Travelling with artist eyes

and the mother of the mother -of -the- bride dress

Hello my friends and I must say I am remiss for taking so long to write to you here. I was in a fine rhythm of writing regularly and sharing art stories and thoughts with you but I have stumbled a little-please forgive me!. After travelling across the ocean for one week I had believed I would snap back at the keyboard upon return. In the spirit of leisurely taking care of life and myself I have slipped. A bit of jet lag. A bit of post trip processing you might say- and all would be true.

Taking an overseas flight with 5 hours time difference sure does play havoc on the body and brain. Resuming life here on the “old schedule” travel has seemed to take longer than expected ..Yet it was well worth the adjustments and small inconveniences. So here I am now finally catching up a little with you.

Visiting with my daughter and her fiance provided me with the joy of spending time with them in their world as well as a brain jumpstart with so much visual stimuli and experiences . I spent a week in their town. This small market town north of London UK offered culinary delights, gorgeous architecture, comfy cafes , endless walking and a window into another world . Solving transportation and navigation on my own was personally satisfying. (I feel comfortable asking for help if stuck..) I had ample solitary time to walk and observe..my favourite parts of travelling!

The artist in me sketched on location and stored some of the images in my brain for future reference and inspiration. I kept a written journal as well as a tiny sketchbook for cafes etc. I did not draw or sketch anything remarkable -but the process of using my tools and observing was relaxing and joyous. It helped to ground me and connect me to the town. I believe my small sketches and journal will be something tangible to reflect upon beyond my photos in future times. I may fill the rest of my tiny sketchbook with collaged photos/illustration and elements if I can get to it while memories are fresh!

Quite honestly there was a time I would not have shared these sketches and scribbles with you -or my cartoon recollections as I would not have viewed them as representative of my commercial work .

my mini sketchbook-drawing from observation-mostly cafes!

Now I am more of the mindset that as creatives we can indulge in a repertoire of expressions and mediums.

I appreciate artist Cathy Cullis perspective always and especially in this post referring to how as artists we can be expansive and eclectic in our making in .. -"The One Thing, or the ever-shifting map”

Cathy Cullis -studio notes

cartoon /illustrated moments from my trip

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So on another note.. I am finally over my weird preoccupation with seeking the correct mother-of-the-bride dress.

if you knew me or know me it would be apparent that I don’t get concerned about appeasing others with my fashion choices.. I like cotton and wool fabrics, loose comfy tunics and leggings ..

last week I leaped out of my comfort zone to try to seek out a dress for my daughter’s wedding this Spring ..Chiffons, poofy synthetic fabrics abound it seems . Bulges seem further amplified , and comfort level -non existent

dressing room lighting hell contributed to my defeated spirit.

So I made an about turn -discovered a simple classic dress in the fabric and colour (black) of my choice and decided comfort and personal choice ruled the day! I had been advised not to buy black as it was to be the bridesmaids colour -but alas when you find something that works!…)

This is the beauty and saving grace about age and time .

There is no time to be someone else other than yourself .

Thank you for reading Ageless artist

Heather