Finally I made it back to the BCAS mini exhibition, on the last weekend before it ended. It was worth it to take my time and savour each piece without the crowds of the opening reception.
I had intended to go on the previous two weekends, but plans are always subject to change based on the state of my chronic/episodic health issues, and of course the weather.
Here in Atlantic Canada, February and March are still at the height of the winter storm season. Connection and community requires more effort and patience in these winter months. There’s not as much to do, so more value gets concentrated in the things I really want to do, and then plans get postponed or cancelled.
For the sake of my art, and for the sake of my mental health, it can be so beneficial to get out and be around other people, and to have a change of scenery for a few hours. However it takes extra effort that I sometimes don’t have the capacity for. I can analyse the cost/benefit, but I can never account for all the variables. Sometimes I just need to risk it, which I did to go to the BCAS exhibition on the weekend, but I then had to send regrets to having lunch with local artist friends on Monday, because I was still exhausted. Fortunately, I’m still invited to join them next time!
In my own art and in my self-reflection, I often find myself exploring themes of community connection. The effort it sometimes takes, and the value that makes it worth it.
This is often on my mind as I paint roads, bridges, wayfinding signs, utility wires, and guard rails. All make it so much easier and safer to visit and gather with others, and to communicate and build community with people further away. It’s something I don’t take for granted, which is why my art often features such infrastructure.
Here’s a teaser for such a painting that I almost have finished. I will show the whole thing and write more about it next time!
“Winter Roadtrip” close-up of detail, in progress 2025
by Rebeka Darylin
Acrylic on canvas board
Dimensions of full piece: 9” x 12”
Based on the experience and an original photo taken in early March, 2020.
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