G A L L E R Y
A R C T U R U S
Playing the Tuba
I think that playing the tuba is better than making a collage called 'playing the tuba', but making collages are what I do and I cannot play the tuba. Maybe its like, 'the grass is always greener on the other side'. Often I am amazed that making a collage can bring as much satisfaction and joy as it seems to. It is so mysterious the way the pieces come together, such a surprise.
and it stays that way, surprising and mysterious and yet there is this decisiveness in the pieces that are chosen, where and how they are placed. I don't need to know why or try to give them some importance or meaning. There may be more useful things
I can do with my time but this is what I return to when I need to be fully attentive and with myself. It is a gift I am grateful for.
Setting the stage
Today we were privileged to have in our space the musicians Emma Menrenken, Lynn Sue A Quan and Dale Jeong to play a wonderful collection of classical works as well as a contemporary piece,- 'Fly with Crows' by Andrew Staniland. You can find out more about them on their website musicaroundthecorner.com. We look forward to having them come again soon.
Open to Receive
Being receptive is not the same as being passive
it takes courage and strength to hold the door open
Seemingly Impossible
An installation in the Genesis Gallery at Arcturus
One of us says she's like a snail today
but she' s trying her best: )
What is this?
The moon's surface seen from space.
An ice cortado.
Light reflected on water.
A tie dyed bed sheet.
Magnified moth wing.
Hmmm....
A bit of a conundrum.
Head in the Clouds
Garden of Future Follies by Hadley and Maxwell, Front St. E., Toronto
The Curators Assistant
hands full of inspiration and impulse
the assistant observes, listens and finds
what is necessary to realize the vision.
Stepping into the other side
Painting by Della Heywood, drawings by Daniel Hanequand
Today we added this painting by Della to the Dark Room.
The size and scale makes it feel like an opening into another world.
This space allows for a powerful experience and relationship to certain works.
A Long Bridge to the Other Side
Mixed Media Painting by Eduard Zibnitski
Flying Fish
Video from Japan by Noriko Kimura
A lively sky
Painting by Eric McConnachie
A Variation on Picasso
Harlequin by Pablo Picasso
Harlequin's Brother by deborah harris
It seems almost sacrilegious to collage over a painting of Picasso's even if only a print
but at the same time it is so compelling.
How to allow the underlying painting to remain visible
and to show clearly what you have added,
seeking to find a balance which acknowledges the masters work.
What is the nature of resistance?
Sculpture by Camie Geary-Martin
Added elements for installation
by deborah harris
Today's Weather Report
Sunny and Cold
with a chance of getting blown away
Is it too soon for swim suits?
Mixed media work by Eduard Zibnitski
Making Scones
It's a bit like making a collage
Life is a Circus
Drawing by Toulouse Lautrec
You can see this drawing and many more on display in the Drawing Room on the third floor at Arcturus. We are making use of our great copier machine to
introduce our guests to works of artists that they might not know or get a chance to see.
behind the thread
Hiding behind a thread unravelling
ending just at heart's door
closed but not locked,, inviting
as of a home well cared for
when entrances bespoke the occupancy inside
the possible welcome of a discerning host
Standing in a corner of the room concrete walls, floor and heavy metal
specific use unknown
crate on wheels empty or so it seems
an alternate offering held steady with the hand
what could you put inside?
all that you don't want or would like to store indefinately
a deeply shadowed past or dark dream
space for all, into and beneath.
Lighter is the checkered path beside
carefully laid out before emancipation or reform.
Refinement takes small steps places a foot on each square
contemplates the pointed interplay between shades of pale.
How quietly approach can be across the threshold.
then pause and looking up meet...
Virility and youth, loyal animal and friend
they are receding but remain a celebration
ageless, immortal, more real than memory
and guardians of the inner court.
Hiding behind a thread unraveling
ending just at heart's closed door
not locked, inviting
as of a home well cared for
when entrances bespoke the occupancy inside
the possible welcome of a discerning host.
Faintly revealed.
dh
Collage Friday Part 1
Collages from top down 1, 2, 4 and 6 by Sae
3, 5 and 7 by Brandon
Collage Friday Part 2
Collages from top down 1 and 2 by Brandon
3 by deborah
Collage Friday Part 3
Collages from top down 1, 3 and 4 by deborah
2 by Brandon
Sometimes Cowgirls get the Blues...
...even on their birthday.
Happy Birthday Cowgirl!
From Sae.
Three Way Collage
Today Sae and I worked with a young man, Brandon, who is new to
collage. Earlier this week he made the assemblage above. We decided to
make three copies of it and each have one which would be the shared
material to use in today's collages.
The images at the top of this page are what emerged.
The dividing line
Standing in the outside world
listening to the inner voice.
The season is spring when you have lunch with friends
Table in the Garden 1908 by Pierre Bonnard
A Feeling of Today
Washington Square by William James Glackens 1870-1938
Happy Valentine Day
(Happy Birthday Floyd where ever you are)
Snowed In
It is somehow a very good reminder when nature asserts itself.
and we are called to accommodate.
Cold Bright Light
Collages by Eron Boyd
Being surprised by what is possible
These two collages were created by Sae Kimura. The top one was made on Tuesday at the gallery.
Because it was made there she felt that she had to finish it in the time we were working together.
On Wednesday morning we had a very long conversation about process and my mandate that
the piece is not done until you love it. She informed me that she was not satisfied with the
collage that she had made so I suggested that she make a photo copy of the collage,
take it apart and continue with it, not stopping until she was satisfied. The result is the lower collage.
It seems to me that there are moments in any creative process when it doesn't appear that it is coming together in a way that resonates.
It is easy to give up at that point but if you stay then you are challenged to be truly creative in the way you resolve it.
It is exciting to observe happening, as it moves towards completion.
Resurrecting the blog
Hello to you all. We have been on a rather long sabbatical
but are now back at our post, ready to share work findings
and daily discoveries with you, our most appreciated recipients.
Thank you for your patience, staying with us through a much needed rejuvenation period.
deborah and Sae
From the Land of the Rising Sun
Happy New Year
