Serendipitously 13 Painters, Paint A Crow's Nest & 2 Punjabi Ladies

Next Up, 3 Punjabi Ladies and a Crow's Nest

13 painters were invited to add paint between May to August 2024.

Beginning November, I will replicate the original painting with two additional pieces, each featuring some changes, including an added third Punjabi lady to the original two ladies at City Hall who inspired this project in May. I will gift the original to my sister and her husband. These two new paintings will be titled "A Crow's Nest and 3 Punjabi Ladies." The unique numbers 3 (3 Paintings) and 13 (Original Painters) hold special significance in Sikhism. The number 3 represents the Three Pillars of Sikhism: Naam Japna, Kirat Karni, and Vand Chakna. The number 13, pronounced "Tera" in Punjabi, means "Yours," symbolizing devotion to the Creator. These final pieces will conclude my 2024 Rosehip White Rose Art Project, themed around rosehips as an excellent source of Vitamin C and the seed of love.

 

On April 30, 2024, George Millar, an Irish painter, suggested I create a painting of two Punjabi ladies to celebrate the beginning of Asian Heritage Month in May. I started the painting on May 1, 2024, on the Alberta Legislature grounds, amidst the ongoing construction of a new reflection pool and fountain, scheduled to open on July 1, 2024, Canada Day. On August 12, more paint was added, bringing the total number of painters to eleven, ranging in age from 5 to 69, who contributed to the creation of “A Crow’s Nest & 2 Punjabi Ladies.”

Community painting projects like this one are exceptional. They bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Each brushstroke adds a unique touch, reflecting the diverse perspectives of the participants. This collaborative effort results in a beautiful piece of art and strengthens the community's bonds. It’s a celebration of cultural heritage, creativity, and the coming together to create something meaningful.

Millwoods Sikh Temple

A Crow's Nest & 2 Punjabi Ladies, Cut-Up

Alberta Legislature Construction Site

On August 11, 2024, I returned to Millwoods, where I added several crows and a young woman added the 9th egg to represent 9 painters to the man's beard next to the 515 bus stop shelter and Sikh temple. The following day I returned to Violet King Henry Plaza and invited 2 more painters to add paint bringing the count to 11. Not pictured was a politician painter and a 5 year old boy painter with his parents watching as he added all the red to the backside bearded Sikh man.

Father and daughter become 12th and 13th painters.

Serendipity refers to the occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. In the context of intuitive art, serendipity plays a significant role. Intuitive art is a creative process where the artist relies on their intuition and spontaneous impulses rather than a predetermined plan or technique.

How Serendipity and Intuitive Art Connect:

1. Embracing the Unexpected: Intuitive artists often welcome unexpected outcomes and happy accidents. These serendipitous moments can lead to unique and innovative artistic expressions.

2. Flow and Freedom: By letting go of rigid structures and allowing intuition to guide the creative process, artists can experience a sense of flow and freedom. This openness can result in serendipitous discoveries that enhance the artwork.

3. Healing and Self-Discovery: Intuitive art is not just about creating visually appealing pieces; it’s also a journey of self-discovery and healing. Serendipitous moments during the creative process can reveal deeper insights and emotions, contributing to personal growth.

4. Playfulness and Exploration: The serendipitous nature of intuitive art encourages a playful and exploratory approach. Artists can experiment with different materials, techniques, and ideas without fear of making mistakes, leading to unexpected and delightful results. Compiled by Microsoft Copilot.

 

Sketching with my new friends inside the AGA on Seniors Day was a delightful experience. They posed next to four Peter von Tiesenhausen paintings about wildfires, and I took a minute to sketch them both. I told them to come back in 20 minutes, and I would have my sketch completed. When they returned, we talked about art, and one lady shared her drawing on her phone, which she said made her happy when she felt sad. Sketching does this for me, too; it lifts my spirits on my off, depressing days. I gave my drawing to my new friends and wished them well on thier tour through the art gallery.

2024, Tree of Life