Gina Sarro Inspirations

To expand upon our Artist Studio Project, Canvas Gallery asked Vancouver artist Gina Sarro a few questions to find out what's been keeping her creativity flowing over her time in self-isolation, including what she's been making, cooking, drinking, reading, listening to and her view of the world. She shared her story along with some beautiful photos of her studio & life.

"With school coming to a close a little early this year, and my kids back home from University, I am enjoying time with them and our new German Shepard puppy. We are keeping active walking the beaches of Vancouver and the trails in Pacific Spirit Park. There is such a variation of inspiration in the landscape, with one outing offering wide open endless views across the water towards Vancouver island, contrasting with the walk in the shaded forest, where we are enveloped in greenery and endless tree trunks reaching for a glimpse of sky that sparkles through.

 

With social distancing, we are also spending a lot more time in our homes. Spring in Vancouver brings a view of a large cherry tree in bloom outside my living room window. The streets are filled with the snow from the pink and white blooms as the rain and wind start to blow them away allowing the trees to begin unfolding their leaves. 

I have always enjoyed a home studio, which has allowed me the opportunity to work whenever I feel inspired or at any hour of the day, and it definitely has come in handy during social distancing.  I have found myself however, stepping back from my studio to spend quality time with my family. I have so many ideas to put onto the canvas and I know that since my studio work table is now cleared of tax paperwork, it will be a little more enticing to get back at squeezing out some paint.

 

With social distancing, time spent in the home means a little more doing over-haul cleaning, purging and organizing. In the kitchen it means looking for simple Ketogenic recipes to explore and get creative with, and it’s nice to have the kids around to help out!

I usually listen to audio books while painting; I started “Atomic Habits’ by James Clear, and I’m looking forward to picking it up again when I head back into the studio. There is also classic rock playing in the studio offering high energy music to get into the painting zone. 

 

Back in in the 80’s, I completed a degree in Economics and Political Science, so I like to keep up on international politics and what’s happening with the economy in these unprecedented times. It gets a little overwhelming, so I am trying to limit time watching the news and then just catch the highlights of the day online before bed. 

These times are really dictating a new normal for all of us, and I hope that we all find a positive way to move forward, stay safe and enjoy all the little moments with loved ones."

Thanks Gina for giving us a peek into your beautiful west coast world & your stunning paintings.

To view available works by Gina Sarro, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Jacques Pilon Inspirations

As a continuation of our Studio Project, we checked in on Jacques Pilon to see what's been keeping him busy & inspired during his time in self-isolation, including what he's been creating, cooking, drinking, listening to and his window view. He replied along with some great photos of his life and a video update.

Most of my time these days is spent at our dining room table sketching and doing colour swatches of  art materials  like coloured pencils or watercolour pencils. Testing out new brands ordered online etc. 

 My studio has no real view because it’s in the basement but I do enjoy looking out our back door into our back yard which is always inspiring. Especially in the spring when things are just starting to pop.

 

My husband is always up to something in the kitchen so if we can find it in the supermarket, he’ll be making it. I enjoy baking bread. I use Jim Lahey’s recipe for no-knead bread which always turns out a loaf that makes me feel proud and is as good as anything you’d find in an artisanal bakery. I also have thing for peanut butter cookies. So I made some and started a headache-inducing 1000-piece  puzzle of pencils. Gack. It’s done now. I guess it was fun.

 

I’ve been doing a lot of sketchbook work and work on paper. It’s a nice change and that’s always a good thing. Always look forward to Friday night because that’s martini night!!! We love a good martini and we only allow ourselves one a week. Damned moderation.

My favourite creative music is none. Music distracts me and eventually makes me uptight and upset, no matter what kind. I feel annoyed until I figure out that it’s the music that’s grating on my nerves. Almost like chewing a piece of gum long past when you should have tossed it out. I love quiet. Quiet allows me to relax and think.

 

Thanks to the people at Canvas Gallery for asking and keep staying safe. It does make a difference.

A video & some words from the artist himself, including a beautiful sketch book he's been keeping

Thanks Jacques for sharing your story! We wish you good health & continued creativity during these times.

536-026 | Jacques Pilon, Everything is Enough, mixed media on panel, 40"x40". $2800

To view a full catalogue of available works by Jacques Pilon, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Susan Wallis Inspirations

To expand upon our Artist Studio Project, Canvas Gallery asked Prince Edward County artist Susan Wallis a few questions to find out what's been keeping her creativity flowing over her time in self-isolation, including what she's been making, cooking, drinking, reading, listening to and her view of the world. She shared her story along with some beautiful photos of her studio & life.

I'm here in Cherry Valley, Prince Edward County isolating with the family and I am happy to say we are all doing well as I hope you all are too.

Here is a photo of what I am presently up to in the studio.  Easter inspired obviously.  I have a Polish background, so egg decorating was always a big thing in our home and still is.  So this year I thought I would try a different type of egg decorating.

What is your window on the world these days …are you in your studio, or social distancing at home?

Luckily my studio is in my home so I am able to go in there and work whenever I want or need to.

Working at home surrounded by family is wonderful. No, it really is. We count our blessings and work on keeping each other's spirits up.

We have many projects in the works so there is never a lack of things to do.  Seedlings on the windowsills, garden beds to be be tilled.  Plantings in the greenhouse and eggs in the incubator.

In this time of such uncertainty it is a good feeling to be surrounded by growth.

 

What is your favourite view out of your window …. morning or night?

I'd have to say the night and the moon.  Just prior to the COVID-19 outbreak I sent a new series called "Moon Watching" for a solo show that was suppose to open to the public in Western Canada on March 27th.  Sadly the opening never happened.  It was discouraging to produce a new series and not have anyone see it up in person. 

I am really happy with this new series.  Here are a few images from this show:

 

 

 

What are you cooking/eating/baking …. loaded nachos? Chips? Cookies? …. or sourdough bread!

There are 5 of us in the house and we all take turns cooking dinner each night.  We allow ourselves a maximum of 1 trip to the grocery shop each week, so we plan our meals.  I must say that were are lucky to all be good cooks, so the meals have been great and have a great variety to them especially since my daughter's boyfriend is a vegetarian.  P.S. At the beginning of this COVID -19 outbreak I was diagnosed with both high blood pressure and high cholesterol.   Those family genetics have finally caught up with me.  Not fun.  But I am taking this time of isolation to change my eating and exercise habits.  One has to balance looking out for our loved ones and our own self-care.

What are you drinking ….. lattes, tea….. a martini?

I love my lattes, but I have tried something new.  Instead of cow's milk, I know drink oat's milk.  It's really yummy and creamy and lowers the bad LDL blood cholesterol.

What are you creating ….. coffee drawings, sketch books, poems, sewing?

I have a few commissions in the works so I have been working on the those.  I want to continue with my moon series, but have taken a break to work on my Easter egg nests series.  Like most I have taken this time to do some organizing.   I started with my studio book library and have pulled out some books to read along with a few cookbooks.

  

What are you listening to ….. news? ugh….or jazz/pop?…. What's your go-to creative music?

I try and limit my news listening to the once a day update from our PM.  

In my studio, I have Alexa with me. Yesterday she found this great station in Barbados, which I listened to for the afternoon.  It transported me. I imagined blue skies, palm trees and sandy beaches.   It was fun to listen to the DJ and the local accents and the music had me bopping around my studio.  The news updates were also interesting detailing the issues this small Caribbean country was having with regards to COVID-19 with their population of about 285,000 people.  Barbados instituted a curfew on Saturday March 28th beginning at 8pm until 6 am nightly.  It just reminds me how we are 'all in this together'.

Thanks Susan for the thoughtful answers and beautiful imagery of your life & work.

To view available works by Susan Wallis, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Ian Varney Inspirations

We checked in on Ian Varney last month to see what what keeping him busy & inspired during his time in self-isolation, and oh dear! Looks like he broke not one but BOTH of his hands during an unfortunate fall while on vacation in Palm Springs in early March, shortly before the lockdown.

Is it an animal?

Nope...I broke both hands and these are the casts post surgery!

Dysfunction on top of isolation.

I would prefer to be locked up at the studio....

Looking forward to creating again ...and hanging out here:

Ian's gorgeous Haliburton studio

 

Now recovering in Toronto as friends can bring me groceries and I am close to hospital.

We've since checked in on Ian again for an update, and it sounds like his right hand is on the mend. He even mentioned that he's going to attempt some one-handed painting. We're curious to see if his style changes for his next series, it could take on a beauty all its own.

Sending best wishes for a speedy recovery from all of us!

To view available works by Ian Varney, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Claire Desjardins Inspirations

As a continuation of our Studio Project, we checked in on Quebec artist Claire Desjardins to see what's been keeping her busy & inspired during her time in self isolation, including what she's been creating, cooking, and her view of the world. She replied along with some lovely shots of her studio, art & life.

What is your window on the world these days …are you in your studio, or social distancing at home?

I am fortunate: my husband, David, and I live on 30 acres out in the country, with our two dogs. We have left our property a couple of times since we returned from the States on March 22, as we were quarantined for the first 14 days, and then had to stock up on groceries (which we purchased online, but had to pick up in the store’s parking lot), shortly thereafter, as well as other essentials. My studio is on our property, just across our driveway, so I am able to go there daily, and to paint. I ordered a whole lot of new paints, to get me through this time, just in case. We walk our dogs on trails in our woods, and cook and eat, and watch Netflix. 

What is your favourite view out of your window …. morning or night?

I love when sunbeams pour through my studio windows and hit the floor: I love the long shadows. I enjoy gazing out at the forest, where I can see birds and squirrels, and the trees swaying in the breeze. Right now, I’m seeing snow falling, too— typical spring weather for the Laurentians!

What are you cooking/eating/baking …. loaded nachos? Chips? Cookies? …. or sourdough bread!

I share cooking with my husband. We take turns, and right now, he’s baking matzoh for tonight’s virtual Seder with his family. When it’s my turn, I find that I have been taking a bit more time, to make meals a bit more “fancy”, when possible. I want to make our time here special, and the creative touch helps. I’ve made pineapple shrimp, roasted vegetable, smoothies, steaks on the BBQ, quinoa salad (by David), and more. We are really trying to vary the menu as much as possible, so that it doesn’t fall into the “same old, same old” routine.

What are you drinking ….. lattes, tea….. a martini?

I’ve been enjoying my morning lattes, fresh fruit smoothies, and I sometimes have a glass of my favourite red wine with supper.

What are you creating ….. coffee drawings, sketch books, poems, sewing?

I’m painting up a storm in my studio, but despite having recently purchased lots of new paints, I’m still trying not to use up my supplies too quickly. I worry that I may not be able to access needed materials, later on. With that in mind, I’ve been working on creating short “how to” videos for my followers. I want to connect with them on Instagram, as much as possible, and I seem to be getting a nice response with those. 

What are you listening to ….. news? ugh….or jazz/pop?…. What's your go-to creative music?

Besides Netflix, we also make a point of watching our Prime Minister’s daily message. In my studio, I blast my favourite tunes, which include a variety of artists, many of whom are female vocalists such as Milck, Valery June, Lhasa de Sela, Angelina Jordan, Cat Power, Lorde,  and so many others. I also love Awolnation and Montreal-born legend, Leonard Cohen.

518-070 | Claire Desjardins, With Love, acrylic on canvas, 36"x24". $1760

Thank you Claire for sharing your studio, story & beautiful works.

To view a full catalogue of available works by Claire Desjardins as well as our other artists, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Dana Cowie Inspirations

To expand upon our Artist Studio Project, Canvas Gallery asked Owen Sound artist Dana Cowie a few questions to find out what's been keeping her creativity flowing over the past month of self-isolation, including what she's been making, cooking, drinking, reading, listening to and her view of the world. She shared her story along with some beautiful photos of her art & life.

What is your window on the world these days …are you in your studio, or social distancing at home?

I'm thankful to have my little studio in my house. I am able to paint once a week because I have 2 children who need a lot of attention/homeschooling. They are 5 and 9 years old. When I do get into the studio it feels like a reunion! Some days I'm finding less motivation than normal but my husband is helpful at giving me a nudge. Once I get set up, the inspiration flows!

438-068 | Dana Cowie, Choices, oil on canvas, 20"x48". $1050

What is your favourite view out of your window …. morning or night?

I like the view in the evening. The sunsets are so pretty through the trees.

What are you cooking/eating/baking …. loaded nachos? Chips? Cookies? …. or sourdough bread!

I'm definitely a free style cook and the main cook in the house. I make a lot of soups, rice bowls, crock pot meals and healthy treats using nut butters, maple syrup and chocolate chips...the first month of isolation I made things like maple fudge but I had to slow that down. I also have to make sure it's kid friendly. I let my kids cook too and it often results in a mess but it's an important skill!

What are you drinking ….. lattes, tea….. a martini?

I always have a large coffee with oat cream in the morning then I try to drink lots of water during the day (I find it helps decrease stress and makes you look and feel well!) - sometimes with lemon. I also enjoy stevia pop (rootbeer- zevia) to replace the treat cravings I often get. I do love a glass of wine in the evening while cooking if there's a bottle in the house. I especially like riesling. :) 

What are you creating ….. coffee drawings, sketch books, poems, sewing?

Other than painting small/medium pieces on the weekends I have been enjoying a 30 day drawing challenge put out by an art school in Scotland. It's called Bridge House Art. I highly recommend it. It's a massive stress reliever and keeps up my practice.

http://www.bridgehouseart.co.uk/on-this-day

438-071 | Dana Cowie, Shine Upon You, oil on canvas, 12"x12". $300

 

What are you listening to ….. news? ugh….or jazz/pop?…. What's your go-to creative music?

I love music and listen to it lots. I have been listening to Maverick City Music, Bethel, Bach (esp. played by Glen Gould) and some of my old favorites like The Sundays and Cocteau Twins. I have eclectic tastes. I avoid the news for the most part and try to get the important bits of info. It's not worth the stress!

Thanks Dana for the update, beautiful photos & all of the gorgeous new work that you've done for us.

To view a full catalogue of available works by Dana Cowie, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.