Alberta Bound!

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:)

Here's the deets for the show:

Make It! Edmonton
Enjoy Centre

101 Riel Drive  St. Albert

Admission: $5 (good for all 4 days)

Thursday 4-9
Friday 11-9
Saturday 11-7
Sunday 11-5

Click here to get $1 off admission. Print out or show on your phone at the door.

"Exert your talents, and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world, until the world will be sorry that you retire."  

- Samuel Johnson, British writer.

 "Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." 

 
- Joseph Campbell, American mythologist, writer. 

"Life in itself is an empty canvas; it becomes whatsoever you paint on it. You can paint misery, you can paint bliss. This freedom is your glory."  

- Osho, Indian philosopher.  

In case you are wondering, I get most of my quotes from The Daily Love. It is the ONE newsletter I never delete and read every day. Check it yo!

Here I Go..Again!

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.  

Life is the dancer, and you are the dance." 

- Eckhart Tolle 

If you're in Vancouver this weekend...

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

2PM Tommy SmytheDesigner, Sarah 101 on HGTV

4PM Suzanne Dimma & Mark ChallenCanadian House & Home

Sunday, September 30 

NOON Tommy SmytheDesigner, Sarah 101 on HGTV

1:30PM Kelly DeckKelly Deck Designs

3PM Amanda ForrestWest Coast Design Expert for the Marilyn Denis Show
Amanda Forrest Interior Design Group

Buy your tickets online here. 

The new Vancouver Convention Centre West
1055 Canada Place Vancouver, BC
Located at the foot of Burrard Street, North of Cordova

Hope to see ya there:) 

TT 

A Hummingbird, a Miracle and a New Tattoo!

VITA MUTATUR, NON TOLLITUR

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!

Tootsie

Hummingbird Symbolism Source: http://mara-gamiel.blogspot.ca/2009/09/hummingbird-symbolism.html

Are you dreaming?

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.

Find them on FB and Twitter. 

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.

Find her on FB and Twitter. 

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.

Find her on FB and Twitter. 

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! 

Check out his work at The Floating World.

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 her website: The Leash Lady!

And then..it was over. 

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:)

Are YOU dreaming?

I Schlepped and I Schlepped and then I...Schlept.

Greetings from the most expensive city in North America that has not see the sun in WEEKS! Ya better pull up your socks Vangroovy or I'm hightailing it the hellz outta here to a cheaper, SUNNIER locale, ya hear?! 

GRRR...I mean, Ommmmm:)

First things first! I will be at the Car Free Main Street Festival this Sunday..and until then I will be sun dancing my tookus off to ensure it WILL be a SUN-tastical day!

RSVP on Facebook. 

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So here is a little update of my last month on the market circuit...

Elephant, Pai, Thailand and Sky, Ohope Beach, NZ Necklaces

I sold the above necklaces to two dudes at Artworld Expo. I had to take a pic as most of my jewelry appeals to woman mainly. Since the Buddha rings have been drawing in a male crowd as well, I am now pondering a men's line..cuff links, rings and short necklaces like the above! 

Viewer and Security Guard, Top of the Rock, NY

The absolute highlight of my night (and month) was selling 'Viewer' and 'Security Guard', taken from the top of Rockefeller Ctr in New York, to a lovely couple. I so dig that they were both purchased  by the same people..they belong together:) 

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These were the images selected for the show!

Next was the group exhibit at Photohaus Gallery. It was a collection of images taken with camera phones, hence the name Mobileography 2.0! Unfortunately my name was spelled wrong underneath each of my prints...'Tracey Toment'. To add insult to injury, one of my friends heard an observer who was looking at one of my pics say, 'sounds like a stripper name'. FABULOUS!

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Imagine, Indian Ocean Locket in a Rock Scallop Seashell

Large white and bamboo frame beneath it by Jaxon Howell

I purchased a display rack from Wonderbucks for my photo jewelry (left). My table just didn't have enough room for the postcards, prints AND jewelry so this was a perfect solution AND I can add it to my living room decor...which is actually more like a work/storage space these days but a nice addition nonetheless! It made its first appearance at Portobello Market. It ended up being a BEAUTIFUL weekend (who knew it would be our last?) which actually did not work well being an indoor market and all of Vancouver wanting to be outdoors. So much work goes into preparing for these markets so when peeps don't show up it can be quite disappointing. The upside was that I had time to get to know my fellow vendors a little better AND...I had a good hair day;)

Portobello Fashion + Art Market

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Made 25 of these bad boys for the Crafty Affaire Swag Bags 

A Crafty Affaire was the last market I attended in South Surrey. It was a coolish day and not a Starbucks in sight. Luckily my friend Reagan paid me a little visit with an Americano in hand just pour moi! Love that girl! It wasn't as busy as I had hoped and perhaps not the perfect audience for my wares but hey, I learn something new every time I participate in a market...I also increase my ninja arm strength by schlepping all my paraphernalia down 3 flights of stairs into my car, into wherever I am exhibiting, out of wherever I am exhibiting back into my car and up 3 flights of stairs again:) Gym schmym. 

Of course I would not be able to do any of this if it was not for my most excellent Papi who graciously purchased a Subaru Forester so I could have wheels when I was in AB with Mom back in the fall. It has proved to be VERY useful as an ATU (Art Transportation Unit) in BC! And with that I would like to wish him and all you other kick ass Dads out there a HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! 

For My Papa - Happy Father's Day! from Tracey Tomtene on Vimeo.
Namaste!