I was pleased to have two pieces in a recent 'Works on Paper' show at the Federation of Canadian Artists' gallery on Granville Island, and even happier that one of them, Knock Three Times, received an Honourable Mention award. Both works are now back in the studio and available for purchase.
Knock Three Times, mixed media, $650 framed
Morning Meditation, pastel on paper, $700 framed
For over thirty years, my parents had an Airstream trailer dealership which, in accordance with our family's love of puns, they named Totem Trailers (towed'em, get it?). Perhaps it was a childhood surrounded by the logo of a totem--on the road sign, their letterhead, their business cards--but I've always had an affection for this iconic image.
Recently, I noticed a billboard ad for one of the four (?) pet supply stores in our small village. It featured a Golden Retriever with a bird perched on top of its head, and the store name was "All For Pets." It got me thinking about the role pets play in our contemporary households. Research indicates that, in 2015, Canadians spent $4.1 billion on their pets. Somehow the image of the dog/bird, and my thoughts on pets, and the totem image, all came together and I imagined a totem of pets. This idea has little to do with First Nations totems; rather, it represents a message about what we revere, what we spend our time, money, and resources on. Please note, no judgement of pet owners is intended (I have had many beloved pet companions myself!)--just thinking about our value system...
So here's the first result, which uses some of the same techniques as my recent Pacific Northwest bird series:
Pet Totem Mixed Media on canvas, 30 x 60 $1200
Having completed this image, I found that the idea went further. How about another totem of the 'wild' equivalents to these pets? Do we give as much value, time, and money to these animals as we do our pets? Something to think about...
Wild Totem Mixed Media on canvas, 30 x 60 $1200
I'm still thinking--perhaps a totem of agricultural animals (chicken, pig, cow, horse?) and one of endangered animals (elephant, panda, cheetah, gorilla, condor?). Not sure where this series might yet take me...we shall see.
An Update on these two pieces--they were selected for installation at the brand new Gibsons Public Health Unit (located opposite the Wheatberries Cafe, on the Sunshine Coast Highway in Gibsons). I hope they bring much enjoyment to the staff and patients for many years! At the official opening on January 11, I was touched by my conversation with the Squamish Elder who blessed the unit--he supported my message about valuing animals of all kinds, and generously sanctioned my use of the First Nations symbol of the totem. As he said, "It's all the same thing, the same message!"
Domaine du Haut Baran
I am happy to announce that I will be leading a 7-day painting workshop from April 1-7, 2019 in France's gorgeous Lot Valley (just north of Toulouse) at the beautiful Domaine du Haut Baran. This updated French chateau is run by William and Rosalie Haas, accomplished hosts who will take care of every detail and will transport us to many great painting locations in the area. This location has been the setting for dozens of highly-acclaimed painting workshop experiences with well-recognized artists. See their website for details about the site (http://www.hautbaran.com/).
The fee of $3000 US includes workshop tuition, double occupancy accommodation in luxuriously-appointed rooms, transportation to and from the airport and throughout the week, and most meals, prepared by accomplished chef Rosalie. The spring timing will mean cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, for a unique and enjoyable experience.
The week will be designed to review foundational painting principles and apply them to both studio and plein air painting. I will be demonstrating in pastel and acrylic, but painters in any medium are welcome. This session will be suitable for any level, beginner to advanced.
Spaces are limited, so contact me (rodgers.ruth@gmail.com) to reserve your spot soon!
I am excited to announce that my small beach painting Touch the Stars received the Terry Ludwig Second Prize at last Saturday's opening reception of the Pastel Artists Canada exhibition at Vancouver's Granville Island Federation of Canadian Artists Gallery. Juror Richard McKinley mentioned that the piece 'transcended the cliche of kids at the beach, and exhibited the characteristics of good design and mark-making' even though it is small. I was thrilled, and then even happier when the piece sold by the end of the reception, as well.
Appropriately, the prize associated with the award was a 90-piece set of Terry Ludwig pastels, colours selected by Richard McKinley! I can't wait to try them out when I'm back in the studio.
The PAC show continues to June 4th. Two more of my pieces are available at the show--and of course there are still many 'beach bits' available at the studio--browse the 'figures' section to see what's still on offer.
On Saturday April 29th, I again participated in the local Art Auction and Wine Tasting event, targeted at raising funds for the Rotary's good works. This is the second year I've been asked to be the 'live artist demo' and I had a lot of fun.
The venue this year was the brand new Gibsons Public Market building (they had their grand opening that same afternoon!) It's a beautiful building, created through a great deal of community support in terms of both funds and sweat equity, and it was great to see it hosting such a gala event.
I decided to challenge myself to do a large acrylic painting (2' x 4') in the 90 minutes I had available--quite a stretch! Instead of trying to work 'cold' from a photo, I chose a motif that I had previously done a small pastel of: a whimsical scene of blowing laundry. The photo was taken at the Hobbiton film set in Matamata New Zealand during our recent trip. I was utterly charmed by the attention to detail--little hobbit-sized clothes were arranged on rustic laundry lines outside many of the hobbit hole homes tucked into the hilly landscape. (Don't know what a hobbit is? Look up Tolkien's Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit!). Here's the original photo:
And here's the small pastel (it's 10" x 28.5").
A Hill to Dry On pastel on sanded paper, collection V. Nufer
I pre-gessoed the canvas in black, and sketched out the basic shapes with a yellow pencil crayon. After that, I simply dove in and went for it! The room became crowded, noisy and very warm! It became almost impossible to step back and view my progress from any distance, so I positioned my devoted husband halfway across the room and had him send me signals if I was going badly astray. As I painted, I chatted to the onlookers and handed out business cards by the handful. Time ticked on and then came the word--"Your painting is the next item to be auctioned!"
A few last minute flourishes, and I signed the piece, titling it "A Good Day to Dry". The winning bid came from Melanie Gibb, who expressed great satisfaction in obtaining the piece for her home.
Here we are with the finished painting:
It was again a fun and stimulating challenge, and I was glad to support the Rotary. See you at next year's event!
