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A delightful young couple in their early 20’s dropped in yesterday, I was impressed by their interest in art as since we opened here, very few young people show any curiosity and sweep through here like they’re on a mission barely glancing at the artwork.  They loved an original and I made it affordable and they committed on the spot.  On chatting with them, they “get it” about art and why it is so important to them.  

Art takes us out of the “surface” of things, life, objects, ideas.  There’s lots to discuss about art, how the essence of a piece can reflect a mood, feeling, place or time and in fact is a timeless reminder of the real essence of life itself, as artists render the nothingness into something tangible.   

Art is not just decoration — in fact the major galleries of the world depict the history of civilization through the artwork of the artists in their time.   Since caveman days art has chronicled the struggles, loves and wars and everyday existence of our mortal lives.

Art takes appreciation and that takes time and attention, activities that can’t be quantified or qualified.  The internet can give you lots of information but seeing and experiencing can only be done in the flesh.

Coming on Oct. 25th is International Artist Day.  This day was chosen to honor artists and their contributions to our society in general.  May I suggest you help us celebrated this day by:

1. Visit a gallery or studio and or an artist.

2.  Take an artist to lunch or for glass of wine.

3  Buy that painting you had an eye on

4.  Watch a film on a famous artist or buy a biography on one.

5.  Visit the local art co-op and wish them a happy IAD.

6.  Check out the website for International Artist Day.com and learn more.

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog and drop by soon to our studio.  Hugs m

We’re five months in and loving it - again.  So perfect for a studio.  Didn’t realize how much I missed actually going out to work in a space that expresses so much creativity and yet affords us the chance to meet new folks every day.  

As many of you may remember, we were in this same location all during the pandemic event.  It seemed more people were out and about, being confined to home and masking took its toll and a trip to the beach was a treat indeed.  

Love to see everyone again, please drop by and check out our newest works and wearable art collection.

We never mind putting down our brushes to say hi and catch up with old and new friends.  Also, Chris is starting up his painting classes again, as you know he’s a great teacher, one on one or in a small group.

And by the way, International Artist Day is coming up, Oct. 25th, we’re involved to help celebrate White Rocks Arts Festival and are having some of our professional artist friends drop by the weekend of Oct. 14th & 15th to meet and greet clients, other artists and the general public at our studio.

We’re open every day 10ish to 5ish with 4ish being “wine-o-clock”.  Hugs Marilyn

MY SINCERE APPOLOGIES TO ALL FOR MY NEGLECT OF ANWERING EMAILS AND ENQUIRIES ON MY WORK.

I have been remiss in checking for messages from my web site, thinking that they would somehow show up on my email site but in fact they do not, and I have to go on my site then transfer them over to my email.

If you want to contact me, please send an email to:  goldencactusgallery@yahoo.com

Thanks and sorry again.  Marilyn

Almost 2 years have past since my last post.  WTH has happened to us?   Must be the baby boomer blahs.  We left our studio to find whatever we thought was missing and arrive back at the very same spot!  How’s that for irony ?   I think there’s a story about that, something about a holy grail.
 

Looking at the cold hard facts, we listened, not to our intuition, but to our minds, which truth be told got a little side-tracked what with the pandemic/economic side show.  The break was good for a time but we have had to admit we really did like what we were doing in our studio but fell prey to world opinions and went off on a Don Quioti-ish quest for “something better”.

Returning from Cabo this January, we cruised by the old “hood” and lo and behold there was a for lease sign in the window of our old studio!   Well we love the signs the universe sends us so frequently, even though we ignore them to our peril often, so,  long story short—-WE’ER BACK.

We’ll be up and running shortly after we take possession April 1st.  Drop in to visit.  Looking forward to catching up with everyone we’ve missed these past 2 years.   

Ironic, isn't it?  Last Blog just over a month ago and already losing it!  Actually, much inner work has been accomplished over the past month.  Something keeps telling me to close my ears to this world and taking things to the extreme as I do, I stayed away from everything I deemed not worthy of my attention.  I've plowed into my painting and produced some not too bad work.  It's not easy to tune out what's happening in the world so we rationalize our perceptions to accommodate what we see around us.  Really, we're so skittish about "ourselves"---what's to think about?  We do what we do----end of story.  No point debating what we should, should not, or cannot do===IT IS DONE!  Why do we think what we do, or say for that matter,  is soooo important?  

From this tiny spot in the universe, can we actually have any idea what's going on????  Hubris to the max.

So, back to the easel - just painting what I paint with the knowledge that somehow it'll be ok---let's leave everything alone, stop judging and be joyous and free.  Happy Independence Day everyone.  hugs. m

Hi Everyone and thanks for tuning in.

I set this blog up several years ago, intending to dole out little pithy articles around art and living the life as...etc.

My muse was unamused and promptly dried up...until today.  Meditation has been very important in my work and life since 1990 and I guess this dry spell was a lesson because it seems the drought has ended.  This blog by the way, is the fourth one I've tried since this morning....somehow I'm not getting the hang of this new computer and they haven't managed to stick.  They disappear into the vault of blue I know not where.  Anyway, I digress....

We closed the doors on our studio when our lease expired,  after 2 years on the waterfront and now we have "left the building" we are our own artists in residence in our residence.  Funny, we agonized over taking the space, the rent seemed exorbitant and we were iffy on Marine Dr. to begin with but we believed our energy could pull it off and we started off doing ok.---- then the Global Pandemic hit and it went downhill fast after that.  We hung in there, though obviously we had lessons to learn, and did our best to keep things interesting and welcoming.  The Studio became a sacturary of sorts so we dug our heels in and rode it out, gratefully, (what else would we do anyway)without losing our shirts.  

The point of all this is that as artists we are at the mercy, even more so if we are sensitive, of the "world".  As a serious meditator since 1991 I spent a lot of time trying to avoid the more ugly aspects of "this world".  When we open our doors, the world enters---hello???--we are the world and can't avoid it's messiness.  This is a major lesson and one of the hardest to reconcile with oneself.  Being naive about what's happening can lead one down dead end paths or into a polyannish attitude which is irritating, to others and self,  in the extreme.  

Here's a few principles we learned:

1.  Nothing that happens is worth losing your cool. Being centered reduces stress. (always working on this one)

2.  Everything you do matters---to you. (don't try to get everyone on your bus)

3.  Do everything with heart---no expectations

4.  Have gratitude for your blessings and gifts

5.  Know what your blessings and gifts ARE!

I have a good feeling about our times----we are learning lessons and taking names.!!! Thank you to all our clients, friends and fellow artists---I will keep posting when the urge from within strikes and let's keep communicating---we need to remember that we are what we are because it's GOOD ENOUGH.   hugs. m

Well, isn't this a fine turn of events?  Nothing could prepare us for this unprecedented shut-down of our normal way of life.  Not that life could ever be called normal but we do love our routines, work and familiar sights and sounds.

When we are finally able to return to "life' can you please please please think carefully about where you give your support and attention.  The box stores are doing just fine as are most large grocery shops, pharmacies and essentials and particularily, Amazon.com.    Those not doing well are your local retail businesses.  Most have had no income but still have to honor their leases.  Chris & I of those who have had to stick it out without government support, and many others are like us.

Your local artists where ever you are have not faired well during this crisis.    At the best of times, art is misconstrued as luxury or special indulgence and I put to you that it is not.  Art is essential, for your soul, spirit and joy.

No matter what your income, orginal art is affordable and especially now, you can make an artists' day by finding something to raise yours and the artists spirit.  Buy art from artists in your community, please!

Please shop local for at least 60 days to help your neighborhood businesses. 

Thanks Marilyn

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URBAN ART PICKED SUPER NATURAL SERIES IMAGES AS GICLEES FOR THEIR NEW LINE OF FINE ART TO BE DISTRIBUTED IN B.C. SIGNING THEM HOT OFF THE PRESS.

So you want to be an artist?
The art world can be very confusing for most folks, including artists.

The information age has a hidden downside. The tendency to categorize, label, or define to such a degree often leaves little room for maneuverability and flexibility. Paradoxically, immediate access to the internet brings many variables to ideas, theories, and long held beliefs that are often quickly thrown into the foray without much research or fact checking.

We need to be more flexible and adaptable if we are to stay on top of our game.

The “artist” label has as many definitions as there are those who pontificate them.

Academia, museum curators, art dealers, auction houses, art critics, and gallery owners all differ in their ideas of art and artists. How does one navigate their way around when each has its own set of rules, principles, and philosophies?

The truth is that whatever you decide will never be a right or a wrong decision. However, if you can’t follow your heart, you will eventually become lost, but … if your “heart” wants you to paint doe-eyed cats,  well – don’t expect much of a career in fine arts.  A certain amount of experience and wisdom borrowed from a mentor would be a good place to start.

Even if you’ve gained skill in your craft and a modicum of excellence, you still need to pay the bills to keep going, and this is where artists need to get truly innovative.  Quite often artists don’t want to think about the “S” word ... sales, as if it were something sleazy.

One thing is certain though, if you can’t pay your way - you’ll lose your way!

Art groups are a good introduction to shows, exhibitions, and camaraderie, which are all important because the humor, stories, and feedback from fellow artists gives you confidence to keep going in the direction your work is taking you.

Successful emerging artists do whatever it takes to cultivate a following for their work, because the reality is that you need devoted art buyers and investors to sustain your career over the long run. It’s important to not label or judge another artist, their work, or yours. The public will decide what is valid and will often support you if you are humble enough to admit that art is a lifetime learning process. It’s exciting for art collectors to see growth and expansion, and to know you have courage to continue despite the hard effort required to make art a profession.

It’s probably best in the short run to not too strongly classify your work as “this or that” style. The artistic soul evolves and you will inevitably explore many different genres over the years before settling into a personal “look.” 

For confirmation of that ideology, look to Picasso.