Woodland Wool

4/15/09

Tanja and I have been trying to come up with something witty for the name of our production company. Now that we have so many projects on the go we really need to get the ball moving so we can apply for some funding. After working under the umbrella of other production companies for so long it's been really nice to have a say in creating the foundation of what we hope to be a very successful business. Our combined years of experience have really taught us what to do and WHAT NOT TO DO.

...starting with a good name, it's gotta be catchy, but also really represent us some how. That was my thinking process for the ladybug/butterfly mock-up. When we were teenagers Tanja always called me the ladybug princess, and each time I see an orange butterfly I think of her. She's also the one who sold me on the beauty of the colour orange, which grew to be one of my most favorite of colours. She's so great when it comes to bringing up alternate perspectives... oh so many ideas, who knows where we'll end up... till then I'm going to keep playing!

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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.