soldier on...

this was my first year involved in the Art Walk. i was literally thrown into it. i had roughly three weeks to prepare. regardless i just dove right in and went with it. it was fabulous to connect with other artists and chat with all who stopped by. i received some great feedback.

a friend asked me if i was sad to see my pieces go. i said, "no. i think it's bittersweet. yes, i worked hard painting, each and every canvas. each piece has a special place. but i am thrilled they are being enjoyed by others. they are much better with them than me. the pieces are taking on a whole new life."

when asked if i was going to paint on Monday i said "no, i think i will take some time off from painting, instead i will write and monkey around with GarageBand." but in typical JAQ fashion by mid afternoon on Monday i was already tackling a new canvas.

this whole experience has been positive for me and a bit of an achievement as well. looking forward to September where i will be hanging my art at Steeps Tea House in Old Glenora. from there who knows. by then it's fall and the Stroll's Poetry Reading series will have kicked in. Edmonton has such a great arts community!

© photo by Jacqueline Williams. Art in photo by Jacqueline Williams. 

Art Walk 2010

DAY ONE: rain

from the moment i got up until it was time for me to pack up and leave. it rained! steady and hard at times. discouraged... yes! because i had strep throat. determined... yes! because i had strep throat.

i sat for seven hours in the rain. met a few artists. one even told me i was brave for setting up under such conditions. well it did say rain or shine. oddly enough people stopped and chatted. asking me about my art and poetry. possibly they felt a little sad that i endured such conditions. still it was nice to have those moments. one guy had a heavy accent, he was from Cornwall and he was telling me all about his adventures in Jasper. he had some pretty interesting tales! one was where he went down a crevasse and i am amazed he is standing there telling me this story! so i guess my cold numb fingers pale in comparison.

this was my view. it was comforting to know that i was not entirely alone. my friend Robin was across the street at her booth. we would wave every now and again and call each other on our cell phones.

DAY TWO: sunburnt

ahhh... the warmth was very comforting after yesterday and so were the people that stopped by my booth. there were lots of people out enjoying the Ave. i met and chatted with so many people. i sold a few pieces. one piece was bought by my friend, local indie director/producer/writer, Ben Babchishin. Ben is currently working on a documentary with Bill Bourne called For the Record featuring... Bill Bourne. i did not realize just how hot it was. i got a wicked sunburn on my left side. i did get some sketching done in-between questions.

here is Ben and the piece that caught his eye! thanks for your support Ben!

one of my tiniest fans. everywhere i go a lady bug follows. good luck i suppose.

DAY THREE: blue skies

my sunburn was making this a painful day for me but i managed. my voice was still in smoky jazz mode but with loads of people on the Ave it was easy to forget these facts. i saw a guy walking a three legged dog and he had a snake around his neck. this was my last day of the Art Walk. more friends dropped by. time flew by and by two in the afternoon i sold some more pieces. i want to thank all who stopped by "my negative space" it was great meeting you. my family who helped me set up and brought me lunch... that i didn't want to eat... sometimes i think eating is an inconvenience. my friends for all their support.

THANK YOU!

© all photos by JAQ.

four more days until...

Art Walk!

since the beginning of July i have been preoccupied with preparing myself, feverishly painting for this years art walk. i am a first time participant so i do not know what to expect. nervous... i say a reluctant yes!

for three days, 10-5 each day, i will be showcasing my art on Whyte Avenue. meeting other artists and the curious art patrons that are attracted to one of this city's major outdoor festival. if you are in need of something to do this weekend pop by Whyte Ave and check out all the amazing local art, buy some amazing art, stop and chat or just say hi! see you there. *wink*