bubble up

meet my muse

Olivia is my sweet and sassy 3-year-old granddaughter. She’s like most 3-year-olds, full of questions and void of fear. Constantly in motion. Running, jumping, and skipping with happiness. I spent much time with Olivia when she was a baby and a toddler. As soon as she could hold a crayon we were drawing together. Her scribbles and lines fascinated me and reminded me of my favourite abstract expressionist artists. When the pandemic began and we were locked down, I didn’t get to see Olivia at all except on screen. It was a very sad time and I missed our drawing and painting sessions together. Let’s flash forward to a happier time. Summer 2020.

my inspiration

We could finally be together, as family bubbles were created. The days were sunny and warm and I would meet up with Olivia in the park and on our balcony for outdoor visits. The long drawing sessions now included blowing soap bubbles. Olivia had a bubble themed 3rd birthday party (within our family bubble) on our balcony.

The simple act of blowing soap bubbles is a mindfulness activity that can reduce stress. Blowing soap bubbles can bring back the happiness and freedom of childhood and can transcend language and cultural barriers. This was the inspiration that led to my new series “Bubble Up”. Blowing soap bubbles, while keeping to family bubbles.

my process

I had painted two large paintings, acrylic on paper that I used as a starting point. Each painting was cut into 6”x6” pieces and adhered to a cradled panel. I then created my own hand-painted collage papers and cut circles with a circle punch. The circles represent Olivia’s soap bubbles and family bubbles (our way of life for the foreseeable future). A happy colour palette and carefree marks, scribbles, dots and doodles complete each painting.

The collage papers were adhered with matte medium and each painting was varnished for protection. The sides were left with the natural wood of the panel. Each painting is signed on the back so that it can hang in any direction.

the collection

The “Bubble Up” Collection is 18 small 6”x6”x1/2” acrylic and mixed media paintings on cradled panels. They are small in size but big in personality (just like my little muse!) Each painting is $75. And to keep the joy coming I’m offering free shipping to the end of the month for Canada and the United States.