iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Who here has made it to @gandersocial.bsky.social ? I’m there, so let’s connect if you are too. I can see myself getting off all other platforms eventually. I don’t feel terribly social anymore now that such a large percentage of people have revealed themselves as racist, intolerant jerks.

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Just in time for #bannedbooksweek my little free library is open for business. The 2 @margaretatwood.bsky.social books have already been claimed. Yes, I changed 1 of the pillows after reading about libraries with political messaging being vandalized.

Photo of a little free library cabinet with a cute illustration and lettering which says Books & Biscuits with a dog paw print.

Side view of a little free library with an illustration of a young girl sitting under a tree and a quote about reading helping a person learn empathy.

The other side of the little free library with an illustration of a poodle reading Animal Farm to its friends; the fox and hare.

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

So I posted my sketches I’ll be using for my free library to Insta, & said I’m doing it because of governments attacks on literature. I guess they must be suppressing the post because no one is seeing it. What a bunch of fucking Nazi’s.

Ink sketches to be placed on the sides of a free library featuring controversial books. One sketch is a young girl sitting under a tree reading a book, with the Malorie Blackman quote: “Reading is an exercise in empathy, an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for awhile.”. The other sketch shows soldiers & children by a pile of burning books. A poodle is pulling a book out of the fire. A quote by Heinrich Heine in 1821 is written on a ribbon banner: “Where they burn books, they will ultimately burn people as well.”

#sketch #resistenceart

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

The US has ended the $800 exemption, but now is also requiring Canadians to prepay the tariffs. "Starting August 29, 2025, every package shipped from Canada to the U.S. must show proof that duties have been prepaid before the shipment can be accepted for delivery."

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

Innocence - Digital illustration Read a passage of Oliver Goldsmith’s The Deserted Village in alt tag. #Bookcoverillustration #illustration #womenwhodraw #artlicensing

Etching style illustration of a young girl in a blue frock with a straw hat looking in wonder at a bluebird in a simple garden.

“Sweet Auburn! loveliest village of the plain,
Where health and plenty cheered the labouring swain,
Where smiling spring its earliest visits paid,
And parting summer’s lingering blooms delayed:
Dear lovely bowers of innocence and ease,
Seats of my youth, where every sport could please,
How often have I loitered o’er your green,
Where humble happiness endeared each scene;
How often have I paused on every charm,
The sheltered cot, the cultivated farm,
The never-failing brook, the busy mill,
The decent church that topped the neighbouring hill,
The hawthorn bush, with seats beneath the shade,
For talking age and whispering lovers made;
How often have I blessed the coming day,
When toil remitting lent its turn to play,
And all the village train, from labour free,
Led up their sports beneath the spreading tree.”
- Oliver Goldsmith

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

Red Princess - Digital painting I have returned to doing bookcover illustrations. This piece is available for #licensing from Arcangel licensing.arcangel.com/asset-manage...

A painterly digital illustration of a woman with long red wavy hair. She is wearing an off the shoulder white gown and a fancy floral headpiece.

#figurativeart #digitalart #redhead #bookcoverart

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

“Underwater Red” will be 1 of the limited edition illustrations newly arrived at Art Interiors. Museum quality pigments print on velvet fine art paper Edition 2 of 5. Grab it while you can! Not listed on website yet but you can call/email the gallery. www.artinteriors.ca/artists/robe...

Digital illustration of a red head woman swimming underwater with red bathing suit and turquoise background.

#limitededition #canadianart #illustration

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

A fresh new shipment of paintings & illustrations are winging their way to Art Interiors in Toronto. Including the whimsical 8x10” figurative oil painting titled Rope Swing. We need non-serious art for these heavy times.

A whimsical figurative oil painting of a woman in a red bikini with a yellow swim cap swinging on a rope over the ocean.

#oilpainting #canadianart #figurativeart #whimsicalpainting

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

I'm on a 48 hour no activity rest, so catching up on photo processing. This was a Magnolia tree from our spring trip to Sidney, BC. I bit the bullet and enrolled in the floral design class. Wish me luck in being able to find the supplies needed to do it! "Our Strength Is Softness"

Romantic impressionist photograph of white Magnolia blossoms in spring. #photography #floralphotography #CanadianArt

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

A lot of my previous photography subjects have kind of dried up since moving to the city. I no longer have the diversity of birds & wildlife we did living in the country. But flowers are better. I am considering taking some floral design classes for my photography.

A Delicate Bloom - macro photograph of a pink Hollyhock flower with a slice of sunlight on the bottom petals.
#floralphotography #photography #flowers

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

You know what a rainy day is good for? Forcing my arse back to the easel. I wanted to paint the chaos I feel inside but ended up with this. Pink Peonies 8x10” Oil

A abstracted floral painting with pink peonies. Oil on panel 8x10” by Canadian artist Roberta Murray
There are various shades of green with pink flower forms.
#art #oilpainting #floralpainting

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Seen out in the wilds. Actually my daughter dragged me to Indigo to show me this book, which features my illustration, was part of Reese Witherspoon's book club picks.

A display of paperback books at an Indigo book store featuring the books from Reese's Book Club. An arrow points to the book The Three Lives Of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan, which is a red cover with an illustration of broken trio of woman's eyes in a rearview car mirror.

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Can we stop? Someone’s worst day is not going to make your life better. You know what will? Showing grace and compassion to your fellow human. youtube.com/shorts/iHh4p...

youtube.com

Can we not? 💔

YouTube video by Tod Maffin

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

The cherry tree is blooming! We planted it last summer & were told it may not bloom for a few years. So I am thrilled to see blossoms on the tree this year. 🤞 we get a few cherries! #photography #floral

Photograph of white cherry blossoms against a soft pink background. Image has a shallow depth of field with blurred petals and a texture layer creating a soft, dreamy image.

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 11/05/2025

Trinity Lodge in Calgary an assisted living residence has been without an elevator for 2 weeks. This for profit seniors home has 244 units. The only way for those on the upper floors to get out is a stair lift 1 person at a time. How can this be allowed to happen? ½

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Reposted by Roberta Murray

Karakwan 🇨🇦 @karakwan.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Let’s all go!! It’s important to show numbers.

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Puddle Jumper Had a week off in Victoria/Sidney. I am wiped but have a bunch of new photos to play around with; as well as a bunch of catching up to do on everything else. My head is still on island time soaking up the sun and sea air. #birdphotography

An American crow standing in a shallow creek with rocks and a lone leaf. The black bird stands out against the greyed oranges and greens of the water.

#Canadianphotographer #womenphotographers

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

Angel Can Fly 16x20” Oil on canvas This painting is 11 years old and still sits in my studio. It’s been listed for sale but I’ve never pushed too hard to sell it because it’s one of the favourite paintings I’ve ever done. To me it represents the determined spirit of indigenous people & women.

An oil painting of a First Nations woman in regalia dancing at a powwow. Her shawl makes her raised arms appear like wings. The painting is very loose with abstracted background.

#oilpainting #canadianart #womeninart #figurativeart

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

The swans are back!!!! A pair flew right over the house just now. It was their distinctive call that alerted me through the open office window. J'adore le printemps! Swan Song - Digital Illustration

Swan Song
Digital illustration of a woman leaning backwards being entwined in an embrace with a white swan.The woman has dark hair and a dark dress. The background grass is a dark olive green and the sky is a soft coral.

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

To hear Elton John say “if you are a creative artist and don’t have self doubt, you are not a creative artist”. 🤯 Holy shit. That comment has smacked me upside the head hard.

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

So excited. I finally got to the city to buy fabric. So many pretty choices. Next step. Teach myself to sew. But this is not a cheap endeavour. If I don’t screw up, it will costing about $80 per shirt. Shout out to Rick Rack Textiles.

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Maybe I’m not making great art right now, but others are. So maybe I’ll post things to inspire Canadians. youtu.be/niuxr0QqMSg

youtu.be

2500 Montréalers sing L. Cohen’s “Hallelujah” in perfect harmony at Place Des Arts

YouTube video by Choir! Choir! Choir!

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

I know I’m supposed to keep on making art, to create the visuals to voice my thoughts or give people some beauty to rest their eyes & mind upon for a minute, to allow them a break from the turmoil of the world today. But I can’t seem to get beyond my own fears.

On Guard: an antique toy lead British soldier party hidden in shadows. What is he fighting? What is he defending? When will we be required to join him?

#photography #moodyphoto #toysoldier

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Jason Stanley, a Yale professor, author of How Fascism Works, is moving to Canada. Hear why in his interview on CBC. American’s you need to listen every bit as much as Canadians. youtu.be/Rn_dtBx0eLk

youtu.be

Why Yale professor Jason Stanley is moving to Canada

YouTube video by CBC News

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

How can we have a democratic election when our riding does not even have candidates from 2 of our major parties? So far our riding has a CPC, PPC, & Green candidate. No liberal. No NDP. This is not acceptable. #Cdnpoli

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Reposted by Roberta Murray

Mark Carney @mark-carney.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

Elbows up, Canada.

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

THIS is what makes Canada great. THIS is what sets us apart from the brutal regimes of the world (cough Maga). I hope some day this man is able to lead the entire country. #WabKinew View full clip here: vm.tiktok.com/ZMBS8fuhb/

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

“Canada. We’re more than just a place on a map. We’re an attitude. One with more empathy than ego. More unity than division.” Canada. We got this. #ElbowsUp youtu.be/3lj-Qf-ghIo?...

youtu.be

It’s time to choose Canada

YouTube video by Canadian Armed Forces

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Doesn’t this just fill your heart with Canadian pride?! Our new Prime Minister @mark-carney.bsky.social youtu.be/W1B0zw3MzYg?...

youtu.be

PM Carney skates with Edmonton Oilers

YouTube video by CityNews

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

OMG! I love this commercial from Alymer’s! No Campbell’s your Designed in Canada label isn’t fooling anyone. There’s still a tariff after taste to your soups. youtu.be/Tfq_Syd9_Ik?...

youtu.be

Aylmer – The Canadian Soup

YouTube video by Aylmer Foods Canada

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

Has anyone ever moved from professional artist to hobbyist? If so, how did you do it? This is on my mind as I sit here trying to get organized to do my taxes, & am reminded of how much I hate the paperwork that comes with this as a business. But procrastination made my process a new painting photo.

Unwashed Sky 8x10" Oil on panel

"And the unwashed sky, and drowsy waves;
And above the shore far away
The reed bends like a drunk
Without a wind. My dear Lord!
Will it still be long for me
To yearn for the world
In this unlocked prison
Above this wretched sea? In the steppes
The yellowed grass does not speak,
It is silent and bends as though it were alive;
It does not want to disclose the truth,
But there is no one else to ask."
- Taras Shevchenko
#oilpainting #CanadianArt #skypainting #artist #art

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

Captain Vancouver planning his strategy with a little help from our friends. #elbowsup

Illustration showing an eagle with military hat overseeing an army strategy board with British guards and Canadian Mounties.

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

I often talk about bots, sock puppets & trolls; & the book Like War. Now that there is a new Liberal leader these accounts are really going to amp up the divisive rhetoric. /1 vm.tiktok.com/ZMBNMVaHv/

vm.tiktok.com

TikTok - Make Your Day

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

My mood today. Dear World: Could we not do this thing we’re currently doing? Could we not embrace the hateful rhetoric & intolerance driven by foreign enemies? Could we not ignite WW3? Could we all unite politically & morally to live in peace? Could we stamp out hatred? Grief - digital painting

A woman buries her face in her hands, overcome with grief. It is a digital #procreate painting, partially unfinished with just line drawing indicating the figure. The background is a rough greenish brown colour, with warm blacks in the clothing and hairs; and yellow to orange flesh tones creating a classic old world feeling.

#digitalart #CanadianArt #artist

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

I am working on my website, but it is with Squareup/weebly - American owned. I have yet to find anything Candian with e-commerce besides Shopify (who are Maga & just moved their head office to NYC) or a self hosted Wordpress site, which I don’t want to do. /1 robertamurray.com

robertamurray.com

ROBERTA MURRAY ART

Fine art, photography, illustrations by Canadian artist, Roberta Murray

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

I’m not sure Canadians really need anymore encouragement to be proud of our country, but this was too good not to share. Wouldn’t we all like Trudeau to greet Trump with a Shawinigan Handshake!? youtu.be/1LzhCLzfJFg

youtu.be

We are Canadian.

YouTube video by Average Joes

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Have you tried the Peruvian grapes yet? Haven’t had grapes that good in a long time. Also got some delicious lemons from Spain. Who knew the produce quality from other countries is so delicious! Also ordered a beautiful made in #Canada leather jacket from www.theoldmill.ca today. #ElbowsUp

theoldmill.ca

The Old Mill

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Hey friends; Say hello to Janice. She’s another amazing Canadian artist you should all follow. #CanadianArt

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Buy #CanadianArt! For more artists to support see my Canadian Artists starter pack. A lot of us had strong US sales & are taking a hit. Many, like myself, are outright refusing to ship to the US & have their gov profit off our work. So support from others Canadians is needed. go.bsky.app/8sXq7kv

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Reposted by Roberta Murray

Nancy Bennett 🇨🇦 @nancybennett.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

I will add, if you're thinking about buying some art, Buy Canadian Art!!

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Sorry. Not sorry. It’s on Canada. We need to be united in our fight for Canada. #ElbowsUp

An illustration of a Canadian hockey player elbowing the Felon in the nose.

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Hey everyone would you welcome Olive Chan to Bluesky! She is a Vancouver CANADA (since there is a Vancouver, WA) painter who, as you can see, is painting some gorgeous coastal scenes & skies. Give her a follow.

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

Do you need something to help you calm down a bit from the times we’re living through? Go to this link between 4-7pm or 6-9am central time. This has been happening for hundreds of years. Long after we are gone it will likely still be happening. #springmigration /1 www.youtube.com/live/wDYrRVU...

youtube.com

Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary's Crane Camera powered by EXPLORE.org

YouTube video by Explore Birds Bats Bees

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

#BlueskyArtShow #spring Another painting done to go with a Taras Shevchenko poem (see alt). I had been working on a series of paintings inspired by poems of my husband's great x2 uncle. The ones inspired by Shevchenko poems came about after a show at the Ab Legislature when a Ukrainian woman... /1

We Shall Yet Take Walks 111x14" Oil on panel painting of figures on the prairie during spring when the last of the snow has melted in the puddles, and the sky is soft and romantic.

“No, let us not depart, nor go --
It is early still,
We shall yet take walks together,
Sit, and gaze our fill,
Gaze upon the world, my fortune,
See how wide it spreads,
Wide and joyful, it is both
Bright, and of great depth!”
Taras Shevchenko

#oilpainting #art #painting #landscapepainting

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Roberta Murray @robertamurrayart.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

If you have conservative friends/family on Facebook, or any Meta products who became radicalized because of dis-information send them this article. Even if they still have critical thinking, send it. The conspiracies & dis-information is at the root of society’s collapsing.

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