Fall…a time to slow down and absorb

I hope this fall season finds you well and energized. I’m enjoying the beautiful weather we’ve been having and the vibrant colours of the fall leaves against the blue skies. Nature is quite amazing. I hope you find your own inspiration and solace walking in nature like I do.

I am finding the need to slow down right now. I think I am one of those people who needs to hibernate like bears do, but since I can’t curl up for six months, I am taking time to step back from frenetic activity. I am hiding away in my studio, making some progress on paintings and playing with old techniques and tools, without the pressure to produce for a show. Like many other artists, I am a little introverted and need quiet time alone to find and funnel my creativity into the world.  In my home life this is translating into time to clean out closets and cook nourishing meals.

Last night I was fortunate to attend the opening night of Art Toronto. At the Toronto Convention Centre you will find a wide variety of art all in one place. Something for everyone, and the attendees are as interesting as the art.

I most enjoyed seeing Harold Town’s original work. He was a member of Painters 11, a group of Canadian abstract expressionist painters active at the same time as the New York abstract expressionists. I have long been a fan of this group and this style. His paintings are so powerful and so contemporary in their colours even though they were painted in the 50s and 60s. I was also inspired by the diversity of his work and his mediums. This art exhibit has encouraged me to keep exploring and making work that doesn’t all look the same. If you can, I would encourage you to go this weekend to Art Toronto.

Studio in the Woods - A Dream Fulfilled

I think it was almost two years ago that I started to think about building a small place for me to paint while I was at the cottage. I started out in the garage and I also built a little outdoor platform so I could work outside. I hate being indoors on nice days. But, I always had to move my things to make way for cars and other inconveniences like that. And the garage wasn’t heated in the winter. I started looking into small 10x10 bunkies. But, then I learned I was allowed to build a bigger building. That began the process of finding a site and making sure it was all legal, figuring out a design and choosing a person or company to help me build it.

I have been showing photos of the work in progress, and it is an amazing building that has finally come to be, but this story is mostly about having the courage and belief in yourself to move forward on a project that seems a little crazy and like a gift to myself. Learning that it is OK to go after your dreams even if they don’t make financial sense, has been hard for me. I’m used to putting others’ needs first and to making do. It also means believing that making art is something that I need to do and that it is worthwhile for the joy it can bring to others as well as myself. Many people think of art is thought of as a luxury. And I probably adhere to that view to some degree. But, as with a bouquet of flowers, or a new coat of paint, or a special pillow or blanket, art can bring comfort and enjoyment every day to your life. Having things that speak to you and that you love, is what creates your home, your space. I’ve used that message as part of my slogan - Art that Defines You. I believe people are drawn to the art that resonates with something inside of them. So, this new studio is my space to create good things, and hopefully share them with you. I am very lucky, and I appreciate that I’ve had this wonderful opportunity to fulfill a dream.

I have put together a video of the studio being built as many of you have shown an interest in the building itself. In September 2021, the construction began on my studio and bunkie at my cottage in Muskoka. It was envisioned by myself and my contractor Yuill McGregor of North on Sixty and Yuillbuilt. I had met him when my husband decided to buy a desk made with "live edge" wood from Yuill's mill. I also visited the laneway house he had built behind his Toronto home. That design, his attention to details, the wood finishes, and the functional extras sold me on his work. The project has had its moments being built during COVID with supply chain issues, labour shortages and during a Muskoka winter. And it has been a labour of blood, sweat and tears with many craftsmen contributing to the outcome. The video is a behind the scenes look at some of the construction and the finished product. I’m glad I was part of this challenging process. The video can be found on my website under Media Clips.

Studio in the Woods Begins

I am very excited to see my studio taking shape finally. I’ve been planning this for over a year now. I’ve been impatient to get started at times. But, as with most good things in life, a little patience is helpful. The more you push to get something, the longer it usually takes. This is a lesson I’ve been resisting, but am coming to realize I must learn it.

At the moment, my driveway is dug up. I’m kind of living in a castle with a moat around it. The lake is on one side, and there’s a trench on the other. I don’t go out much. You might call it hunkering down. Living at the cottage without a car (my son drives to work so I’m home and carless during the day), has taught me to slow down even further than I did during the COVID lockdown. Pre-COVID I was always busy, running around, doing errands, going to meetings, feeling I must do things to feel productive. COVID, and now, living in Muskoka, has helped me to be more present and observant. I’m less of a doer. It seems that my doing self, was avoiding my inner self.

Some of this self focus is a little uncomfortable. But, there is also less stress from all that busyness and doing. If you follow me on facebook or instagram, you’ve probably seen my many photos of plants, mushrooms, and landscape photos from Muskoka. You might have watched a “crazy” video of me using a toilet brush to create a painting. These are the gifts I’ve experienced during my “down time” being up north.

I very much appreciate that I have been given the gift of time to spend on my art and to just BE with myself. If this is one of the outcomes of waiting for my studio/bunkie and watching it take shape, then it is definitely worth the wait.

Take care. Hope you have an opportunity today to be with yourself, really see the world around you and have some time to be creative. Oh, and definitely, to have some fun. Check out my IG video if you want a laugh.

Riverdale Artwalk August 20-Sept 3

I turned 65 yesterday, a milestone I’m told. I have a good life. I live in a neighbourhood where I feel connected and valued, I have three sons who are making their way in the world, I have good friends and family and I have some great nieces and nephews I get to watch as they grow and develop. And, I have a passion for painting that I have been able to develop in the last few years. I am lucky to have so many good things in life.

I would like to invite you to join me, to celebrate your own milestones and good fortune. See me in my Booth #39 (I think a number that is 3 x 13 is probably a lucky number) this Saturday and Sunday. I would like to share this passion of mine with you. You will also be able to see the work of 70 other artists who will be so happy to share their work with you. It has been a long time since we have been able to meet outdoors and present our work. Everyone is beyond excited to finally show what they have been working on, mostly in isolation.

I hope you are able to come and share in that joy, optimism and the beauty of an eclectic, talented group of creators.

Cherie Daly Art

International Women's Day - March 8, 2021

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. In support of this message, I would like to celebrate all women, and particularly my mom, Joyce Daly, as well as all the other women who have gone before us.

Mom with Ember

This year the theme for International Women’s Day is #ChoosetoChallenge inequality. Although my mom probably never thought of herself as a feminist, nor was she out to change the world by breaking glass ceilings, I knew her as a strong woman who did her best given the expectations of that time. She valued her education, was excellent at her job, chose to stay home with her children and make a home for her family.

And she rocked that role. She was efficient and enjoyed her “job”. She also was a take charge person, learning to paint the house, to fix things and to play bridge. She was creative, sewing curtains and clothes, trying new recipes, doing needlepoint and knitting. She confronted challenges too, having to move away from family to a new place and managing to budget on only one income. I appreciate her strength and and caring. I am proud that she taught me not to be afraid to express yourself for who you are.

Women are moving into bigger and bigger roles in society, taking their rightful places. But, I value every woman I’ve met, as they have all managed challenges, learned to find their voice and express it, managed to juggle family responsibilities and their own aspirations, and many have become entrepreneurs as their children have grown. To all the strong women I have met and learned from, I wish you a splendid day of celebration.

The Blank Slate of a New Year

Applying Gesso to Canvas

Starting off fresh. I don’t know if you can tell or not, but I’m pretty excited here. There’s nothing like a fresh coat of gesso on a raw canvas to get you excited about all the possibilities of a new painting. Do new starts get you excited? All the potential of something new is magical.

My son wants to have some of my work. And since he lives in London, UK, it seems that the most sensible thing to do is paint on canvas, roll it up and mail it to him. Otherwise, the shipping costs can be pretty high. So, here I am, getting the canvas ready and thinking about what colors or design might work best in his new place. Will he like it? There is anxiety but also possibility.

I moved back into my studio this week, after an extended time off for the holidays and some time spent up at my cottage surrounded by snow and nature. I don’t know about you, but it takes me a while to transition from one place to another. I have to get comfortable all over again. I have to figure out where things are and get my head into the process again. So I spent a couple hours readying myself, stapling up canvas, organizing my tools and paints before I could even get going. I think I need this time for my mind to sort out where to start and to convince myself that I can do it. Every time you come to a blank slate, it’s a bit daunting. It’s like you’ve never painted before. The imposter syndrome kicks in. You have to push yourself past the insecurities and just get started.

I also wanted to set some goals or some intentions for what to create this year and what to aim for. Just as with personal new year’s resolutions, I need to have some professional ones. I am thinking about a show that I will be in with three other artists in March. I would like to have a series of work to show there. This got me thinking that I need to buy some new surfaces that are similar in size. So off I went on Friday, to the very capable carpenters at Day and Night Woodworking to buy some wooden panels in square sizes. Luckily they allow for personal pick up. So now, I have quite a few new surfaces to fill. It turns out, I also need to order some more paint. COVID rules make this tricky. You need to plan ahead more. Online ordering, wait, then go and pick them up. It can be frustrating, but at least places are operating. I am thankful for this.

Each decision made feels like I’m making progress. My head is actually swimming with ideas. Hopefully, I can calm down and focus and bring forth some new work that I will be happy with. Here’s to a productive new year. Thanks for being part of it.

See the short video below:

New beginnings - What does fall bring for you?

September feels more like the start of the year than January does to me. Memories of a new year at school and the excitement that brings flood in. Each fall, I usually set up a new schedule of my own activities and art classes. I bustle about, almost as excited as the kids. I often set new goals to improve my cooking and to be more adventurous.

This year, is different, but not necessarily in a bad way. Although, there is anxiety as we return to work and school and some of our old activities, there seems to be hope as well. The pandemic is not so new any longer. We’ve adjusted somewhat. We think we know how to manage the risks.

For me, classes are now online and my activities are much reduced. Over the summer, I learned to enjoy a less busy life. I was forced to rely on myself more and to spend more time working alone on my art, without fellow artists to critique and support me. I have been used to working with groups of people, and for me, this was daunting and also freeing. I was able to work from my garage at the cottage, and develop my own routine. Although, it always seems to take me a while to get started on my work, , I seemed to get a lot done, once I settled into my space and my routine.

My art became my purpose and my job and I gave it more of myself. I was surprised at how hours could go by and I forgot to even snack or take a break. I think this is what flow is, and I am grateful to have found it, for a while.

Returning to the City, life seemed to get messy again, more interruptions and distractions and responsibilities crept back in. Now I know that I need to keep that sense of purpose and calmness in my life, whether I’m at home or at the cottage, not just for my art, but also for it.

My cousin posted on Facebook after her summer holiday, “Back to reality!” But, why does our daily life have to be so different than when we are on holiday? Can’t we bring a bit of the holiday attitude back to our daily goings on? Can we simplify? Slow down? Focus on what’s important?

COVID-19 has really put the brakes on many of my old habits and activities. But, it has opened more opportunities with my art work. I did my first commission this summer, which I found daunting but also rewarding. I’ve made a few sales, mostly to friends, and I’ve learned to breathe and let my work develop on its own.

I’ve looked at the work of other artists whom I admire and also at their philosophies. My peers, whom I relate to, also find that ideas come from all around you in daily life, not just in the studio. Ideas take time to gel. Rushing or forcing doesn’t work. Experimenting and pushing your limits is how you learn and get better. I find that I learn a lot about life, through living with and making my art. The lessons are very transferable to the rest of our lives.

I am now in a different rhythm, thanks to the pandemic, and it suits me better than the old one. I hope you have found your own way to adapt and have lessons you can take away from this time, and forward into this new season.

Ch-ch-ch-ch- changes..........So many coming at us. What will be next?

Turbulence is life force. It is opportunity. Let's love turbulence and use it for change. Ramsay Clark, civil rights lawyer

COVID-19 has forced us all to change, like the title of my favorite David Bowie song. Most of us don’t like change, but we know it is inevitable. We are all going through “unprecedented” and unplanned changes that came on us abruptly. We weren’t prepared. We’ve had to adapt. And it has taken some time; it’s been a grieving process for many.

However, some of those changes are probably good in the long run. For myself, I have slowed down, a lot. I’m taking my time to do things. Creativity takes time, and so many of us seem to be taking up creative pursuits now that we have the gift of time. In another vein, my neighbors’ kids are thoroughly enjoying their freedom. There are bikes and scooters strewn over lawns and happy little voices along with the birds chirping. They are now allowed outside and are creating their own games. It reminds me of when I was a kid — a long time ago. Drive-in movies are also back in style. We seem to be regressing, but in a good way.

Ready, set, hop scotch.

I’ve had more time to reflect on what is important and how to protect my “creative” time from interruptions. I find I need to spend time warming up and then getting into a flow. Then my creativity is allowed to come. I used to spend days rushing around doing errands and could not find more than three hours a couple days a week to focus on my art and my art business. I am trying to be more disciplined about how I choose to spend my time. But, I also want time to connect with friends, to walk my dogs and to observe life around me with more attention. As the yogis say, “To be present”.

I have been reading a book that seems quite appropriate for our situation, “World Enough & Time on Creativity and Slowing Down”, by Christian McEwen. She believes we can have a “rich sufficiency of time”, but we have to choose what to let go of. I’m hoping it will help me with my priorities and keep my focus on my art.

Mannequins dressed in fine 1940's-style attire were already theatrically staged Thursday at The Inn at Little Washington, tucked in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains about 90 minutes west of Washington, D.C.

I enjoy hearing about all the novel ways that businesses are finding to cope. Most are moving their stores online and offering free delivery. One restaurant is putting mannequins in seats to separate customers and to create an atmosphere. This sounds kind of fun. The pandemic seems to have spawned a lot of creative and positive forces.

Another change I will be going through is the move of my studio. Unfortunately, a rent increase has resulted in the closing of the Akin collective that I’ve been a part of. This is sad and another change I have to accept. But, perhaps, it is also a new opportunity. I will be joining Nanci Miranda’s Studio 360 and hope to keep creating and building a new partnership.

I hope you are all able to work through your own challenges and changes during this time. And that you are able to look for the silver linings.

You can click on the photo to take you to some small work I have for sale. I also have joined the #Artistsupportpledge and have two paintings on sale through them.

Smalls

How are we all feeling?

Hi friends:

i know I am very fortunate. My three sons are still working and we are all safe and comfortable.   I am lucky to be able to spend some time with my youngest son who is home from New York City. But, I am still feeling a little low.

I started out feeling pretty good about the extra time at home, as my days were filled catching up on household chores, joining online art and yoga classes, and having coffee meetups. I was able to get some structure into my weeks and feel that I was accomplishing something. I could order art supplies and books online. I could read more. I could relax in the evenings.

But, it has gotten harder as the days seem repetitive. How about you? How are you getting through it?

Although there have been many silver linings, like seeing my son practice yoga and show off his abilities in the kitchen. More time to practice my art and experiment. Just to have “time”, instead of constantly feeling rushed. But, it is harder to get going some mornings as one day feels much like the next. Do I need some stress in my life to feel motivated?

I listened to a short video today from Yannick Bisson, of Murdoch Mysteries. (Yes, I am a fan) He was saying he felt a little down today, and just felt like saying it. I could relate. Maybe you can too.

I hope you are finding joy in your days. I do appreciate the time to practice my art - and to treat it more as an occupation. I have spent many hours playing in the home studio/laundry room/bedroom. Time spent just on my own, trying new things, wrestling with my own harsh judgement and trying to stay open and loose. I find the process helps me to learn more about myself. I have to learn to let go of the outcome, learn to enjoy the process. Maybe that’s what COVID-19 is teaching us too. Since we can’t control it. We need to stop fighting against it and see what we can learn about ourselves.

I hope you are not being too hard on yourself and that you are taking time to observe the small changes in nature, as spring inevitably comes. I do take comfort from the fact that the world has not stopped. The cycle of life continues, in spite of COVID-19. Keep up the good work. Take care of yourself. Know that you are enough. And it is OK to have some sad moments. This too shall pass. I would love to hear how you are feeling and coping.

Little experiments

Keeping busy during COVID-19

Kaleidoscope Collection in Arabella Online Publication

I am very excited to be able to share my work in this online publication with such wonderful artists. Please enjoy all the work here.

https://mydigitalpublication.com/view/arabella-inc/arabella-magazine/arabella-special-magazine-kaleidoscope-i