A wonderful benefit from purchasing or sharing original art & craft, is that it is often accompanied by a story. It may be the story of the maker, their inspiration, materials, or of the item itself. The story evolves to include the collectors story, why this piece is special to them. Stories can connect the collector more deeply to the experience of the piece, and reflect value.
Possible Dialogues: “I bought this on ebay.” OR, “ I purchased this from a 4th generation craftsman who lived on the shores of the mediterranean,” They may be the same price, yet the second may be treasured, along with it’s story, in a very different way. It will become a part of the family’s connection and legacy.
What’s really fascinating for me, is how much people crave narrative. We are rooted in story.
I started this blog because it was required by collectors, dealers and fans. “it is no longer acceptable to just reveal art. We want stories. If you don’t want to share painting stories, give us something else.” It was a challenge I am still figuring out. Your positive response to my last post is encouraging that sometimes, I get it right.
Sharing art, craft, traditions, and story may strengthen family bonds, and help introduce new perspectives. Infusing our lives with what is made by someone’s loving hands, and re telling the story, can help us feel grounded in our humanity. They remind us of our resilience, and innovativeness.
Storytelling, in itself, is an ancient and artistic craft.
One of my fondest memories from living in the north is of the Yukon Storytelling festival.
When a friend suggested attending, I had visions of rambling ‘ big fish’ tales onstage.
A karaoke for talkers.
I couldn’t have been more inaccurate.
The seeds for the festival sprouted in the 1980’s when one of the Yukon’s last Tagish speakers shared her stories to a global audience in Toronto.
The Yukon Storytelling festival began in 1988, growing to include storytellers from all over the world, with an emphasis on First Nation and circumpolar countries.
The festival hosts professional ‘tellers’, who are as diverse as the crowd. Stories range in mythical or true events, often moving, educational, or funny.
Visualize sort of an outdoor inspirational Ted Talk, without the big screen and cushy seats.
Perched on a grassy knoll under a canvas tent that balmy summer evening, captivated, we witnessed inspiring flawlessly performed stories.
The event had a wonderful ancient primitive pull to how we shared stories in the past, gathered in tents or caves, around campfires, or in Grandma’s kitchen.
Stories weave us together in history. A powerful educational tool, stories are an evolving tapestry of society and culture.
Art began before the written word, as a form of communication, sharing stories, myths & legends.
Painting in it’s own right is an amazing conduit of connection, a story without words, inviting the viewer to participate.
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These will be the last new paintings for quite awhile, as I prepare to move next month. It takes 3 weeks or more for art to dry, in order to transport, it’s time to clean up the studio.
I would love to hear from you. Please check my recent posts and instagram for available to purchase, including these 3 new pieces. email me dawn@dawnbanning.com
“Deer”- a familiar and favourite landscape of mine to paint. I have always wanted to attempt it with the deer I often see on the horizon.Also, Introducing a new colour for me, India Yellow by Gamblin. DEER is 18×24 ~ $1330.oo
“Sunflower” 5×7 $400.oo
“Calla Lilies ( Peace Lily)~ 8×8 $500.oo
( Yukon painting, not for sale ~ gifted )
~ Top photo STORIES~ The DEER reference and my affinity for them is made early on in this photo, Growing up in Provincial Parks, we occasionally assisted wildlife on their journey. This young fawn needed help when it lost its mother. I remember bottle feeding it, and being so thrilled with this gentle little spirit. The animals were never pets, they were nurtured and returned back to the wild when they were able.
Second photo~ enjoying the lake with a cousin in one of the parks we lived. Growing up in nature has influenced my work in so many ways, not just subject matter. I am forever grateful to our parents for giving us such a remarkable life experience.