Living near the rural escarpment that runs north of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, we are experiencing the transition from winter to spring. The fast-running rivers and creeks are now carrying the raging waters after melting begins south toward Lake Ontario. Heading off to walk early in the mornings to catch the brilliance of the light the sun provides as it awakens our world, rising over the hillsides with colour that is magical and so bold. A part of my routine includes searching in the soft light as I watch for the deer, listen for newly arriving birds, and with an eye out for the beaver who has been working at destroying our waterways all winter as they build their homes and plug the waterways, now flooding the farm fields.

I study the creek beds, and treasure the unique, brilliant morning light as the reflection of the skies at waking often appears to “paint” the surface of the creeks as the water races over rocky outcroppings. I am amazed by the color that reflects the light into the brilliance of the water and onto the rocks beneath the surface.

Walking the trails and creeks helps me find the answers to my question about what the beaver leaves behind. I see the myriad collections of sticks and refuse that, while supporting the beaver family, raises the level of the stream it plans to live on.

Wetlands are one of the most important ecological land uses we can preserve or create.  The beaver’s forestry management appears harmful in the short run, but might be beneficial in the long run. I know that the increased water area continually becomes home to fish, turtles, frogs, birds, and ducks. Walking toward spring will prove that, and we welcome the beaver’s contribution.

Creativity when developing a design comes from ideas, visions of what I have “seen and loved” along the paths I walk. Inspiration from the course I had taken from a SAQA member and Instructor, Susi Monday, taught me that I could create my own background cloth based on a storyline while playing with ‘procreate’ on my iPad. The beautiful art created by an ‘abeautifulsky’ design on Spoonflower provided the impetus for my first try with the submission of several photos and print orders before I knew there was a place for me in the “painting without brushes and oils” world. I still take strong guidance from my Studio pals at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning where I am surrounded by seven amazing artists. More to follow… art play has a strong and committed place in my life.

Millhaven Creek Awakes with the Sun
Bethany Garner
Dimensions: h 40″ x w 30″
Material: Linen/Cotton Canvas, printed and commercial cloth
Technique: Procreate design play on an iPad, machine-stitched, fused/stitched accents