I joined the Effusion Art Gallery in December of 2010 and I am so fortunate to be represented by this beautiful gallery and have the support and advice of Heather the gallery owner and Daryl the art director.  It has been a learning experience and continues to be.  It is a challenge determining the type of work that shows and sells best in each gallery.  What might work for one artist doesn't mean it will work for another.  I started out with a mix of landscapes and mixed media and I feel that my mixed media work may be a better fit for Effusion.  This being said it has been very quiet this winter season and they are about to head into their prime selling season so we will see what conspires.  I just joined the Live Art Shop in Kaslo, BC and I am very excited to work with Manon and Eliza.  This gallery is very different than Effusion as it is a cooperative gallery focusing on Kootenay artists.  Effusion sells some work from local artist but mainly works with artist from across Canada.  I am a bit of a hippy at heart so I am most comfortable hanging in the Live Art Shop. 

When I ventured out to become a full time artist I didn't realize how challenging it would be.  I am deep into it now and there really is no turning back but there have been some tearful moments.  I have had times this past eighteen months when I have thought "Oh my God what have I done!"  I gave up a great job with security and a great pay cheque.  As much as I enjoyed aspects of my past life, I have found my true passion and my new career offers such a wide variety of opportunities.  I love teaching and never realized that I had the potential to be good at it.  When I teach I realize how much I have learned since becoming serious about my art.  Art offers endless learning, experimenting, opportunity to share and be alone with ones self.  It quiets the soul, allows you to be fully in the moment and challenges you to find ways to take care of yourself so you can keep at it.  It is a questioning process and once you think you have found the answers you have more questions.  Well I could go on and on but all of this would not be possible without the support and love of my husband who takes the brunt of my doubt, excitement and constant chatter about what inspires and challenges me.  My children who continually surprise me with their talents and their love for life. In my old life I was too busy working and didn't have enough time for my family and friends.  Now in my new life I have time for both, but my friends (old friends) don't live close anymore.  However I get constant encouragement and kinds words from them daily as I BOMBARD FB with my photos of art work.  I truly appreciate the time that everyone family, friends new and old take to comment and without the daily communication I would be very lonely.  Thanks for being there!