March in the Studio, Artist in Residence Update

Artwork and photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Artwork and photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Being the Artist in Residence at Harcourt House has allowed me to find my footing within my current body of art and take off running. The time and space they have provided me to develop my creative work is one of the greatest gifts an artist can receive. The people who work at Harcourt House are pretty amazing too!

Truly the time has flown by and with the close of March I tick off my fifth month at the gallery. Five months! On one hand I feel like, ‘Where has the time gone?’ but on the other I am amazed at the gift of time itself.

Art and photography copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Art and photography copyright Alexis Marie Chute

What exactly do I spend my time on you ask? Answer: lots of hard work and creative play.

I approach my artwork through experimentation with my chosen materials (wood, glue, yarn, acrylic paint…) while holding my concept loosely in my head (and my heart) to see where it all takes me.

For those of you new to my blog, the greater meaning behind my work is the idea of rebuilding ones life after hardship. My method is very akin to my materials and process themselves; I am experimenting using art to heal.

Art and photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Art and photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

The images in this post are some of my very recent work. I began using Jenga pieces in some of my compositions and found this consumerist approach a fun twist while drawing on the concept of the game itself; build as high as you can until your structure falls over. When it does, which is always the case, you laugh and build again learning from your mistakes and constructing your tower even higher the next time.

I love a comment from Brand on my last Harcourt House Residency update. He said my work reminded him of photographic pixels. That notion blows me a way – I LOVE IT! It totally jives with the photographer in me. I am percolating ideas of how to incorporate that concept into my work and am excited about it.

As always, I LOVE company at my studio so please come for a visit! I purposefully have lots of seating so come talk art, life or whatever is on your mind. Contact me to find a time that works.

Sad News from Amazing Race Canada

It is with great sadness that I read a tweet this morning from Amazing Race Canada. All teams have been selected but the most AMAZING team of all, team A+A, have not been chosen. Aaron and I (team A+A) are bummed but we do realize we already have an amazing life and are abundantly thankful for it.

Thanks to all who encouraged us, helped with our sweet video, had dreams of us racing, and supported us along the way. Thank you all for believing in us!

Amazing Race Canada

Amazing Race. Amazing life. For me, they are one and the same, yet my husband and I couldn’t resist applying for Amazing Race Canada when we heard that the Emmy winning reality series was heading above the American boarder.

Watch our application video to see what we are all about!

I’m not sure how much of a thrill-seeker I am; my natural instinct is self preservation, not jumping out of a plane for example (massive fear of heights). My motivations for running the race runs deep in my heart despite the potential for terrifying challenges.

Aaron and I are running the race for our son Zachary who passed away in my arms minutes after he was born from a cardiac tumor. My motivation for putting myself out there on Amazing Race Canada is living life to the fullest for Zachary. My boy will never have the chance to experience this truly amazing life and thus I want to do so for him, in memory of my son.

Aaron and I and our children were recently featured in the Edmonton Journal for our “Amazing Inspiration,” by Elizabeth Withey.

Poetry Reading Contest, Canadian Authors Association

The Canadian Authors Association held their Fourth Annual Let it Snow, Let it Grow Member Social at the beginning of March. The theme was a challenge to writers to pen a narrative poem or short story about what it means to grow. I entered the contest which entailed a public reading of my work at the event, held at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse.

Reading my poetry at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse for the Canadian Authors Association.

Reading my poetry at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse for the Canadian Authors Association.

I was proud to be selected as a winner, along with fellow CAA board member Hendrik Slegtenhorst. The event was hosted by author Gail Sidonie Sobat.

Receiving  the contest award from Gail Sidonie Sobat, with fellow winner Hendrik Slegtenhorst (and my daughter who ran up to be in the picture).

Receiving the contest award from Gail Sidonie Sobat, with fellow winner Hendrik Slegtenhorst (and my daughter who ran up to be in the picture).

I am proud to be a board member of the Alberta Branch of the Canadian Authors Association. CAA is a wonderful organization with the mandate of “Writers Helping Writers.” It has been immensely encouraging for me to connect with other writers in an open environment of learning and support. If you are interested, please join us!

Art Donation for YESS Edmonton

It was my pleasure to donate a piece of my artwork for Rock ‘n’ Robes, a fundraiser for YESS Edmonton. YESS, Youth Empowerment and Support Services, is a quintessential not-for-profit in Edmonton which is “unconditionally devoted to helping youth facing difficult realities.”

I had the pleasure of interacting with Katie Clackson who is one of the fundraiser organizers. She sold me on the event describing it as: Rock ‘n’ Robes is a battle of the bands event in which a number of musically talented lawyers and judges will be performing for their colleagues and other members of the Edmonton community.

How fun is that! What a creative idea to bring people together to raise funds for a great cause!

YESS is a great cause, but over the years they have experienced significant difficulty reaching their funding goals. I have tweeted often in support for YESS, circulating a request for help letter they put out to the media and community not long ago.

Please visit the YESS website to learn about donating, or if you are able please get involved.

Our community can be strong and healthy when we commit ourselves to do good.

Thanks for Your Votes

Exposure Photography Festival held its closing party on February 28th at Endeavor Art Gallery in Calgary. The gallery is beautiful with tall walls and large windows; definitely a space I would love to have a solo exhibition in one day! At the party, VISTEK announced the awards for Emerging Alberta Photographer and People’s choice. I’m always a little disappointed when I don’t win (human nature, right!) but just to be selected for the Emerging Photographer Showcase and having my image on a billboard in Calgary are true highlights.

Exposure Photo Festival VISTEK Emerging Photographer Finalizt Alexis Marie Chute copyright 03

Exposure Photo Festival VISTEK Emerging Photographer Finalizt Alexis Marie Chute copyright 02

A huge thanks to all my family, friends, clients, colleagues, Twitter followers and Facebook friends who voted for me! Your support is always more than appreciated!

Exposure Photo Festival VISTEK Emerging Photographer Finalizt Alexis Marie Chute copyright

Endeavor Art Gallery, Suite 200, 1209 First Street SW Calgary Alberta

Endeavor Art Gallery, Suite 200, 1209 First Street SW Calgary Alberta