I just realized that I haven’t done an update on the status of Shavasana Gallery since May 26 – neither blog nor post – so, while I have a little time and I’m sitting at my desk here on Mayne, I thought I’d let you know what’s been going on.

Although the Gallery Café has been closed TFN due to the pandemic, I have been managing to come over and use the space as my own studio hangout.

(top left); I’m here now working on a new mask for a M.I. Arts Council online exhibit; August harvest of blackberries on the property and subsequent cookie-making. (Bottom); and also working on some content for a new Podcast I hope to launch soon called “The Accidental Curator”,

It’s been a blessing to have a retreat away from Vancouver, and for this I’m grateful. I think the decision to close was the right one. As a guy who “commutes to work” , I travel – as a foot passenger – between here and Kitsilano twice a week during my open season which now runs April thru December. The commute itself has become far less enjoyable due to masks-wearing and social distancing, and infinitely more risky as I navigate 3 bus connections, the Canada Line, and the ferries.

Top row left: managed to get one of my masks “Archduke Ferdinand” into the “Arts on the Islands” book; middle: this is Cedar Christie’s pallette – framed; and evening treats of blackberries & Americanos overlooking Active Pass from the adirondacks. Shavasana remained a popular spot for meetings and visits: Friday’s Spiritual Reflections met here on occasion as did the Friends of Public Safety on Mayne (bottom row: – had a lovely jam with Gail Noonan and Mary Jack (lower right), here’s a pic of Jennifer Peers and Jerryann Haggart at one of their weekly coffee visits on the porch

Given that we are now into a second wave of the pandemic (Canada had over 4,000 new cases a couple of days ago) I’ve decided to remain closed, likely until my new season starts in April 2021. So…I will miss you all and the joy I receive from running my little business in the heart of “The Village” (“Uptown” as the Groove Kitchen and I like to call it 😆 ) I do hope to see many of you (if not all…it’s a small community 🙏 ) casually/socially/distantly as I come over to use my studio.

Sunflowers from my garden that I bring back to Cathy in Kitsilano; my first effort at making Focaccia (delicious!); a rose through frosted glass; sunset from Shavasana; I turned 65 this year and am now a Senior Cougar according to BC Ferries! 😆