Well here it is February 2025
I keep myself busy with a variety of activities mainly creating artist books.
I am back in Barbados, here until April, we arrived in December.
Recent Books I have made
Coptic Stitch Binding.
7” x 5 1/2”
I love this binding as the book lies flat when opened.
I love these little boxes of pencil crayons that I purchased in
Woolworth, Barbados. They are made in Malaysia.
I remember going to the Woolworth store
in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada….loved it!
Circular hinge book,
with Zentangles,
thank you to Kit Davey
for her instructions
My attempt at Zentangle
Water colour sketch
Book with Coptic Binding, 18/3 Irish Linen thread,
My book cloth for the cover.
These 2 books were a gift for a friend.
I forgot the record the size.
with found beads
Added adult colouring pages to my books for
‘when the brain is tired but the hand wants to move’
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Summer, 2024
I joined a group called Butterflies in My Back Yard’
‘BIMBY’
It is a David Suzuki initiative whereby people
volunteer to document Butterflies in their yard.
It is an ongoing science campaigne that tracks
the abundance and diversity of butterflies.
Butterfly numbers are an indicator of how well we are
treating our environment.
As a result of becoming a ‘butterfly seeker’
I added to my garden plants that would attract butterflies.
We were encouraged to venture beyond our own yards.
Documentation is done on INaturalist.
Handmade accordion book of
watercolour sketches of flowers from my garden.
see but also the plants we find them on.
I was excited to find Black Swallowtail Caterpillars
among my parsley plants.
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juried exhibit
‘Pigments of My Imagination’
By Gibson Centre in Alliston, Ontario.
‘By the Water’s Edge’
12” x 12”
Oil on canvas
On and off I have been working on this oil painting
of my son-in-law, one in the series of ‘masks’
I was asked in November 2024 to paint a tile that was to
become part of a larger piece celebrating
the 100th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada
for Western Ontario Waterways.
Approximately 5 “ square.
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2023
Barbados
The Soursop tree has a most unusual fruit.
I wanted to see if I could grow a Soursop tree
from a seed.
AND…I did!
There is so much satisfaction
in watching plants grow.
When I returned this November I
could not believe how much my tree had grown
and that it had survived without my care.
There are interesting health benefits from this fruit.
The monkeys usually get mine before I do.
November 2023
April 2023
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‘ONTARIO 150 SERIES’ continued
Acrylic on Canvas
12” x 12”
The Gibson Centre Fall Exhibit
Alliston, Ontario
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‘CREATING’ presents itself in many forms.
Crocheted and knitted Prayer Shawls
of many colours, many patterns, different textures created by many.
Blessed at St. John’s United Church, Alliston, ON .
Shawls are donated to provide comfort and warmth
to those going through
a difficult or stressful time: in the loss of a loved one,
depression, illness, loneliness and so much more.
Request can be made by anyone!
Art: the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination,
typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture,
producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
— Oxford Dictionary
Art has the power to change the way we see the world, awakening us to new perspectives, ideas, and values. It can take us back in time to reflect on our past or push us further into our future. Art can bring awareness to social issues and foster a sense of acceptance — bringing people together regardless of background. Art is not only a form of expression but also an invitation to problem-solve and grow within ourselves and our communities. Whether creating or experiencing it, art provides unique ways for understanding different points of view while inspiring citizens to create meaningful social change.
The Power of Art: Does Art Really Change the World We Live?—artbusinessnews.com
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I wanted a painting of the vegetation that surrounds my Barbados home.
I added a few Bananaquit birds that fight the humming birds
for space at our hummingbird feeder.
This one was a challenge.
I may have another go at this another time.
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