Home ::: Being an Artist
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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sepia memories
Meandering thoughts inspired by Jean's sepia photos
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Posted by Marja-Leena on January 22, 2008
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on the road
during today's walk....
more...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on January 18, 2008
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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this past week
sunny, crisp cold days
sparkling frosty nights
brilliant blue moon
foggy mornings
(...more...)
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 24, 2007
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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
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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
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silhouettes
a walk in the park
chasing clouds, dancing light
light and shadow, black and white
Posted by Marja-Leena on November 10, 2007
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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
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leaves on glass
stained glass of rusty red and yellow
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Posted by Marja-Leena on November 7, 2007
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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sonnenstein, sunstone
...With ancient sonnenstein, beseech the sun's return
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Posted by Marja-Leena on October 20, 2007
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Making an Impression
I'm very pleased to announce that I'm participating in 'Making an Impression: Invitational Printmaking Exhibition' at the Ferry Buidling Gallery
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Posted by Marja-Leena on September 4, 2007
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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070707
trying out a recently purchased smaller digital camera
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Posted by Marja-Leena on July 8, 2007
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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gardens, woodpiles, rain
He cleaned the woodpile
Textures intrigued the artist
Posted by Marja-Leena on June 4, 2007
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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
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found art
a magical find in our backyard, under the magnolia tree...
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Posted by Marja-Leena on May 27, 2007
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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green
drenching rains
absent sun
turbid drinking water
today
sunny breaks
walk in the park
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 25, 2007
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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
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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
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fevered
foggy
feverish
fluey*
phooey!**
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 8, 2007
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garden therapy
morning sunshine
a rare event
eyes blinded
Posted by Marja-Leena on March 6, 2007
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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
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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
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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
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in the garden
experiments in the studio
still not working
a walk in the garden
....
Posted by Marja-Leena on February 13, 2007
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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testing your memory
A thorough test of your memory has begun!
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Posted by Marja-Leena on November 1, 2006
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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one step
Some days we just have to take it one step at a time
Posted by Marja-Leena on September 22, 2006
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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tidy up
a Hornby Island petroglyph
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Posted by Marja-Leena on May 5, 2006
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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
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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
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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
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sea shells
...another one of some objects that I scanned..
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Posted by Marja-Leena on April 19, 2006
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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