Moose Jaw
When you think of Moose Jaw, snow seems to be a part of that vision, and the snowstorm I rode in on, did not disappoint!
Rolling into this Saskatchewan gem of a city at dusk blanketed in snow, was eerily calm. An old friend was housing me for the night, and after bringing in all of my art supplies so they wouldn't freeze, and my suitcase, we had a quick hello before we both drifted off to bed.
I woke up to the most beautiful crystallized trees and wintery display outside. The house was empty except for very loyal companions of both the feline and canine variety, as my generous host was off to work early that morning.
With the house to myself I was able to really dig in to some painting, and I sank into finishing some pages in my travel journal as well as multiple sketchbooks. Some people collect shoes, coins, I have a rather large sketchbook collection. Lots that are complete, but even more that are on the go. Most have themes; like pencil sketches, ink drawings, watercolours, etc. And I almost always do a travel journal when I am on the road or travelling. These are my absolute favourite sketchbooks. And the older I get, the more my travel journals are full with my sketches/paintings and musings then there are photographs. In my younger years, mostly photographs spilled over my travel pages, which were creatively connected to ephemera and memorabilia. These days I have enjoyed hand painted or drawn memories more than photographic ones.
After some shovelling and and attempts at walking the dog (she did not want to leave the warmth of the house), I headed into town to explore. Since I had driven in during the dark of night, I had not been witness to the beauty of this place.
Not too far from my friend's place was a mall that housed a local artist network, the Living Sky Art Collective. Entering this place I was surrounded by so many talented artists. Inside there were to female artists painting, and I proceeded to have such an impactful conversation with them. There is something so satisfying about finding fellow artists who truly understand your creative wavelength, and your artistic journey. True creative community is built on shared vulnerability, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of the creative struggle.
We discussed, what being Canadian meant to us, how place factors into our art, and how community is so important both personally and artistically. They also shared where I should visit in town, and after our conversation, I continued on my Moose Jaw discovery tour.
The Main Street of Moose Jaw is like a blast from the past, with side-by-side wooden frame buildings straight from the Pioneer age. The Historic Architecture includes Century-old structures like the 1912 Chicago-style Walter Scott Building, the 1908 Court House, and Moose Jaw City Hall. To add to that is the Mae Wilson Theatre: A restored 1920 vaudeville theatre which houses a lovely little art gallery.
Sketching of these gorgeous buildings was truly my jam, and particularly the city hall with its clock tower. This ink drawing took up a large amount of my time and headspace.
I cannot believe I had been through Saskatchewan and have new been to Moose Jaw before. I truly had missed out -- but was determined to take full advantage this time!
Its very interesting that no matter where I seem to go thus far, the consensus has been; we are so lucky to live in this amazing country.
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