TIME FOR REFLECTION.
Life is a process. With Articulation's show, "Forest and Sea and the Place Between" now hanging cleverly at the Portals Gallery in Duncan BC, it is time to take a moment to reflect.
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| Donnington, Saanich Peninsula |
Thinking "deeply and carefully", contemplating where we began, what evolved, what we have collectively achieved and where do we go from here? Wow! even that sentence is complex and probably the point of today's little message from and for our group.
Do you ever really take time to let your last accomplishment sink in? Did you take time to pat yourself on the back after you achieved something, anything, you had set your sights on and followed through to a conclusion? Notice I didn't attach any judgment or define accomplishment as good or bad or logically concluded. If you are like me and being particularly honest you probably shook your head and thought reflexively ...who has the time, right?
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| Wendy, Botanical Gardens, Tofino. |
It is so easy to get caught up in the everyday stressors, societal expectations, the ones we feel a need to measure up to or at least strive towards, and particularly the ones we place upon ourselves. Yes, we have goals and dreams and balls in the air but when it comes down to it we can take a moment to take in all that has just happened. I was thoroughly inspired by the forest and the sea and many many places in between but if I am truly reflective I was most inspired by the people and relationships that developed in this association with like-minded souls.
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| Articulate explorers |
I am honoured to find myself in the company of other creatives who don't mind me bedraggling along a shoreline, stooping to scratch at a curious detail in the sand at my feet or ponder a particular curve in that sinuous piece of kelp washed up on the shore.. because they are all doing the same thing.
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| Taking in the dual pleasure of a setting sun and rising full moon. Chesterman Beach, Tofino. |
Each time we headed out on "assignment" shall we say, it was a cordial group of deep thinkers and visual explorers who reflected on every interaction. Be it a macro or micro detail, a comment or a shared thought on process or technique, this collegial group is always full of interesting discussion and thought-provoking discovery facilitated through exploration.
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| Ancient lucky rocks from an ancient inland ocean |
You could accurately call Articulation Textile Group serious hunters and gatherers. We embrace any and every opportunity to refine our skills and learn new ones. We are particularly good at collecting, and not only sketchbooks and art supplies. As the newest member of this esteemed group, I can attest we collect not only things but also experiences and memories. Marie Kondo would definitely approve.
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| Lesley Turner's Garden |
We have been privileged visitors to Vancouver Island and repeat guests at Donnington. Lesley's Island Garden is a heartening experience for anyone, particularly for prairie dwellers restricted to zone three for summer perennials. Every corner has been carefully researched and meticulously designed, beautifully planned and exquisitely executed. It clearly expresses passion and inspires all visitors to take at least a moment and breathe it all in.
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| A beautiful vantage point |
Taking time to appreciate all the hard work, the lobbying, the meeting and measuring and problem solving that has taken place in members' home cities across the country is something I don't think we have given ourselves an opportunity to do very often, but from this lovely spot in Lesley's garden, that goal can more easily be achieved.
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| Fall supper, island style. |
The evening perspective was equally inspiring and provided animated discussion and further inspiration. Food for thought shall we say? With all the stress and worry entailed in setting up an exhibition behind us those of our group heading back to the island will hopefully enjoy a repeat of this activity while sitting down to enjoy a little bit of a break and reflect on the finished works on display.
I won't be making it this trip but I will be consciously recalling the textures of our travels, the silvered surfaces of driftwood and the monumentality of forest debris casually scattered on beaches everywhere.
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| Kindred spirits, Sidney |
I will fondly recall the realization that I am not alone in my attraction for seaside strolls, the intoxicating smell of salt water in the air, and beachcombing and exploration anywhere.
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| Hallmark movie set in downtown Sidney |
I will smile remembering the Hollywood/ Hallmark interpretation of winter during a beautiful October afternoon where quilt batting impersonated fresh snow.
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| Always time for a tea break |
As a tea drinker, I generally find myself a minority in Canada but not so on the Island. The English countenance felt comforting and that's without even mentioning the accompaniments. Truly it was the colour that inspired me at this sitting.
Finally, I will reflect on the new number I earned during my last visit, the good company I was fortunate to keep and most importantly how the journey to the coast made me feel: included, respected and most importantly inspired. If you are on the Island and have not seen the show yet, we hope you will take the time to go and reflect on some of the discoveries we made and the ideas we explored in fibre. Articulation Textile Group is showing "Forest and Sea and the Place Between" at Portals Gallery, Duncan BC till April 18th, 2019. Artist Reception April 13th, 3pm-5pm
Enjoy
Amanda
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