It has been awhile since I have blogged! So much has happened since October, it is hard to know where to begin.

2013 promises to be an eventful year!  I have taking on a big challenge. I started running last March with the goal of running 5 km without stopping. I used to run years ago and was able to accomplish that but babies, time, and lack of motivation kept me from getting back to it. I finally decided this was right time. In April, I achieved that goal and I remember how excited I was. It was SO hard for me to get there, but I did. Since then I have participated in two 5 km runs, one 10 km run, and a 7 km run.

I have recently committed to a taking on a new challenge. I have decided to run a 1/2 marathon (21 km) in April, in Edinburgh Scotland with the Team in Training Program with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

My challenge is to raise $6000 to fight blood cancer.

Cancer has affected my life by taking my mother Gladys at the young age of 40. It is still affecting those I care about.

What does this have to do with my art? Well, all proceeds from the sale of my art until the end of April is going to this cause.

I am so appreciative of those who have bought my artwork, and commissioned paintings to raise money for a cause that is important to me.

Thank for all of the support!

Pet Portrait (Commission) - Acrylic on Canvas -  8 x 10

'74 Impala  (Commission) - Acrylic on Canvas - 16 x 20

Reflections, Resilience & Recovery - 14th Annual Mosaic for Mental Health

This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week.

It is a week about building awareness and reducing the stigma that surrounds mental illness. There are many events happening this week in Halifax/Dartmouth where you can learn more about mental illness and the work that is being done.

Take some time to become more aware, whether you go to an event, do a little research, or talk to someone.

The Canadian Mental Health Association annual art show, the 14th Annual Mosaic for Mental Health, occurs next week. It opens October 11, 2012 at the Craig Gallery in Dartmouth, NS and runs until October 28th, 2012. Artists donate a piece of art, typically 6 inches by 6 inches and they are sold in support of CMHA for $25.00 each. The display of art is fantastic with a wide range of styles.

The theme of the show this year is "Reflections, Resilience & Recovery" and I tried to convey the theme in the two pieces of art that I submitted.

Artist - Kerry Lynn Fraser

"Walk a mile..." - Artist - Kerry Lynn Fraser

Go and show your support for the great work they do and buy some original art!

I See Red

I am excited to have a painting in the upcoming fall show for the DVAS.

Stop by if you are in the area!

It has been thirty years ago today that Gladys, my Mom, passed away.

In some ways it seems like so long ago, fleeting impressions of a life that had an impact on that 12 year old girl. In other ways the details are vivid, like I am still there.

Though I only had her for a short time, her influence, her attitude, her dreams and her challenges continue to have an influence on me. I see her in myself, my sister, my aunt, my niece, and my daughters.

Miss you Mom.

Artist - Gladys

Nova Scotia Sunsets

I haven't had the opportunity to complete any new works this summer so I thought I would share some of my sunset photos I took while camping in my home province of Nova Scotia.

Brule Point, Nova Scotia

Brule Point, Nova Scotia

Brule Point, Nova Scotia

Five Islands, Nova Scotia

Five Islands, Nova Scotia

Wearable Art

I love jewelry, I love making things, so recently I have started making hand painted original pendants or "Wearable Art".  I love combining the various colours. Each piece is a tiny little painting that you can wear.

Here are a few of my favourites. 

Inspired

Inspiration for me comes from many places. As the title of my blog suggests, my mother Gladys has been a big part of my adult life even though she was never physically a part of it. She was a beautiful caring person, that tried to do the best she could for the children and youth she worked with. Her dedication to her career, and the passion she put into it, left a very big impression on me and subsequently my future career choice.

I have been fortunate to be able to work in the field of Mental Health. I have learned so much from the clients I work with, their families, and my colleagues. They are the inspiration for the painting below, "Foundations".

Foundations - Acrylic on Canvas

I also recently completed a new painting that was inspired by the support and generosity of my coworkers who make it a pleasure to go in to work everyday.

Bundled Beauty - Oil on Canvas 16 x 20