Wishing everyone out there happy holidays, merry christmas, fa la la la la and all that!
My Pops is here in Van (flew in from Saskatchewan last week)! We went to see 'Life of Pi' last night and ate copious amounts of buttery popcorn. Tonight will be chillax and after I take him to the airport tomorrow, will be going to see 'The Hobbit' with some friends (more fistfuls of popcorn!) and then to their place for dinz afterwards. Gonna be a nice little Chrissy:)
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for all of your support (and also for buying stuff), especially in the past year. I have received so many emails of encouragement and words really can't describe how much it means to me to know that people actually read and/or care about what I'm up to. It encourages me to keep doing what I'm doing and I never feel like I am alone in this wondrous journey.
COUPON CODE: SPESH15
I am including a coupon code for 15% off and it is good until January 1, 2013. You can use it for any item in my shop or on a gift certificate for someone! Which leads me to.....
GIFT CERTIFICATES!
For anyone who is looking for a last minute gift for someone, you can order a digital gift certificate from my Etsy shop in any denomination. I'll email you a pdf of the file and you can either forward to the recipient or print it off for them. Eazy peazy finit!
I wonder what good things are in store for us all in the new year. I'd love to hear what you've got planned! ESPECIALLY if it involves traveling, photography, following your dreams, being inspired, kicking ass and/or just being awesome.
MUCHO LOVE, HUGS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
TT
"Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it."
I am back from the prairies and oh what a trip that was! I did manage to get every last thing I needed into my car which I have to say was quite satisfying. Kind of like when you pile/organize every last supper dish you washed to perfectly balance onto the dish rack..or solving the Rubik's Cube?
I got away way later than I had hoped and just accepted the fact that I would be driving in the dark for a good portion of the trip. Everything was pretty smooth sailing til I hit the Coquihalla of course...but still nothing compared to what was to come. The last opportunity to take a hotel for the night for a long stretch was in Valemount..but at that point I hadn't even considered it. Five minutes past the town, it turned into a complete whiteout.
It had been years, if not decades since I experienced this kind of storm and I had forgotten how terrifying...and LONELY it could be. I seemed to be the only car on the highway with a smattering of big trucks. This did not comfort me. Eventually I got behind a grater, a blessing and a curse. Its lights helped to act as a guide to stay on the road but the blinding gusts of snow were not so helpful. I had moments of complete delusion...not knowing where I was on the road or where I was headed. I promised myself that if I made it to Jasper, I would go no further!
The grater finally pulled over and stopped on the side of the road so I could pass him and the conditions did get a little better after that and so of course questioned if I should keep going. I thought...what would my Mom or Dad tell me to do? Yeah. Left turn into Jasper.
I Hotwired a room for $69 at The Lobstick Lodge. Just me and two King Size Beds! I lazily went through my emails and ALMOST deleted one that said, 2012 WORLD OPEN FINALISTS. I had entered the contest several months ago and had gotten daily emails from them showcasing other photographer's entries...did I really want to know who made the final cut? Sure. Why not. But I was too tired so just shut down my laptop and went to bed,
The next morn I headed back out onto the highway. I met with a mountain goat, saw an overturned truck and a dead deer in the ditch. Staying over in Jasper...excellent choice!
I pulled up to Sue and Gar's house in Millet (just outside of Edmonton) and could already feel the warmth from the lights of the Christmas Tree. I made it! Sue and Gar are very dear friends, if not like family. I lived with them in university when I was working at their resto and then again when I did my practicum and also for a spell while I was working in Edmonton. They also housed Pusskin, Sigurd and I for the first few months of Mom's illness. It is my happy place. A home constantly full of love, hugs and laughter (and soul food).
The next day it was off to the races! All I had to do was pull into the loading docks and some very nice gentleman helped me unload the contents of my car onto this wondrous dolly! Lickety split. Finit! Done.
I wheeled it into the showroom and POOF! This happened...
OK that's a huge lie/wish! Another 4-5 hour set-up...how do I not get FASTER at this?!
I had bought another shelf at IKEA on my way into Edmonton to display the wood blocks but didn't have to use it thanks to April from Yapes Paints who had the booth beside me. She let me use the outside of her wicked mesh wall which I also utilized for my wall prints! TOO awesome. If you like fanciful fish, offbeat owls, big birds and twirling tree trunks, you will LOVE her work!
The show was definitely busy and in a beauty venue! So many of my AB peeps stopped by! I couldn't get pics of everybody so would like to extend my deepest thanks to each and everyone of you who took the time to pop by! Also a shout out to Jesse and Shad for the wonderful hospitality and letting me stay at their place in Edmonton for the duration of the show. We had a bad ass good time watching movies in our jams:)
And 4 days later...it was all over. As per usual, I met a tonne of great people...10,000 came through! Not too shabby. Definitely worth the trip:) It took me just 2.5 hours to dismantle and get it all back into my car. A record! Also was 2nd last out the door just by a hair! Again..thanks to Jenna and Chandler Herbut for putting on another wicked successful show:)
After that, it was all about merry making and fellowship with friends! You have all heard me talk about Tash and her book, 'Story of Q' (like a million times now). Well, she just so happened to be back in Edmonton to do a book signing. Her and Jono were making a little pit stop before they move back to South Africa (they had been living in NZ/AUS prior to this). Not only was she signing her book, but she was also selling prints from Mzet's Hope, an organization that her and Jono started to help grandmothers who are left to care for their grandchildren in AIDS ravaged families. Please check it out - the artists are pretty spectacular!
Various friends popped by and it was a cozy warm eve filled with hugs and goodness and hot bevvies!
I spent a large chunk of my time soaking up Christmas and togetherness with Sue and Gar after that. It had been exactly a year since Mom passed away, December 2nd. So I didn't feel like it was the greatest time to be exactly where I was last year going through the worst time of my life. But I think it was also good to face it head on. We had a lovely seafood supper that evening and I quietly remembered her, as I do each and every day. She would not want us to dwell on the ending...but all the oo-ey goo-ey good stuff in between.
I left Edmonton/Millet feeling bittersweet. It was so much fun to see so many good friends but it made it even harder to leave...especially with Christmas coming! Alas, I was grateful for the time spent and headed to Calgary for more!
I got to see my cousin Liane on the way in Red Deer and then stayed with my friend of many, many years (16!!), Erika and her dog Sid. We hadn't seen each other in far too long but it felt like we picked up right where we left off. And I felt exactly the same when I saw Donna, Tanya and Kristi. You know you have a good friendship when it feels like no time has passed between you at all. All these reunions came at such a good time after being rather hermit-like working away in my apt for much of the last several months and being rather immobile prior to that. My heart needed a fill-up, and I certainly felt like it was brimming with warm n' fuzzies when I left!
Amongst all the visiting came a very big Christmas present for me! A lady had emailed me on Etsy the week prior to leaving and said she loved all of my wares and wanted to buy EVERYTHING. Yeah.....OK. As an artist, you learn that it's best not to get too excited about these things...as to not be disappointed. But she DID end up buying EVERYTHING I had left over from the show for a retail store she is opening in Calgary....making my trip even MORE fortunate than I had ever imagined!
I headed out on Hiway 1 a couple days later, not very excited about driving through Roger's Pass. I was on my way to stay in Kelowna for the night with one of my best friend's parents (from growing up in SK). Before I was about to cross Roger's Pass, an officer stopped me to see if I had winter tires and warm clothes. Um. Not comforting. He said the roads were really bad and to 'be careful'. The roads WERE really bad but I just tried to relax into it and go as slow as possible. Once I got past Golden, it was well, GOLDEN!
I had a wonderful eve with Ron and Peggy...we hadn't seen each other in...decades?? Anyway, a long time! One really must make time to see the people you love. I have been acutely aware of this especially as of late. Relationships need nurturing...and nothing should trump that.
When I was getting ready to leave the next day, their neighbour yelled across the street, 'She's not driving on the Coke today is she?!'...oh no.
As soon as I left the city limits of Kelowna it turned to...shit. I was white knuckling it WAY before I even hit the Coquihalla. I heard on the radio that a meter of snow had fallen the past few days and the graters were not able to keep up. Awesome.
My speed went down to about 30 and no one even tried to pass me. I really feel like there should be some kind of air ferry that picks vehicles up over this area and brings them safely to the other side. Once I got past it, I had never been so happy to drive in rain in all my life! What a breeze! I get the 'Highway Thru Hell' nickname now. Also, am I the only one that thinks you should get a t-shirt anytime you drive either Roger's Pass or the Coquihalla in the winter saying that you SURVIVED!?!
It was a joyful homecoming being back in Vancouver. It had been 2 in a half weeks since I saw the little ones (my cats) and I was good and ready for the milder weather...I have definitely become a pansy when it comes to cold temps!
I got 4 Etsy orders the following week which was awesomely good, along with some re-orders from locals. YAY!
I gave the sea a big hug and breathed a huge sigh of gratitude for the past several weeks. Life is grand.
The addict hides from the pain of life; the artist uses the pain of life to make something beautiful.
I am grateful to be able to show up and do the work today.
Make It! Vancouver was...a blur.
Hence, I only have one stinkin' picture from the whole event! I left my booth only to get caffeine and go to the lavatory. I was hoping to check out some of the other 140 artisans peddling their wares, alas there was work to be done!
Again, mucho love to my friend Kevin (if we weren't such kick ass friends, I'd run off to Vegas and marry him!) who came to my apt Thursday morning to help me load everything into my car and his SUV. When we got to the Croatian Cultural Centre low and behold, the biggest baddest dolly was just sitting at the front door all alone...I swear I saw a GLOW around it (thanks universe!). I almost started vibrating I was SO excited...this meant the usual 10 or so trips in and out could be shortened down to 2 or 3 which meant more time to unpack and get set up! YAY!
It still took me 4 hours...and I was still tweaking (putting final price tags on jewelry, bookmarks into gift boxes etc)..but I LOOKED set up when the clock struck 4...that's the important thing.
Nine thousand people (no joke) came through the doors and there were people lined up all 4 mornings to get in! Thursday and Friday were mildly busy but Saturday and Sunday were the cray cray days! At times there were so many people in my booth that none of us could move!
As always, I had amazing booth neighbours, Ross and Suzanne from Two Monkeys Design on Salt Spring Island, who make toques, scarves and shawls with natural fibres. They saved my bladder a couple of times by watching my booth as did the lovely Joanne from Cocoa West Chocolatiers on Bowen Island and Carla from Carla's Victorian Heirlooms when they stopped by to say hello..they got put to work instead! Bless them.
Power siblings, Jenna and Chandler Herbut of Make It Productions, pulled off a wicked show yet again! My deepest gratitude to them for making it all happen. I would like to thank my awesome friends who came out to support and all the new peeps I had the pleasure of meeting in my booth. Always my favourite part of the show.
As per usual, I was the last one to leave the party. The show ended at 5 and I got everything packed up by 730. Kevin again helped me load it all up in the pouring rain (don't worry, I repaid him handsomely with wild salmon burgers, roasted potatoes followed by ginger candy, buttery popcorn and re-runs of Locked Up Abroad at my place)!
I left most of my display stuff in the Subaru as it will be travelling with me on Tuesday to attend the Make It Show at The Enjoy Centre in St. Albert! Oy vey.
So the next morning I was back at it...transferring images onto wood blocks, making more jewelry, matting prints etc etc etc. The tough thing about these shows is not knowing what is going to sell well and how much...so ya just gotta make a whack load of it and hope for the best! Again, I have barely seen another soul nor done anything leisurely as I've been deep in heavy prep mode yet again. Thank goodness I have amazing friends who understand how much time and effort goes into this kind of thing...and that it's my life's work. There are times I am nostalgic for the days of only 8-5 and weekends off and a steady pay check...oh and benefits! But I am doing what I love. Following my heart. My dreams. And that's da bomb:) Maybe I just need a vacay (or a lottery win?) to de-stress a little. Hawaii anyone?
I still have not figured how I will fit myself and everything I need to take in my car PLUS a suitcase?! Especially since I usually use 2 vehicles to haul everything. It will be an ADVENTURE!
Thanks to el iPhone-o, I will have 8tracks, Hayhouse Radio and audio books to entertain me on the drive. More than anything, the prospect of seeing my AB peeps is what is keeping me going and has made this all so exciting:)
First and foremost, I want to take a moment to acknowledge all of those affected by Hurricane Sandy from the Caribbean to Canada. Special shout-out to Rockaway Beach (hit very hard by the storm), where I have spent a lot of time photographing and getting to know the lovely people who live there. My heart is wrapped right around them. If you are able to, help the Red Cross provide shelter, food and assistance to those in need.
Interior Design Show West has drawn to a close. If there has anything I have learned from being a market maniac these past several months it is this: stop being such a STRESS CASE and just enjoy it!
My main concern was that I had not made enough jewelry but in the end, it worked out perfectly as people were much more interested in the wood blocks being in a 'home decor' frame of mind (pun intended). So that was kinda awesome considering this was their debut and I felt like the time dedicated to making over 50 of them in a very short time span was well worth the effort.
Found room divider on craigslist that fits my hangy hooks just right. SCORE!
I made some great contacts with some Interior Designers which is certainly not something that happens at every show - another super positive! One of my most favourite things is the people you meet and the random conversations that happen with utter strangers...warms the heart and makes it all worthwhile. Humans are pretty cool sometimes;)
Ghost + Light
My booth neighbour, Heidi, is the owner and designer of H Art + Fashion. She has her paintings printed onto fabric to utilize in her clothing designs. Why didn't I think of that?! The fabric is beautiful and organic and super comfy and snug fitting but doesn't feel tight. Hello! She also sells fingerless gloves made with organic cotton and has the coolest colours..good luck just choosing one set!
We laughed. We cried. Literally. Female bonding at its finest!
Jean Cueta, talented travel + lifestyle photog, came to visit me at the show. So much heart and depth poured into her every click and composition (stemming from her kind and compassionate character). See for yourself on her blog here: Jean Cueta Photography.
Then came my absolute favourite part of the show: takedown. Because it was such a large scale show, one could not even think about getting into the loading docks for several hours with the never ending line-up of big trucks waiting to get in. I pride myself on doing what I do independently and find it hard to ask for help. The thought of making 2 car trips from there and then up and down my ridiculously vertical stairs late into the night had me changing that tune a little and calling for back up! I lugged all my gear to the front doors of the convention centre and my dear friend Kevin (who is now my HERO - God bless him) pulled his SUV up and helped me pack in all of the below. It BARELY all fit but we MADE it work by piling boxes on top of my lap and underneath my feet. I can be quite compact when I want to be.
All Set Up!
All Taken Down!
FUN FUN FUN!
So now that that is all over, I have been taking pics of the wood blocks I've been making and uploading them to sell on Etsy! And I just added Gift Certificates! For when you can't quite decide what to buy for your loved one. They can be electronically sent as a PDF or sent old school snail mail style in any denomination.
I have also been making woodblocks like a mofo and all kinds of new photo jewelry has been in the works: cuff links for men, bookmarks and sterling silver (925) rings and earrings!
All of the above will be introduced at: Make It Vancouver (hope to see you Vangroovians there!) at the Croatian Cultural Centre starting this Thursday at 4 PM (runs til Sunday) and Make It Edmonton at the Enjoy Centre, November 22th-26th. Yes...it's due time that the little Subaru and I head back to the homeland. Looking forward to seeing all you prairie peeps!
"He who binds to himself a joy does the winged life destroy; But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity's sunrise."
- William Blake, was an English poet, painter, and printmaker.
I'm bringin' safety back..yeah.
Vancouver Convention Centre
Interior Design Show West is here!
Am I excited?
Yes!
Am I gonna kick its ass?
Yes!
Am I ready?
Nope!
But one never feels totally ready for these shows. That's what makes it so fun and a work in progress! So many new pieces to be made and photies to be taken...but there's always Make It Vancouver and Edmonton in November!
I stayed til 1 AM last night getting everything set up so I would have time to make some more jewels today and not be rushed with the finishing touches. It took me just under 8 hours from the time I hauled everything into my space and nailed in the last picture. Which is nada compared to some of the exhibitors who have been setting up since Tuesday!
The opening event is tonight from 6PM-10PM. There will be a Fashion Show (London, Paris and Vancouver Designers) in conjunction with Vancouver Fashion Week, cocktails at the Bocci Bar and of course some elbow rubbing and hobnobbing. Exhibitors will also be open for business.
You will find yours truly in the One of a Kind District - Booth D7! I am introducing my photo wood blocks at this show. I have transferred several of my images onto wood cradles which can either be hung on the wall or free stand on their own..no two ever turn out the same.
A few new sterling silver photo gems will be in the mix as well!
I shall be Instagramming the weekend...you can follow me at 'traceytomtene'.
The show itself will be amazing!
Speaker Schedule
Saturday, September 29
NOON Blanco Design Panel Featuring Aly Velji, Andrew Pike & Cheryl Torrenueva
About a month ago, I was sitting at my desk. I have a large window in front and slightly to the right of me. From out of nowhere, a hummingbird flew into my line of view.
It hovered there in the middle of my open window while we gazed at each other for several seconds and it flitted off on its way.
I have lived in downtown Vancouver for about 7 years now and I have never seen a hummingbird in my 'hood. In fact, I don't know the last time I ever saw one anywhere!
My Mom's birthday was on Tuesday. She would have been 63. For those of you who haven't been reading my blog for awhile, it has been a year since she had a pulmonary embolism whilst canoeing in the Yukon (kind of a trooper) and 9 months since we said goodbye.
I told her that she could visit me anytime she wanted after she passed, but NOT to be too dramatic about it! Thinking she might be behind this incident...I immediately started researching what a visit from a hummingbird represented..
The hummingbird symbolizes many different concepts. Because of its speed, the hummingbird is known as a messenger and stopper of time. It is also a symbol of love, joy, and beauty.
Hummingbird is the creature that opens the heart. When the hurt that caused us to close our hearts gets a chance to heal, our hearts are free to open again.
I had been busily preparing for summer festivals and missing her more than ever. The reality of her physical absence was starting to hit pretty hard. Every little thing that happened in my life was immediately relayed to her via phone, text, email or Skype (she lived in a different province). She constantly encouraged me to chase my dreams and wholeheartedly believed in me.
By observing the Hummingbird, we see they are seemingly tireless. Always actively seeking the sweetest nectar, they remind us to forever seek out the good in life and the beauty in each day. Amazing migrators, some Hummingbirds are known to wing their way as far as 2000 miles to reach their destination. This quality reminds us to be persistent in the pursuit of our dreams, and adopt the tenacity of the Hummingbird in our lives.
Some of you know that I was pretty ill since returning from SE Asia/NZ in late 2008. I didn't know why and excuse my language but spent a SHIT TONNE of money and time trying to figure it all out as I just kept getting worse with time. Of course my Mom was my rock through it all...always there to give me hope and just to listen. I was at the end of my rope come March of this year. I felt like I had tried everything and literally had a 'come to Jesus' moment of surrender. 'I need help' and 'I can't do this anymore on my own' were sent out to the universe, God, my angels, Buddha, Allah, Jesus, Mom...anyone? Someone was listening.
Not more than a few week later, I discovered an elixir (you wouldn't believe me if I told you what it was) that worked and...excuse my language again...I have felt fanfuckingtastic ever since!
When my Mom was here, there was nothing she wanted more than to solve this mystery so I could get on with living my life. Do I think she worked a little magic from the other side? I've never been more sure of anything...ever.
The hummingbird is able to fly backwards, teaching us that we can look back on our past. But, this bird also teaches that we must not dwell on our past; we need to move forward.
The hummingbird also has a powerful spiritual significance. In the Andes of South America the hummingbird is a symbol of resurrection.
It seems to die on cold nights, but comes back to life again at sunrise.
I honestly feel resurrected. Like a newborn babe. Every day that I feel human and normal is an absolute gift. Just being able to spring out of bed in the morning is a blessing to me. Being able to finally WORK consistently. Make commitments to people in advance. Engage socially! Make plans. TRAVEL!
When the hummingbird hovers over flowers while drinking nectar, we learn that we should savour each moment, and appreciate the things we love.
With hummingbird consciousness, we learn the truth of beauty. Our life becomes a wonderland of delights in flowers, aromas and tastes. We laugh and enjoy creation, we appreciate the magic of the present moment, and the magic of being alive.
At the beginning of my journey through SE Asia in 2008, I purchased a brass bracelet from a hill tribe lady in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I knew there was something very significant about buying that bracelet, but had no idea what it was at the time.
Several months later, I enclosed a letter with the bracelet to my Mom on her birthday (August 2008) that told of all the adventures it had encountered with me: scuba diving with tropical fish in the Perhentians, rock climbing in Vang Vieng, surfing days and dancing nights away in Bali, watching the sunset with monks on Phu Quoc Island, jumping off waterfalls in Luang Prabang and cavorting with dragons on Komodo Island. To my delight, she cherished the hell out of it and never took it off.
She was adamant that I take the bracelet when she left and I continue to wear it every day. Being a little bit famous for losing things (my Dad always said I would forget my head if it wasn't screwed on!), I decided I wanted a permanent way to remember her where I wear it, JUST in case!
I discovered this latin phrase in my very dear friend's (Natasha M. Freeman) novel, The Story of Q. I wrote in the post following my Mom's passing how the book had resonated with me and in particular the following excerpt:
VITA MUTATUR, NON TOLLITUR: Life is changed, not taken away.
"In ancient times," Master Lael said, "the descent of the soul into the human body was described as a type of 'death' through which the soul lives. Not because the soul actually died, but because it became contained within matter...Sunset symbolized the start of human life for this reason--because in setting, the sun sinking below the horizon imaged a containment of divine light, the soul immersed in earthly matter. Sunrise, on the other hand, was the freeing of the soul from matter."
When I learned of the similarities between the phrase and the hummingbird encounter, I became absolutely sure that this tattoo was going to happen on her birthday.
It is not commonly known that the fluttering wings of the hummingbird move in the pattern of an infinity symbol - further solidifying their symbolism of eternity, continuity, and infinity.
Life is not destroyed, but transformed. In order to separate the beginning and end of the phrase, I placed a sun in between. The sun is symbolic of the fraternal aspect of guidance (yang) and the moon is maternal (yin). So I replaced the comma with a moon...matron of sea creatures and symbolic soul mate to water. The moon also represents potent change or renewal...a spiritual transition.
'Your soul, like the sun, is pure light, and contained within your soul an even brighter light - the light that lights the way through your human experience.'
- The Story of Q.
I wish she could be here physically to enjoy with me my newfound health and the exciting things that have been happening. But I know she is always here...in lieux of the phone, texts or personal visits, she whispers and guides me through the wind, the flowers, the trees...and the hummingbirds. That ain't so bad:)
Love. Joy. Beauty. That's my Mom.
I love you more than all the flits that all the hummingbirds have ever flitted..in the world!
So I've just finished Harmony Arts Festival in West Vancouver and I am happily knackered! It went for three days this past weekend and four days the weekend before. I hadn't spent a lot of time in West Van but if I may make a sweeping generalization: what a pleasant bunch of lovely, sweetly aromatic, art lovin' people living over there!
Some new additions to my display were some oversized postcards promoting my photo jewelry on one side and the other, my fine art and travel photos. My wicked amazing and crazy photogenic bestie Amanda, modeled the jewelry down by the beach for me. She is officially the spokesmodel for Hugger of Seas Photo Jewelry...she really didn't have a say in the matter:) I also found some branches to put in a vase and make a jewelry tree! It was an art in itself arranging the necklaces so it wouldn't tip over and poke out an eye, but I think I managed to avoid any lawsuits.
I haven't officially unveiled my logo, so voila! It is here!
I named it this obviously for my affinity with the sea and many of my images are oceanic in nature. Since I didn't pursue my OTHER dreams of becoming a Marine Biologist or a pro surfer (ha ha), then making sea-themed jewelry is perhaps the next best thing! I am also all about conservation and contribute monthly to Greenpeace and also support Paul Watson and all of Sea Shepherd's endeavours. Yes, I hug seas.
The weeks leading up to the festival were maniacal as always. Designing and ordering new promo cards, business cards, hang tags, banners, stickers, labels, signage etc. And then of course figuring out how many prints to have and how much jewelry to make!
I arrived at 10 AM on Friday morning (Aug. 3rd) and had 4 hours to set up...and as per usual, I put out the last piece of jewelry just in time, as the clock struck 2! The weather could not have been more perfect and I had a moment of, am I really living this? I remember when I was about 27 visiting my friend Kelli on the island and saw artists selling their wares by the water. I thought to myself, I want to do that someday! And well, there I was with an ocean breeze, the sun shinin' and live music too even?!
Yes that elephant bum has sparkles on it...living in the West End has rubbed off on me! It was also Pride weekend:)
Morning commute.
Live music by the sea all day and all night!
Shadow Love.
Closed up shop by 930 most nights to have just enough time to catch the final light of the day.
View of West Van driving home across the Lion's Gate Bridge.
Snuck out of my booth to watch one of my fave local bands, The Matinee, playing 'The Road'! Such good stuff...one of those tunes you never get sick of and makes you want to roll down the windows and belt out 'this old rooooooad, this dirty rooooooad'! My apologies to anyone who has had to bare witness to this.
My friend Kris Brownlee, aka A Cagey Bee! One of the most talented artists in the city in my opinion. You can find her at all the major markets with her original fanciful paintings, prints, lockets, wood blocks and other splendid things!
My paintings of big-eyed girls and soft, furry animals have a sweet quality, the muted palette evoking the feeling of a vintage storybook, but there’s often a touch of sadness there too. Like all of us, they struggle to fit in, to find their place in the world, to grow up. As they stare out from the canvas, there is a sense of longing in their curious expressions, as if they are asking to be remembered.
Amanda Parker, also a fave artiste living in the area was there with her glass art and jewelry line, Mariane + Hazel. Her art and display were breathtaking. Clean. Fresh. Good. But she describes it better below:
All of these images transcend the turmoil that is happening in the world reminding us of the importance of familial history and to cherish it. In archeological terms, textiles and paper have a limited life span degrading over time and often disappearing altogether. Rendering these works in glass gives them an archival quality while also using the inherent properties of glass to highlight characteristics such as fragility and transparency. Putting these images and items in a new context gives them a layered meaning that surpasses the actual memories themselves.
I walked by Jacob Rolfe's booth, an amazing illustrator and screen printer from Toronto, several times on my daily coffee run and couldn't stop thinking about a certain print...see bottom of blog to SEE!
And last but not least, there was Dawn Walnoha-MacKechnie, my market neighbour and fellow creative master minder! When there was the rare lull, we brainstormed about things we were going to make post market, told stories, threw our heads back in fits of laughter and just had an all around great time hangin'. Dawn makes felted dog leashes...made out of pure wool, super strong, washable, stretch and hang to dry. Ask me anything...I know the whole schpiel! She also makes beautiful shawls, scarves, purses and laptop cases.
This is the Subaru on Sunday night, jam packed with all the stuff. This car is da bomb! YAY SUBARU (and thanks again Papi for making my life so much easier with this generous gift!).
Thanks to all my friends who came to visit and support. And to all who purchased my jewelry or a print...it just fills my heart with joy that people are drawn to and resonate with my work.
And so here it is...my one and only purchase from the market. Obviously I love that there is a cat in it but most importantly that big 'Dream Drop' going into the 'Creation Box' reminds me TO dream. I had one 10 years ago...me living by the ocean and selling my art:)
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