Woodland Wool: Rural Alberta Advantage

8/5/09

Rural Alberta Advantage

So somewhere along the lines in my year off I warmed up to the internet and finally made friends. Since then she's been kind enough to send many a wicked site along my way - all of which bringing their own worlds of opportunities.

One such discovery was that of the Rural Alberta Advantage. This threesome from the north were hard not to notice once they started popping up on my LastFM stream.

(LastFM... another of my IBFFs)

Once I added my little heart to their songs I started seeing them EVERYWHERE - everywhere, seriously, it was a little funny.

(speaking of funny, when you get a sec watch Alanis and Alicia Silverstone in "My Mother's Red Hat" - so much great Canadian music!)

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/b080b3abab/my-mother-s-red-hat-w-alicia-silverstone-alanis-morissette

Anyway - suddenly RAA was everywhere I looked - and I saw that they were asking for people to send artwork for their new album. Instantly I had an image in my head... but, with life being as crazy as it's been, I didn't finish in time... but I still really wanted to make a piece - ever since first hearing "don't haunt this place" - so it was going to happen any which way.

So here she be... well, actually I think I still have work on it to do.... it's not quite what I pictured... but it's a start...

This one means a lot to me, I think we should all haunt the world with our love - put all that good energy into what you want and let it live forever :)

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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.