Musings on This Beautiful Autumn Day

“Beading is one of the defining mediums of contemporary Indigenous art on this continent, and this landmark exhibition brings much-needed critical attention to the breadth and impact of this practice.

From early beads made of seeds and shells, to trade beads and computer pixels, Indigenous artists have long used beadwork to tell stories, honour loved ones, and celebrate beauty. As they embrace techniques and knowledge passed from previous generations, today’s Indigenous artists are using beading to address concerns and concepts related to history, decolonization and resistance.”

This was one of my favourites, created by Barry Ace, Anishinaabe (Odawa) / M’Chigeeng First Nation Based in Ottawa. It is called Healing Dance. Naturally, this photo does not do justice to the exquisite workmanship. It is a remarkable exhibit, and I recommend that Ottawans visit the galleries before it ends on September 30.

I suggest exploring your major galleries wherever you live to see original pieces, learn about special exhibits and honour the remarkable achievements of artists across the centuries.  On   MoMA’s website, they write –

“Art can harness the healing power within each of us and help bring us into community with one another. When in front of an artwork, we are connected to the artist and to others who have experienced it. And the connection to ourselves and others is at the core of art and healing. Healing isn’t a destination with a fixed timeline or endpoint but rather a path—or many paths. Just like each visit with a favorite work of art is a new experience with new insights, healing is a journey with possibilities stretching out in all directions.”

Because of the strong connection between art and healing, I am always on the lookout for free programs and interesting works of art to recommend.

On Monday, I was fortunate to take an art lesson from Georgetown University Lombardi Cancer Center’s arts and Humanities program. Their motto is “cura personalis,” which means care for the whole person. It is a fabulous free resource, and I encourage my American readers to check it out.

Notes

1:) Perhaps, you may want to consider art lessons for yourself. You may surprise yourself if you have never taken up a pencil or brush or got lost in colour. The Creative Arts are probably the most popular programs at Wellspring Alberta.

2:) “Everyone discusses my art and pretends to understand as if it were necessary to understand when it is simply necessary to love.” – Claude Monet

3:) The banner photo is from the Radical Stitch exhibit and was created by  Margaret Nazon: Milky Way Starry Night. You can also see and read more from a beautiful post by Maria Popova, The Marginalian. The Stunning Astronomical Beadwork of Native Artist Margaret Nazon

4:) There is so much beauty and mystery to see, learn, and come to love.

5:) Speaking of love, today I received this whimsical sketch of where I live from a dear friend. A deep bow, F.

6:) Finally, I will say goodnight and thank you all for your interest and kindness and for providing so many small joys in my daily love. Warmest wishes, Trudy