Upcoming fun this autumn… We are very excited to announce that we will be part of the official programming for Culture Days / Journées de la culture, September 27-29, 2013. Photography, painting, and mixed media artists are collaborating to reflect upon the unique 9th storey, Fleurbain view of downtown Montreal. The work in this group exhibition reflects the experience of looking out… as we look out, we look in. List of artists to be announced mid-September… Stay tuned! Friday Sept 27 12-5pm While visiting during daytime hours, as a part of Culture Days, we are offering a chance for you to make your own piece of artwork that is inspired by our view. The following Saturday (October 5) we will be hosting a poetry reading in collaboration with this exhibition. Stay tuned for that, too! Fleurbain is located at 460 St Catherine West, unit 917. Natasha Henderson, Montreal ***JOIN our Facebook Event for the vernissage!*** |

Parc Lafontaine. an oasis in one of the hearts of Montreal
I sat at this scene the other day, painting. It happened to be on a crest, and I felt the loveliest breeze lifting off the water. There were some rogue, illegal bathers splashing away down below, but no-one seemed to mind. Their laughter and belly flops filled the air with the sound of children, even though they were well into their forties.
In the comments I’m going to try to write some Haiku about this. I am serious. Please join in the fun if you will…
Natasha Henderson, Montreal
There are some Canadian women artists whom I personally adore. Over the years they have proven to be an inspiration to me for my painting. These women are: Joanne Tod, Landon MacKenzie, Sandra Meigs, Gathie Falk, and to a lesser degree Mary Pratt and Emily Carr. However, when recently asked to give a presentation about art for Women’s Day, I decided on a different list of Canadian women artists to share. Granted I pulled one from my list of personal faves, but I think that’s allowed.
The list that I suggest everyone look up is: Joyce Wieland, Rebecca Belmore, Lisa Steele, Anne Savage, Gathie Falk (yes she’s one of my faves), Betty Goodwin, Janet Cardiff, and Jin-me Yoon.
All of these women’s works are pertinent and intriguing, their lives and experiences are (or were) expressed in some way within their works. I would argue they are feminist artists, even when that’s not obvious. The examination of “Self” in a particular space or situation is linked to feminism and feminist art. These artists’ work speaks of the times they live (or lived) in, and it speaks about equality.
I used to think that it was enough to just be a woman artist that produces. I have begun to realise, however, that I need to know more about this society in order to understand my own questions, and quests.
I said it before, and I have to say it again: I recommend the book Women, Art, and Society by Whitney Chadwick.
Natasha Henderson, Montreal
Related Articles
- Women Artists… we should all know more about this (fleurbain.com)
Fleurbain is proud to announce that we will feature a different artist in our online space every month. Our first artist is one of the women behind Fleurbain, Natasha Henderson. Artists who are interested in being featured are welcome to email:
– three to five jpegs of their work (no larger than 1200 pixels on their longest side, at least 300 pixels on their shortest side)
– short descriptions of each piece (Title, Medium, Size, Date)
– a link to their personal website
– and an artistic statement/short biography (about 200-500 words) to: fleurbain@gmail.com.
We can’t guarantee that everyone will be featured, but why not give it a shot!
A friend of mine remarked to me a couple of months ago that Arcade Fire’s music is very marchy. Sometimes when I am listening to them on my Ipod, I test this comment and try to march a little. Unfortunately, I can usually march along to their music. This does not really matter to me. I still like them, even if I am marching to it! I think this a positive thing to do in March, I have a hunch that there is an Arcade Fire song for any day in March, no matter the weather. So, get out there and try it!
Coming up in March (the month) in fleurbain:
Resto reviews of three places you really shouldn’t miss in three very different Montreal neighbourhoods (Downtown, St Henri, and The Village).
Herbalism, recipes, photography, cartoons, an art review…
Felted DIY Nesting Bowls and Slippers (it’s still cold outside, baby!)
In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8th, a three-part feature on Canadian Women in The Arts.
Simple herbs for cats… this isn’t your Grandcat’s catnip!
A new web feature: Online Featured Artist. Every Month we will share a new artist with you in this online Gallery, with images of their work, links to their websites, and other cool info about them. Submission requirements will be announced shortly…
A heart-wrenching, mind-boggling, gut-churning anecdotal tale about Professionalism In The Arts.
A Snow Painting and book-making creativity spa workshop! Bringing the web to real life, yet again. Also, we will officially announce our new service: Customised Workshops.
March looks like both a lion and lamb month, so join us as we gear up for Spring!
Tammy Schmidt and Natasha Henderson, Montreal