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.