Woodland Wool

12/8/10

Halifax Crafters Winter Carnival

10/28/10

Multitasking Wool Cuffs

I recently had a request from members of the Halifax School Board to craft some recycled wool cuffs to help keep their tea and coffee hot while they educate our youth.

Well I just can't help it, I have to make everything as versatile as possible, so all of my coffee cuffs also double as wrist warmers, for when you're not sipping on a brew.

Coffee Cuffs will be available soon in a staff room near you... HRM that is :)

10/22/10

Zine Fair Tomorrow!

I'm taking a quick break before I pack up the giant pink suitcase and head into the big city for Pop Explosion and the Zine Fair tomorrow.

This will be my third year participating in the highly visual and audio art event. In fact, the Zine Fair was my very first craft show ever, so I guess I'm celebrating my 3 year anniversary as a professional artist... well, trying to be a professional artist at least :)

One of my favorite things about doing the craft shows is setting up my display. This show I'll be breaking out my newest Woodland Wool display - the paints barely even dry! I've put together some new postcard packs and a slew of fresh magnets, and I'm also packing a nice selection of "Pretty Things Merch" necklaces and a few brooches.

I hope to see a large and lively crowd there tomorrow, where I hope to trade, and of course sell, some fabulous art!

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.