Happenstance Art
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Camping in Ontario
What happens when you leave your chair by the campfire, maybe to go to the outhouse or to grab another beer?…
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9 Lives
This mixed media Happenstance piece evolved into a hope-filled story of our beloved cat friends who leave us when it's their time to cross the Rainbow Bridge…
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The Frog Shrine
Red frog pilgrims travelled from far & wide and crossed the rainbow guarded by the Sky Seahorse to worship at the Frog Shrine…
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The Great Pigeon Parade
Let's honour our urban wildlife and HAVE MORE FUN! …
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Sealed with a Kiss
This Happenstance piece began as a formless wet on wet watercolour field of rosey red and cream, with black salt used to create blooms…
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The Herd
How can the dualism of war and peace co-existing on the same plane be reconciled in our minds and hearts? …
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Smile At Your Enemy
The story of the resilient and confident squirrels that smile in the face of the blustering wind monsters …
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All The Parts of You
Look upon all the parts of you with love and acceptance, especially those parts that appear frightening…
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Prometheus! Live in Technicolor
The Greek myth of Prometheus is fascinating – his name translates to “forethought” …
9 Lives
This mixed media Happenstance piece evolved into a hope-filled story of our beloved cat friends who leave us when it's their time to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Maybe they relax and restore in a magical sparkling place warmed by our love. Then, when they are called back, they cocoon and morph to butterflies, and fly back to us transformed. For anyone who has lost a beloved animal friend - remember that grief is not holding onto loss, but holding onto love.
Camping in Ontario
What happens when you leave your chair by the campfire, maybe to go to the outhouse or to grab another beer? All the critters just beyond the darkness emerge! Your marshmallows aren't safe from little paws and the chipmunks gather to honour the Golden Chipmunk Provider of Acorns in the smoke of the fire.
The glow of the flames is emphasized by the dark background and liberal use of metallic watercolours in this warm and comforting scene.
The Frog Shrine
Red frog pilgrims travelled from far & wide and crossed the rainbow guarded by the Sky Seahorse to worship at the Frog Shrine. What do frogs wish for? Peace? Fertility? An abundant fly season? I do not know but I love the different expressions on their frog faces! The ascended bullfrog is my favourite surprise in this tiny gem of Happenstance Art.
The Great Pigeon Parade
Let's honour our urban wildlife and HAVE MORE FUN! This Happenstance piece was created using a scrap piece of paper used for testing watercolour swatches for a different painting. The resulting smears looked just like pigeons to me - pigeons who were marching in a great pastry parade in all sorts of hats, with all sorts of balloons. Magin is everywhere when we choose to look.
Sealed with A Kiss
This Happenstance piece began as a formless wet on wet watercolour field of rosey red and cream, with black salt used to create blooms. The resulting shapes were insect-like and brought fearsome creatures to mind, but the colours also made me think of the glorious, garish and tacky novelties sold for Valentine’s Day. So – an unusual pairing was made! It is a joyful celebration of love, kisses, hearts and chocolate, with spiders, a knife-wielding mouse and monsters, all sealed with a kiss!
The Herd
The Herd of red giants – bison, deer, antelope all fighting and fleeing from the hungry predators in a scene of chaos & terror; happening directly underneath a peaceful and serene group of antelope, who enjoy the warmth of the sunrise and the promise of a new day, oblivious to the savagery and sacrifices of the Herd.
How can the dualism of war and peace co-existing on the same plane be reconciled in our minds and hearts? The water still flows, the sun still shines despite the agony of the masses and the ignorance of the few.
Smile at Your Enemy
This Happenstance/veil painting tells the story of the resilient and confident squirrels that smile in the face of the blustering wind monsters that try to discourage them from their foraging. Their babies are safe and warm, and their pantry is stocked with acorns for the harsh winter season.
When we are prepared and work together we can face our fears and see them for the foolish and impotent creatures they are!
All The Parts of You
Look upon all the parts of you with love and acceptance, especially those parts that appear frightening, dark or complicated. Everything is contained within the same magic lantern and can be conjured and released with compassion by opening ones heart to all aspects of our being. Observe the manifestations and turn towards your true self, not away from it.
Oysters cannot create a pearl before experiencing the pain of the sand.
Acknowledge and thank the witnesses to your growth – all the beings that share the same time and space as you and are also on their own journeys of discovery.
Prometheus! Live in Technicolor
In Prometheus’ case, Zeus’ horrific punishment was that he would be chained to the side of a mountain and an eagle would devour his liver every day for 10,000 years, with the liver regenerating each day.
My perspective on this is that Prometheus is a willing hero – sacrificing his eternal life for the evolution of humankind, and “sticking it to the Man!”
I have shown him here jubilant, free-spirited and resilient. The day-glo colours and pulsating lines play in stark contrast to the gory events taking place. I have added symbols from different religions to highlight the universality of mythology and archetypal legends. The gilded frame is as-found and over 100 years old.