Do you ever wonder, or assume, that artists, authors or musicians have access to an enhanced spectrum of awareness? Like insects following psychedelic pathways to the sensuality of a blossom. Do they perceive the world differently or do they use their tools, education and innate gifts to communicate their visions more precisely. Do we view the same sunrise, feel our heartaches as intensely, hear the same musical inspiration. What does it feel like to have a brilliant mind o

Photo credit Tristin Pucek Spider Karma If there was Spider Karma I would be reincarnated as a spider 1000 times. Each spider life would end being squashed under a biology textbook or swatted with a broom until I had earned my redemption. My final spider life would be as a beautiful orb weaver spider spinning magnificent webs and basking in the sunlight. I’m getting better with spiders. Just because I say I hate them doesn’t mean I need to kill them. When I take a closer look

Mendeleev’s Closet My blogs on Cinnabar and Mercury Rising were both an experiment to introduce Mercury more gradually with more visual clarity for reading. I’ve combined them and more in a new addition to the Mendeleev’s Closet Gallery. Check it out. I’ve posted acknowledgements under Contact on my menu bar but I don’t know if anyone gets that far. I am very thankful for Art Ink in Victoria www.artinkprint.ca for photo capturing my challenging large collages and producing p

Mercury and Lead are a dirty duo in Mendeleev’s Closet. They present themselves well. Liquid mercury is mesmerizing and Mercury the Roman God was a charismatic charmer. Lead lacks deity status but must have seemed like a gift from God. It is very useful, although very toxic if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. It is soft and malleable and has a low melting temperature. Attributes valued since antiquity. Ideal for use in Roman plumbing or to sweeten wine. Lead so

photo credit Natalie Zinetti, (my most intrepid travelling friend) Reading about the Egyptian deity Horus is fascinating. There are many variations of Horus and at first I was just looking for the symbolism of The Eye of Horus. Horus evolved into Horus the Protector, not just associated with the Pharaohs, but everyone. The Eye of Horus, or Wadjet is a symbol of his protection, possessing magical powers for heal

“There are many places I’d like to see, from the comfort and safety of a protective bubble. Maybe that’s my idea of an Afterlife. To be a Time Traveller, floating through past, or even future millennia.” (Golden Ticket, Mendeleev’s Closet Gallery) But now we have “Boo” our Boondock trailer, and I’d rather be camping. I don’t like crowds or airports or being too far from my comfort zone. I am more of a zoom in and focus person,….other than my thoughts which are eclectic and tr

Mercury, The Messenger, (also known as Hermes in Greek mythology) was a speedy trickster with winged sandals and helm. The Roman God of communication, commerce and travel, who could transcend between Heaven and the Underworld. Mercury, the element Hg on Mendeleev’s Periodic Table. Mercury is a very dense liquid metal. It freezes to a solid, contracting as its temperature falls and expanding as it warms up, hence its use in thermometers, until broken thermometers were recogniz

Cinnabar (HgS mercury sulphide), created from the blood of a battle between an elephant and a dragon. A toxic red pigment used for millennia. From Roman chariots and frescoes to Chinese lacquer boxes. My curiosity about toxic elements began while reading about the history of art pigments. From Ochre and Carbon to Pantone Colour Standards, the history of pigments and dyes has been an enticing, often dangerous journey for artists, chemists, and seekers of knowledge in general.

My parents retired to Salt Spring Island in 1976 and grew gardens with a pioneer enthusiasm. Ever resourceful, they saw the potential in abandoned apple orchards. My Dad approached an orchard owner with an offer to share his apple cider if they would allow him to use their apples. My Mom was always his accomplice when it came to picking, growing or preparing the harvest. The deal was sealed, and an apple press was constructed. A delicious, sweet blend of heritage fruit enric

I thought I had found my marbles, But they seem to have rolled away. I guess that is their nature. Why must there be obstacles? What am I missing? Is it Sun Spots or the Blue Moon? My website is being persnickety. I apologize and hope it gets over its hiccups. Penny

I like to write because I can edit. Sometimes it takes a lifetime to find the right words. It seems a shame, not to use them. Editing usually results in saying less with more clarity. That is why I like haiku. “Running Winked at Me”, began as an experiment to lighten up and be more spontaneous. Composing a poem while running. Levitation in sixty days or less. My brain had been running marathons but it didn’t know the route. I soon discovered that haiku was a good match. If yo

Some trails are mystical. Not necessarily because they have ancient trees, Or incredible beauty, But because they have a spiritual presence, Apparent to those who can feel it. Sometimes I imagine Shape Shifters. Like the very curious salmonberry pickers, And their enthusiastic salutation. “How are you kids today?” As if they were Forest Elves, And had been there for a thousand years. Or the Old Golden Lab, Taking itself for a daily walk. The very much present Wilson’s W

Like levitating tomatoes, take a deep breath and let it all out. Diane Larsen was an artist from Victoria, BC. She created many fabulous acrylic paintings especially of flowers close up. Levitating Tomatoes was a bit different. Diane developed MS, but as the disease progressed she maintained her ability to paint and eventually focused on detailed sketching. Superficially, Levitating Tomatoes looks chaotic with tomatoes ready to explode. The tension disappears if you focus

We live in a Glass World glass beads molded glass blown glass stained glass tempered, bullet proof reading glasses microscopes telescopes fibre optics telecommunications silicon computer chips the internet Without silicon there would be no glass Is silicon humble potential Or is it just very patient Waiting to turn the world upside down From Antonie van Leeuwenhoek’s animalcules to Galileo’s heretical observations Learn more about Silicon Clarity in Mendeleev’s Closet penny y

squawking gulls— bloated sea lions burping herring breath The annual herring spawn is a sensory feast. A seasonal rebirth and frenzied spectacle of nature. A herring potlatch in a sea of aquamarine. The ultimate sharing of nutrients and biodiversity. It seems appropriate that “I am The Red Herring” has made its debut coinciding with this ethereal event. I am inspired and grateful. Thank you for subscribing and hopefully sharing. Those who know me, know where to find me. My g

Saysutshun Giants Rock solid, yet so animated. Emerging from the depths, To enjoy this beautiful day. Do they see me as I paddle? A sacred place for the Snuneymuxw People. For me, the Stone Giants of Saysutshun Island Are profiles of my Mum and Dad. Transcended from Trincomali Channel. The rockweed reminds me of my Dad’s hairy back. The Sailer My Dad was a Sailer in the Navy. He was tall and lean and dashing in his Sailer uniform. My Mum

I like golf because I just don’t care. Which is odd because I care about a lot of things. I play nine holes, Sometimes twelve, rarely eighteen. With running or cycling or swimming, I always wanted to run faster and farther, I still keep track of every detail. With golf I don’t keep score, I would lose count. There are too many rules, So I ignore them. In spite of that, I am getting better. It’s very relaxing, And most of all, I enjoy the company. Penny Youngash

I wondered if we were compatible. I couldn't even run around the block. But I was attracted, and I couldn't say no.

It is how I express myself. That's what Art is. I am an Artist.