Bronwyn Schuster's Artist Notes: The Witch Blooms
Blooming through adversity, and making art. April's look at what is in the easel and upcoming events in May.
The garden does not worry about my worries.
(I’ll try not to be a bummer)
I look outside. The cherry tree and the plum tree are in full blossom. The swallows are chasing each other through the sky, and the slugs are finding the tender new sprouts to munch on.
I open my phone, there is a new horror that I can’t fix. I read about it anyway, knowing is better than not knowing … I hope.
I look back outside, the fuzzy bottom bee buzzes about their day, unaware of the news I just read. I take comfort in that, life is persistent.
Aside from everything happening in the world (the things that simultaneously seems like there is nothing to do about, and everything to be done about) my partner and I have been told that our house is going to be sold and we will need to find somewhere new to live.
The irony, having spent the beginning of this year finding the thread to my studio practice, making plans to start working on bigger paintings, and warming up to the task of caring for the large garden that came with our home, planning what the next few years could look like, only to now have to pivot and gather myself in preparation for the unknown next thing.
I really hate moving. I’ve done it too many times now, and we have so. many. books.
But we carry on. I’m grateful to have started my journal practise in earnest. It is quite literally keeping me sane (in the areas that Sam and the cats cannot).
On the more delightful side of things, there are some events coming up this May that I’ve been busy making new pieces for. Like this new sun painting, and her girlfriend the moon.
May Events
Witches Bloom Symposium & Artisan Market - I’ll be a vendor at this gorgeous event in Vancouver BC, May 2nd, 3rd and 4th. The weekend is full with amazing talented folks, many who I have admired for years, selling handmade goods, or offering classes.
CoVaCON - At the Filberg Center in Courtenay, I’ll have a vendor table at the Comox Valley Comic Con May 17th and 18th. The vendor hall is free to check out!
Sticky Show - I’ll have some one of a kind very affordable drawings in this post it note show, May 30th and 31st in Vancouver.
Comforts
I’ve been listening to the audio books by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. Devouring what my library has to offer. So far I have found Mother Night, Dangerous Old Woman, and The Power of the Crone. Being able to listen to a story teller and elder who has lived through much and shared stories with refugees, veterans, and elders from a time I can’t reach, has been a great comfort in these last few months.
Albums on repeat have been False Lankum and The Live Long Day by Lankum. I am obsessed with Radie Peat’s vocals.
Cut Flowers by Winona Nelson is a comic in progress, and the pages are just SO WELL DONE. Winona is a genius.
I made the Miss Wondersmith Nettle cake for my birthday in March and it was delightful.
Find my work out in the world
Slice of Life - Vancouver BC
Shoe Box Art - Vancouver BC
Tin Town Cafe - Courtenay BC
Campbell River Art Gallery - Campbell River BC
Denman Craft Shop - Denman Island BC
Blue Dog Cafe - Eastend SK
Every Day Original - Online Gallery
Thanks for reading!
Wishing you a beautiful day.
