Here She Creates

To make room in my studio, I am strongly leaning towards letting some of my originals go.... Including this one. And a bunch of birds and blooms you haven’t seen yet ... Some are on paper, some are on canvas and some are on wood I’ve refinished. What do you think? And what would you like to see?

Pivot, multi-task, pivot again, repeat. My desk lately..... What I’ve found really difficult this year is having my daily routine disrupted over and over again by circumstances out of my control. ... I’ve always worked on multiple projects at once, but I’ve never had to REALlY stray from the daily routine co-created with my OT until this year. Disruptions to a routine for someone with a TBI can be dangerous to both their physical and mental health. I crashed hard last summer because of a disruption and vowed I’d never let it happen again. Earlier this year, the epic bruised brain crash symptoms started creeping back in. But this time, I asked for help. From my health care team, my family and some incredible friends. So to all you small business owners out there, to everyone who’s lost their job, and to parents who are trying to multi task work while schooling your children... ... be kind to yourself You CAN’T do it ALL and no one reasonable expects you to. ... stop judging those around you It’s amazing how much anger and stress we carry from making assumptions about those around us. Start approaching situations with understanding and curiosity instead (just stay six feet away when you do it) ... take a deep SLOW breath when shit hits the fan It’s the first to step to calming yourself. ... ask for help We’re all in this together.

Cause NOW is the BEST time to turn lemons into lemonade! And.... if you’re taking advice from this painting, throw a few limes and oranges in the mix as well:) Note that there’s no vodka or bourbon in this picture..... but if you’re taking advice from ME, I’d add a splash of the good stuff as well. ... Watercolor and ink on paper..... and I think I’m keeping this one @ Toronto, Ontario

I’m back! And I promise a hilarious, heart warming update soon! But in the meantime, here’s a little something Inspired by my studio’s view. Oil painting on wood reclaimed and refinished; rescued from a tree that once stood in my childhood home’s backyard

I haven’t showered yet today and I haven’t trimmed my brows or worn makeup in what feels like years. BUT considering there’s a few new friends around here, I thought I’d pop into a pic and give you the DL on who I am and what brought me here. My name is Kerry and I started on this crazy colorful journey almost four years ago. I had a seizure, fell head first into concrete, bruised my face and brain pretty badly, was gifted a basket full of art supplies from my colleagues (...#stillthebesttrainingteamintech) and began to teach myself how to draw, paint and lately.... how to cut paper. I have permanent brain damage. Sometimes this damage manifests in excruciating aural migraines. Seizures are a daily occurrence. I lose sight in my left eye and my left ear constantly sounds like someone is blowing in it. I use checklists and have a rather strict daily routine and work/home environment that I co-created with my OT to enable me to do the best I can with what I’ve got. I didn’t choose to step away from my former career, but as an optimist.... I can’t help but see the good that my unfortunate circumstance has brought. a passion for exploring bright colors, many of which are inspired by the bright lights of frequent aural migraines. a fierce determination to enable other TBI sufferers to advocate for themselves AND educate people who are willing to listen on how to create inclusive environments. a love for my new mindful pace of life and all that it has brought me..... nature, lifelong friendships and a child who is so passionate about exploration. Now it’s your turn..... tell me something fun about yourself. And if you can’t think of anything, just tell me your favorite color @ South Etobicoke

Do you believe that your mindset and energy influence your surroundings and opportunities? I do! And what the heck does that have to do with an owl sitting in my sketchbook?... I’m hoping to create the possibility of seeing an ACTUAL owl during my walk to the lake. Keep your fingers crossed for me folks.... @ South Etobicoke

There is NOTHING wrong with doing the same thing over and over again... as long as it brings you joy Creating a daily routine that enables us to learn, smile and feel inspired has been key to us making the best of #lockdownlife. Noah and I have been spending time outside every day after school. Sometimes we walk to a park but sometimes we just chat in our backyard with a bonfire in the snow.... Regardless of where we are, whenever we’re outside, Noah and I immediately look up to the sky and start identifying birds. In our Toronto neighborhood, we’ve seen a very thing from a bald eagle to a snowy white owl this year. But our favorite was a Peregrine Falcon. While like everyone else, I do my fair share of wishing for the good ole days where I was able to sit at a coffee shop and gab with friends. But focusing on simple things that we can easily do daily together....like bird watching... it helps us get out of bed with a smile on our face. Because we have a full day ahead of us to look forward to

We unplugged, played hookie from virtual learning to celebrate our 50th day in isolation and had the BEST day! And setting up this ridiculous obstacle course was a highlight!

A freshly decorated sketchbook painted for me, by me Ready to be filled with things that make me smile and other things that help me grow. I rarely go into a new sketchbook with a plan. I find that when I follow rules, whether they’re part of an artistic challenge or self imposed, it stifles me. ... My sketchbooks tend to end up being a free flowing miss match of quick sketches and plein air explorations dotted with the occasional grocery list. Sometimes I find funny notes and pictures in them from Noah. I especially like finding these on uninspired days.... there’s no better person to give me a creative kick in the pants than a third grader who sees magic in any scribble

School is over for the week so it’s time to get outside! We’re celebrating the end of a successful week with a bonfire fueled by completed school work How are you ending this lockdown week?

Toronto confessional: I have NEVER been to High Park to see the cherry blossoms bloom.... If I had gone or if I could go..... I think they’d look something like this What do you think?

What do you think of my ultimate #canadianartist backyard studio set up? Noah’s in the background doing his school work, the fire is roaring, and I feel GREAT for the first time this week! And some good news..... that FINAL approval I was looking for to start Aimovig treatment for my bruised brain.... ... .... it was delayed due to Covid. My neurologist was redeployed to the ICU to help people who frankly need more help than me. BUT on her own time, that rare amount of free time that our health care professionals get these days, she took the time to fill out the forms. For me and my family After a 2 month lapse in treatment, I am truly thankful! Also, 37 shots in my head vs 1.... wouldn’t you be on cloud nine? @ South Etobicoke