It's always so interesting to look back at various point in Time ...
In this instance, I was invited, in early April 2021, to discuss where I'm at - as an artist and author - one year after the onset of COVID.
I remember the start of the pandemic rather vividly. It was mid March of 2020 and suddenly it seemed that everyone was going into lock-down mode. I just instinctively knew, as did so many others, that this was SERIOUS. We had to hunker down. I did not do a run out to stock-up on toilet paper, but I was struck by the disappearance of all fresh eggs from the local grocer. For two days, I literally hunted for fresh eggs - finally finding a dozen in a small convenience store. And the 'new reality' sunk in.
Interestingly enough, James Strecker and I go back a lot further than one year ... Many years ago, when he was running a small and vibrant publishing house in Hamilton, I submitted a poem for an local anthology about 'what Life meant'. (A typical kind of artist Q&A!) It was also one of the first poems of mine ever published. Here's the blurb for that #poetry book, This I Believe ...
Well, time goes on ... as do writing projects ...
Now, some 30+ years later, with three novels under my belt, numerous photo-books, two books of poetry and a social history about religion in Toronto, James and I have circled around again to each other. In the following interview, James asks, again, about 'what does Life mean' ...
JAMES STRECKER: If, before the COVID crisis, you were asked for 50 words to
summarize what you do, or have done, in the arts, what would you have said
about your purpose and creations?
MARGARET LINDSAY HOLTON: I’ve been active in the local, national and
international arts community for over 40 years now through a variety of disciplines: Canadian fine furniture design & making, painting, writing, experimental
photography and short film works. Essentially, I am offering my vision of ‘how I see the world’ from this
exact point – in Time and Space – on this, our amazing home planet. This has
been my job …
JB: “This all started as something fun to do during covid-19 isolation & to promote positive mental health; especially for those isolated alone... it turned into so much more ... ‘Storytime for Grownups’ showcases indie & traditionally published #authors of various genre & #writing styles from around the world. It’s a wonderfully dynamic group of authors from different backgrounds, experience & abilities.
‘Storytime for Grownups’ is a complimentary Twitter & YouTube-based narrated video project co-produced by Jacqueline Belle Poems and Guru Art Lifestyle.
#Paperback includes short stories & poems by authors: Barbara Avon, Jacqueline Belle, Cheryl Burman, Kathleen Cranidge, Stoney deGeyter, David DeWinter, Jon Hart, Margaret Lindsay Holton, Karen Honnor, Jane Jago, Julie Kusma, Melinda Lucas, Sallie Moffitt, Val Ormrod, Bella Rayne, Romston, Carol Sheppard, Shylovedheart, Doug Stuber, Melony Teague, Duncan Wilson, Albert van der Steeg, and W Rix Victory II.”
From my old primary school, situated on top of the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada - a very nice profile of my work over the past few decades in both art-making and writing ...
As an 'old girl' (from many moons past went), I can attest to the solid educational framework that this private day school offers. As an attending youngster, I LOVED the teachers, (even though some were ferocious on the outside, hint-hint, Mrs.LeRoy!).
Overall, I appreciated the small class sizes, the wide-ranging curriculum that was devoted to creating well-rounded little girls and boys, the active sports days & theatrical productions, the life-long friendships made and the mushy peas at lunch hour in the school cafeteria! It was a wonderful place to just 'grow' ....
'Immersed in Art' - a very much appreciated four-page spread about me in the 2021 Spring Edition of the Hillfield Strathallan College Review.
There are varied ways and means to 'get-the-word-out' for #indie #authors. There are the traditional legacy media outlets that provide authenticity in one's local community. It can be a long process though that can take months, even years, to get good coverage. There are also local radio and news programs, augmented with Public Service Announcements (PSAs). These are fun to do, but fleeting in both the public imagination and as a 'record'. By far, the best reviews, interviews and community engagement comes from enterprising and focused bloggers who, not only know their audiences, but provide interesting and tasteful platforms for authors to just 'be themselves' ...
I recently hiredIndie Book Butler to do an interview with me. The have a very active presence on social media and are well plugged into the Twitter #writing and #reading communities. To my mind, two weeks of 'promo' from them, (includes daily promotion by them across social media platforms), is well worth the very reasonable $15 fee. It's effective, efficient and does reach the intended audience -YOU.
... Here's a sample of how the interview started ...
Indie Book Butler: Let’s start things off with an
introduction. Tell us a little about yourself for those not already
aware of you and your work.
ML Holton: 'Hello all. – By profession, I’m an
award-winning Canadian artist from southern Ontario, Canada. I live and
work beside the magnificent great lake of Ontario and have been very
active along its southern shore for over 40 years.
Few locals know that aside from my long-standing art practice is a
dedication to the written word that has also spanned 40+ years. I
studied English Lit and Philosophy at University of Toronto, with an
independent study year to pursue the ‘History of the English Language’
at the University of Edinburgh. After several years of other work, I
returned to university to understudy with 2-time Giller Prize winner,
M.G.Vassanji, in the Graduate Creative Writing Program at Humber
College. In other words, I’ve played with words – their sounds and
meaning – for as long as I can remember.
Today, aside from my visual art practice, I have completed two poetry
books as well as a spoken-word/garageband album – ‘CANADADA: TAKE TWO’.
I’ve been published in several anthologies (here and abroad), edited a
social-religious history about Toronto, compiled eight small-press
picture books that highlight my pinhole photography and paintings,
written and directed a short narrative film – ‘The Frozen Goose’,
written freelance art articles for local news outlets, and finally, I’ve
completed three full-length novels, to date. In sum, I like to have serious fun!'
READ the REST of this fun & engaging interviewon their site.
Wholeheartedly recommend their service. Timely, efficient and 'on point'.
Thrilled to be included in the on-line art auction for the Dundas Valley School of Art this year, running from April 12th - to - the 17th. With another 3-week 'shut-down' imposed by the provincial government throughout Ontario, (effective Friday), it's becoming increasingly more difficult for traditional artists to show and sell their work locally.
(... FYI, the #NFT 'digital art' craze sweeping through the global 'screen-living' community is not, sad to say, doing very much for those who have long honoured the challenge - and commitment - to make actual physical objects to beautify and enhance public and private 'real life' spaces ... )
In any case, I have put up a small, framed painting of Lake Ontario. The viewpoint in that work is from the center of the lake - where waves, wind and the horizon meet ...
It is hoped this vibrant small painting will appeal to all 'lake-dwellers', especially fans of the #GreatLakes of #NorthAmerica.
Fifty percent - 50% - of the final auction price is earmarked for the DVSA school so that they can continue their GOOD WORK to encourage and develop artists in a broad range of disciplines throughout the Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario.
Please SIGN UP, look for my item under my name - or - #AU501
Oh dear. Must share a few more thoughts about 'video-conferencing' from an artist's perspective ... I know that it is increasingly common-place for everyone and their mother to engage in 'voice chats' over Zoom, Facetime and Skype, etc. It's so commonplace now, it's consider kind of ODD not too.
And yet, for me, this super-controlled, literal 'in-your-face' video interaction is wholly unsatisfactory as 'human communication'. It's not just the invasion of private space - as has so readily occurred over the COVID Lockdown - it is the screen's innate inability to really engage with the person you're chatting with. There is, quite literally, two screens between you.
Sure, you can see and hear each other through the screens, but what about all the other manifold physical senses and tangential happenings that naturally erupt when actually with another person?
As example, over the past year, I have attempted at various times to 'chat' with my dear old mum in this way. Yes, it certainly does allow us a chance to catch-up and SEE each other. But we both soon discovered a mutually understanding of the incredible VOID we were experiencing through the screen. Both of us sorely miss the spontaneity of the ever-capricious 'just-being-with-each-other-in-Time-and-Space' experience. Nothing can replace the actual synergy of REAL LIFE -- and humanity would be sorely mistaken to believe that 'screen chats' suffice - or that, "it will do".
To be clear, it does not. It cannot. -- And it never will.
Jens Hansen, Voice Artist
For those who have no qualms about interacting through video chats with others, whether for private or public use, I do get it. It's easy, it's convenient. It gives you sense you are 'connecting'. You can 'zoom' in or out over vast distances. You can seemingly control the volume, lighting, backdrop and you can exit at Will, (unless you are a 'guest' on an interview!)
But, to be EXTRA clear, this is not what real-life surround-sound 'conversation' between living-and-breathing human beings is like, or about. So many of the delightful nuances of engagement are lost through this pervasive and invasive technology. So much is NOT seen, heard or felt through our screens. It's really just not Half as Good as the real thing! -- Really!
... Anyway, enough about why I loathe this controlled form of engagement ... Now, the juicy stuff!!
On Monday, I and #Dutch-#Danish-#Canadian, Jens Hansen, the talented #narrator of the #audiobook version of TRILLIUM, were interviewed on a UK-based Youtube station, 'Boomers on Books'. It was a huge opportunity to 'spread-the-word' about our combined effort on the TRILLIUMaudiobook project, so, yes, I had to do it.
During the pre-live, prep period - when we were testing connections, lights, background and extraneous visuals - the loathing I hold for this kind of 'screen communication' began to manifest ... Every fiber in my being was resisting the necessity of the 'performance art' that had to ensue. (I am also very aware that I prefer being behind the camera, not in front of it.) Fundamentally, as I writer, I 'observe' while others 'perform'. Writers epitomize spectators. We are the All-Seeing Watchers. All this was swirling around in my mind as we got ready for the one-hour 'live' #interview ...
On the day of, I thought I was going to throw-up. I was overcome by a completely irrational fear that almost prevented me from joining 'in' to Vince's channel room. -- What would others thinks? What would I think? Who would be judging? How would I judge myself? -- This reached a crescendo just a few seconds before 'air-time' ...
How could I cope? -- How would I cope?
.... well, watch for yourself ....
... As one long interested in the impact of screen culture on humanity, yes, I crossed the Rubicon ...
And, of course, it was 'performance art'. -- Later remarks that I looked "so natural", "at ease", and "comfortable" (while very kind and supportive) attest to that. -- Believe me folks, the whole thing was, from start to finish, 'performance art'. Some have said, "it's no big deal. You did it!" -"It's excellent & necessary promotion." "You're just selling your book!" Yes, yes, and yes, BUT ... I still loathe every single second of having to do it. And that, my dear friends, is why you will see little more of this #writer 'live', on big or little screens.
Now, let me add this link for the real #performer, the real #actor, in our midst. It goes without saying that I chose wonderful Jens for all the #acting abilities he so easily manifests during the interview: charm, wit, timing and an all-round good sense of fun. As mentioned in the interview, it was during the taping of his STELLAR rendition of 'The Cremation of Sam McGee' that I first saw and heard the fantastic potential he had as a #storyteller. - Jens is a natural. Jens IS gifted. - And, you really should listen to the bravo 14.5 hour #performance he gives to TRILLIUM. It is outstanding!
Settle in for a thrilling, engaging and timely tale that spans 250 years of life on the Niagara peninsula. The #Ebook,#paperback and audiobook are now available in the States & Canada via Amazon, or iTunes. -- Plus, here are the United Kingdomlinks.
Delighted to have three of my older #poems - Shareware, Pond Life & Trading Post - included in the '2021 Still Together' Anthology of Shorts, Edited by UK-based author, Tracy Hutchinson.
As the cover reads, "2020 has been a long year. And now we must look with hope to 2021.We hope for a vaccine that can return the world to normal. We hope for an economy that will heal quickly, avoiding the painful recession that has been forecast. We hope for people to continue to develop the sense of togetherness that has appeared this year. We hope that 2021 will be an easier and a better year than 2020 has been.2021 Still Together is an anthology to follow on from 2020 Together. This second anthology reflects the community spirit of 2020, where writers, artists and photographers, who like you, want to continue to help our Covid-19 heroes. 100% of profits from sales of this book will continue to go to NHS Charities Together.Lockdown, Covid-19 and change has happened this year. Learning to stay safe, and helping to keep other people safe has happened this year. ... And we hope that you will enjoy reading these short, family friendly creations, while also providing funds to help our NHS heroes.Together, we can still make a difference."
ALL proceeds go to support the tireless UK NHS - Help if you can, please.
A fantastic profile of the #audiobook narrator, Jens Hansen - (chosen for my third novel,TRILLIUM) - came out today on the front (and full page!) of The Hamilton Spectator's GO section.
Written by veteran lifestyle & arts columnist, Jeff Mahoney, Jeff really 'gets' the "debonair" character that Jens brings to the pages of TRILLIUM ...
The article is a wonderful and in-depth coverage of a versatile actor whose first language is, surprisingly, not English.
As I explained to Jeff as background for the profile, I initially chose Jens because of his exotic life-and-lived experience from elsewhere on the globe. His cadences, tone and inflections add a rainbow of audio colour to the telling of the tale. So much so, Jeff gushes about his "great Niagara of Narration". -- Fine words indeed!
So, if in the mood to listen to a distinctive and beguiling voice for 14.5 hours, tune into Jens' "brilliant" rendition of TRILLIUM.You will be alternatively amused, delighted, intrigued - and seduced. -- Promise!
TRILLIUM, written by Margaret Lindsay Holton, available on iTUNES -- or Audible. If you prefer to #read TRILLIUM yourself, download the ebook -- and/or pick up the 350+ paperback -- viaAmazon.
Full, front page on the GO Section of The Hamilton Spectator! Woohoo!
Delighted to have this wonderful post all the way from sunny #FLORIDA! Marcia Meara let me share the wonderful #voice of Jens Hansen on her comprehensive book blog. Dive in for a good read about what makes Jens soooo good for the 14.5 hours TRILLIUM#audiobook project. Tune into Audible, or iTunesto have a wee listen to his stellar effort!
When 2020 started, there was an a genuine sense of excitement at the start of not only a New Year, but a whole new decade. Sure, the world wasn't perfect, and MANY social, economic and personal 'injustices' continue, but, overall, in the main, Life is Good. The following was my first painting for the year, entitled 'Spring, From the Mountain, 2020'. The ground is still hard, remnants of winter remain, but the light, the blessed LIGHT, changes. The Earth responds and new growth emerges. Living beside and near Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes of North America, is a blessing. Not only do I get to see the land awake from slumber, but the lake heaves, rolls and shakes off its icy cleansing burden. The whole cycle begins again. This hillside promontory is near the farm. It's a root, a deep root, with a view that I adore ...
Spring, from the Mountain 2020, by MLHolton
And yet, as the year went on, the COVID pandemic swept over the land. It didn't affect the land or the lake, per se, it just devastated human activity. We turned into moles as we burrowed into our homes, locked the doors and barred the windows. In isolation, we did as best we could. Many turned into screen addicts for their lifeline to the 'outside' world. At one point, I made a statement about that with the following painting, 'I am Here'. Living and breathing, movement and eating are the mainstays of our 'existence'. We live because we are alive. A truism perhaps, but how else to say it? I am ALIVE.
Detail from 'I am Here' by MLHolton (this is a LARGE piece, 7' by 5'.)
As the months continued, the seasons changed as they always do. We went through spring, summer, fall and now enter winter of this awful year. And yet, within the human tragedy and collapse of commerce, we survive. We are diminished, but we are surviving. Solitary walks in nature became the greatest balm to the frightened. We found comfort in the remarkable 'routine' of Nature. Plants grew, harvest came, snow falls. And here we are. The first serious snow of the season 'dumped' a few days ago and blanketed the dwindling fall landscape. Promises of a vaccine have arrived. We have adjusted, we have adapted, we are changing to the new reality. Our communal spheres have been reshaped by a new-found love of humanity. At the end of the day, let's hold on to that. Love Humanity. We can and will make it through this as well as what's next. My last painting of the year, 'First Snow 2020', is an imaginative work, based on familiar back-country hills. Farming fields lie dormant now, but they will come back ... Hang in there people. We're almost through it.
I will be sending out my winter newsletter shortly. If you are not on my mailing list, jump back here in about a week and look for it on the side tab under newsletters. Other than that, try to enjoy the descending winter. Get out there as much as you can. Revel in the on-going blessed beauty of it all. Continue to pursue those pandemic-induced resolutions ... Be Better. Be Healthier. Be Kinder.
