It all started with this painting.

Or, I should say “re-started”.

A Happy Place

Everyone needs to find their happy place in life–a walk through the woods, a sunrise on an isolated lake, a cuddle with your favourite animal or person. One of my happy places has always been art. The problem was, I hadn’t been making time for it. When the pandemic hit, it brought art back to my life. Lockdowns found me surfing YouTube and discovering new techniques including “pour painting” or “flow acrylics”. After watching many (many!) videos, in early 2023 I decided to try it myself. This painting is the result. It is called “Group Of One”. It is an homage to Canada’s iconic Group Of Seven, of course, but also a reflection on an artist’s experience of creation which is mostly a solitary journey.

No Brushes Required

It has never been my nature to begin with the basics. I tend to do research and then dive right in. Pour painting doesn’t use brushes and lends itself to abstracts, but I wanted to coax something different from the canvas. In a lot of ways this technique is uncontrollable and unpredictable, definitely an exercise in experimentation and letting go–it is freeing. It was exactly what I needed when I needed it most.

Online Business and Giving Back

I never thought I would be sharing my art with “the world”, never mind starting an online business. The motivation to do so was a desire to give back to my community. I was inspired by my son Matt Milne, who in 2019 (along with 2 partners) started “Toques From The Heart”. For every toque they sell, one is donated to a Canadian in need. It was a way to help in a direct, immediate, and impactful way. I was able to assist them in the first years by putting my sewing skills to good use. This experience led me to think about other ways I could give back.

That is why $1 from each sale of my frameable art greeting cards will be donated to local food banks.

Reconnecting With Art

There are many benefits to participating in the creation of art. Studies have shown neurological benefits are gained just from looking at art. I know I have always felt this. I hope that in some way I can encourage others to re-engage with art, especially those who may not view themselves as artists or creatives. Grab some supplies (the dollar store is great for this), smell those crayons and remember how it felt when you were in kindergarten and everyone was an “artist”. Keep in mind that not everything needs to end up in a frame or on the fridge, do it for the fun of it. And go out or go online, find some art you love and support local artists.

I hope you will join me in this journey back to reconnecting with art!

Vesna V. Milne

Ancaster, Ontario, Canada