in order to stay on schedule for completing the project. I’ve also purchased all the supplies and equipment I need and can’t wait to get started!

Last weekend I ironed and scanned the handkerchiefs. This week I’ll be converting one of the scans into a cross-stitch pattern. Over the long weekend I’m planning to get started on the first cross-stitch. Let the cross-stitching begin!

This past month I’ve spent most of my time working through ideas and organizing my thoughts. I’m so happy to have found a “groove” again when it comes to working through my thought process. I finally find myself reaching for my sketchbook throughout the day, as my thoughts constantly stir and jump in different directions. Although this headspace can be confusing and scattered at times, it’s home for me. It’s a place of comfort and where I feel most myself.

There’s nothing like the feeling of a creative “high” and I have to admit that I’ve done a few happy dances around my apartment when ideas come to me out of nowhere or when I finally work on that project or task that I’ve been avoiding. I recently looked through all my old sketchbooks and folders on my computer. Looking back at work that I was making while doing my MFA has helped ignite a flame of inspiration within me!

Pattern I (Front View), canvas, acrylic, 19.5” x 19.5”, 2020 — *Pattern I (Front View)*, canvas, acrylic, 19.5” x 19.5”, 2020

With this new found motivation, I’ve prepped another canvas to start the next painting in the Translation Series, which I started back in September while I was at the VSC residency. I’ve also been brainstorming lots of old and new ideas for future projects. Specifically, I’m contemplating a project which I’ll use to apply to Canada Council for the Arts, Research and Creation Grant. This will be my first time applying for a grant, so I’m giving myself plenty of time to prep and work through my ideas. But so far I’m really enjoying the initial process, since this is the part where i get to brainstorm and write down all the projects that have been stewing in my head, or forgot to write down!

Last week I finished reading The Artist’s Guide to Grant Writing, by Gigi Rosenberg, which is a great resource, and all in all another source for inspiration. One important thing I got from reading the book, was something I haven’t done before, I learned that I should be fundraising. Apparently It’s helpful when applying for grants to include fundraising efforts in the budget you submit with your application. No matter how big or small the amount you raise, the jury is always happy to see that you care enough about your project to outsource funding prior to applying for a grant. Once I read this, I knew this was something I should be doing, even if it’s mainly to help make my grant application stronger.

This Monday, I’ll be having my first Flash Art Sale on Instagram! Everything will be priced at either $5 or $10, so it’ll be a sale that’s affordable for everyone.

The purpose of the sale is to fundraise money for my art savings. Funds from my art savings will be used for supplies such as embroidery thread, Aida cloth, paint, etc., and Adobe Creative Suite. I’m hoping to create more book projects in the future, but I don’t currently have InDesign, which is a very necessary tool when making/designing books. So I’m hoping to purchase this application with the money made from the sale and some supplies with the rest.

Please share in your stories to help spread the word!

The sale goes live at 9am, this Monday, August 3rd.

April 2021 - Update

August 2020 - Update

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