The Process of Painting “A Love Letter to Myself”

A Love Letter to Myself by Deb Chaney (30” x 40”)

With my first Gabriola Studio Tour in the rearview mirror, I’m still moved by what a fantastic experience it was. And seeing how interested people are in the artistic process, I’m encouraged to share more “behind the scenes” posts. Therefore, this is the story behind my abstract painting, A Love Letter of Myself.

Mastering Mixed-Media Abstract Painting

This abstract expressionist painting began in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. During that time, I offered an online course called Mastering Mixed-Media Abstract Painting, or MMAP for short. It was 2 months long and it all took place on Zoom – which was necessary as people signed up from all over the world.

The course consisted of 3 projects and there was so much that I wanted to share with people within that short time. But in the context of A Love Letter to Myself, I’d like to focus on 2 key overarching ideas that I sought to impart to students in the workshop.

The Fundamentals of Abstract Expressionism

My first goal was that I really wanted to give them the fundamentals of abstract painting. These concepts would empower them to create paintings that support their ideas and communicate what they want to say in a visually intelligent and effective way. During this project – and the course itself – they were learning the basic fundamental elements of what you need for abstract painting to succeed as a piece of artwork.

The Mediums and Techniques of Mixed-Media Painting

The second goal I had with my workshop was to have them understand the mediums and techniques used in mixed-media acrylic painting. For example, if you walk into an art supply store and go to the aisle with all the gels and pastes and powders, it can be very daunting and overwhelming. You’ll probably just stand there, staring at the seemingly endless selection, wondering what to choose. And when you do choose something, when do you use it – and how? I didn’t simply want to give them an overview of all the mediums you can combine with acrylics, but rather show them how to really apply them.

I use a lot of different mediums to create really cool effects in heavily layered paintings like A Love Letter to Myself. It was on display during the Thanksgiving Studio Tour and it was actually the first time I’d ever shared it with the public. I got so many positive vibes and comments about it — people really loved it — and the most common question that came up was whether I had used wax. It looks so waxy, so they wondered whether it was an encaustic painting – an ancient technique popular with the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.

And while it is not an encaustic painting, my technique emulates wax by using translucent acrylics to create layered effects that people think are real wax. And this “encaustic formula”, as I call it, was one of the techniques I shared with my workshop.

The Many (Physical) Layers of Abstract Expressionism

Laying the Foundation

The first step in creating this painting was writing the love letter. I wrote it on my computer, just putting down the free-flowing thoughts of all the things that make me feel good and loved and spiritually nourished — and supported and safe — and give me a sense of belonging. All of these thoughts and ideas went onto the page which I then had printed at Staples on a large engineering print. I had it mirror printed, so the words were reversed – which was critical for the first step. (You can see each step in the slideshow above.)

The next step (in the second picture) was applying a clear gel medium directly onto the words on the engineering print, then turning it over and sticking it face down onto the canvas. Following that, I took the canvas out in the backyard and ran the garden hose over it. Then I took a hard-bristled scrub brush and scrubbed. Then scrubbed some more. (With a 30” x 40” canvas, it was quite the workout!) But what happens is the pulp peels away and the words are left behind. And because they were mirror-printed and pasted facedown, they become legible when the ink is transferred onto the canvas.

Building Layers Upon Layers

After my love letter was transferred onto the canvas, I continued on the journey by adding further layers. The next step, which you can see in the next photo, was handwriting my letter using an acrylic pen. So each layer is a new medium, as you can see I’m mixing paints on my palette in the next photo, which I applied in the next step.

In the 7th picture, you can see me fingerpainting. And in the next 2 shots, I’m adding translucent acrylics and mediums, then laying down another layer of text in order to create these floating words. And this is the technique I most wanted to share with students, where it emulates the transparency of an encaustic painting. Then, in the final shot, I’m once again scrubbing away the pulp to reveal the letters.

The entire process lasted for the duration of the 2-month course and, in fact, I only truly completed the painting a couple of weeks before the open studio on Thanksgiving weekend. After the course, I hung it on the wall and let it gestate until it revealed itself to me and I knew the next step. This waiting period – letting a painting just hang there unfinished – was something I was reluctant to do in the past. But I’m now quite comfortable with it, so it’s just become a step in the process.

Original artwork and prints for sale

The original painting of A Love Letter to Myself is available for sale for $1,800 USD. The price does not include shipping, insurance, and tax. Please email me directly about purchase inquiries.

The painting is not up on Saatchi Art yet, but I’ll update this page as soon as it’s available and the links are online. Until then, you can browse through my collection on Saatchi Art’s online gallery. You can also find many of the paintings in my Little Gems Series on Saatchi Art. 

Saatchi Art offers multiple options to suit your personal tastes or needs. You can choose to have your print on paper or canvas and choose from 4 sizes to best fit your room. You also have the option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

Reflecting on My First Gabriola Thanksgiving Studio Tour

Deb Chaney stenciling in the studio

As I mentioned in September, I participated in the 2022 Thanksgiving Studio Tour here on Gabriola Island. It was the 26th time the Gabriola Arts Council held the free event and 65 artists took part in it. And I’m so glad that I was one of them. So I’d just like to take this opportunity to reflect on the weekend and record my experience.

Nature Was on Our Side

A fundamental storytelling maxim is never open with the weather. But when you’re talking about the Gulf Islands in October and you get a weekend full of sunshine, it deserves to be mentioned. And the weather was amazing.

If you haven’t read my earlier post, the studio is just what it sounds like. Local artists on the island open their studios (and/or homes) to the public for 3 days during Thanksgiving weekend and people can visit them at their leisure – for free. Over the course of those 3 days, we probably had around 100 people come by the house. And we basically had 2 things going on for the tour.

Two Paths for Visitors to Explore

First, we converted the house into a gallery (see the slideshow below!) with plenty of paintings of all sizes for visitors to enjoy. Many were hanging on walls, while I also had plenty of my Little Gems, unframed, that people could browse through.

Second, in the studio, I was giving demonstrations of how I work and inviting people into my process. I took the opportunity to really share about the Drishti Paintings, the large-scale new series that I’m working on. I shared the intention and inspiration behind them, along with the parameters I’m following in the creative process. By taking unfinished paintings off the wall and adding layers, I was able to share my intuitive process of painting only in situations where I know the next step. Trusting that, I keep working on it and the painting then reveals to me the direction it's heading.

It was really fun and exciting and I got the sense that people really enjoyed seeing the process up close. It was actually the first time I’ve done demonstrations during a studio tour and I found it to be a great way to connect with visitors.

The True Meaning of Community

My daughter and her friend Angelica tended to the “house gallery”, assisted by a rotating crew of helpers from the island. And we were all so touched by the incredible sense of community support.

Six different women showed up at our house for morning and afternoon “shifts” on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday to help in any way they could. They did everything from greeting visitors and answering questions, to sweeping up, to preparing the hot chocolate and muffins we provided to anyone who stopped by.

And even though we’ve got a small island community, I didn’t actually know any of them personally before. They’d simply seen our request for help on the Community Facebook page and volunteered their time and assistance. 

It was such a good feeling and I’m so grateful for the good fortune to live in such a place. The experience was really unlike any other studio tour I’ve been involved in before. Gabriola Island is not only home to a lot of artists, but the community at large has such strong support for its artists – and these 2 factors combine to create a thriving art culture.

With all the other artists around, one of the things I found most exciting was when other artists came to visit my studio. It’s always such an honour and privilege. One of the artists to stop by was Gwen Spinks, whose exhibit I attended last year. And another was Karen Cain, who is a highly regarded artist and instructor. I’m really excited to visit her studio at some point. There were others as well, and each interaction was special and amazing.

Cherishing Those Magic Moments

The weekend was full of magic moments. I collect sand from our Twin Beaches here on Gabriola Island. And when kids came by, I showed them how I mix the sand with gel medium to use in my paintings. I got out my stencils and palette knife and showed them how to apply it, and some people watching announced that they wanted to go home and do it.

They were so inspired and that’s what I love – because art can be so fun and healing. If I can share what I’m doing and people get excited about it, it’s an incredible thing to witness.

Other magic moments include:

My friend and neighbour Paul stopped by with a prayer plant for my new studio.

My friend Moe came by with his partner Ocean, a wood carving artist, and she brought me the most delicious pear. (Which was perfectly timed with my growing hunger.)

Then my neighbour Nadine brought me some beautiful flowers.

And my other neighbour Larry noticed my doorknob was in need of little love – so he came back with his toolbox and fixed it for me. It’s a wonderful feeling to have these supportive and loving neighbours.

There were other moments too… like when strangers were gathered in the studio and someone pulled out a bottle of wine to share. Or someone suddenly started singing. Or chanting. Or all the conversations about spirituality and healing, and people just being open and authentic, sharing some of the most personal aspects of their lives.

This is a truly special place.

We even had Surprise Visitors

Like special guest stars surprising a studio audience, I had a couple of surprise visitors show up. My life coach, Michelle Falcone, whom I wrote about in August, texted me to say that she’d be coming over to the island with some friends. And one of those friends turned out to be my friend Susan Greig! (Susan is an artist as well and she owns and operates Braid St Studios, which I also wrote about earlier.)

My jaw dropped. I couldn’t get over that she was here. And she also ended up purchasing The Moon at Night, and it always deeply flatters me when another artist buys my work. It means the world to me that they are spending their hard-earned money to add my artwork to their personal collection.

Original Artwork Sold (plus Prints for Sale Online)

We sold a lot of other smaller paintings as well, and we have 2 larger paintings on hold while the interested buyers measure their home. We also had little notepads for sale, which turned out to be quite popular. They were a fun keepsake for people to remember the studio with.

If you were unable to attend the tour, you can browse through my collection on Saatchi Art’s online gallery. You can also find many of the paintings in my Little Gems Series there. 

Saatchi Art offers multiple options to suit your personal tastes or needs. You can choose to have your print on paper or canvas and choose from 4 sizes to best fit your room. You also have the option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image on Saatchi Art should give you an idea of its size and let you see what it looks like on a wall.

The Story Behind My New Painting “Stats 101”

Stats 101 by Deb Chaney (60” x 40”)

Every painting has a story to tell, and I’d like to share the tale behind this piece of contemporary abstract artwork I recently finished. It’s an acrylic mixed-media painting called Stats 101 and it measures 60” x 40”. 

I think it’s a really fun piece, so I’m eager to share not only the story behind it but to show the creative process and final result as well. Therefore, you can see photos of its various stages during the past year in the gallery further down the page.

It Was a Rainy Day in December…

This painting had its origins last year during the Christmas season. And for anyone familiar with Vancouver, the weather shouldn’t come as a surprise. December is typically quite wet in the city.

It was the end of the semester at UBC (the University of British Columbia) and my daughter was writing her final exam. So, I decided to go down to the campus and hang out while she wrote it. As she sat in the lecture hall, I wandered to the west end of campus and walked down the steep hillside steps to Wreck Beach.

It was raining, but it was really beautiful. And there were actually quite a few people down on the beach. As I strolled along the sand, taking in the lush nature of my surroundings, I happened upon a discarded book. It was a wet, tattered and torn textbook called Understanding Statistics.

My immediate reaction was the feeling I had gotten from my daughter about that whole “first-year” experience you get at university. It’s that early phase in your post-secondary education when you take all these non-elective, core courses outside your major or area of interest. They’re usually survey courses like “Statistics 10” and the farthest thing from joy you can imagine. Totally enjoyable, gruelling, overwhelming, and brutal.

I found it kind of amusing – and perhaps serendipitous – to find this abandoned textbook on the beach. I was compelled to pick it up and started turning its soggy pages. It was, of course, full of these math formulas, differential equations maybe, I wasn’t sure, it’d been so long since I took math. But the way the book and the chapters and the pages were laid out – the words, graphs, equations – it spoke to me from an artistic perspective.

The Relationship Between Mathematics and Contemporary Abstract Expressionism

From an artistic standpoint, math is beautiful. So, I hiked back up the staircase from Wreck Beach and picked up my daughter from her exam – with this dripping-wet copy of Understanding Statistics in my hand. I took it back to Grandma & Grandpa’s for Christmas and set it on the toasty hearth of the fireplace, turning the pages every now and then over the course of the holidays.

The first thing I did when I returned home was paint a series of Little Gems using ripped-out pages from the book for collages. (Read this post or this post to learn more about how I use my Little Gems to develop my art.) And in my opinion, some of those paintings turned out beautifully, having a really edgy, textured contemporary art look to them.

I had this old 60” x 40” frame and also had some canvas lying around, so I borrowed some stretcher bars from my friend Elsa, another artist here on Gabriola Island, then I just started collaging pages and pieces of pages onto the canvas and really digging into the themes and the numbers – and really riding on the energy of how math can be really frustrating, especially when you’re forced to do it in a first-year course you don’t even want to take.

But also, math can be much like art in the way that you’re in the process of figuring things out. And that’s what an abstract painting is. You’re trying to make it all work, trying to balance the marks and lines and gestures – and the whole composition. They’re all part of the equation. You’re wanting to add excitement, but you also need to add areas of negative space to exemplify the exciting bits. So, you find yourself adding new elements and taking things away. And, after a six-month journey of addition and subtraction, I finally finished the painting the week before last.

The Final Result

Meeting with another artist last month – who paints intuitively by following her heart – pushed me to finish the painting. I ended up stencilling the textbook’s title across the front of the painting – Understanding Statistics – which to me, is one big metaphor.

The truth is, I love this painting, and I’m really proud of it. There are so many layers to it and there’s so much thought put into it, and it’s just a really fun piece.

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale Online

The original painting of Stats 101 is available for sale for $5,500 USD. The price does not include shipping, insurance, and tax. Please email me directly about purchase inquiries.

The painting is not up on Saatchi Art yet, but I’ll update this page as soon as it’s available and the links are online. Until then, you can browse through my collection on Saatchi Art’s online gallery. You can also find many of the paintings in my Little Gems Series on Saatchi Art. 

Saatchi Art offers multiple options to suit your personal tastes or needs. You can choose to have your print on paper or canvas and choose from 4 sizes to best fit your room. You also have the option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

2 of My Original Paintings Featured in “Fresh” Movie on Hulu

Fragments of Life #19 by Deb Chaney (23 x 30)

With so much going on to get ready for the Gabriola Art Studio Tour next week, this is a good time to mention 2 of the other paintings featured in the movie Fresh that is currently streaming on Hulu. The paintings are called Fragments of Life #19 and Fragments of Life #24.

Wikipedia classifies the movie as a “black comedy horror thriller”, which may not be my favourite genre, but it certainly seems to be a popular one. If you’re interested in a sneak peek, there’s a preview video in an earlier post from May when I wrote about Subtle Shift, another painting of mine that is also featured in the film.

About the Paintings

The paintings are both part of my Fragments of Life series, which explores pure abstract expression using a limited colour palette of heavy body and liquid (thick and thin) acrylics, as well as other materials such as charcoal, conte, and pencil. To these, I add the fragments of everyday life – photographs, papers, maps, song lyrics – anything that makes an impression on my life that day.

Both of these paintings are the same size (so, they make a nice set!), measuring 23” x 30”, and are mixed media and acrylics on 300-pound cold press watercolour paper. They’re mounted on custom wood panels that are wired, varnished, and ready to hang.

If you’d like to see how nice of a set they make, they’re hanging vertically together on the living room wall, right around the 1-hour mark in Fresh.

Fresh (2022)

See the Paintings in Person

For those of you who are planning to attend this year’s Thanksgiving Studio Tour on Gabriola Island, both paintings are here in my studio and will be on exhibit. I’m Studio #49 on the tour and located at 1063 Chappel Place, which you can find easily on the online map that lists all the studios taking part in the tour.

I’m looking forward to seeing people stop by and answering any questions they have! My studio will be open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm each day on the long weekend:

• Saturday, October 8th

• Sunday, October 9th

• Monday, October 10th

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale Online

If you’re unable to visit our beautiful little island for the tour, the original paintings of Fragments of Life #19 and Fragments of Life #24 will also be available to purchase through Saatchi Art online gallery. Of course, their availability will depend on whether they’re bought during the studio tour.

If somebody buys these 2 particular paintings during the tour, you can order prints for each painting through Saatchi Art using the links above. With prints, you get to choose the size, material, and framing to suit your personal taste. Prints come in 4 sizes, on paper or canvas, and you add a frame of white, black, or natural wood.

There are also many other paintings in the series available through Saatchi Art, and you can scroll through the whole Fragments of Life series on the website. If you like the 2 paintings above, you may want to check out Fragments of Life #20, Fragments of Life #23, and Fragments of Life #29, all of which still have their originals available.

My Collaboration With International Art Consultants

See With Original Purity by Deb Chaney (9” x 12”)

One of the most exciting opportunities I’ve been approached about recently is a collaboration with an art consultancy based in the UK. They found me through my collection at Saatchi Art online gallery, which has been a wonderful platform for bringing me together with collectors and people with an interest in contemporary abstract art.

Spreading Art Around the World

Peter Millard & Partners is a London-based international art consultancy that specializes in creating artwork schemes for hotels and luxury residences. They draw on everything from paintings to sculptures ranging in size from small to monumental.

With 30 years of experience in the art world, they work with interior designers, individuals, or hotel groups choosing artwork and planning unique layouts suitable for each location.

“Our ethos is to make each artwork enhance the interior adding dimension and vibrancy to each space.”

— Peter Millard and Partners

Their projects circle the world, with installations in Europe, The Middle East, Africa, and Japan, for clients such as Fairmont Hotels, Four Seasons, Marriott, and Sheraton, as well as many other high-end chains and smaller boutique hotels.

They chose 2 of my paintings for a new installation, so I’d just like to show my appreciation and mention what wonderful work they’re doing by brightening the world with art.

A Million Little Pieces of Art

The series of paintings that caught the attention of Peter Millard & Partners is closer to a dozen paintings than a million. But when I was painting the series, I’d just finished reading A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. The book’s protagonist is struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, and when he finally decides to get better, he falls in love with the sanctuary, hope, and equanimity that he finds in the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (also spelled Laozi).

It really touched me, so I went out and bought a copy of the book. And still, to this day, I keep my copy of this little book of ancient Chinese wisdom on my nightstand. I love being able to open it up to any page, picking a phrase at random, and being open to the wisdom it has to offer. 

With the Tao Te Ching in mind, this series was inspired by the idea of simplicity, and all of the paintings in the series have titles based on phrases and excerpts from the book. The two paintings selected by the consultants at Peter Millard are both green, black, and white – very simple – with titles drawn from the Tao Te Ching: Through Sustained Activity and See With Original Purity.

The paintings are one of my “series within a series” in that they’re part of my Little Gems Series, which you’re probably familiar with if you’re a regular reader. I’ve written about them recently (such as here, here, and here) but in a nutshell, they’re small pieces – usually 9” x 12” – that I use to try out new techniques or practice old ones. And some of them result in real works of art!

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

Both original paintings are available to buy through Saatchi Art online gallery. Through Sustained Activity and See With Original Purity are both acrylic and ink on paper and measure 9” x 12” in size.

You can also order prints of both paintings and Saatchi Art offers multiple options to suit your personal tastes or needs. Prints can be on paper or canvas and are usually available in 4 sizes – to better fit your room. You can also choose to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image gives you an idea of its size and lets you see what it looks like on a wall. But take it one step further with the “View in My Room” tool that lets you see what it looks like on your wall.

Taking Part in Gabriola Island’s Annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour

Taking Part in Gabriola Island’s Annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour

I’m excited to announce my participation in another upcoming art event – Gabriola Island’s annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour. The event is organized by the indefatigable Gabriola Arts Council and is free to attend.

The event is quite unique in that artists from around the island open their home studios to the public for 3 days — meaning you can do the tour your own way, at your own pace, and enjoy exploring. Furthermore, many artists go beyond simply displaying their work and also offer demonstrations for a truly intimate, creative experience.

It’s been a while since I took part in an open studio tour. The last was in the spring of 2019 when I was at Braid St Studios, which I’ve mentioned in a recent post. Prior to that, I was part of an open studio tour while living at ARC Live Work Studios in Vancouver — and we had a few thousand people come through.

However, those were somewhat different. This is the first time I’m inviting people into my home as part of a studio tour. And I think there’s something special – and beautiful and vulnerable – about viewing artwork in a home setting.

A Little Bit About Gabriola’s Thanksgiving Studio Tour

The unique 3-day art extravaganza has been a success since its founding and has evolved into one of the premier art events in the Pacific Northwest. Having celebrated its silver anniversary in 2021, this year marks the 26th occasion of the wonderful event. 

You can meet with 65 artists and enjoy their creative works up close and personal in 56 studios spread across the island. With so many studios to choose from, it’s difficult (or impossible) to visit them all. So, it may help to plan your visit in advance using this interactive map of the tour. You can also find the full list of studios here, which includes examples and descriptions of each artist’s work.

The Thanksgiving Studio Tour runs for 3 days, October 8th to 10th, with participating studios open from 10 am to 5 pm. However, Tour Central – the tour’s headquarters – will be open from October 6th through 10th, and it’s got a Preview Gallery where you can view works by nearly all of the participating artists. It’s above Nova Arts and Craft Boutique in the centrally-located Folklife Village.

There’s also a raffle fundraiser for a chance to own an original painting by Gabriola artist Tony Grove, which you can read more about here.

Artwork I Have on Display for the Studio Tour

I’m setting up my house as a gallery and I have one wall with about 20 framed paintings from my popular Little Gems Series, which I’ve mentioned recently (such as here and here). There will also be a variety of large-format mixed-media paintings hung throughout the house. There are about 9 of those, ranging in size from 30” x 40” to the biggest at 48” x 72”.

I’ll also have paper paintings, such as from my Fragments of Life series, and up to a couple hundred other loose Little Gems. So, there’s a lot of art to be enjoyed!

There will also be one finished piece from The Drishti Paintings – the new large-scale series I’m currently working on. The series is very special to me and a culmination of everything I’ve learned in my journey as both a healer and an artist. The paintings embody 3 core principles about healing – which I’ll reveal once there’s a body of work ready for a gallery exhibit.

What I’m Looking Forward To With This Tour

I’m really excited to meet people and connect with not only the people I know and love but with those who take the time and effort to come over to the island. It’s an amazing feeling to see a person connect with a painting that is right for them, and I welcome the opportunity to help people find the perfect match.

Also, something new I’m doing with The Drishti Paintings is offering commissioned works for people who want something for their home or meditation room. So, I’d love to talk to anyone coming through the tour who’s looking to create a visual anchor for their personal well-being.

Attending the Tour (and Getting to My Studio)

For those who have never been to our beautiful Gabriola Island, it’s just a 25-minute ferry from Nanaimo Harbour at the edge of downtown Nanaimo. For those coming from the mainland, it’s located between the Duke Point and Departure Bay Ferry Terminals.

I’m Studio #49 on the tour and located at 1063 Chappel Place. As mentioned above, there is also an easy-to-read online map with pins for all the studios. There is street parking available out front, then you just go through the gate and walk straight to the house.

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale Online

If you are unable to attend the tour, you can browse through my collection on Saatchi Art’s online gallery.

Saatchi Art offers multiple options to suit your personal tastes or needs. You can choose to have your print on paper or canvas and choose from 4 sizes to best fit your room. You also have the option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image on Saatchi Art should give you an idea of its size and let you see what it looks like on a wall.

Painting Series Inspired By Our Underwater World

New Art ii by Deb Chaney (9” x 12”)

Painting Series Inspired By the Underwater World

I was looking back on this small series of paintings I did last year and came to the realization that they were inspired by a couple of things – and both have to do with our incredible oceans and the fascinating world beneath the surface. I experienced 2 ocean-related events in the last few months of 2021, which I’ll get to below.

The Incredible Power of Cold Water Swimming

I feel that my first source of inspiration can be attributed to my friend and fellow artist, Susan Grieg, who I mentioned in a recent blog post last month. She’s the founder of Braid St Studios – which is how we first met – but she’s since become a great friend.

Susan sent me a video of her friend and her cold water swimming during the winter. Real winter – as in November through January – not “almost spring” winter. And they weren’t simply doing a one-time Polar Bear Dip (which is a popular New Year's Day tradition in British Columbia). Susan and her friend go for an icy swim 1 to 3 times a week.

Curious and inspired, I hopped online to search for things like the benefits of cold-water swimming. And to my surprise (or not), I found out how good swimming in cold water is for your health. So, I said to myself – Okay, I’m going to go out and do it.

The next day, still committed to the task, I went for my morning walk and took my bathing suit with me. And I simply started. I was literally dunking myself in the ocean. And during the winter, it was cold(!) and it required a lot of courage to get in the water. But I did. And I would stay in the water, counting out loud, teeth chattering, for 60 long seconds.

But when I got out of the water, I would have this incredible, full-body buzz, and I felt so good afterwards. It was like all of my body heat was rushing to the surface of my skin, leaving me incredibly invigorated. I would feel so motivated and would have such a positive, productive day, that I just continued doing it.

These Little Gems were painted after I started the cold-water swimming, and I feel like this activity is reflected in their aesthetic. If you open your eyes while swimming underwater, these paintings are similar to what you might see.

Inspired By My Octopus Teacher

While octopuses are abundant in the waters off Gabriola and its surrounding islands, I did not encounter one during my cold water swims. The section heading is referring to My Octopus Teacher, a 2020 Netflix film that won the Oscar for Best Documentary last year, in addition to numerous other awards.

The film follows a man named Craig Foster as he begins a routine of cold water swimming every day off the coast of South Africa. Over time, he gets to know the local marine life and comes to develop a friendship – and bond – with a curious octopus. Watching the film, you can’t help but fall in love with the beauty and wonder of the underwater world.

I feel that this film and my own cold water swimming routine are the 2 main inspirations for this small series of paintings.

A Series Within a Series

These 5 paintings are part of my Little Gems Series of paintings, which I’ve mentioned in earlier posts (about other Gems, like Silent Sky and Rocky Mountain). They’re “practice pieces” that I use both as a way to explore new ideas and techniques as well as rehearse old ones. Each painting is unique in its own way and some of them grow beyond being practice pieces to become actual works of art.

Most of my Little Gems measure 9” x 12”, and all of the paintings in this “underwater” series follow that custom. There are 5 paintings in total, and four of them are acrylic on paper while one of them is ink on paper. All of the originals (and their prints) are available for purchase on Saatchi Art, which you can find at the following links:

• New Art i Painting

• New Art ii Painting

• New Art iii Painting

• New Art iv Painting

• New Art v Painting

Similar Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

In addition to the underwater series, you can browse through my collection on Saatchi Art’s online gallery.

Saatchi Art offers multiple options to suit your personal tastes or needs. Prints can be on paper or canvas and are usually available in 4 sizes – to better fit your room. So, even though the original New Art ii Painting is 9” x 12”, your print can be the same size as the original or bigger – at sizes of 15” x 20”, 24” x 32”, or 30” x 40”. You have the further option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image on Saatchi Art should give you an idea of its size and let you see what it looks like on a wall.

Original Painting "Silent Sky" Sold to a Local Artist

Silent Sky by Deb Chaney (9” x 12”)

Selling a painting is always an amazing feeling and I’m really grateful to each and every collector. But it’s the greatest honour when another artist purchases my artwork for their personal collection. It’s just on a whole other level when somebody who knows how to paint themselves chooses to become a collector. Therefore, I’d like to take this opportunity to give a big Thank You to my neighbour, friend, and fellow artist Waheeda Byron.

A Little Bit About the Collector

Waheeda Byron is a watercolour painter based on Gabriola Island. She paints with an informal local art group called Gabriola Palette People, which “was formed many years ago to provide an inclusive and creative art environment where members come together regularly to develop their artistic skills.” They meet once or twice a week, creating art with watercolours, acrylics, oil paints, or mixed media.

Aside from that, she’s currently in the process of painting a series of 20 watercolours for a book that she’s illustrating. The book is a collaboration with a school librarian who grew up in a Sikh family with six kids in East Vancouver. It’s a children’s book that she’s writing and Waheeda is doing the watercolour drawings that are reflecting back on “East Van” life in the 1970s, showing parts of her life and family life growing up.

While I was visiting and having tea with Waheeda, I had the privilege of seeing the progression of these incredible paintings that will be in the book. It’s truly wonderful to get to see this project she’s been working on for the better part of year (at least), while the woman writes the book.

I asked Waheeda why she chose Silent Sky and what she likes (or loves) about it, and she had a few things to say. First, was that she loves the simplicity of it. And then paired with that simplicity is the sense of drama observed in the landscape. She also said that it reminded her of where we live, here on Gabriola Island. She really loves the wet-on-wet technique and how the painting says so much, so simply, in just a few strokes.

About This Painting

Silent Sky is part of my Little Gems Series, which I’ve mentioned in previous posts (such as when a collector bought another one of my Little Gems called Rocky Mountain). I’ve been painting my Little Gems for years and they’re essentially a collection of small paintings I use to try new techniques and test my creativity. Not all of these artistic explorations become part of the collection, but a select few rise above to emerge as real works of art!

The painting is India ink on paper using a wet-on-wet technique, which – just as it sounds – involves using wet paint on top of a layer of wet paint or wet paper. It’s a quite austere black & white painting, which, as noted above, is partly what attracted Waheeda to it. And, like most of my Little Gems, it measures 9” x 12”. 

Similar Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

Silent Sky stands out in the Little Gems series as many of my paintings are acrylic or mixed media, but there are other ink paintings in the collection. Find the Red Dots and Something in the Air are both black India ink on paper, similar to Silent Sky, while Sun Scorched Earth and Roses in the Dust are orange and pink, respectively. You can also find more ink-on-paper paintings by browsing through the complete collection.

Saatchi Art offers multiple options to suit your personal tastes or needs. Prints can be on paper or canvas and are usually available in 4 sizes – to better fit your room. So while the original Silent Sky painting is 9” x 12”, your print can be the same size as the original or bigger – at sizes of 15” x 20”, 24” x 32”, or 30” x 40”. You have the further option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image on Saatchi Art should give you an idea of its size and lets you see what it looks like on a wall.

Springtime Pop-Up Art Show by Braid St Studios

Focus by Deb Chaney (24” x 24”)

As my current exhibit with Sarah Graeme is underway, it feels like a good time to mention an earlier exhibit from back in the spring. The Braid St Studios Pop Up Art Show took place in April at The Gallery at Queen’s Park in New Westminster. (For those not familiar with the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, “New West” is in the centre of the Greater Vancouver area).

A Resilient Co-Working Space for the Art Community

Before moving to Gabriola Island (and joining its incredible art community!) I was fortunate enough to be part of another wonderful art community. Braid St Studios was located in a 12,000-square-foot industrial heritage building in New Westminster. With a large gallery, event space, and over 70 artists working in 46 studios, it was the largest collaborative art studio outside of Vancouver. 

The founder, owner, and artist behind 100 Braid St Studios is a phenomenal woman named Susan Greig. Her vision for a supportive arts community where visitors could see (and be inspired by) working studio artists was realized in Braid St Studios, which she describes as “an incubator for artists in transition [and] established artists” focused on achieving major career goals.

However, as with almost everywhere, when the pandemic hit, everything shut down. Then on top of that, the developers who owned the warehouse decided to tear it down in order to pursue the Lower Mainland’s favourite pastime – condo development.

Fortunately, Susan didn’t let a global pandemic and the forces of gentrification stand in her way. She’s already established a small gallery in Port Coquitlam and has been creating an online platform to support artists while continuing to look for larger spaces where she can continue hosting art shows, open mic and poetry nights, and other events.

The studio hosts artists working in a wide range of diverse media, which has grown even more diverse since moving online. As Susan posted in June:

“In our original brick and mortar studio, we had resident artists who worked in: oil & acrylic painters, artists who worked in resin, all kinds of textiles, reclaimed wood, charcoal, mixed media, jewellery & metalsmithing, digital art and photography. There were puppet makers, sculptors, musicians, performance artists, writers, acapella singers, songwriters and more.”

In addition to providing studio space for artists, 100 Braid St Studios fosters creativity in numerous ways. These include mentorship, a lecture series on professional development, exposure for artists, social events, fine art classes, and more. For more info on all the ways in which they support artists and the local community at large, check out the studio’s About Us page.

The Braid St Studios Pop-Up Art Show

The Braid St Studios Pop Up Art Show was held April 22-24, 2022 at The Gallery at Queen’s Park, which is operated by The Arts Council of New Westminster. 

The show’s 3 featured artists were Susan, Michael King, and Iris Mes Low. Other artists included me, Melissa Burgher, Tony Durke, Steven Elford, Omanie Elias, Fran Friesen, Unky Kim, William Liao, Dizz McGruber, Monica Moscoso, and Judy Villett.

One of Susan’s Instagram posts from the event sums up not only the ethos behind Braid St Studios but also the importance of art and a sense of community:

“So many people have come in to visit and the support from the broader New West community has brought me to tears many times. There have been stories I’ve never heard before-about relationships and friendships that have developed because of our arts community and there have been stories of the many struggles we’ve all had thru COVID. I’ve been reminded time and again of the core purpose of Braid St since its inception-to help artists live lives of courage in harmony with their values…to chart their own unique path, to support them to grow, to provide a warm and nurturing space.”

My Artwork in the Pop-Up Art Show

Susan kindly featured one of my paintings at the show. The painting is called Focus and is conceptually about how important focus is to healing and mental wellness. 

It’s a 24” x 24” acrylic on canvas and the original is for sale through Van Dop Gallery. You can find this painting (and others) in the online gallery, then click the link at the bottom of the page to email the gallerist, Trudy Van Dop.

You can see Focus and many other pieces on display in photos from the exhibit in the slideshow below.

Braid St Studios Exhibit

Braid St Studios Exhibit

Susan Grieg with Ch'ich'iyúy Elxwíkn The Sisters - The Lions at Night, acrylic on canvas 30” x 24”.

Braid St Studios Exhibit

West End (36” x 24”) by featured artist Iris Mes Low displayed prominently on its own wall.

Braid St Studios Exhibit

Braid St Studios Exhibit

Braid St Studios Exhibit

Braid St Studios Exhibit

Braid St Studios Exhibit

Prints and Other Original Artwork for Sale

Prints of Focus as well as a much larger collection of my artwork – both originals and prints – are for sale online at Saatchi Art.

Saatchi Art has a range of options to fit your individual preferences and needs. You can choose to have your prints on paper or canvas, and most are available in 4 sizes to fit any room. There is also an option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image gives you an idea of its size and lets you see what it looks like on a wall.

My Art Exhibit With Sarah Graeme: “Moving; Through, Towards, Within.”

Deb Chaney in Free Spirit Gallery

My art exhibit with Sarah Graeme, which I mentioned in this earlier post, is off to a wonderful start. We had our opening event at Gabriola Island’s Free Spirit Gallery on Friday evening.

The Power of Collaboration

It’s been really incredible to meet Sarah and collaborate with such a young artist – and yet she’s so accomplished. She’s so focused and has won grants and awards, and has come so far so quickly, so it’s been a truly incredible experience.

Sarah and I have taken quite different paths in our art careers. I didn’t go to art school (she did) and I’ve never won a grant (she has). While I’m still kind of figuring it out, her work is so cohesive and clear, and she knows what she’s creating and why.

To be honest, I’ve always felt kind of on the “outside” of the art world. So the feeling I get from collaborating and doing a show with Sarah has given me a sense of being “inside” the art world. And in addition to that feeling of inclusiveness, one of the greatest benefits of collaborations is that you get to up your game when you work with other artists, and I love that aspect of it.

A Special Appreciation for the Gallerist

My collaboration with Sarah was arranged by Catherine Hallam, the owner of Free Spirit Gallery, and I’d just like to say how grateful I am to her. She has gone above and beyond anyone that I’ve ever worked with in terms of collaboration. 

The opening was amazing. Everyone in attendance kept saying how beautiful it looked. One comment I heard repeatedly was that it felt like light — as though energy was emitting from the walls.

There was wine — and spritzers and cherries and cheese — and it was all so tastefully done. Every time someone arrived and I could catch a few words of Catherine talking about me, I just felt so appreciated and understood and supported. It was all done in such a professional, authentic, and grounded way. There was nothing pretentious about it or anyone in attendance, and it all felt just so genuine.

I also got to learn about Catherine’s journey as an artist and gallery owner, so it’s been wonderful getting to know her and having a deeper appreciation for who she is and what she’s doing.

Catherine’s assistant Lou was also there, and she was taking photos. She took an amazing shot of my parents and me (it was amazing having them there!), as well as a pic of me with my really good friend Denise, who I was thrilled to have there.

A lot of people stopped by that, up until that point, I’d only known over the internet and never met in person. One of the other great things about having an opening is that you get to meet people face-to-face and foster these real-life connections.

Selling That First Painting

Of course, one of the purposes of an exhibit is to find a home for the artist’s work. And selling that first painting is always really exciting, and a special feeling that makes me feel truly supported.

My painting The Gold Is Deep Within was my first piece to be sold at the show. It was purchased by a collector who’s been such a support to me and my career, and I’ll write up a full blog post about her and her selection in the near future.

A Guestbook of Affirmations

Catherine put out a book for people to sign and write comments. It is full of so many kind comments about my artwork and what they felt when viewing it and what they saw in each painting. It’s fascinating to hear people’s interpretations and how deeply they understood my work — so much so, that I feel I’m on the right track. It’s such an affirmation to me as an artist and it encourages me to continue.

Exhibit Catalogue, Photos, and Video

To see all the pieces I’ve got on display in the digital catalogue. Just click the big button below to download the PDF.

For some photos from the exhibit, scroll through the slideshow below. And beneath that is a short walkthrough video of my section of the the exhibit.

Here is a short video moving; through, towards, within.

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

Prints of some of the pieces in the show are available in my online gallery at Saatchi Art.

Saatchi Art has a range of options to fit your individual preferences and needs. You can choose to have your prints on paper or canvas, and most are available in 4 sizes to fit any room. There is also an option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image gives you an idea of its size and lets you see what it looks like on a wall.

My Interview on "Conversations Worth Having" with Adrian Starks and Michelle Falcone

Deb Chaney at work in her studio

I was interviewed by Adrian Starks and Michelle Falcone back in May, for their show Conversations Worth Having. It took place on Facebook Live and a recording of the video is available on their Facebook page.

Who are Adrian Starks and Michelle Falcone?

My art is inspired by my own healing and personal journey, and both Adrian and Michelle share this passion for personal growth.

Adrian Starks is a motivational speaker, author, and personal growth trainer based in Seattle. He founded Champion Up with the goal of helping people recognize and realize their own power and courage for personal change. He focuses on managing mental health and encouraging positive growth and success and he certainly has the testimonials to back him up.

“I love seeing people simply become better and happier human beings by creating fulfilling realities from their ideas or visions.”

— Adrian Starks

Michelle Falcone is a Vancouver-based entrepreneur and certified life coach who is committed to “helping those she works with to obtain a life full of passion and peace.” She offers coaching services, speaking engagements, and programs & retreats – including an enthralling-looking small group retreat called Sailboat Coaching.   

In addition to being incredibly passionate about mental health, Michelle is an extraordinary supporter of the arts and artists. She is currently working with another artist and musician on developing a program that supports youth and their mental health. Michelle’s testimonials speak for themselves as well.

Source: Conversations Worth Having

The Honour of Being a Conversation Worth Having

It’s certainly a compliment and honour to be considered the focal point of a “conversation worth having”, and I’d like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Adrian and Michelle for their time and interest.

Early in the interview, I reflect on the first series I painted 20 years ago. It consisted of 16 paintings – and a lot of red. I recalled a good friend of mine looking at the paintings and saying how angry they looked. And I look back now with my gained wisdom and realize how great it was that I could move from depression to anxiety to anger. I wasn’t conscious of it then, but I knew I was frustrated and had all this emotion, and I could turn it into creation. And that was really the beginning of art being a key component to my healing journey as well as my own transformational journey.

The main focus of the interview turns to the Drishti Paintings Series that I’m currently working on – but haven’t revealed too much about. I’ve been hunkered down in my creative cave, focused on creating these large, very layered and meaningful works of art, and that was the crux of what we discussed. We talk about the 3 concepts guiding my creation of these paintings – how they are the inspiration behind the Drishti Paintings as well as the inspiration for my own personal journey to find mental wellness.

I’ve alluded to the Drishti Series online, but the artwork will be fully revealed during Gabriola Island’s (incredible) Thanksgiving Studio Tour, which takes place on October 8-10th.

Check out the Conversations Worth Having Facebook page for past episodes and more about the program and its inspiring hosts.

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

This section usually has links to where you can buy the original or prints of the painting mentioned in the post. But in this case, as mentioned above, the Drishti Paintings Series is still in process and won’t be revealed until the island’s studio tour in October.

However, you can browse through my collection at Saatchi Art’s online gallery. 

Saatchi Art offers multiple options to suit your personal tastes or needs. Prints can be on paper or canvas and are typically available in 4 sizes to best fit your room. You can also choose to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image gives you an idea of its size and lets you see what it looks like on a wall. But take it one step further with the “View in My Room” tool that lets you see what it looks like on your wall.

Behind the scenes in the studio - the process of creating DP # 1

Drishti Painting # 1
36" x 48" x 1.5" Mixed Media on Canvas

The word drishti comes from the Sanskrit word and denotes a focal point. In yoga class when you are holding a challenging pose, to help you balance, your instructor will guide you to find a drishti: a place to hold your gaze that will in turn help you to hold steady.

The paintings in this new series are visual creations uniquely and specifically for you to remind of the strength and balance that always exists within yourself.

DP #1 can be found at the AV Museum in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada until the end of September 2022.⁠

and online at Saatchi Online Gallery:
https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Drishti-Painting-1/499285/9464433/view

I learned a lot from creating this first painting in the series, and I have to say that I'll be switching directions with the next paintings and exploring these ideas from different angles.⁠
⁠
Stay tuned... the painting journey continues :-) ⁠

My Upcoming Art Exhibit with Sarah Graeme

I am thrilled to announce my collaborative art exhibit with Sarah Graeme. Based across the way on Vancouver Island, Sarah is a ceramic artist who uses weaving and basketry techniques to combine plant fibers with ceramic forms. I’m a huge fan of her work and who she is as a person, so I’m very excited about our upcoming show.

The exhibit is being held at the Free Spirit Gallery here on Gabriola Island, and it runs from August 16 through to September 5. The official opening night event is Friday, August 19 from 6 to 8 PM.

An “Interview” with the Gallerist

Free Spirit Gallery Studio & Shop was established last fall by Catherine Hallam. It’s an incredible addition to the island’s art community, encouraging and enabling local artists and artisans to showcase their work. You can see its exhibition schedule for the year on the gallery’s website.

A full year of exhibits is certainly a testament to Catherine’s passion for and commitment to the arts — not to mention her organizational skills! Here are some of the insightful questions that Catherine asked me about the artwork I’m exhibiting in this show.

What ideas, concepts, and experiences does the body of work communicate?

This body of work communicates a visual footprint of my spiritual and healing journey over the past 10 years. The journey of creating each painting here on display taught me something important that has helped me to re-connect and align with my authentic self. Often the painting’s title reveals the message I received and what I learned in its creation. The work imbues a healing frequency, each painting emanating the energetic stamp of the learnings and healing I received from its creation.

What inspirations or traditions guided or influence this body of work?

Before I begin painting, my inspiration and tradition are in my healing practice to go within via meditation, silent time in nature, and journal writing. When I begin to work, I am guided by my intuition and let the painting guide and lead me as I add and take away layers. Knowing that the process and journey of creation is the greatest gift of being an artist. Trusting the finished piece will reveal herself.

How are the methods or techniques you use important to this body of work? Tell us how, or what, the choice of medium or process contributes to this work.

There are a lot of layers in these paintings and also the unique aspect of sand added as texture. I think I use a lot of thick mediums and mixed media because it's just simply so darn fun playing around with the colours and textures. When I look back on this work I also think these paintings are a lot like each of us in the world, that is, we come in as a baby pure innocent naturally happy, and excited about life. 

Then things happen, beliefs are formed, and occurrences and incidences happen and shape us. We grow, evolve, and learn while trying to figure out this thing called Life. For those of us on a conscious healing journey, I feel part of that process and journey of re-claiming our authenticity is taking off some of the layers we never really wanted, and getting back to our real selves. This is what I’ve been up to for the past couple of decades and that is what I see when I look at my work. As for the sand elements, well, I’m always going back to nature to re-calibrate and nourish myself… I just can’t help myself but to add it into these pieces!

Exhibit Statement for Moving; Through, Towards, Within

The title of Sarah’s and my collaborative art exhibit is Moving; Through, Towards, Within. Our exhibit statement encapsulates our individual approaches to – and what we aim to achieve with – our artwork. It follows below:

When faced with uncertainty we can either become fixed, paralyzed by the unknown, or move; through, towards, within.

Through Deb Chaney’s abstract, ethereal paintings, she explores the narratives of her own personal healing journey. Through the process and ongoing practice of painting, Deb Chaney explores themes of authenticity, truth, and connection.

Gathered on plinths, Sarah Graeme’s woven ceramic vessels emanate a sense of delicate balance. In her work, Sarah combines daylily fibers from her garden and smoke-fired ceramic vessels to create work that navigates the uncertainty and precarity she feels in our current environmental and social climate.

Both artists’ work use the process of creating to work through and into the unknown, uncertain, and ambiguous expanse in an attempt to navigate questions without definitive answers.

How do we be in a better relationship with ourselves, each other, and the world around us?

Moving into the expanse of discomfort, through, towards, within.

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

Original paintings on display at the show can be purchased through Free Spirit Gallery. Contact the gallery owner Catherine Hallam via email or phone at (250) 247-0197. Or, if you’re fortunate enough to be on Gabriola Island, stop by the gallery at 590 North Road.

Prints of some of the pieces in the show are available in my online gallery at Saatchi Art.

Saatchi Art has a range of options to fit your individual preferences and needs. You can choose to have your prints on paper or canvas, and most are available in 4 sizes to fit any room. There is also an option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image gives you an idea of its size and lets you see what it looks like on a wall.

Donating Art for Gabriola Island's Annual Salmon BBQ Auction

Gabriola Island by Deb Chaney (9” x 12”)

I’ve donated a painting to the indispensable Gabriola Island Community Hall to be auctioned off at its annual fundraiser. The painting is called Gabriola Island and I and some other island artists were mentioned in our local paper, the Gabriola Sounder.

The 67th Annual Gabriola Community Hall Salmon BBQ

Our local community centre – the Gabriola Island Community Hall – is holding its 67th Annual Salmon BBQ on Saturday, August 13. The festivities include the salmon BBQ, as well as a raffle, live music, activities for kids, and the silent auction. There’s a beer & cider garden for the adults and play area for the kiddos.

The event starts at 4pm on Saturday and goes until 8pm. Tickets are just $20 for a salmon dinner with homemade salads, buns, watermelon, and more. They’re available at Colleen’s (our local home and fashion store), the Community Hall’s website, and at the event.

Source: Gabriola Island Community Hall

Gabriola Artists and Performers Contributing to the Event

Gabriola Island’s community is an incredible supporter of its artists and artisans. And as a way of giving back and supporting the seat of this small, close-knit populace, local artists, artisans, and businesses have donated their goods or services to the fundraiser’s raffle and silent auction.

The painting I’ve donated is called Gabriola Island. It’s a 9” x 12” x 1.5” original mixed media piece on wood panel. I painted it years ago when I’d come to Gabriola Island on a retreat. Whenever I go away on a personal retreat, I have my beloved old leather satchel full of the art supplies needed to create small paintings. And this is one of the paintings to come from that. The ground layer of this painting is an old nautical map of the Gulf Islands surrounding the Salish Sea, with the text for Gabriola Island visible.

In addition to myself, other artists featured at the auction include Tammy Hugeon and Carolyn Bell.

Tammy Hugeon is a painter and glass artist “creating wild & soulful work” on the island. She’s a self-taught artist and was the BC Glass Art Award winner – twice! Her colourful, nature-inspired work includes mixed media paintings and large-scale sculptures of glass, steel, and wood. You can visit Tammy’s website to learn more about her and her work.

Carolyn Bell is a painter, writer, musician – and more! – based on the island. Her body of work includes a “heroic women” series of abstract paintings of Margaret Artwood, Julia Child, Ruth Bader Ginsburg styled as religious icons. You can see some of Carolyn’s work on her Facebook page, although the most recent update is from 2018.

The live music stage is set to include performances by Paul Gellman, Brooke Gray Harris, Sarah Osborne, Tom MacLachlan, Cursing Cousins, John Gresham and Friends, and Snake Island Railroad.

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

This section usually has links to where you can buy the original or prints of the painting mentioned in the post. But seeing as my painting Gabriola Island is up for auction in 2 weeks, the original is only available to the highest bidder.

However, you can order prints of Gabriola Island on Saatchi Art or find another original painting in my collection on Saatchi Art’s online gallery. 

Saatchi Art offers multiple options to suit your personal tastes or needs. Prints can be on paper or canvas and are typically available in 4 sizes to best fit your room. You can also choose to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image gives you an idea of its size and lets you see what it looks like on a wall. But take it one step further with the “View in My Room” tool that lets you see what it looks like on your wall.

Living the Artist Life on Gabriola Island

I am very fortunate to live on a small island called Gabriola located on the west coast near Vancouver, BC, Canada that is incredibly supportive and focussed on the arts.

There are musicians, theatre people and painters galore as well as an incredible artist council organization offering exhibit space, small supportive grants, and so much more.

Being my first year living here I have experienced so many magical moments of support and creative joy, I just had to share a few!

I remember...

In the fall walking down the street and my neighbours Gary & Donna, playwrights and actors, checking on with me about the Canada Art Council grant I was writing. Thank you for cheering me on!

Being connect with another abstract painter in my neighbour via the arts council whereby she kindly leant me her canvas stretcher. Elsa's show goes up this Friday at Free Spirit - I had a sneak peak and her work is PHENOMENAL.

And now this summer, Free Spirit, our local art gallery very generously offering me a spot in a two person collaborative exhibit (Aug 16- Sept 6) with a phenomenal potter Sarah Graeme whom I got to meet last week when she came to visit my home. Writing our joint artist statement together was a magical experience I will treasure always.

I feel inspired, a deep sense of belonging, and profound gratitude for completely following my heart and moving here with no idea what The Universe had in store for me ! ! !
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you !

Artist Residencies on Gabriola Island: https://akimbo.ca/.../kasahara-gabriola-trust-artist.../
Free Spirit Gallery on Gabriola Island: https://freespiritstudio.ca/
Tourist website for where I live: https://hellogabriola.ca/tourist-directory/arts/

(video was taken at Drumbeg Park, Gabriola Island, BC, Canada)

My “68 Secrets” Illustrated Card Deck is Available in 3 Brick & Mortar Stores

68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist on display at Page’s L’IL Market in Silva Bay

Last year I wrote and self-published a card deck of affirmations called The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist: How to Stay Inspired Despite Any Obstacle. The cards were initially available through a wonderful print-on-demand website called The Game Crafter, but they are now for sale in 3 brick & mortar stores.

The Inspiration for Creating Affirmation Cards

The creation of this affirmation card deck was a 10-year project in that it is the culmination of a decade of introspective journaling. Over the course of those 10 years, I’d written notes in my journals reflecting on how – despite raising my daughter on my own and enduring my own periods of mental unwellness – I was able to keep painting art, teaching workshops, and exhibiting my artwork. 

I was able to continue working toward my goals as an artist even though there were so many challenges and obstacles along the way.

Wanting to share what I’d learned and realized, I went back through my journals and picked out the 68 most prevalent inspirations, ideas, and lessons that I felt really supported me in staying creative.

With those 68 insights in hand, I collaborated with a retired English teacher in Oregon and she helped me edit and organize them into these wonderful succinct cards with the main caption and a descriptor below it.

For the second phase of the project, this past year I went through the process of selecting 68 original abstract art pieces to go behind the captions. Each piece of artwork was very consciously chosen to correspond to the captions and the message each card imparts. There are some incredible stories and connections, and it’s really fun to see how the art is supporting the words.

It’s been a long-term project and is something I’m so proud of and I’m very excited to see it go out into the world. So, seeing it move from online-only into tangible, real-world stores is quite the thrill.

Where to Buy The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist

The first store is Iron Oxide Art Supplies, which is just a quick ferry ride away in Nanaimo, British Columbia. They’re located in the gorgeous historic Old Firehall Building and carry a fantastic selection of art supplies, from paints to canvas to clays, and everything in between.

The second store is Li’l Market at Page’s Resort and Marina, here on Gabriola Island. It’s located in the serene Silva Bay, at the southeast end of the island. what began as a fish camp and store in the 1940s evolved into a full-service resort. They are steadfast supporters of the island’s creative community, boasting over 400 titles written, illustrated, or published by Gabriolans.

The third store is the shop in Free Spirit Gallery Studio & Shop, also on Gabriola Island, which I mentioned in a blog post earlier this month. They opened just near the end of last year and are a wonderful addition to the community, showcasing both established and emerging artists from the island.

If you don’t live in the area, you can also find the cards online at The Game Crafter. They are a Wisconsin-based company that makes board games and card decks on-demand, with an online store and an active online community of creatives.

Source: Page’s Resort

What Others Have to Say About My Illustrated Affirmations

Hearing from people about what they like or appreciate about a piece of work is always satisfying and encouraging for an artist – or anyone, for that matter. So reading the positive comments about The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist on The Game Crafter’s online shop was truly touching and I’m thrilled to share some of them here. 

“Reading a card is a lovely, thought-provoking way to start the day.”

— Brindle

“A wonderful way to keep going when feeling stuck.”

— Kamila

“Well-crafted words of wisdom for your cosmic heart and creative soul.”

— Laterina S.

“I relate to every card in this deck and love the transformative power they hold.”

— Tonya T.

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

Most of the artwork I chose for the cards in The 68 Secrets of an Illuminated Artist are available for purchase – either the original artwork, or a print, or both – online at Saatchi Art.

Saatchi Art has a range of options to fit your individual preferences and needs. You can choose to have your prints on paper or canvas, and most are available in 4 sizes to fit any room. There is also an option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image gives you an idea of its size and lets you see what it looks like on a wall.

Gabriola Arts Council’s Featured Art for June Included My ‘Fragments of Life’ Painting

Fragments of Life #19 by Deb Chaney (23” x 30”)

A couple of months ago I received a pleasant surprise in my inbox. It was an email from the Gabriola Arts Council letting me know that another artist had selected my artwork for June’s Featured Art section on their website. They chose one of my paintings that’s posted on the GAC’s website — a mixed media painting called Fragments of Life #19.

Monthly Featured Artwork Curated by Artists

Each month the Gabriola Arts Council asks one of their member artists to help them curate artwork from the 26 categories in their online art catalogue. The six selected works — they could be paintings, pottery, clothing, anything — are then displayed prominently on the front page of the GAC website under the Featured Art banner.

For the month of June 2022, my painting was selected along with 5 other beautiful pieces that represent the diverse range of styles, mediums, and art forms found on Gabriola Island. To give you an idea of this diversity, the other works included a hand-knit sweater by Susan Hudson, a stunning stained glass panel by Jane Ferland, a stoneware vase by Graham Sheehan, and a pine needles basket by Marylyn Beaubien. The only other painting was the gorgeous Tea Stained Humpback 2 by Jade Krupa.

Some of the other works can be purchased directly through the GAC website, while some require you to contact the artist directly about pricing.

Source: The Arts on Gabriola (GAC)

A Special Appreciation to the Artist

The artist who chose my painting for June’s Featured Art is Zulis Yalte. She’s a multimedia and cross-disciplinary artist who works in stone, wood, clay, mixed media sculpture, painting, photography, and more. 

When Zulis presented her selections to the GAC, she had this to say about my artwork:

“Deb illustrates the paradox of the light/dark, strength/fragility, and all in between in life with her intuitive use of mark-making, form, and colour.”

— Zulis Yalte

I was touched by how well Zulis captured the essence of my artwork. And I want to thank her for putting such care and thought into choosing to include my painting. It’s always appreciated when somebody lets an artist know which piece they like – and why they like it. But I feel that Zulis’ write-up even goes beyond that as she really digs what I’m doing from a creative standpoint.

You can learn more about Zulis and see more of her artwork on the GAC website or on her website.

A Truly Incredible Art Organization

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Gabriola Arts Council. What they are and do is far beyond any art organization I’ve encountered in my 20 years of being a professional artist. They are highly organized and professional and offer such an amazing level of support. With so many unique tools and programs in place, they are a truly special operation.

A fantastic feature on the GAC’s website is the creative directory, which allows people to “meet the artists of this unique and beautiful island.” With 90+ artists to choose from, I highly recommend clicking around and taking a digital stroll through the directory.

About My Painting ‘Fragments of Life #19’

This piece is part of my Fragments of Life series – which I discussed in a bit more detail in this post a couple of weeks ago – so it represents another lesson from my spiritual journey.

Fragments of Life #19 measures 23” x 30” x 1.5”. The artwork is an acrylic mixed media painting on 300 lb Arches Coldpress Watercolour Paper. It is mounted on a custom-made wood panel, wired, varnished, and ready to hang.

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

The original artwork can be purchased through the Gabriola Arts Council’s website.

You can also buy prints of Fragments of Life #19 online at Saatchi Art. 

Saatchi Art has a range of options to fit everyone’s individual preferences. You can choose to have your prints on paper or canvas, and most are available in 4 sizes to fit any room. There is also an option to have it framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image gives you an idea of its size and lets you see what it looks like on a wall.

CONTRACT POSITION AVAILABLE - Art rental and licensing marketing and sales manager

Seeking motivated individual who would love to connect with set decorators, directors, TV & film art department heads, interior designers and art consultants on behalf of a working abstract artist.

You ideally already have, or are ready and willing to create connections in the film and art industry. It would be a strong advantage for your to understand & be connected with interior designers and art consultants and understand how they work.

For Example, If you live in “Hollywood North" the Vancouver, BC,Canada region, you will be familiar with AIETSE, BCCFU and Creative BC and have the know-how to access the right people in TV/Film production that are currently filming and may be looking for art. This could be expanded to LA and Bollywood.

Your job will be to establish meaningful connections with the right people who rent original abstract artwork and/or license digital artwork images for their purposes. You’ll share samples of work available for their purposes. You will follow up systematically. You’ll keep organized records of your work. Your end goal is to create sound long term working relationships with the right people and to initiate the creation of a fiscal contract between the licensor and the artist. You would together at first with the artist to create a replicable system for these tasks so your progress could be seen and understood easily, the independently with agreed upon touch base and updates.

You work is a success when the artist is offered a contract for art rental or digital image art licensing.

Your personable nature, professionalism and discretion is of the utmost importance as in all your dealings, you will be representing the artist, her work and reputation. As well, you must truly appreciate and at least like (love would be better!) the artwork being offered. This is more important that what you know (experience) or who you know, as those things can be developed, taught and learned with the right attitude, desire and time. Uplifting, inspiring and positive people will be at the top of the list for this position as good energy goes far.

This is a contract job with two payout options for you: Option One is that you work for an agreed upon percentage of the contract achieved by your efforts. Option two is you work for an agreed upon hourly wage for a set number of hours each week or month.

I am a contemporary abstract artist with over 20 years experience creating, exhibiting, selling and licensing my work. I currently have over 600 high resolution images of my abstract work available for licensing and also a large inventory of small, medium and large format original works available and ready to rent. I've licensed to Rainmaker films and recently to a Hulu film and a Netflix TV series.

You can view samples of my portfolio here:

Samples of Artwork for Rent - https://www.canva.com/design/DAE9DGUy1s8/_wtSKKvPoSU_51PsROGF4Q/view?utm_content=DAE9DGUy1s8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=homepage_design_menu

Samples of Artwork to License - https://www.canva.com/design/DAE9DIjwmc0/GJP6VtQrAFRqgM6Wpuf47Q/view?utm_content=DAE9DIjwmc0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=homepage_design_menu

Applications please email info@debchaney.com

Tell me why you want to do this work, why you’d be great at it, and anything else that would be relevant

In putting your name at the top of the list. Thank you!

Original Painting ‘Clearing Fear’ Featured in the Upcoming Netflix Series The Imperfects

Clearing Fear by Deb Chaney

As I mentioned in a post back in March, Hulu rented 5 of my original paintings for their new horror movie Fresh, starring Daisy Edgar Jones and Sebastian Stan. My mixed media painting Subtle Shift was the first of my pieces to be featured on the show, and I’ll share the others as they appear. 

However, this is not an update on Fresh – but it’s the result of my artwork being in the show. Hulu renting my artwork for its TV series led directly to my abstract paintings being featured on Netflix’s new show, The Imperfects.

The sci-fi drama stars Canadian actress Italia Ricci as Dr. Sydney Burke and Vancouver native Rhianna Jagpal as Abbi Singh. It was mainly filmed in Vancouver, which you may know is often referred to as “Hollywood North” due to all the movies and shows filmed there.

The synopsis reads:

After an experimental gene therapy turns them into monsters, three twenty-somethings band together to hunt down the scientist responsible and force him to make them human again.

Here’s the official Netflix teaser. But be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart – the trailer has profanity and a fair amount of blood and violence. Netflix has given it a TV-MA rating for language, violence, and gore, so it’s not really my taste.

How My Artwork Went From Hulu to Netflix

Source: Netflix

One of the art directors working on Fresh was a wonderful woman named Sarah. She enjoyed working with me and complimented me on my professionalism and how I replied to them quickly and got them what they needed without delay. 

The film and TV industry has a really quick turnaround, with people often needing things “yesterday”. Fortunately, I was aware of this beforehand as my daughter had done some extra work when she was younger, so I’d been on film sets and had a sense of how things worked a little bit. The experience helped me work with the industry and understand what its incredibly hard-working people are coping with.

After Fresh wrapped filming, Sarah moved onto another production. Soon afterward, she gave me a call to say that she’d enjoyed working with me and that she was excited about my art. In fact, she’d printed out most of my portfolio from Saatchi Online Gallery so everyone working on the art set of The Imperfects could choose their favourite paintings.

I was so flattered and excited and grateful for the callback.

Instead of renting my original work – as was done for the Hulu movie – Netflix licensed high-resolution digital images of my paintings. (I think they licensed somewhere between 20 to 30 paintings.) They then printed them onto canvas with a special giclée printer on set.

It’s a good thing they didn’t use my original artwork, because there’s a scene where one of the lead characters punches through one of my paintings. The scene went through multiple retakes, so they kept printing out my painting over and over again. I’m fairly certain the painting in question is New Laylines To Heal The Earth. The original is available for purchase – just promise you won’t put your fist through it. :)

About the Artwork in The Imperfects

Source: Netflix

Even though The Imperfects first season hasn’t been released by Netflix yet, one of my paintings already appears in the trailer! You can see it 40 seconds into the trailer hanging above the fireplace. (It’s mounted sideways – but it’s still wonderful to see it there!) :)

The painting is called Clearing Fear and was painted in 2019. It is acrylic mixed media on canvas and measures 91.4 x 122 cm (36”x48”) and is currently available to rent or purchase via the Surrey Art Gallery Sales and Rentals program.

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

The original painting of Clearing Fear is available to purchase or rent from the Surrey Art Gallery Sales and Rentals program.

Prints of Clearing Fear are also available on Saatchi Art. You can choose the size, material, and framing to suit your personal taste. Prints come in 4 sizes, on paper or canvas, and you add a frame of white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image places the artwork on a wall to give you a sense of its size and how it looks in a room.

New Laylines To Heal The Earth – the original or print – is also available for purchase on Saatchi Art.

My Painting ‘Keep it Real’ is Featured at Free Spirit Art Gallery on Gabriola Island

Keep it Real by Deb Chaney

I am thrilled to announce that my artwork is now featured in the Free Spirit Art Gallery here on beautiful Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada. It’s truly an honour and pleasure to be part of this gallery and artist community. I’d like to take this opportunity to share a bit more about Free Spirit Gallery, the woman behind it, and my first piece of artwork featured there.

The Importance of Art Galleries and the Free Spirit Gallery on Gabriola Island

A gallery is more than just a shop with art on its walls. Beyond displaying artwork, it is a place for people to interact – to inquire, collaborate, and get inspired. And everyone I’ve talked with is excited to have a genuine and professional brick & mortar gallery on the island. 

The Free Spirit Studio Gallery & Shop was established last November by a phenomenal woman named Catherine Hallam. She has 20+ years of experience teaching art & design and has been on the island for nearly 10 years. By showcasing the work of emerging and established local artists and artisans, Catherine aims to provide a mutually beneficial platform to bring artists and collectors together.

The Free Spirit Shop is a retail space for local artisans to display and sell their handmade works. The Free Spirit Studio section – launched a couple of months ago – is a space where artists can conduct small workshops and classes for kids and adults. She’s got 2 printmaking workshops scheduled for July, but visit the studio’s webpage for up-to-date information.

By rotating solo exhibits, Catherine features one or two artists each month on the back wall – which I think is a wonderful idea. Having your work featured is an empowering experience for an artist. You can see the exhibition schedule for the whole year on the website.

There are so many amazing Gabriola artists to be represented. The gallery is a special, beautiful place, and it’s a privilege and pleasure to be a part of it specifically, and the community as a whole.

About My Painting ‘Keep it Real’ on Display at Free Spirit Art Gallery

The painting I have on display is called Keep it Real, and it’s part of my Fragments of Life series.

The Fragments of Life series is about how we often morph and fragment ourselves to survive the challenges and trauma we experience growing up. We become people we are not – and do what we have to – in order to meet our needs. And the series is a healing journey about reclaiming those lost parts of ourselves, our fragments.

Each painting in the series represents a lesson from my spiritual journey. The painting process always helps me stay in the present moment – keeping with what’s real – and embracing, accepting, and loving it. We do this with the knowledge that we have the power and capacity to transform into the next version of ourselves.

The painting is an acrylic mixed media collage on 300-pound cold press watercolour paper mounted on wood panel, and it measures 58.4 x 76.2 x 2.5 cm (23 x 30 x 1.5 inches).

Original Artwork and Prints for Sale

The original painting of Keep it Real is currently available for purchase from Free Spirit Gallery Please email info@freespiritstudio.ca or phone the gallery at (250) 247-0197 to secure the original for your collection. 

You can also purchase giclee and fine art prints from Saatchi Art.

When it comes to prints, Saatchi Art offers multiple options to suit your personal tastes or needs. Prints can be on paper or canvas and are usually available in 4 sizes – to better fit your room. You can also choose to have your unique art piece framed in white, black, or natural wood.

The “View In A Room” image gives you an idea of its size and lets you see what it looks like on a wall.