IN THE MIDST OF WINTER

While most of Canada is in the midst of a deep freeze in Jan 2018, I turn to the memory of warmer days in 2017. I took this beauty (among several others) at the garden of Angela Granic in Waterloo. The smiling dahlia exudes sunshine and warmth, so I call it 'Sun Dahlia'.

John B Miller & Friends Advent concerts 2017

Music has power to heal--I truly believe this. This past weekend, Bonnie and I were privileged to witness the power of sacred music performed by John B Miller & Friends at various churches in the KW area. A truly soulful and re-creating experience. Here are some photos I took at the concerts to give you a taste. For more dates in December go to John B Miller.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can"

Working on a card appropriate for the season to be entered in a contest at a local gallery, I decided to do something a bit unusual and provocative, not going with the expected light-hearted, wintery landscape or a scene evoking good cheer for the sake of being jolly. My intuition went to a recent scene that caught my attention while driving around Waterloo County (nearby Wallenstein and St. Clements) some of my favourite places to capture inspiring landscapes. I decided to make it monochrome to give it extra punch. In my mind this captures the spirit of the season, as we transition from fall to winter and for many around the world, whether religious or not, we seek sign posts that instill in our hearts hope and perseverance to embolden our spirits against stories and realities of doom, brokenness and despair. The words of Martin Luther King Jr came to me as I created this image: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can."

Only Love & Light Can

Autumnal beauty in Caledonia Ontario

What difference a year makes! I went looking for fall colours around Waterloo/Wellington counties in October and meandered through Caledonia. This scene caught my attention just driving into Orangeville on Hwy 10. Speaks to me about the cycle of life that Autumn denotes for me; huge contrast to the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows in the spectacular show of Fall colour around Hockley Valley one year ago. Mother Nature is full of surprises.

Autumnal beauty

Outside Orangeville ON

Autumn "Moods" of Wellesley Township (Waterloo County)

Moody set of 3 landscapes, taken in Wellesley Township in rural Waterloo County. Framed print available UpTown Gallery Waterloo.

"Moods" #2

"Moods #1"

"Moods #3"

Vintage Santa

A treasure of antiques, posters, old bicycles, and more hidden upstairs at Linwood General Store (Waterloo County), revealed during Open Doors Waterloo, including this pot belly stove with a jolly Santa poster in the background.

Framed print and cards available UpTown Gallery Waterloo.

"Vintage Santa"

 from Linwood General Store

Phoenix Rising

Rising from the ashes of personal turmoil, shared tragedy or misfortune, demands every fibre of our being, all our strength and courage, to persevere in the face of darkness and uncertainty.

Here's to the phoenix within us rising and soaring!

'Phoenix Rising' Nov 2017

Light up the Season at UpTown Gallery Waterloo

Moods #2, "Light up the Season"

Opening Reception, Sunday Nov 19, 2 to 5 pm.

Come meet the artists and discover what inspires them.

Win door prize, an original watercolour by Mary Guillaume (retiring this year) valued over $200!

Paula White Diamond Square Foot & Big Ideas Show

Fabulous holiday gift ideas: Square Foot pieces $225 and Big Ideas under $1500. Shop early for one of a kind items!

Standing Tall

$1000

36"x24" Canvas

Anemone

$225

12"x12" canvas

'For Gracie'

$225

12"x12" canvas

Elora Trees

$225

12"x12" canvas

KW Central Art Walk

Gorgeous weather setting the stage for magical tour of Kitchener Waterloo Central District neighbourhoods for 10th Year of KW Central Art Walk this weekend, Saturday, Oct 21 (10 to 5) and Sunday, Oct 22 (12 to 5). I will be sharing with 5 other creative local artists at Location G, 14 Braun St., Kitchener. Would love to see you there and chat!