Where has this year gone? The days seem to be rolling into one another faster than ever.
What a strange, unsettling year it has been......for everyone.
In October 2019, my husband and youngest daughter travelled through Alberta and British Columbia for 7 weeks on a road trip of a lifetime. Looking back now, we were so fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to travel end explore. In late December we arrived in Squaw Valley in California for a winter spent in the ski resort. I spent my time cross country skiing and snow shoeing and also creating 9 new artworks. See below.
In January 2020, I donated $2700 towards the Australian Bushfire Appeal, after selling my Australian Menagerie Limited Edition Print and donating 100% of the profits to Wildlife Victoria.
In late January, a ski injury and the onset of the Coronavirus Pandemic, caused me to come home earlier than expected. It was during the next few months that my jigsaw puzzle range sold out completely, as a result of the lockdowns and the "puzzle craze" that everyone was experiencing during their times of self isolation.
In April, I created a new artwork “Isolated and Separate, Yet Together and United”.This illustration was my way of expressing what I felt was happening in our world.
Here is my Artist's Statement:
"Even though we were all isolated in our homes, we were still together and united in our fight to beat the virus. We can still connect with one another during these frightening and challenging times, through a wave and a smile.....from a window. Nature’s canopy (the trees and the tree with the swings at the top of my illustration) will keep us together and continue to be a place of reconnection throughout these uncertain times. Stay safe everyone. You are not alone."
What a strange, unsettling year it has been......for everyone.
In October 2019, my husband and youngest daughter travelled through Alberta and British Columbia for 7 weeks on a road trip of a lifetime. Looking back now, we were so fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to travel end explore. In late December we arrived in Squaw Valley in California for a winter spent in the ski resort. I spent my time cross country skiing and snow shoeing and also creating 9 new artworks. See below.
In January 2020, I donated $2700 towards the Australian Bushfire Appeal, after selling my Australian Menagerie Limited Edition Print and donating 100% of the profits to Wildlife Victoria.
In late January, a ski injury and the onset of the Coronavirus Pandemic, caused me to come home earlier than expected. It was during the next few months that my jigsaw puzzle range sold out completely, as a result of the lockdowns and the "puzzle craze" that everyone was experiencing during their times of self isolation.
In April, I created a new artwork “Isolated and Separate, Yet Together and United”.This illustration was my way of expressing what I felt was happening in our world.
Here is my Artist's Statement:
"Even though we were all isolated in our homes, we were still together and united in our fight to beat the virus. We can still connect with one another during these frightening and challenging times, through a wave and a smile.....from a window. Nature’s canopy (the trees and the tree with the swings at the top of my illustration) will keep us together and continue to be a place of reconnection throughout these uncertain times. Stay safe everyone. You are not alone."
In May, I created a new artwork for Mother's Day, titled "Hold Me Tight". This has been very popular and has been selling well as a greeting card and Limited Edition Print.
Towards the end of May I was very lucky to be featured in a full page article in the Surf Coast Times.
 |  |
In June, I was commissioned to do a large (A2 size) illustration with a traditional ink nib and ink. This was a challenging commission, but one which I loved doing. Working closely with the family, I featured many things they requested to be featured in the illustration.
Copyright Jenny Laidlaw 2020
I was lucky enough to be accepted as a stallholders in the July Canberra Handmade Virtual Market. This was a hugely successful online market for me and I'm now looking forward to the next Virtual Market in September.
One week ago, on July 24th we moved home! We moved to the small country town of Mount Beauty in North East Victoria. This is where I was brought up as child and it is my happy place. This was an impulsive decision, yet the right decision for us. It was probably instigated by the combination of a few things, the main one being Covid 19 and the pandemic. Life is too short. We decided to follow our dream and we finally had found the courage to move back to where we are happy.....the mountains.
Now, I'm very excited to begin the next chapter in my creative journey! I can't wait to create some new artworks, inspired by the mountains and the Victorian High Country surrounding me. I am thinking of doing some artworks of the High Country Cattleman's Huts....these huts are something that are very close to my heart. Stay tuned for updates on Instagram and Facebook!
One week ago, on July 24th we moved home! We moved to the small country town of Mount Beauty in North East Victoria. This is where I was brought up as child and it is my happy place. This was an impulsive decision, yet the right decision for us. It was probably instigated by the combination of a few things, the main one being Covid 19 and the pandemic. Life is too short. We decided to follow our dream and we finally had found the courage to move back to where we are happy.....the mountains.
Now, I'm very excited to begin the next chapter in my creative journey! I can't wait to create some new artworks, inspired by the mountains and the Victorian High Country surrounding me. I am thinking of doing some artworks of the High Country Cattleman's Huts....these huts are something that are very close to my heart. Stay tuned for updates on Instagram and Facebook!
View from our verandah....Mt Bogong in the distance.
This is a poem I wrote late last night....about 2020 so far.
“What a topsy turvey and challenging year 2020 has been,
With a horrible, deadly pandemic never before seen,
Lock downs, isolation, closures and restrictions,
Ultimately ending with worry, sadness, grief and frictions.
Shortages of toilet paper, hand sanitiser, rice and flour,
Brought emotions of animosity, greed, anger and power.
Kindness, compassion, love and care,
Are things we must now hold on to and prepare...
For the future ahead, however uncertain it may be.
We must listen and be responsible, don’t you see?
Wear that mask, keep your distance and get tested,
Our future depends on you to do the right thing (and don’t get arrested).
We are isolated and separate, yet together and united,
Please think of your loved ones, friends and strangers and wear that mask so we can all be RE-united”
Copyright Jenny Laidlaw 2020. ☺️
“What a topsy turvey and challenging year 2020 has been,
With a horrible, deadly pandemic never before seen,
Lock downs, isolation, closures and restrictions,
Ultimately ending with worry, sadness, grief and frictions.
Shortages of toilet paper, hand sanitiser, rice and flour,
Brought emotions of animosity, greed, anger and power.
Kindness, compassion, love and care,
Are things we must now hold on to and prepare...
For the future ahead, however uncertain it may be.
We must listen and be responsible, don’t you see?
Wear that mask, keep your distance and get tested,
Our future depends on you to do the right thing (and don’t get arrested).
We are isolated and separate, yet together and united,
Please think of your loved ones, friends and strangers and wear that mask so we can all be RE-united”
Copyright Jenny Laidlaw 2020. ☺️
   |    |