No Time and Off-Kilter

What a crazy month! I've been pulled in many directions this past month, and am just now starting to see some results from my efforts. Most of my time has been chewed up in three different areas: the trails; commissioned art; bikes.

Trails

I've been building trails for a number of years, but this year I've had some unexpected help. The town of St. Andrews has provided manpower, tools, and funding to put a big push on so all the trails can be linked together in the area. This gives us 20 km of trails within the town limits... pretty cool! It has eaten into my "creative" time, but it has been worth it.

Commissioned Art

Also this month I've had a number of commissions to get done. Two were "art piece signage" for some new businesses to town. Both took more time than expected because of the damp weather we have been having. (It just has taken forever for things to dry). I also have two new murals to paint in town. One is a historic piece depicting the landing of French Explorers on St Croix Island. The other will be smaller; a subtle little art piece on a fence between two buildings downtown. I'm using Hank (Andrea's Dad) as the focal point... a man leaning on a rail in an alley. I'm looking forward to better weather to start both.

Bikes

I've been riding lots, and so has everyone else. Unfortunately, the basement has been full all month of bike repairs. My "fix everyones' bike for free" policy is starting to wear a little thin. I think some are taking advantage of a good thing. I'm going to think on it a bit, but I may have to start charging something. It is really cutting into my time.
Something fun that is bike-related that happened this month... Off-Kilter. I started a MTB club that wears kilts! I've designed a mountain bike kilt that is made by a master kilt-maker right here in town. It is in the New Brunswick tartan, and is worn over bike shorts. The membership is growing already; soon everyone on a mountain bike in St Andrews will be Off-Kilter!


Fight the good fight...
Slats

Outdoor Adventure

So for the last couple of years I have been going over to Deer Island to help Tim Stuart, principal at the Deer Island Community School, with an outdoor leadership program he does with his grade 8's every year.

We camp at "Camp Respect", a Christian Camp on the south side of the island that overlooks beautiful Passamoquoddy Bay.

This year we played capture the flag, swam in the ocean (brrrrrr), slept under the stars; as well as the usual canoe-kayak and mountain biking activities.

Perfect weather, great food, and lively grade 8's made for a fun time had by all!

Looking forward to next year... good luck at Fundy High , class of 2009!

Slats

Sunshine!!

It has been a great couple of days weather-wise in these parts; the sun has been good for the soul!

So a couple of things to update everyone on... I have finished my painting "The Bike Mechanic", and have it all framed and ready to go. This weekend I will build a crate, and then it heads south.

The next piece will be the same size, and will be a self portrait called "Preparing For An Epic". I'll be starting that one next week.

The second thing is that the woods are clear of snow! All the trails around here are accessable now, if not a little greasy! I put some time in, yesterday and today, up on Mt Greenlaw and Mt Chamcook. The trails all held up well through the winter, and are in near perfect condition. The time I put in on the bike this winter has paid off - all the climbs were comfortable middle-ringers!


Had an art opening tonight at Sunbury Shores for the teachers... I had 7 pieces displayed. We all walked down, as it was a beautiful evening.

That's all for now...
Slats

The Creative Process

My biggest struggle in life has always been balance. I know that I'm at my best when I have a nice mix of things going on. One huge piece of the "balance" puzzle for me is mountain biking. It stimulates me both physically, and visually. This helps me keep my mind clear refreshed and focused for my art.


This last week I was finally able to put in some decent miles on the trails, and boy, does that feel great! They are a bit soggy this time of year, and need a bit of clean-up, but the snow is finally gone. I'm hoping to get the riding group out soon, and will post some pictures when I do.

I had a nice visit from my cousin Stew this last week. He is an organic farmer from Southern Ontario, and we grew up together. I introduced him to Honey Beans Coffee, and took him on a tour of our area. His knowledge of "all things to do with food" was incredible. If you want to know about food - talk to a farmer... kind of makes sense, eh?



Anyway, I am almost done "The Bike Mechanic". I'll complete the painting tomorrow, and have already started to prepare the frame for it. It is a strong piece, and sets a good tone for this new series of paintings.



Thats all for now...
Slats