New Direction

I am thinking of taking my blog in a new direction. We'll see how exposed I feel after this post - maybe you'll never see it! Up until now this blog's purpose has predominantly been to show my work and sometimes the how of the photo.

I've been feeling a little restless and unsettled with this format. There is little dialogue or connection with you. I've not invited it. And maybe that is because I want to stay safe. If I don't put myself out there, then I won't get hurt. If I put my work out there and it is not received well, there is some hurt, less than previous to the 'aha' moment written about below, but not nearly the same as if I put me out there.

And so here I go.

Recently I went down to Chicago for an art show. I was honored to have had a piece accepted for a show that is still running until the end of April, Women's Works 2013 in Woodstock, Il, just north of Chicago. This is the piece that is showing.

Winter's Corner

 My husband and I drove down from Winnipeg and met up with my sister, Cindy, and her husband. Interestingly enough, my sister also had a piece that was accepted into the show. Sharing this with her was a great deal of fun! Here is Cindy's piece.

Twilight by Cindy Dyson

 And here we are just outside the venue, The Old Courthouse in Woodstock, Il.

Cindy and I

Bro-in-law Bill and sister Cindy

Winter's Corner and I standing in our little corner.

I had an 'aha' moment while on this little trip. As the days came to an end I became quite aware that the art show piece was just a small piece of the bigger picture, which was a weekend get-away with my husband, sister and brother-in-law...and a life lesson learned.

Rod and I

The show was not the biggest piece at all. It is why we went down but it didn't end up being why I was there, if that makes any sense at all. I think the discovery that my photography does not define me, it is just something I do, was huge. It is certainly something I enjoy to do, but it is not who I am. So now, if my work doesn't sell or gets rejected, it no longer needs to go deep; it doesn't take anything away from who I am.

And even this post, if it is ignored, dismissed or rejected, it still takes nothing away from who I am. So the post will stay and the new direction will continue.

What about you? Do you have an 'aha' moment you'd like to share with me?

Artbeat

My son, Ryan, has been with Artbeat Studios as an artist for about 6 months now. His time with this studio is almost up. This term's artists will be hosting a closing art show from January 20 - 28, 2012.

Artbeat has been a tremendous program and opportunity for growth and healing for Ryan and I imagine for the other artists who have been fortunate to be part of it. If you'd like to learn more about Artbeat go here.

If you're in the area, do stop by the show. Opening reception is Friday, January 20 at 7 pm. The address is 4th flr - 62 Albert Street, Winnipeg.

Infinite Connections

Tonight I was at Art Beat Studio's show, Infinite Connections. Beautiful, healing art. Live music. Sketches. Pen and Ink. Watercolours. Acrylics. Sculpture. Mixed Media. Food. You name it, it was likely there. Many patrons, artists and curious walk-ins packed the venue to the rafters.

The artists featured were very talented and actively involved in their own wellness through the arts.

For more information on Art Beat and their Artist in Residence program
click here. If you have a chance to take this show in, I encourage you to do so. It runs until January 29.