What is the Dark Canoe? It is
difficult for me to formulate a definite answer, because I myself do
not truly know what the Dark Canoe is. What began as a gift by some
close friends (an art journal created from an old hardcover book,
“The Dark Canoe” by Scott O'Dell, (www.bookjournals.com)
led to an awakening. The awakening led to a concept, the concept to
progressive ideas, the ideas led to process, and the process led to
art in various forms.
Despite the progress, the Dark Canoe
really didn't seem to be going anywhere... the epiphany finally came.
Rowing with one oar out of the same side of the canoe only takes you
in circles.
I am not the Dark Canoe
I am an oar and I cannot propel this
vessel forward on my own.
I brought the concept to long time
friend and artistic collaborator, Swolly Pete. Now the Dark Canoe
has two oars. Even so, we have both agreed to keep a loose grip upon
those oars. Let things unfold/evolve with as little manipulation as
possible. Let the chips fall where they may.
Simply the Dark Canoe is numerous
artistic outlets under the same roof. Painting, photography,
cooking, gardening, wine making, writing, etc. Projects that Swolly
and myself work on as partners, as well as separately. Projects that
we want to share. Not just the final outcome, but also the journey
to that particular projects final destination. The bumps in the road
along the way. The mistakes, the breakthroughs. After all, most of
the projects we undertake are new to us and therefore very
experimental. We are not claiming to be experts in any particular
field. But we find a fascination with exploring these different
areas of creativity.
The Dark Canoe philosophy is heavily
steeped in the idea that there is a close connection between the more
typical art forms (painting/photography) and the organic art forms
(gardening/mushroom harvesting/ wine making). Both involve a
starting point, both involve getting your hands dirty, and both
result in something rewarding that can be shared with others.
A benefit that I found with delving
into “organic” arts is that it taught me something I was greatly
deficient in, patience. I mean how could it NOT?! I spend month
coddling along a tomato plant waiting anxiously for the day a shiny
red fruit comes along that I can sink my teeth into. And wine can
take a couple of years before you are able to enjoy the fruits of
your labor(yes pun intended.) I learned to slow down and enjoy the
process just as much as the end result. And this began to seep into
the way I approached my painting and other artistic outlets. Were
before I lacked patience, rushing through to get a piece done in
order to move onto the next thing, I now began to enjoy the journey
along the way to the destination. Art suddenly became even more
enjoyable to me, and I found myself happier with the finished piece.
Anyway, I feel like I am taking this
first blog out of the realm of an introduction and more into areas
best left for later posts where they can be expounded on in greater
detail.
Swolly and I will keep you in the loop
as far as when the Dark Canoe facebook page will be up and running
and where to find it. We will invite you not only to stop in and
gander at our projects, but to also share what you are working on.
After all, that is what the Dark Canoe
is.
Noraa Canoe
Noraa Canoe
