Blackbird Cottage Arts

Not sure what is happening on FB however it is likely something I did not understand. It looks like my old business from the Interlake was confusing the issue. Coming up this weekend is the Harte Trail Studio Tour. See poster here and go to websites for a lot more information and to see how you can win a great prize.

Join me at the upcoming craft sale at the Deer Lodge Hospital. It is in my neighbourhood. I will be located at the Lodge entrance door on Lodge Ave. Please stop by. More photos coming in the next few days. Hope to see you all there.

I will be at the ST. ANDREWS HERITAGE RECTORY on RIVER ROAD, but actually the entrance is on ST. ANDREWS just across from the parking lot of St. Andrews Anglican Church. This is with the Garden and Art tour presented by RED RIVER NORTH TOURISM. Please go to their FB page or Website for tickets. There is more information below.
Here are some of the paintings I am taking with me; taking just the outdoor WOOD paintings. If you are unable to stop by on Sunday for the tour; please contact me by phone at 204-990-6944. or by message here. Or, check out the website for prices and sizes www.blackbirdcottagearts.com.

Some recent photos from customers as they add my paintings to their own galleries, outside and in. I love seeing what customers do with the paintings. This is just a few ways to dress up your yard or add to your indoor collection. What I paint on wood can be painted on canvas if wood is not your preference. Check out both at www.blackbirdcottagearts.com or make an appointment to view.

HOLDING COURT
By Dorothy Gauthier-Harapiak, January 29, 2022
He came to me on the wing
His voice piercing through the air
Straight into my soul
He circled as I watched
Calling...

My breath caught
My heart leaped
He circled
Calling...

I watched the sky dance
He circled and landed nearby
He called to me
We eyed each other
The stare began
Taking stock, I guess
From somewhere deep within, I knew
We were one in spirit, although
I, could not fly.

He sat fluttering and sputtering
Fluffing and stretching his black beautiful wings
Cooing and muttering to himself
And to me, it seemed,
Trying to impress, I guess.

The bird sat firm, holding court
I sat on the ground in the garden
Soon, my dog and cat joined my lap
Watching and listening to his musings and preening
And then, I talked.

He stopped and stared once more, listening to my words
It happened in that moment,
And forever since, a sharing of souls
Our heart’s desires shared.
From that moment when I was a child
We shared a dance of sorts
With one generation to the next
His family watching, caring for my soul
Today, since forever, I care for them too
Feeding and loving them as they fly on the wing
Their voices piercing through the air
Calling, calling, calling.

And now to paint. I have this memory from my childhood. I was 4 years or so that this memory finally took root. Although my mother told me that this raven had been coming to talk to me since I crawled at her feet in the garden. He seemed to watch over me apparently. Mother was not worried and would talk to him too; telling him to watch while she did something or other like hanging laundry on the line. He would perch on the laundry pole, on the fence or nearby tree… watching, preening and muttering to himself. So, my memory of that time is cemented in my soul.
Over the last two years, the memory has found its way to my dreams. The raven is there and I hear his mutterings. It is a song that I know very well as over the many years I have had the pleasure to know many crows and ravens as they take on the role of watcher. They have sung to my soul ever sense and I have listened. I pray I paint this image with special care. And hope that he is pleased with the finishing… with my offering.

May and June have been busy months; now that I can paint outside drying time is minimal and my energy for painting is higher. I got the planting done in between...however the inside of the house has missed me and looking like a hurricane has hit a bit. (Thank you to my husband for helping with the tidy up routine🥰 Terry Harapiak you are the best!) Updates here and at www.blackbirdcottagearts.com . The first four are sold pending pick up this month after lockdown is lifted.

Unique, vintage or second hand recycled planters with succulents etc. included ready to put in your garden or give as gifts. MUST contact in advance to purchase what you see here. PICK UP at curb only, no browsing on property. View all on website: www.blackbirdcottagearts.com E-transfer preferred, or cash only on pick up. $25 to $45. With contact I will confirm cost.

Proudly presenting blackbirdcottagearts.com. Check it out and let me know what you think! via

Showcasing Blackbird Cottage Arts Visit my YARD art gallery in person!

Madam Spring arrives early this year whispering in my ear
She fills my dreams inspiring me to plan, to paint, to write
And then to plant.
March Wind follows her blowing and dancing amongst the drifts
Not yet, not yet, too soon, too soon he sings and taunts!
Sun smiles, shining down to help Spring’s mood
Soon, real soon, Sun encourages, the earth will warm.
The magazines arrive, us humans plan in warmth
Seeds are planted indoors, dreams are filled with life.
In time, likely too soon, we brave outside
Clean up begins, digging and prep, we toil and ache!

Suddenly, without warning,
Spring shows moments of regret for her Winter love,
She slows, Winter erupts trying hard to recover,
The earth is covered once more.
Us humans annoyed, delayed, we wait out her moods.
Spring works through her hesitation, a bit contrary.
Soon, Sun pushes her forward,
Mother Earth signals with emphasis, it is time.
"PLANTING TOMORROW" March 1st, 2021 by Dot Harapiak

Spring answers her call, bursting forward with enthusiasm!
Bulbs break through the earth,
Flowers peak carefully upward enjoying the warmth,
They are cautious.
Clearly tulips ad daffodils love the cool,
They take first on stage amongst the snow drops!
The Juncos arrive to clean up the snow molds
and leftovers from the other winter birds.
Grass is grateful for clean up, greening with pleasure.
Soil warms and prepares to receive and claim the stage.
Perennials multiply spreading their arms for space.
Gardens, trees and lawns are filled with bug and bird activity,
The “Ode to Spring” truly begins.

Planting time arrives!
Seeds and seedlings begin their cycle of life.
It is time to plant tomorrow.
Planting for tomorrow’s food, to beautify our Earth Mother,
To sustain and glorify God, the Universe and all Creation.

It is time, for planting Tomorrow.

Spring is arriving in all her glory to Blackbird Cottage Arts, proudly presenting blackbirdcottagearts.com 2021. Check it out and let me know what you think! There will be some changes and additions this year. Keep in touch.

Showcasing Blackbird Cottage Arts Visit my YARD art gallery in person!

SOLD Mystic Mother Praying, January 1, 2020 -
This painting was inspired by a dream just after Christmas 2019. I woke up with the poem floating in my mind and I quickly wrote it down. I started the painting on boxing day and honestly that week of creating is lost in a blur. That is how it is with certain paintings...it was like a fever and the only way to get over it is through the process. I was very connected to this one and have held on to it since. Recently it has been on my mind and I have felt distance from her. Like moving on...Also I have had feelings that I need to let her go.
Last week I reviewed all my art and what can I do to improve etc. And I came to a decision to not hold on to anything... it was time. Yesterday I received a phone call from a man who wanted HOPE from my paintings... his wife has been talking about the connection to this painting. Then I realized it was my Mystic Mother with HOPE spelled out on it. It was time and I said yes it was for sale. I said yes, and it was done. I had said no so many times over this last year; and this time, at this time, I was ready to let go. I am sure other Artists can understand this relationship with their art. www.blackbirdcottagearts.com .

"All you need is love"... sending you all love from Blackbird Cottage Arts...and me! February is coming; new paintings arriving for display and sale...I am almost done! Check out web page
www.blackbirdcottagearts.com (mixed media, acrylic on reclaimed woods; protected with multiple coats of varathane, indoor or outdoor display). Great time to order for spring!

SOLD ALL - "White Raven Returns", "Reflections of 2020", "Wolf Moon Calling", all painted December, 2020 - as the dreams come, I paint.

It seems to be my time of year for reflection both in my own life and in the world around me. Each painting came with a message and the last one was "Wolf Moon Calling"... calling on all communities to come together for healing. I pray, the world is listening to their own dreams. Sending blessings, love and light to all the dark corners of each of us...for healing.
Happy New Year to all my precious family, friends, neighbours and customers.

"Loaded with Jewels" 2020 - acrylic painting on reclaimed wood; enhanced with crystals and jewels; multiple coats of varathane, happy outdoors or inside for a very different Christmas tree. No need to decorate every year! One only, 31" H. by 15" wide. $100
Contact Dot Harapiak by phone/text 1-204-990-6944. Pick up at curbside by appointment only; e-transfer accepted. Will gift wrap with cellophane.

"Earth Angels" 2020, Garden angels available for Christmas presents. $75.00 each or less for multiples. Acrylic on reclaimed woods, multiple coats of varathane; enhanced with crystals and assemblage lady bugs. Size is 44" Tall by 9" wide. Happy displayed OUTDOORS in all weather or indoors as you please. Pick up at curbside with appointment, e-transfer of funds; contact Dot Harapiak at 1-204-990-6944
Original art, only 3 remaining. Or, order something special. See website: www.blackbirdcottagearts.com

Also SOLD, similar or different can be ordered, I have wood for projects. www.blackbirdcottagearts.com
Contact Dot now by phone for Christmas orders or purchases, e-transfer of payment and curb side pick up; delivery for some if desired. Thank you. Dot, 1-204-990-6944.

SOLD today! Picked up safe at curb, and e-transferred payment. Thank you for being safe.
If you wish to order something similar or different for Christmas or after, takes about 2 weeks. Let me know, I can start on yours now. Contact Dot by phone now, 1-204-990-6944 to save time. See more at www.blackbirdcottagearts.com

Still time to purchase or order a painting for your YARD or home. Check out www.blackbirdcottagearts.com for all the up to date paintings for the season. Order today for something special for a Christmas present (orders take about 2 weeks depending on how many I have); how about a Christmas Angel? Contact Dot at 1-204-990-6944, I can email you pictures of what I have or check out the website. Here are a few I have for the season. Contact for prices.

NEW at my outdoor gallery; 23 Lodge Ave. Art for outdoors or indoors. Check out at www.blackbirdcottagearts.com These range in price from $100 to $250. Several more coming before Christmas $50 to$100 sizes. Still time to ask for something painted special for you.

September 11 and 12, great success. Thank you all for dropping by. NEXT ONE IS October 10, 2020. Fall / winter alive and well in Winnipeg! Outdoor gallery to browse in. 23 Lodge Ave. Winnipeg.

Fall is here...Blackbird Cottage Arts
www.blackbirdcottagearts.com

Just Sold: For current offerings go to www.blackbirdcottagearts.com or contact Dot at 1-204-990-6944 to view in outdoor gallery of yard art.

Just sold: "Resting" for Serenity One. Painted summer, 2019

NEW paintings: First one is "Social Distancing" - (or bird in a box); 2nd, is Wally and his catch; and a commission piece for a special Mom for Mother's Day..."Memories", there is always time for a swing.
More on the way. Go to www.blackbirdcottagearts.com for more information. Or drop by 23 Lodge Ave. Winnipeg, (wear a mask) and walk through my outdoor yard art gallery.

JUST SOLD! To Kari and Christine. Thank you for walking by my Outdoor Art Gallery. It was a pleasure to meet you and to serve you at a safe distance! All good.

Just finished... "Snowbirds returning home" April 2020 (32 X 38 or so); this painting and others are all outside to view by all the walkers these days.
3rd. Painting is "First Sail at Sunset" April 2020 (30 X 36")
Message for more details or contact Dot 1-204-990-6944

My solitary dance...
In the eye of the storm I dance alone.
From here I go within;
I see what was and what will be.
I see and feel the storm that surrounds me;
Sadness fills my heart.
From within the darkness I struggle;
The light of knowledge breaks through.
I learn new ways, better ways than fear.
With community, the birth of hope returns;
Still grief moves into my soul,
I pray for release.
In the grip of grief, hope touches me;
I witness life returning.
Home, community, earth, seas and skies refresh;
I rest, I plan, much to do!
My solitary dance takes partners.
My heart lightens.
We rejoice.
We open.
We return to life.
We celebrate with others.
We touch again.

Painting and writing by: Dot Harapiak

My solitary dance...In the eye of the storm I dance alone.
From here I go within;
I see what was and what will be.
I see and feel the storm that surrounds me;
Sadness fills my heart.
From within the darkness I struggle;
The light of knowledge breaks through.
I learn new ways, better ways than fear.
With community, the birth of hope returns;
Still grief moves into my soul,
I pray for release.
In the grip of grief, hope touches me;
I witness life returning.
Home, community, earth, seas and skies refresh;
I rest, I plan, much to do!
My solitary dance takes partners.
My heart lightens.
We rejoice.
We open.
We return to life.
We celebrate with others.
We touch again.

By: Dorothy Gauthier-Harapiak March 28, 2020

Spring has sprung and I am painting! Great way to stay positive about life. My new website is up and running: www.blackbirdcottagearts.com - stop by and take a look. These are all new and will be on the web site soon. For sizes and prices, please contact Dot at 204-990-6944. Visitors are welcome, by appointment only wearing a mask. Thank you.