Growing up, we were surrounded by creativity. From the creative construction of our home, to arts and crafts of every flavour. Not to mention nature’s creativity.

Painting, pottery, stained glass, knitting, crocheting, weaving, hammering, carving, sanding, sawing, gluing, fabric, needlework, sewing…

Seeds planted.

It was sewing that captured me. We were gifted a little portable sewing machine, the cutest little Elna you’ve ever seen, from my stepfather’s sister (or mother?). It had flaps that folded up, perfectly protecting, into its own carry case. How I loved it, thoughts of the time spent sewing on the little Elna still fill me with joy. But my sewing adventures are another story, for another day.

My mother’s painting and arts and crafts filled our world, and now her garden too, great life-size sculptures in bronze and ceramics.

My father was an artist too. Some of his work is iconic in Sydney.

And my Nan too! I have a piece of hers that I treasure. She painted beautiful Australian east coast beach-scapes.

My brother picked up painting, many years ago now. I loved watching each new creation evolve on our visits to Moonbie Street when close, or remotely from afar.

Jumping forward in time to our arrival in Canada in June 2023, I went looking for my tribe. I found a beginner’s acrylic painting class. It’s this journey that I want to share with you.

Before we jump into my paintings done in Vancouver, I did a couple of paintings with my mother when my daughter was young.

Let me start with this one:

2010 – Woolgoolga Beach: Arwen & Lillian (2 years old)

Acrylic on canvas 20cm x 25cm by Arwen Munro, April 2010. Woolgoolga, NSW, Australia.

Before my family was splintered, we would gather every Easter in Woolgoolga. The four siblings and mum, with our young families. These memories, though full of sunshine, hurt my heart. I usually have these memories stored safely away, too painful otherwise.

But let me take you briefly to that day. It was another gorgeous sunny Spring day in Woolgoolga, a beach town on the east coast of New South Wales, Australia. We’d been to the beach and we were all encrusted with salt and sun. Too early for beer o’clock, Mum spread out her painting materials on the back deck and offered me a little canvas. Yes, she reassured, I could use it. I hesitated, feeling it was wasted on me.

The kids didn’t hesitate, so I joined them and painted.

My heart painted.

My little 2 year old daughter and I, a little team. Can you see the wide world out in front of us, the adventures yet to come?

I hope the sun is shining where you are today.

Have a wonderful day! 🌱