Woodland Wool: Serious Sirius - The Making Of

7/30/10

Serious Sirius - The Making Of

I did a trade a while back with local Sculptor Kristie Sheehey and found myself creating a custom piece for someone who although we'd barely just met, the moment I first saw her I knew we'd known each other forever.

Kristie's request was something along the lines of my A Y Jackson inspired fishing fellow. Never able to do the exact same thing twice, I started a piece inspired by the fairy I inherited from Kristie, ending up with "Bless the Water". A lovely piece yes, but it wasn't Kristiey's piece!

Then the oil began to swell from the gulf coast, and I was overwhelmed with sadness... and started thinking even more than usual about dear mother earth.

While visiting one of my oldest friends, and updating her on the crisis, she told me of a myth that made my heart ache a bit more bearable.

Seven thousand years ago whales from Sirius made the decision to come to earth, knowing that at some point they would be sacrificed in order to save humankind from mass extinction.

I thought this the most beautiful vision and got right to work! Layering felted wool, and embellishing by needle felting, I created "Serious Sirius" - which Kristie fell in love with the moment she saw it! Now I must wait for my new sculpture from Kristie... I wonder what she'll dream up for me?

http://www.kristiesheehy.com

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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.