hello, welcome home

laying down the foundation

the artist at her work desk - photo by Cosima Schuler

If you have found your way to this part of the internet, I want to say welcome home! I am overjoyed that you are here. As we are living in an ever-changing world, I have been craving some stability, somewhere solid that I can build a foundation on, here within the landscape of the internet. I aim to do that here in this blog. My intensions are to create a small space of my own where visitors, friends and family are welcome to come and go, admire the art on the walls, take a peak in my studio, discuss the books on my coffee table, watch movies and enjoy a comforting meal or beverage together.

Wait... hold up, let me backtrack, you might not even know who I am !? How rude of me, let me introduce myself: I am Jen, and I wear maaaaaaany hats. I am a visual artist, illustrator & fine arts instructor! Because my work is pretty personal, its also relevant for me to share that I am a mother (of 2 creative kids under 10 years old), a wife (hubby and I met 20 years ago!) a sister & daughter and friend. We live in a lovely (currently renovating) bungalow on the Island of Montreal near the water in the suburbs, and absolutely love it here.

I have been making art basically since I have been able to hold a crayon. I studied fine arts in college & university and have a masters degree from Emily Carr University. Before I had my kids, I showed my work in galleries and art fairs. While my kids where young, I was not active in showing or even making art. I will delve into this another time. Since 2020 my practice has shifted considerably towards illustration. I just can’t stop drawing! In addition I looooove teaching, and have had again the chance to revisit this these last few months. To my dear art class participants, it has been a gift to get to know you. You have all been incredibly kind, and generous, you inspire me every week to continue exploring and playing in my studio.

"Finally Free", 2022, collage, watercolour paint and coloured pencil

home

"Ah! There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort"

- Jane Austen, Emma

From my abstract description earlier on what my intensions are for this blog, I'm sure you can tell that my art work is essentially about all of this, about the comforts and intimacies of home.

My experiences as a mother are closely intertwined with my artistic practice. At home I am the one responsible for the tasks such as cooking, cleaning and the laundry. It is important to share that this is something my husband and I have mutually decided on. We share our family responsibilities. In this role I also find beauty & creativity. I wake up before everyone else, light a candle, open the curtains and start our day. The repetitive gesture of folding laundry can be meditative. I listen to a podcast & wash the floors. Cooking lets me continue to be creative, while my kids are near by, drawing at the table. A home made meal brings us all together at the end of the day.

Within my sketchbook and fished works I am repeatedly depicting the intricacies of what makes a place feel like home, simple elements of domesticity; dishes on a table, the laundry on the line, steam coming from a cup, things I can't help but see as beautiful in my own life.

1 digital illustration and some sketchbook enrties from this year (2023) materials used; coloured pencil, watercolour, tempra paint stick and black india ink in a fillable brush pen

winter at home 1, watercolour and silver leaf on paper

"Home" + "The Poetics of Space" two books I am revisiting since writing my thesis many years ago

31 day art challenge

& the power of taking a social media break

Just last week I took a few days off Instagram (deleting it off my phone works the best for me). Honestly, I was feeling dragged down by the app. I was feeling the pressure to constantly perform (making reels), scrolling without intention and feeling disappointed when I had low engagement or barely any views on my posts. I know other artist feel this way, unfortunately it’s the flip side to a tool that really is helpful for sharing our work & being a part of a community. So when I have this feeling (it's not the first time) I unplug. Taking social media breaks help my mental health tremendously, and it's always a shock to me how much better I feel even after simply 24hrs.

During my days away I listened to a few podcasts, took out books at the Library, went for walks, went thrifting, baked and cooked comforting foods. While my mood was improving and I was enjoying my life in the real world, with my family & friends, I was able to think more clearly about the direction my work is heading and how I want to share it.

sketch book spread from day 1 & 2

Finally starting a blog felt right and was at the right time in my life and practice. Which also meant I had to have some interesting content for you to read. Since I am an artist and you are coming here primary for that I decided it would also be a great time to start a new art challenge. I really enjoy the potential of a new month so I decided on October 1st I would embarking on my own month-long sketchbook “residency”. Simply put, to show up daily in my sketchbook without pressure, for the joy of making. I will be sharing my daily pieces on my Instagram account so head on over there if you want to see what I make!

If you are looking for some inspiration or are in the mood for a burst of focus in your practice, you're welcome to join me! It does take some dedication, but it also comes with so many rewards. In the past when I have done these, the amount of exploration and development that happens in my work is groundbreaking. You can also start anytime, you don’t have to wait until the beginning of the month like I did. Think about it, and see if it's right for you. It doesn't have to be anything grand or complicated; it can be as simple as making a 10 minute sketch every morning, taking a photo with your phone, or making a daily mini collage.

I know about this art challenge from the artist and writer Austin Kleon. If you don’t know his work, I highly suggest checking if your library has his first book “Steal Like an Artist” or browsing his Instagram or website. He also has a fantastic newsletter & blog.

He came up with this handy guide. I find it so helpful to print out and check off every day when I'm done with my drawing session.

example of a 3 layer mono print using geli plate

Kicking off the session with monoprints

I had the pleasure of teaching a one-day monoprint workshop AND having my first class of the session in the same week! I decided to keep things very loose, experimental and playful for this time back in the studio after the summer holidays. I teach at my local cultural centre and have an awesome gang of ladies in my class. I demoed many effects and techniques we can achieve by using a geli-plate. We used botanical elements such a leaves and grasses, stencils, and paper cut outs! I had such a great time and my participants made a ton of incredible pieces. We are going to be using these prints as coloured grounds and collage elements for future projects this session. Can’t wait to share more of what we all make.

first day of the session

prints and botanical elements

two participants working

lots of demo prints

working participants

Spooky picture books

As the Halloween season is fast approaching, I wanted to end the blog with a few of our favourite spooky picture books. If you have kids, grand-kids, nieces or nephews who love this season, check out these titles for a cozy reading session together! I’m sure your little pumpkin, wizard, witch, goblin or ghost will enjoy these stories and their beautiful illustrations.

Our fav Spooky Picture Books

lighting a candle to start the day

Thank you for taking the time to come by and visit! It was a pleasure having you. What small ritual do you do to make your house feel like a home? If you are taking part in an art challenge this month let me know! I would love to see what you make. Do you have a favourite Halloween Book you would like to share? Leave your comments below!