2022-03 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover              

IT'S EASY....SING IT!!

The Beatles of course! Now I hope I've planted an ear worm. What better song to be singing when we've all been blasted with covid and convoy news. I'm here to put out good news and perhaps a smile on your face.

February's winner of a free print is Ruth. Congratulations!

It's so great to get some feedback. I love to hear how creative you are. Deb has responded to my Facebook Lives with comments about her talent, which is not only fabulous quilts but also how she's made cards with collaged items. Angela sends me all sorts of art news, but one made me laugh. It's in the BBC NEWS ... 'Graffiti art defaced by spectators at South Korea gallery' Caught again!! I have a not so secret desire to be a Graffiti Grandma, except I go to bed at 9pm.

Angela is my partner in crime in discovering the art shows in Toronto. Patel Brown on Munro St. is a hidden gem. And I mean hidden. The show on now features Laura Dawe. Check her and the gallery out..

Laura Dawe - Patel Brown Gallery

https://www.patelbrown.com › lauradawe

A great show featuring all Canadian women artists is at the Dignam Gallery in Toronto, called 'Weaving the Lines of Life'. See @womensartofcan to check times. Thanks to the incredibly talented Janet Potter @janetfpotter. She even let us peek into her cozy haven of creation.

February is Black Lives Matter month and I would be remiss if I didn't feature my two amazing entrepreneurial creative daughters. Ingrie is a writer, stylist and producer who partners with Emily Macculloch on thet.zonebeauty on Instagram. She also writes for several publications and has collaborated with me on art projects.

Joanna is not only the amazing mother of Fox and Theo, but also runs a home based business. She started with making luxe baby blankets and head gear, and is branching out into macrame and painted cushion covers. I'm excited to see where her talent is taking her. Her Instagram is caveandcrown. Here's some photos of Joanna with her creations.

Please support Black owned businesses, especially women owned.

On Monday, February 14 I am beginning a new challenge of portraits. The theme is 30 Sistas and Bruddas. Please send me a photo of a brother or sister, related or not, and I will do my best to create a mini portrait for you. If you like it you can buy it. No obligation. The price remains the same as for my last 2 series of 30 Mothers and 30 Fathers. $99.00.

The Plus One show at Leslie Grove Gallery, 1158 Queen St E ( at Jones) is open Wed - Sun, 12 pm - 5 pm. My friend Gerry Withey and I are buddies in art and life. She is a neighbour near me and also in the studio. If you want to plan a visit, email or message on FB or IG. You can see more of Gerry on Instagram @gerry_withey

Don't forget you can watch me everyThursday at 1p mon Facebook live as I share art and inspiration. I'm using 'The Art of Noticing' by Rob Walker for creative prompts.

As ever, I appreciate all your support.

Happy Valentine's Day

ROCK ON

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

GAIL

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2020-16 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover               Dragons And Little Boys

So...how are you this week? There were so many responses to last week's newsletter. I can't thank you enough for the considered thoughts.

After the tumultuous events happening all around us and the calls to action that many people are pondering, I'm hoping that we can create a kinder, more just world. I've often thought that it was enough that I be a good person and that the way I lived my life was enough. However, it has become apparent that more is required of me. Speaking up instead of being afraid to rock the boat. Undoubtedly the opportunities will present themselves.

Things in the art world are starting to show up again. I am still participating in the #artistsupportpledgecanada. The remaining pieces will be on my website shortly. But of course I have already bought my pieces of art. One from my buddy Liz. See her posts at studio888art on IG.The other piece is from a French artist Elke Trittel (elketrittel on IG). Who knows how long it will take to come from France!

It is very exciting that the Riverdale Artwalk is online. This year you don't have to think of sunscreen or umbrellas. You can shop from your living room and take all the time you want in the many booths. Take a spin in my virtual booth in the virtual art fair. See 'real' art you can hang on your 'real' walls.
Riverdale ArtWalk. www.eventeny.com/company/?c

One of my purposes in doing this letter is to spread the artistic word. I was very moved  to receive a wonderful message from Roseanne thanking  me for  'opening the door to this form of human expression for her. It has been really a great experience for her to see how I build my work and the process I use.' Thanks again. RAP!

Here there be DRAGONS!!  And little boys who love them!! Attached you will find a photo of my Fox and his drawing from Fun Monster Drawing, a Facebook Live video I do every Tuesday on my Gail Williams Artist page. It has been a blast to do these videos. I break down the images to simple shapes so everyone can follow along. Thank goodness for the internet.

On Fridays at 1pm, I do a Facebook Live featuring my Painting of the Week. This week 'Block Party' is featured. I've heard of lots of cool street parties that have got neighbourhoods getting to know each other better. Michael organized a Trivial Pursuit game party for us and we had so much fun. I think he is cooking up another event soon. Thanks Mike!

I can't wait until we can all hug and kiss each other again. Party plans are expanding even if my bubble is not so much.

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

2020-15 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover - So this just happened..

Really not sure where to start, so I am just jumping in with it.

Many of you may know that I have been married for 50 years (to the same man) and that man is black. You may have figured it out from a photo or two I have posted of our daughters. But today I am sending a wedding picture from 1970. My husband has no family so we haven't had the experience of many mixed marriages. Of course we have been the targets of racism, but here in Canada, it is oh so subtle. But not less hurtful and wrong.

 This has been such a confusing and outrageous time of conflict for so many people. I would like to say for all people but I fear that is not the case.  I find it heartbreaking to witness. And I struggle in knowing what I should do and say.

My daughter Ingrie, has sent along a link which you might like to check out.

https://www.fridaythings.com/recent-posts/how-to-be-an-ally-george-floyd-black-lives-matte

How to Be A Good Ally To Your Black Friends — Friday Things This week’s news cycle has been heavy—especially for Black people. Here’s what non-Black POC, Indigenous and white people can do to help.
www.fridaythings.com

Another reader and former neighbour, Peggysent along a link that I think might also be helpful.
CNN and Sesame Street are doing a Town Hall for Kids and Families, Saturday morning June 6.   https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/02/us/cnn-sesame-street-standing-up-to-racism/index.html

I think that equality in all things has to happen, but I know that true equality might never happen. There will always be groups who think they are better than the rest and deserve to be in power.  Human decency and respect is the right of all.

In ongoing art biz, my paintings for #artistsupportpledgecanada have had a great response. I have 12 pieces that are all 14x17in.mixed media on heavy WC paper. The special price is $200 (regularly $300) unframed. I am calling this the Chrysallis Collection. When I have sold $1000 of  my art I pledge to buy another artists's work. It is a great way to start or add to your collection of original art at a lower price point. I have sold 4 already. You can see Lorrie with her new purchase. And I am adding two more for your viewing pleasure. The whole collection is on Instagram and Facebook, but I can send you photos of  the ones that are still available.

Rock on..in peace, love and respect.

          YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Gail

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