Frances Hahn Inspirations

To expand upon our Artist Studio Project, we asked Guelph artist Frances Hahn 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 replied with a story and some lovely shots of her art & studio.

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

I’m home for the longest stretch I’ve been home in about four years. Luckily last year I moved my studio home too, so I’ve had everything I need on hand. and the lovely local art supply store is making deliveries as needed. I have found being at home throughout the day though that I have enjoyed moving my easel around to various rooms chasing the good light. So much choice!

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

My favourite view is the the Guelph water tower from my bedroom window in the morning (photo attached). It’s nice to have a few extra minutes in the morning to enjoy the glow.

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

With my kids home we have been baking lots: cakes, muffins, 36-hour cookies, pavlova, cookie dough, crepes, ultimate omelettes.

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

Chianti a day….. cin cin!

What are you creating ….. coffee drawings, sketch books, poems, sewing?I’ve been painting a little - continuing my pieces showing women lounging at home - seems perfect a the moment. I’ve been collaging too, as it's much easier to pick up and put down with interruptions. I sewed my first cloth was today...

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

Listening to music that is markedly more mellow than my usual, plus the sound of my kids playing Just Dance in the other room.

511-061 | Frances Hahn, I See You, oil on canvas,
30"x60". $1800

Thank you Frances for the update and lovely tour of your studio.

To view available works by all of our Canvas Gallery artists, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Rachel Albano Inspirations

As a continuation of our Artist Studio Project, we checked in on Rachel Albano to see what's been keeping her busy & inspired during her time in self isolation, including what she's been creating and her view of the world. She replied with an update and some lovely photos of her work & life.

I am currently social distancing with my family, my husband and 4 children.  Three of them are school aged so it has been a challenge to create a routine and keep up with the school work that has been assigned online from their teachers, while simultaneously entertaining a busy toddler! I try to get out for a run or bike ride every day (often accompanied) to keep my head clear! We try to have conversations with the kids about what they are thankful for, and keep them active as it is easy for them to be disheartened by the changes in society.

I've decided to keep creating in the studio as much as possible, it helps me to have a hopeful outlook on life when so often inundated with discouraging news stories! I've been burrowing away in my studio during my kids' quiet time and last week released a new body of work entitled "Together" which speaks of the power of peace that comes when we realize that we are not alone. The pieces have a neutral colour palette, and are beautifully flowy and calming, a perfect antidote to the anxiety we all face currently.

My favourite view: sitting on the porch watching my kids play together on the driveway.

Drinking: chai tea or sparkling water

Creating: my new body of work. I function so much better with a goal to work towards so I made my own "online art release".

Cooking: I took an online sourdough course that my brother hosted and my son and I learned how to make delicious bread! 

Listening to: I often paint in the quiet as my son is napping!

In an attempt to put something on my calendar I've decided to start training for a half marathon, it gives me something to look forward to and one of my kids ride their bike beside me on the long runs, giving us great quality time. 

560-010 | Rachel Albano, Song in My Heart, acrylic on canvas, 30"x60". $2000

Thank you Rachel for the update as well as the beautiful photos of your work & family, and best of luck with your half marathon.

To view available works by Rachel Albano, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Stephanie Fehrenbach Inspirations

To expand upon our Artist Studio Project, we asked Stephanie Fehrenbach 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 gorgeous imagery.

Photos copyright Erin Jean Photography

Hi Canvas!

So glad that you're doing well and it was so nice to hear how you're all holding up. Thank you for all you're doing to keep supporting us right now. 

We're safe and well here at home. Mike has taken over part of my studio space for his office and we try to trade out time through the day so I can work here and there. It's nice to escape into the studio and fiddle around. I've made a couple watercolour classes and finished up some oils I had on the go for clients before the shut down. Luckily they were local so pretty easy to arrange a socially distant pick-up. But, most of my days have been focussed on Ben. Lots of Lego, trains, trucks, Play Doh, pillow forts, running around and probably more Disney+ than I'd care to admit. 

Some days I definitely need that 3rd cup of coffee to keep me going. Lately I've just been going through Spotify mood playlists depending on how I'm feeling...or how I want to feel. Yesterday was Mike's birthday and we ate cake, opened presents and spent the day in the sunshine, which called for "Totally Stress Free". It was a good one. We've been baking every day. It's comforting to have that kind of start-to-finish activity where you feel you've achieved something tangible, even if it was only banana muffins. 

 

I've been obsessive about gardening -- digging out new beds and building a "cottage" for Benny under the apple tree. It's a work in progress but I like envisioning it, gathering seeds and new plants, and really just being outside as much as possible. Benny loves it. His new favourite activity is digging for worms. The view from my kitchen window is my favourite. I wake up, make my coffee and look out to the garden where we've been spending our days in the dirt. It makes me feel hopeful for something beautiful to come.

 

Thinking of you all & sending safe wishes.

Thank you Stephanie for the update and stunning photos of your beautiful paintings & garden from Erin Jean Photography.

To view available works from Stephanie Fehrenbach, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.

Maca Suazo Inspirations

As a continuation of our Studio Project, we checked in on Maca Suazo to see what's been keeping her busy & inspired during her time in self isolation, including what she's been creating and her view of the world. She replied with a great story and some images of her art & life.

During this uncertain times, i am still able to keep my studio space at globe studios in Kitchener. However, in order to support my art practice and my spirit, I work in an organic farm from March 1st to November 1st every year, and paint intensely in the winter months. 

I am a seasonal painter. During my farm days, i paint on saturdays and sundays, usually in large works that are extremely hard to sell but give me so much joy. I can move around a large painting, getting lost into the world of colour and fields of alternative combinations, that is my passion. 

During my farm days I find inspiration in nature and the everyday simple chores of a farm. For example, I found a toad among the pepper plants and it will probably make it into a painting.

Hope you are all keeping your creativity alive, 

Maca

448-072 | Maca Suazo, Camping, oil on canvas, 20"x30". $700

Thank you Maca for the update & beautiful photos. Your joy & optimism always shines through in your lovely artwork.

To view available works by Maca Suazo, please visit www.canvasgallery.ca.