Note: This is the fourth entry in an ongoing series that honors creative bloggers who have really made a difference, raising the bar for quality and productivity on the cultural front.
by Sam Juliano
Mayne Island. Located between lower British Columbia and the much larger Vancouver Island, this rustic and temperate paradise is a veritable refuge for ardent nature lovers and those with a ceaseless creative hankering. Though seasonal bubbles frustrate any attempts to confirm yearly population figures, at least 3,000 reside here in the summer months, and no less than 1,000 count themselves as permanent islanders. Among this alfresco lot of those who receive their daily inspiration from the nature’s beauty and wonderments, are Terrill Welch and her husband David Colussi, who moved to this picturesque hamlet three years ago in May, and have since established a base from which to simultaneously study and appreciate the island’s wifelife species and geographical resplendence while using it as a springboard for a budding career as an artist.
Holding a B.A. in sociology with a minor in women’s studies, Ms. Welch is currently working towards a Master’s in Gender Studies at the University of Northern BC. Like many, who climbed the ladder from humble beginnings, Terrill piled green railroad ties in a portable sawmill, served many meals in restaurants, pumped gasoline, and worked as a teller in a small neighborhood store before assuming leadership positions in the social service field – specifically in the area of violence against women – and as a program developer.
An ardent photographer, who loves to walk and observe the scenery around here, Terrill was spurred on to launch the entrancing Creativepotager blogsite this past December as a result of an unfortunate occurence in her life that required some serious reapplication. In August of 2009 David Colussi suffered a stroke that required cognitive therapy exercises to assist him in his recovery and required a great deal of one-on-one attention. As David’s health improved, assisted in large measure by disciplined walks with Terrill, an idea sprung to blunt the daily loneliness in their lovely strawbale timberframe home to “build community and conversation around creativity” while maintaining a flexibility that would not intrude upon David’s healing process. The blog, which has achieved a remarkable popularity among fellow artists and nature-lovers, has in the space of nine short months attracted the regular and profound participation of a number of exceedingly intelligent and passionate contributors, some of whom proctor their own blogsites, specializing in science, nature and art. Many, including the gifted Laurie Buchanan have commented on literally every single one of Terrill’s posts, which are bi-weekly for the summer, but far more frequent during the rest of the year. By using her own art and photography as a springboard for discussion, Terrill concludes all her posts with a “sprout question” which is aimed at fueling the creative process by self-reflection, pride, self-awareness or discovery. Some of Terrill’s most superlative responses have all centered around the sprout, which is usually an extension of the theme expressed in the actual post. Ms. Welch’s life reads like an open book, and her personal anecdotes and descriptive diary-like passages lend the creative process a refreshing context that only experience can successfully inform. She not only talks about her adventures, but she takes you into her habitat, and induces you to see, feel, hear and touch all the scenic wonders that are exclusive to her home and her lifestyle. Alas, she gives you, the reader, all the tools to make your own explorations, and forge your own path.
For a blogsite like Creativepotager to exert the most lasting resonance, one must have a proprietor of specials skills and an acute vision. When asked how her lifestyle has changed over the past years to accomodate her own special interests and goals, Terrill was both blunt and content: “My lifestyle has changed in some ways out of necessity. I am again picking up volunteer leadership work around issues I am passionate about but I want to keep room for my photography and painting – because I can. We are financially secure and dept-free. David encourages and supports my creative expression. What more could a well loved, passionate, creative woman ask for?” Indeed, and every ounce of passion and commitment is evident in the tireless energy exhibited by this driven human being, who crams in as much of life’s most sensory treasures as she maintains a closeness to her family and in-law siblings. Both Terrill and David have a “collection” of eight grown children, which includes two birth children and two step-daughters from a previous relationship for Terrill, and David’s four children. The youngest of their children is 27 and the oldest, 35. Says Terrill, proudly: “At this time we have two grandchildren. My son Kris’ boy, Arrow is eight years old and my stepdaughter Diana’s daughter, Shia, is just about three years old.”
Terrill has incorporated her familial affections into her life and work, and in a recent exquisite post, titled “Red Umbrella and Wedding Photography” she used her appreciation of color photography to employ an Italian-born photographer, Federico Vanoli, who produced some arresting, cinematic stills that provided readers with an inimitable feast for the eyes, for the wedding of her daughter Josie to Ryan. Using the red umbrella, as an eye catching image to the left of the frame, Terrill notes, the entire picture comes to glorious fruition, and gives the wedding couple rapturous evidence for a lifetime. Terrill speaks of her family often, and includes them as much as possible in her poetic entries, testifying to the remarkable bond, in a life where artistic inspiration is so fruitful to almost become suffocating.
When asked what she has come to appreciate the most about the Creativepotager’s site’s increasing popularity within the blogging community, Terrill admits: “I love the breadth and depth of conversation, community and inspiration that flows each week when readers gather at Creative Potager and then send out spider-webs of connections to their blogs or other links that are of interest. There is a freshness and immediacy to Creative Potager that is like a second home for me. Creative Potager allows me to live on a small island off the west coast of Canada and still in a global community.” Terrill Welch’s lifestyle, as can be amply evidenced by the many responses under her postings, has become an inspiration for many who evince the same sensibilities, and she has served as a guiding force for those looking for vital impetus and enrichment.
For those trapped in the big cities, or in settings where a ‘hands-on’ with nature is for varying reasons an impossibilty, the home of the Creativepotager is an internet indulgence for which to experience and to dream. With some it may even provide a springboard for their own travel plans. Terrill Welch has made the most of her quiet solitude and the inherent beauty of her Mayne Island setting to maximixe her own artistic potential, and her extraordinary work (which can be seen at http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/artist-biography) She has proven yet again that the greatest way to inspire creativity in the arts is to favorably exploit physical beauty and to load the deck in awaiting that one moment, where your own existence may change forever. It’s a proposition of a lifetime.
Above– Flowers and drying grasses on Mayne Island
Terrill’s grandson Arrow
Dragonfly on Mayne Island
Nicely written Sam and, although not having the time to explore as many blogs as in the past on a daily basis, you did introduce me to her blog through a post awhile back.
They live in an ideal setting and her sprout questions are always interesting…………
Thanks so much for the kind words Michael, and I do recall your comments at Creativepotager. As always you injected your own special insights.
Terrill and David certainly do live in an ideal setting, and I applaud them for letting their sensibilities rule. The sprouts are always a revelation.
A great piece Sam on a gifted lady. Terrill’s artwork is exquisitely refreshing, exploiting nature’s beauty from her own unique and talented perspective. I do not comment there much but I always check out her site.
John: With your own passion for photography and outdoor beauty, I am hardly surprised at your affinity for Terrill’s work and setting. You have done your own version of this of course at WATCHING SHADOWS ON THE WALL.
Thanks for the kind words for Terrill and for myself, my very good friend.
Beautiful writing, Sam.
And it appears that your “subject” is quite a lady. This is what I would call “making the most” of life’s opportunities and outdoor indulgences. Mayne Island would be a great vacation place, but its doubtful many have even heard of it. Best wishes to David, and happy to read he’s fully mended.
The sprout question is a great idea.
Thanks Peter, for your cogent observations. And I’m sure Terrill appreciates the kind words about David and about her home base.
And what a thread this has turned out to be.
Sam – This is one heckofa piece on one heckofa lady. My hat’s off to you!
Laurie: Thanks so much for that, and of course you know Terrill just about better than anybody. Your ceaselessly brilliant contributions have made the creativepotgaer’s blog such a rewarding experience, and I know your own place is magical as well.
In fact, I am adding you to the WitD blogroll right now!
I love the contrast and the background. Beautiful.
Yes it is Joseph, exceedingly so. Thanks for adding to the celebration here.
Brings the Creative Terrill Welch alive and visits to Creativepotager are like visits to a Artists Colony online. Truly inspiring!
A lovely written post
Aye Chris, and I’ve always appreciated your own excellent contributions at Terrill’s site.
Thanks so much for those exceedingly kind words!
Sam,
Well done! You have captured the creativity and gentle love of Terrill here with words and photographs just as she would.
Her blog inspired my blog writing to create and be as open as honest as possible.
Terrill has taken us all in and has shared her world and the world of nature and the nature of the world through her journey’s with painting, photograph, stories of family and friends. Who could ask for more!
I am Love, Jeff
Jeff:
That is as passionate a comment as I’ve ever read anywhere. Your inspired comments over at Creativepotager certainly confirm your claims here! I look forward at some point to seeing the fruits of your own creativity.
Thanks so much for the lovely words!
I find it truly amazing that one of your greatest compositions is non-movie and music related. But at any blogsite, creativity is the central component. Terrill Welch is really the envy of us all. Book me a trip to British Columbia.
Ha David, a most interesting judgement there! Well, I will say that Terrill Welch’s lifestyle has always fascinated me (as an urbanite will little opportunity to access this beautitude) and like so many others I adore art of this caliber.
Save a spot for me on the plane!
Thanks for the very kind words.
I remember you had once discussed the possibility of paying a visit to Prince Edward Island (something about Anne of Green Gables.) But after looking at Terrill’s blog, I think the Pacific coast stretches the possibilities of outdoor beauty and temperate climate.
You are on quite a roll, Sam. Mega-posts on Mann and Chaplin, and then Mozart and this incredible piece on the Creativepotager. The writing is outstanding. I love that picture with the red umbrella, but it’s clear Ms. Welch has some major talent, from the looks of that sea painting.
Ah, you remembered that Frank, eh? Well, I must say, even with the love for Lucy Ward Montgomery’s writings (and that lovely Canadian series on the books) I can’t even remotely suggest that Mayne Island is behind anyplace in physical beauty, as Terrill’s site will attest to. I’m sure Terrill herself does know Prince Edward Island as well. That red umbrella photo impressed me too!
Thanks for the great (albeit ‘over the top’) words my very good friend!
Quiet solitude is usually a springboard for the creative process, but it helps if the person is talented to begin with. Such is the case with the creativepotager, Terrill Welch. She’s inspired a community of those who share her passion, and appreciation of the world around us. This is a fascinating feature about a special person, and it’s so well written.
Thanks Fred!
The community that Terrill built was accomplished in such a short time, and the love and loyalty over there is really amazing. Yes, she’s way more than just a nature-loving. This gal’s got some big-time talent!
Great piece Sam. This is one of my favorite by you I have had the pleasure to read. To say I am jealous of where Mrs Welch lives would be an understatement. Her painting that you featured is also wonderful. I remember going to Maine for a wedding a few years ago. The lovely couple got married on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Everything was so picturesque. I remember feeling so depressed coming back home to the relative ugliness of my Brooklyn neighborhood.
You and I both Maurizio, you and I both. Brooklyn and Northern New Jersey right across the Hudson from Manhattan are the same in every sense. But hold your head up high my friend. Our cultural opportunities are priceless too, but in a much different way. Ain’t I being ‘insightful’ here? LOL!!! Maine is beautiful, and I well understand what you felt. One always hankers for what he or she can’t have, but by any barometer of measurement Terrill Welch is one lucky lady. But one makes their own breaks with her own kind of ceaseless determinations.
Your comments my very good friend are deeply appreciated.
I must speak to you by e mail.
I know what you mean – I grew up, not in Maine but NH seacoast (shortest in the nation – 20 miles!) and despite having lived in cities most of my adult life, I’m still a New England beach bum at heart. Btw, thanks for this great post Sam – not only is it an inviting introduction to a unique blogger (I’m sad to say I don’t think I’ve visited her site yet – there’s always so many I put on the backburner, but now I’ve added her to my blogroll and will visit soon), but it’s one of your strongest pieces I’ve read. Looking forward to more in this series (even with a gulp, as I survey the already voluminous list of blogs I visit all to infrequently!).
Great paintings, by the way – Terrill is a very talented individual.
Thanks so much Joel for those flattering words of appreciation and for the very interesting anecdote. I felt honored to do this post, and to pass on the word about Terrill, who (as you mention) is an extremely gifted person. Her site is both an escape from everyday life, and a serious indulgence in artistic excellence. Thrilled to hear you are deeply impressed.
Thanks as always my very good friend!
“Everything was so picturesque. I remember feeling so depressed coming back home to the relative ugliness of my Brooklyn neighborhood.”
Maurizio, (and others) consider:
You know, ladies and gentlemen, I’ve already been to Paris, I already been to Rome
And what did I do but miss my home?
I have been out west to Californ’.
But I miss the land where I was born.
I can’t help it.
Dum-de-dum-de-dum-dum-da-dum-day
Oh, New England.
Dum-de-dum-de-dum-dum-da-dum-day
Oh, New England.
I have seen old Israel’s arid plain.
It’s magnificent, but so’s Maine.
Dum-de-dum-de-dum-dum-da-dum-day
Oh, New England.
(Jonathan Richman, ‘New England’)
and,
The idea that there are beautiful objects and ugly objects, people endowed with beauty and others who cannot claim it, has surely no other foundation than convention–old poppycock–and I declare that convention unhealthy…. People have been taught to consider –without question–as grace and beauty; but have overlooked my work to substitute another and vaster beauty, touching all objects and beings, not excluding the most despised–and because of that, all the more exhilarating. … I would like people to look at my work as an enterprise for the rehabilitation of scorned values, and in any case, make no mistake, a work of ardent celebration… I am convinced that any table can be for each of us a landscape as inexhaustible as the whole Andes range… I am struck by the high value, for a man, of a simple permanent fact, like the miserable vista on which the window of the room opens daily, that comes, with the passing of time, to have an important role in his life. I often think that the highest destination at which a painting can aim is to take on that function in someone’s life.
(J. Dubuffet, painter)
In other words, give me the beauty of the slab on concrete out my urban front door. Beauty in the art, and the thought/idea of the art, not the subject of the art.
That, and how can a lover of such urban, industrial Krautrock dream for such a pastoral landscape?
Hey, that font looks pretty good in italics. Also, I want some of Dubuffet’s acid. 😉
Me, I like industrial Krautrock dreams and pastoral landscapes. I used to love wandering amongst the abandoned factories and warehouses of Brooklyn, not knowing exactly where I was headed, crossing over the drawbridge under which the trash ferries passed – to me it was like the gateway to another world. But I also love staring out at the ocean as the waves pound the shore. One need not preclude the other; still, and perhaps it’s because dum-de-dum-de-dum, New England’s where I have my deepest connection too, I’ll take the ocean more often than not.
“In other words, give me the beauty of the slab on concrete out my urban front door. Beauty in the art, and the thought/idea of the art, not the subject of the art.” But isn’t the art and the thought/idea of the art at least partially related to the subject? Isn’t that beauty in the slab, actually there, with the art just bringing it to the forefront? That was more what Dubuffet’s quote suggested to me (at least to the last part, where I kind of get off the train – for me, I respond more freshly to a “miserable vista” at first glance than when familitarity has rendered it functional).
I read it as: he’s rejecting anything that’s seen as new as beautiful, picturesque. The vista that you and think is beautiful is probably because you’ve only seen one live a few times (I swear this is partially why the french love the Searchers so much, it seems like another world) or in pictures. If it was out your window everyday most would tire of it, and probably think your old Brooklyn was the cat’s meow. I used the square slab of concrete because it’s an image i see at least twice a day.
I’m not denying the beauty of Maine, or the vista, I’m denying that it’s more beautiful then ‘ugly’ Brooklyn. (which I think is more or less what you’re also doing, and so is good ol’ Jonathan).
Oh, and not wanting to step on any toes, but if anyone isn’t familiar with J. Richman’s song:
(I CANNOT believe he was ever on TOTP, let alone to do this song, wow)
Love it, love it, love it Jamie!!!!!!!!!!
I had never heard it before!
Now, as a resident New Englander, what will Joel think of this?
Awesome – and I love the first comment! You and Maurizio are like my rescue squad – I stopped exploring music about 4-5 years ago as my initial euphoria at discovering albums as art (till then I’d just been the casual music fan who knew this or that song) dissipated and I refocused on music. But in the past month, I’ve been turned on to/bought Arvo Part, Wire’s album 154, Adam and the Ants, and now Jonathan Richman. Great for the ears, if not the wallet.
As for Dubuffet:
I was going to say I disagree with him about taste being founded entirely on convention, but the more I think about it the more I’m not sure. I think this convention is deeply rooted – it’s not an intellectual one, but an unconscious one, and the socilalization which produces it must be subliminal – but I do suspect entirely fresh eyes will see, if not the beauty, at least the wonder in everything (then again, I’m not sure everyone is born with equal capacity in this regard; some people may just not be aesthetically inclined). Where we might differ is in why this alienation from certain objects take place. First of all, I think there is an element of innate taste at play; otherwise, how would convention arise in the first place (the notion that it’s an alien intrusion on “pure” humanity is, ironically given many of the people who utilize this argument, at root Judeo-Christian). Secondly, as I implied above distinguishing “wonder” from “beauty”, one may be attuned to the freshness of everything but that does not entail a similar reaction to everything – the “beauty” of the slab of concrete is not the same “beauty” as that of the Maine seashore, they have different qualities; I don’t know that Dubuffet would disagree with me here but it’s worth noting lest the generalizations get too broad.
I do recognize and sympathize with what he’s saying – so much of our surroundings get brushed over, and even the stuff that’s recognized as “beautiful”, like the Maine coast, has a tendency to get simplified and commodified so that one is only looking at a signifier of beauty rather than beauty itself. The universe takes on a functional quality, especially when one lives in a city where the explicit intention of most things is functionality (which doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful too, but one has to look at them differently than they were “intended”; whereas nature makes a more direct appeal to our senses). So in that sense, I agree.
But that leads me back to another disagreement – he writes “I am struck by the high value, for a man, of a simple permanent fact, like the miserable vista on which the window of the room opens daily, that comes, with the passing of time, to have an important role in his life.” But I think at this point the man tends to not even notice the miserable vista, let alone appreciate it, that it becomes a shorthand abstract rather than a deeply experienced phenomena. I know that has often been the case for myself. “Truly” seeing something becomes MORE difficult with time, not less, at least the type and extent of time Dubuffet is talking about.
Still interested to see what Maurizio has to say on the subject, though.
But Jamie most of the Krautrock I actually like is pastoral. Maybe not Kraftwerk but I’m thinking of Sowiesoso by Cluster. The whole album was recorded in the German countryside of Forst. It changed their sound once they moved there. I have always preferred Sowiesoso to Zuckerzeit and the earlier more industrial stuff by Moebius and Roedelius. Also remember that Michael Rother visited the duo in 75 and was captivated by the scenery. They ended up producing Deluxe as Harmonia (which I always loved more than the more urban sounding Music Von). The cover is a bright sun shining over the sea and shows the musicians on the back cover enjoying some relaxation by a beach. Lets also not forget possibly my favorite Neu! 75 track Leb Wohl which includes the sound of waves crashing on a shoreline as one of it’s more distinctive features throughout it’s duration. Those may actually be my favorite Krautrock albums after Trans Europe Express.
I can use even modern examples in the work of Gas/Wolfgang Voight. His main inspiration was the large forests he would hang out in and take acid. His music has a definite pastoral feel mixed with the hazy amorphous vibe. His last album Pop happens to be my favorite of the decade. I can even mention On Land by Brian Eno. The Sinking Of The Titanic by Gavin Bryars (with it’s reproduction of watery depths and peacefulness). There is a side of me that loves this world. When I mentioned I was depressed by coming home I wasn’t being entirely clear. I didn’t mean that I wanted to shed my association with everything urban but that I would enjoy a more balanced combination of the two. I wouldn’t want to spend my whole time in a place like Terrill Welch’s Mayne Island. I guess a fair share of both is what I was longing for. I think I may do a peace on Sowiesoso to really expand on this idea. Also funny that this should come up since I am going on a mini 4 day vacation to Rhode Island and Glouchester Mass next week…….
I also appreciate the compliment Joel. Its great that you purchased the Arvo Part CD. The great thing about these blogs is the exchanging of ideas and awareness of other people’s specific favorite works of art. Allan’s high placement of The Prestige in his 2000 countdown lead directly to my newfound love of that film. Sometimes someone else’s strong recommendation can do the trick.
well, maurizio that wasn’t really the crux of my argument, but whatever.
_ _ _
MovieMan I’m somewhat shocked you’re not familiar with Richman (though if you’ve seen ‘Something about Mary’ you are). He’s awesome, if you watch and he’s playing near you: GO. preferably with a girl/woman you adore. A life changer he is live. Much of his stuff is great like that, with this childlike quality… but then his last album, 2008 ‘Because Her Beauty Is Raw and Wild’ is so bare, moving, and beautiful. A shame many people that like him haven’t followed him into adulthood. The last track ‘As my mother lay lying’….
I’ll remember in the future with my off hand music quotes and snippets that everyone doesn’t speak in musical shorthand like I do… and I sort of assume people do. I think doing this will open up some real riches! (I have a new series starting here, called ‘Supposedly Meaningless Pop Music as an Explanation of How to Live Your Life (a series)’ that has been ‘hush hush’, but the first selection is finished and written (just waiting for my day to post now!). I think you particularly will enjoy what I’m doing with it (and hoping to)
RE: Dubuffet, I’ll return later to comment further, but will add now that it’s important to note when he’s writing that: 1920s. The everything goes idea is something that most people take for granted now (you and I included). And the rest of what you say, I must say you have the sharpest x-acto around for splitting hairs! Still I want to comment further, I shall return…
Yeah I know. I just wanted to make my feelings on the subject more concrete. I agree with you that we long for what we don’t have or see on a regular basis. Someone in Maine may long for Brooklyn in the same way as I for Maine. There is beauty in everything…… But believe me Maine is @#@$%ing gorgeous!!!!
Also they are overrun by lobster……. never a bad thing.
Oh I can’t help myself Jamie, MovieMan, Sam and Maurizio. Your topic of conversation is close to the heart of my work… in that beauty is both in the way we see and the innate quality of our subject. When I am in the country, I photograph the beauty of the country. When I am in the city, I photograph the beauty of the city. It is the light reflecting and being absorbed in the world around me that keeps me mesmerized in the immediacy of life. Waking up to a concrete slab without noticing its beauty is an opportunity lost. Here are three links to blogs where I have photographed the city
Roof Top Morning http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2010/06/29/roof-top-morning
Photographic tribute to the oldest Chinatown in Canada http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/photographic-tribute-to-oldest-chinatown-in-canada
Shadow Memories http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/shadow-memories
For me it is the discovery of the Soft Caresses of Patterns http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2010/03/23/the-soft-caress-of-patterns
Our doorstep seems to be the perfect place to start a personal journey of discovery about what it is that we find beautiful. If you are in doubt that there is beauty at your doorstep seek out someone else who has begun the journey and can provide a few markers for you. A perfect example of this for me is the 2006 film Manufactured Landscapes Directed by Jennifer Baichwal with Photographer Edward Burtynsky. I am not sure I would have immediately seen the beauty without some help from Burtynsky.
p.s. For clarity of readers: Yes there is Mayne as in Mayne Island on the West Coast of Canada and then there is Maine as in the East Coast of the United States. Best of all, we are talking about both in the same blog:)
p.s.s. Have I said yet how much I love Wonders In the Dark for its community of great conversationalist? I do.
Aye, what a fantastic addition here Terrill, and what links.
Yes the conversation here is unbelievable. Jamie Uhrer is so brilliant, that I am often so awed and intimidated that I can’t weave my way in! Now Maurizio, another gifted writer and thinker and the well-defined genius of MovieMan, and we have discussions of great depth, as we have seen here.
I had already seen the wedding city photos, (which I commented on and thought stunning) but those Chinatown photos really blew me away. We have a Chinatown here in NYC of course, but I couldn’t imagine photos that beautiful being culled from our urban landscape. In any case Terrill, I do agree with you that there is much beauty in out landscape and our surroundings, and was just two weeks reminded of this when I viewed the documentary on Jean-Michele Basquiat, the Andy Warhol-era painter who created beauty from the walls, sidewalks, and abandoned buildings around him. I will have a review up Monday on this splendid documentary.
I love those photos, especially the first crop. Several of those rooftops look almost like optical illusions – you can’t tell where one ends and the other begins.
There’s a fantastic short experimental film by a British filmmaker, which these pictures bring to mind (although I think your photos have a kind of a serene quality, whereas the destroyed buildings in the film, however beautiful, are filled with sorrow). It’s not online, but here’s a description:
http://www.luxonline.org.uk/artists/john_smith/blight.html
Sam I will be looking forward to your post. Movieman your link hits the spot. The building in between where I am taking the photograph and the rooftops has been torn down to put up a condo building that stopped construction at the demolition point as it couldn’t make a go of it. Now the lot sits vacant with one required heritage wall still standing – gradually being reclaimed by nature. I will have to see if I can order Blight.
The Chinatown photos are stunning.
After seeing that wedding photo, I want to get hitched this week.
You are right when you say that Terrill lives in an island paradise.
You’d really get married over this Maria?
Now that may be the most persuasive evidence of this place’s allure!!!
I’ve always referred to it as a paradise and an awe-inspiring place.
Have a great school year my friend!
a wonderful blog on Terrill.. been following her on twiter a while now; and her photographs are mesmerizing; larger than life; her life in itself a storybook… Terrill brings us into her beautiful world effortlessly and with viewer/visitor anticipation of wonder and loveliness.
dd
@ddsnorth:
You said it all there! Her paintings seem destined for art galleries. I’m no art expert, but I’m not sure she realizes just how talented she is. Yes, it all comes off as so effortless.
Great to have you comment here!
I feel like the guest of honour showing up fashionably late for her own party. The truth is Sam’s writing up of my ordinary life turned it into an extraordinary experience for me when viewed through his writing. I needed a moment just to catch my breath. Though my life may appear to be an open book, I can assure you that some of its pages have been glued shut for privacy.
Sam I not sure how I might thank you enough for the care and thought you have taken in presenting this interview. I am deeply honoured. Thank you, thank you… thank you.
I am reminded of Emily Carr who wanted a people’s gallery where everyday people would have access to Artists’ work. At the time, she was finding the formal gallery and collector censoring elitism difficult. Today however the internet and blogging community gives us access if we seek to find. What a wonderful time we are in. A time when we can engage across miles and the seas on topics that inspire us – that fill us with possibility and gratitude. Wonders in the Dark does this for me and has been a big part in helping me to connect with other creative beings on Creative Potager.
Well Terrill, this is every bit as beautiful as all your responses at Creativepotager. I feel especially thrilled that a non-movie site has inspired a number of people, who might ordinarily slag off such a place as one of those mundane nature sites. You have proven with your passion, openmindedness, and effervescense that your terrain can open up avenues of appreciation with those who might ordinarily stand in the shadows.
And your personalized touch has really endeared you to your readers. It was a great honor for me to write this piece, and I thank you for all the fabulous responses. I really loved doing this.
What a wonderful and refreshing find. Very powerful. Beautifully written, Sam. Thank you for bringing this and so many other finds into my life through your own remarkable website.
Jenny, those are really wonderful words there, and I can’t thank you enough for entering them here! I had the great fortune of finding Terrill’s site after she had visited WitD with a movie comment. I reciprocated and lo and behold I was hooked. There’s just too much beauty over there, and so much talent.
Thanks again my very good friend!
Hey, Arkansas is God’s country too!
Awww, Sam, this is a wonderful testament!
Your words are both illuminating and sentimental at the same time. I’m sure Terrill came away from this post with a smile and a tear.
I have visited this blog site several times to marvel at the art work (the “umbrella” photos are striking, but its Terrills nature photography that blows me away-almost like a birds eye view of things we take for granted around us every day).
Yes, yes, and YES!!!! The blog-sire is like a little haven of tranquility where artists can rummage around with their own thoughts as Terrill sparks questions and ideas that fester deep into our psyche and, for lack of a better way of saying it, allow us to enrich ourselves with its application.
I don’t usually comment on blogs as I like to think of myselfs as a silent passersby who can be influenced by others in a natural state of chance encounter, like being impressed by a conversation you heard from across the room. Terrill is one such a person, along with her blog-site, that I’m glad to say I “brushed” by. Her brand of positive reinforcement is both inspiring and smile inducing. It’s lovely too know that a few really genuinely good people still exist on this planet…
I look forward to revisiting her site again. Who knows???? I just might lose my shyness for a moment to say hello one of these days….
🙂
Splendid and exhaustive consideration here Dennis, and I must say the Creativepotager deserves it! I do hope at some point you’ll stop in over there. it’s the next best thing to stepping foot on Mayne Island.
Thanks for the very kind words!
Oh please do lose your shyness Dennis. I would be delighted if you joined in with a sprout or two as you see fit. Creative Potager is the kind of garden that always has room for one more sprout… and they grow really well too because everyone helps to keep them watered:)
This is a beautiful blog – after looking at some of Terrill’s art there, I look forward to returning and exploring some more. Great stuff, Sam.
Aye Judy. There are treasures there in all shapes and forms.
[…] posted an interview with me that if you haven’t already read you might want to wander over to Artist and Nature-Lover Terrill Welch: Mayne Island’s resident Creativepotager. Special thanks to all Creative Potager readers and twitter followers who have already been and […]
Hi! Sam Juliano —
This is a great piece that you present here on fellow blogger Creativepotager.
…I too have visited Creativepotager’s website and found it to be very interesting.
Her paintings are beautiful, but of course! (Almost in the same vein as French Impressionist painters…One name comes to mind French— Impressionist artist Monet, as in…Claude.)
Her Life story is…interesting and awe — inspiring…
…and the photographs are very nice and…very lovely.
Sam Juliano — Thank-you, for sharing…as usual.
DeeDee 😉 🙂
That is a wonderful compliment there Dee Dee, for Terrill’s work, when you make comparison to Monet. I’m sure she will in good time receive recognition in the art circles on the mainland, and her magnificent talent deserves as much. Yes, her life is most definitely “interesting and awe-inspiring” as you note.
Thanks so much my dear friend for the lovely tribute here on Terrill.
Sam, this is a very beautiful blog highlighting Terrill and her life and blogging ventures. I drank in every word, eager to learn more about our Creative Potager. What a gift you give the community in sharing her work! Thank you so very much.
Thanks so much for that Kathy! Terrill was really a built-in subject as her home and lifestyle are really fascinating, even without the crowning attraction of her art talent.
I see you have some lovely sunflowers on display at your own scenic paradise:
http://upwoods.wordpress.com/
Thank you so much, Sam, for this interesting interview. I even learned something new about a friend who I thought was an open book. : ) All the best to both of you.
Thanks so much Leanne! This was one of the absolute joys here at WitD! Best always to you and yours!
Hi Sam! What a lovely – and much deserved – post on Terrill! I have relished her (and her her beautiful blog) for quite a while, and a few months ago she was kind enough to let me conduct an interview with her on my own blog – http://www.staceycurnow.com/blog/2010/03/walking-in-the-sunshine-of-my-soul-special-shoes-not-required/
Terrill is an absolute joy and an inspiration, and it is so great to see her highlighted here! Thank you! Take care – Stacey
Thanks so much for that Stacey, and your own interview brings so much to the table.
I was thrilled to click on that link to amazon, where Terrill’s latest book is listed and selling! Aye, this special lady has made her mark in so many ways, and believe it is I who am honored to have featured her here. It’s one of the most rewarding endeavors I’ve negotiated at this site or anywhere else.
[…] and reported back with a live link to his readership. Not only that, he did a full interview post Artist and Nature-Lover Terrill Welch: Mayne Island’s resident ‘Creativepotager” this past August. Sam will always be in noted in Creative Potager’s hall of fame for his […]