Finding balance in one’s life isn’t always straightforward: it involves light and shadow, and blacks, whites, and greys. Artist and writer Dr. Irene Naested explores the philosophy, psychology, and beauty of these themes in Light as it Falls. This hybrid volume combines Naested’s poetry, art, and photography, complemented by quotations and philosophical discussions ranging from Carl Jung’s “shadow self” to the Japanese idea of “notan” (dark/light).

In Light as it Falls, Naested has distilled her lifetime of art-making into one meditative volume, offering a sublime, contemplative journey for anyone interested in the shades of grey that exist in life and in art.

Dr. Irene Naested, Full Professor and Professor Emerita from Mount Royal University (MRU), is an author, visual artist and educator. She has authored numerous books, chapters, journal articles, and teacher resources on teaching and learning. Her poetry, prose and art have been published nationally and internationally. She received a teaching award from MRU and a Canadian national art teaching award from the Canadian Society for Education through Art. Irene’s visual art and writing become multi-layers of exploration of ideas, insights, meditative moments, and principles of composition gleaned from nature to tell her story.

She presently writes, creates, and teaches in Calgary, where she lives with her husband, Jesper, across the Bow River from her son, Thomas, daughter-in-law, Maureen, and amazing grandson, Seeton. Irene hosts a yearly “Passport to the Arts Show and Sale” the second Sunday in September. Visit www.irenenaested.com to learn more.