(3min read ) The Artubus Tree: Indigenous teachings and Emily Carr. On Vancouver Island I coulndn’t help but to hug this special tree. On learning more about it, I thought I’d share with you, and especially as I know it’s name and how it was favoured by Group of Seven painter, Emily Carr.

Image from National Gallery of Canada

(4 min read ) Some of us wait for permission, for an invitation, or we wait until “everything is perfect”. ..

(4 min read) I’ve been finding time to go back to my roots as gently as I can over recent years. ‘You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great…’ (Zig Ziglar)

Amidst the noise of what feels like global chaos environmentally and geo-politically I’ve found it calming to spend time reading ‘good things that matter’. I can no longer ‘blame’ being educated in Belfast, bereft of any links to Irish language or true history. I have the time, now, to look into the indigenous teachings and the truth held in myths and folklore

What does it mean to be Irish? Who is calling me from the past?

Image: My maternal greatgrandparents John Harrington (b 1867) and Kate (neé Stack) with 6 of their 10 children.

Why Mum is always right

Unexpected trips, unplanned happenings and what can happen if you’re alone for a while …

In Irish mythology between This World and The Otherworld reigned the Cailleach Beara, the wise old crone, the woman of Winter…

How artists always find a way to Pay It Forward - who’s with me and how can be buy more thoughtfully ?

I met Charles Pachter at Summer & Grace, bought the book he published with Margaret Atwood and it’s a JOY

Invited to a Peruvian Chamber of Commerce event at Arta Gallery at the Distillery District? ….of course I made it there !

My current book recommendation for anyone interested in the world of art.

When someone buys your art it can be the most enriching experience! Loinnir na mara is gaelic for the light or sparkle of the sea.

Hello again, Oakville! Welcoming you to shop small art delights for one sweet weekend. This fun art show and sale offers 12×12 art from more than 20 artists from Oakville and beyond

What a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before….Maya Angelou

After Art In My Garden I’m happy to let you know that website visits and personal connections created sales.  My website has caught up for you all to see…

Art In my Garden 2025 was the best year yet! This was my 5th year participating and it’s now established as a much anticipated afternoon of community and conversation with Oakville artists.

It’s around this time of year as the evenings draw in I can start thinking about cozy moments at home. This isn’t to say I’m the kind of person rushing towards ‘autumn’ but it can be said that in September and October I can start moving furniture around (“like a woman possessed”), buy new cushions and it has to be said…there’s a weak point at home when I know I can ‘ suggest new art’ for walls.

With a husband who can think about the ROI of home changes, buying art is an easier topic to broach…why?

As I prepare for Art In My Garden I feel themes emerge from the past months, as they always do. My painting and process is one of discovery and a meditative expression of my experiences: past, present and perhaps, even, the future.

I’m guided by repetitive and consistent comforts which carry me through each year.  Having reflected on a letter from an art mentor of her sacred trinities I found clarity emerging..

What has this got to do with art? I will only know if and when what I experienced, what I saw and how I felt makes its way to a canvas. Half Irish, half Sri Lankan…what does it mean, how does that work? All I know is that the here and now is what counts.

Travelling with my ancestors might sound a bit much for some of you, but if you’re a believer, then you’ll be right with me…

Years ago I said never, but ‘never say never’….This is me, on the cover of a local publication here in Oakville.

Each edition features someone or a family who live locally and contribute to the lovely place we live in. After Art In My Garden 2024, I said yes..and I was glad I did. It’s nice to see things in print, a reminder of what you’ve been doing and it’s reassuring to reflect on the values you’re aligned to as you’ve changed over the years.