The Manzanita Muse Newsletter by Dianne Bersea
Date: Sept 11, 2005
What's happening: Four years ago in September 11th, about 8am, a friend drove into my yard. He looked distraught. I immediately thought he was sick with cancer again. Instead he shared the horrifying news about the World Trade Centre attacks. It's with heartfelt sorrow that I reflect on that day and all the days that have followed, including the recent hurricane disasters on the Gulf Coast. I don't know how we can come back from all of these tragedies. But I believe there's a place for art to lift our spirits, and show us the beauty that exists in our hearts, and all around us.
'The Art of the Study' Workshop, Sept 26 - 29
We have room for two more particpants! FireSign Art & Design Studio on Quadra Island. See below and Workshop Page
Newsletter Archives: Did you miss our last newsletters? See them here: March 05..., May 0 5..., July 05
Dianne Bersea mixed media painting, Farm Forest
Meeting the Muse Art Show - Our show with Cortes Island artist Meinsje Vlaming is up and running until October 2 at the Grasshopper Gallery on Quadra Island. We've been getting lots of attention for our diverse presentation. Jodi's large hide mask installations respond to the whimsical doll sculptures created by Meinsje backed by my landscapes presented without glass on painted plywood. As sample of one of my pieces above. The artwork is 28" long by 7" high. More photos below.
Workshop Begins Sept 26
Study for Wind Fir by Dianne Bersea
Wind Fir painting by Dianne Bersea
Exercising our powers of observation is what a study is all about. It's also the place where we can work out how we feel about a piece and what we might want to do with it. Although, I believe a study can often be a 'stand-alone' piece that reveals the artist at work. How do I create the study on the left and later translate it into the finished watercolor below? Find out in a new workshop called "The Art of the Study" to be held September 26 - 29th
at Firesign Art and Design on Quadra Island. Join us in the studio, in the landscape and stay in beautiful island B & B's. More info on workshop page or go to firesignartanddesign.com.
Show Deadline!! It was right down to the wire. The brushes were still in motion the night before we hung the show. Although that seems to be an inevitable part of putting a show together, I always envision a day when it all comes together at least a week in advance. Here I am putting the final strokes on a watercolor, acrylic collage mounted on a plywood panel, about 1 1/2" proud of the wall surface. Dianne Bersea at work
Jodi Forster displays hide mask
Jodi Prepares. Jodi's hide mask installations were a success. Four large masks cast in hide from a source mask carved in wood, focused on celebrating the four directions and four elements. Every part of the process received serious consideration in terms of how everything worked together.
Manzanita Muse Studio show preview
The Preview

Just before we hung the show in the gallery, we had a mini show in the studio. Exciting to see how it looks together, and we still have Meinsje's work to add to the mix.
Meinsje at show
At the Opening

Meinsje Vlaming and a gallery visitor discuss Meinsje's doll sculpture, Quan Yin and Jodi's Fire/Phoenix mask.

Detail of Phoenix mask below
Jodi Forster alder source mask
The Source (Compassion)

Carved in spaulted adler and embellished with beads, hide, cord, horse hair and amber. This mask was the form over which the hide masks were cast.
The Oyster Bar

Despite cool, frequently blustery wet weather and the usual late summer ferry overloads, a surprising number of people came to our opening from the Comox-Courtenay area, Campbell River, Quadra Island, with a large contingent of art fans from Cortes Island. We were specially blessed to have friend and art collector David Nikleva of Gorge Inlet Oysters provide an exceptional fresh oyster bar. David's brother Steve strummed an afternoon of guitar music for added viewing ambiance. Thanks to everyone who supported us throughout the process!
detail of Phoenix mask
David at the Oyster Bar

New Gallery!!

Manzanita Muse Studio now has cards and prints at CedarHouse Gallery at the Tswwassen Ferry Terminal in Richmond, south of Vancouver.
Drop in and visit.

GALLERY VENUES SOUGHT!

We are ready to do more shows, collectively or individually. If you like our work let us know about any venues that might suit our approach. We're actively looking for exhibit opportunities. Contact us at: islemuse@island.net or via our web site at: dianne@islemuse.com.