Woodland Wool: The "BOOK"

10/15/09

The "BOOK"

Back in the spring I had an idea to start a collaborative book that would travel around

Canada

, from Artist to Artist, several times. Initially we would each have a week with the book until we mailed it off to the next participant. Well, unfortunately, when it came time for my second turn the book arrived just a few days before I moved to the country. Soooo.... the book got packed.

Moving was quite an ordeal for me. I left my cozy three bedrooms in the city and all my worldly possessions got crammed into Bryan's garage. It's taken me some time to sort through all my boxes, unpacking my art supplies first and then finally after nearly 6 weeks I found the box with the precious book in it.

So sheepishly I have added my second contribution to the package and sent the book back on its journey. I'm sure the others have forgotten about the project by now.

Here is the first round of art contributed by myself, Justin Nieuwland, Julie Chiasson, Scott MacDonald and Dan Springer.

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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.