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...]Marja-Leena | 12/09/2007 | 4 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Being an Artist, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 07/09/2007 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Neat stuff, Recently
spiny fruit
Marja-Leena | 06/09/2007 | 2 comments
themes: Nature, Photoworks, Recently
RETURNS
September's calendar is filling up with interesting events. I've just booked seats to see a Finnish-themed music theatre work by an MFA grad with a Finnish name. As immigrants ourselves, my husband and I were quite intrigued by this... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 05/09/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Music, Recently
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
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/09/2007 | 8 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Being an Artist, Printmaking, Recent Exhibitions, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 02/09/2007 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Photography, Recently
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!
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/08/2007 | 10 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
moss painting
Ugly or beautiful? Isn't it odd that it depends on which hat I'm wearing. Am I judging the state of the property? Or am I in my artist's state of mind? ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 27/08/2007 | 9 comments
themes: Photoworks, Recently, Urban
studio floor
Another one from this photo expedition... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 25/08/2007 | 11 comments
themes: Photoworks, Recently, Urban
contemplation
... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 22/08/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Photoworks, Recently, Urban
ancient chewing gum
imagine my surprise reading this at Mirabilis: A 5,000-year-old piece of chewing gum has been discovered by an archaeology student on a dig in western FINLAND
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 20/08/2007 | 15 comments
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
reflections in broken glass
Marja-Leena | 19/08/2007 | 10 comments
themes: Photoworks, Recently, Urban
creative license vs. copyright law
Vancouver artist collides with Olympic and Paralympics copyright act
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/08/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Concepts, Other artists, Recently
broken
"It is a dying lamp, a falling shower,
A breaking billow: - even whilst we speak
Is it not broken?"
Marja-Leena | 15/08/2007 | 13 comments
themes: Found Objects, Photoworks, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 14/08/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology, Rocks
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...]Marja-Leena | 12/08/2007 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
evening cruise
An invitation for visiting aunt and us!
from niece and boyfriend with boat:
come for a sunset boat ride!
Marja-Leena | 10/08/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
BC Day long weekend
Our long weekend was a wonderful, busy and mostly family-oriented one spent around Kamloops and Salmon Arm...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 07/08/2007 | 10 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 02/08/2007 | 18 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
oil spill
For over a week now, we've been appalled over an environmental disaster that occurred in the Greater Vancouver area. Last Tuesday, July 24th, there was a huge oil spill in Burnaby, a suburb just east of Vancouver, on the south... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 31/07/2007 | 12 comments
themes: Canada and BC, Current Events, Environment, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 30/07/2007 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Rocks
experiment no.4
This is becoming a mini series of playful experiments!
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 29/07/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Found Objects, Photoworks, Recently
the little moth
As I sat down at my desk yesterday morning, my eye was distracted by some movement in the window next to me - a tiny pale moth fluttering between the screen and the closed casement window. It must have... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/07/2007 | 9 comments
themes: Nature, Photoworks, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 25/07/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Neat stuff, Recently, Tools and technology
about Photoworks
Marja-Leena | 23/07/2007 | 6 comments
themes: Blogging, Photoworks, Recently, Textures
77 Million Paintings
Saturday evening, yesterday, felt like a fall evening, so dark so early with rain thundering on the skylights. Desiring some cocooning, we set up our favourite game of Liverpool Rummy on the table, with hot cups of gen-mai cha... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 22/07/2007 | 4 comments
themes: Music, Other artists, Recently
experiment no.3
continuing play with materials and textures
still not sure where these are going
Marja-Leena | 20/07/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Found Objects, Photography, Photoworks, Recently
colours of music
"Can music have colour? David Hockney thought so, as filmmaker Maryte Kavaliauskas shows in her profile for PBS's American Masters, David Hockney: The Colors of Music".
Read more in the UPDATE.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 18/07/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Films, Music, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 16/07/2007 | 18 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Tina Schliessler
Vancouver artist and a friend, Tina Schliessler, has her series Living Portraits on exhibition at the Seymour Art Gallery in North Vancouver. I was very happy to attend her opening the other evening (Tuesday) and see her exciting new... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/07/2007 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
textures
I'm obsessed by textures, can you tell?
Marja-Leena | 10/07/2007 | 6 comments
themes: Nature, Photography, Photoworks, Recently
070707
trying out a recently purchased smaller digital camera
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 08/07/2007 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Nature, Photography, Photoworks, Recently
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
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 06/07/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Books, Recently
fireworks
Happy July 4th to my American readers! Enjoy the fireworks A hot screensaver for Macs Wish I'd found it for Canada Day.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/07/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Neat stuff, Recently
my favourite sculpture
First I saw Ossip Zadkine's De Poeet, then Tuumailua's challenge to bloggers to post their favourite sculptures. So here's my choice of current favourite, especially one located in Vancouver: Magdalena Abakanowicz' Vancouver Ancestors, posted a year ago. I'm wondering... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 03/07/2007 | 14 comments
themes: Blogging, Other artists, Recently
experiment no.2
another exploration of a tentative idea
see also experiment no.1
Marja-Leena | 02/07/2007 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Found Objects, Photography, Photoworks, Recently
Sámi cultural heritage project
...an interesting, informative and beautifully designed website: Recalling Ancestral Voices, concerning the repatriation of Sámi cultural heritage.
Marja-Leena | 29/06/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Anthropology, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, History, Recently
Assemblage X
Marja-Leena | 27/06/2007 | 13 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
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...]Marja-Leena | 26/06/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
peachfuzz visits
There was a lot of commotion going on in the solarium this morning though it sounded like birds on the roof. Meet our latest visitor to our solarium - Peachfuzz - who thought maybe it was too cold outside. He... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 25/06/2007 | 9 comments
themes: Neat stuff, Recently
solstice memories
midsummer dreams, white nights in Nordic lands
solstice celebrations, bonfires on beaches...
Marja-Leena | 21/06/2007 | 2 comments
themes: Culture, Recently
experiment no.1
playing around with various images
not sure where these are going yet
here's the first one in early formation
Marja-Leena | 20/06/2007 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Found Objects, Photoworks, Recently
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.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 18/06/2007 | 10 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Films, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 17/06/2007 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 15/06/2007 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Assemblage IX
Silent Messengers: Assemblage IX
Collagraph and inkjet
Marja-Leena | 14/06/2007 | 6 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
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...]Marja-Leena | 11/06/2007 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 07/06/2007 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
gardens, woodpiles, rain
He cleaned the woodpile
Textures intrigued the artist
Marja-Leena | 04/06/2007 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Textures
Assemblage VIII
Silent Messengers: Assemblage VIII
Collagraph and inkjet
Marja-Leena | 02/06/2007 | 3 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
Portraits of Women
A superb collection of women portraits from about 500 years - a video slide show set to music.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 29/05/2007 | 5 comments
themes: History, Other artists, Recently
found art
a magical find in our backyard, under the magnolia tree...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 27/05/2007 | 15 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Nature, Photoworks, Recently
Bella Coola petroglyphs
Chris Corrigan is presently up in Bella Coola, on the northern coast of British Columbia. I'm very excited to read: "...we hiked up to the incredibly impressive petroglyphs...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 24/05/2007 | 1 comment
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
a muddle
Marja-Leena | 23/05/2007 | 10 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Printworks, Recently, Rocks
a queen's birthday
She reigned for 63 years, seven months and two days -- the longest reign ever. She was five feet tall and monarch to one-quarter of the world's population. She was 81 when she died. Her own sons lifted her... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/05/2007 | 4 comments
themes: Culture, Current Events, Recently
Tove Jansson biography
Way back in February of 2005, I wrote about trolls and my love of folk legends, myths and fairy tales especially anything Finnish. In that context came up the name of internationally well-known Tove Jansson and her Moomintrolls. There... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 20/05/2007 | 13 comments
themes: Books, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Folk Legends & Myths, Recently
beach art
Marja-Leena | 17/05/2007 | 10 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Rocks
Assemblage VII
Silent Messengers: Assemblage VII
Collagraph and inkjet
Marja-Leena | 15/05/2007 | 14 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
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... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/05/2007 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 12/05/2007 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Current Events, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 10/05/2007 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
still
Marja-Leena | 09/05/2007 | 5 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Rocks
a photo
a photo taken on a favourite island...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 07/05/2007 | 2 comments
themes: Photoworks, Recently, Rocks
Assemblage VI
Silent Messengers: Assemblage VI
Collagraph on paper and archival inkjet on mylar layer
Marja-Leena | 05/05/2007 | 6 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
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...]Marja-Leena | 02/05/2007 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Current Events, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 01/05/2007 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Other artists, Recently, Silent Messengers
May Eve and Day
This April 30th I'm once again reminded by Helsingin Sanomat that today and tomorrow are Vappu or May Eve and May Day, "one of Finland's most boisterous (and liquid) annual festivals". May Day in Finland is a national holiday,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/04/2007 | 2 comments
themes: Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Folk Legends & Myths, Recently
a rock
an odd-shaped covered in barnacles...
I stop and wonder how ancient it is, how far it has travelled
Marja-Leena | 28/04/2007 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Rocks
Assemblage V
Silent Messengers: Assemblage V
Collagraph on paper and archival inkjet on mylar layer
Marja-Leena | 25/04/2007 | 14 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
thinking blogs
Wow, this blog has been named a "thinking blog" by Peter - poet, writer, husband, father and spiritual guide extraordinaire of Another Country! I'm thrilled and honoured to be included in such good company, and especially pleased that Peter... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/04/2007 | 15 comments
themes: Blogging, Recently
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...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 20/04/2007 | 4 comments
themes: Anthropology, Being an Artist, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Assemblage IV
Silent Messengers: Assemblage IV
Collagraph on paper and archival inkjet on mylar layer
Marja-Leena | 18/04/2007 | 13 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
Miniprint Finland 2007
Another print triennial is coming up, this time in Finland: "The Graphic Artist Association of Lahti and the Lahti Art Museum are pleased to invite the artists to participate in the 6th International Miniprint Finland 2007 miniature graphics triennial."
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 16/04/2007 | 2 comments
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Print Triennials, Recently
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...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/04/2007 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
Ekphrasis 12
I feel very humble and honoured that my new blog-friend Tall Girl felt inspired by a pair of my etchings Nexus IX and X. She wrote mark in response to my work as well as to the challenge of Qarrstsiluni's current theme of ekphrasis, "poetry in dialogue with visual art".
Marja-Leena | 13/04/2007 | 5 comments
themes: Nexus, Other artists, Recently
stones or bones?
These rocks make me think of weathered old bones of some prehistoric creature.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/04/2007 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Photoworks, Recently, Rocks
diversions
I've recently come across some great links on a couple of interesting subjects - the first an important environmental story and the second a fascinating linguistic and ethnological one. 1. At Biodynamic Farming and Gardening I found out about a... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/04/2007 | 4 comments
themes: Culture, Current Events, Environment, Linguistics, Recently
Assemblage III
Silent Messengers: Assemblage III
Collagraph on paper and archival inkjet on mylar layer
Marja-Leena | 09/04/2007 | 23 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
first week of April
a week of hail, snow, night frost, warmth, sunshine, cloud, light rain...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 05/04/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
Assemblage II
Silent Messengers: Assemblage II
Collagraph on paper and archival inkjet on mylar layer
Marja-Leena | 03/04/2007 | 18 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
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...]Marja-Leena | 31/03/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
Assemblage I
Silent Messengers: Assemblage I
Collagraph on paper and archival inkjet on two mylar layers
Marja-Leena | 29/03/2007 | 6 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
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...]Marja-Leena | 27/03/2007 | 11 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Printmaking, Recently
green
drenching rains
absent sun
turbid drinking water
today
sunny breaks
walk in the park
Marja-Leena | 25/03/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
ECI Grad Art Auction
Don't miss the opportunity to own work from the next generation of great Canadian artists and designers at the 14th Annual Grad Art Auction at Emily Carr Institute. AUCTION: Saturday, March 31, 2007 TIME: 7:00pm REGISTRATION: 5:30pm to 8:30pm... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 24/03/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Other artists, Recently
hands in rock art
Do you recall my handprints? As you know, they were inspired by many rock art hand paintings from around the world, such as those in Borneo. Well, I've just been peeking into the Bradshaw Foundation pages to see what's... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/03/2007 | 21 comments
themes: Printmaking, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
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...]Marja-Leena | 20/03/2007 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Current Events, Recently
Benjamin Phillips, again
Wow, this artist is busy! Not long ago, I wrote about sculptor Benjamin Phillips and his exhibition at the Access Gallery, which has just finished. Now he's having a show at Capilano College in North Vancouver. If you... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/03/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 17/03/2007 | 11 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Digital printmaking, Printmaking, Recently
venation
Marja-Leena | 15/03/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Nature, Photoworks, Recently
Kalevala and Vietnam
I know that the Finnish national epic the Kalevala is read around the world, translated as it is into 61 languages. So I've been quite intrigued to read a fascinating story about two Vietnamese women and their involvement with... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/03/2007 | 14 comments
themes: Books, Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Folk Legends & Myths, Recently
International Women's Day 2007
Today we are celebrating the achievements of women around the world on this International Women's Day. It's an important way to remember the struggles of women who fought for equality for their sisters and coming generations of women. My... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 08/03/2007 | 4 comments
themes: Current Events, History, Recently
fevered
foggy
feverish
fluey*
phooey!**
Marja-Leena | 08/03/2007 | 11 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
garden therapy
morning sunshine
a rare event
eyes blinded
Marja-Leena | 06/03/2007 | 13 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
broken blog
On Thursday evening (March 1st) this blog suddenly appeared very odd in design and showed only some of my very earliest posts from 2004 on the main page. The links (underlined as of yore!) went to wrong pages using the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 03/03/2007 | 17 comments
themes: Blogging, Recently
Tallinn's Print Triennial & Conference
Many printmakers may be aware that there is a call for entries to The 14th Tallinn Print Triennial in Estonia. The exhibition will be held 17 October – 27 November 2007. The deadline for the first stage of jurying... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 02/03/2007 | 2 comments
themes: Other artists, Print Triennials, Printmaking, Recently
The Danish Poet
Torill Kove, a Norwegian-Canadian anImator with Canada's NFB (National Film Board) won an Oscar this year for Best Animated Short Film. Her film, The Danish Poet, is a "charming 15-minute meditation on life's peculiar coincidences, based loosely on a... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 27/02/2007 | 9 comments
themes: Culture, Films, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 26/02/2007 | 15 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 24/02/2007 | 12 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Benjamin Phillips exhibition
Benjamin Phillips: Chthonian* Dialogue
Opening February 23rd, 2007 at 8 p.m.
Access Artist Run Centre, Vancouver
Marja-Leena | 22/02/2007 | 4 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
OriginsNet
Reader Bill, knowing my interest in prehistoric art, recently sent me a link to a very informative website. OriginsNet is about "Researching the Origins of Art, Religion, & Mind".
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/02/2007 | 6 comments
themes: History, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
my left foot
Marja-Leena | 19/02/2007 | 5 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Human, Photoworks, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 16/02/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Printmaking, Recently
in the garden
experiments in the studio
still not working
a walk in the garden
....
Marja-Leena | 13/02/2007 | 11 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
hands
Marja-Leena | 08/02/2007 | 11 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Human, Photoworks, Recently
the magic flute
Oh my, what a wonderful evening! We splurged on a special night out at the opera and were thoroughly enthralled by the wonderful new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute, in a unique and fascinating collaboration with First Nations... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 06/02/2007 | 4 comments
themes: Culture, Music, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 04/02/2007 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 01/02/2007 | 28 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 31/01/2007 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
on art theft
The Globe and Mail has a fascinating and informative article on international art crimes that are happening even in Canada, and how one Canadian lawyer is working to educate collectors and police on how to deal with it. Thanks to... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 29/01/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Care of Art Works, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 25/01/2007 | 21 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
a blog survey
If you are a blogger, you may be interested in filling out this quick survey Why Do You Blog? It took me only a few minutes to do. Thanks to Cassandra Pages for the pointer.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 22/01/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Blogging, Recently
Burtynsky interview
"People who are engaged in art are engaged in a process of thinking beyond the present moment, looking both forward and backward, reflecting on how the human story plays itself out. In a way, art is a research and development... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/01/2007 | 5 comments
themes: Other artists, Photography, Recently
Art's Birthday
"Today, a unique birthday is being celebrated around the world: Art's Birthday. That's not Art as in someone named Art but as in art, the kind of stuff created by artists. Art is now 1,000,044 years old." I didn't... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/01/2007 | 10 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Recently
at Belkin Satellite
The Belkin Satellite has an interesting sounding exhibition coming up called Oh, What a Blow That Phantom Gave Me!. The opening reception is on Friday, January 19th, 8-10 p.m. at 555 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC. The exhibition continues to February... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/01/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Recently
ephemeral
Marja-Leena | 15/01/2007 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Nature, Photoworks, Recently
Dream Anatomy
Aboriginal "x-ray style" figure. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. Rock painting, ca. 6000 B.C.E. © Archivo Iconografico, S.A./Corbis Hot on the heels of our most interesting visit a week ago to BodyWorlds, I've just come across in my... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/01/2007 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, History, Printmaking, Recently
sun on snow
loving the cold, crisp brightness of sunshine and snow... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/01/2007 | 5 comments
themes: Photography, Recently
Body Worlds
We saw an amazing, very educational and awe-inspiring exhibition yesterday - not really an art show**, but a science and health one based on the human body, Body Worlds. I thought I'd feel a bit squeamish seeing real human... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 09/01/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 07/01/2007 | 10 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Canada and BC, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 02/01/2007 | 7 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 30/12/2006 | 19 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 28/12/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Concepts, Recently
computer art
Got a little time? Get a cup of your favourite brew and a biscotti and relax with these entertaining though time-consuming links that are all about using the computer to create art. 1. Brian Eno's 77 Million Paintings. "... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/12/2006 | 8 comments
themes: Neat stuff, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 24/12/2006 | 10 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Neat stuff, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 22/12/2006 | 10 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
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.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/12/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 17/12/2006 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Canada and BC, Current Events, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 11/12/2006 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 08/12/2006 | 11 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Digital printmaking, Printmaking, Recently
Happy 89th, Finland
Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää to Finland and my Finnish readers! On December 6, 1917, shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, Finland declared its independence. On this date, 89 years later, Finns are celebrating their country's Independence Day. If you are... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 05/12/2006 | 17 comments
themes: Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, History, Recently
Margaret Witzsche exhibition
Margaret Witzsche has an exhibition of large canvases exploring the natural and inner worlds called 'Claiming the Dream'.
AT: the Seymour Art Gallery, OPENING: tomorrow Tuesday, December 5th, 7-9pm
Marja-Leena | 04/12/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
print sale
The Studio Art printmaking department at Capilano College is holding their always popular Annual Print Sale, featuring intaglio, relief, silk screen and digital prints created by first and second year students, by artists in the Art Institute and faculty... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/12/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
snow graffiti
I felt inspired to do a little graffiti on the sparkling pristine canvas on the deck.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 02/12/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Nature, Photoworks, Recently
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.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/12/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 29/11/2006 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
reflections
Marja-Leena | 28/11/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Nature, Photoworks, Recently
winter rose
in my garden today
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 27/11/2006 | 15 comments
themes: Photography, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 26/11/2006 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
snowing
It is snowing here! Will be back with photos tomorrow, I hope. I love the snow, but not everyone does.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 25/11/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Current Events, Recently
an artistic savant
Watch this 5 minute video of a brilliant artistic savant who goes for a 45 minute helicopter ride over Rome. He then draws an accurate representation of the city from memory...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 24/11/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Other artists, Recently
thankful
A Happy Thanksgiving to all my American blog friends and readers! I'm enjoying reading some of your thanksgiving posts. Many count the , or the things they love about Thanksgiving. Here's Patry's number 4: "Traditions. In our family, we... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/11/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Culture, Recently
the xylothek
Alnarp, Sweden is the home of a unique Wooden Library. "The wooden library, or xylothek (from the Greek words for tree, xylon, and storing place, theke) consists of 217 volumes describing 213 different species or varieties of trees and... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/11/2006 | 12 comments
themes: Books, Culture, Recently
Nov.16th
November 16th will always be an especially significant day for us...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 16/11/2006 | 18 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Current Events, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 14/11/2006 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Books, Music, Recently
poppy day
Wear White Poppies for a culture of peace Today on Remembrance Day in Canada Many thanks to wood s lot who always finds such treasures UPDATE: 8:30 pm. I've just been reading a lovely post about Remembrance Day... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 11/11/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Culture, History, Recently
Peter Frey exhibition
I am very pleased to introduce friend and fellow-printmaker Peter Frey. Peter is presenting Threads and Fissures, an exhibition of his photographs and prints at the Capilano College Studio Art Gallery. Opening reception: Thursday, November 9th, 4pm - 7... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 08/11/2006 | 9 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
Goldsworthy: Rivers & Tides
I've just finished viewing the DVD Andy Goldsworthy: Rivers and Tides. Wow! It is very beautiful, very inspiring and I want to view it over and over again. I've admired Andy Goldsworthy's work in books, magazines and online but... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 06/11/2006 | 13 comments
themes: Films, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 04/11/2006 | 12 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Films, Printmaking, Recently
The Relief Print
Gravity by Shinsuke Minegushi, woodcut & wood engraving, 30 cm x 81 cm., 2000 An exhibition of relief prints is now up at the Burnaby Art Gallery. From the website: The Relief Print October 24-November 26 "This exhibition of woodcuts,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 02/11/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
testing your memory
A thorough test of your memory has begun!
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/11/2006 | 10 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Neat stuff, Recently
Halloween
Happy Halloween! Be safe, little ones! All about Halloween All about pumpkins All about Samhain, Day of the Dead, All Souls, All Saints Halloween 2005 Halloween 2004 and a complaint about commercialization... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 31/10/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Culture, Recently
must-see artworks
The new Guardian's Art Blog looks interesting. Critic Jonathan Jones kicks off with his picks of 20 great art works for a definitive list of the 50 works of art to see before you die. Readers' suggestions to add... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/10/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Blogging, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 29/10/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 26/10/2006 | 13 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Digital printmaking, Printmaking, Recently
Griffin & Sabine
Griffin and Sabine, An Extraordinary Correspondence, written and illustrated by Nick Bantock grew into a series of six books that achieved great popularity and are some of my very favourites. I love the artwork, letters inside envelopes and postcards... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 24/10/2006 | 7 comments
themes: Books, Culture, Other artists, Recently
no more plastic bears
The ongoing fashion for cute, unoriginal and downright kitschy public art fauna continues to make me peevish, as I voiced here on July 9th , July 13th and July 17th of 2004 . And I'm not the only one who... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/10/2006 | 11 comments
themes: Culture, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 18/10/2006 | 17 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Digital printmaking, Printmaking, Recently
fall colours
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 16/10/2006 | 11 comments
themes: Photoworks, Recently, Rocks
exhibition reminder
Blue Print, 2006, woodcut & lithography by Shinsuke Minegishi (Canada) A reminder about an exhibition I wrote about before: Re-Identification, the travelling exhibition of prints from Japan, the Netherlands and Vancouver is moving to North Vancouver's Capilano College Studio... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/10/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 15/10/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Shanghai in films
Shanghai of the 1930's is the subject of a documentary and the background for a movie...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/10/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Films, History, Recently
Toxic-Free Artists
TOXIC-FREE ARTISTS: CARFAC Ontario presents Staying Alive! - A Health & Safety Workshop for Visual and Media Artists
Marja-Leena | 12/10/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Victoria
You know how I love rocks, so you'll know why I love with this amazing photo of Victoria.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/10/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Photography, Recently
wombat's world
checked out a link back to my blog from Wombat's World -the writer was going to Finland to see the Astuvansalmi rock paintings!
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 09/10/2006 | 11 comments
themes: Blogging, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Folk Legends & Myths, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Burtynsky in Vancouver
Image on invitation: Edward Burtyntsky: Recycling No.20. Cankun Aluminum. Xaimen City, Fujian Province, China 2005. Chromagenic print, 58" x 68". Courtesy of Charles Cowles Gallery, NY. I'm really looking forward to seeing the photographic works of acclaimed Canadian photographer... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 07/10/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Films, Other artists, Photography, Recently
visiting Interconnection
We were sad to miss the opening last week of Michiko Suzuki and Wayne Eastcott's exhibition Interconnection, also the grand opening of the new Bellevue Gallery. By all accounts the opening was very successful, attended by around 200 people... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 06/10/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Digital printmaking, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 05/10/2006 | 34 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Ancient Human Footprints
This is a fascinating discovery: "About 20,000 years ago, humans trekked along the margins of a shallow lake in Australia, leaving behind records of their passage in the soft, wet sand. In 2003, an aboriginal woman who is likely... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 03/10/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Anthropology, Recently
passages
in the Wallenstein Garden, Prague, 2002 a cellar in Prague, 2002... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 02/10/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Photoworks, Recently, Urban
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...]Marja-Leena | 29/09/2006 | 20 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Finnish knitting lesson
(Still from The Last Knit by annekeAnna) Talk about obsessive-compulsive, this animation is extremely well-done and hilarious. Thanks to my husband for finding our evening's laugh medicine. Enjoy!... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 25/09/2006 | 13 comments
themes: Films, Neat stuff, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 24/09/2006 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
one step
Some days we just have to take it one step at a time
Marja-Leena | 22/09/2006 | 11 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Urban
Eastcott/Suzuki at Bellevue
INTERCONNNECTION, Wayne Eastcott and Michiko Suzuki's collaborative printmaking project is opening in Bellevue Gallery next week. This is a recently opened new gallery that is celebrating its grand opening with this exhibition, to be introduced by renowned Canadian artist... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/09/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
rock paintings & blogs
I'm thrilled whenever I come across images of ancient rock art unexpectedly and this has just happened twice over two days. Regular readers will know that it's a subject of great interest and inspiration for me even in my own art making.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/09/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Blogging, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
weekend joys
We had a gorgeous sunny day yesterday, perfect for a family gathering to celebrate a daughter's birthday. Today is a fall day with rain, the house is quiet and I'm catching up with a bit of blog reading before... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/09/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Neat stuff, Recently
Jean Detheux
Back in July, I wrote about Belgian-Canadian artist Jean Detheux, who creates wondrous works entirely digitally after giving up painting for health reasons.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/09/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Films, Other artists, Recently
insomnia
Marja-Leena | 13/09/2006 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Urban
Sept.11, 1906
It's hard to avoid all the nauseous revisiting of the events of five years ago, even in our Canadian media and present government. Unwilling as I am to be drawn into this again, especially since I avoid the subject of... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 11/09/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Current Events, History, Recently
Portrait of a Couple
Veils Suite: Portrait of a Couple - one of the first pieces in the series of monotypes within the Veils Suite series...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 09/09/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
Re-identification
This collaborative exhibition features contemporary works on paper from three printmaking studios: Malaspina Printmakers in Vancouver, Canada; Shin-Yokohama Printmakers Association in Yokohama, Japan; and Grafisch Atelier Utrecht in Utrecht, The Netherlands.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 07/09/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Printmaking, Recently
long weekend
Marja-Leena | 04/09/2006 | 8 comments
themes: Nature, Photoworks, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 01/09/2006 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Photography, Recently
Modern Finnish Ruins
"Abandoned buildings, derelict factories filled with incredible old machines sitting alone in the dark halls with their power turned off for good, or nearly collapsed sawmills rotting silently away in the forest, being reclaimed by nature are the best, most authentic and interactive museums of industrial archaeology and local history....
Marja-Leena | 31/08/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, History, Photography, Recently
industrial art
There's beauty even on an industrial site if you open your eyes wide.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/08/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Urban
a malady
Marja-Leena | 28/08/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Blogging, Nature, Photoworks, Recently
the human journey
I've been happily lost in my travels through the pages of the Atlas of the Human Journey. I'm always fascinated to learn more about the amazing migration of humans from Africa to all the far corners of the earth.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 24/08/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Anthropology, Culture, History, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
more underfoot
Marja-Leena | 23/08/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Photoworks, Recently, Urban
underfoot
... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/08/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Photoworks, Recently, Urban
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...]Marja-Leena | 20/08/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
meeting bloggers
For the first time in two and a half years of blogging, I personally met another blogger face to face yesterday. Susan and I haven't known each other for very long, but when I learned she and her partner... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/08/2006 | 14 comments
themes: Blogging, Recently
McLaren again
NFB is celebrating 65 years of Animation and I discovered that we can view four of Norman McLaren's films on the Focus on Animation pages....
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 16/08/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Films, Recently
Helvetica, a film
Helvetica "is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. It looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2007) as part of a larger conversation about the way... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/08/2006 | 10 comments
themes: Films, Neat stuff, Recently
The Crowd II
Veils Suite: The Crowd II
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 13/08/2006 | 9 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
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.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/08/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 08/08/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, History, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 05/08/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
The Crowd I
Veils Suite: The Crowd I
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/08/2006 | 10 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
stairway
On the trail in Writing-on-Stone Park
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 31/07/2006 | 10 comments
themes: Photoworks, Recently, Rocks
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...]Marja-Leena | 27/07/2006 | 10 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
woodblock printmaking
Image of woodblock from wikipedia Some months ago I wrote about a demonstration of Japanese woodblock printing by Tae-Huk Kim. Now I'm pleased to see that Printfreak has posted a video of the process, that looks very similar to... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 22/07/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 20/07/2006 | 11 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
Kenneth Lochhead
Yesterday I learned from Arts News Canada that Canadian artist Kenneth Lochhead, 80, died in Ottawa on Saturday July 15th, saying to his family at his bedside, "I've gotta go; enjoy every second". I remember him well from my student... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/07/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Other artists, Recently
Blue Buddha
This past Monday evening 'The Nature of Things with David Suzuki' presented Blue Buddha: Lost Secrets of Tibetan Medicine. It traces the odyssey of traditional Tibetan medicine from it's roots in ancient Tibet, to a worldwide interest in it's... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/07/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Culture, Films, History, Recently
short shorts
'Short shorts' is qarrtsiluni's summer theme. If you haven't yet, do read the eclectic and thoughtful submissions so far. Consider submitting your piece of writing, art or photograph. Rachel's Chevra kadisha is movingly beautiful and sad. It made me think... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 18/07/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Blogging, Recently
more rock
Another photo of some of the thousands of rocks at Writing-on-Stone Park...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 16/07/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Photoworks, Recently, Rocks
Fiskars Village
An exhibition called 'Fiskars Art Center presents Remix-Rethought'. Fiskars? The Finnish scissor company? Yes, and there is a place in Finland called Fiskars that I didn't know about. This tickled my Finnish funny bone.
Marja-Leena | 14/07/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
digital abstract expressionist
Jean Detheux used to be a painter and is now working exclusively digitally due to allergies to paint fumes and solvents.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/07/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Other artists, Recently
summer reading
"Tita thought of the many times she had germinated kernels or seeds of rice, beans, or alfalfa, without giving any thought to how it felt for them to grow and change form so radically. Now she admired the way... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/07/2006 | 7 comments
themes: Books, Recently
rust
Marja-Leena | 09/07/2006 | 7 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Textures
soccer balls!
Here's something fun in honour of the World Cup finals this weekend, from Anthropology.net - "The World Cup, globalization, and cultural representations in the form of soccer balls!" Togo, Ecuador, and Australia have the most beautiful designs, imho. Which... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 07/07/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Current Events, Recently
pensive
Marja-Leena | 06/07/2006 | 13 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Music, Other artists, Photoworks, Recently, Rocks
self-portrait 6
a self-portrait that turned out rather Andy Warhol-ish...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 03/07/2006 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Human, Photoworks, Recently
Happy 139th birthday, Canada!
On this Canada Day, we have pomp and ceremony in Ottawa, parades, musicals events and fireworks in many communities and many vacationers at cottages and campgrounds. We're at home awaiting family guests, some from the US too. The weather... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/07/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Culture, History, Recently
Abakanowicz' Vancouver Ancestors
As I mentioned before, last week we ventured out to Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver especially to see the Magdalena Abakanowicz' sculpture installation. I was excited to be seeing her work live for the first time. Created for the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 29/06/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
self-portrait 5
Marja-Leena | 28/06/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Human, Photoworks, Recently
art, trees & birds
visiting art exhibitions, Queen Elizabeth Park and the Bloedel Conservatory
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 27/06/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Being an Artist, Other artists, Recently
watch this!
...the PBS series How Art Made the World is beginning tonight on your local PBS channel. In Vancouver, that's KCTS 9 from Seattle at 10 pm.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/06/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Films, History, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Alberta Trip Days 5 & 6
Heading west towards home, we visited Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, the Frank Slide and Kimberley.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/06/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, History, Recently
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.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 25/06/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
self-portrait 4
This fourth self-portrait was inspired by Dave Bonta's 'engaging in an odd form of egosurfing with typoGenerator...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/06/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
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.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 22/06/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Printworks, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology, Rocks
midsummer dreams
If I were in Finland right now, I'd be celebrating Juhannus at someone's summer cottage by a bonfire next to the water.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/06/2006 | 7 comments
themes: Culture, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 20/06/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Dad's day
Happy Father's Day to all dads out there! Happy Father's Day to the father of our children! I can't think of anything better than reposting this wonderful poem written by our eldest daughter and designed by our youngest for their... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 18/06/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Culture, Other artists, Recently
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...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/06/2006 | 11 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
self-portrait 2
My second self-portrait contribution to the self-portrait marathon.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 16/06/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
more Lascaux
CultureGrrl author Lee Rosenbaum, a longtime cultural journalist who writes for Wall Street Journal and Art in America wrote some interesting observations about the prehistoric art scene in the Dordogne region...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/06/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
thirteen cent pinball
Our youngest and very talented daughter has caught the blog bug! I am proud to introduce Erika's blog thirteen cent pinball.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/06/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Blogging, Other artists, Recently
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.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/06/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, History, Recently
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.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/06/2006 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Alberta Trip Day I
....we drove the scenic Crowsnest Highway from Hope (east of Vancouver) all the way to Lethbridge, Alberta.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 13/06/2006 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, History, Recently
caught in a web
A long and mighty battle between these two insects outside a window - photos by my husband
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/06/2006 | 9 comments
themes: Nature, Neat stuff, Photoworks, Recently
I'm back!
We just arrived home this evening from a very interesting six-day driving holiday to Alberta and back, with lots of stories and photos to share for several days to come! A warm thank you to everyone who emailed and sent... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/06/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Blogging, Recently
fetus rock
Marja-Leena | 08/06/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Meta-morphosis, Photoworks, Printworks, Recently, Rocks
BIMPE IV
Vancouver's very own international print biennial, BIMPE is a miniature print competition held every 2 years...BIMPE IV's Opening Reception is at 6 pm, Friday, June 9th, 2006...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 06/06/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Printmaking, Recently
Cornelia Oberlander
“PICTURING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE” Projects of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander as seen by Etta Gerdes Elliott Louis Gallery, West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver June 6 - June 25, 2006 - Preview: June 6th & 7th Opening Reception: Thurs. June 8, 6:30 -... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/06/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Photography, Recently
June 1, 1906
For some time I've been thinking about mentioning some fascinating Finnish history that I've been reading at Virtual Finland. Guest writer Hank at Finland for Thought beat me to it with the following: “1.6.1906 was a significant date in the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/06/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, History, Recently
art in fibre
An exhibition by two Vancouver-based Finnish fiber artists is opening tomorrow:
"Between the Hand and the Loom" - Works by Kaija Rautianen & Hanna Haapasalo
Exhibit: June 1- July 2, 2006, Opening Thursday, June 1, 2006, 6-8pm
at Crafthouse Gallery, Vancouver
Marja-Leena | 31/05/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
Jungen at Tate Modern
Some readers may recall an article I wrote about Brian Jungen's exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery earlier this year. The artist received a great deal of media attention including a mention that he was going to have his work... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/05/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Other artists, Recently
Abakanowicz here!
Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz will unveil the installation of Vancouver Ancestors, her latest work consisting of twenty iron cast, 9 foot tall headless figures. Created specifically for the 2005/2006 Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale...
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 29/05/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
human or robot?
I am seriously considering setting up comment registration with TypeKey. It is free for everyone, even if you don't have a blog. It requires registering only the first time. I know it's a bit annoying, but isn't it a great way to find out if the commenter is a human or a robot?
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 28/05/2006 | 15 comments
themes: Blogging, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 26/05/2006 | 15 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Concepts, Recently
Save Lascaux
Recently I wrote about the fungus in Lascaux Caves. Since then I've had some interesting correspondence from Melody Di Piazza. She has given me permission to share it with my readers(hyperlinks mine): "I am the vice-chair of the International... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 25/05/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Three Figures III
Veils Suite: Three Figures III
etching, drawing, watercolour (unique)
76 x 57 cm.
[Continue Reading...]
Marja-Leena | 24/05/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
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...]Marja-Leena | 23/05/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Other artists, Recently
Victoria Day
We've just had a long weekend here in Canada. Victoria Day is a Canadian Statutory Holiday celebrated on the Monday on or before May 24 in honour of both Queen Victoria's birthday and the current reigning Canadian Sovereign's birthday.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 22/05/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Culture, Recently
beauties vs beasts
(Lordi - Photo from Eurovision) The first that I ever heard of LORDI was in an email about two weeks ago from fellow-blogger Anna in England: "Lordi lordi, whatever next? I really think that you should do a piece... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 20/05/2006 | 16 comments
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Music, Recently
art that excites 2
Magdalena Abakanowicz: detail from the Ninety Five Figures from the Crowd of One Thousand Ninety Five Figures Anna L. Conti of San Francisco writes a very focused and intelligent blog about her own art practice and about other artists.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/05/2006 | 15 comments
themes: Other artists, Recently
art that excites
Brad J. Goldberg: Coral Eden When I see art that excites me, that draws a reaction out of me, that makes me really take notice, that stirs my emotions, it becomes a memorable and almost a spiritual experience. And... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/05/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Modern Rock Art, Other artists, Recently
Mother's Day birthday
A very happy and beautiful Mother's Day to all moms and their families! Mukavaa ja kaunista äitienpäivää kaikille äideille ja perheille! The weather is glorious here this weekend. Our three daughters, two granddaughters and partners are gathering here Sunday... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 13/05/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Culture, Recently
Norman McLaren
This interesting news item about the late great Canadian animator Norman McLaren (1914-1987) brings back a lot of wonderful memories for me: 'The films of National Film Board animation pioneer Norman McLaren will be the subject May 22 of the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/05/2006 | 7 comments
themes: Films, Other artists, Recently
fungus in Lascaux Caves
Image from The Painted Gallery This is disturbing news. After reading it, I had to go and revisit the online Lascaux Caves site to marvel over the great art, such as the image above. 'A pernicious white fungus has... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/05/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Art Daily returns
As Sam plays 'As Time Goes By' once again, Ignacio Villarreal announces the return of Art Daily, like the phoenix arising! He writes movingly of overcoming health and financial problems and bringing back his 10 year old pet project and... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 08/05/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Blogging, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 07/05/2006 | 15 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
tidy up
a Hornby Island petroglyph
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 05/05/2006 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Rocks, Tools and technology
Three Figures I
Marja-Leena | 03/05/2006 | 8 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
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...]Marja-Leena | 02/05/2006 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Other artists, Recently
Canadian books
Canadian publisher McClelland & Stewart is celebrating 100 years and has put out their Essential 100 list of books: "Selected from the 700 plus M&S backlist titles currently available, our Essential 100 consists of those titles that should be on... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/05/2006 | 9 comments
themes: Books, Recently
Happy Walpurgisnacht
"Ah, it's May Eve", I wrote last year, "Almost anywhere else on the planet this would not be so very significant, but in Finland it means "Vappu", a kind of Finnish "Mardi Gras meets the Rite of Spring", with... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/04/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Culture, Current Events, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
The Couple VII
Veils Suite: The Couple VII monotype (oil-based inks) and watercolour pencil drawing 57 x 76 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 29/04/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
Night Gardening
"Deep within each of us lies a garden. An intensely personal place. Throughout most of our lives, this garden remains hidden from view save for brief glimpses during moments spent daydreaming or in quiet contemplation...but many of us long... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 28/04/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Books, Recently
Kathan Brown
This is very interesting for printmakers and other artists! Artist-blogger Gregg Chadwick at Speed of Life has written: "Kathan Brown, the founder of San Francisco's Crown Point Press, has a new book out - "Magical Secrets about Thinking Creatively:... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 27/04/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Books, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 25/04/2006 | 7 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
The Couple VI
Veils Suite: The Couple VI monotype (oil-based inks) and watercolour pencil drawing 76 x 57 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 24/04/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
this earth
What a glorious sunny day yesterday, with more ahead! Despite my cold, I was drawn outdoors to check the amazing growth in just a week. Everything is green and lush, the tulips are glowing in their riotous colours, the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/04/2006 | 8 comments
themes: Current Events, Environment, Recently
Brian Jungen
Prototype for New Understanding #16, 2004 Nike athletic footwear, human hair Collection of Joel Wachs, New York Photo: Trevor Mills, Vancouver Art Gallery (taken from Brian Jungen Gallery) I'm very late getting this written - it was 11 days... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 22/04/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 21/04/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Annabel Carey's batiks
Annabel Carey: Nine Stones - photo by John Talbot-Cooper Some time ago I wrote here about an exhibition of batiks by UK artist Annabel Carey: Spirit of the Stones. I expressed my keen interest in these because of my... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/04/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Other artists, Recently
Artists in Our Midst 2006
Artists on the west side of Vancouver are once again opening their studios to the public: West Point Grey April 21-23 Kitsilano April 28-30 Dunbar/Kerrisdale May 5-7 Each Friday there is a preview night with entertainment in a local centre.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 20/04/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Other artists, Recently
sea shells
...another one of some objects that I scanned..
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/04/2006 | 14 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Nature, Photoworks, Recently
The Couple V
Veils Suite: The Couple V monotype (oil-based inks) and watercolour pencil drawing 57 x 76 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/04/2006 | 7 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
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...]Marja-Leena | 16/04/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Happy Easter
I've just put our treasured collection of Easter eggs on display. Most of these lovely eggs have been made over the years by our youngest daughter. I decided to photograph them and post them here because I was so... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/04/2006 | 8 comments
themes: Culture, Recently
Takao Tanabe
Takao Tanabe - Malacca Strait: Dawn - Etching & Woodcut (not in this exhibition) Takao Tanabe was born in 1926 in Prince Rupert, British Columbia of Japanese parents. He studied at the Winnipeg School of Art (which later became... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 13/04/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
gallery date night
Vancouver Art Gallery at Robson Square It's a lovely day and I've got a date! I'm picking up husband from work and we are going to visit several exhibitions late this afternoon and into the evening. We really love... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 11/04/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
Grad exhibition
The entire Studio Art building at Capilano College is undergoing a major transformation this week into a gallery showcasing the works of this year's graduates of the Studio Art program. The show opening is on Thursday, April 13 from... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 11/04/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Recently
The Couple IV
Veils Suite: The Couple IV monotype (oil-based inks) and watercolour pencil drawing 57 x 76 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 09/04/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
sun fading of art works
Most people are probably aware of the power of sunlight in fading the colours of carpets, upholstery and drapes. I wonder how many realize the sun's effect on the art work on the walls. Now we can see for... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 07/04/2006 | 7 comments
themes: Care of Art Works, Recently
Finnish Design exhibition
More Finnish stuff, dear readers! Friends of Finland recently sent out a notice to members about a very interesting travelling exhibition of Finnish design coming to Vancouver. (Links and photos are my additions.) "SCHOOL OF COOL - FRESH FINNISH DESIGN... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 06/04/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
ORIGINS Centre
One example of the rock art in the Wits University collection, which is probably the largest in the world (Image: Origins Centre) From the City of Johannesburg comes this exciting news for archaeology and anthropology fans like me: Origins... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/04/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Anthropology, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
The Couple II
Veils Suite: The Couple II monotype (oil-based inks) and watercolour pencil drawing 57 x 76 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 02/04/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
April First
"It's snowing", he whispered into my ear. My eyes opened instantly, then I remembered... The maple syrup's full of ants. A mouse is creeping on the shelf. Is that a spider on your back? I ate the whole pie... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/04/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Culture, Recently
Arno Rafael Minkkinen
Arno Rafael Minkkinen, Self-portrait, Dead Horse Point, Utah, 1997, 20" x 24" I first became acquainted with Arno Rafael Minkkinen, an internationally known Finnish-American photographer through Art Daily some months ago. His works affected me deeply, and I bookmarked it for... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 31/03/2006 | 10 comments
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Other artists, Photography, Recently
Kaija Saariaho, opera composer
Charles Downey of Ionarts wrote today: "Tonight was the big night in Paris, the world premiere of Kaija Saariaho's new opera, Adriana Mater, at the Opéra national de Paris. It was to have been the jewel in the crown of... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/03/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Music, Recently
photo expedition
Marja-Leena | 29/03/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Urban
The Couple I
Veils Suite: The Couple I monotype (oil-based inks) and watercolour pencil drawing 57 x 76 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 27/03/2006 | 8 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
more Petra
Petra, Jordan, 1998 Photograph by Annie Griffiths Belt “Reclining on a rooftop carved two millennia ago, a Bedouin surveys the realm of the Nabataeans, whose ancient capital beckons from the sands of southern Jordan. Forgotten for centuries, Petra still... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/03/2006 | 7 comments
themes: History, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Toronto's Lord of the Rings
"The much-anticipated musical theatre version of The Lord of the Rings made its formal début in a gala première in Toronto on Thursday evening, and the reactions of the audience suggested that the massive production would not be leaving... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 24/03/2006 | 13 comments
themes: Books, Films, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Folk Legends & Myths, Music, Recently
openings tonight
I'm getting ready to go to a couple of art openings this evening: 1. RETURN, prints by Hannamari Jalovaara and Taiga Chiba at Malaspina Printmakers Gallery, opening 7 - 9 pm. 2. IN CONTRAST - ceramic sculpture by Mary Kim... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/03/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
A Portrait in Profile III
Veils Suite: A Portrait in Profile III monotype (oil-based inks) and watercolour pencil drawing 76 x 57 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 22/03/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
RETURN
(left) Hannamari Jalovaara: Identical Witness intaglio 30 x 60 cm. (right) Taiga Chiba: My Return to the Cambrian Sea-16 monotype 52 x 77cm. RETURN is an exhibition of etchings and monotypes by Hannamari Jalovaara and Taiga Chiba at Malaspina... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/03/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 20/03/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 19/03/2006 | 10 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Being an Artist, Blogging, Printmaking, Recently, Tools and technology
Happy St.Patrick's
Irish smiles to Bizarro.com... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/03/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Culture, Recently
A Portrait in Profile II
Veils Suite: A Portrait in Profile II monotype (oil-based inks) and watercolour pencil drawing 76 x 57 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/03/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
Made In India
Another exhibition by the very busy printmakers Tomoyo Ihaya and Taiga Chiba is opening this week at Dundarave Print Work Shop Gallery,1640 Johnston Street, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC. The exhibition is on from March 17 to April 9, 2006,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/03/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
The Tommy Douglas Story
Wow - we've just finished viewing a very moving film Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story, a two-part drama on CBC-TV. It's a fascinating biography of the man who became a long time premier of Saskatchewan and then the first... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 13/03/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Films, History, Recently
A Portrait in Profile I
Veils Suite: A Portrait in Profile I monotype (oil-based inks) and watercolour pencil drawing 76 x 57 cm. Recently I've been looking through a series of monotypes that I haven't visited in a long time. I did quite a... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/03/2006 | 7 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
cherry blossoms & snow
A new cultural event taking place right now in Vancouver is the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration of the 36,000 cherry trees in the city's parks, boulevards, and private gardens, more than in any other Canadian city. According... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/03/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Culture, Current Events, Recently
Steven Dixon: Spare
Steven Dixon: Desert Structure No. 1, 2006 Digital print on Japanese paper mounted on panel The Art Gallery of Alberta, formerly the Edmonton Art Gallery, is featuring an exhibition of prints by Steven Dixon called Spare: "Steven Dixon’s large-scale... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 08/03/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Digital printmaking, Other artists, Photography, Recently
update on batik show
batik by Annabel Carey, photo by Valeri Following up on a suggestion in the comments to my post about a batik exhibition in Cornwall, UK, I emailed Valeri of dyeing 2 sew, because she lives in Cornwall. I told... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 07/03/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
WOMAN
(image scanned from invitation - designed by Andrew Cairns) WOMAN is an art exhibition in celebration of International Women's Day at the Ferry Building Gallery, 1414 Argyle Ave, in West Vancouver, BC. The opening reception is tonight, Tuesday, March... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 07/03/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 06/03/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 04/03/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
30 x 30 print show
Gerri York: Phosphor endure 2005 Digital print, etching and chine collé 15cm X 15cm (about 12" x 12") Photo: D. Martens This sounds like a very interesting contemporary print exhibition by Vancouver area artists that I don't want to... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 03/03/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 02/03/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Digital printmaking, Recently
slide show: aurora borealis
Ooh, there's a truly outstanding and beautiful slide show of the Aurora Borealis at Virtual Finland (from where I've borrowed this photo)! "Finland is a leader in the study of the Aurora Borealis, the majestic display of colours that... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 28/02/2006 | 1 comment
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Neat stuff, Photography, Recently
a batik exhibition
This little news item in Stone Pages caught my eye and really piqued my interest: Exhibition: Spirits of the Stones "A touring exhibition by Annabel Carey of batiks featuring stone circles in England, Scotland and Wales, which began at the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 27/02/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
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...]Marja-Leena | 26/02/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
Olga Campbell's opening
We made it this evening to Olga Campbell's opening at Diskin Galleries. Olga presented quite a large number of her digital prints, some based on her travels in Asia and some of her personal family history, and all very... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 24/02/2006 | 1 comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Digital printmaking, Other artists, Recently
Olga Campbell at Diskin
Art Institute Printmaking member and friend Olga Campbell is having an exhibition of new mixed media works under the theme of "Triumph of the Human Spirit" at Diskin Galleries from February 24th to April 27th, 2006. The opening reception... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/02/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
Kalevala Event
... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 22/02/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Culture, Folk Legends & Myths, Music, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 22/02/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Being an Artist, Print Triennials, Recent Exhibitions, Recently
Krakow Print Triennial 2006
International Print Triennial Krakow Poland is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of its founding this year. I've mentioned this international print triennial several times before as one of the top ones in the world. It is notable for the numerous... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/02/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Print Triennials, Printmaking, Recently
a welcome back
A funny thing about blogging - one meets other bloggers and after a while many feel like they are good friends even if we never meet. When one of them quits blogging it's like losing a friend. This happened to... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/02/2006 | 7 comments
themes: Blogging, Recently
Japanese woodblock printing
A few days ago, Tae-Huk Kim, our artist-in-residence from Korea, gave us an excellent demonstration of traditional Japanese woodblock printing. This is the technique he uses for making his contemporary woodcuts. Several woodblocks are made, usually one for each... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 16/02/2006 | 7 comments
themes: Art Institute (Printmaking), Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
Valentines
Happy Valentine's Day to all my readers! If you are in Finland, I wish you Hauskaa Ystävänpäivää! (That means Happy Friends' Day, which I just learned about and like very much!) Because my birthday is so close to Valentine's,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/02/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Culture, Recently
photos of Finland
Niklas Sjöblom photo, February 6, 2006 I have a few longer blog posts that I have been wanting to write for some time but have been busy and then too tired to organize my thoughts and research. So, instead... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 13/02/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Photography, Recently
Bill Laing's Silkscreens
Bill Laing - "Terrain of the Domestic Landscape #2" - Silkscreen Yesterday we spent a few enjoyable hours poking around the always lively Granville Island. Amongst other pleasures, we stopped in to view Bill Laing's exhibition PARIS: Recent Silkscreen... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/02/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
spiral
a scan of a small ammonite
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/02/2006 | 18 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Nature, Photoworks, Recently
printers and scanners
In the comments to yesterday's post about my experiments, virtual friend and artist-blogger in Alaska, Elise Tomlinson asked some very interesting questions that have inspired me to write today's entry. "So, do you have your own printer and scanner for... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 09/02/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Institute (Printmaking), Digital printmaking, Recently, Tools and technology
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...]Marja-Leena | 08/02/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Digital printmaking, Recently
Tae-Huk Kim exhibition
Regular readers may recall my post about our print studio's artist-in-residence Tae-Huk Kim. Since his arrival in November, Kim has been busy making new woodcut prints using traditional Japanese water-based woodblock techniques. Next week he will be giving a... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 06/02/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Art Institute (Printmaking), Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
footprints
Numerous walkers, joggers, and cyclists travelled along the path and I was captivated by their tracks on the sand.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 05/02/2006 | 12 comments
themes: Photography, Photoworks, Recently, Urban
Mohsen's opening
Last night we attended the opening of Mohsen Kahlili's exhibition at Gallery Jones, here in Vancouver. It is an impressive body of work! The 61 sculptures were laid out on three long tables beautifully custom built by a friend,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 03/02/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
WET!
Weather is a popular subject as it affects everyone. Well, our suffering has been rewarded! Vancouverites can now boast that two records have been broken! One is for the most rainy days in a given month, that is 29 of... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/02/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Current Events, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 01/02/2006 | 13 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 30/01/2006 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
Colbert's 'Ashes & Snow'
Gregory Colbert image from 'Ashes and Snow' via CTV News article Just by chance (isn't that the best way?), I came across a fascinating article about Canadian photographer Gregory Colbert, who has spent ten years getting close to wild... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 27/01/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Photography, Recently
Mohsen Khalili exhibition
(scan of the front of the invitation showing Mohsen Khalili's unique bronzes) Art Institute member and everyone's friend Mohsen Khalili is having an exhibition called DYSFUNCTIONED TOOLS at Gallery Jones. Featured will be his numerous small bronze sculptures and... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/01/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Art Institute (Printmaking), Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 26/01/2006 | 1 comment
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
scanning
Marja-Leena | 25/01/2006 | 10 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Nature, Photoworks, Recently, Tools and technology
And When You're Gone
"And When You'd Gone" by Teresa Frolek - scanned from gallery invitation Remember the exhibition that I juried last December? It is opening this week! North Vancouver Community Arts Council Presents: And When You're Gone "This exhibition takes a... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/01/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Recently
Isabel Bayrakdarian in Armenia
Last Thursday evening we decided to do a rare thing and watch TV, specifically CBC's Opening Night which featured A Long Journey Home. This is a beautifully filmed and spiritually moving documentary that follows Armenian-Canadian operatic soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian on... [Continue Reading...]Finnish ice flowers
In today's meanderings amongst some favourite Finnish bloggers, my eyes popped at the sight of some absolutely gorgeous photos of frost flowers on ikkunaiines' windows. The pictures speak for themselves without language. There are lots more on her photoblog. All... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/01/2006 | 5 comments
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Photography, Recently
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.
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 18/01/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 17/01/2006 | 10 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Neat stuff, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 17/01/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Current Events, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 17/01/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 14/01/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Connecting with D'Amico #4
Silent Messengers: Connecting with D'Amico #4
archival inkjet on paper and clear mylar layer
53.3 x 41.5 cm.
Marja-Leena | 13/01/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
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...]Marja-Leena | 12/01/2006 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 11/01/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Twelfth Day
Today is the Twelfth Day of Christmas (and my true love gave to me...!). A year ago, I learned that the Twelfth Day of Christmas is on the sixth day of January which is Epiphany (or Loppianen in Finnish). Traditionally... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 06/01/2006 | 6 comments
themes: Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
Connecting with D'Amico #3
Silent Messengers: Connecting with D'Amico #3
archival inkjet on paper and clear mylar layer
53.3 x 41.5 cm.
Marja-Leena | 05/01/2006 | 1 comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
Sami & Inuit Art exhibition
If you are anywhere near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, you may be interested in this upcoming exhibition at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. I wish I could see it because, as some readers know, I'm interested in the northern indigenous... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/01/2006 | 3 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Ethnicity, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
Picasso at VAG
'Minotauromachie' - Etching, 1935 - Pablo Picasso (Scanned from my copy of Picasso, by Pierre Descargues, translated by Roland Balay, publisher Felicie, NY 1974) It would be very interesting to preserve photographically, not the stages, but the metamorphoses of... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 03/01/2006 | 10 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
Connecting with D'Amico #2
Silent Messengers: Connecting with D'Amico #2
archival inkjet on paper and clear mylar layer
53.3 x 41.5 cm.
Marja-Leena | 02/01/2006 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
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...]Marja-Leena | 31/12/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Connecting with D'Amico #1
Silent Messengers: Connecting with D'Amico #1
archival inkjet on paper and clear mylar layer
53.3 x 41.5 cm.
Marja-Leena | 29/12/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is a public holiday observed in many Commonwealth countries on 26 December. In many European countries including Finland it is also a holiday, called St Stephen's Day (Tapaninpäivä in Finnish) or the Second Day of Christmas. According... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/12/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 25/12/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 23/12/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 22/12/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Current Events, Recently
happy winter solstice
Detail from Silent Messengers II Those of us in the northern Hemisphere can now breathe a collective sigh of relief that the sun has not disappeared forever and the days will be getting longer! Spring will come and we... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/12/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Culture, History, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 20/12/2005 | 7 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 19/12/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Being an Artist, Recently
Santa or Joulupukki
(A straw moble or "himmeli" - scanned from a clipping in my files, from an old Finnish magazine possibly Kotiliesi) It's now five nights to Christmas Eve and my thoughts are dancing around this rather magical time. I'm really... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/12/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Folk Legends & Myths, Recently
Silent Messengers: Hoodoos V
Silent Messengers: Hoodoos V
Inkjet & collagraph on paper, inkjet on clear mylar layer
91.5 x 58.3 cm.
Marja-Leena | 18/12/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
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...]Marja-Leena | 16/12/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
Silent Messengers: Hoodoos IV
Silent Messengers: Hoodoos IV
Inkjet & collagraph on paper, inkjet on clear mylar layer
91.5 x 58.3 cm.
Marja-Leena | 15/12/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
Santa Lucia's Day
Illustration by Satomi Ichikawa in Merry Christmas - Children at Christmastime around the world (Wm.Heinemann, 1983) In Helsingin Sanomat is an article about the Saint Lucia parade held last night, December 13th, in Helsinki. "As the doors of the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/12/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Books, Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
musician of the year
Today, I'm pleased at this news in Helsingin Sanomat International: 'Esa-Pekka Salonen named Musical America's "Musician of the Year" Musical America has named the Finnish conductor, composer, and music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Esa-Pekka Salonen as its "Musician... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 13/12/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Music, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 12/12/2005 | 5 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
EU Flag's 50th
Living in North America, I don't seem to hear enough about European news, especially about the European Union. So it's very interesting to me to learn that recently there was an installation of possibly the world's largest flag in... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/12/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Current Events, History, Recently
Tae-Huk Kim
Tae-Huk Kim - Photo by Robert Jackson The Art Institute Printmaking studio at Capilano University is very fortunate to have Tae-Huk Kim as artist-in-residence for six months. Kim, as we call him, is a native of Korea who has... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 09/12/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Institute (Printmaking), Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
Art Daily gone
THE END, it says in white letters on black, like a death notice. Art Daily has closed forever and I'm very sorry. Ever since I found it in my early days of blogging it had been on my daily rounds... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/12/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Blogging, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 03/12/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 01/12/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
first snow
Marja-Leena | 29/11/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Nature, Photoworks, Recently
humour
© Bizarro.com - scanned from Vancouver Sun Nov.26.2005 A little message to yours truly and her obsession with rock art?... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 28/11/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Neat stuff, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Finnish libraries
The Dome Hall, National Library of Finland As I've mentioned before, I love reading Virtual Finland for all kinds of interesting facts about my birth country. I knew that Finns have long led the world in reading and literacy.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/11/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Books, Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, History, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 24/11/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recent Exhibitions, Recently
American Thanksgiving
Today's view outside the window at my computer, just before the fog thickened... What a foggy foggy week we are having though the sun is shining on the mountaintops, I'm told! Sometimes one can barely see more than half... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/11/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Culture, Recently
Exhibition Photo & Statement
Marja-Leena | 22/11/2005 | 11 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recent Exhibitions, Recently, Silent Messengers
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...]Marja-Leena | 21/11/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Recent Exhibitions, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 20/11/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Concepts, Recently
Mappi & my etchings
Finnish blogger Maria emailed me recently to ask if she could present some of my etchings on her blog and of course, I was pleased to assent. There they are now, beautifully displayed on MAPPI. Reading her very perceptive comments... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 18/11/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Blogging, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 17/11/2005 | 15 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
flash drawing
You must watch this fascinating animated drawing of a skeleton coming to life! It's been making the blog rounds, but I saw it first at Zeke's Gallery. As Chris said, it's "wicked cool". The source appears to be a... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/11/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Neat stuff, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 15/11/2005 | 10 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Being an Artist, Recently
first frost
Marja-Leena | 14/11/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Nature, Neat stuff, Photoworks, Recently
a blog adieu
"This blog is thinking about hibernation. I'm an Adorable Little Rodent (TLB blog ranking) with hundreds of hits a day. But I'm getting bored with my humble self and I want to spend time on other things." Sadly for us... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/11/2005 | 6 comments
themes: Blogging, Books, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 12/11/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Being an Artist, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recent Exhibitions, Recently
remembrance
On Canada's Remembrance Day today, as I struggle to express my conflicting feelings about it, I read this wonderful essay: A Rare Tribute to the Dead: Käthe Kollwitz's Memorial to her Son Artist Käthe Kollwitz grieved the loss of... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 11/11/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Culture, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 10/11/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recent Exhibitions, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 09/11/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Digital printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 05/11/2005 | 7 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Being an Artist, Recent Exhibitions, Recently, Silent Messengers
Pnina Granirer's Floating Dancers
Busy artist Pnina Granirer is having another exhibition! Floating Dancers will be at the Seymour Art Gallery, 4360 Gallant Ave. in Deep Cove, North Vancouver, from November 8th - Dec.4th, 2005, with the opening reception on Tuesday, November 15th,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 05/11/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 02/11/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Printmaking, Recently
Interconnection: Eastcott / Suzuki
Interconnection 6 (Interior 3) Michiko Suzuki & Wayne Eastcott inkjet, toner etching and Japanese paint on torinoko paper In August 2004, I wrote about a fascinating collaboration between printmakers Michiko Suzuki of Tokyo and Wayne Eastcott of Vancouver. They... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 31/10/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Art Institute (Printmaking), Digital printmaking, Other artists, Recently
Happy Halloween
(photo - EKR) Tonight is Halloween and all the little boys and girls will be out trick-or-treating. Our granddaughter is coming over to visit a few houses, then help answer the door in her "ghost princess" costume and scare... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 31/10/2005 | 5 comments
themes: Culture, Folk Legends & Myths, Recently
Carnac megaliths
A "marking" on stone, Carnac. Photograph by Stephen Miller. Stephen Miller's dramatic photos of Megaliths in the Carnac region of France capture "a certain kind of spell over the whole area, hard to pin down, maybe like an echo... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/10/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Photography, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Tomoyo Ihaya & Helen Gerritzen
R E C E N T WO R K S by Tomoyo Ihaya & Helen Gerritzen November 1 – 27, 2005 Opening reception: Thursday, November 3, 7 - 9 pm at Malaspina Printmakers Gallery 1555 Duranleau Street, Granville Island,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 29/10/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
Prior Editions:10 Years
Jardin Noir IV (detail), Jack Shadbolt lithograph on paper 88.9 x 68.6cm, 1994, private collection Prior Editions:10 Years of Canadian Printmaking, curated by Darrin Martins, is still on until October 30, 2005 at the Burnaby Art Gallery, in the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 27/10/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 26/10/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 25/10/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 23/10/2005 | 13 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Being an Artist, Digital printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 20/10/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Digital printmaking, Printmaking, Recently
Zimbabwe rock art
I've recently discovered Mayday 34°35'S 150°36'E, a "Finnish-Australian blog about survival in rural New South Wales", Australia. Anni Heimo writes her posts in both Finnish and English. The other day, I was pleasantly surprised to read: "Somewhere in 1990s,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/10/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Picasso and grandson
Protean Picasso: Drawings and Prints from the National Gallery of Canada and Selected Paintings from International Collections, an exhibition that brings together the full scope of the artist’s career through drawings, prints and paintings, opened at the Vancouver Art... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 18/10/2005 | 5 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Books, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 17/10/2005 | 5 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Neat stuff, Recently
Finland, Cultural Lone Wolf
This is the unusual and attention-grabbing title of a new book on Finland, as announced in the aforementioned e-newsletter from Canadian Friends of Finland. The announcement reads: DEAR FINN OR PART- FINN: Finland is revealed in a new book by... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/10/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Books, Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
Sibelius...the Last Swan
Images from Jean Sibelius biography site. Canadian Friends of Finland, Vancouver Chapter, presents: SIBELIUS.....THE LAST SWAN A stage play performed by Western Gold Theatre Saturday October 29, 2005, 2 - 3.30 pm Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas St., Burnaby, B.C.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/10/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Music, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 14/10/2005 | 5 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 13/10/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 12/10/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
thanksgiving
This weekend Canadians are celebrating Thanksgiving. We'll be busy enjoying family and friends - will post about it later. In the meantime, read my Thanksgiving post of last year. Have a good weekend and Happy Thanksgiving, fellow Canadians!... [Continue Reading...]Writing-on-Stone
Petroglyph: The Hunt - Photograph by Ray Rasmussen On my daily rounds of the blogs today, I was thrilled to discover at wood s lot a photo and link to the site of some wonderful photographs taken by several... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 05/10/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Photography, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
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...]Marja-Leena | 04/10/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Concepts, Recently
Wolf Cave
Here's an interesting find, not rock art this time, but archaeology. Susiluola or Wolf Cave is northern Europe's oldest known human dwelling site. In most places the last ice age destroyed evidence from the warmer interglacial periods of previous... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 03/10/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
a rubbing
This is a rubbing I made of a wonderful image embedded in the cover of a book I found in the library a few days ago. 'Indian Rock Carvings of the Pacific Northwest' by Edward Meade (1971) has numerous... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/10/2005 | 7 comments
themes: Blogging, Books, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Kiwi Stonehenge
Checking through my old bookmarks, I came across an old BBC article about the opening last February of a Stonehenge in New Zealand. "For millennia people have gazed in awe at Stonehenge, often totally unaware of how structures such... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/09/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Modern Rock Art, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
modern art
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 29/09/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Neat stuff, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 27/09/2005 | 9 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
Pekka Kivikäs
As my readers know, I'm nuts about prehistoric art, particularly that of northern Europe. One site that I check periodically is Arkeo.net, a Finnish portal for archaeology fans. Recently I spotted a notice about some new books (PDF) that... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/09/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Books, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, History, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
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...]Marja-Leena | 22/09/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Vaseaux Lake pictographs
My own art work is keeping me preoccupied these days, especially with the exhibition coming up in November, so today I'm being a lazy blogger. May I point you to a link provided once again by reader Bill Knight... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/09/2005 | 12 comments
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
John Mawurndjul
John Mawurndjul, Milmilngkan, September 2004 © Foto Erika Koch. From Museum Tinguely Synchronicity strikes again! Just two days ago I wrote about rock art in Northern Australia. Now I've just finished looking at Art Daily's post about an exhibition... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 20/09/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
Fred Brown's woodcuts
Fred Brown: Share the Shelter Woodcut 36" x 72" I had heard that printmaker Fred Brown was going to be having an exhibition this month in Vancouver. Imagine my surprise when I read Art Daily's posting "Power Tools, Plywood,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/09/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Art Institute (Printmaking), Other artists, Recently
Rock art in Northern Australia
Early rock painting at Ubirr, Northern Australia From MMOA's Timeline of Art History The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Timeline of Art History has a section on the history of art in Australia. Most fascinating for me was reading about... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 18/09/2005 | 8 comments
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Dan Steeves
Dan Steeves is presenting a series of printworks 'The House as Fortress, the dichotomy of symbolic structure' at The Lookout Gallery, Regent College, at UBC, Vancouver until October 14th. Yesterday we were pleased to have artist Dan Steeves visit... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 16/09/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Art Institute (Printmaking), Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 15/09/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Art Institute (Printmaking), Being an Artist, Recently
Matisse in Louisiana
Henri Matisse: Thème E, variation 8, 1941 Album "Thèmes et variations" © Succession H. Matisse / CopyDan, 2005. "You sure know Henri Matisse. And you sure know Louisiana. But it is not that Louisiana I think of. In Denmark... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/09/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
Rock Art of SW Texas
Photos: Jim Zintgraff This is an exciting find: The Rock Art Foundation has a very impressive website "to promote the conservation and study of the Native American Rock Art in the Lower Pecos region of Southwest Texas." I did... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 13/09/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
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...]Marja-Leena | 12/09/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Being an Artist, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
Artscape Nordland
Seven Magical Points - Martti Aiha, Finland Reader and commenter extraordinaire Bill really livened up the virtual conversation at my post about a book on Quadra petroglyphs Spirit in the Stone. If readers missed it, do go read the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 11/09/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Modern Rock Art, Other artists, Recently
Rodin in Vancouver
Auguste Rodin. Monument to Balzac. 1898 (cast 1954). Bronze, 9' 3" x 48 1/4" x 41" (282 x 122.5 x 104.2 cm). from MOMA. "The sculptor must learn to reproduce the surface, which means all that vibrates on the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 09/09/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
Marimekko
Marimekko Pattern: Karhunkukka (1964/2004) (translation:Bearflower) Designer: Maija Isola and Kristina Isola Soon after my last post, which mentions Marimekko, I found an article in the Guardian about how Marimekko may have won John F. Kennedy the 1960 presidential election!... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 06/09/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
blogs and shows
1. Thanks to blog friend Anna of Self-Winding for pointing out that The Padacia has posted a couple of my Nexus prints. Thanks also to this mystery blogger from Oslo - it's nice to find another beautiful blog. Curiosity sent... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 06/09/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, History, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 05/09/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
New Orleans
Like everyone, I've been following the terrible tragedy of New Orleans in news and blogs, feeling deeply but not writing much myself. So many of us who have visited New Orleans have been recalling it, thankful for having had that... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/09/2005 | 5 comments
themes: Culture, Current Events, Recently
World Myths and Legends in Art
Detail of birds, Malagan Pole 19th century Papua New Guinea "Myths are stories that explain why the world is the way it is. All cultures have them. Throughout history, artists have been inspired by myths and legends and have... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 03/09/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Anthropology, Culture, Folk Legends & Myths, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 01/09/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Current Events, Recently
Spirit in the Stone
"Salmon Man" on beach at Quadra Island - drawing by Hilary Stewart I am slowly savoring 'Spirit in the Stone' by Joy Inglis, a book that was recommended to me by reader Irene from Manitoba and which I recently... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 31/08/2005 | 23 comments
themes: Books, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Lascaux Caves replica
The Unicorn in the Great Hall of the Bulls, Lascaux Caves A few days ago I picked up a gorgeous book from the library - Chauvet Cave: The Art of Earliest Times by Jean Clottes, and Paul G. Bahn... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/08/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Books, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Holman's Graphic Art
Mary K. Okheena Shaman Dances to Northern Lights 1991 stencil on paper, PWP 1/3 56.3 x 76.1 cm Collection of The Winnipeg Art Gallery I've been exploring this site with much pleasure: Holman: Forty Years of Graphic Art. Holman... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/08/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Culture, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
Jutai Toonoo's silent stones
New and Improved, 2000 serpentinite 12.5" high x 8" wide x 6" deep Inscription: "New and Improved Fertility God." Jutai Toonoo of Cape Dorset currently has a solo exhibition "Life Forms" at the Marion Scott Gallery at 308 Water... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 25/08/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Modern Rock Art, Other artists, Recently
Maori Art in America
Kaitaka 1999 (detail) Artist: Te Aue Davis; assisted by Bill Solomon Photo credit: Norman Heke Image copyright: Toi Maori Aotearoa I came across this headline in Google News: "Millions in US tune in to Maori art" (25.08.05 in... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 24/08/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Culture, Recently
Marlene Dumas in Helsinki
Marlene Dumas Female, 1992-93 from the series Female 211 tusche and charcoal drawings Sammlung Garnatz, Städtische Galerie Karlsruhe "Kunsthalle Helsinki will offer a unique opportunity to see works by one of the hottest names in contemporary art, Marlene Dumas.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/08/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
Janus Study II
Janus Study II reduction drypoint 56.5 x 38 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/08/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
language leak
I must still be thinking about accents and language and identity" because this article caught my eye and really struck a chord. A study says that languages 'leak' into each other in subtle ways: ' "While linguistics experts are reluctant... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 20/08/2005 | 6 comments
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Linguistics, Recently
Happy 80th
Big Happy 80th Birthday Wishes to Thoroughly Modern Millie Garfield! Millie shows us how much fun she's having in life, even blogging at My Mom's Blog. Congratulations and have a wonderful day of celebration, Millie, and many more happy... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 18/08/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Neat stuff, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 17/08/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 16/08/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Being an Artist, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Linguistics, Recently
Borneo rock art
Stone Gallery Photograph by Carsten Peter I'm really enjoying this month's issue of the National Geographic magazine, particularly the beautiful article 'Hands Across Time, Exploring the Rock Art of Borneo', also found on NG's website. "Deep within the cliffside... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 13/08/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Photography, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Kiki Smith revisited
Kiki Smith Jewel (#2), 2004 etching 14 x 17 inches (from Barbara Krakow Gallery) I love Kiki Smith's work and have mentioned her several times in my blog, most importantly the MOMA video presentation on her printmaking. Today, thanks... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 11/08/2005 | 7 comments
themes: Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 09/08/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
Art of the Hibakusha
Like so many others, we have been following the marking of the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, then Nagasaki tomorrow. This made us recall the stories once told us by two Japanese-Canadian friends now in their seventies... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 08/08/2005 | 3 comments
themes: History, Other artists, Recently
Janus Study I
Janus Study I reduction drypoint 33 x 28.5 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 05/08/2005 | 6 comments
themes: Older Works, Recently
Evolution: 80 Years of Emily Carr Institute
"An unexpectedly nostalgic event is occurring at Emily Carr Institute. Formerly Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design. Formerly Emily Carr College of Art and Design. Formerly the Vancouver School of Art. Originally the Vancouver School of Decorative and Applied... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/08/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 03/08/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
Adriel Heisey desert photos
After blogging about cuneiform last week, I happened to go its source, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Philadelphia. I noticed this announcement: "FROM ABOVE: IMAGES OF A STORIED LAND,"Adriel Heisey's Aerial Photographs of the American... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 02/08/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Photography, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Lascaux & Lakota
The Swan Winter Count On a short lunch and rest break from final preparations for painting (rooms not canvas), I'm wandering through some favourite blogs. I'm really excited by these two posts about early man's art and its reproduction,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/08/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Gates of Janus
Gates of Janus etching 56 x 38 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/08/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 31/07/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 31/07/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
cuneiform
This is my monogram in cuneiform the way an ancient Babylonian might have written it. See what yours looks like at Write Like a Babylonian. With my interest in petroglyphs and pictograms, I was fascinated to learn that "Pictograms,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/07/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Anthropology, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
welcome
Welcome to newly launched Printmakingblog! It is written by Dean Clark, who introduced himself in a comment on my post about new printmaker blogs. Dean is the president of Graphic Chemical & Ink Company, a major printmaking supplier in the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 29/07/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printmaking, Recently
Janus Revisited
Janus Revisited etching 56 x 38 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 29/07/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
opera in Finland
I've suspected for some time that Charles Downey of Ionarts is "quite a Finnophile", as he admits in a great post about Finnish opera and the Savonlinna Opera Festival. For me, Savonlinna is a special town in the beautiful... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 28/07/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Music, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 27/07/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
green prints and more
I've been browsing through Cedric Green's website. Green is an artist/printmaker who has carried out research into safer methods of making prints and eliminating the toxic acids and solvents traditionally used. He has revived some 19th century electrolytic methods for... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/07/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Concepts, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 21/07/2005 | 5 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Art in Nature
Doesn't this scene look very magical and surreal, with the strange almost man-made looking sculptural forms scattered about in the landscape? Photo from the World Conservation Union (IUCN), via BBC It is the desert floor of Wadi al-Hitan, or Whale... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 20/07/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Culture, History, Photography, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Janus
Marja-Leena | 19/07/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
A.R. Menne's art
VVOI at New Art introduces new-to-me artist A.R. Menne**. I was immediately struck by the compelling images that are beautifully drawn, sometimes etched, sometimes with watercolour and the compelling writing, with some excellent quotes by others. From entry 03-27**: "(From... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/07/2005 | 7 comments
themes: Other artists, Recently
good links
Here's a small collections of links I've been saving to share for your reading pleasure: 1. More about Smithson at Print Australia and Modern Art Notes 2. As a lover of rock art and earth art, I was excited to... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/07/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Blogging, Neat stuff, Other artists, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Duckomenta
You must have a look at Die Duckomenta, an exhibition of works based on famous art works through the centuries, but with some very humorous adaptations! Perhaps you've already seen it, I've just rediscovered it in my bookmarks and felt... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/07/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Recently
The Box is a Frame
The Box is a Frame etching & drypoint 76 x 56 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 13/07/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
Graphica Creativa
Graphica Creativa is the second oldest international printmaking exhibition in the Nordic countries. It is arranged in Jyväskylä, Finland every third year. Thanks to Graphica Creativa, Jyväskylä has become a centre of printmaking. A few days ago its 30 Years... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/07/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Other artists, Print Triennials, Printmaking, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 11/07/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
falling
I'm having a very busy weekend with no time to blog, but in the meantime, my dear readers looking for some Sunday entertainment, go have a look at this site. (If she gets stuck, you can help her along with... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/07/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Neat stuff, Recently
writers and hoodoos
What are hoodoos? Do the hoodoos have native petroglyphs or pictographs? Is "hoodoo" an aboriginal word?
[Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 08/07/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Folk Legends & Myths, Photoworks, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology, Rocks
Box #1
Box #1 drypoint 57 x 40.5 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 07/07/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 06/07/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Printmaking, Recently
Vancouver artist-blogger
Welcome to another new artist-blogger, Eric Deis, who is an emerging interdisciplinary artist from Vancouver. Eric is a graduate of Emily Carr Institute in Vancouver and the University of California, San Diego and has produced works in video, installation, digital... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 05/07/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Other artists, Recently
Box #2
Box #2 drypoint 38 x 26.5 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/07/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 03/07/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
more printmaking blogs
Wow, this is why I love blogging! It is fascinating hearing from people around the world, that I'd never meet otherwise, whether they send an email through this blog or post a comment directly. And I'm particularly excited to meet... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 02/07/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
Canada Day
Happy 138th Birthday Canada! In honour of the day, the Canadian and inestimable mirabilis has posted a wonderful link to the origins of "O Canada". Calixa Lavallée composed it in 1880 in Quebec City. It remained a French only... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/07/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Culture, Recently
Land of the Saame
Photo by Pekka Antikainen, in "Land of the Saame" As my dear readers know, I'm fascinated by the northern indigenous cultures, in particular the Saami people of northern Europe who are a branch of the Finno-Ugric family. Some time... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/06/2005 | 5 comments
themes: Books, Culture, Ethnicity, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Other artists, Photography, Recently
Spiral Jetty revisited
Spiral Jetty began to submerge earlier this spring, as represented in this May 18, 2005, photo. Image: Mark Milligan at Geotimes. Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty was a subject of a post I wrote in August of last year. Today... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 28/06/2005 | 5 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Modern Rock Art, Recently
art and social conscience
Otto Dix. The War II/2: Shock Troop Advancing under Gas Attack. (1924). Etching, aquatint and drypoint from MoMA Collection. (May not be in Neue Gallery exhibition) Artist-blogger Mark Vallen writes about "arts and culture, with an emphasis on socially... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 27/06/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Printmaking, Recently
Box #3
Box #3 drypoint 38 x 28.5 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/06/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
visual music
Wassily Kandinsky: Painting with White Border 1913 This description in Thursday's Arts Journal really captured my imagination: Art in Musical Terms - There is a relationship, but does one describe the other? "The notion was to take the novelty... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 25/06/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Music, Other artists, Recently
Box #4
Box #4 etching & drypoint 23 x 15 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 24/06/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
new printmaking blogs
A warm welcome to new printmaker blogger Printfreak, a graduate student in the US. Amongst other things, she has been writing about well-known printmakers Mauricio Lasansky, Stanley Hayter, Kiki Smith and some interesting artists new to me. Printfreak also has... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/06/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
Arthus-Bertrand in Helsinki
Yann Arthus-Bertrand over Helsinki - photo from Helsingin Sanomat I've been really enjoying browsing through some fantastic aerial photos by celebrated French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand. He has an extensive summer exhibition, Earth From Above, in Helsinki, including a World... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 22/06/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Photography, Recently
Midsummer nights
Many summers ago my husband, our two little girls and I were traveling by car and ferries through Germany to Denmark, Sweden, Finland and back again to Germany before flying home to Canada. The night we arrived in Denmark we... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/06/2005 | 6 comments
themes: Culture, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
badlands, hoodoos & petroglyphs
Marja-Leena | 20/06/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photoworks, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology, Rocks
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...]Marja-Leena | 19/06/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
visiting Sacral Spaces
Another exhibition that we went to see on our Friday jaunt about town was Sacral Spaces at the Emily Carr Institute. The main attraction for me was, of course, that this featured Finnish architecture (did I ever mention that... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/06/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Other artists, Recently
visiting Champuru
I wrote a while ago about Champuru, an exhibition of contemporary Okinawan art in Vancouver that I've been eager to see. Yesterday afternoon, I picked up my husband from work for an evening on the town. We headed over... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 18/06/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
freedom blogs
I rarely touch on politics in my own little blogworld, but thought this international effort worthy of a mention: Reporters Without Borders selected around 60 blogs that, each in their own way, defend freedom of expression. The organisation then asked... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/06/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Blogging, Current Events, Recently
art gallery rules
This is hilarious: "Other than on 57th Street or the Upper East Side, women should not wear couture when visiting galleries. Uptown, men should wear ties, but never in Chelsea, Soho, Tribeca, or Williamsburg; but guys, even artists, should never... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 16/06/2005 | 7 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 14/06/2005 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Books, Culture, Films, Recently
Hair
Marja-Leena | 13/06/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 12/06/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
primitive/primitiivi
I occasionally visit and explore PrimitiiviNet, an interesting website about archaeology and anthropology news, articles, books, and links to other related sites. It is written in a slightly disconcerting (to non-Finns) mix of English and Finnish by a Finn, Pekka... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 11/06/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Anthropology, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Let Down Your Hair
Let Down Your Hair etching, drypoint & collage element (jute string) 75 x 56 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/06/2005 | 5 comments
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
Sacral Spaces
Here's an interesting exhibition of Finnish architecture that I look forward to seeing, right here in Vancouver! (links mine) Hughes Condon Marler: Architects in collaboration with Emily Carr Institute’s Charles H. Scott Gallery presents Sacral Spaces – Modern Finnish Churches,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 09/06/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Recently
Beethoven
Last night we enjoyed the first free downloads of Beethoven's music from BBC Radio, thanks to mirabilis. The BBC is broadcasting all of Beethoven's works this week, and some available to download free the day after. I think only the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 08/06/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Music, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 07/06/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Silent Messengers: Hoodoos III
Silent Messengers: Hoodoos III
Inkjet & collagraph on paper, inkjet on clear mylar layer
91.5 x 58.3 cm.
Marja-Leena | 06/06/2005 | 5 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
artist blogger in Georgia
Welcome, Willkommen! to another artist blogger, Berlin born artist Hans Heiner Buhr, who lives in Tbilisi, Georgia. He has recently joined the blogosphere with New Images where he posts some of his work, talks about art, his family and life... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/06/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Other artists, Recently
Journey of Mankind
"Who were our ancestors? From where did we originate? If we came out of Africa, what factors governed our routes? And when? Now finally this interactive map reveals an exciting journey of opportunity and survival, confirmed by genetic science and... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/06/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Anthropology, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Silent Messengers: Hoodoos II
Silent Messengers: Hoodoos II
Inkjet & collagraph on paper, inkjet on clear mylar layer
91.5 x 58.3 cm.
Marja-Leena | 03/06/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
Champuru
This just arrived in my inbox courtesy of a Japanese artist friend (thanks Tomoyo!) and it sounds like a fascinating exhibition, both culturally and historically: CENTRE A presents CHAMPURU : CONTEMPORARY ART IN OKINAWA IE Ryujin MAEDA Hiroya HANASHIRO Ikuko... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/06/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Recently
Silent Messengers: Hoodoos I
Silent Messengers: Hoodoos I
Inkjet & collagraph on paper, inkjet on clear mylar layer
91.5 x 58.3 cm.
Marja-Leena | 01/06/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Silent Messengers
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...]Marja-Leena | 31/05/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 27/05/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Edward Burtynsky revisited
Edward Burtynsky: Nickel Tailings No. 32 Sudbury, Ontario 1996 About a year ago I wrote a bit about the achievements of Canadian photo-artist Edward Burtynsky (unfortunately the link to the news article has since expired). This year he has... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/05/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Other artists, Photography, Recently
Portrait of Aaron V
Portrait of Aaron V etching, engraving & drypoint 76 x 56.5 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/05/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 22/05/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Lalla Essaydi
Lalla Essaydi Converging Territories # 30, 2004 47 x 57 1/2" chromogenic print I've just been looking at and getting excited by Moroccan-born artist Lalla Essaydi's Converging Territories, a series of large-format colour portraits of women and children in... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/05/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Other artists, Photography, Recently
Portrait of Aaron IV
Portrait of Aaron IV etching & engraving 76 x 56cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/05/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
petroforms
As readers know, I'm fascinated by rock art, so Tom Montag-The Middlewesterner's recent posts about a rock art conference that he is involved with really grabbed my attention. As media coordinator for the 2005 ESRARA Rock Art Conference in Wisconsin,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/05/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Portrait of Aaron III
Portrait of Aaron III drypoint & woodcut 76 x 56cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/05/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 14/05/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
censorship?
I just came across this little item in the online version of Vancouver's arts newspaper The Georgia Straight. I've lifted it in its entirety below. I had heard about the controversial show but not seen it. I must say I... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/05/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Recently
Portrait of Aaron II
Portrait of Aaron II drypoint & etching 76 x 56cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/05/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 11/05/2005 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Blogging, Recently
MoOm
Museum of Online Museums "Welcome to the coudal.com Museum of Online Museums. Here, you will find links from our archives to online collections and exhibits covering a vast array of interests and obsessions: Start with a review of classic art... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/05/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Culture, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 08/05/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Culture, Recently
Portrait of Aaron I
Marja-Leena | 07/05/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
Dinny Lansdowne
Has a painting exhibition May 6th – 15th Opening: Friday, May 6th, 7 – 10 p.m. At Marilyn Mylrea Art Studio and Gallery, 2341 Granville Street, Vancouver Visit Dinny's website for more details and images. Dinny was one of the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 03/05/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
Standing Figure IV
Standing Figure IV collagraph 97 x 63 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/05/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
Vappu and May Day
Ah, it's May Eve, as Helsingin Sanomat reminds me. Almost anywhere else on the planet this would not be so very significant, but in Finland it means "Vappu", a kind of Finnish "Mardi Gras meets the Rite of Spring",... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/04/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Culture, Recently
prehistoric art and us
Wandering through some old book-marked articles, I came across a very interesting old one (2003) that seems very timely so soon after my Creswell Crags post. In Taking shape: Prehistoric art and us Victoria James discusses what prehistoric art and... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 29/04/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Anthropology, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Standing Figure III
Marja-Leena | 27/04/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Older Works, Recently
Hubble is 15
Happy 15th Birthday to Hubble, showcasing nature's greatest artworks for 15 years.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/04/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Current Events, Recently
Creswell Crags cave art
An overdrawn photo of the stag engraving in Church Hole (Photo: Sergio Ripoll). Found at Zinken, where it may be viewed much enlarged. For over a year I've been reading with great interest about the rock art finds in... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 25/04/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Standing Figure II
Standing Figure II collagraph 97 x 63 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 22/04/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
Standing Figure I
Standing Figure I drypoint & etching 105 x 69 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 20/04/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Older Works, Printworks, Recently
Olga Campbell exhibition
(Images copyright of the artist, used here with her permission) WHISPERS ACROSS TIME, paintings, prints and sculpture by Olga Campbell Opening reception on Thursday, April 21, 2005, from 7 to 9 p.m. Gertrude and Zack Gallery, 950 West 41st... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/04/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
Geist's maps of Canada
Oh, I must share this find from my morning blogstroll! Today, while still in fairy tale mode after yesterday's post perhaps, a link to The Fairy Tale Map of Canada piqued my interest at plep. It turns out to be... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 18/04/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Culture, Recently
Hans Christian Andersen Bicentenary
A few days ago I received a lovely letter from a good friend in Denmark. She mentioned that the whole country is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Hans Christian Andersen, as are many countries around the... [Continue Reading...]Artists in Our Midst
"Artists in Our Midst" is Vancouver's West Side Annual Art Studio Tour. Sorry I'm late posting this, having missed the first weekend opens in Kitsilano. This coming weekend April 15 - 17th Dunbar/Kerrisdale area artists have a preview exhibition and... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/04/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 13/04/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Books, Recently
Stolen Art
You may recall my posts last month about Pnina Granirer's exhibition and my visit to her studio. Some time ago, I was horrified to learn that two of her works have been stolen. This is a terrible thing for an... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 08/04/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Current Events, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 07/04/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Being an Artist, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Lesley Dill at Equinox
Lesley Dill: I See Visions Lithograph on Muslin, Silk Organza with Hand-Sewn Elements 28 x 20 in. 2004 New York artist Lesley Dill's work is showing at the Equinox Gallery in Vancouver (ending March 31st). An artist friend and... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 24/03/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 22/03/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 21/03/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
book meme
Amy passed on the stick for this book meme which I didn't want to do for a lack of time, but it stuck in my mind. So here's a quick list because I've not been reading as much as I... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/03/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Books, Recently
Wrapped Figure
Veils Suite: Wrapped Figure etching & drypoint 76 x 56.5 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 20/03/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
teaching archaeology
Stone Pages Archaeo News is on my regular reading list. The article below piqued my interest and the wish to share it. It's copied in its entirety because their articles are not hyperlinked. 'Teaching British children archaeology A Decade ago... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/03/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Tomoyo Ihaya at SNAP
This email recently came from Tomoyo, who just finished an exhibition in Vancouver: "hello, everyone. Spring in vancouver and semi-spring in Edmonton.. I came to edmonton hopefully to see beavers, buffalos and water.. Please come by to see the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 18/03/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
'Rings' debut in Toronto
"The much-anticipated stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy will have its world premiere in Toronto, producers announced in London Tuesday. The $27-million show, co-produced by Toronto's Mirvish Productions, will open in March 2006 at the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/03/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Books, Films, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Folk Legends & Myths, Music, Recently
Bonnie Jordan
Another artist-friend of mine, Bonnie Jordan, has been doing exciting, yet very thoughtful and very leading edge digital printmaking for several years. Here are some of her latest works. Images are copyright Bonnie Jordan, used here with her permission. Please... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/03/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Institute (Printmaking), Digital printmaking, Other artists, Recently
Finnish folklore inspires
A news item in VietNam News, via News Room Finland caught my eye - "Finnish oral traditions inspire painting exhibition in Ha Noi" (links are mine): "Two female artists from Viet Nam and Hungary are displaying their interpretations of Finnish... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 14/03/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Folk Legends & Myths, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 13/03/2005 | 8 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 11/03/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Being an Artist, Other artists, Recently
International Women's Day
To all women in the world today, International Women's Day... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 08/03/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Current Events, Recently
Pnina Granirer's Synchronicity
Installation photo of a section of Pnina Granirer's exhibition "Synchronicity", at Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery For some time now I have been working on several larger works incorporating a layer of inket-printed clear mylar over prints on paper.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 07/03/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Recently
Figure in Robes
Veils Suite: Figure in Robes etching & drypoint 76 x 56.5 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 06/03/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
Duet: Taiga Chiba & Eunjin Kim
DUET, an exhibition of collaborative prints by Taiga Chiba and Eunjin Kim will be presented at Dundarave Print Workshop March 10 to April 3, 2005. The opening is from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm on March 10th. If you... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 05/03/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
Janet Strayer
Perishable Goods Janet Strayer, a friend and past member of the Art Institute, Printmaking at Capilano College has a large solo exhibition of her paintings, etchings, and mixed media works on display at the Enigma Restaurant in Vancouver during... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 03/03/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Art Institute (Printmaking), Other artists, Recently
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...]Marja-Leena | 02/03/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Figure Behind Drapes #2
Veils Suite: Figure Behind Drapes #2 drypoint & etching 76 x 56.5 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 27/02/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
Figure Behind Drapes #1
Veils Suite: Figure Behind Drapes #1 drypoint 76 x 56.5 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 25/02/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
Becoming Human
Are you a bookmarker like me? When I come across some interesting web sites that I don't have time to read in depth at that moment, I'll save it into a temp folder. The list gets rather long, so... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 23/02/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Anthropology, History, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Study IV
Veils Suite: Study IV etching & drypoint 56.5 x 38 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 22/02/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
Douglas Curran and Nyau
Douglas Curran, Ndapita ku Maliro (Nkhuku Mutsekele) I'm going to the Funeral, Lock up the Chicken (scanned from invitation) Another very interesting and very worthwhile exhibition we went to see on Sunday afternoon (yesterday) after the visit to the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 21/02/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Anthropology, Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Photography, Recently
Prints from St. Michael's Printshop
Today we finally made it out to see the touring exhibition 'The Power of Place - 30 Years of Printmaking in Newfoundland' at the Burnaby Art Gallery. Some weeks ago I wrote about this in some detail - if... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 20/02/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Other artists, Printmaking, Recently
Study III
Veils Suite: Study III etching & drypoint 56.5 x 38 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 19/02/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
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...]Marja-Leena | 18/02/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
Rock Garden of Chandigarh
Here's a new kind of rock art! wood s lot has pointed to Carl Lindquist's excellent photographs and essay on Nek Chand's Rock Garden of Chandigarh. These are captivating, go look! "One day over 40 years ago, Nek Chand,... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 17/02/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Modern Rock Art, Other artists, Recently
Study II
Veils Suite: Study II etching & drypoint 56.5 x 38 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 15/02/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
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...]Marja-Leena | 14/02/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Music, Recently
Chinese woodcuts
Mother by Xiang Silou Chinese Printmaking Today - Woodblock Printing in China 1980 - 2000 Woodblock printing has a long and distinguished history in China, where printing was invented about 1500 years ago. This exhibition shows how contemporary artists... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 13/02/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Printmaking, Recently
Finnish artists' blogs
A few days when browsing through language hat I found coloria. It's a unique site (in Finnish) all about colours: history, cultural meanings, chemistry, pigments and so forth, plus a discussion forum, by Finnish artist Päivi Hintsanen. She says (in... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 12/02/2005 | 1 comment
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Other artists, Recently
Study I
Veils Suite: Study I etching & drypoint 56.5 x 38 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 10/02/2005 | 3 comments
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
exhibiting in Hungary
Many printmakers around the world have developed a strong sense of community that is enhanced in part by their participation in some of the many international juried print biennials and triennials. One of the best and largest is the... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 09/02/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Print Triennials, Printmaking, Recent Exhibitions, Recently
Australian rock art
Linden Langdon, a printmaker living in Tasmania, has chimed in with a lovely comment on last week's post Anniversary & Rocks. She writes: "I have put together a flash file of a few photos my mum has taken while she... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 08/02/2005 | 2 comments
themes: Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
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...]Marja-Leena | 06/02/2005 | 6 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Veils Suite: Triptych
Veils Suite: Triptych frottage and drawing 96 x 132 cm. ... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 05/02/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
all about trolls
Illustration by Rudolf Koivu, "The troll and the shepherdess" in "Matka Satumaahan" (A Trip to the Land of Fairytales) by Raul Roine, Otava, Helsinki 1954 Sometimes I wonder if some readers think I'm silly when I write about my... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/02/2005 | 7 comments
themes: Books, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Folk Legends & Myths, Recently
Art in Greater Vancouver
A common complaint amongst art bloggers in North America is how little coverage the visual arts is given in mainstream newspapers. Here in the Vancouver area, our biggest paper the Vancouver Sun has a weekly listing of some of... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 04/02/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Culture, Recently
Finnish music
Many heart-felt thanks to everyone for all the blogoversary congratulations! Extra special thank yous to Anna for the delightful little poem she wrote for the occasion, and to Charles Downey who wrote: "There's a little post on Finnish music for... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 03/02/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Music, Recently
anniversary & rocks
Well, today is this blog's first anniversary and what a wonderful ride it has been. Many thanks to all you faithful readers and commentors and the still growing numbers of visitors who have been and are still making this new... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 01/02/2005 | 11 comments
themes: Blogging, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Other artists, Photography, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
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...]Marja-Leena | 31/01/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Recently
Aztec Empire exhibit
Charles Downey has visited The Aztec Empire exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum in New York (lucky guy!). I highly recommend you read his excellent review if you are interested in the Aztec culture as I am. As he says "For... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 30/01/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Art Exhibitions, Recently, Rock Art & Archaeology
Four Guedras
Veils Suite: Four Guedras etching 56.5 x 38 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 28/01/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
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...]Marja-Leena | 27/01/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Being an Artist, Books, Concepts, Recently
Two Guedras
Veils Suite: Two Guedras etching 56.5 x 38 cm.... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 26/01/2005 | be the first to comment
themes: Printworks, Recently, Veils Suite
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...]Marja-Leena | 25/01/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Being an Artist, Photography, Recently
peaceful societies
Last week I made one of my occasional visits to Via Negativa and found a very interesting series of posts that grabbed my own interest in "primitive" cultures. Dave Bonta announces: "Today marks the inauguration of a new website on... [Continue Reading...]Marja-Leena | 24/01/2005 | 4 comments
themes: Culture,