Brush Buddies
Aug 17 2021
Committing to two shows in one season was a challenge. The best decision I made was to invite my good friend Helen Shideler to share both show spaces with me. We were able to collaborate on what pieces should be submitted and shared expenses of transport. But best of all, it was fun. Covid-19 limited social interactions and for artists, our work is usually a solitary activity.
What happens when artists get together? We talk about art. And talk. And talk. We never tire of discussing colours, favourite pigments, brushes, other artists’ work…
On one trip from Grand Manan, we stood at the stern of the ferry and were engrossed in conversation about the colour of the water on one side of the wake, from the other. We would point at the sky and made sweeping gestures to indicate light and wind direction, and then walking 15 feet to the other side repeat the same process in comparison. I can only image what other passengers were thinking. “Were these two ladies pointing out birds in the sky, or seals in the water? Why were they so animated? What do they see that is so interesting?” And we discovered we had a ferry fairy. We had amazing luck with catching the ferries to Deer Island just at the right time. Or to get a last-minute cancellation on the Grand Manan ferry.
I am blessed that I have had others that love to talk shop, my daughter Elizabeth, my friends Krista, Karen and Cathy in particular. We don’t have to look far to see many of our artists friends and colleagues experience the same benefits of spending time with fellow artists. We know the joy of creating art. And sharing that joy makes it all that much better
This might now be true for all artists. But for me, I personally thank those around me who help contribute to this shared joy.
