The Art Tour Experience

Art Tour was the last weekend in May. Two full days of displaying my art to the public along with 29 other artists at 17 other sites all around the neighbourhoods of West Toronto. It was a first of its kind of experience for me where I got to show my art to people and talk about it. I did not feel confident before the start of the event that I would have it in me to talk about my art for 12 hours in 2 days, but I did! And it came easily. I was touched that people from all walks of life came to see all the art that was on offer. I shared my site with a fellow artist Nicole Rulff who was offering her stunning nature photography along with some small landscape paintings. Our art was so very different that I think it gave a good variety for people to partake in. The setting of a beautiful backyard with wisteria vines and a lovely Japanese Maple tree along with a stream was a perfect place for us to have our artwork displayed in. All that rain on Saturday morning only made the garden more lush and lovely. My colourful abstract paintings hopefully brought some cheer to people who came to look at them. 

Seeing all sorts of people come and chat with me was a very heartening experience. From kids who were curious to page through my sketchbooks to young mums looking for a more adult way to spend a weekend morning. There was an old lady who walked with difficulty but her daughter patiently took her through both our displays since she was only going to have the energy for one stop at the Art Tour. Friends stopped by to cheer us after the downpour and stayed for chats about art and life. I even had a new neighbour visit me. We had seen each other out and about and now she wanted to officially say hello. That was a very sweet encounter. Conversations meandered from artistic techniques to inspiration to digital art and AI and community and education and movies, and well, back to art again. I am usually very time aware to be able to do all I have on my plate and all I want to do with my days. But that Saturday I was shocked at how quickly time passed. With no other worries or errands or jobs on my mind but connecting with my stranger guests, time was lost to me. All I had to do was show up and have conversations. I had some people who follow my journey on Instagram come to visit me. That made me realize how amazing the ease of connection is in the age of social media. We talked about art techniques and inspirations. We realized we had common connections. People talked about their own creative journeys- in art making or otherwise. A standup comedian, a couple of photographers, textile artist, encaustic artist, and a number of other painters…I realized we are all trying to do our thing, to leave our mark in this one wild and precious life. 

I was touched by all the kind words people had to say. There were people who had zero interest in my art, and they came, took a quick peek at everything and moved on. I realized in one such moment that I would not have anyone who doesn’t truly feel connected to one of my art pieces buy it. The give and take that happens in making and buying of art goes beyond just the physical aspect of those actions. There needs to be a deeper connection of feelings and ideas involved. Otherwise, it is just a transaction for say, a tube of toothpaste- no emotions and connections needed for that. In my opinion, since art is not necessary to buy in the same way as a tube of toothpaste, the need to buy it (and make it!) must come from a deeper place- a place of humanity in us that needs expression and beauty to be a part of our environment. I am so very happy to know that it was to such people who really felt connected to some of my art pieces took them home. I was happy for my art babies to find homes where they would truly belong, where they would do their job of connecting peoples and ideas.

At the end of it all, I was happy. I was very tired, but it was truly a wonderful weekend. My friend bringing me flowers towards the end of the Art Tour gave me new energy and joy. Monday brought a feeling of emptiness. My introvert self had poured herself out of all words and conversations and energy out over the two days. And so I recuperated, by doing nothing much- by meandering though the house really, now that I think of it. I realized things I would do better next time. I learnt a few things about myself over the weekend. Overall, I felt thankful: for having the opportunity to join the West Toronto Artists’ group; for participating in the Art Tour; for having truly generous hosts of the site where I had my display; for friends and neighbors who came for a visit and hugs; for all the interesting conversations; for connections; for flowers; for my husband who helped me every step of the way and kept me well fed the whole time; and mostly for the artistic path that I have committed to walking. I am so very excited to do this all over again next year!