About 19 years ago I visited the Elm Street Studio of artist Susan Tooke in Halifax NS. Her home was full of art and she was venturing into the world of children’s book illustration. She had a very tiny work space, half of a small room, sharing it with her partner at the time. But, her work took my breath away. I left the visit absolutely overcome with a green, raging jealousy. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a turning point. I vowed to dedicate more of my spare time to painting from that moment on. Thanks Susan, for, even though you didn’t know it, being the kick-in-my-butt that I needed.
