2025 is here and did it ever bring a fast-paced January! So much happened this month both in the residency and my personal life.
To begin, Faune and I got married! We had a beautiful elopement in the backyard of the artist residency surrounded by close friends and family. It was just as perfect as either of us could have hoped for. There was a gorgeous sheet of frost over the backyard and the sun came out strong just for us. I knew it would be an emotional day for me, but I was truly overcome with emotions sharing my vows with Faune. She has been by my side for so many ups and downs these last three years. I couldn’t be more excited to commit to a bright, bold, creative future with her.
After our elopement, we went away to Victoria for a few nights. It was such a recharging experience for us both. We were both really intrigued by the secondhand economy so many Victoria businesses engage in. We had a lot of fun thrifting, but were really excited to discover secondhand art supply spaces too! It would be so cool to see more spaces like these on the mainland.
After all the hustle and bustle that was preparing our Permanent Residency application package, moments like our sunset walk through Beacon Hill Park were oh so welcome. I feel so fortunate to be with a partner who I can effortlessly be in sync with through the busiest times to the quietest moments.
As for the residency, things have been going amazingly too! I am now joining folks at The HUB every Thursday to coincide with their community art programming. I actually had a line up of folks waiting for me and wanting portraits one week. Listening to life stories over a cup of coffee while we do a little photoshoot for illustration references has become a favourite part of my week. It has been an honour and a privilege to be welcomed into folks’ lives and to help them celebrate their love of those around them. I’ve drawn partners, pets, children, and friends for people at The HUB this month. It will always fill my cup to hear the stories of love which inspire them.
It has been very exciting to see the studio come together for the upcoming Side Door shows and Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Art Studio Tour. I now have seating for 30 ready to go when the basement concerts begin. I have big ideas for decorating the space and I am going to have to start getting busy on that—the first show will be coming up this March!
This was the first month of the residency that the City of Maple Ridge didn’t have any big events planned at Memorial Peace Park. Instead, I have been enjoying my quiet, contemplative walks through the park and to work accompanied by signage asking the community what kind of events they would like to see in the future. With so much to reflect on this month—from a simply perfect marriage to my first four months in the residency—there has never been a more exciting time to lose myself in thoughts of the future.
I can’t wait for the updates in store.
This illustration and accompanying blog post were created with love and gratitude on the unceeded territories of the Katzie First Nation and Kwantlen First Nation.