Summer Solstice

Happy Solstice to you, dear reader. I thought I would share a photograph of my organic garden beds today.



I made them using a variation on the lasagna method (layering of various natural materials and composts, I added fish guts, fireplace ash and seaweed) in above-ground Western Red Cedar frames, custom made to my specs by the fabulous Larry Rose. The cedar acts as a natural pest repellent, smells divine, and looks gorgeous, too. The wood will eventually fade to a silvery gray and last for many years.

I designed the layout so that the plants will get the maximum amount of sun during its arc across the sky, and wide enough apart so that my wheel barrow will pass in between the beds with ease. A small collection of succulents and perennial medicinal and edible herbs went in the center bed, and everything else will rotate from bed to bed around it once a year, to keep the soil healthy.

How I adore my garden, it gives me so much contentment, and serves as an artistic muse. It keeps me in shape, especially turning all that compost and hauling all that soil. And it produces such wonderful things to paint and eat!

Art in the County

A painting I completed in the field, “Rebecca Spit: A Nod to the Open Sea,” at Quadra Isle, BC this past May has been accepted into Prince Edward County’s annual juried show, “Art in the County.” I am honoured and excited to have been included by the esteemed jury. If you are in the area, come check out the show!



From the web site:

Vision

Art in the County is the best summer art show in Ontario.

Each year, Art in the County displays the work of County artists and artisans. Now in its 14th year, the exhibition is a highlight of the summer season in Prince Edward County, attracting residents from around the Quinte area and visitors from across Canada, many US states, Europe, Asia and Australia.

All of the art displayed at Art in the County is carefully chosen by three distinguished and experienced art experts who are professionally qualified jurors.

Ten by Ten

I am now on number four of my environment-related landscape series. These are large paintings, some several feet wide and tall. Being a teeny thing myself, I love the sheer physicalness of these! I have to jump and stretch and use my whole body to make some of the brush strokes.

Working on the larger paintings has its drawbacks. I may plough right through a frenzied mountainous section, but then the cirrus clouds will demand careful attention. I make a few large strokes of sky, and then I must wait for them to dry with zen-like patience. These times where I am literally "watching paint dry" pass slowly if I do not have something to occupy my brain. I have to walk away from the work for a bit, or else I'll screw it up and overdo it.

Some things I am unable to do, like accounting. It spoils the creative process. Reading, researching and listening to music is okay. Blogging is on the borderline, because you are putting yourself out there and are hence self-conscious. Running with the dog in the woods is best. :-)