A Floating Canvas

Home Sweet Home

My partner and I live aboard our Lapworth 36, a lovely 53 year old wooden sailboat. For the past 4 years we have been refitting it for our first offshore voyage. As I have mentioned earlier, we will be leaving Canadian shores in September 2011, heading south. We know we'll be exploring the Sea of Cortez, and beyond that... Well, let's just say our plans are carved in jello. Will we go south or west? The Panama Canal is an option, or we may make our way north again.

We want the freedom of possibilities. The life of seagypsies calls us both. No more 9-5 jobs, (we've never been great at that), no more car, no more routine per se... We know it won't be an easy life, but it will be one rich with experiences and adventure. Should you wish to follow our adventures, follow our log entries here.

Truthfully, we have no idea what it's really going to be like. (So we've been told by the Salty Sailors in our midst). Our boat is our home, my studio, and our main mode of transportation. Home has always been a reflection of us. When my partner suggested we turn it into a mini-gallery, I was game. We decided that our locker doors would make great canvases... And why not? Here is my latest project, an aside, on a long list of boat projects as we prepare for our journey.

Octopus' Garden in Progress

My partner asked for an Octopus' garden in the Head. (The head is the washroom to you landlubbers.) My illustration is not super original, but it was fun to do.

Illustration has always been my first love when it comes to art. They tried to beat it out of me in art school, but it didn't work, I love illustrating. My style evolves and varies greatly depending on the project.

Here is the finished product below. Our head is small, but now it's more colourful. And there is the added bonus of Ethel's company. (Ethel is the octopus.)

Ethel's World

Jellyfish coming to life.

The Galley needed some life added to it too. Some of our friends and family laughed at my ocean theme. I live on a boat, on the ocean, why am I painting all this sea life? Why not something else entirely? I couldn't help myself.

I'm fascinated by jellyfishes. They are beautiful, but they have an air of danger about them. While creating these whimsical images, I was listening to CBC 2, and This American Life . What a fabulous way to spend a few days. 

Our Galley today.

An Artist's Recovery - Part I

 

So here I am. No official studio. Has there been denial? Yep. Has there been the urge to create? Yessir. Has there been motivation to create? Yes and no. After a long break,it's all a little daunting.

Let's just say, I'm adjusting.

Life on a boat is ideal for me. If only for the sheer pleasure of being able to explore the Pacific Northwest without leaving my home behind. I'm kind of like a turtle. I wake up one morning, and see Victoria's famous Blue Bridge out of my galley portlight. The next morning, I'm looking into the cove a lovely green island, the sounds of wildlife greeting me, as I step into the cockpit.


This lifestyle also reflects my priorities: Finding pleasure in simplicity, reducing comsumerism in my daily life, (there's little room to accumulate material objects on a sailboat).

And of course,  we have a smaller carbon footprint.
(We are still working on that - this winter, among other things, we will finally be able to install solar power.)


The question is: Can a boat be ideal for a studio?
A working studio?
I like to think it can be.

There needs to be a paradigm shift. Think smaller. Use different approaches. I'm lucky. I got a little bit of help. For my birthday, my partner and our friends pooled their money and bought me a small, tabletop easel.

I sorted through my art box. I have lots of supplies, but I'm narrowing them down to two boxes for now. This one contains my dry mediums as well as inks.

I got an odd pleasure from emptying this box, sorting and organizing all the bits and pieces, and then putting them back.

My hands became dirty from handling charcoal bits. I became excited as I considered my supplies. This is familiar. When I was in grade school I would set out all my brand-new school supplies on my bed, handling them gently, even smelling them. (Hey, I've always been a little weird.) I have a strong appreciation for endless possibilities.

Today I also bought a cheap 9"x12" sketchbook at my favourite art store.
Now, I need to remind myself that I love drawing.

I think I'm ready.