In my studio this week, I find myself relaxing in new work that looks simply to explore its own path. There is no deadline to meet, no planned submission to a specific exhibit, no gallery awaiting delivery. Within this freedom, I play with design, colour, movement, expression. I am looking for growth, stretching my artistic muscles and challenging myself, as always, to reach further. Is there something new? Is there a better way to uniquely express myself? As artists, this immersion in the creative process is so personal and then we step from the studio into a very public world to share what we have found. Whether the painting ultimately hangs in a fine gallery, becomes part of a specific exhibit or never even leaves the studio, the work itself is what drives me as an artist.
I'd love to receive your comments. If you are an artist, what motivates your work? If you are not an artist yourself, what do you look for in original art?

The Art of Jazz Exhibit closed today at The Craig Gallery at Alderney Landing, Dartmouth. My sincere thank you to all who visited the gallery during the exhibit and passed on such wonderful comments. Paintings have found new homes in Ottawa,Vancouver and Nova Scotia. (Remaining artwork is still available to view online.) And finally a very large thank you to Kim Farmer, Gallery Coordinator, and The Craig Gallery for their support and professionalism in hosting the show.

Hard to believe this is the final week for The Art of Jazz Exhibit at The Craig Gallery at Alderney Landing. Response to the work continues to be wonderful and it has been a sincere pleasure to meet and speak with visitors to the gallery - art lovers and jazz lovers!  I will be in the gallery  this Saturday and Sunday for the final weekend. Please stop by if you haven't had the chance. Everyone welcome!

Spent this afternoon visiting several galleries in the city to admire the recent work of artist friends working in both paint medium and photography. I always enjoy seeing what others have created as so often, as artists, we work in isolation in our studios. So much can be gained from these visits - inspiration, appreciation, perspective, enlightenment.  While in one gallery, I met a group of budding young artists full of enthusiasm and excitement over a day spent outside, learning and honing their skills. I recognized the joy that comes from doing something you love, something you feel so deeply, and sharing that understanding with other artists. Kindred spirits with a knowing smile.

After a successful Artist Talk at The Craig Gallery yesterday afternoon, I crossed over the harbour to enjoy a gloriously sunny day on the waterfront, site of the TD Halifax Jazz Festival. This is the 25th Anniversary of the festival and once again there is a stellar lineup of shows to enjoy. Last night the Back Alley Big Band kicked off the evening's event with a terrific show by some of our province's best jazz musicians. Then an ecstatic crowd welcomed the fantastic Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans and the roof very nearly lifted from the Festival tent!  What a joyous night of fantastic music. If you love music, don't miss this opportunity to enjoy some of the best at the new Festival Tent on the waterfront! Just a short ferry ride across the harbour from The Craig Gallery and our own "Art of Jazz" tribute.

I'm looking forward to another weekend in The Craig Gallery, first on Saturday from 9am to 5pm to meet visitors, and again on Sunday, at 2pm, to give my Artist's Talk. I will be discussing the idea and process behind creating the work as well as answering questions. This is also the first weekend of the Halifax Jazz Festival and I encourage everyone to check out their super lineup on this 25th Anniversary of the Festival.

Today was a gloriously sunny day, a day to rejuvenate the creative soul and soak up the warmth of summer. I actually began my day with a yoga class on the beach. As the sun burned off the morning fog, and the waves broke on the sand, I gave thanks once again for my home on the shore. The ocean fills me as nothing else does. As an artist, I believe it is so important to continually replenish one's inner store of inspiration. Today was such a day and I am excited now to return to the studio with new ideas.

Again, much thanks are due to the JazzEast organizers for the Halifax Jazz Festival for promoting "The Art of Jazz" on their blog with a video interview about my new show. Check www.jazzeast.com/blog to view the video. Am very honoured and pleased to have this new exhibit featured with all the super events scheduled for this year's jazz festival. Thanks to James, Kasia and everyone else in the JazzEast office!! You folks are the best!