We’re under gloomy, smoky skies still, here in Vancouver. The smoke lifted a bit yesterday, but seems to have tucked itself back around us for now, and the forecast hints that this will continue for the next week. Teasing possibilities of rain — 30% chance of drizzle here, 60% chance of showers there. . . I suspect that by the time it all clears away, this summer will have settled right into fall.
And of course, fall promises all those new beginnings, not to mention the boots and the plaids. I’ve already checked out a few courses I’m interested in, and my daughters just signed the local grandkids up for their fall-session swimming lessons. . .
Meanwhile, though, while the skies are grey and low, and lungs and eyes and sinuses testify that the smell of smoke is particulate, the temperatures right now are very comfortable for walking. I’ve been wandering the back lanes in my neighbourhood, looking for murals added to local walls in this month’s Vancouver International Mural Festival.
I was tickled to discover this exuberant mural by young Coast Salish artist Atheana Picha, whom I had the absolute delight of hearing speak recently. Her presentation was one in a series of talks by artists on how they’d built and were building their careers as artists — despite pursuing their art in non-traditional ways. Several had been told in art school that what they were doing — or wanted to do — wasn’t art. The paths they’d followed were inspiring, not particularly easy, but guided (eventually, often after some detours) by a love of mark-making and a faith in doing what they loved.
Atheana impressed me by her enthusiasm, her youth — she’s only 18, just finished her first year of art school — and above all, by her determination to reclaim the art of her First Nations heritage and make it part of a personal style that will also integrate the rest of her heritage (Fijian, Czechoslovakian, and British). This article, announcing a scholarship Atheana won, and the addition of one of her works to the YVR airport collection, will give you a sense of why I’m convinced this young artist is “one to watch.”
Of course, if you’ve been reading here for a while, you might suspect that she had me at skunk cabbage.
It’s our Anniversary today — 44 years married, together for almost 45 (yes, we knew each other barely a year before the wedding. Doesn’t seem to have worked out too badly though . . . ). So I’m off now to spend some time with the boy.
And what are you up to today? This weekend? Any fun discoveries of new-to-you artists recently? Or of public/street art in your neighbourhood? Comments always welcome, even if you’re just waving hello 😉
Happy Anniversary to you and Paul!
44 years- wonderful!
Thank you for introducing Atheana-a very impressive young woman
Sorry about smoke
We are expecting rain this weekend,after the whole month over 90°F. The forecast is doubtful,we shall see……so the only plan I have is to watch The Death of Stalin movie on Sunday
Dottoressa
I hope you get your rain and enjoy the movie — It hadn't been on my horizon, somehow, but I just looked it up — a stellar cast and sound as if it's funny and pointed and clever… Enjoy!
I went to a few art openings this evening. The most unusual was on the water taxi…aka..the school boat. The owner of the boats was celebrating forty years of owning the boats with a showing of his painting on the boat. They removed all the seats and set up art around the walls. The boat bobbed up and down, and I sipped my glass of bubbly. The bar was set up on the dock. The munchies were excellent. Not a bad way to spend a Friday evening.
Happy anniversary!!
Ali
After reading this, if a person has never lived on an island, this must seem quite bizarre. It is strange what each of us think is normal.
Ali
Well, having lived on an island myself for many years, I do get it — how perfect! I wonderful way to spend a Friday evening!
Happy Anniversary. Hope your day was lovely. No special plans here (weather heading back into the 30s and ramped up humidity after a very brief two day respite). Ready for cooler, less humid temps.
All admiration for the young artist. Her work is impressive, but so is her determination to honour/seek her heritage wherever it may take her art.
We did have a good day, thank you!
Isn't she impressive, this young woman?
Hello Mater, Congratulations on your 44th and a late Happy Anniversary to you and your lovely husband. That's quite a talented young artist you've highlighted here. Maybe Art Schools should change there perspectives on what is and isn't art. Amelia
Thanks Amelia!
I can only agree with you about art schools — I do think that this change is slowly happening. . .