Friday, December 30, 2016

Contemplating 65

2016 was a tumultuous year.

I know; I know -- I write that knowing how trite that sounds on this second-last day of the year.  There were many high and low points for the globe, on which I won't elaborate; that's already been done by pundits, analysts, and most folks on Facebook.

The year held many blessings for me personally, and for my family.

In April, I sold my first large piece at the Lacombe Art Show and Sale

Edging Toward Spring (C) 2015

In May I travelled to Stratford, Ontario to see my first successful entry
into a major SAQA exhibit, My Corner of the World: Canada
and My Corner of the World: International


It's Still About the Sky (C) 2016

In July my son Marty married his lovely Chereena

The Alberta Blanks, July 23, 2016

In October, I had several of my 'minis' and many of my larger works
accepted into the beautiful space at Bonavista Fine Art in Sylvan Lake -- and several have been sold.

That same month, my first solo three-part installation opened
at the Lacombe Memorial Centre.  Up for a month, with a companion book, to date Mark on the Body has raised $456 for Canadian-based research and education about the nature, cause, treatment, cure and prevention of Type 1 Diabetes.



In September, I crossed into my 65th year.
How will I mark 2017?

I've been pondering a different approach to my work, involving more abstraction, "improv" and sampling of "Modern" quilting...both as artwork and utilitarian pieces.  This will influence my minis and my 15 x 15 Group contributions.

I have a hand-stitch project underway, with the working title, "I Shall Wear Purple".

I want to do some serious practicing with my spinning wheel, my embellisher and my "new" treadle sewing machine.

I'm celebrating my 65th Birthday with two trips: first as part of a panel for SAQA Western Canada's first-ever Regional Retreat in Kelowna, B.C., in early May; and second, on a quilting tour to Scotland with friend and SAQA colleague, Mary Wilton, in September.  We are taking sketchbooks and supplies to record what entrances us...with plans for new work inspired by the trip.

Of course, there will always be knitting, making for others, a bit of making pour moi, and the ongoing blessing of relationships inside and outside this blog.

Linking this to Nina Marie's Off the Wall Friday, and wishing you all a
Happy New Year, Gentle Readers!




Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.


3 comments:

Valerie Wilson said...

Your plans for 2017 sound wonderful! Say Hi to Mary for me.

Jo Vandermey said...

Despite the "worlds" going ons it's good to reflect on the positives in our own year. You accomplished so great goals and wonderful family memories. 2017 looks like it has some excitement in store too! Hope you have a blessed new year!

Anonymous said...

You accomplished and celebrated so much in 2016. I hope 2017 surpasses your wildest expectations.