Isolation Series: Bus Stop Kisses

"Bus Stop Kisses"
11x14" marker and ink on paper

In this altered world of pandemic living blessings still appear in the ordinary. This week, children in our area were allowed to return to school. As I was driving past a school bus stop I observed a mother and child kiss goodbye. Not an unusual act to witness, but after so much wariness, isolation, and social distancing, I found it incredibly moving. That tender exchange between mother and child was a gifted glimpse of holiness in the ordinary.

#glendamosherart

Isolation Series: Blue Jay Day

"Blue Jay Day"
11x14 mixed media on paper

What a feast for colour-hungry eyes these bold blue birds provide. They flit from trail to tree and fence post to feeder, screeching greetings, teasing squirrels, and chasing one another: brash, brazen and beautiful. Blue Jays remind me of bright summer days to come, with unrestricted freedoms to follow.

#glendamosherart #isolationseries

Isolation Series: The Emphases of Red Snowshoes

 "Red Snowshoes"
11x14" mixed media on paper

We were given new shoes for Christmas, shoes for walking with ease in winter weather; shiny red snowshoes. We got to wear our new shoes for the first time after a heavy snowfall this past week. On that glorious white wonderland day we strapped our feet into our snowshoes and tromped about the back meadow, getting a feel for moving about. We used poles to assist our navigation of ascents and descents and turns. We unexpectedly encountered dear friends of like mind - and footwear, and together, ventured forth as a merry crew to “play” in the snow in our new shoes. Our confidence grew as our steps increased and we set off for wide-open spaces in which to make new marks. We got brave and ventured into forestland, “bushwhacking” a challenging terrain. Snow fell like a benediction on our heads, on our calls to one another, on our laughing and stepping together. We came home rosy cheeked, thoroughly soaked, hot, and so very happy. Yes, we were given new shoes for Christmas; snowshoes for walking with ease in a challenging season, shoes for making marks and memories to last. #glendamosherart

Isolation Series: Potting up Sunshine

"Potting up Sunshine"
11x14 mixed media on paper

I heard a Pantone colour specialist being interviewed on the radio. She announced two colour trends for 2021: “ultimate grey and illuminating yellow.” Special attention was given to the symbolic association when selecting these colours: one to anchor, or give a sense of foundation, and the other to provide light and life (hope). I was drawing at the time, overlapping line and shape when flowers and leaves appeared. The idea of being anchored, with hope above, around, and before me, brings great comfort. So I offer a bright pot of flowers to shine into your winter. May hope illuminate your day.

Isolation Series: Snow Peace

"Snow Peace"
11x14" mixed media on paper

Walking through the forest after a heavy snowfall is one of the most peaceful and beautiful winter pursuits for me. Row upon row of pines and firs stretch out, heaped in frosty blue and white stillness. My boots crunch along unmarked trails adding soft squeaks to wind whispers and chickadee song: “Peace, peace, peace, for today, and bright hope for tomorrow...”

Isolation Series: "Winter Birds"

"Winter Birds"
11x14" mixed media on paper

On mild winter days we often walk on trails that take us through local forests. On sunny days the trails are flush with cheery walkers grateful for a beautiful day and an opportunity for being “together “ whilst in isolation. Seeing so many folk on the trails reminds me of the winter birds that frequent our feeders. Lately redpolls, chickadees, and finches do the “dine and dash” outside our windows but it is also common to see larger birds such as waxwings, woodpeckers, and doves in their midst. Need brings all kinds of species together. Sunshine, fresh air and a sense of sharing safe fellowship makes it all the better.

Isolation Series: Hard News Hunker

"Hard News Hunker"
11x14 mixed media on paper

It is January 2021 and the world news lends to a sensation of living in an altered reality - still! Can it get any more preposterous? My heart is heavy for our US neighbours and for those suffering with government. Covid-19 hangs like a big old snowstorm, keeping us trapped until it blows out. It’s a long-winded maelstrom, to be sure. I look out my window on this brooding winter day and Eyeore’s morose voice pops into my head: “stuck again,” he moans, stating the obvious. Yes, we are stuck - again. Then I remember, in the A.A. Milne story all of Pooh’s friends rally to help free their stuck companion - to a satisfying end. And that leads me to think , wearily but hopefully, we’ll get sorted in the end also. It will take time, cooperation, humility, and hard work, and we’ll be talking about lessons learned for some time to come. 

Isolation Series: Snow & Ice

"Snow & Ice"
11x14 marker & ink on paper

Winter has altered my views of the creek. The banks and edges are transformed, rimmed with geometric shapes; icy slabs in shades of yellow-grey, mauve, and white. The water level is high, dangerously surging, mysteriously black and tea stained. It has frozen over completely just once, during a cold snap, when it’s roiling surface stilled and stretched to offer wildlife a smooth white highway for crossing. Paw prints dotted the surface then in assorted zigzags and sizes. Today I stand along the cold-weathered banks watching and listening to a percussive winter chorus of dry grass rattles and swishes, crow caw staccatos, bare branched knocking, and crinkly water acoustics. Snow falls with a whisper into this moment and I give thanks for the hard changes around me. There is beauty here.

Isolation Series: "NEW LENSES"

"New Lenses"
11x14" on paper

What a year! I look back on some of my reflections and drawings noting how much this strange year has affected me, my family, community and country. All this watching and waiting, separating and sanitizing, has given me “new lenses” for viewing what’s around me. Sometimes those lenses enhance and enrich my sight, other times they feel oddly uncomfortable and I’d rather not have to wear them. But I’m grateful the year ends with a glimmer of hope for 2021. Going forward, May we all find peace, hope, and grace in this pandemic journey: Eyes to see, ears to hear, words of life, and hands that offer peace. I wish you Health, hope and real hugs to look forward to. Happy New Year!