Entry #15

Posted on February 9, 2009 by Richard Cote

Alice Vander Vennen, a fellow mixed media artist soul-friend of mine had her opening at Petroff Gallery, south location this past Thursday. I went to connect. Drinking in the creative spirit.

Talking. Looking. Observing.

Alice and I connected some years ago because she too used small rocks in her work. All white it was back then, the work. A feeling of fleeting, ephemeral thoughts.

Now, she is grounded,

in earthly solidity.

Warmth.

Like her spirit.

Entry #14

Posted on February 3, 2009 by Richard Cote

Working on the weekend with brush in hand means more completed works.

Getting ready to let the galleries choose their pieces.

A few pieces are taking their time. Letting me ponder them.

Their details emerging. Making me think of counting moments, hearing a clock ticking, comforting, knowing passing.

48" x 48" boat detail

24" x 48" boat, detail of a large tree, the largest I have created to date.

Entry #13

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Richard Cote

A large tree. Grounded. Protective. Wooden.

in process on a 24" x 48" piece

in the background maps used by avid hikers on many trips to Algonquin Park, looking at exactly such trees. Majestic. Strong. Beautiful. Yet also fragile. Boats made from wood. Part of our Canadian History. Branches entwined like the arteries of river sand lakes, hiking paths, the nerves in our bodies.

Entry #12

Posted on January 27, 2009 by Richard Cote

Ever wonder what the artist wears on her feet? Old shoes that have seen the creation of all works for the past 6 years. Slipping these on is like stepping into creation. Welcoming me to the studio.

A piece that I have grown particularly fond of in the past days:

24" x 48"

A detail.

This is how new ideas start:

An idea for another boat piece. One that also features maps of Algonquin Park. After working the sketch in charcoal, I now start using different methods of painting them before. Many, many times. Enough times in fact until they become symbolic and are not longer trying to be just fern.

While I work them over and over again, it becomes clear to me in what way they are symbolic. What attracted me to the fern was the way they unfurl, how they are so tightly rolled up and tender when young, then unfurl and spread out. Take up space.

Tentative thoughts these are, to be shaped as I work.

Entry #11

Posted on January 26, 2009 by Richard Cote

24" x 36" is a great size. It fits into many spaces. It is not a small piece, yet it is also not a large piece. This one came together with flow. The boat at the bottom floating gently in the water.

A detail:

French knots embroidered. Random stitching. Holding together layers, finding meaning with what has been and what is. Connecting. Mending. Assembling. Layering. Past. Present. Now.

It will become encased in resin. Unchangeable. Fixed. Past.

Entry #10

Posted on January 25, 2009 by Richard Cote

Off to a new home:

Fig-MAebischer_GuardianOfTheMorningSong_10x39_Oct07_8164

Guardian of Morning Song 10" x 39".

Entry #9

Posted on January 23, 2009 by Richard Cote

Completion (the other way)

Looking at the panel

Seeing

the details

needed

immediately

the work talking

telling

forcing me

showing me

the right

things

Excited

Dots and brush strokes

Ideas flowing

Hours flying by

sitting down

to rest

but

too excited

to sit still

moving

working in a flurry

it comes together

with

ease

happiness

joy

confirmation

excitement

a signature put

at the bottom

finished

11" x 14"

Entry #8

Posted on January 22, 2009 by Richard Cote

The details of completion.

it might

seem

easy

but

it is

at times

not. at. all. that.

I sit and stare

I stand and stare

I turn away and stare inward

I look at some gone before

I still find not the magic

I do not look

I sit and knit

I talk on the phone

I stare out the window

I pick paint drops off the plastic on the table

I eat my lunch at 10 am

I make another coffee

I look at books

I nap

I feel bad

I question

I stand and stare

I sit and stare

I watch the clock pass time

I worry that it will never come

I question

then

it hits me

and

the piece

talks

in my language

telling me what I need to hear

I pick up the right brush

I know which colour to use

I feel it

I do it

I look at it

Completion

I leave when I must and I feel that yes! it. is. possible. I. can. do. it.

Entry #7

Posted on January 21, 2009 by Richard Cote

These are the good days. The days where after a months of working on the same series of work, they all come together. Finding their soul. Finding their completion.

Today, this one, twenty four inches by twenty four inches:

"Tending" was sent to Canvas Gallery today.

Entry #6

Posted on January 20, 2009 by Richard Cote

After a wonderful visit by my friend Samantha, and much discussion about all things related to painting, inspiration, creating and a little tiny bit about motherhood. I stepped out for lunch and returned invigorated.

This is what happened next:

It happened on this piece:

A new element. This will likely appear in some of my abstract pieces as well. Klimtesque? Of course, but then again, being a symbolist painter, it is in my soul, as much as it was in his.

Remember this one from a couple of posts ago:

Then this:

It has now become this:

Off we go to another day of creating.

Monika Aebischer

Artist

Author Archives: Richard Cote