Salish Journey

The exhibit of Pacific Coast Salish art I saw today at the BC museum was entitled 'S'abadeb The Gifts', and what a gift it was! Weaving, basketry, carving, and other art forms as well as film and written information about their history and culture right up to the present. The photo above is not from the exhibit and is a carving I already have that is of unknown origin. Photography wasn't allowed at the exhibit and I wanted something that catches a flavour of today and I thought of this. I liked a quote by a Salish elder, who said that for the Salish, looking at a pile of mountain goat's wool was like looking at the vault in Fort Knox! The spindle whorls they used to hold the spun wool are associated with the weaver's spiritual helpers and had fascinating designs. There was a dress made of woven cedar bark which was incredible. I also like how they added animal images to their tools to evoke qualities such as precision and speed, and how each family had their own songs, stories and art to pass on to next generations. Being included in a story was important because if gave individuals a sense of belonging - I like that. And I especially appreciate how they incorporated ritual into their lives and their respectful behaviour to each other and all beings. There were also more recent Salish art pieces, such as an etched glass spindle whorl and paintings. What an inspiring journey into Coast Salish art and culture.

World Treasures

Today I saw the 'Treasures' exhibit at the Royal BC Museum - over 300 works of art and craftsmanship from around the world brought from the collection of the British Museum. I went from being moved seeing the Rosetta Stone, to amazed at the vitality of bronze Egyptian sculpture and statues of Eros and Dionysos, to sobered by a modern 'Throne of Weapons', made from reclaimed guns. What an incredible gamut of human creations through time and across cultures - so much to drink in. I also held a 6000 year old tool made of antler and stone that had been found at the bottom of a lake in Sweden and was used to scrape hides. A very impactful artist date!

Artist Date to Satin Moon Quilt Shop

I thought I might get to experimenting with piecing today, but a book I have on beading called my name and suddenly I was imagining doing a densely stitched, textural beaded piece in a frame. I have a gold frame sitting empty and a good spot on a wall to hang it, so I cut timtex to size and a base of yellow velvet, then added stitching, chiffon, angelina, yarns and thread. It doesn't look like much yet but I will add to it and hope it grows into a lovely bloom like these magnolias. The mandala of fabrics are ones I found at Satin Moon today - what a great store. I had planned to go to a bead shop but ran out of time since there was so much to look at!

Artist Date to Beacon Hill Park

There were many peacocks roaming free at Beacon Hill Park today and this one strolled right up to me and paused, almost as if he expected me to take his photo - smart bird :) I've signed my quilt and sewed on the last two strips of facing. Hopefully I'll get some hand stitching in later tonight.

Artist Date to Willows Beach Area

Today while out running errands, I had an urge to go to the dollar store even though it wasn't on my list. I read in a book yesterday that to stop your sewing machine pedal from slipping around, you can put that non-slip kind of rubbery stuff underneath it. I also had been thinking about getting a spray bottle so I can wet fabric prior to painting. Neither of these items was on my mind, but right outside the dollar store were two bins - one filled with spray bottles and the other with rolls of the rubbery stuff. I guess it was meant to be :) On my artist date I found this lovely Czech glass button and a bit of roving, as well as near-fluorescent orange thread. Later, while I was basking in the sun and the view of the completely calm ocean, crows kept flying overhead steadily in small groups where they gathered en masse at Cattle Point. I heard a sudden rush of waves and imagine the crows were waiting for the tide to turn and expose their dinner.

Artist Date

I noticed feeling reluctant to go on my 'artist date' today - I was thinking I could be working on my quilt. However, I remember how refreshed I feel after I give myself this weekly rejuvenation and I think that provides balance. A few hours spent on no particular task but just for 'fun' can seem so extravagant. Enroute to Cloth Castle, I dipped into a bakery where one cake was labelled 'The Ultimate' and was on for half price. I asked them to write the above phrase on it which shows you how much fun I was already having! I'm in love with the brown and turquoise fat quarter and I imagine making a bag with it. Just having these fabrics in my studio and seeing them now and again will give me so much pleasure and arouse visions of possibilities...

Artist Date to Coast Collective Gallery

I'd heard about a new gallery opening recently, and today I went to check it out - only it was closed. So I enjoyed taking photos on the beautiful grounds instead, as well as at the nearby lagoon. I've completed quilting my quilt and I will add roving to it next.