Participating in art shows during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has been interesting for Laura Hamilton, who is seeing a resurgence in customer interest in not only her artworks but also the desire for everyday conversations.
It’s been nine years since Hamilton quit teaching full-time and became an artist, and in that time, she has established herself as one of the more prominent members of Moose Jaw’s art community.
She is one of nine artists or groups who is participating in this year’s 11th annual Moostletoe Tour on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Hamilton is particularly known for painting faceless women with curly hair and whimsy dresses. She has also gone through periods where she painted darker pictures and then swung to painting pictures lighter in colour.
She focuses on nostalgia because she is from the Prairies and enjoys the dirt roads and open skies surrounded by prairies. Furthermore, during the pandemic, she wanted to feel at home, cozy, and warm in her surroundings.
However, she did not participate in any formal art shows last year, while sales seemed to slow down more than usual — an occurrence she heard from other artists.
“… (but) all of a sudden, this year I’m back into the swing of things … . Now things are becoming more normal,” Hamilton said recently, noting that includes participating in seven autumn and Christmas shows between early September and late November.
“It’s back to pre-COVID. It really is. And people just missed that experience.”
Attending many events in a short period used to stress out Hamilton, but she has become more proficient with ensuring she has all her gear ready. Moreover, she has become more capable of driving with a trailer and manoeuvring it.
“It’s hard work because I’m the one loading and unloading everything,” she laughed.
One COVID-19 activity she has continued post-pandemic is holding an art show on her lawn during the summer. She wanted to visit with her customers but do so safely. Holding the show outside facilitated that goal.
She noted that this year’s third annual event — held in late August — was amazing, exciting, well attended and had great weather.
“I have such sweet neighbours. They let me use the back of their fence (to hang paintings) like a little gallery. And then I (popped) both of my tents,” she said.
“… It’s so different. I get people that are just driving by and like, ‘What are all these balloons out here for?’ And then I get the regulars and it all takes place outside.”
Hamilton plans to sell her annual calendars during the Moostletoe Tour but noted people can also find them at The Perfect Find on Main Street. That shop carries some of her artwork year-round, so she sometimes sends customers there.
The artist usually creates a dedicated painting for Christmas, with this year’s “The Magic of Winter” creation featuring three people skating. While she sold the original artwork to a Yorkton woman, reproductions are available.
“I think that will be popular,” Hamilton stated.
A “weird” experience Hamilton has experienced the past few years — but is now used to — is painting her winter artworks in the summer. She noted that this makes good sense marketing-wise and is something she must do to compete with others.
She doesn’t paint as much in the fall because that season is about sales, marketing and meeting customers. She normally starts painting again in the new year. However, people who visit her home during the Moostletoe Tour can see some projects on which she is working.
One project that Hamilton painted recently was of a Regina woman, Vonda, who “is just the sweetest lady.” She regularly visits Hamilton at trade shows or events and supports her work. The Moose Javian decided to paint a picture of the Regina woman as a surprise gift.
The image features Vonda wearing purple while shopping.
“Yes, another faceless beauty,” chuckled Hamilton. “Yep, in my signature style. And each one of the paintings that I paint, they’re just these little characters that come out and they don’t need a face.”
Hamilton added that she was excited about the upcoming Moostletoe Tour since many talented artists were participating who would be demonstrating their outstanding work.
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