\nThe invitation to join renown artists on expedition of the boreal forest was a complete surprise.
\nI had 24 hours to make a decision.<\/p>\n
24 hours to decide to spend a month with 5 complete strangers We would carry all provisions for 30 days on our backs. The experience was professionally and personally, transforming<\/strong>. I became a resident of the boreal. The cravings only began when I returned to civilization.<\/p>\n I craved how the paddle felt in my hands rippling in the clear lakes we traversed. I craved its melody. The expedition would be one of my most profound experiences.<\/p>\n The spirit and essence of the boreal still beat in my heart and brushstroke. People inquire if spending a month in secluded wilderness was frightening. Was the duration of the trip a challenge? Did I crave the comforts of civilized life? In fact, quite the opposite. I hadn\u2019t applied for the project. The invitation … Continue reading
\n…in remote northern wilderness.
\nWe would travel by canoe,live in tents,
\nand have no communication to the outside world.
\n![\"Canoes](\"http:\/\/www.dawnbanning.com\/newsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Canoes-crop-300x234.jpg\")
<\/a>
\nNew “Canoes” 18×14 Original Oil<\/p>\n
\nI needed to budget for the adventure, re- organize projects & plans.
\nThe expedition was to begin in 6 weeks.<\/p>\n
\nI discovered a new rhythm of life in the wild.
\nI found new friends in talented artists who I would call my \u2018boreal family\u2019.
\nI rediscovered a relationship with the wilderness I had known as a child.
\nBrilliant sunsets with shorelines ablaze lit fire in every brushstroke I painted.
\n![\"Ablaze](\"http:\/\/www.dawnbanning.com\/newsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Ablaze-crop-300x217.jpg\")
<\/a> New Ablaze 18×24 Original Oil<\/p>\n
\nNo longer a visitor, everything changes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nI ached for fresh air and open spaces.
\nI craved the forest, it\u2019s scent, life & colour, it\u2019s welcoming spirit.
\nI yearned to hear the night voices of the wilderness, the call of a loon and slap of the beavers tail, the whisper of the wind in the pine.<\/p>\n
\nA call of the wild never to be forgotten.
\n![\"joanie](\"http:\/\/www.dawnbanning.com\/newsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/joanie-and-dawn-copy-crop-300x119.jpg\")
<\/a> Joanie McGuffin & Dawn~ photo Julia Hargreaves<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"