I've developed a favourite new habit. My new go to mode of relaxation is to put some DIY fixer upper shows on television and block print flour sack clothes. Nerdy, I know. I think this must be my version of knitting or something. I love the ritual of making patterned motifs and listening to HGTV hosts bickering about throw cushions.

This last batch I finished almost two weeks ago and already more than half of them are off to new homes. If you are interested in knowing which ones are left, send me a message and I can give you the details on price, availability and shipping if needed. 

Vintage Pyrex is super challenging to paint, I've learned. This painting has stymied me for a while now, sitting on my easel while I've puttered away on some other projects. I have my easel set up in my studio so that I can see if from my living room chair. Usually this feels great as I get to think about my next steps in a piece while I have my morning coffee. This time, this painting haunted me each time I sat down to read. 

I think the challenge lies in the milky white interior. When the light is cast through it, there is a hint of the exterior colour that glows through and lights up the interior - part of what makes these dishes so classic and beautiful. Also, this has a lot to do with why they are so hard to paint! Normally this dish looks icy cold white on the inside, but in this arrangement, the interior shifts from the blue all the way to a glowing yellow. As usual, the pattern was the most fun to paint, and this particular one, Butterfly Gold, is where my title comes from. 

I feel very behind the scenes this past few weeks. I've been busy working on a couple of orders, writing proposals and getting all my paperwork in order for tax time. I'm ready to be posting some new work at the end of this week. I have to laugh sometimes because an artist is usually measured by their social media output and so when I slack off on putting fresh work up online, I feel like people think I'm probably busy reading romance novels or something! 

I have a couple of demonstrations and classes I am excited about in the next few weeks - all centered around linocut printmaking. I have a particular fondness for working with people who are new to a particular art form. The opportunity to empower someone to step out of their comfort zone and build a new skill (and work with sharp tools) gets me quite excited. These are usually my favorite kinds of classes to teach. 

March 24th - Visiting artist to the Cochrane Ranchehouse In conjunction with my show upstairs at the Ranchehouse, I will be set up in the main foyer with my tools and ink demonstrating printmaking from 1pm - 3pm. This is a beautiful location and I'm looking forward to sharing my art with the locals. Find out more here.

March 25th - Leighton Art Centre, Calgary Basic Linocut Printmaking This will be a one day workshop where beginner and intermediate students will be walked through cutting, inking and printing thier own linocut blocks. You can register here.

April 1st and 2nd - Kelowna Art Gallery Basic Linocut Printmaking This is a two day intensive workshop where we will explore all sorts of the possiblilites of linocut from craft to fine art. Class size is limited so registering soon is recommended, You can do that here.

Looking forward to getting out of the studio in the next few weeks. I'll also be posting some new work in the coming days so stay tuned!