A Treasured Icon
When I recently visited the Ukrainian museum in Toronto to see Sacred Straw, the exhibit of icons reminded me of a treasured icon of the Virgin Mary hanging on our…
The Tortured Mind of Vincent Van Gogh
Over the years, there have been many feature films, television episodes, and documentaries made about the tortured mind of Vincent Van Gogh. The fact he cut off his ear while…
The Subjective Nature of Art
A recent film and a novel made me reflect on the subjective nature of art. They raised lots of questions, especially after I read the critical reviews. Malcolm & Marie…
Truth in Political Art & Fiction
With so many attacks on the news media today, political art and fiction can do what news can’t. Both can turn news on its head, shake up disbelievers, and open…
Writing Thoughts and Plans for 2019
Before I get into my writing thoughts and plans for 2019, I wish you, my readers and fellow writers, a wonderful year. I hope you and your families are blessed…
Rei Kawakubo Gets You Thinking Outside The Box
I had never heard of the Tokyo-based designer, Rei Kawakubo, whose work is on exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Checking out any gallery of…
Desert X’s Installation Art Inspires This Writer
As a writer, I’m always looking for new inspiration, and found it at Desert X, an installation art exhibit in the Palm Springs area, where my husband Robert and I…
The Challenge of Book Covers
When I was writing A Cry From The Deep, I never gave any thought to a book cover. That’s not unreasonable given that I had to write the novel first.…
The Power of Memory
I remember when I was counseling others, one of the things that came up was the power of memory. Whatever happens to us, our body doesn’t forget. The joys, the…
The Art in Good Writing
Who’d have thought I’d learn what it takes to write well at a Painters’ Weekend? It’s one attended by many of the best artists in British Columbia. They come annually…