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Long Overdue....

2012-01-19T21:34:00.007-05:00

Alright, well this is long overdue. Let's start with the end of last semester, seems so far away now. Kind of strange to look back at the whirlwind. This was part of my last scarf I made in weaving. The other ones were Christmas presents, this one was all mine! I also got a small table loom (only small relative to the giant floor looms) for Christmas and it came with all kind of amazing stuff like a bobbin winder and sample binders! It's going to live in Burlington, so I will have something fun to experiment with over the summer!

After all the soldering nightmares, here is my final piece for intro jewellery!

One of my pots with flowers! So pretty!

So then Christmas happened. Not much to say really. It was just amazing to be home and spend some time with family and friends. It was exactly the break I needed after a very busy, but successful first semester. And I got to eat copious amounts of general chicken from Blossom City. On my way back my suitcase weighed 80 pounds, this required a 2nd suitcase and quite the adventure at both airports. Clearly I have too much stuff, but I brought lots of goodies back with me which I am still enjoying!

Second Semester! Cuttlefish casting! It was pretty exciting, I had to do it twice to get it right but I learned a ton from repeating the process.

Holloware! We learned how to forge copper and brass. Behold my shiny samples!

I wasn't sure how I felt about forging after the samples, some things are kind of counter intuitive but then I started on my spoon! It still needs to be polished, but I am really happy with how it turned out.

This semester has already been crazy though, more academic than the fall. I think there is a rule that if you teach history you have to be hilarious and amazing. My 19th Century Art History professor David Howard is the best. He seems insistent that we all go to library school, which I find highly amusing as my dad is a librarian. My dad subsequently finds this hilarious as well.

I leave you with one of my favourite David Howard quotes so far: "I'm so happy I'm going to have a V8 and kill my sister. Boy those Romans are weird."

Final Crits!

2011-12-08T18:02:00.004-05:00

Two down! One to go!

The feeling of dread and foreboding is finally starting to subside (a little bit) especially after my ceramics crit. It wasn't until I got everything out on the table that I realized how much I had made this semester. Here's all my work laid out on the table!

My platter - which I absolutely hated until I glazed it.

One of my altered bowls. I should have taken a pic of the stamp I made as well. The temoku gold glaze worked really well on the texture too.

Composite forms!

Mugs!!!

Jewellery is the only thing I have to worry about now. Other than some essays that I seem to be avoiding well while I write this. My neck piece has been a little bit of a soldering nightmare. For some of the more crazy connections I needed a third, fourth and fifth arm.

This was the connection from hell. It didn't work, twice. That's when I started to re-evaluate some things. I got some of the chain done today. I am hoping to get it done tomorrow - but that might be a little ambitious. Failing that I still have all weekend.

I guess I better work on my essays now....

End of Semester Madness

2011-12-06T22:30:00.004-05:00

Despite a small crisis in ceramics last night I got my mugs glazed this morning and they are currently in the kiln. I am going to take photos of all my glazed stuff at my final crit on Thursday.

Oh and much to the dismay of my back I also finished my weaving. Five scarves!

I was doing some tests with some metal thread. I decided I need to use something different for the warp, so I only did a small sample. There is a website that sells really fine stainless steel and copper thread. You can also get these threads wrapped in silk, cotton, bamboo, and wool. This is what I want to experiment with.

AND I might be a little crazy, but I have recently procured a table loom. The lady who was selling it included so many amazing things with it, including two binders full of samples/patterns. Amazing! It's going to live back in Ontario, as that is where I will likely have the time to experiment with it. I am really excited for it though.

Halifax Crafter's Yuletide Cheer show was this past weekend. I don't feel as bad about missing One of a Kind now. I do not miss telling every single person "It's all made of glass" Every. Single. Person. I think I set a new tear down and home record though = 23 minutes!

Gateaux Rose, one of the vendors, made the most delicious donuts though. I indulged in a few of them both days. They did not last long...

The last major thing I have to worry about is my neckpiece. Lots of progress was made on Monday in class, but I know I still have several hours of work left to do. I have to make a few more components, solder on loopies, then attach them all together (somehow) with jump rings. Oh and then I have to make the chain and catch for it.

It's going to be a long week, but I fly home next Wednesday, so the end is in sight!

December?

2011-12-01T21:49:00.004-05:00

Well, what a day... Less than two weeks left. I know it's going to whiz by! But how is it December? Really? Final critiques are creeping up. Final crits in weaving and ceramics are next week. Yikes.

I feel like November was really good though. I have generally learned a lot about myself and what it is that I like and dislike about different materials. My personal essay for writing class is all about the materials I have worked with and the varying personalities associated with the different mediums. Depending on how happy I am with the final version I may end up posting it either in full or in parts on here. I think it'll be a good final reflection on the semester.

As well as what I have been learning in school I have also made a lot of decisions about the kinds of things and people I want in my life. It's funny that I had to move a few provinces away from home to gain this kind of perspective, but these decisions are going to lead to so many positives and I am going to be so much happier for it. I am so thankful for all the supportive amazing people I have in my life. I couldn't have made it through this semester without all the love and support.

Anyway, there are so many final projects to work on... Here is a first look at part of my neck piece for our jewellery final. I need to make a bunch more of these and then attach them all together. This will consume next week I am sure.... Photos will eventually follow.

Detail of one of my scarves for my final weaving project. I am sewing in all the threads and doing all the twisty ends now. I actually find finishing the ends really relaxing, plus it's kind of fun. And that's the point right?

More scarf magic. Undulating twill!

We did studio cleanup in ceramics today - seriously, I can't believe the semester is almost over. The job assigned to me was throwing out bisqueware and glaze tests that no one wanted. I taught some of my classmates what "will it bounce" was. It was amazing. And if there was ever a day where I needed to smash things, it was most definitely today. Goodbye pent up frustration! Behold the carnage!

Halifax Crafters is also this weekend. I have to switch from school mode to show mode. It will be a challenge, but one I am up for. Bring on the weekend!

One of a Kind Withdrawl

2011-11-25T18:15:00.005-05:00

I am having major One of a Kind show withdrawl. I was doing so well with not being homesick too, since this last month has been so fantastic in so many ways. It's funny though that something that gave me so much anxiety and provided so much stress would cause this level of homesickness. But I miss all my crafty Toronto people terribly. I miss the feeling of community that comes with doing the shows. That feeling is probably the only thing I miss about the Living Arts Centre. I even find myself missing the community in the glass studio at Sheridan. Being at NSCAD has just been a bit of an adjustment because there are different people in all of my studio classes. It's not a bad thing - just different.

I know all of this will be worth it in the end when I am making really amazing things (that I still can't even fathom yet since I am only at the end of my first semester here).

I am happy to say that very soon I will be done with ceramics! Maybe not forever - but at the very least for a long time. I definitely appreciated ceramics more this time around, the process is just not for me though. There is too much doing, and waiting, and doing, and waiting, and then a bit more doing and oh right, again with the waiting.... But I made some mugs for my final project. I am pretty happy with them, we'll see how much I love them when they are bisqued and glazed... I am hoping they are dry enough to go into a bisque tomorrow.

There are also some very exciting things happening in weaving too! I am working on some scarves for a final project (a preview from one of them is shown below), as well as playing around with weaving metal on a tiny and super cute table loom (pictures will follow... eventually) A very long day of weaving awaits tomorrow......

3 more weeks/Missing OOAK

2011-11-21T21:26:00.007-05:00

This is likely to be short, but I figured it was time for a little update. It was weird today because so many people I know are setting up for the One of a Kind show back in Toronto. It feels very strange that I am not there doing the same. I still have days here and there where I question my decision to come out here, I have to say that today was one of them. I never thought I would but I miss doing shows.... I mean, yes - I am doing Halifax Crafters, but it's just not the same at One of a Kind. Plus, I am just missing all my amazing artist friends back home.

I don't have that many images to show now of what I have been working on but more will follow soon.... Here are my latest jewellery samples... chain! Which I actually really enjoyed doing. No filing or hammering, nice and quiet. This was a welcome change from rivets.

Rivets were too noisy. I liked flush rivets though.

This is one of my two flower holders from ceramics. I had a really hard time with this because with most glass vessels people ask "can I put flowers in it?" We'll see, I don't know how I feel about it right now, but maybe once it's glazed I will fall in love with them. Time will tell.

I also spent some time last week trying to weave with metal - with varying degrees of success. Perhaps I will post some pictures if I can come up with some nicer samples.

Halifax Crafters!

2011-11-11T14:19:00.003-05:00

The weather here is miserable today. We are supposed to get 100 millimetres of rain by the time it stops. Figured I would use this rainy day to catch up on a few things. What better time to write a post about the Yuletide Cheer show. I will be there with my glass candy!

Details!

When - December 3rd & 4th

Time: 11 am - 6 pm both days

Where - the Olympic Centre (2304 Hunter St, Halifax, NS)

Admission - FREE!

A Few Good Weeks

2011-11-07T19:55:00.008-05:00

Once again I should probably be working on my essay, but I have ended up here. I have had a super productive and amazing couple of weeks. Things are getting very exciting in all the studios. Ceramics is making me slightly less cranky this week. Our latest assignment was to throw components and then assemble them into larger pieces. So it went from the ten shapes below last Thursday....

.... to these two pieces tonight! The tallest one is 18 inches.

We have been doing some interesting things in weaving as well. We learned how to draft patterns (which was a nightmare, but I understand it now....) and then we all picked a different pattern and set up the looms. This was the pattern I set up. It's called Ms and Os. Pretty simple, but kind of nice.

I love the undulating twill! I am just happy that I didn't have to set it up.

Waffle weave.

Overshot.... These patterns look really beautiful, but are so complicated when you are weaving them. There were too many things happening at once. It was quite easy to become distracted and lose your place in the pattern. It's very pretty - but never again....

I feel like I rarely post jewellery photos. So behold my dome samples in all of their shiny glory! We are working on brooches this week. I am extremely excited for mine! Pictures to follow....

Ok, now back to my essay....

Ideas, Inspiration and Plans

2011-10-26T21:30:00.009-04:00

I should probably be writing an essay right now. Instead I am eating gummy frogs and writing this.

So I had a midterm critique/chat in weaving today. I'm very happy with how it went, got lots of good feedback from Robin and even discussed how I could push weaving further - specifically as it could pertain to a potential weaving/jewellery crossover. She gave me a few artists to look up, and even gave me some vintage metal threads to experiment with on our final assignment.

Here is a detail of a piece by Mary Lee Hu.

Another Mary Lee Hu piece. I absolutely love this piece. I can really appreciate the skill it takes to make metal look so fluid and organic.

This is a piece by Arline Fisch. She wrote a book called Textile Technique in Metal, which I really hope to possess in the near future. (Notice the italicizing of the book title... look at how much I am learning in writing class....)

More Arline Fisch.

Even more! This one is fantastic, silver pleated twill!

Also today I sat down with someone at NSCAD and mapped out the rest of my time here. I have officially decided to go with the interdisciplinary degree, rather than specializing in jewellery. I will still be taking primarily jewellery from now on, but the interdisciplinary gives me a little more flexibility. It also turns out that half of the courses I signed up for this year are useless towards a jewellery degree. It's so great that I knew that before I registered for classes in the first place.

I am really happy that I finally have an idea of what I need, and there is a plan. And in the grand scheme of things it's not important what is written on my degree when I graduate. It's going to be about what I do with all the skills I am learning here. I could care less about getting a BFA, I am here to learn, regardless of what it says on the fancy expensive piece of paper I get when I leave. It is still difficult at this point to see what will happen, and where I will be when I am done though. I can't even fathom what I will be making even a few weeks from now, let alone next semester, next year and when I graduate.

Someone posted this on facebook a little while ago, and feel like it's so appropriate right now.....

Apparently though, Sheridan thinks I am successful! I was contacted in the summer to be featured as a "Graduate Success Story". The link to it on the Sheridan website can be found here.

Halfway and 500 rings!

2011-10-23T18:40:00.009-04:00

I have passed the halfway point of the semester. In fact, tomorrow it will be 50 days until Christmas break - which seems unreal. This has been a very busy week for me. Catching up on ceramics consumed the beginning of the week. Some unfortunate circumstances made catching up even more difficult. Thankfully I have a new wonderful shelf where I can leave my work without worrying about it being destroyed. Always a positive.

I got some fantastic news this week too! My Separation rings were accepted into the book 500 rings! I love all of the 1000 and 500 series books that Lark Books puts out, and I am blown away that I am going to be in one of them!

We had our first major assignment due in jewellery this week. Below is my ring after the soldering nightmare. All I want to know is when soldering gets less stressful.....

Finished ring!

One of my new bowls in ceramics. We made stamps and bisqued them last week, so I was playing around with one of my stamps. I'm really happy with it. It's funny because if it was glass I would probably hate it. Not a huge fan of the ruffled lips on glass bowls.

We finally glazed things! It's very exciting!

Really love the glaze on this one. I am also glad that I left the raw clay on the outside. The stoneware we are using is really beautiful.

Shino glaze is my new favourite. Most of the cone 06 glazes we are using are very earthy colours, which is not usually my thing, but I think the Shino is gorgeous. I will definitely be using this glaze again.

I was just thinking back to how unbelievably stressed out I was this time last weekend, but I survived the week! It was a good week too, despite all the stress. Lots of good things are happening! Hopefully this week is just as good.

Nocturne 2011

2011-10-17T23:06:00.006-04:00

Nocturne is an amazing art event all over Halifax, similar to Toronto's Nuit Blanche. Here is a quick look at some of the great things I saw on Saturday night.

Public Gardens!

Hilarity in chalk.

3D video projection. Overheard at this piece "Are they going to start talking in 3D?"

This piece was kind of eerie. There were LED lights and speakers that interacted with the heartbeat of whoever is sitting in the chair. Everyone was very quiet and the beating sound echoed in the space.

Nova Scotian Crystal! So nice to hang out in the glass studio. They are making a swan. I am about to be a little glass nerdy, but I was amazed that they didn't flash (reheat) this the entire time. Everything was so precise and amazing too. These guys must not like their eyes though, because no one was wearing glasses.

One of the engravers. I did not understand a single thing he said, but he was incredibly talented and I have so much respect for the skill engraving takes. I required a lot of chocolate when I took it at Sheridan to offset the frustration.

Finished piece ready for the polishing acid bath.

At the Canadian Museum of Immigration, I was blown away by a series of photographs by Rafael Goldchain. From a series called "I Am My Family", Goldchain dressed in period costumes and photographed himself as various members of his family. This one was my favourite. He also teaches at Sheridan!

Some ceramics at Port Campus.

This was my favourite part of the entire night. The Happy Wash!! They setup the gallery like a car wash, and played the Rolls Royce song on a continuous loop. I found a YouTube video of it so everyone can share in my joy.

More Spinning!

2011-10-14T21:55:00.003-04:00

So I lied, I didn't chronicle the process. Mainly because there is wool, metal, clay and books all over my apartment, and that does not need to be recorded. BUT! Here is my second little ball of wool, which is clearly way cuter than my first attempt. I may actually do something with this one, not sure what though since I can't wear wool.

I was working on my tapestry weaving today. I don't care for tapestry weaving.... I do like the density of the weave though. One part that was an inch long took about half an hour to do though.... unacceptable. I have about two inches more to weave then hopefully I am done tapestry weaving forever...

Spinning Workshop

2011-10-13T14:04:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderful visiting artist come to our weaving class yesterday. Leslie Hauck, the owner of The Spinner's Loft about an hour outside of Halifax, came and did a spinning workshop with us! Although she did a quick demo for us on the spinning wheel, we learned the old fashioned way on drop spindles. Leslie made it look so easy. I have such a greater appreciation for the wool I have used to knit and crochet with in the past.

This is what we started with. There were 3 different types of fleece. One was really dry, and the other two still had some lanolin and were pretty oily. Carding the fleece took way more arm strength than I was anticipating. There was a lot of grumbling from the girls in my class when spinning started.

Here is my finished wool.... We have to do another ball for class next week. Perhaps I will chronicle that for a new post and show off my mad spinning skills.... Hopefully I end up with something a bit nicer .

Leslie explained that when she teaches people to spin, she always starts with the basics: hand carding and hand spinning on a drop spindle. This way we are more able to appreciate the history of the process, which I thought was really fantastic.

Ceramics....

2011-10-08T14:33:00.005-04:00

Well I have had quite the experience in ceramics lately. I got up the other day realizing why I had switched to glass 6 years ago at Sheridan. I was feeling like I needed a balance between the truth to process in ceramics and the anal retentiveness of jewellery. If I could only find a material that was somewhere in the middle. Oh, sort of like glass.... This, of course, led to all kinds of questions about why I am here.

We have been doing lots of technical exercises and samples in all of the studios. Lots of soldering samples in jewellery, lots of practice setting up looms and experimenting with weaving, and lots of cylinders in ceramics. Oh so many cylinders.....

Finally we are starting to move onto bigger projects. A big ring project, a tapestry, and mugs!! Mugs definitely made up for my cylinder frustration. Unlike glass I really enjoy making functional work out of clay. Even more exciting... our next project is bowls!!

mugs and cups!!

Bijoux Pop-Up Show

2011-09-30T13:15:00.003-04:00

This is where being in school gets interesting... trying to balance it and business. In November my work (not me!) will be at the Bijoux Pop-Up Shop at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Details below!

15 Canadian Jewellery Artists

2 weeks: November 3 - 16, 2011

in the Jean and Ross Fischer Gallery

Participating Artists:

Joy Annett Designs, Justine Brooks, lissaBjewelled, C’est Joli, Foe and Dear, Emma Gerard, Eliza Kozurno, Le Petit Beret, Adriana McNeely, Hitokoo, Rebekah Price, Deborah Sanderson, Steel Magnolias, She Smiled and Ran, and Woodbee Design.

End of September?

2011-09-29T23:29:00.007-04:00

Ok, I have been here for a month already. How did that happen? So many studios, so little time. I finally have some ceramics pictures. It's not as easy to take process shots in here since I am always covered in clay. Here is the throwing studio! It stays surprisingly clean considering how many people use the space.

This is one of my bowls from the first assignment! It's in the bisque kiln now!

This is what happens when you take weaving and it consumes your life. All of a sudden you see everything as woven objects.

Speaking of weaving, I made myself a scarf this week!

All the threads from the weft are sewn in, the warp threads at the ends are twisted! I am very happy with how it turned out.

We set up another warp this week with stripes, which I really love. It made setting up the loom a lot easier too. This was the fifth warp I have setup, and it feels like it's getting a little bit easier... I love the plaid!

Experimenting with basket weave.

More experimenting with twill. I really like the colours in this section.

Finally some jewellery! This is my super shiny band ring from last week. Earlier tonight I was working on my mock up for our big ring assignment. Now that I have a 3D model I am quite excited to make it. Although I can't fathom how I am going to polish parts of it...

busy busy busy

2011-09-20T16:49:00.007-04:00

Having three studios I can go to whenever I want..... Yep, life is pretty great. School is really in full force now, which has naturally left my apartment in a perpetual state of disaster. I love jewellery class so far, I spent a good part of the weekend in the studio working on my piercework sample. I managed to only break a few tiny saw blades too. Making a band ring this week, which means filing, emery paper, and polishing (and hopefully no fire scale....)

Copper pierce work samples!

Tiny puzzle pieces!

Weaving also seems to be consuming my life. I really love the process of weaving. Setting up the loom? Not so much. Welcome to my nightmare. 280 threads, meticulously threaded through all the little loops, then fed through a reed. Thankfully it was tangle free.

Eventually (5 hours later....) the above turns into this.

Despite the nightmare of setting up the loom I really liked the tighter weave from the cotton. I am currently finishing off the edges and ends. Going to try the fancy twisty ends this time. More photos of this sample, and the more experimental one from the same warp to follow eventually.

This happy spider friend joined me for lunch in the weaving studio. It was massive, I was not a happy camper. Nor were the other girls in the studio....

The view from my loom in the weaving studio. I still love that wherever I go in the city I can see amazing old buildings and the ocean. When the sun starts setting it shines really nicely on Dartmouth too.

Soon, I will have some pictures of the ceramics studio....

Weaving!

2011-09-12T20:21:00.007-04:00

Even though today was my first jewellery class, I finally have some weaving photos to post! First we have the loom (which I setup all by myself this time, with only a little bit of cursing....)

Though not the straightest.... I am having lots of fun just playing around with colours and patterns and just getting used to what the loom can do!

Back to School!

2011-09-09T15:51:00.006-04:00

I have been in Halifax for over a week now, it's all been kind of a whirlwind. Dad and I started driving on August 30th. "Travaux" was the word of the day driving through Quebec.

Arriving in Nova Scotia on the 31st after a night of rest in Edmundson, NB.

This is the view from the ceramics studio at NSCAD's Port campus. During most of the class there was a cruise ship parked in front of the window, but once it moved along the amazing view with the cute little lighthouse was finally revealed.

Tonight's sunset from my apartment!

I am still settling in and getting used to the city and getting used to being back in the routine of school. But I absolutely love it so far, and I am quite sure that going back to school will be the best decision I have ever made.

I am going to try and keep this up to date as best I can throughout the school year, hopefully with lots of pictures of what I am working on... some will follow shortly I am sure.

Packing.....

2011-08-06T20:38:00.003-04:00

So the packing has begun! I really can't believe how much stuff I have, especially kitchen stuff. Though most of my dishes are amazing handmade things I have collected over the last few years!

I am really starting to get excited about back to school. The fact that I don't even know what I am going to be making is great, especially because I have been so focused on production work for the past 2 years. And to work with some materials other than glass will do me a lot of good. I love glass, but it's time for a break. I sort of feel like if I see any more candy, I will go crazy. Change is good.

Speaking of.... When I was going through boxes of my Grandma's old kitchen stuff I found all kinds of amazing kitchen gadgets. Apparently she was all about the gadgets (despite never cooking....) I found this really old and fantastic candy thermometer! My dad asked me what I was going to do with it.... A silly question to be sure. Obviously, candy will be made with such a glorious gadget!

Another absolutely amazing find was this little ceramic creamer that was hand painted by my great-great-grandmother, Elsie. It's dated Christmas Day, 1917 on the bottom. I love everything about this. The art nouveau flowers, the colours, the gold lustre, and of course the amazing history behind the object.

Haliburton!

2011-07-25T17:08:00.008-04:00

So I just got back from Haliburton last night. Despite the little adventure on the way home (more will be explained with photos below) I had a really fantastic weekend! Here I am on my way, car completely packed on the hottest day ever with a much needed slushy to help keep me cool on the drive.

A view from my booth on the morning of day one. Beautiful day, not too sunny or warm. Perfect!

The booth all setup!

The cats were a little wild back at Jenn and Terry's. Mr. Chewy chilling in the rafters up in the loft.

Smokey Joe hanging out with us at the bar.

Kids were swinging from this rope into the water the whole weekend. If I was not accident prone I would have tried it too. Instead I just took the occasional dip to cool off! Having the lake so close was just another luxury of the show.

A very bright, sunny and HOT day two!

It was bikini time all weekend, and in the heat it was definitely necessary.

Beautiful sunset overlooking Head Lake after the vendor dinner on Saturday night.

So I was heading home after a fantastic weekend, and not long into my drive I hit a deer. I am completely fine, not a scratch on me but I am very lucky for a number of reasons. The deer was small... I didn't hit it head on... I was going through a town and wasn't going too fast... All those kinds of things. Things could have been very bad.... Finally stopped in Beaverton when it was clear the engine was overheating. A few calls to my parents, CAA, and the OPP lead to me finally heading home in a tow truck. The whole thing was a big hero quest. The poor car.....

Art in the Street

2011-07-20T21:03:00.004-04:00

Before I head off to Haliburton tomorrow, I figured I should post some photos from the show in Guelph. It was a scorcher that day, but the volunteers were wonderful and really made the show for me. Oh and the fountain definitely helped keep me cool in the super hot weather!

The booth all setup! Though in the shade, I could not escape the dreaded humidity...

The rest of the booth. You will note the sweater on my chair, which I foolishly thought I might need when I left that morning.

They hired musicians to serenade the artists and visitors at the show. This guy was fantastic just on his own. Then an impromptu jam session started up and it got even better. I posted a video over on my facebook page, but the direct link can be found here

British Columbia & Road Trip!

2011-07-14T11:18:00.018-04:00

So what an adventure in British Columbia. I arrived an hour before the big game started... Traffic was a mess, but thankfully I was safe and sound in New Westminster and not downtown in the riots. Everything there was beautiful, and despite people telling me I would never want to leave and would forget all about going to the East Coast. Quite the contrary though, if anything it made me even more eager to head out East. Anyway lots of amazing hero quests were had by all. Can't wait for my friends from the West Coast to come visit me on the other side!

Totally loved all of these sculptures.

English Bay at sunset!

Cool sculpture at English bay

I love this sculpture so much, it's a good thing I saw it when I did because apparently they have moved it to a different location....

A view from inside!

Fun on a tractor at Birchwood Dairy (where they had some of the best ice cream I have ever had)

Sonya couldn't reach the water at Cultus Lake.

Cultus Lake was really pretty, it was great too because Sonya and I were pretty much the only people around so it was really peaceful and great.

Harrison Hot Springs. The water was apparently 140 degrees.

New-Small & Sterling!

Found this on a bench on Granville Island. True story.

White Rock, BC! It was really pretty there, could have done with a little bit more sun though.

Some sand castle madness in White Rock.

Fun in Stanley Park!

My lovely glassy friend Amanda Parker and I on our adventure in Stanley Park. With our incredible senses of direction combined we inadvertently walked around the whole thing. Took us about two hours. Thankfully we were both wearing sensible shoes!

Sunrise (yes, I was up that early) in New Westminster!

On the ferry to Bowen Island!

Snug Cove! Bowen Island is one of my new favourite places ever. So beautiful, and the locals were so friendly!

If there is a candy store... I will find it.....

check out their website: www.candyinthecove.com

Amazing look out point we found on Bowen Island. So beautiful and peaceful (once the guy with the pressure washer stopped) a great spot for inspiration and chatting!

Lake Killarney on Bowen Island.

Cute little squirrel in Kelowna.

Mountains begin the journey/road trip home. My friend Karen and I did the 4200 km drive in three days. Three long days.

Alberta!

Officially in the prairies!

Beautiful sky in the prairies. I actually really loved how beautiful it was there.

Rainbow halo - quite possibly one of the coolest things I have ever seen.

Finally getting closer to our destination! If only we were able to fast forward through the last stretch of the QEW and avoided all the traffic!

July Shows

2011-07-13T19:20:00.005-04:00

Lots going on here.... Recently got back from a wonderful trip to British Columbia (another blog post to follow) And now I am getting ready for my last two shows before I leave for the East Coast!

First, this Saturday I will be participating in Art on the Street in Guelph Ontario.

Art on the street Art Exhibition & Sale is a juried showcase featuring contemporary fine art and craft that takes place annually in Downtown Guelph. The event has grown in both calibre of artist and scale since its inception in 2003 to become Guelph's largest open-air art exhibition and sale.

This, the 9th annual event, aims to spotlight multi-disciplinary talent within the local arts community, offering a fresh-air alternative to conventional art shows and galleries. Scores of artists will showcase their works in temporary, open-air studios which will line both sides of Quebec Street on Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. Side by side, established and emerging artists sell their work directly to the public.

More details: July 16| Quebec Street - Downtown Guelph | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Second, I am once again heading up to Haliburton for the Art & Craft Festival. I am hoping for some nice (and not too hot) weather.

July 22,23,24 2011

Head Lake Park, Haliburton, Ontario

Hours:
Friday 12 - 6
Saturday 10 - 6
Sunday 10 - 4

Admission:
$2 each (children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult)

Gallery in the Garden!

2011-06-14T09:52:00.003-04:00

Last Sunday I did the Gallery in the Garden at the Benares house. What a beautiful day, both exhibitors and visitors to the show were really lovely and friendly. Could have done without all the inch worms that kept coming down from the tree above, but the strawberry shortcake was fantastic!

The Benares House

The ever helpful banner for explaining that yes, infact, everything is made of glass.

All set up! Ignore the super wrinkled table cloth....

A view from my booth of the park with some of the other vendors.

Gallery in the Garden

2011-05-31T23:49:00.003-04:00

This Sunday I will be at the 5th Annual, Gallery in the Garden at the Benares Historic House in Mississauga. More Details:

Where: Benares Historic House, 1507 Clarkson Road, Mississauga, ON

When: June 5th, 11 am - 4 pm

WHAT - West Hamilton Artists Tour

2011-05-12T12:34:00.003-04:00

Here are some photos from the studio tour. The house I was in was absolutely gorgeous. I was very lucky, along with other artists Tanya Kirouac and Laurie Skantzos, to be guests in this beautiful home. Very big thanks to our hosts Brad and Kelly Chickakian.

The best part of the weekend for me was the young boy from the neighbourhood that examined everything meticulously in search of the perfect gift for his mum for Mother's Day.

neXus: Resident Artist Exhibition

2011-05-05T00:12:00.010-04:00

Every year the Living Arts Centre has an exhibition to showcase the talent of the artists in the Resident Artist program. Our theme this year was collaboration, which at first seemed daunting, but for me turned into one of my favourite things I have ever done. My dear friend (and mixed media aficionado) Christina Tatarnic and I came together and created: The Kit™. Quite simply The Kit™ is a comment on the struggle and pitfalls of dating, as well as a collaborative effort to become more self aware.

More information on The Kit™ can be found here: emmagerard.com/thekit.html

Here is The Kit™ completely installed. Perfectly compartmentalized for our convenience.

A peak inside at one of my favourite parts: the LoveMonkey-Cam.

Another important element of The Kit™: the nurturing test.

Christina and I were thrilled at the positive reception we have received so far about The Kit™. It's been such a great experience working with her on this. Best collaboration partner EVER!

Now for the rest of the show. Here are my favourite pieces. Enjoy!

Memory, by textile artist Pat Hertzberg and Fausta Facciponte

Fantastic concrete bench by furniture resident Jean Willoughby, and textile artist Liz Aston

Beautiful necklace collaboration by glass artist Kyle Harrison, and jewellery artist Gillian Batcher. The crocheted silver leaves are so delicate and fantastic.

Simple, yet very elegant lights by Dylan McKinnon and Jordan Murphy.

Alex Anagnostou took a different approach than most. Rather than collaborate with another artist, she teamed up with a microbiologist.

Prairie View bench, by Lucy Roussel and Diane Froh

And finally the big team collaboration by glass artists Jeff MacIntosh, Paula Vandermey, Joseph di Lorenzo, and ceramicist Jolanta Jung. Just because Paula was so amused by the fact that I called her work in the RA show last year "epic" I will do it again. This piece is epic. It was so great to see four people with very different aesthetics come together to create such a beautiful and interesting piece.

West Hamilton Artists Tour and More!

2011-04-11T23:29:00.007-04:00

Now that the dust has finally settled after the One of a Kind show there is still much to be done!

First up:

The Arts Open House & Craft Sale at Sheridan College

"The Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design opens its doors to the public again this spring for visitors to view some of the finest arts facilities on the continent, speak with students and program faculty and find out why every year 4,000 students choose to attend Sheridan’s 28 programs in animation, arts and design. See artwork and demonstrations by students in various programs including: Illustration, Interior Design, Photography, Visual and Creative Arts, Animation and Crafts and Design (Glass, Ceramics, Textiles and Furniture). Purchase wonderful unique work by students and alumni of the Crafts and Design program!"

I will be setup in the cafeteria selling my jewellery.

More details!

When: Saturday April 30th

Time: 10 am - 5 pm

Where: Sheridan College Trafalgar Campus (1430 Trafalgar Rd, Oakville, ON)

Second:

The West Hamilton Artists Tour

"On May 7th and 8th from 10am to 5pm, visit 10 studios/locations and meet 20 acclaimed artists working in various fine craft and visual art mediums from Hamilton and the surrounding region.

This year’s lineup includes 11 returning artists and 9 artists who are new to the tour – from painters to potters, to sculptors and jewelers, to artists working with glass and mixed media.

This tour is nestled under the Niagara Escarpment in picturesque West Hamilton which has become a major destination for art in Ontario. Make a day of it and enjoy one of the local restaurants or cafés while you visit. A great way to spend Mother’s Day weekend! Admission is free!"

All the details including other participating artists and locations can be found on the website: www.westhamiltonartiststour.com

And if you are so inclined, there is a facebook page for the tour as well.

Take a Seat Campaign

2011-04-06T20:36:00.004-04:00

This is not glass related but is a subject very dear to my heart. My old high school, Burlington Central High School is raising money to revamp the auditorium. More specifically to get new seating that will allow them to go from this:

to this!

I miss theatre constantly and sometimes wonder what my life would be like if I had stuck to my original plan of pursuing technical theatre instead. I had so many great times in the auditorium at Central and made lifelong friends in the process. It's where I learned the obsessive organization and list making skills that I still use today. I owe so much to everything I experienced there.

Things I miss the most:

- Sarah yelling at people for breathing over the headsets.

- Dancing backstage to "Y'all Got It" with Max

- When you know something went wrong and it was your fault the dread you felt when Mrs. Z would clatter onto the headsets and slowly say your name.

- Two Words: Almost Paradise.

- The Sears Festival and the great sense of community it evoked. Except when we went to Sudbury, that was the worst trip ever (and was almost 9 years ago now, eek!)

- The feeling everyone gets when they know they have just put on the best show they could.

- Our pre-show crew dinners at East Side Marios

- The drama hall (where an awful lot of drama went down)

- The giant tank set piece that Sarah and I spent a ridiculous amount of time in

- The first costume change I ever had to help someone with involved me having to help a guy put a coat on, then put a belt on over the coat. Apparently I am not very good at doing up belts. It was taking much longer than anticipated when he hissed "Crazy person what are you doing?" at me. I was completely horrified at the time, but laugh every time I think about it now.

If you love theatre like I do and want to support a great school with a rich history of theatre click here to see the website and support BCHS!

One of a Kind Spring 2011

2011-04-06T00:37:00.006-04:00

Another One of a Kind show has come and gone. The end of the show felt a little different this time around though. I won't be back at the Direct Energy Centre in a few months for Christmas, infact since I am heading back to school it will be my last One of a Kind for a few years at least. Seeing all my wonderful friends and fellow exhibitors was so nice and it will feel very strange at Christmas time when I am on the East Coast and not here with them.

Once again I would like to acknowledge the wonderful support of the

Ontario Arts Council for their assistance in this exhibition.

NSCAD!

2011-03-23T22:21:00.008-04:00

Well after a lot of waiting I finally got the news I wanted to hear. I have a plan for September! Back to school it is! I was accepted into the jewellery program at NSCAD (the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design). To say I am thrilled is an understatement. The possibilities are so exciting and I am so happy to be taking this next step in my career. Plus, as you can see from my last post, Halifax is fantastic.

More things that make it fantastic:

This amazing used bookstore on Barrington Street.

The Public Gardens

Theodore Tugboat! Oh... and the ocean!

Now, to find a pub that has chicken fingers....

Halifax and Studio Tours

2011-03-10T22:57:00.010-05:00

I just got back from a fabulous trip to Halifax and I am already longing to go back. I just love everything about the city! Some of my favourite things include:

The market! A huge indoor market right on the water with everything you need, even some crafters!

Love, Me Boutique! It's nice to actually visit the galleries and shops that carry your work. This is the perfect little boutique with tons of wonderful handmade goodies from across Canada.

And of course, it wouldn't be a trip to a different city without a stop (or three) at the local candy store the Freak Lunchbox. I think of all the candy stores I have been to over the years, this one is my favourite.

I also found out that I was accepted into the West Hamilton Artist Tour (WHAT) that is happening Mother's Day weekend (May 7 & 8). More details to follow but you can view the website here

The Kit

2011-02-28T00:40:00.003-05:00

What a weekend full of laughs and art. My dear friend Christina came for a visit so that we could really hunker down and get to work on our collaborative project for the Nexus exhibition at the Living Arts Centre.

The Kit is a mixed media/found object extravaganza exploring issues very relevant to our lives right now. More will be revealed in time, but here is a little preview.

Here we have the LoveMonkey-Cam.

Poor little guy lost an eye for this, but the carnage and sacrifice was necessary.

One of a Kind Spring 2011 Coupon

2011-02-09T00:50:00.005-05:00

In less than 50 days it approaches once again. The One of a Kind Spring show is almost upon us.

Details!

When: March 30th - April 3rd

Times: Wednesday - Saturday: 10 am - 9 pm, Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm

Where: Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON

And as always there is a $3 off coupon when you buy your tickets online.

To take advantage of this great deal go to:

https://www.microspec.com/tix123/etic.cfm?code=OOAKS11

and enter this code: AD36gyx

I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful support of the

Ontario Arts Council for their assistance in this exhibition.

Modern Protections/Updates

2011-01-27T22:32:00.006-05:00

First post of the new year... I better make it a good one.

Well let's start with Christmas: I went to California to see my family that I haven't seen in ten years. Suffice it to say that it was fantastic to spend time with everyone. Lots of fun and laughs had by all. I even wore shorts on Christmas!

It's been a busy month with applications for shows and school. I have also been very busy finishing up some of my new work from a series called Modern Protections. I just did a little website updating and have some of the pieces up now, though getting it all together is still a work in progress. Check it out here

Lots to do in the next few months... One of a Kind is creeping up on me again, only 61 more days! I am also working on a collaborative project with my dear friend Christina Tatarnic for the resident artist show opening at the Living Arts Centre in late April.

Should be an exciting year!

World's Largest Gummy Worm

2010-12-30T18:39:00.005-05:00

I got one of these for Christmas (an orange + blue raspberry one). It's fantastic.

All the different flavours:

pineapple + cherry

green apple + cherry

orange + blue raspberry

lemon + orange

blue raspberry + cherry

This worm is 128 times bigger than a regular gummy worm and weighs 3 pounds.

Amazing.

DONE

2010-12-05T23:54:00.006-05:00

The One of a Kind show is finished at last! It was a great show, lots of positive reactions and feedback. It was so nice to catch up with old friends also exhibiting in the show as well as making some new ones along the way. Thanks for all who came to visit.

I would also like to acknowledge the support of the Ontario Arts Council for their assistance in this show. Thanks OAC!

For now I say goodbye to the Direct Energy Centre.... Until we meet again in 114 days for the Spring show!

Global National News

2010-12-03T23:36:00.004-05:00

I was on Global National news tonight! I was doing a flameworking demonstration at the One of a Kind show this morning, next thing I know there was a man with a camera and a big furry microphone.

Click here for the link, and then look for the December 3rd newscast.

BUY HANDMADE!

2010-12-01T23:22:00.002-05:00

So this year I am doing almost all of my Christmas shopping at the One of a Kind show. So far I have gotten a lot of really fantastic and unique things for my friends and family. It's so great to support my fellow artist friends, and there is nothing like receiving a really special and handmade gift.

Support handmade this season!

One of a Kind Show - Day One!

2010-11-25T23:26:00.005-05:00

Day One!

new products: prism earrings & chocolate bunnies in love.

A view of the whole booth.

a rainbow of bears!

Setup

2010-11-24T23:09:00.004-05:00

What a long day. But the booth is setup, and I am ready for the show to start tomorrow. There are just a few more last minute tasks to complete tomorrow morning and then everything is ready!

This is what it looks like before anything went up. Let the ironing begin. Oh so much ironing.....

Lights are up, the work is starting to come out....

Model Citizens

2010-11-16T00:16:00.005-05:00

Another new gallery!

I sent a box of work to Model Citizens today, a great little boutique in St John's, Newfoundland

The Epic Blanket is Complete!

2010-11-14T19:12:00.007-05:00

I know this has nothing to do with glass, but I am very proud of it and it took me forever to finish, so I had to post it.

11 months

320 crocheted flowers

1 flower = 20 minutes

285 crocheted connections to attach them all together

lord knows how many visits to Michael's & Romni Wools......

DONE!

Twist Boutique Atelier

2010-11-08T12:46:00.003-05:00

I just sent a package of work off to Twist Boutique.

Twist is a fantastic shop/studio in Jonquière, Quebec.

long lost photos

2010-10-28T17:02:00.006-04:00

When I was going through the photos I took of the studio tour, I came across photos of my solo show at the Launch Projects gallery last summer. Figured I'd post them here, why not, right?

spare tire award

beer belly championship belt

(to the amusement of my friends I wore this at one point at my opening)

miss butterface crown

breadsticks & sausage fingers

turkey neck award

buddha belly & junk in the trunk

camel toe, cue ball, flapjacks, muffin top and cottage cheese!

tribute to the horse faced woman

chicken legs

Studio Tour Photos

2010-10-24T20:34:00.005-04:00

I was at Noelle Hamlyn's home/studio in Port Credit for the weekend for the first annual Mississauga Artisan Studio Tour. The weekend was long but good. I think for the first year of the show it was a good turnout, lots of very friendly people stopped by.

My little display corner.

It makes me extremely happy that the gummy bears make a rainbow now.

Noelle had a pineapple, so we put it with my goblets. It also makes me extremely happy.

Some more blown work on top of the piano, it was the perfect spot.

Noelle's pocket book purses are so fantastic.

She uses vintage books to create really unique and lovely purses.

The house was right on the Credit River.

You can see part of the beautiful view in the background.

Some more of Noelle's work, this one is called "After Nell" and it's made using a variety of tea bags that have been quilted together.

More of Noelle's embroidered paper work.

Thanks to those who came out to visit!

New Jewellery!

2010-10-16T21:57:00.007-04:00

New for this Christmas season: blue and purple gummy bears!

Occasionally I make ridiculous things like this: melting chocolate bunny

I secretly love it.....

Also new earrings, available in lots of colours!

To view all the colours these are available in

click here

Grant Stuff

2010-10-16T21:43:00.008-04:00

So this year I got a project grant from the Ontario Arts Council. Here are some photos of a few of the things I have been working on.........

One of a Kind Show

2010-10-07T21:16:00.007-04:00

Yes folks, it's getting to be that time once again. The the One of a Kind show approaches.... in just under 50 days actually (not that I am keeping track). Of course there is still so much to do, and I now have a brand new computer so I can finally get to work on some website updates.....

anyway,

Details!

When: November 25th - December 5th

Times: Weekdays + Saturday = 10 am - 9 pm, Sundays = 10 am - 6 pm

Where: Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON

Booth Number: F-33

Here is a $3 off coupon for the show:

Follow this link: https://www.microspec.com/tix123/etic.cfm?code=OOAKX10

then enter the code: ADsbqr

I would also like to acknowledge the amazing support of the

Ontario Arts Council for their assistance in this exhibition.

Mississauaga Artisan Studio Tour

2010-10-03T16:37:00.007-04:00

Twenty days and counting until the first annual Mississauga Studio Tour! I'm really excited, there are a lot of great people on board for the tour. I will be a guest in Noelle Hamelyn's studio.

Further details:

Dates: October 23rd, 10-4. October 24th, 11-4

Location: 1238 Stavebank Road, Mississauga, ON

Find a copy of the map to all the studios here

Hope to see you there.

Lack of Update/Computer Woes

2010-09-27T12:18:00.007-04:00

I have been without my computer for about six weeks now, which makes doing a web update a little difficult. I've been going slightly crazy without Photoshop and Dreamweaver.

Anyway, this has been what has been going on:

Haliburton: The Haliburton Arts & Crafts Festival was fantastic. Lots of friendly people visiting and participating in the show. I had some great neighbours: Tim and Katherine from Blown Away Glass Studio in Elora, ON, and Tara Lynne Franco who introduced me to AllSorts Gallery on Ottawa Street in Hamilton. Many thanks to Jenn and Terry of Artech Glassblowing Studio who gave me such a lovely place to stay when I was there.

Ottawa Trip: I went for a visit to Ottawa to show some larger work to the gallery Lafreniere & Pai. I am really happy with the pieces they took, and even happier that I got to see Kevin Lockau while I was at the gallery.

Ottawa was lovely, and my friend Kellie knew all the important places to take me in Ottawa....

I love sugar mountain, so fantastic! Candy and gelato all under one roof, perfect!

This one was in Westboro, and was not as exciting. Very pretty place though.

Queen West Art Crawl: It was a beautiful weekend, and I think I saw more hipsters in two days than I have all year. Outdoor shows are a labour of love, there is always hope that things like setup and tear down will be easy. Then this happens and all you can do is laugh.

Chaos in the parking lot......

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition 2010

2010-07-12T19:28:00.006-04:00

Well despite a rough start due to rain (pouring rain) on Friday, it turned out to be a beautiful weekend. Thanks to all who came out.

Juicy Berries!

2010-06-10T13:46:00.004-04:00

New for the summer!

Also available in a deeper red.

Montreal for the Glass Conference

2010-06-01T23:25:00.007-04:00

So I just got back from Montreal where I was at the Glass Art Association of Canada conference.

Highlights (not necessarily conference related):

* The dance off at the talent show - the man in the wig and bathrobe is the president of GAAC, Brad Copping.

*My fabulous new friend Jacinthe who gave me a place to stay during my time in Montreal. She is a ceramic artist that makes fantastic things seen here on her website: http://www.jacinthebrindamour.com/

* The metro system in Montreal.

* The glass fashion show. The first part consisted on collaborations between Quebec Artists and local clothing designers. The second part was an amazing collection of pieces made by various glass artists.

* The candy store "Sucre Bleu". Leave it to me to find a candy store when I go to a new city. Though honestly it wasn't too hard to find with this big colourful sign!

I was super sad to leave. Hopefully I will have an excuse to go back soon!

New Work

2010-04-25T16:41:00.004-04:00

New pieces for a show called "Eros from Chaos" at Lafreniere & Pai in Ottawa.

May 9th - May 29th

13 Murray St, Ottawa, ON

Bees!

2010-04-24T17:25:00.004-04:00

I am making some glass bee samples for someone. Despite being terrified of the real thing, I'm quite happy with them.

Spring One of a Kind

2010-04-05T18:44:00.010-04:00

I didn't take as many pictures as I should have of the show and my neighbours... but here are the few I did take.

rising stars!

back of my booth

display in the front

One of my wonderful neighbour's Cristina and the Textile Platypus booth - so many bunnies!

I squeeled with delight when I got there on Wednesday morning and saw that she had tiny bunnies. So cute, and wonderfully handmade.

Cristina with her new monkey from Amanda at Denture Thief Productions.

My other lovely neighbour Avril Loretti. She has some really great stuff, including tote bags with a sprinkle donuts on it. I love mine :)

My neighbour to the back Alexandra Veilleux and her beautiful hand woven scarves.

One of my neighbours across the aisle Dan of Guy Incognito makes amazing and fun spun metal cases. I have a blue nubby one and my apples will never be bruised again!

Dan and his wife Melissa (who makes beautiful porcelain tableware) were great company during the show. I was so lucky to be surrounded by such great people at the show, they all made it fun to come in day after day.

BUNNIES!

2010-03-31T00:17:00.003-04:00

Ok, I love these so much, seriously one of my favourite things I have ever made. I can't believe I didn't think to make more of them before One of a Kind. Hoping I have enough..... It's so great when production work is so much fun to make!

Hindsight - Resident Artist Exhibition

2010-03-19T20:54:00.007-04:00

So now that the show is almost over, I am finally posting some photos from the RA show Hindsight at the Living Arts Centre.

Rachael Wong's amazing piece

My pieces all setup - I'm liking the red dot....

goodbye crackle!

absolutely loved Alex Anagnostou's piece.

Heather Konschuh's trio of pieces

Joseph di Lorenzo's Dali inpsired glass clock.

lovely ceramics by Ishrat Suhrwardy

Some more epic pieces from Paula Vandermey

When I first saw this piece I thought it was a bunch of glass frit arranged neatly all over the floor. It's really coconut shavings, rice and other small things that have been dyed all of these lovely colours. Even with the please do not touch sign, the edges are not as crisp as they were on opening night!

Teaching at Red Deer College

2010-03-10T12:05:00.003-05:00

I'm set to teach a workshop this summer at Red Deer College in Alberta! The class is scheduled to run June 21st - 25th and will explore techniques in sculptural flameworking.

For more information about the Summer Series at Red Deer College click HERE to view the PDF

Please help spread the word so my class will run!

One of a Kind Coupon

2010-02-18T20:53:00.006-05:00

Yep, it's that time again.

The Spring One of a Kind Show is quickly approaching.

For those interested here is an online coupon good for $3 off the price of admission.

Follow this link to use the promotional code: ADyprup

https://www.microspec.com/tix123/etic.cfm?code=ooaks10

Show Info!

Where - Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes Boulevard, Toronto, ON

When - March 31st - April 4th

Hours:

Wednesday - Saturday: 10 am - 9 pm,

Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm.

New Blue Things/Project Grant

2010-02-18T20:31:00.005-05:00

Ok, I am finally posting the pieces I have in the Resident Artist Exhibtion ("Hindsight") currently up at the Living Arts Centre. More photos of the show to follow.....

Also, I am so excited to have received a project grant from the Ontario Arts Council. This means very exciting things to come over the next few months... I cannot thank the OAC enough for their support.

blue things!

2010-01-16T01:03:00.004-05:00

I found these images when I was digging through files on my computer. An idea I gave up on too quickly I think. Perhaps more to come later.....

My Current Obsession

2010-01-07T19:56:00.005-05:00

In the past few weeks I have become more obsessed with crocheting than I ever imagined possible. And even though I currently only understand how to make one thing, I am super excited for the possibilities.....

Thanks!

2009-12-17T21:32:00.006-05:00

I would like to thank the Ontario Arts Council and the Ontario Crafts Council for their generous support in awarding me an Exhibition Assistance Grant. It was this support made it possible for me to participate in the One of a Kind show.

One of a Kind - finally

2009-12-13T02:19:00.009-05:00

So I finally got around to uploading photos from One of a Kind. It was a wonderful show and I am happy that I was in the Rising star section and got meet so many lovely people. And I am so happy that I no longer have to spend all day telling everyone that yes, it is in fact all made out of glass

my booth - the front

my booth - the back

The elusive Krystal was not impressed with my early morning paparazzi attack. So here is her booth with her delightful ceramic pieces!

I am now the proud owner of the tall cup in the back, hooray for trades!

The lovely Cristina Larsen of Textile Platypus with hand felted, hand sewn little critters. I absolutely adore the bunny I got from her - his name is Kyle.

Benita of House of Hsueh and her sister Brenda posing with their bunnies!

Popcorn monsters by Banjo Puppets

Pocoplush! Super cute plush toys from Montreal

One of my new favourite people: Isabelle Veilleux of Zazai with her textile work. She makes really beautiful scarves and other amazing things. She definitely helped make the time go by faster too!

Isabelle's super cute little plush guys

Here we have Michael with his hilarious pretend buzzers. I now own one that says minions and it makes me really happy - photo to follow soon....

Jewellery Feature at the Ontario Crafts Council

2009-11-13T11:56:00.007-05:00

Starting now and running until the end of December some of my candy work will be in a display case at the OCC at 990 Queen St. West. Here's a sneak peek:

One of a Kind Coupon!

2009-11-09T01:17:00.004-05:00

I have been a busy bee getting ready for the One of a Kind Show in Toronto. Never thought I would be making so many gummy worms and gummy bears.

For anyone who is interested, here's the new One of a Kind e-flyer. It gets you $3 off admission to the show, which runs November 26 to Dec 6. You can get your tickets here: https://www.microspec.com/tix123/etic.cfm?code=ooakx09

(be sure to use the promo code AD6ad4v to get your discount!)

Unity & Diversity

2009-09-25T21:40:00.005-04:00

Now that we are into the end of September I am happy to say that the Cheongju International Craft Biennale in South Korea has begun. My piece 'Assigning Flaws' (shown above) was selected along with over 200 pieces by other craftspeople to represent Canada in the 'Unity & Diversity" show in the Canadian Pavillion at the Biennale. The work will be on display until November 1st, 2009.

More Info:
The Cheongju International Craft Biennale (CICB) began in 1999 and has grown steadily over the last 10 years to become the largest multi-disciplinary fine craft Biennale in the world. The 2009 CICB, its 6th biennale, will feature international exhibitions, special events, academic discussions and significant high-profile awards. In 2007 the biennale was attended by over half a million visitors worldwide, and a wealth of craft makers from over forty countries were showcased in the month long event. With a focus on high-quality functional and sculptural craft, the Biennale attracts attention from collectors, curators, academics, craftspeople and, of course, the public.

The CICB has invited Canada as its 2009 guest country, which means that the work of Canadian craftspeople will take centre stage in the Guest Pavillion with a national exhibtion including over 200 works. Entitled Unity & Diversity, and curated by Dr. Sandra Alfoldy, editor of Neo Craft, Modernity and the Crafts, the exhibition will explore the range of work by Canadian craftspeople through the themes of Water, Land, Contact, Flora/Fauna, Arrivals, Myth/Metaphor and Departures.

I am so excited to be participating on a show of this scale, and am proud to be exhibiting with so many talented artists from across the nation.

Bookhou Featured Artist

2009-09-25T21:31:00.004-04:00

From October 1st-25th I am going to be a featured artist at bookhou, a great little shop on Dundas West. Please go and check it out, Arounna and John have some great stuff!

Creative On Queen - Queen West Art Crawl

2009-09-13T19:25:00.007-04:00

Coming up this weekend I will be doing 'Creative on Queen' at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). As part of the 2009 Queen West Art Crawl, Creative on Queen will once again take over the front lawn of CAMH’s Queen Street site from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Sept. 19. Hope to see you there!

Big News!

2009-09-03T20:13:00.003-04:00

So in under a month I have gotten some amazing news. The first being that I have been accepted as a resident artist in the flameworking studio at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauaga. The second is that I will also be teaching the second level of flameworking there as well!

I couldn't be happier to get back into the studio! Lots of new and exciting work to come....

Telephone City Craft Show

2009-08-19T09:07:00.002-04:00

If anyone feels like getting out of the city this weekend come visit me at the Telephone City craft show on Saturday August 22nd from 11-5 at The Ford Plant in lovely downtown Brantford.

Loads of amazing crafters and artists bringing their goods for you to admire! There will be buttons, ceramics, glass, handbound books, sewn magic of various sorts, paintings, wallets and teatowels, merit badges, a portrait artist, wood items, illustrations and prints and so many more surprises!

I will be there selling my jewellery. Come visit!

Sticks and Stones

2009-07-15T13:17:00.004-04:00

I am so excited to announce that I am having a solo show. The show will consist of my sculptural work from this year, a collection of awards made for insults.

Details
Where - Launch Projects Gallery - 404 Adelaide St. W, Toronto
When - July 29th - August 9th
Gallery Hours - Wednesday - Sunday, 12 pm -5 pm
Opening Reception - Thursday July 30th, 6 pm - 9 pm

I'll be sitting the show on the weekends, so please come visit!

Hope to see you there!

TOAE Thanks!

2009-07-15T13:12:00.003-04:00

Thanks to all that came by on the weekend, and for making this my best show yet!

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition

2009-06-20T23:27:00.009-04:00

With over 500 artists and an estimated 100 000 visitors, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition (TOAE) is the largest juried, fresh-air alternative to conventional art shows and galleries. For 48 years, TOAE has encouraged dialogue between established artists, undiscovered talents and innovative art students. It gives free access to Toronto's vibrant cultural scene and allows exhibitors to make lasting connections with dealers, collectors and fellow artists.

Over 13 media categories are represented including:

- Mixed Media

- Glass

- Drawing

- Jewellery

- Painting

- Sculpture

- Photography

- Fibre

- Printmaking

I'll be participating the the jewellery category this year in the PURPLE section booth number 741.

Come visit!

New Exhibition hours are:

Friday, July 10 from 10:30am - 7:30pm

Saturday, July 11 from 10:30am - 7:30pm

Sunday, July 12 from 10:30am-6:30pm

Nathan Phillips Square - Rain or shine!

po-lar-i-ty

2009-06-02T15:33:00.008-04:00

po⋅lar⋅i⋅ty [poh-lar-i-tee, puh-] -noun
1. physics
a. the property or characteristic that produces unequal physical effects at different points in a body or system, as a magnet or storage battery.

b. the positive or negative state in which a body reacts to a magnetic, electric, or other field.
2. the presence or manifestation of two opposite or contrasting principles or tendencies.
3. linguistics
a. (of words, phrases, or sentences) positive or negative character.

b. polar opposition.

Po-lar-i-ty, an art exhibition which explores ideas surrounding polarity and dichotomy, specifically with regard to traditional women’s roles, activities and rituals.

A group art exhibition of sculpture, glass, photography, multiples and installation by: Leanne Eisen. Emma Gerard. Alexandra Mainella. Kim Stanford. Curated by Stephanie Cormier and Tara Bursey

Please come check this one out.

Details!

Where: Launch Projects, 404 Adelaide St. West, Toronto

When: June 17 - 28

Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 12 - 5

OPENING!!

Thursday June 18th, 6-9

Midnight Market

2009-05-27T12:47:00.008-04:00

A night of amazing vendors, music and dancing, the Midnight Market is sure to be a great event.

Details!

Where: The Augusta House

When: Sunday June 7th, 7:00 pm - 2:00 am

Cost: $5 at the door - This is a fundraiser event for "the Alt"

I'll be there selling my flameworked creatures. I've been doing some spring cleaning, and making room for all the new candy creations, so there will be some great deals at this event.

Hope to see you there!

May Update

2009-05-09T19:13:00.009-04:00

Just a quick update on shows I have participated in this month. The first of which being the Seattle Erotic Art Festival.

On display was my piece (shown below) titled "Beat with Odds", a collaboration with my good friend Clayton Haigh.

Secondly, is the juried exhibition called 'FAUX' at INFLUX Gallery in Calgary. This show examines the idea of friend vs. faux, real vs. fake, authentic or imitation. On display is a full candy necklace, on elastic and all. This show opened on Thursday (May 7th) and runs through until June 20.

Etsy Update

2009-03-03T21:26:00.007-05:00

Hey Folks!

So I've finally added all my candy to my etsy shop. Check out some of the new work below!

Fuzzy Peaches

Swedish Berries

Maple Sugar Candy

Gummy Frogs

Big Feet

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Enjoy!

Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair

2009-01-22T11:51:00.008-05:00

Valentines Day is coming up fast, and with it comes the 3rd Annual Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair. From Noon to 8:00 PM on February 14th at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto, this show is sure to be a good one. I'll be showing some of my implant paperweights, as well as some fun new glass candy just for the event! Hope to see you there!

Queen West Art Crawl

2008-08-25T21:53:00.007-04:00

The Queen West Art Crawl is crawling ever closer!

Come check out the Outdoor Art Sale at Trinity Bellwoods Park. This event will take place on September 13th and 14th from 11 am - 6 pm both days. Please come visit me at my booth: H-04.

Also check out all the other happenings in the Queen West neighbourhood (including but not limited to) : The Gladstone, "Creative on Queen' at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and all the local galleries and studios that are opening their doors for the weekend.

It should prove to be an excellent weekend, hope to see you there!

Good Catch Double Dutch Craft Show

2008-08-10T18:25:00.006-04:00

This coming weekend I will be participating in the 'Good Catch Double Dutch Craft Show'. This event will take place on Sunday August 17th, from noon - five at 1556 Queen St. West. Please come and check out some wicked handmade goods, and support local craft!