Woodland Wool: Love and Energy

4/21/09

Love and Energy

I first fell in love with Ani Difranco when I was sixteen and my step-mom brought me back a cassette of Puddle Dive from a folk festival in Vancouver.

I was kinda pissed I had missed the concerts, but Dad and I were off on our Seatte adventure... we lurked outside Kurt Cobain's windows, assessed the contents of the Apollo capsule - which included Parisian Barbie, and went to the middle of nowhere and camped in a 50's motel on a beach while I blew through Flaming Iguanas and pictured my own adventures with Tomato.

Oh to be sixteen and opening the world...

I always felt I was meant to hear Ani's words though... it was like she was validating my emotions for me. I've always felt like we've been on the same page as we've gone through life.

So you can imagine my delight when I heard some of her new work on Daytrotter (another of my FAVORITE sites!) check out "The Atom"

http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/ani-difranco-a-woman-without-a-country-still-living-love-concert/20030315-341.html

Ani's been dealing with her anger towards the world the last few years, but with the birth of her daughter and the rediscovery of unconditional love - something we all enter into the world with but can easily loose track of - she's bringing it back to the basics and reminding everyone what it really comes down to...

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Working in the arts has always been in the cards for me. After a childhood filled with time spent creating using what ever materials available, it was no surprise that by the age of seven I was firmly committed to living the life of an artist as I grew up.

After attending specialized art classes as a teen, I began my post secondary education studying photography and digital imaging, before shifting my focus towards graphic design, printmaking and film studies, eventually receiving a BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 2003.

Upon graduation I began teaching art to elementary students, and for over two decades I have continued to work as a freelance photographer and designer, collaborating with many musicians, entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organizations.

Since relocating to the tiny community of Ellershouse over a decade ago, my artistic practice has grown to include the creation of tactile fine artworks and products that make use of natural and recycled materials. These days I primarily create using wool from local British milking sheep raised in Avondale, which I carefully hand dye prior to transforming the fibre into vibrant felted wall hangings and functional items like hats and purses.

After taking on the role of facility manager for the Avon River Heritage Society Museum in 2013, the tidal river that surrounds the historic waterfront park became an ongoing source of inspiration for my artwork, especially evident in my 2019 felted series ADAPT, my graphic print Year of the Salmon, and the corresponding installation Ghost Salmon, which was placed along Simpson's Creek in Newport Landing in June of 2019.

When I'm not working or creating I continue to pass along my skills and knowledge by leading fibre art workshops and demonstrations, and by actively volunteering with groups like the Avon River Arts Society and the Full Circle Festival, organizing cultural events and activities.