Evolution

Without change, something sleeps inside us, and never wakens.~D.L. Atrides

My first website included testimonials.”Dawn is a pleasure to work with” stated one gallery owner” a strong work ethic”, “professional”, “sparkling enthusiasm”.

I was itching for credibility in a world fraught with negative artist stereotypes, itching for opportunity to share the work.

My itch to share hasn’t disappeared,the first website has.

A site stacked with work followed. New, Archived, Sold, Early development. Professional brokers instructed they needed to see evolution of the work in the site, they wanted the old, the middle, the new.

They wanted to know if I could produce, and produce often.

Recent requests from customers & brokers are for artist photos.”Perched on a stool with your back to the camera does not qualify” one said.
dawn portrait
Portrait of Dawn- by Audrey “Dawn’s pink ladder to the sky”

More sought story element.

You may have noticed the change, along with the photos.
Stories woven into announcements of new work.

The result is a compromise, stories I feel worth sharing.
You won’t read about personal’Artistic Vision’ with the finished work,simply because I don’t have that right. It isn’t about my connection, it’s about yours.

Not a fan of narrative? skip the story and go right to the good stuff, the visuals.

Archived work has been purged. I continue to produce prolifically, I no longer feel the need to prove it with overflowing online catalogues.

Responding to your social media requests, public access is at the top toolbar. Easy peasy. Not quite as easy as my attempt at tweeting.

Thanks to Paul Chalmers for his hard work and patience creating this clean elegant new design, unveiled today.

It’s bold, fresh,a little more confident.
Similar to the work, which continues to evolve and find it’s way home, to you.

If it weren’t for your incredible support, feedback and friendships, this site and the body of work would not exist.
Thank you
~d

Latest News~

CBC has invited me to return to their studios- this time to paint in front of a live studio audience! Watch for details on FB & Twitter how to win the painting I will create in support of their December Food Drive Campaign.
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CCS(Center for Circumpolar Studies) ONLINE Auction – opportunity to bid on “Northern Light” 8×10 oil coming soon!
Northern Light

Awaken

I wasn’t thinking about the morning, wandering in the forest shadows weeks ago.
My breath hanging in misty clouds before me.
Or about how the frosty dew glinted in the sun. The essence of autumn in the air, bringing it’s fresh earthly scent was far from my mind.
I wasn’t thinking about how I would tackle this on canvas, what brush I would use, what colours I would mix to recreate just this moment.

The truth is, I wasn’t thinking at all.

I was too busy being immersed.

“Tell stories of THE moment of inspiration. What were you doing in this spot,what were you thinking?’ a customer asked.
A wordsmith, her inquiry peppered with dramatic descriptions of what might be going thru my mind.
Listening to her poetic monologue, I thought what a crushing disappointment I am going to be when I tell her I don’t think.

Research claims may save me from further explanation.

According to Dr. Rossman, author of ‘the Worry Solution’ the conscious logic of our thinking brain works differently than the wisdom of our unconscious emotional intuitive mind.

‘When you are actively solving problems’ he writes,’ the electrical firing of your brain operates at a baseline of 24-42 cycles per second. When you breathe deeply and shift into relaxation mode, the brain slows to 10-12 cycles per second, as it slows further, information from it’s non verbal parts appear as images, feelings, intuition.” Inner wisdom resides here.

This is where the creative juices flow.

I might not be thinking about the sun streaming on maples or about the chill in the morning air,
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but I am AWARE,my senses,saturated.
I bring this to the canvas.

Thinking happens during the in-between moments, after the experience, before I start to paint.Composition and colour swirling in my mind for days or weeks.
My mind sparking ideas, working thru the puzzle.
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Relaxed at the easel, a shift occurs, thoughts disappear.
I am standing in the shadows, awash in the sun, breathing the scent of autumn once again.
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Norwegian Blood and the Arctic

“The North”,I wrote in 1986,“is perhaps the most beautiful land I have seen. It has intrigued,inspired,mystified,captured me like no other place on earth”.

Crossing the Yukon border I felt “a physical pull as thou walking into a spirit land”.

Powerful words from a 20 year- old on adventure.

Yet, the Arctic is bathed in drama.

Northern Light New” Northern Light” 8×10 Oil

Expansive carpets of crimson tundra, caribou moss and lichen spread in the shadows of purple mountains.

Lands I itched to paint.

“Of course you love the North, you have Norwegian blood!” My Grampa Larson remarked with passion, steely blue eyes sparkling. “You were born a Larson!”

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Grandpa Larson & I  abt 20 yrs old.

My Grandpa’s family originated in Fladestol, Norway. He was a man of massive strength, and gentle heart.

Treasures I inherited from my Grampa, aside from blue eyes, are two little original artworks. A drawing and painting by his Uncle, Walter Larson.

“To Louis, from Santa” the inscription reads in Norwegian, on the back of a cigar box.

DSC03130 Walter Larson original 1901(?)

I wonder if this is Fladstol. I yearn to visit this very place, to paint the fiords and mountains my ancestors loved, called home.

DSC03128 Walter Larson pen &wash 1901

The Canadian North would pull me back several times, to work and live.

Since, I have embarked on other adventures, witnessed inspiring mystical lands. A special place in my heart belongs to the Arctic.

Perhaps an ancestral pull, love for a home I have yet to wander. ~

DSC05236 Dawn( Larson) Banning original

I have been requested to submit work, with other artists on the Boreal Project to an online fundraiser exhibit for the Centre for Circumpolar Studies. The CCS is a private, non-profit institution for education and research in all aspects of the natural and cultural environment of the Circumpolar North. New “Northern Light” will be included.

Resilience & Sunshine

In his book “ the Gifts of Adversity” Dr. Norman Rosenthal suggests obstacles can be a key to success.
“It’s not just the adversity.., it’s what you do with the adversity — how you grow and become..a more resilient person….more compassionate … as a result of the things that happen to you — those are, in my view, marks of success.”

Glen Steen knows about adversity. The former rugby player is familiar with pain, enduring long  physical games of contact.

When injuries sidelined his rugby playing, he took up triathlon. Triathlon? Not just triathlon but Ironman. After a serious neck injury derailed his swimming, he kept cycling, and took up karate.

Karate? Sensei Steen began teaching karate, pursued his passion for long distance cycling, while working full time as a Health Unit Inspector.

His life took a dramatic turn while cycling in 2011. Thrown from his bike after hitting an obstacle, Glen suffered a spinal cord injury leaving him in a quadriplegic state. With incredible drive, Glen has begun to achieve the nearly impossible. He can now stand, take steps and cycle on a trike.

                        ironmanPhoto from Glen’s blog glensroadtorecovery.com
Dr. Mark Seery, a researcher at the Department of Psychology University at Buffalo co-authored a study that shows”, under the right conditions, experiencing some adversity may foster resilience.”

Years ago I was asked to get my affairs in order.  “I have seen thousands of CT scans, and none like this.” He said. “You may not survive the surgery on top of that, if the tumor ruptured it could be fatal”.

Lying in wait for surgery I considered tactfully begging for my life. My family needs me, I have more paintings to paint, more love to give, I would say.

Yet,I realized the staff had other patients to attend to, families to go home to…. a life.

If it was my last act, did I want it to be begging..  or kindness.

I thanked the team by name, for showing up. ‘Thank you for being here, for doing your best to fix me, whatever the outcome, know that I am grateful,’ I said.

A scar runs from the centre of my chest to above my right hip.

          run pic   London Marathon -6 months after surgery.

 Extensive repair among many areas, included my diaphragm. I faced permanent nerve damage in some areas, walking, running/biking with a partly numb leg/ foot.Several metal clips are scattered inside me.

I understand now, how vulnerable our bodies can be.  Gratitude permeates.

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I am thankful for the incredible medical team that saved my life, the ones that followed with rehab care,  supportive family and friends. The experience has made me a better person, better artist, and helped me be of service to those who fight their own battles.

I asked  Glen where he believes his resilience stems. Personality? history participating in sport? We agreed sport teaches dedication, and dealing with pain. He says’ you just have to make the best of the situation and never ever give up”. It  boils down to attitude. In fact, the latest research says THE Key to resilience is attitude.

We’ve been discussing his return to painting. Glen approaches art in typical fashion despite  physical challenges : gather knowledge, create and execute a plan. If you have to re-adjust, do so. Because tackling the next goal is what he does. That, and never giving up.

Vulnerability

Research professor Brene Brown’s work reached sensation with her TED presentation “The power of vulnerability.” http://brenebrown.com/videos/

Brene says working as a social worker you realize “connection is why we are here’’ “it is what gives meaning and purpose to our lives”.

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For connection to happen, she says, excruciating vulnerability, belief in worthiness, and the courage to be imperfect, are necessities.

She just defined life as a professional artist.

Artists understand vulnerability, and resilience. They embrace imperfection. To evolve, stumbling can be necessary. Now- a -days that evolution can be witnessed on a global scale. Talk about being vulnerable.

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Vulnerability can unite us during difficult times or struggle. We are not alone. Resilience builds from struggle.

An artist is a lifetime student. A passionate quest to constantly learn.

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“When we seek for connection, we restore the world to wholeness. Our seemingly separate lives become meaningful as we discover how truly necessary we are to each other.” Margaret Wheatley

Red Maple & Furniture Wax

The scent of furniture wax, fresh linens and lingering oil paint fill the air. It feels timeless in the most comforting way.

Is this the fragrance of a home a century ago?I ponder sipping tea at our dining table.

The table is rich walnut, skillfully designed and crafted by my husband Marc.

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Wooden chair cradles the way a custom fit will. Sensuous curves Marc carved with hand tools. It’s smooth texture encouraged with countless hours of sanding.

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Tea steams in a pottery mug, made by known potter, Al Pace. I visualize his large hands molding the clay as mine wraps around its warmth.

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The paintings, furniture and clay intermingle like the scents in the air. Each compliments and celebrates the other.

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Some believe the spirit of the creator lives with the art, an energy source, breathing life to the space.

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A quilt folded nearby, sewn by our friend Debi, offers comfort on a cool fall evening. I think of her hands running over the stitches, hours of design cutting, & sewing. The inside corner hosts her heartwarming message.

 

The season of Autumn is upon us.

With it brings Studio tours, One of a Kind shows, and craft fairs.

Artisans offering their wares, hand made with passion and attention to detail.

As you peruse the fairs and studios, it is a treat to meet the artists, to shake the hands that crafted your purchase.

In a society of consumerism and mass production, it’s rare to know your item is handmade.

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An original you will not decorate with, but live with.

Created with love that is carried in the smooth craftsmanship of a chair, stitching in a quilt, curve of a clay mug, and resonating paint on canvas.

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RED MAPLE- original oil 8×10  265$

Original walnut Table- Marc Banning

Dining Chairs-  Scott Morrison Maloof inspired design- Marc Banning

Pottery Mug- Al Pace – Pace Pottery Studio

Quilt- Debi Campbell

Feel welcome to visit the studio, I’d be happy to meet you, peruse the art, share a cup of tea. ~ d

dawn@dawnbanning.com

Fearless Painting ~ The Secret of Youth

Artists occasionally venture in my studio to paint and share insight.

The most fearless ones, are frequently the tiniest.

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Tyson (3)                                                        Myah ( 6)

IMG_4817  Julia (3)

In my Free Ebook- we recapture how we felt playing as children, exploring with different mediums & tools.

Being brave with our brushstrokes.Confident in our choices.

As we age, we hesitate, we procrastinate,we fear criticism. We fear failure.

Artistic activity is something to outgrow,some say.

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Austin( 3) Birdhouse- painted on the inside, for the birds, of course. Exterior  titled’ Snow’

I am convinced art skills are transferable in life.Creativity is the new currency. http://www.theuncommonlife.com/blog/new-currency-imagination/

Art is an effective tool for communication, presenting new perspectives. It can fuel intuition, improve our memory, and create tolerance.

Music, theatre, visual art, and storytelling enrich our lives.

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 “I wanted to send you a picture of my drawing.I want to share this with you because you were the one who really inspired me to just draw and forget about making it perfect. Thank you so much!” Lauren (14).

Confidence teens gain with encouragement reaches beyond their easel.

Mary Kate Studio (1)

Mary Kate (12) Now at 15, an award winning writer

 In author Janna G. Noelle’s blog, she writes about artists sharing commonalities. “Artists imitate each other”,she explains. http://occupiedandpreoccupied.wordpress.com/2013/09/02/why-writers-should-spend-time-with-other-types-of-artists/

In the spirit of camaraderie we embolden each other to excel in our pursuits. I discovered this on expedition with talented Julia Hargreaves.

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Julia Hargreaves

I have watched adults rediscover their passion, witnessed others awaken collecting art that moves them.

The tiny ones inspire with their unapologetic, enthusiastic~ unleashed creativity.

Inspiration is everywhere.

Fearless discovery in ART isn’t child’s play, it’s essential. 

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Austin (3)  Painting titled “Birthday Candles”

( Thanks to my young friends and their parents for allowing me to publish their photos & work~ and for their continued inspiration~ d).

A Flat Tire & Duct tape

My day began with a flat tire.  A definite glitch in my long bike ride plan.

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I applied duct tape to the little slice in the tire, changed the tube. Good for 83.7k.  Hooray for duct tape!

I love to ride and run as much as I love to paint.
It is apparent no one would sponsor me to run marathons & triathlon, but perhaps for artists who do? :0)

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It was on a cycling trip that we stumbled upon these amazing lavender fields, the subject in my new painting, LAVENDER.  18×24 Original Oil.

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Being active outdoors influences my work.
When I began participating in marathons and ironman the work set ablaze. The secret wasn’t racing, it was the confidence participating gave me. Motion & energy transferred to canvas. I became bold. Well, bold for me.

What holds you back from trying something new, exploring out of your comfort zone?

My secret? I don’t get caught up in comparisons. Whether it be in art or sport, I focus on being the best Dawn Banning. If your dream is to start an art project or zumba, the confidence you build will seep uniquely into your life. Like fixing your own bike tire with duct tape.

Painting Live in the CBC studio today!

CBC Radio Windsor was kind to invite me to be a part of their Art & Culture promotion series. I was a guest artist in the studio, with the Bridge guest host Meg Wilcox.

I was requested to produce a painting, in the studio, during the show’s two hour time slot. It was an interesting challenge, first to paint an original piece- not in the comfort of my quiet studio, but in the midst of a busy Radio show. Second, to try to communicate verbally during an interview what I normally do visually.

I tweeted the news and updated FB as we progressed thru the afternoon.Thanks to Meg, Dan and Katera for making me feel so welcome. Congrats to James on winning the new painting!

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What Keeps you Awake at Night?

 I read recently many of us are in a state of constant stress & anxiety.

Our late night worries may have common themes. Health, relationships, finances, work. We may worry about the plumbing, report cards, what your husband will think of your new hairdo. Apparently, we can just make stuff up to worry about.

I read we can even be addicted to stress.

Now that is just sad.

 I believe creativity can be an effective tool in coping, even eliminating unnecessary stress.

One of my effective tactics in reducing worries Dr Martin Rossman speaks of in his book “the Worry Solution”.

 At the heart of it is creative visualization.

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Morning Mist 4fx2ft  Original Oil                      Boreal Sunset 5ftx2.5ft Original Oil

Having an artistic imagination is not so handy when you are 6 years old plagued by nightmares. Our family Dr explained nightmares are common with creatives. He also said I worried too much.

He gave me tips on relaxation visualization I still use. Surprisingly, this method is written about in Dr. Rossman’s book.

 With coping strategies, we boost our health, become more productive, our life improves, and we are more capable of being in service to others. Even under terrifying circumstances taking action can transcend us from paralyzing fear.

 Here are a few tips:

1) Deep Breathe. Repeat. Most of us breathe shallow when stressed.

http://www.coedu.usf.edu/zalaquett/Help_Screens/breath.htm

2) I make a list of Items you can actively take care of, and what you cannot, let go.

 3) Creative visualization.

 Dr. Rossman says with guided imagery, techniques that invigorate the emotional and intuitive parts of the brain add to and enhance logical intelligence. He states with regular practice, you may literally alter the worry pathways in your brain and “hardwire” yourself for calmness and clarity.

He writes ‘imagery is the natural coding language of the most unconscious mind, representing large areas of the brain that are often silent, adding a whole new world of information, problem-solving ability, and emotional intelligence to the intelligence you already have’.*

 When asked to visualize a happy place, most people imagine places in nature, lying on a sandy beach, wandering thru a wildflower meadow, camping in a peaceful forest.

 The key to creative visualization is to begin in your most relaxed state. Try deep breathing  relaxing your entire body and mind. Bring as many sensory aids when you imagine your peaceful place. The scent of the sea air, the sound of seagulls the texture of the sand beneath your feet, the warmth of the sun on your skin.

 Dr. Rossman mentions a second tool “Positive Worry Imagery”. Think of it as positive thinking with flare.

 For example, when a friend was very ill, instead of picturing her in bed suffering, I pictured she and I at her birthday years down the road. What kind of cake would we eat? What music was playing in the background, the guests milling around. I could hear her laugh, envisioning her healthy and vibrant.

 “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”~ Corrie Ten Boom

*Dr. Martin Rossman’s book “ The Worry Solution” can be found online.