Artist's Remarks from Opening Reception for The Sensuality of the Maturing Woman exhibition, Christina Parker Gallery, St. John's, NL, Mar. 4, 2011

Where do we find inspiration for our creativity?  At a time in my life when I could have been overwhelmed at being pulled in many directions at once, inspiration came to me from the beautiful women all around me living through many of the same challenges I was facing, and surviving with admirable and immeasurable grace.  My inspiration for The Sensuality of the Maturing Woman came to me while searching for a thesis project in my final year of my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2002.  I was a mature student who went back to university when my youngest son started kindergarten in 1993.  It took me ten years of blood, sweat and tears, during which time I worked full and part time, divorced my first husband, raised my two boys as a single mother, found and married my soul mate, but I did get that BFA, with honours and at the top of my class damn it.  (Like most women, multi-tasking is just "situation normal".)   But I digress. . . .

In 2001, I became involved with a calendar project to raise funds for a palliative care unit at Western Regional Hospital in Corner Brook.    While sitting in on meetings, I would look around the room of over 20 women volunteers, and amid laughter and tears, was completely moved by the spirit, grace, humour, and love that permeated the atmosphere.  It was visceral, ethereal, and spoke to me of the incredible community of women I am part of, and the commonalities we share.  I revelled in the joy in the room, and anyone who has been in a room full of women over 40 will agree that there is something special in the air.   During this time I was also doing research on women’s attitudes about aging, and the state of being female in what is often perceived as a patriarchal society.  I came across an interview with actress Goldie Hawn in which she spoke of the power and strength we possess as women, and what it can mean to us, our families, and society when we are in touch with the power of the feminine as the centre of positive life affirming energy.  Having emerged from a difficult marriage, I found these views empowering and life-changing. 

I soon realized that I had found what to focus my thesis on, and I invited three of the models from the calendar project to pose for me.  These three portraits were so well received by our community during the fourth year exhibition of my graduating class that I could feel the spark of something much grander forming.   I invited several more of the “calendar girls” to pose, and was delighted to be approached by more women in my area who were moved by the paintings and wanted to take part.  The project was evolving into a profound statement about women and our collective concerns about aging and how we feel about our bodies, minds, and spirits as we get older.  I was very moved by each of their stories, which would unfold during the course of their portrait sittings.  I started to envision this as a project that would be more of an installation art experience, with biographies and statements from each model forming an important aspect of the installation, as you see here around you.  Please take the time to read about who these women are in their own words.

There was an indescribable feeling of purpose as we progressed with the sittings, and as the portraits took form.  I searched for a title for the project, and couldn’t escape the word “Sensuality”. Sensuality is a state of being that is multi-faceted and layered.  It is an aura that is exuded, drawing others in.  It is not gender specific – women and men alike can possess the essence of sensuality, as we well know.    It is a state of calm confidence, self acceptance, self awareness, wisdom, humour, and soulfulness, with an awareness of one’s gift of sexuality as well.  A sensual being is in tune with all of her senses, and is aware of and responds to the senses, sensibilities and sensitivity of those around her.   And this is truly where real beauty lies – this is where sensuality lives.

The exhibition of the first twelve portraits opened at the Arts and Culture Centre in Corner Brook on St. Patrick’s Day in 2005.  Over 350 people attended the opening reception. Believe me, I was overwhelmed with the response, and encouraged to keep going with the series.  Word travelled across Newfoundland and Labrador, and I had women calling and emailing wanting to be part of the project.  As a result, here we are in the beautiful Christina Parker Gallery surrounded by The Sensuality of the Maturing Woman project – the Women of St. John’s edition. 

Every one of these amazing women are so dynamic, so inspiring, creative, and energetic, it has been my privilege to capture some element of their essence and share our experiences through the life of this series.   As each of us approach and pass through our third trimester of life, we often embark on the most creative and dynamic time of our lives.  Unencumbered by the responsibilities of child rearing, often retired from the daily grind of the nine to five, and armed with years of hard won life experience and wisdom, women (and men) discover or rediscover an incredible urge to self-express.  The arts in particular benefit from this influx of creativity.  An integral part of The Sensuality of the Maturing Woman is the celebration of this creative fire as we mature.   

I have been blessed by the women and men I have encountered as a result of my nine year journey with The Sensuality of the Maturing Woman project, and it shows no signs of slowing down (we are off to Toronto this June).  It has been a healing, cathartic experience in many ways, and I have formed life-long relationships with my subjects and many who have been touched by this project.   I have grown personally, professionally and spiritually, and the confidence that has grown within me has fuelled my advocacy work for the arts and artists immeasurably.  I can in all honesty say that at the age of 51, I truly feel “The Best is Yet to Come”!  

I would like to conclude by wishing you all a very “Happy International Women’s Day”!

Thank you for coming and sharing this celebration.

On the Pain of Creativity

Artists are a different breed.  We are driven to create, but there is an emotional toll to pay.  Always on the line is our insecurity about whether what we do has merit.  I know it's like that for me and for many artists who are honest enough to voice it.  Whether you are a visual artist, musician, actor, dancer, or writer, whatever your artistic discipline, the emotional element of what we do can be a driving force, or can actually be a hindrance to our own success.  Fear of failure, I tell you, can be immobilizing.  I guess that's why the image of the slightly insane, self-destructive artist is so pervasive, and there are so many examples to site.  Whether imploding or exploding, the creative energy needed to do what we do can be fuel or fodder.  And with today's up to the minute social media ready to record and disseminate every misstep or misdeed, there's nowhere to hide.  It's vital that artists support and encourage each other, because it's only other artists who truly understand and appreciate the pains of "birthing" our creations.  Collectively we enhance life not only for ourselves in the act of creating something we can be truly satisfied with, but for our larger community, we enhance the living experience through our toil by producing something others can relate to and in this act, reflect back our collective humanity.

Worry over ancient artifacts and antiquities being damaged in Egypt during the current unrest.

I feel echoes of the events in Iraq following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, when I watched in horror as museums were looted and priceless antiquities destroyed.  As an artist with a passion for art history, it is very disturbing to hear about museum lootings and damage to ancient artifacts.  The historical significance of such objects can't be measured.  Smashed Tut statues and iconic objects tracing back thousands of years of the history of this cradle of civilization are so upsetting to see.  Unfortunately there will always be those who take advatange of the upheaval happening.  Desperation can lead to such tragic results.  I understand that security has been restored and the safety of these ancient treasures is once again assured. 

Day 1 of Logging volunteer hours in the arts, and Other Things

I've been inspired by Ruth Lawrence, and will begin logging my volunteer hours in the arts and cultural work that I do.  I don't think we are aware as both artists and the public just how much artists do behind the scenes that they don't see an income for.  This promises to be an eye-opener I think! 

I'm also working like mad to finish the paintings for my exhibition "The Sensuality of the Maturing Woman - Celebrating the Fine Art of Aging Well" at The Christina Parker Gallery, which opens on Friday, March 4.  The opening reception begins at 5:30, and I'm so thrilled to have Johnston and Lear, one of my favourite jazz duos, play for the opening.  Another thrill - my friend and colleague Amy House will be offering opening remarks.  This exhibition will be the last show at Christina's historic Plank Road location, as she prepares to open her brand new gallery on Water Street in the very near future.  It promises to be a wonderful evening of celebration on many fronts.