Seeing Things with New Eyes

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It's funny how setbacks require us to learn new ways.  When I found I had early onset cataracts I was devastated and worried about the double surgeries.  After recovery I was astonished to discover that I had better than 20/20 vision uncorrected.  This after being legally blind with thick glasses since childhood. Even more astonishing was the return of full colour vision.  Fall leaves dazzled me.  The sky seemed electric blue.  I had to express my emotions and gladly returned to painting.   At the same time Orillia Parks and Rec were looking for a new painting instructor and I decided to give it a try.   After all, the best way to learn - or relearn something, is to teach it.  

That was some years ago and I have learned with and from the students and our trips and shows of our work.  I came to realize that several of my students were better painters than I was.   Sure, I could offer advice and try to devise creative challenges for them but I was actively seeking something that would focus their energy and talent.

And that was when the setback arrived.  Covid 19 restrictions caused my courses to be shortened and cancelled.  We went two years without a show.  I was at a loss on how to rebuild my programs and get my students back together.

In 2021 when I was exploring ideas on how to paint a six-season year, it dawned on me that I could make a cube from six square painting boards.  My painting students really enjoyed the idea so I created an art movements course in early 2022.   This led to three shows and more courses built around cubes and half cubes which float in space, rotate and catch changing light.