Thursday, September 24, 2015

Sweetie Pie


 Sweetie Pie - SOLD
5" x 7"


This time of year the markets start to ramp up towards the Canadian Thanksgiving (first weekend in October) with a variety of squashes and pumpkins for sale.  The little ones always catch my eye as they're so cute.  The variety Sweetie Pie is pie sized and a perfect miniature of its larger pumpkin cousin.


October in Canada is the federal election and back in July I was asked to participate in a national CBC series Voters of Canada.  The project consisted of interviews with Canadians from a variety of professions who would speak about issues they felt were important.  I was the artist in Newfoundland & Labrador and the resulting interview can be seen here.   The image below shows the producer in the studio filming the painting I was working on at the time - Red Boat.


Interview content when aired is always misleading as so much is condensed to so little. The interview took three hours by the ocean and in the studio and ended up as about 2 minutes of footage. There have been a lot of funding cuts for arts across the country and recognition for the work that the arts contribute to society both economically and culturally is very important. Strong arts policies and appropriate funding should be a crucial part of the support for the arts.

8 comments:

Gary L. Everest said...

Hi Jeanette,
What a wonderful interview. I completely understand what you said about editing, but I must tell you, your direct, honest and heart-felt feelings about art and artists could not have been better expressed. How could any of your fellow citizens not agree with what you said? Whether or not the politicians get your message remains to be seen.
As more and more facets of what used to be called a liberal education are cut from government budgets, it will be increasingly challenging to make your words understood by young people. Their knowledge of art will simply not be there and what a sad thing that is becoming.
Hope is the operative word for me. Hope that society will eventually realize the true value of art and ensure children are exposed to art history and hands-on involvement.
Congratulations, and keep fighting the good fight.
Sincerely,
Gary.
PS That cute little pumpkin is great. Takes me back to when we lived in four-season climes and autumn was a favorite.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Hi Gary

The interview was well received for the most part. There are always those who disagree and are eager to voice their opinions. Usually the non artists. Funding is always the clarion call for politicians. In the lead up to election they'll promise the moon, then reality sets in if they get in. Crossing fingers that hopefully a new change in government will put more concentration in policy and funds towards the arts.

The supermarkets and farmer's markets are flooded with pumpkins and squashes now. With the Canadian Thanksgiving fast approaching then Halloween, thy seem to be a permanent fixture everywhere. They are wonderful for drawing and painting however, so you'll probably seem more of them before the season is out.

Jo Castillo said...

Awww, what a cutie! Love the painting.

Congrats on getting your opinion aired! Good work on supporting the arts. It was fun to see and hear you! Know you a bit more now. Smiling, big grin!

Jeanette Jobson said...

Hi Jo

Sometimes things fall into my lap and this interview was one of them! We'll see what happens when a new government gets in in October!

I love these little pumpkins, they're so cute, I can't resist painting them.

juliefordoliver.blogspot.com said...

The colors in your painting grab my heart, Jeanette. Love the texture too. Everything!

Jeanette Jobson said...

Julie, I think oranges and golds as well as turquoises are where I gravitate. I seem to find a way to tuck them into every painting!

Elizabeth Merchant said...

Regarding your interview ... an artist can never have too much publicity.

Jeanette Jobson said...

@ Elizabeth Merchant, that is true, whether good or bad. :)