Isolation Series: Pyjama Rock

"Pyjama Rock"
11x14 marker & ink on paper

Some days you just have to cut loose! It is pouring rain today. I could get glum quite easily - however, I think some silly moves to some bouncy music is the better option. It helps keep me sane. (Special thanks to my daughter in law for this drawing inspiration.)

Isolation Series: Tulips on My Table

" Tulips on My Table"
11x14 marker & ink on paper

They are well past their ‘best before ‘ date, but somehow these faded blooms still bring me pleasure. Lots of little things have taken on new significance in this pandemic. The colour green, the song of birds, and a cup of coffee, have become comforting pleasures; as well as these tulips on my table.

Isolation Series: New Born

"New Born"
11x14 marker & ink on paper

My Thoughts turn to births in this season of Covid-19. I know of several families who have had babies recently. What challenges face them, when a new life, typically celebrated in community - with much hugging and touching and practical helps, is restricted?

May you know extra strength and stamina in this nurturing season...along with sleep, hope, and health.

Isolation Series: The Love of a Good Book

"The Love of a Good Book"
11x14 marker & ink on paper

FOUND! Between a multitude of covers; hugs and holidays! A guaranteed diversion from worry for all who seek. 

Today, I'm grateful for the discovery of worlds within this world.

Isolation Series - Rooted in Prayer

"Rooted in Prayer"
11x14 marker & ink on paper

The trees along the creek bank are beginning to bud. Now that the snow is gone I can visit the creek more frequently. I notice how the trees have weathered winter, the trees that have grown, the trees that have fallen, the trees that struggle to rise above the tangle of scrub with which they share space. Looking more closely, I observe the challenges these trees have creatively overcome to gain a foothold. Rocks and boulders line the creek yet the trees have managed to anchor themselves, sending sinewy roots all over the rocks. Somehow, these tenacious, woody tendrils remind me of praying, and right now all around the world a lot of people are praying. We pray to find a new footing in our hard realities. We pray to be nourished, sustained, and healed. Boulders and swift currents, and the wild unpredictable forces of nature are obstacles indeed, but together we will put out our roots and gain an anchored foothold. We will survive and thrive again. Amen.

Isolation Series: Earth Day 2020

Earth Day 2020
11x14" marker & ink on paper

On this Earth Day my thoughts turn to our planet. The pandemic has impacted not only mankind, but also our dear planet. It's quite remarkable, seeing images of blue waters and clearer skies as a result of our isolation measures. Going forward, I pray we expand on these observations and the data being collected. We have taken so much for granted and abused our Eden. Forgive us, and help us heal together. We have much to learn. We long for, and are grateful, for a good, good Earth.

Isolation Series: Lines on a Blue Heron

"Lines on a Blue Heron"
11x14 Marker & ink on paper

The blue herons are back in our corner of the creek. If I'm lucky, I catch sight of them in flight; their great wide wings spread in a graceful whispering descent. Most times, I detect them unexpectedly - especially now, with the shoreline a fuzzy, twiggy brown backdrop. Their silvery blue bodies melt into the landscape.
Herons stay still for what seems like hours. Their reedy, stalk-like legs sometimes snake along in the water, a slow motion modern dance movement. Heads down, they watch and wait tirelessly for a meal to appear. Stillness is essential. Patience a necessity.
Blue herons teach me the value and importance of waiting. Good wisdom for these times.
Blessings to all in the daily waiting...

Isolation Series: Return to Spring?

"A Return to Spring?"
11x14 Marker & ink on paper

Tiny spring flowers so inspire!

Isolation Series: Blue Hands

"Blue Hands"
11x14 Marker & ink on paper

With the sunshine and warmer temperatures I was able to get outdoors to work in the gardens. It felt so good to put my hands into garden gloves, to grasp earth tools, to dig and rake, pull back and reveal. My thoughts turned to the many hands wearing blue gloves in the battle against Covid. Those hands labour urgently for healing, using their training, medical tools, technology, and determination. Day after day, shift after shift, heart to hands.

                         How I pray for their skill and strength to soldier on. It is so appreciated.

Isolation Series: Some Days Be Like...

"Some Days Be Like..."
11x14 marker & ink on paper

I began these drawings around the time social isolation came into effect. Daily drawing has become my way of processing how Covid-19 has been affecting me. Each day I turn to my sketchbook and "work" out something meaningful - at least to myself.  On this particular day social isolation really got to me. As I'm drawing I'm thinking of the thousands of others going through tough days. I offer up empathy, prayers, comforting thoughts, and a sense of solidarity as the world grapples this pandemic.

Isolation Series: Searching for the Right Words

" Searching for The Right Words"
11x14 marker, ink & paper collage

Blessing the healthcare workers in the battle against Covid-19. May you know global prayers for courage, strength, and protection go before you. Our gratitude is profound - beyond words.

Isolation Series: Easter Weekend 2020

Holy Week 2020 - Offerings
11x14 Marker on paper

"To Live" - Easter Monday 2020
11x14 Marker on paper

On a Wing with a Prayer
11x14 Marker & Ink on paper

I continue with random lines and scribbles - making some sense out of the strange world around me.

Isolation Series: Black & White

"Alongside"
11x14 marker on paper

"Masked Fatigue"
11x14 marker on paper

"Wrest"
11x14 marker on paper

These unprecedented times have me preoccupied with making art in a new way - rather, it's a childhood delight that I have returned to. Scribbling, and making something out of random squiggles and lines, helps me process these weird times. Everything feels so mixed up in its' extreme orderliness. Isolation, hygiene, quarantine, social distancing, forced non-consumption...all new realities. And over top of all that is fear and uncertainty and a longing for the way things used to be.

I miss my family who live close by. I miss coffee with friends. I miss popping out for this or that. I miss enjoying shopping for groceries, chatting with people I would encounter in the store, and taking my time over purchases. I wonder what "normal" will look like when it is safe to walk beside one another without masks and gloves and antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizer?

I am grateful for so many things: my country, my government, my health care system, and those health care workers who are front line soldiers in this pandemic.

I hope and pray along with everyone else for a cure, an end, and for safety for mankind. We are all seeking a way together.

Isolation Series: Preoccupation

11x14 Micron Scribble on paper

What strange times we are experiencing! Everything feels very topsy turvy on my end as I come to terms with the current challenges in my family, neighbourhood, community, province, country, and world. I find my hands reaching for drawing and mixed media tools as I express my response. Many times I start with a "scribble" and let my imagination find the image within. It is very cathartic.

The world is preoccupied. We do our best to stay brave, strong, apart, and pray for healing and protection. We are in this together.

#glendamosherart