Woodland Wool: 11/12

11/30/12

A Beary Merry Winter Market

A Beary Merry Christmas indeed!

The best craft show is in the city is back! Voted best darn craft show in Halifax by readers of The Coast, the Halifax Crafters are back for their annual winter market.

With over 80 crafters offering everything from jewellery to paper crafts to plush to pottery -there is a little bit of something for everyone!

This year's Crafters market is sponsored by CKDU, The Coast, Yelp, Lunenburg Makery and Luvly in Lunenburg.

I will be there all weekend with a selection of Woodland Wool critters and some of my rug hookings. Come on by and say hello and perhaps adopt a critter of your own!

The show is from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday at the Olympic Centre, 2304 Hunter Street in Halifax.

There'll be lots of great gift ideas at every table and food vendors selling lunch and cupcakes and coffee - a great way to spend some time!

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.