Button Blanket and Mask: Dorothy Grant and Robert Davidson

This button blanket, currently on display at the Audain Museum in Whistler, was created by two BC artists. World renowned Haida fabric designer Dorothy Grant received the Order of Canada last year. Robert Davidson, of Haida and Tlingit descent, has earned worldwide renown for his sculpture, painting, jewelry, drums and masks. "Blind Justice," seen below, is one of many Davidson masks now on view.

Ironic paintings by Shawn Hunt

The work of award winning aboriginal artist Shawn Hunt displays humour and irony. In paintings currently on display at the Audain Museum in Whistler, he plays with aboriginal mythology.

The painting on the left, "Supermarket Eagle," shows a bird with  a tin of salmon in its talons.

Below, "Raven steals my light," visually puns on an aboriginal myth shared by west coast nations. It also refers to a book by fellow artist Bill Reid and poet Robert Bringhurst.

Hunt's bird displays its stolen prize: a red plastic lighter dangles from its talons.

New Audain Museum in Whistler showcases Mexican Modernist art

The Audain Museum occupies a delightful building filled with natural light. Designed by Patkau Architects of Vancouver, the spacious premises are still being landscaped.

The permanent collection encompasses a fine collection of aboriginal masks and a variety of Canadian work by Robert Davidson, Emily Carr, EJ Hughes, Shawn Hunt, and others.

Until May 23, Audain showcases work by noted Mexican Modernists David Siqueiros, Diego Rivera, Jose Orozco, and Rufino Tamayo.

Improved perspective: eyes on the sky

My daughter called from Edmonton while I was walking in Van Dusen, and I paused when I saw a shady bench.

Something told me to stretch out and look up. That's what I did, and this is what I saw.

Both at night and in the day, we should look at the sky more often, I thought. It improves perspective.

Tulips in the Fraser Valley

For years I've driven by and seen them from the road, but this year I got into the fields. The weather couldn't have been better for visiting the Abbotsford Tulip Festival.

My friend Pat and I met some other friends who were taking selfies in the fields to send to their daughter who lives in the Netherlands.

The simple joys of sky and earth

Cherry blossoms in a spring sky

This afternoon I waited in the car while my husband was buying paint. The store was busy and I passed the time  looking at the blossoming cherry trees in the parking lot.

When we got home, he got on with his painting and I decided to do some weeding in the front garden. During the recent warm spring days, what was once a neatly mulched bed of peonies, hydrangeas and rhododendrons had become a veritable hayfield of young horsetails.

In the late afternoon sunshine, I felt the joy of digging in the ground, along with the satisfaction of pulling up the weeds by their roots. It was like being a kid again, gazing in wonder at the spring sky and the red tulips as I delved into the earth with bare hands to receive its loving energy.

Gamelan performs at VCC Spring Music Celebration

Gamelan (Indonesian orchestra) uses ancient Javanese instruments to play new music.

Last night, the VCC Music Department showcased a wide range of music and song.

A three stage concert held in the Atrium presented work by the Brass Ensemble, and jazz groups including Latin, Pre-bop, and Classic. Electric and New Music were also on offer. The Willan Choir I'm privileged to be part of sang, as did VCC's Madrigal singers.