In 2019, . . .

... months before the pandemic started I was approached by Ruth Bieber, a local blind dramatist and artist, to assist her with a project.  She was eager to create a body of conceptual acrylic works in vibrant colours, and asked me, along with two other artists (Marnie Temple and Lisa Benschop), to help her with the plan.  She had painted before, eagerly followed the progress of other blind artists, and was passionate about painting.  And so, a collaboration began that I could never have imagined.

You can see here that Ruth is a woman of vision and determination.  In spite of the countless issues surrounding her, she's managed to create a body of work (some 22+ pieces) amidst one of the most difficult times in the history of the world; her show officially opens here on Saturday.

You can find other posts about Ruth's work in this blog by keying her name in the search bar on the right.  Suffice to say that the works are uniquely hers, driven by her concepts, utilizing colours she has chosen, and as much as possible, done with her own hands.

The working process was filmed by local Mark Wolfe of Westword Communications; you can view it here.  It's a fascinating video that goes deeply into Ruth's process and concepts around what she calls 'blind art'.

I know that many of you will be unable to view the show in person even as it tours, so I'm providing some photos that have not been shown here before.  All her works are textural to the max; just imagine your hands running slowly over the hills and valleys to get the full effect, and then do it again with your eyes closed.

'Undercurrents'  Ruth Bieber '  18" x 36"  2021

'Desert Storm'  Ruth Bieber 20" x 16" on canvas 2021

'Found a Feather'  Ruth Bieber  20" x 16" on canvas 2021

'Playtime'  Ruth Bieber 
 32" x 30" 2015 & 2021

'Red'  Ruth Bieber 16" x 12" 2021

'Blues'  Ruth Bieber  16" x 12" 2020-2021

I am excited to see the show, Beyond the Horizon, at the Tilted Brick Gallery on Saturday, knowing the dedication, passion and love for colour that Ruth has brought to this venture.  She is an amazing woman, and an ascending star in the world of blind art.  Many congratulations, Ruth!

Playing, testing, experimenting...

is always my favourite thing to do.  I realise that for me, it's all about the process (which means making deadlines for shows is very stressful).  I'm happiest trying new things, creating new techniques, pushing old ones and going nuts with upcycling.  I thought I'd show you some of them this week.

This particular piece is made from painted dryer sheets .

I started with a stack of them, a bottle of Golden GAC-400 (a fabric stiffener), and a toilet paper roll wrapped in plastic and coated with Vaseline.

Soaking each of the painted sheets in the GAC-400, I placed them around the roll, and secured them with elastics.

Once dried, the gauzy stiffened fabric stands up well - all it needs is a small glass insert to make a gorgeous vase (yes, I know - I should have built around one, rather than the toilet roll cardboard, but it was an experiment after all).  Live and learn, right?

I've been playing in one of my journals (I have several on the go), and as I was feeling grateful for the small town in which we live, I got thinking about how challenging it may be for those who are obliged to live in the city. Hence this spread, Sleeping Tight,was born.

The other page completed was one I started some time ago, playing with patterns.

It's so dense with them it really needs a dozen close-ups.

Tell me, what have you been up to in the studio recently?  Are you a process lover, or a product artist? If the latter, will you send me some of your energy?  With another show to work towards in February, the push is on!