Journeying With The Totems - Sept. 18, 2014

September 18, 2014:

It has been an interesting and challenging time of discovery as I journey through one totem image to another. As I reach the completion of my 15th painting, I can't help but obverse how my paintings have changed since the beginning of the series, and how each totem painting is different from any of the others. Still no sign of repetition.

I have no definite plan when I select another image and start with another blank canvas. I leave myself completely open to wherever it goes, and to what hurdles I encounter. I've developed a distinct new style, which is so very much about the tactile work with my fingertips. Believe or not, other then the initial larger brush to do the base coat on the canvas, aside from my fingers, the only brushes that I use are, a liner brush and smaller round sable brush. It is all about the undercoats.

Someone asked me how I learned to do this. Aside from my years in Iconography, the style of this series is just evolving on its own. For the most part, they have been happy discoveries.

Aside from the financial worries, which any artist faces, each day, it is exhilarating to finally be taking that risk in trying to make a go of this, in this phase of my life. It is affirming to be also receiving exhibition confirmations for 2015. To date, I have a 1-month exhibit in the McMillan Centre in Parksville BC for March 2015, and I've just received word that the Silk Purse Arts Centre Gallery, West Vancouver has confirmed a second exhibit for 2015. I should be receiving those dates within the next week or two.