Retired, Working and Still an Artist

I didn't get a chance to feel what retirement from my main job felt like; I started a new part-time job in the heritage section of the city within five days, while still working my job with youth for the Arts Council of Surrey. Then, our worlds changed and there was very little in the way of work. Plenty of time for art, right? Well, yes, when you aren't figuring out what our lives are going to be like from day to day. And as it turned out, the arts were all around - as always - to entertain us, challenge us and keep us moving ahead on new paths, like an old friend on which we could rely to share this unknown journey. Online offerings showed up in the form of exhibitions, theatre, music, museum tours, visual arts classes, dance classes and more.

Participating in virtual art shows had the ease of removing the physical transporting of works to galleries; I hope that this continues in some form. Think of it as removing barriers for those who have mobility challenges, both in participating and viewing exhibits.

I participated in shows with the Arts Council of Surrey ('Tangible' with Gunilla Kay) , Semiahmoo Arts Society ('Encounters-Asian Fusion' which was also part of Explorasia, 'My Happy White Rock' - which was featured on Explore White Rock's blog - and currently working on a third work for The Great Gatsby), Langley Arts Council ('Home Gallery Community Challenge') and Opus Art Supplies ('Oh Canada Virtual Art Tour' in which I was a featured artist for their Cultures of Canada submission highlights). Next week, I'm displaying some of my hand-dyed silk scarves at the Crescent Beach Pop Up Gallery with dancer/visual artist, Nela Hallwas in our co-creation 'Flow', a reworked exhibit that will now only be a window display in this City of Surrey-run community gallery.

I have also just physically submitted a piece (safety protocols in place) for the Fort Gallery's 'Together Alone' show, a gathering of thought-provoking reflections by community on quarantine. My contribution to 'Together Alone' is called 'Restricted' an edited photo printed on bamboo paper of my hand "touching" my daughter's hand during a video chat, showing my struggle with connection from a distance and how much I miss hugging my children.

Speaking of video chats, I was invited by a good friend - who I met five years ago, while we both were working towards certification in life coaching - to be interviewed on the importance of play in our lives from an arts point of view. I say interview, but as Mary and I are very comfortable chatting at length about a number of subjects, the sessions come off more like a comfortable discussion and sharing of thoughts, rather than a formal interviewer/interviewee setting. Mary asked great questions, so it was easy to answer them and I quite enjoyed the process. For the conclusion of the interview, Mary had asked me to prepare an art challenge for her and it was a fun way to finish the last session. The interviews can be seen on my Facebook page, The Spiral Rainbow.

And so, life - such as it is now - will go on. As does the Arts.

The Heart of Theatre (acrylic, ink & pastel) for Semiahmoo Arts Society's My Happy White Rock and Restricted (digital photo on bamboo paper) for The Fort Gallery's Together Alone.