Home ::: Being an Artist
thoughts on the day
Some days my body feels old from pain and insomnia though in my mind I'm still young and beautiful. Some days melancholia may touch me like softly fluttering wings as I remember many loved ones no longer here. On... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 11, 2010
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she sees shells
like an explorer of new lands with a new eye, a new lens finding exciting textures to inspire her inner printmaker ... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 8, 2010
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more spring blooms
Bewitched by a bank of golden witch hazels Captivated by the scent of viburnum bodnantense Delighted by the humble English lawn daisy ... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 6, 2010
six years
I almost forgot! Today is the sixth anniversary of this blog! Thinking back to when I began, I would not have believed this would become such an important part of my life, and how many wonderful connections... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 1, 2010
Get Out
Go here to see this fabulous award-winning short animation film with a stunning surprise ending. You will enjoy it! Found at Chris Tyrell's Blog. This gives me the opportunity to mention that Chris Tyrell is a well-known arts advocate... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 31, 2010
by the Fraser River estuary
Yesterday afternoon was one of sad goodbyes as we saw our daughter and granddaughters to the airport for their flight back home to London. Husband took the afternoon off work too, so we could do a little exploring... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 30, 2010
transitions, again
It's been some time since I've shared what I've been doing in the printmaking studio. I wrote about transitions last September, now I feel as if I'm again in that state of mind. In the fall I created and... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 25, 2010
macros: January garden
Thank you all for the comments and conversation on my last post about my efforts on learning macro photography. Above are the photos I took that same day outdoors in our garden using the... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 20, 2010
on macro photography
As I've mentioned previously, this new year I've been learning how to do macro photography with our DSLR camera, first with a zoom-macro lens, then with extension tubes. So far I've been happiest with a single 36 mm... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 17, 2010
scanning fun
One day in the kitchen just after the holidays, I had the sudden urge to scan something that was on its way into the garbage. Here are a few of the images I captured. I bet... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 13, 2010
branching out
practicing with the new camera lens, still on a steep learning curve... ... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 8, 2010
sunrise
Nature in her gaudiest dress made a sudden dramatic though brief appearance on the world's stage this morning. Hastily snapped between 7:48 and 7:55 a.m. at the front door as I was leaving the house and then standing at... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 7, 2010
after the rains (2)
Ever since I remember, I've been captivated by little burbly creeks, especially when they seem to appear where none were before, by the water dancing over rocks and soil, urgently, ever forward, downwards, forming little waterfalls, emerging out of... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 4, 2010
happy winterfest
Happy Christmas, Hauskaa Joulua, Frohe Weihnachten, Joyeux Noël, God Jul or Blessed Midwinter! Wishing all of you a joyful holiday, full of cheer with those who are dear, as well as some quiet moments for gratitude and peace. Many... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 22, 2009
'Tis the shortest day
and the longest night for us in the northern hemisphere. It's a very dark and rainy day here in Vancouver starting strangely at an unseasonal high of 10C (50 F) and to drop down to 5C (41F) this afternoon. But... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 21, 2009
in the woods
Today's walk in weak sunshine, to clear sugar-overload-cobwebs from my mind. Here, balmy almost spring-like air, while there's snow elsewhere. Vivid green moss on tree trunks, ferns decorating them and forest floor. Fallen trees from past storms quickly returning to... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 19, 2009
frost ferns
7:30 a.m. this morning, on the solarium skylights then later a little playing with photoshop.... compare with frost fractals and first frost... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 4, 2009
November's end
As usual here on the 'wetcoast', November has been very rainy and often very windy, with above average precipitation but maybe not quite record-breaking except for early snow on the mountains. Some days the darkness has felt a bit... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 30, 2009
bursting
I slept deeply after the 'night scribblings' and woke up late and refreshed. The creative binge of ideas and energy continued all weekend. I wonder what I ate or drank or what phase of moon affected me so strongly... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 16, 2009
night scribblings
above: a note to myself, scribbled at 1:00 am, Saturday November 14th, 2009. Below is the unedited text beach, west coast sound of waves as I drift to sleep misty - then between dream back to awake images of... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 14, 2009
on this day
This morning in the printmaking studio was somewhat frustrating for me. Lucy, our trusty and faithful wide-format printer was not happy. I've been trying to print a trial proof of a template image for my... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 4, 2009
more Hornby rocks
a few more photos of Hornby Island's rocks a busy week but in a good way, despite continuing insomnia fall gardening, housework and much art making a most heartwarming time with a friend here for dinner... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 23, 2009
transitions
Detail of a totem in Thunderbird Park, Victoria Though there have been many exhilarating days, I've often been feeling exhausted this month due to sleeping poorly. I realize that's because I'm going through a time of transition in many... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 26, 2009
island hopping
Last weekend we finally, after many years since, revisited Hornby Island, one of our favourite places on BC's west coast. Creating our own five-day long weekend beginning Friday morning (August 28th) we caught the ferry from Horseshoe... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 6, 2009
August 12th
Today I'm struggling to write about an artist exhibition I saw in London three months ago - oh, that long ago, no wonder! My mind wanders about as I read about the artist and visit some blogs. This one... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 12, 2009
London: blogger meetups
(left to right: Jean, Lady Penelope, yours truly, Stuart, Natalie and Dick) I was very excited to meet a few blogger friends while visiting the UK. The very first meeting, only two days after arriving in London, was with... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 2, 2009
home again
My apologies for being so silent for the past month, even now that we are at home after our three-and-a-half-week trip to the UK and Paris. My good intentions of blogging frequently did not happen and I often... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 25, 2009
travel update
Time for a quick travel update while we're having a much-needed restful pause here in London at our daughter's home. We've seen and experienced so much around here as well as trips to Birmingham, Brighton, Tunbridge Wells and several... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 9, 2009
travel bug
Oh, I've had no time to blog! Instead I've been: - printing itinerary, packing lists, maps, addresses - transferring some of my files to husband's MacBook so that I can keep 'connected' - shopping for gifts, special requests,... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 24, 2009
mossy twists
Feeling a bit twisted by busy-ness, yet mossy when idled by exhaustion.... I've so much to write, particularly about a fantastic art exhibition by a favourite artist that we saw on the weekend, and a wonderful walk, and about... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 16, 2009
spring and birthdays
'Tis the first day of spring and I'm longing for the weather to match! A very cold winter not easing up for spring means this year the garden is unusually late for normally balmy Vancouver. Blame the depressing weather if... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 20, 2009
talk on creativity
You must watch this amazing video at TED. Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses -- and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person "being" a genius, all of us "have"... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 19, 2009
five years
Is it a sign of age that one begins to momentarily forget how old one is or how long one's been married? I sometimes have to go back to my birth or wedding date and count from... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 1, 2009
Lael's Winter Story 2008
Once again, we wish to share our pride and delight with what has become an annual tradition: a gift from our now eight-year old granddaughter and her family, Lael's Winter Story 2008. Lael made up the story and... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 26, 2008
broken glass
decorated the tree this evening another glass ornament fell to pieces first decorations from our first Christmas becoming fewer each year... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 16, 2008
winter garden
This beauty is from my indoor collection of plants, a zygocactus I think. Taking advantage of a spot of sunshine this afternoon, I wandered about outside in my garden, clipping red berried branches, fragrant cedar and shiny green ivy... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 4, 2008
wings
Allow me a little self-congratulatory pat on the back - qarrtsiluni has my photo Wings up! And I'm told that this is my tenth publication in it, and that you can see all of them here. qarrtsiluni's current... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 21, 2008
fog, frost and sun
Thick fog all night and this morning, then sudden brilliance magnified by mirroring water. Rising light reveals season's first frost on cold glass. Capture it quickly before sun's melting touch! Long low golden light... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 19, 2008
fairy happy birthday
We've just had a delightful iChat (video chat) with our youngest granddaughter Niamh on her third birthday. She opened her birthday presents in front of us, then promptly began to paint with the watercolours and paper we gave... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 16, 2008
motivation
I felt really happy this fall with the progress on my art work, with ARKEO #4 and #5. However this month my artmaking has suddenly stalled, as have fall garden cleanup and long walks, and it's not just... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 15, 2008
walk in the park
Another glorious fall day today! A walk in the park was absolutely essential. It was amazing how many leaves were covering the paths and they were delightfully dry and rustling underfoot. So often they are soggy and... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 26, 2008
golden
Our October days have been alternating between warm and sunny with crisp nights or cool and rainy. Today was a golden day with a clear blue sky. As I was driving home from the studio, I felt... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 22, 2008
moving on
Well, the elections are over, for better or worse, here in Canada. Harper and the Tories won, but thankfully only another minority government. What for, at such great expense, and for how long? And why such a record low voter turnout? So, more of the same old, same old.
Life goes on. This morning I was back in the studio...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on October 15, 2008
Arts funding cuts
UPDATE Oct.7th: Margaret Atwood answers questions on the election at Globe & Mail. Gotta love her!
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Posted by Marja-Leena on October 2, 2008
hands, still
I keep thinking a lot about hands and what they do. Hunt, plant, gather and eat food. Cook, clean, sew, build. Touch, hold, caress, massage, love. Hold tools to make, write, create, play. And print and paint hands on rock walls...........
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Posted by Marja-Leena on September 22, 2008
splendid September
(scan of maple leaf found in old telephone book) After a very wet and cool second-half-of-August, we have had non-stop sunny days, and hot ones this week too! I love the contrasts of the cooler nights and... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 15, 2008
poetry postcards
I'm delighted to share with you that Tom Montag and I have had our collaboration Blue accepted and up at Postal Poetry, an exciting new site for individually and collaboratively created poetry postcards. Tom has already expressed his... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 1, 2008
ARKEO series
My latest completed work may now be viewed in my gallery - please have a look at ARKEO.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on August 26, 2008
delinquent
As I mentioned before, I have been catching up with some printmaking the past two weeks. I completed the two editions as planned, then documented and photographed them. I have yet to process the images and post them... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 19, 2008
busy busy
This first week of August has been a busy one for me with three days spent in the printmaking studio. I signed up for two weeks of summer access in order to complete two editions, of which I'd... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 8, 2008
an English-Finnish dictionary
an immigrant's tool, an almost-bible, a book of days...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on July 29, 2008
a scan test
#1. Originally scanned at 300 dpi. #2. Originally scanned at 600 dpi. My last post on scanning certainly piqued the interest of several readers! I look forward to seeing the results of your play, everyone! Barrett tried it out... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 19, 2008
3D scanning techniques
I love how blogging can foster some interesting conversations and connections, and sometimes give food for more blogging material. A few weeks ago, British blogger Barrett Bonden of Works Well expressed interest in the equipment I use in... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 16, 2008
Friday July 4th
I'm still very busy in the domestic front these days, alternating between gardening outdoors and purging indoors. My studio is looking less like a hurricane hit it, but I can't speak yet for the areas where the returning family... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 4, 2008
purge or save?
As I mentioned in the previous post, I'm going through some major shifting and sifting of stuff in our house. One area of purges is through my very old issues of art magazines, mostly from the 90's and a... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 30, 2008
inside
Buried deep inside blowsy peony petals, like the parts of a heart...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 26, 2008
June garden
Still working much too hard in the garden. Here are a few images of what's lovely today, a drizzly day and a relief after yesterday's heat. How does your garden grow? Addendum June 18th: Leslee... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 17, 2008
June beginnings
....busy preparing some of my work to put into an exhibit shared with an artist friend, making decisions on which of my already framed works to choose, updating....
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 4, 2008
time for play
Alternating between gardening and utter exhaustion these May days, I've not being doing anything in the art-making side of my life. Interrupted by showers in sunshine this afternoon, I had time to play! Wanting to try making... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 26, 2008
my 'gallery'
I'm excited and happy to announce my slide show gallery of print works is finally online.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on May 14, 2008
Robert Rauschenberg 1925-2008
I've just learned that one of my favourite contemporary artists has died at 82: Robert Rauschenberg. The New York Times has a very good obituary on him. In case you cannot get past the registration wall that it may... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 13, 2008
mothers
Remembering my mother this Mother's Day and Äitienpäivä, here in Canada and in Finland, US and a few other countries. I still miss her almost every day even after 20 years since her passing. On this sunny afternoon, I'm... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 11, 2008
artsy afternoon
Whenever I have to take the car over town somewhere, I usually try to do several things on that journey, to maximize pleasure over pain, for I dislike driving in Vancouver's crazy traffic, and then there's the cost of gas.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 8, 2008
sanding disk
Boogie Street's Mr Zip, an artist and blog pal in the UK, wrote this on my previous post called rust circle: Lovely piece of metal, and I can understand why you've kept it for so long. When at university... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 12, 2008
Color (Colour) Chart
Virtual armchair traveller that I am, I appreciate it when art museums provide online exhibitions. I've just had a wander through one of MOMA's current exhibitions Color Chart - Reinventing Color 1950 to today. Interesting curatorial theme... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 27, 2008
Sunday afternoon in Burnaby
Yesterday we headed out to Burnaby (a city next to Vancouver) and the Scandinavian Centre where we enjoyed a recital of songs sung in Finnish, Swedish and Italian by a beautiful, rising talent, Finnish-American singer Maria Männistö. Here's the announcement... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 17, 2008
prickly
Busy with my art work this week but tired and jet-lagged, I must say that I dislike daylight saving time! Tell me again what we are saving. ... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 13, 2008
printing hands
Last November I wrote about a work in progress, a print combining digital printing and a collagraph. Have a look at that image and compare it to what follows below. My photos are not good but serve to illustrate the...
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 25, 2008
paper hearts
I made these for my loved ones, and also wish to share them with far-away family and friends, including all of you dear blog-friends and readers in honour of Friendship Day! Have a sweet day! Hauskaa Ystävänpäivää! And,... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 14, 2008
birthday meditations
These photos of me taken by my husband last week on our westcoast retreat capture my mood these days, a mood of reflection and meditation
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Posted by Marja-Leena on February 11, 2008
winter journeys
Husband and I have been planning a trip to our favourite place near the Pacific Rim National Forest Reserve, on the western edge of Vancouver Island near Tofino. We call it our 'treat and retreat'. I've written of past... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 8, 2008
ice and snow
a weekend of snow, rain, ice and snow again
so beautiful and bright
and more snow coming tonight!
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 28, 2008
sepia memories
Meandering thoughts inspired by Jean's sepia photos
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Posted by Marja-Leena on January 22, 2008
on the road
during today's walk....
more...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on January 18, 2008
muse-ings
Ach, these dark days of a west coast January, you give me a wee bit o' doldrums or SAD? Many ideas and images are there, only lacking the creative desire to pull them together. Where is my muse?... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 17, 2008
winter afternoon
At the mouth of the Capilano River at Ambleside Park, West Vancouver, 4:00 pm Today seemed to be the first day this year without rain, though I haven't kept any notes on it. It's been incredibly wet, normal winter... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 13, 2008
an artist's brain
I have a messy habit of bookmarking anything and everything that interests and excites me. Soon I have so much on my computer that it all gets rather lost, like piles of papers. Once in a while I sift... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 9, 2008
old year, new year
On this last day of 2007, I feel some sadness in saying goodbye to another year. Changing the annual calendars is such an adrupt marker of the passage of time and of aging, inducing a twinge of melancholy... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 31, 2007
Boxing Day walk
Reminisces...
two lovely days with dear friends
hours of chatting, eating, laughing
long walks in our neighbourhood
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 28, 2007
winter story 2007
Our granddaughter Lael's annual Winter Story has become her family's traditional Christmas greeting to all their family and friends. As always, Lael (now 7 years) does the delightful drawings and tells the story. Her father creates them into... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 25, 2007
to light
Tonight or very early tomorrow, here on the west coast of North America, it's the winter solstice, the longest night of the year....
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Posted by Marja-Leena on December 21, 2007
Looking back: Jule favourites
Deep in the archives of three years ago is this favourite Christmas season post of mine and reposted here almost fully: My favourite things about Christmas are the things that appeal to the romantic and the child in me.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 16, 2007
Looking back: Lucia's Day
I am finding that one of the downsides of being a blogger for more than two or three years is that I feel that more and more I begin to repeat myself. Yet, readers come and go though there are... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 13, 2007
busy winter days
- a weekend trip to Vancouver Island with our daughters and grand-daughters - a happy meeting of friends on the ferry, we of three generations each - a lovely memorial/celebration of the life of my dear uncle - the... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 11, 2007
a snowy weekend
The first and second days of December brought us the first major snowfall of this winter thanks to a cold front from the Yukon. The brightness and whiteness was lovely while it lasted, putting us into the Christmas... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 2, 2007
goodbye, Uncle T
Yesterday, my cousin A phoned to let us know that her father, my uncle on my mother's side, passed away. He'd turned 84 only a week earlier, so T lived a long life. A good man, T was my... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 28, 2007
the morning after
Some areas of southwest British Columbia had their first snowfall of the season late yesterday! No snow in our area though, sadly....
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Posted by Marja-Leena on November 27, 2007
this past week
sunny, crisp cold days
sparkling frosty nights
brilliant blue moon
foggy mornings
(...more...)
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 24, 2007
a stimulating weekend
On Friday, November 16th, our youngest grand-daugther had her second birthday. November 16th is a significant date for me and as this blog is kind of a diary as well, I enjoyed looking up past posts on this date.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 19, 2007
at the symphony
When our granddaughter Lael recently celebrated her 7th birthday, we gave her tickets to go with us to the symphony. Because Lael is taking violin lessons, we chose a Russian Classics concert by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 14, 2007
silhouettes
a walk in the park
chasing clouds, dancing light
light and shadow, black and white
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 10, 2007
mushrooms in grass
Abundance in our backyard. Are they edible? Working hard in the studio, no energy left for words.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 8, 2007
leaves on glass
stained glass of rusty red and yellow
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Posted by Marja-Leena on November 7, 2007
ship in the fog
Spooky sights lingering after last week's witching
Thick morning fog parting, revealing...
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 5, 2007
work in progress
Like many artists, I don't usually like to show my work before it is finished. Perhaps it's the blog medium and the interest of you faithful readers that has made me more willing to show-and-tell some of my work... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 3, 2007
frights and feasts
As you are out tonight chasing ghosts and goblins, watch out for what may be underfoot.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on October 31, 2007
more witchiness
Thinking about witchy trees has been making me see even witchy seeds.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on October 28, 2007
witchy trees
Come, my dearies, for a tour of my woods See, here is the witches' castle Meet Witch Hazel and Witch Rowana Here's Raven There's our resident treehugger witch.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 25, 2007
sonnenstein, sunstone
...With ancient sonnenstein, beseech the sun's return
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Posted by Marja-Leena on October 20, 2007
another hand
Some readers may remember some of the collagraphs of my hands that I made earlier this year for an edition of one of the pieces in the series Silent Messengers: Writing-on-Stone. I'm now working on some new pieces and... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 17, 2007
the artist and the environment
I've been thinking about what I could contribute to the world wide discussion raised today with Blog Action Day. I decided to talk about my behaviour as an artist as well as a homemaker. As an artist concerned for... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 15, 2007
spider's web
On this glorious sunny Sunday morning, all the more precious when sunshine has been so scarce this fall, I spotted a very delicate, very perfect silky spider's web outside one window. I asked my husband, a much better photographer... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 14, 2007
still life
Now that the hard work (cooking, cleaning and tree pruning) and the pleasures of much good food and family time of the Thanksgiving weekend are over, I'm trying to re-immerse myself in my new work. It's still too soon... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 9, 2007
a letter to a friend
Recently Beth wrote about e-mail being the death of letters, resulting in a loss of permanent records for posterity. It came to mind this morning while I was emailing a friend in a more than usual chatty fashion. I... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 4, 2007
fog and fall
The fog comes on little cat feet. It sits looking over harbour and city on silent haunches and then moves on. "Fog" - Carl Sandburg... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 27, 2007
forest in our backyard
About two weeks ago, I made a long overdue first visit with some of my family (who'd been there before) to the very popular, though awkwardly named Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve located in the North Shore mountains behind... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 25, 2007
a busy week
After a coolish beginning to September, we've been enjoying glorious warm sunny days, sometimes even as hot as 27C (80F). Last Saturday I spent one long day outdoors doing garden chores. On Sunday, we met a daughter and... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 12, 2007
giant datura
We have a spot next to the front door where we keep a planter of seasonal flowers. This past spring we bought a tall blue glazed ceramic pot to replace the ancient rotting wood one. Filling the tall... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 7, 2007
Making an Impression
I'm very pleased to announce that I'm participating in 'Making an Impression: Invitational Printmaking Exhibition' at the Ferry Building Gallery
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Posted by Marja-Leena on September 4, 2007
rock-flipping
Today, thinking about finding some rocks to flip for the International Rock-Flipping Day, we thought the beach might offer up some interesting possibilities. So we checked the tide tables - low tide at 4:00 pm. We headed out... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 2, 2007
summer's end
In these last days of August, I'm feeling lazy and lingering, almost as if I'm holding on to summer a little bit longer.... PS.Tomorrow is International Rock-Flipping Day!
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Posted by Marja-Leena on August 30, 2007
creative license vs. copyright law
Vancouver artist collides with Olympic and Paralympics copyright act
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Posted by Marja-Leena on August 17, 2007
Writing-on-Stone Park
This morning, I was very excited by an article in our newspaper about Writing-on-Stone Park in Alberta, a very important place for me, spiritually and artistically. Unfortunately, the online version does not include the photos of some of... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 14, 2007
August 12th stardust
Like Mouse in France, I wanted to wish on a star, or actually on the Perseids, last night but it was raining. I have more than one good wish and remembrance on this auspicious day: Happy anniversary to our... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 12, 2007
evening cruise
An invitation for visiting aunt and us!
from niece and boyfriend with boat:
come for a sunset boat ride!
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 10, 2007
BC Day long weekend
Our long weekend was a wonderful, busy and mostly family-oriented one spent around Kamloops and Salmon Arm...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on August 7, 2007
a labyrinth
I have often wished to visit some of the labyrinths found in different parts of the world. Strangely, the very first labyrinth I ever did walk on was just a two days ago right here in the Vancouver area.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 2, 2007
Hornby Island rocks
From time to time over the life of this blog, I've been posting some of my favourite photos of the uniquely weathered rocks on Hornby Island. They've inspired and become essential portions of many of my works,... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 30, 2007
visualizer
Brian Eno's 77 Million Paintings made me think of the wonderful hypnotic dancing colours, lines, dots, shapes that the 'visualizer' produces on this screen in response to music played in iTunes on my Mac.
[Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 25, 2007
fairies in the garden
Oh my, it's been hot here. Last week we had a record breaking heat wave all over BC. It was about 36C (about 97F) in our neighbourhood! As someone who totally wilts, swells up and gets cranky when it... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 16, 2007
070707
trying out a recently purchased smaller digital camera
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Posted by Marja-Leena on July 8, 2007
sun and shadows
summer is here at last
hot days, warm nights
seeking shade, cooling breezes
just finished reading Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go
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Posted by Marja-Leena on July 6, 2007
experiment no.2
another exploration of a tentative idea
see also experiment no.1
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 2, 2007
a day in June
It's the last day of June already. It was an exceptionally wet month here, but we had a few nice days here and there. One day the other week, I had to shop.. As we sometimes do, my husband and I made plans to meet at the end of his workday....we went on one of our favourite walks along a marvellous seawall.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 30, 2007
a wedding
A trip and a wedding took us away this past weekend, in more ways than one. The beauty of the drive over mountains and valleys to a lovely lakeside town made us grateful, once again, that we live in... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 26, 2007
experiment no.1
playing around with various images
not sure where these are going yet
here's the first one in early formation
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 20, 2007
Power of Art series
This looks to be very exciting: Simon Schama's The Power of Art series is beginning tonight on PBS TV in North America.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 18, 2007
remembering Dad
It's Father's Day here in Canada and USA. I awoke very early and started thinking of my father, who passed away 15 years ago. I pulled out my parents' worn old family album that they carried with them as... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 17, 2007
June green
June is often a wet month here in the Vancouver area and this year it's been even wetter than normal, as has been this year so far. The last two weeks of May were dry and I got much... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 15, 2007
catching up
This blog has taken a back seat for a few days while I've been enjoying a visit from our eldest daughter. She lives with her partner some five hours by car northeast of Vancouver in a tiny community, half an... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 11, 2007
reflected views
As I go about my work around the house this rainy day, I stop for quick breaks at my desk to check on messages, news and a few blogs. In a pensive moment, my eyes lifted up... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 7, 2007
gardens, woodpiles, rain
He cleaned the woodpile
Textures intrigued the artist
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 4, 2007
gardens and bees
The first half of the month of May was cool and showery. Last week was very pleasant, a comfortable temperature for doing the garden work, the busiest time of year. But this week it's suddenly very hot and I... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 31, 2007
found art
a magical find in our backyard, under the magnolia tree...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on May 27, 2007
interview, revisited
Two years ago on May 11, 2005 I wrote: Melanie McBride of chandrasutra felt that Big Media has been misrepresenting bloggers and decided that it was time we spoke for ourselves and let them (and everybody else know) who we... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 14, 2007
garden tour
Every mother, grandmother, and friend who has been like a mother to another - You are invited on a little tour of a few highlights in my spring garden: Here are the winter pansies in a pot by... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 12, 2007
this earth
Another one from a favourite place... If you are curious about where this photograph was taken, see the comments in the previous post.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 10, 2007
Congrats, Grads!
One of the more splendid events in the merry month of May is graduation. This year we join many proud parents of sons and daughters who are graduating this month from institutes of higher education. Our daughter Erika has... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 2, 2007
a collaboration
Yippee! Our collaborative project In Its Four Voices - Silent Messengers: Connecting with D'Amico #2 has been published on Qarrtsiluni, the online literary and visual art zine! Go see and LISTEN to it! Then come back.... I must tell... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 1, 2007
a rock
an odd-shaped covered in barnacles...
I stop and wonder how ancient it is, how far it has travelled
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 28, 2007
the call of our past
I keep thinking about my deep fascination for my own origins, of the origins of the Finno-Ugrics, and of all humans. I'm understanding more and more that this is at the very root of my fascination and passion for the traces left behind by these early people...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on April 20, 2007
weekend walks
A mostly sunny and pleasant spring weekend tempted us out for some long walks accompanied by the camera. Here are just a few highlights...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on April 15, 2007
stones or bones?
These rocks make me think of weathered old bones of some prehistoric creature.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on April 12, 2007
first week of April
a week of hail, snow, night frost, warmth, sunshine, cloud, light rain...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on April 5, 2007
connections
I have often mentioned that finding connections and being inspired by them is very much a part of the way I think and find ideas for my art work. One of my print series is even called Nexus, which... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 31, 2007
documentation of work
One day last week, I took our SLR digital camera and tripod to the printmaking studio in order to do the photo documentation of my year's work. I'm an amateur photographer, so it's always an interesting challenge for me, and... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 27, 2007
green
drenching rains
absent sun
turbid drinking water
today
sunny breaks
walk in the park
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 25, 2007
spring!
May the longer days put a spring in your step, dear readers in the northern hemisphere. As if in honour of the vernal equinox this evening, today we've had a respite from the November-like monsoons. The sunshine is a... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 20, 2007
another print
Some time back, I presented a little show-and-tell on how I proof my prints before printing the whole edition, a standard practise for printmakers. I've mentioned that I'm working on a series of archival inkjet prints based on manipulated... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 17, 2007
fevered
foggy
feverish
fluey*
phooey!**
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 8, 2007
garden therapy
morning sunshine
a rare event
eyes blinded
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 6, 2007
my Monday
After breakfast, I took my tea with me and sat down at my computer to read emails, some news and a few blogs, as I usually do most mornings if I don't leave the house early for the printmaking... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 26, 2007
awaiting spring
Longing to get out into the garden to clean up yet-untrimmed perennials, prune the roses and hydrangeas, weed and smell the earth, I've been frustrated by our extra long and colder winter. Usually the second half of February is... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 24, 2007
handprints
Moving on from my initial studies of hands by way of scanning, I played around with ways of taking an impression of my hands. I decided to try making collagraphs using acrylic medium on matcard pieces. I applied... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 16, 2007
in the garden
experiments in the studio
still not working
a walk in the garden
....
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 13, 2007
February 11th
events and births on this day this day in Canada artists born on this day: Max Beckman and Kazimir Malevich and me! (Last two lInks from Anna Conti's blog) Addendum Feb.12th: I adore this quote a dear friend included... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 11, 2007
mentors please
We've just spent a pleasant Sunday at the apartment of our daughter, Erika, and her boyfriend. Her father tried to help her with some computer problems, while Erika and I chatted about possible layouts for the artist's website that she... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 4, 2007
THREE!
ONE, TWO, now THREE years of blogging! I've surprised myself, when I recall my very tentative beginnings with this "art" project, as I like to think of it. Thank you all for your inspiration, encouragement and warm friendship. UPDATE:... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 1, 2007
January/Janus
Janus - etching, 40 x 37.5 cm. Good grief, it's already the end of January! Christmas was only yesterday. I've meant to write this all month because my thoughts have been frequently circling around the notion of looking back... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 31, 2007
Ancient British Columbia
I'm thrilled and proud to have two of my photographs of Hornby Island petroglyphs in this book....
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Posted by Marja-Leena on January 28, 2007
five things
I've been tagged for a meme called FIve Things You May Not Know About Me, thanks to Jean at This Too. My, I had to think long and hard on this since I've already revealed much about myself on... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 25, 2007
January rain
It's back to normal January weather in the rainforest zone. I think about how to capture rain on pixels. I try it from the indoors looking out through rain spattered windows. I acknowledge the beauty of this manifestation... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 22, 2007
snow day
I seem to be writing about the weather more than anything else here! It certainly has been a big part of our lives the last couple of months. The latest windstorm yesterday was followed by a big dump of... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 10, 2007
another storm
The west coast continues to have numerous windstorms, making for an unusual number this fall and winter. On Friday (January 5th) we had snow in some areas, including ours. That night a short but powerful windstorm caused another power outage,... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 7, 2007
our New Year's weekend
As I mentioned in a comment in the previous post, we went away for the New Year's weekend - to the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island. Once there, we first had a wonderful visit with my elderly uncle... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 2, 2007
another year
Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and the sixth day of Christmas. We are readying ourselves for our favourite way of celebrating, a quiet evening with close friends over good food and interesting games, rather than parties or clubs, with... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 30, 2006
The Colour Museum
With some pleasurable lazy time after the Christmas festivities, I've had a chance to browse through some of my long list of bookmarks. Artist Anna Conti posted a while ago about the The Virtual Colour Museum, which is taking... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 28, 2006
winter story 2006
I'm very proud to share my grand-daughter Lael's 4th annual Winter Story, done with a little help from mommy and daddy, of course. It's now on a special blog so you can see the past winter stories as well,... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 24, 2006
love, peace & joy
To all my readers Happy Christmas, Hauskaa Joulua, Frohe Weihnachten, Joyeux Noël and Happy Holidays! Love and light, peace and joy this season and always. If you are travelling over the holidays, keep safe and warm.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 22, 2006
the longest night
Once again in the northern hemisphere it is the winter solstice - the shortest day and longest night of the year, the first day of winter. It amazes me how very many cultures of the world have celebrations around this time. If I were able to choose a special and ancient way to celebrate, I'd go to Newgrange.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on December 21, 2006
The Big Storm
Our internet is finally back tonight after three days down, so now I can let you know what excitement we've had here! We've experienced the worst windstorm in the 30 plus years we've lived in the Vancouver area. Of three... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 17, 2006
Healthy Artist Guide
I blogged a couple of months ago about Toxic-Free Artists via the Toxic Nation E-News here in Canada. Today, I received the December issue. (Sorry, I see the whole online version doesn't seem to be up on the web just... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 14, 2006
savouring
writing letters and cards, until cross-eyed watching high winds tossing our huge trees, worrying admiring the little garden lights in the early darkening listening to favourite Christmas music, heart singing putting out a few Christmas decorations each day, savouring... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 11, 2006
trial proofs
I've had several readers express an interest in seeing the development of a print after I wrote about my excitement when the first proofs came through the wide format inkjet printer. This feeling is true no matter what type of... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 8, 2006
snow graffiti
I felt inspired to do a little graffiti on the sparkling pristine canvas on the deck.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on December 2, 2006
first time
Qarrtsiluni's current theme is "First Time". I'm happy to note that my submission "First Love" is up, so please go have a look.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on December 1, 2006
rain on snow
This may be the last snow photo for a while. Oh, it's been snowing here again since noon. However rising temperatures will change it to rain soon, according to the weather forecast. Our short-lived white wonderland will be washed... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 29, 2006
snowy Sunday
As I promised last night, here are a few of our more interesting snow photos taken this afternoon on our walk to the park and around our garden. Though there was not much snow yet, even that little bit... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 26, 2006
student work
Head Study - drypoint... Recently I was going through the very few prints that I still have from my long-ago art school days.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on November 18, 2006
Nov.16th
November 16th will always be an especially significant day for us...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on November 16, 2006
mellow
Well, it's still rather soggy in southwest BC, with storm after storm bringing us more heavy rains in the past nearly two weeks than we normally get in the whole month of November, usually our wettest month of the... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 14, 2006
November
November is here. You can tell by the weather, the heavy heavy rainfalls, the wind, the dark and gloomy days. Indoors never felt so good. Turning inward means that my art work is continuing to develop in an interesting... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 4, 2006
testing your memory
A thorough test of your memory has begun!
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Posted by Marja-Leena on November 1, 2006
weekend time
a fabulous walk in sunshine along the West Vancouver seawall a stunning Burtynsky exhibition seen a very enjoyable overnight visit from sister-in-law a happy grand-daughter's 6th birthday party a tour of exceptionally lovely fall colours, fast falling a strong... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 29, 2006
printing proofs
It's an incredible feeling that's hard to describe, when I do a print for the first time and it looks great! Whether it's an etching, a collagraph or an inkjet print, it's hard to be sure how it will... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 26, 2006
colour full
a rainy foggy week, a sunny weekend, a long walk gathering red leaves, planting spring bulbs red tulips, blue hyacinths, little yellow daffodils blue yellow white pansies, purple flowering kale colourful sunset, colour full ... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 22, 2006
on the wall
As I mentioned a few days ago, I've been playing with layering some collagraphs with inkjet printed transparent film. Here's a peek at what I've been doing. Above is a photo of the works in progress pinned up on... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 18, 2006
note on 'blocks'
My post on artist's and writer's block has had an incredible response with many very thoughtful and interesting comments still coming in. Do read them and feel free to write in if you haven't already. I'm just reminding readers of... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 15, 2006
Toxic-Free Artists
TOXIC-FREE ARTISTS: CARFAC Ontario presents Staying Alive! - A Health & Safety Workshop for Visual and Media Artists
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 12, 2006
artist's block
From time to time, I hear about writer's and artist's blocks. I think I have both right now! I have good ideas and notes for blog posts. I have good ideas, quick sketches and a body of very interesting... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 5, 2006
sigh
Many posts waiting to be written, art work to be done, an exciting opening missed, because I've got a cold. Now trying to ready myself emotionally and physically for a memorial service for a dear friend. Sigh.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 29, 2006
fall equinox
Dear readers, I hope you've all had a great autumnal equinox, or spring if you're in the southern hemisphere. Yesterday was the first day of fall and the weather was gloriously warm and sunny all weekend here in southwest... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 24, 2006
one step
Some days we just have to take it one step at a time
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 22, 2006
September 1st
Hey, it's September 1st already! For much of my life it has represented a beginning of a new year, as a child going to school, then as a university student. Later I went to school as a teacher for... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 1, 2006
industrial art
There's beauty even on an industrial site if you open your eyes wide.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 30, 2006
August
The days are still very warm but there's a very noticeable change to the light. With shorter days, the sun's angle is getting lower, shadows longer, evenings cooler and the nights heavy with dew. In the park, yellow leaves... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 20, 2006
that tree
We've had a long love-hate relationship with this enormous tree in the front of our yard. We love its cooling shade on hot summer mornings, the privacy from neighbours across the street, and its prickly and tough character.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on August 10, 2006
postcard from Pier 21
Today I received the above intriguing postcard from a cousin (he lives in Victoria). Here's part of what he wrote: "Finally found my way back to our Canadian beginnings. This is a great museum. There are artifacts from the... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 8, 2006
visitors
Things have been quiet here in blogistan lately while we've been busy with visitors. We've had a really heartwarming reunion with friends whom we haven't seen in over 30 years. Naturally we've been showing them around our beautiful city.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 5, 2006
summer lists
these are the dog days hot July, 36C last weekend body and brain sluggish and dull sleep deprived, lazy, unmotivated open windows, catch a breeze smells of distant forest fires, night prowling skunks constant watering garden and self craving... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 27, 2006
morning meeting
A spell of insomnia had its sweet rewards yesterday morning. As the northeast sky behind the mountains began to glow in orange and scarlet, I stepped out on the deck to breathe in the fresh calm air, listen to... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 20, 2006
self-portrait 6
a self-portrait that turned out rather Andy Warhol-ish...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on July 3, 2006
art, trees & birds
visiting art exhibitions, Queen Elizabeth Park and the Bloedel Conservatory
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 27, 2006
Alberta Trip Days 5 & 6
Heading west towards home, we visited Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, the Frank Slide and Kimberley.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 26, 2006
Alberta Trip Day 4
I had a lazy start then went out walking about Lethbridge... I did a bit of shopping, something I rarely do at home, and visited the museum and the art gallery.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 25, 2006
self-portrait 4
This fourth self-portrait was inspired by Dave Bonta's 'engaging in an odd form of egosurfing with typoGenerator...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 23, 2006
Alberta Trip Day 3
This was the big day, the main reason for this trip. We finally made it to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park in southern Alberta, a major site of hoodoos, petroglyphs and pictographs.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 22, 2006
self-portrait 3
Onward with the marathon of self-portraiture, and inspired by the Hockeneyizer from Flickr Toys, here is my third self-portrait. Compare to self-portrait 1 and self-portrait 2. What do you think of this 27,000 year old portrait? I'd seen the... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 20, 2006
artist's hand
Many Finnish bloggers have jumped on board Valokuvatorstai or Photo Thursday. Each week Thursday a new theme is presented. Inspired by this...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 17, 2006
self-portrait 2
My second self-portrait contribution to the self-portrait marathon.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 16, 2006
Alberta Trip Day 2
Leaving Christina Lake, our journey continued eastward through the beautiful Rocky mountains straddling both BC and Alberta. Once over the other side, the first thing we noticed was the wideness of the rolling almost treeless hills and the wideness of the huge sky above.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 14, 2006
self-portrait marathon
I noticed a few bloggers posting a variety of self-portraits, especially Natalie. Now she has gone and challenged me to join in The Self-Portrait Marathon.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 14, 2006
Alberta Trip Day I
....we drove the scenic Crowsnest Highway from Hope (east of Vancouver) all the way to Lethbridge, Alberta.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on June 13, 2006
to think about
"Mediocrity is criminal. Boring is just ridiculous. Goosebumps are what we strive for." -Leila Getz, Artistic Director of the Vancouver Recital Society, on a mailer that came a couple of days ago. It has been bouncing around in my... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 26, 2006
Arts news in Canada
Fairly new on my daily net reading list is the excellent Arts News Canada, "a digest of national arts news collected from Canadian sources and updated every weekday". An exciting item today is about Montreal's designation as City of Design... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 23, 2006
seven wonders
On our visit to the Hermitage in 2002 Sarah Milroy has written an interesting travel article with a focus on art, in Saturday's Globe and Mail, called Seven wonders of the world: Art. Milroy raves about the best great... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 7, 2006
online galleries
I think it was about three weeks ago when I was browsing through the Saatchi Gallery site, checking to see what's new and (naturally!) if the link to my site is still there under cultural institutions. I noticed a new... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 2, 2006
prunings, rockpiles & pennies
Some recommended reading today: 1. PRUNED is a blog about "landscape architecture and related fields", which includes earth art. I've been browsing through the archives finding treasures like panographies. PRUNINGS I to XX on the sidebar offers many eclectic and... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 25, 2006
for mature artists
If you are an artist over 31, or an art collector, do go read the very articulate and ever-thoughtful Edward Winkleman and his post let it be long. As a mature artist, this does make me feel good and validates... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 21, 2006
sea shells
...another one of some objects that I scanned..
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Posted by Marja-Leena on April 19, 2006
the long weekend
It's Easter Sunday evening here and I now have time to pause and think. Some spring cleaning chores done, this morning we enjoyed the visit of our middle daughter's family. Babe is five months old today and she keenly... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 16, 2006
spring!
Some spring flowers from my garden to you, dear readers, on this first day of spring! Well, this year the vernal equinox was gorgeous in Vancouver! Three days of glorious sunshine after a long cold and wet spell, quite... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 20, 2006
troubles and treats
Saturday morning I had a major shock on opening my blog and finding a commercial page on it and my own contents gone! It's been hacked and stolen, I think! My email was also down, though the alternates on different... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 19, 2006
introducing poplar road
© Anita Rathje "Warning: the following story is not suitable for young readers or anyone with a sentimental attachment to rodents (or chocolates, for that matter). [...] I felt inspired to relate the latest in our little Nutcracker battle,... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 6, 2006
introducing appleturnover
"i am finding that one way to connect my children together and to myself is to find something very simple to do. today my big girl built a nest out of bedding and was a robin in it, and i... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 4, 2006
experiments, part 2
I wrote a little while ago about my recent experiments with digital printing on organza. Many of you readers were very interested in reading about my process, so I thought I'd update you on the results of some further... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 2, 2006
winter weekend
As we've been out and about this weekend, husband and I have been trying out a new SLR digital camera that we bought for each other's February birthdays. Friday night after the opening in Tinseltown (International Village) we walked... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 26, 2006
Bharat Bhavan Biennial
Detail from Silent Messengers: Hoodoos I Yesterday, while my thoughts were still freshly on international print shows after writing the post about the Krakow Print Triennial, I heard the thud of letters and magazines dropping in through the mail... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 22, 2006
experiments
As some readers know, my most recent printworks have been utilizing an inkjet printed clear mylar layer over a print on paper. I've expressed some dissatisfaction with the mylar's shine and reflection. So, I've been looking into alternative materials... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 8, 2006
thank you
On the occasion of the second anniversary of this blog I offer all my dear readers this virtual bouquet of thanks for your wonderful friendship! What an amazing network around the world has opened up with this blogging phenomena.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 1, 2006
spring reflections
I'm distracted, in a nice way, by family including a daughter visiting from out-of-town this week. It was unexpectedly sunny today so we went for a walk to check for signs of spring. Here and there the green shoots... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 30, 2006
Four Things Meme
Another meme! I've seen variants of this floating around the blogs for some weeks and now I've been tagged by Linden! Here goes, it's tough to limit some of these to four: Four Places I Have Lived Varkaus, Finland in... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 26, 2006
Silent Messengers
The photos of the first ten printworks from the Silent Messengers series have now been completely uploaded here, including the updates of Silent Messengers: Hoodoos I to III. To view these and other works just visit "Print Series" over near the top of the left bar and click on the series you'd like to view. I hope you enjoy them.
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Posted by Marja-Leena on January 18, 2006
weird habits meme
This meme has been going around many Finnish blogs and now I've been tagged by SIKURI (written by a Finnish-American blogger and writer, formerly sananlaskija). I'll do mine in English to open the field since so many Finns that I... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 17, 2006
arts & culture in Canada
As some readers may know, Canadians have been subjected to another election campaign and will be going to the polls on Monday, January 23rd. An issue that has not been discussed by any party is arts and culture. CBC has... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 17, 2006
live each season
This blog is nearing its second anniversary and I'm forgetting some of what I've written, so almost every day of late, I am looking back at entries of a year ago that day. It's like I sometimes would do... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 17, 2006
doldrums
Photo taken in Cathedral Grove on our recent trip. Do you ever experience a let-down feeling after a long period of excitement which may include a trip? For a couple of days I was really feeling in the doldrums,... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 14, 2006
artists' health
If you are an artist or craftsperson or hobbyist working with art materials, do go read Anna Conti's article on Artists Health Issues at her truly excellent blog Working Artist's Journal. Some of the issues deal with the stresses faced... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 12, 2006
a trip with friends
As I mentioned in the last post, our good friends from Denmark arrived last week for a visit! After a day of sightseeing in Vancouver, including a visit at the Museum of Anthropology, we packed up the car and... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 11, 2006
Happy New Year!
It is the sixth day of Christmas and tonight is New Year's Eve. We have been busy getting ready for friends from Victoria coming for this weekend, and friends from Denmark coming next week. What a great way to... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 31, 2005
Winter Story 2005
We had a wonderful Christmas Eve in the Finnish tradition with dinner, carols and Santa's visit. Our oldest daughter and her partner surprised us by arriving from out of town and joining us after all. We were nine around... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 25, 2005
Christmas stars & rain
Arctic cookie star. Photo by Bernard P. Hanby Just in time for Christmas, a Christmas Stars Gallery! There’s a stunning range of starfish below the water off the West Coast of BC. Here’s a sampling of photos by Bernard... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 23, 2005
Merry Christmas, Hauskaa Joulua
Warmest wishes to all for a Happy Christmas, Hauskaa Joulua, Frohe Weihnachten, Joyeux Noël, Happy Chanukah, Matunda Ya Kwanzaa and Happy Holidays.... and Peace on Earth! Thank you, dear readers, for your support and friendship throughout the year -... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 22, 2005
baking and a meme
Today I'm baking stollen with marzipan filling, a German Christmas bread that is one of our very favourites. Because of food sensitivities to wheat and dairy in two daughters and yours truly, I'm also experimenting with a small batch... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 20, 2005
art jurying
Today I had the very interesting and satisfying experience of jurying a group exhibition professionally for the first time. CityScape Community Art Space, an attractive gallery run by the North Vancouver Community Arts Council, puts out calls for several themed... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 19, 2005
yesterday
So far December here in southwestern British Columbia has been almost rain free. This week we've had clear crisp sunny days and frosty nights with a brilliant full moon making the frost crystals sparkle like tinsel. It looks almost... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 16, 2005
roles
What a busy time of year! I feel like my several "roles" in life are all in competition. Here are the most demanding ones right now: THE ARTIST spent a surprisingly pleasant hour and a half last Friday morning... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 12, 2005
a private tour
Late yesterday afternoon I was very pleased to give our very good friends Elaine and Allan, who came over from Victoria, a private tour of my exhibition at the Studio Art Gallery at Capilano College. They have always been... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 3, 2005
first of December
The first day of December already! I just learned that 'the name is from the Latin "decem" for "ten". December was the tenth month in the Roman calendar until a monthless winter period was divided between January and February',... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 1, 2005
an installation photo
Installation photo of Silent Messengers: Connecting with D'Amico #1-5 (left to right) Well, I've spent many hours getting intimate with the digital camera and an external flash trying to get some decent installation photos of my work. As I'm... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 24, 2005
opening night
Here are just a few photos of the opening of Silent Messengers, my exhibition of mixed media prints which opened on Wednesday evening, November 16th. (I'm the one in the red shirt!) Though many friends did not make it... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 21, 2005
post-vernissage
Thanks again to everyone for the wonderful comments and emails these past days, I love hearing from you all! You have told me that you are eagerly awaiting photos of the opening, and I promise they are coming very soon.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 20, 2005
a birth day
Proudly announcing the birth of our second grandchild Niamh Eili, another grand-daughter, a little after midnight November 16th, 2005! What an unforgettable day! A 12:45 am phone call announcing the birth added to my excitement level and lessened my... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 17, 2005
a reminder
Just a gentle reminder that my exhibition opening is happening tomorrow, Wednesday November 16th starting at 4:30! In case you missed it, here is all the information. Everyone welcome! If you can't make it to the opening but would... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 15, 2005
final preparations
With my printworks finished and ready to hang on Wednesday morning, I had a day of deserved and much-needed rest yesterday. Today I am sorting through my notes, even my blog posts which are a proving to be a... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 12, 2005
in the news
Rob Newell photo - North Shore Outlook newspaper Caption reads: Stroking Silence - Marja-Leena Rathje presents "Silent Messengers", a collection of mixed media prints in the studio gallery at Capilano College........ [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 10, 2005
frustration
Most of my prints for my exhibition are completed to my great satisfaction, but one has been giving me some trouble! It is the transparency layer for another Silent Messengers: Hoodoos. I've been proofing it a few times with successive... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 9, 2005
exhibition invitation
You are invited to come to the opening of my exhibition! I'd love to meet you local bloggers and readers! Silent Messengers: mixed media prints Opening: November 16th, 4:30 - 8:00p.m. Studio Art Gallery, Capilano College 2055 Purcell Way,... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 5, 2005
progress
Can you believe it's November already? What a busy and creative fall I'm having, with great progress on the list of things to do for my exhibition, which opens two weeks tonight! The new works are almost done. "Silent... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 2, 2005
Happy 5th Birthday
To Lael, our lovely little grand-daughter! We love your costume - are you the Ice Queen? You look very happy in the photos that were taken on Sunday at your Birthday-Halloween party with your little friends. We really look... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 26, 2005
life is art
Actually life keeps interfering with art these days! I spent Friday preparing for houseguests, some good friends from Winnipeg on their way home from a holiday on Vancouver Island. We had a wonderful visit. After they left on Saturday,... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 25, 2005
invitation
Here's the exhibition invitation I designed with some great help by daughter Erika and her skills with type design. It has gone to the printers a few days ago, so here's hoping it turns out well! The details: Silent... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 23, 2005
prints vs reproductions, again
This really got my attention: Anna Conti's post Giclée can of worms. Go read this excellent and thought-provoking article first, then come back. Indeed! Giclée is a fancy name for high-end inkjet printing, and was very important in its early... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 20, 2005
thinker quiz
What kind of thinker are you? Find out through a Quiz from BBC. I did and here's my result. You are a Spatial Thinker Spatial Thinkers: • Tend to think in pictures, and can develop good mental models of the... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 17, 2005
things to do
As readers may know, I am madly busy getting ready for a solo exhibition opening November 16th. I'll post details about that as soon as the invitation is done, but in the meantime have a look at my job... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 14, 2005
NIFCA
If you are an artist looking for opportunities such as residencies in the Nordic countries, NIFCA, the Nordic Institute for Contemporary Art, will be of interest to you. Located in Helsinki, NIFCA is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers,... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 13, 2005
Thanksgiving weekend
As you may have guessed from my absence here for a few days, we took a little four day holiday over the Thanksgiving weekend. We had a lovely drive, enjoying the gorgeous fall colours and scenes of numerous mountains... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 12, 2005
words that inspire
"It's akin to style, what I'm talking about, but it isn't style alone. It is the writer's particular and unmistakable signature on everything he writes. It is his world and no other. This is one of the things that distinguishes... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 4, 2005
a cultural institution
Yesterday I received this very interesting message (hyperlinks mine): "I'm contacting you from the Saatchi Gallery, London to enquire about your website. Here at the gallery we are in the process of expanding the way information is linked to websites.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 27, 2005
autumnal equinox
Humans have followed the cycles of the Sun for millennia. Stone circles like this, dating back more than 3,000 years, are aligned to the Solstices and the Equinoxes. From The Electronic Sky. Here I am taking a little break... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 22, 2005
in the printshop
Detail from Silent Messengers: Hoodoos II For the past week I've been happily back at the printmaking studio, my home away from home sometimes it seems. A new season always means new people and a new energy that I... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 15, 2005
Sunday in Vancouver
A gorgeous sunny warm day yesterday tempted us outside to explore. We headed to Deep Cove with walking shoes, a backpack with water, a snack of nuts and the camera. The "Cove" was pleasantly crowded with people enjoying the... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 12, 2005
Labour Day
Today I was scrubbing out dirt and those squatters of damp and dark quarters - slugs, snails, sowbugs, spiders and worms. No, not an art project, rather a gardener's chore. I finally tackled the huge annual task of washing... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 5, 2005
September
back to school a new year new pencils and notebooks new shoes new sweater new hopes and fears for little children kindergarten elementary school for teens first high school then university or tech mature student back to university life... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 1, 2005
artist-blogger interviewed
Roberta of roberta fallon and libby rosof's artblog recently visited artist-blogger Anna L. Conti in San Francisco, then wrote a long, warm and fascinating interview of Anna, with plenty of photos of her in her studio. I've been looking out... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 17, 2005
accents
Artist Karen D'Amico of fluid thinking wrote about how her accent betrays her roots even after 15 years in her new country. It got her "thinking about the notion of accent as a marker for identity." This subject always fascinates... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 16, 2005
dog days of summer
I always wondered where the expression dog days of summer came from. It made me think of overheated dogs panting with their mouths open and tongues lolling. I do feel rather like a hot dog these days. "In the... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 9, 2005
art & civilization
"..this quote from the guardian article "Civilisations are judged and remembered not by their most successful businessmen but by the art they leave behind." yeah, sounds real nice if you can get over the fact it’s simplistic romanticized pap. perhaps... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 3, 2005
long weekend
We all like our long weekends, and we are having one now with the first Monday in August being BC Day in British Columbia. I was curious to find out if all our provinces have such a provincially designated holiday... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 31, 2005
daily drawing
Danny Gregory at Everyday Matters has written a very inspiring post on the importance of drawing, and doing it every day. "I want to live my life to its fullest and I find that drawing what I encounter deepens my... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 31, 2005
island time
We're back! We've had a wonderful little trip to southern Vancouver Island for a few days, visiting family and friends. The weather was in its very best Westcoast summer mode, and we quickly unwound to vacation mood on the... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 27, 2005
distractions
the first coat The domestic scene here has kept us very busy lately. We arranged to have the worn-down hardwood floors in the main living areas of our home refinished. In the end it will be lovely but it... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 21, 2005
a gift
This morning's mail brought me an exciting packet from London, England - from artist-blogger pal Karen D'Amico! I was thrilled to find about a dozen wonderful 18 x 14 cm. black and white photographs of closeups of rocks that... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 11, 2005
writers and hoodoos
What are hoodoos? Do the hoodoos have native petroglyphs or pictographs? Is "hoodoo" an aboriginal word?
[Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 8, 2005
virtual conversations
It's almost 1:00 am, and I'm up after two hours of trying unsuccessfully to fall asleep. These bouts of insomnia come and go, so I accept it and indulge in a cup of herbal tea, some reading and making notes.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 6, 2005
horoscope
"Going on a big journey means more to you than anything else right now. Don't be too concerned with the spoils you could take home at the end of the day. Take time to appreciate what is simple and... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 3, 2005
Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to all Dads everywhere! We enjoyed revisiting last year's wonderful poem/card by our daughters to their Dad. This year's celebration is quiet with only one daughter home, one living several hours drive away, and the third out... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 19, 2005
on artists & celebrity
Poking around in my bookmarked "articles to re-read", I was taken in once again by this Guardian interview of JG Ballard about a year ago. His thoughts on today's art scene struck a chord with me: "Today's art scene? Very... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 14, 2005
yesterday morning
One of the photos I took yesterday morning - can you guess what it is? ** Compare it to these photos taken about 6 months ago on December 5th, 2004. ** Check out Answers.com... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 12, 2005
artists' quotes
Words of my own fail me today, but these artists' words sustain and inspire me: "Nature is not only all that is visible to the eye.. it also includes the inner pictures of the soul." - Edvard Munch "I... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 7, 2005
Canada's visual artists
"Statistics Canada reports 15,000 artists in Canada. The direct impact of culture on GDP was $40 billion. 78% of BC artists earn less than $10,000 per year making art. There were 2400 applicants for 220 creation grants last year. The... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 31, 2005
weather
When you can't muster a post about anything else, there's always the weather! Yule Heibel, who lives in Victoria, over the water southeast of Vancouver, beat me to it, that is, a discussion of our unusual Westcoast weather. She's said... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 27, 2005
long weekend
Looking back to last year's entry of this diary, er blog, I see that I've already written about Canada's Victoria Day long weekend, so if you are interested, do visit that post. This year it's a wet long weekend... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 22, 2005
Cultural Creatives
How intriguing! A couple of days ago, in a playful mood, I posted a quiz that identified me as a Cultural Creative. Last night as I browsed through some blogs that I visit on a biweekly basis, I came across... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 16, 2005
a quiz
It's been a busy week with family. Our oldest daughter, who has been living in the Interior since last fall, has been here this week on business. It was great having her here for our youngest daughter's 20th birthday which... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 14, 2005
Interview
Melanie McBride of chandrasutra felt that Big Media has been misrepresenting bloggers and decided that it was time we spoke for ourselves and let them (and everybody else know) who we actually are, who we link to and why we... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 11, 2005
mother's day
made by youngest daughter Erika A Happy Mother's Day to all mothers everywhere! Mother's Day Proclamation at wood s lot and at watermark... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 8, 2005
one of those days
Yesterday morning I met with friend W. to take slides of some of my past year's work. Our group had arranged a slide shoot day in early April, setting up professional lights and equipment. Lots of work was shot, but... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 5, 2005
reading break
"And when at last a puff of air would toss a delicate thread of scent his way, he would lunge at it and not let it go. Then he would smell at only this one odor, holding it tight,... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 13, 2005
interactive digs
Thank you, everyone, for all the lovely get well wishes, I do appreciate them very much. A bad week was followed by another one, still battling bronchitis now with some antibiotics, but I think it can only get better now.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 7, 2005
a bad week
I've been trying to start this post several times but incoherent thoughts, suddenly worsened keyboarding skills, (I do wish spellcheck would fix the typos!) and constant heavy rib-hurting coughing haven't made it easy. Last week Thursday, I felt wonderful having... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 1, 2005
Easter
Axis of Ævil is an interesting blog by an American expat who married a Finn, moved to Helsinki and writes irreverently about life there. Being the Easter weekend, I wish to point out a post called The Fazer Chicken... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 25, 2005
Flat Files needed
REPEAT POSTING from last fall: This is an unusual request...several of my artist friends and I are all in great need of reasonably priced flat files or map files for our studios, to safely store our prints. The above... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 22, 2005
vernal equinox
Yesterday, or today depending on where you are, marks the spring equinox. Our first day of Spring in Vancouver was stormy with high winds, rain, some hail, even snow on mountain peaks and bright moments of sunshine. The past... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 21, 2005
shadows
In the late afternoon today, the sun was streaming into our office, filtered by the trees outside and plants in the window. My youngest daughter was using the inkjet printer for a school project, when I turned around to... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 13, 2005
An Art Full Week
What a busy week this has been, making art, seeing art and meeting artists! I finally completed editioning a group of prints that took me several months to develop and print many trial proofs. I'm testing another hanging method (not... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 11, 2005
Westcoast retreat
We returned refreshed and relaxed last night from a short holiday, a retreat to our favourite rustic little cabin on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, on Vancouver Island. We were lucky to enjoy the last lovely sunny days... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 2, 2005
orchid in bloom
"The giraffe, in their queer, inimitable, vegetative gracefulness...a family of rare, long-stemmed, speckled gigantic flowers slowly advancing." - Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen), Out of Africa I had some fun with the digital camera in my indoor garden yesterday, and... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 18, 2005
Music meme
Anna passed this to me, and while I have a vague idea of what a meme is, I've never done one. These questions are very challenging and time-consuming to answer and how can I limit myself?! I'm to pass it... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 14, 2005
seeing without sight
This is an absolutely incredible story about a blind artist, who has never had vision, who can draw and paint as well as a sighted person. Scientists are trying to find answers to these questions: "Because if Armagan can represent... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 6, 2005
a Vancouver visitor
Hey, Seattle artist and blogger Carolyn Zick just visited my neighbourhood, Vancouver, the one in BC, Canada! Read about her too short visit and don't miss her photos. Thanks for the kind words, Carolyn! Too bad she missed the Massive... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 31, 2005
why do we like art?
Recently (Jan.17th) Arts Journal had a post with a question, "We like art, anyone know why? .... why do we care about art? And, given that we obviously do (and that this is worldwide phenomenon that has stretched throughout history),... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 27, 2005
early spring
Weather is on everyone's mind these days. Not long ago I wrote about the Westcoast's unusually long spell of snow and cold, followed by extremely heavy rains that caused flooding and mudslides (including a buried house and loss of... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 25, 2005
January blues
"But when the melancholy fit shall fall Sudden from heaven like a weeping cloud, That fosters the droop-headed flowers all, And hides the green hill in an April shroud; Then glut thy sorrow on a morning rose, Or on... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 17, 2005
ArtsNow for Olympics 2010
The monthly Opus Visual Arts Newsletter (in print and online) provides useful information for artists such as calls for submissions, some arts news and, my favourite part, an always thoughtful and well-written editorial by arts advocate Chris Tyrell. Sometimes this... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 16, 2005
Blogging and Art
A few days ago I made a short reference to the PEW study about artists and the internet. Ivan Pope has also linked to it, and continued to blog about how the web is creating a generation of Pro-Am (Professional... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 10, 2005
snow!
What a thrill to wake up to the first snowfall this winter in the Vancouver area, below the mountains that is! I went snap happy with the digital camera, knowing how fleeting this can be. Already as I'm writing... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 6, 2005
artists & the internet
"Artists, Musicians and the Internet: They have embraced the internet as a tool that helps them create, promote, and sell their work. However, they are divided about the impact and importance of free file-sharing and other copyright issues." This is... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 4, 2005
Sunday at Deer Lake
What a beautiful crisp, clear sunny day out here on the Westcoast, a rare treat in this rainforest. With no cloud cover the temperature is at or below the freezing point at night, and shady spots are frosty even during... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 2, 2005
a winter story
I am so thrilled and proud that I must share this! My four-year old grandaughter sent this lovely story she created (with a little help from her mommy and daddy): Lael's Winter Story* Don't miss clicking on the circles to... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 24, 2004
Christmas Eve
(My 2003 Christmas card of a gingerbread house made by daughter Erika) It's been sunny and cool here and we enjoyed a morning walk around our neighbourhood. I finished the last of the baking this afternoon, so this evening... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 23, 2004
some art reading
Holiday preparations have sidetracked me lately from the more serious business of art. Trying to keep up with reading some art blogs, I found this to be so good that I'd like to point you towards Zeke's Gallery in Montréal.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 22, 2004
perceptions
"Sensations are the items of consciousness, a color, a weight, a texture that we tend to think of as simple and single. Perceptions are complex affairs that embrace sensation together with other, associated or revived contents of the mind, including... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 14, 2004
a printmaker's blog
This is why I don't want to shut off the comments against nasty spammers. Recently Linden Langdon, a new visitor to my blog, wrote in a comment. I am excited because she is also a printmaker who has a blog.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 10, 2004
quotations on art
"The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web." - Pablo Picasso "Art does not reproduce... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 10, 2004
Weekend
We were away this weekend on a pleasant little trip. Some family stuff was happening, so we took a drive up to the Kamloops area of BC. We enjoyed the scenic Coquihalla Highway route through mountains that were already... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 7, 2004
CBC's opening night
I've been spending far too much time working at the computer with PhotoShop, developing images for a series of prints combining inkjet and collagraph prints in layers. I've been in the printmaking studio printing proofs, and back to the "drawing... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 21, 2004
an artist's blog
Anna sent me an email suggesting I read and comment on Rachael's post of Thursday about artists blogging. Go read Rachael's first, including the comments, then come back here for my response, which I decided to post here: I've... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on October 16, 2004
recommended reading
Tonight I'd like to highly recommend you visit two of my favourite bloggers and read their posts: Charles Downey at ionarts writes about a very thought-provoking lecture he heard presented by Peter Schjeldahl, art critic for The New Yorker, called... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 24, 2004
CARFAC's fall newletter
I have written before about CARFAC (Canadian Artists Representation/Le Front des Artistes Canadiens) and how it supports Canadian artists. Their latest Summer/Fall 2004 newsletter has a very thought provoking article written by Pat Durr, the National Representative. She makes some... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 17, 2004
flat files - anyone?
This is an unusual request...several of my artist friends and I are all in great need of reasonably priced flat files or map files for our studios, to safely store our prints. The above picture is just one example,... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 15, 2004
experiencing art
Lenny writes an interesting art blog at Washington, DC Art News. Today he writes about how he came to chosen to be the curator for the upcoming "Homage to Frida Kahlo" exhibition. (The call for artists will be announced soon... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 5, 2004
the artist in a gift economy
I am really going to have to get my hands on this book: "The Gift - Imagination and the Erotic Life of Property" by Lewis Hyde**. I am very intrigued and find the quotes really resonate with me as a... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 13, 2004
Art Appreciation
An interesting discussion is underway over at Cassandra Pages about art appreciation. Yesterday, (August 11th) Beth wrote about arts support in Canada referring to some past comments I had made. Please read the new comments to that, and then go... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on August 12, 2004
the art of seeing
Artist Anna Conti has been posting a great series this week on "Seeing" on her Working Artist's Journal. Do go read it, it will help you understand art in a new way! I look forward to reading the rest of... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on July 20, 2004
Copyright Infringement
Anna L. Conti, a San Francisco artist and art blogger, has had one of her works copied and then put up for sale on eBay by a fraud artist. This is an infringement of copyright, like having your work plagiarized.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 28, 2004
For Dad
This is a wonderful poem written by my eldest daughter and designed by my youngest for their father on this Father's Day. Click on image to view larger. Poem © Anita Rathje Design © Erika Rathje... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 20, 2004
displaying work online
It is sometimes a frustrating and disappointing exercise to display my artworks online because the original does not reproduce well. My prints have a lot of texture and subtle details that are often lost. The sense of the size of... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 19, 2004
Drawing, Hockney and Eyre
David Hockney has talked to BBC News Online about drawing: "Drawing should be regarded as a major art form, artist David Hockney said as he launched the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition in London...Drawing has been neglected for the... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 6, 2004
Happy Victoria Day
It is the Victoria Day long weekend for Canadians and out here on the Westcoast, if you are not "away", you are working in the garden and around the home. Gardening is what I am doing a lot of in... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 24, 2004
the artist's childhood
As a child I loved reading books and fairy tales were my very favourite. My first books were in Finnish written by Finnish authors, but most loved were the tales collected by the Grimm Brothers. This edition, a very... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 19, 2004
Brian Eno on culture
(a deep-etched copperplate) Scribblingwoman recommended having a look at a post over at wood s lot about Brian Eno and A Big Theory of Culture. This is essentially an interview of Brian Eno about his book, A Year With... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 16, 2004
A Work in Progress
(Detail of a deeply etched copperplate) This weblog has been online for just over three months and what an exciting time it has been for me. I have learned a great deal and met many great bloggers and readers... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on May 3, 2004
Science picks our brains about art
I've been enjoying reading North Coast Cafe for a few weeks, but only recently did I dig deeper into the Visual Arts category, and found this fascinating January 26th entry: Emotions in Art and the Brain. This was the theme... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 30, 2004
an artist's retreat
Last week my husband and I went to our favourite retreat on the west coast of Vancouver Island, staying in a small, rustic oceanfront cabin near Pacific Rim National Park and Tofino. It had the basic necessities of a small... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 26, 2004
photography and art
Coincidences posted an interesting article about "Big Prints, the Art-Making Impulse, and Time-Motion Panoramas" that has prompted me to add some comments on his blog and here. The extra large digitally printed photographs that we now see in galleries have... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 18, 2004
on creativity
As mentioned in a couple of my recent posts, there has been a lot of discussion on why we make art, and this has led me to think more about creativity. Cassandra wrote a few days ago (scroll down to... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 16, 2004
more on Why Make Art
A few days ago I posted a discussion about why artists are compelled to make art. It's certainly a popular subject. Artist Danny Gregory posted in his blog today "The fundamental question: Why do you do it?", asking his artist... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 14, 2004
Life as an Artist
I have just found an artist's blog that has really piqued my interest. Ivan Pope in the UK does multimedia installation work that is very different from my printmaking, but his clear descriptions of his life as an artist who... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 13, 2004
CARFAC supports artists
The latest newsletter CALENDAR from CARFAC arrived in my mailbox last week. Its arrival reminded me how important this organization is to Canadian artists. The first article, "A Living Income for Artists: a proposal for a significant increase in artists'... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 12, 2004
Why Make Art?
Anna Conti in her Working Artist's Journal ( April 7/04 entry) brings up this perennial question that we artists are always asking of ourselves: "Why make art? What is it good for?" She writes: "I don't think we'll ever know.... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on April 7, 2004
Miksang and the art of perception
As a newcomer to blogging, my recent explorations have been through the immense jungle of blogs on the internet. Chandrasutra's blog is one of the interesting finds in this online journey. Particularly fascinating is an item about Miksang photography in... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 16, 2004
Human Marks
For the past decade now, my work has largely been concerned with the marks left by humans and their art upon their environment. It is also about nature's marks on humankind's traces and upon nature itself. My ideas come from... [Continue Reading...]
Posted by Marja-Leena on January 9, 2004