The 'Square Exhibit" piece

The DesBrisay Museum, in Bridgewater, is having a Square Show! The museum will host a collection of work produced by artists from across Nova Scotia. This show will feature 8" x 8" artwork in a variety of mediums, including watercolour, textile art, oil . . . ! This show is from August 3 to September 7.

Here's my piece. It doesn't have a title yet but it will come to me later today (I hope)!!
I used hand painted fabric that was still packed away from our move to NS, waiting to be used.  A combination of free-motion stitching, hand embroidery, digital printing onto silk for the rocks and hand applique, were used on this piece.

Close-ups

Enjoy!

Making Waves

Last evening was the opening of my daughter, Jill Cooper's, art exhibit at the DesBrisay Museum, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

Making Waves - Jill's Artist Statement 

 I grew up on the edge of a fierce ocean. A turbulent, gobble you up in its cold expanse, ocean. Even with their dangers, these rough waters would sparkle, dance in the sun, and entice my 10 year-old self to join them barefoot on the rocky shore, despite the way it instantly numbed my feet from cold, even in the peak of summer. I couldn't stay away.

I'd perch on the shore with my notebooks, filled with cartoon sketches of my versions of Betty and Veronica, my head filled with National Geographic  Articles, and my ocean horizon spoke of possibilities; escape, change, and adventure. A windy, undulating expanse that led to new worlds far away from out tiny fishing village. I found freedom in the sea foam.

It was at the intersection of stone, sea, and sky that the seeds of my obsession to capture waves and women were planted. For me, seeing the connection between women and water was as clear as a blue sky. It's no surprise that these experiences led me to paint a series that reveals their spirits.

Bright and strong. Deep and powerful. Wild and unrelenting. Beautiful and mighty.

Are these features the water or the women? Both, of course.

There is something magical about blending paint so that it captures the translucent aqua of the sun streaked waves, a perfect glint in the eye of a woman who's gaze speaks volumes, and reveals the same energy shining forth from each of them. More than once, while creating this series of amazing women and natural beauty, I've felt the resonance between the two and it has deepened my gratitude for both, while filling me with excitement for the future. Just like those days as a barefoot girl standing in front of an endless ocean.

We are very proud of you, Jill!

Canada Day

I have really gotten out of the habit of posting since the move to Nova Scotia. My apologies! Things have been hectic and I really haven't produced a new body of work in awhile. However, new Shimmers are still been created. In fact, a new one, Canada Map outline, will make its debut on Canada Day in Bridgewater.

As my daughter has written in her Instagram post: We're coming for you Canada Day in Bridgewater! We will also have Canada Flags, Maple Leafs, Viking Ships, and other assorted Shimmers for sale on our maiden voyage of Nique Sea! Come visit our tent on July 1st, King Street Plaza.

Nique Sea is a new family business venture. We have a new website and online shop already to be launched where you will be able to purchase my Shimmer Ornaments and Fibre Art Pendants as well as prints of Jill's paintings.

Check out my Instagram page.

Here's a peek at some Shimmers drying outside a couple days ago. That's one thing I could not do in St. John's due to the constant wind.

Enjoy!!

Road Trip to White Point Beach Resort

Yesterday, my daughter, Jill and I took a road trip to White Point Beach Resort. It's about a 40 minute drive from Bridgewater. The 5th Annual Quilt Atlantic was held there this weekend.  A pop-up shop, opened to the public, happened on Saturday, so of course, I had to check it out. I knew that Quilt Source was going to be there as I frequently order from them. The following shops were there for the day: Lynn 's Quilting Studio, A Needle Pulling Thread, Quilts By The Bay, Quilt Source Canada, River House Rug Hooking and Kelly Burgess Art. 

Kelly Burgess Art 

Jill talking to Michelle Griffin, Quilt Source Rep.

 

While at the resort, we dropped into the Gift Shop to look around. Jill and I were each wearing one of my Fibre Art Pendants. I was warm so had my coat off. The manager of the shop saw my pendant. To make a long story short: my pendants and shimmers will be in the gift shop by Mother's Day Weekend! We did have a sample package of Shimmers and Pendants in the car.

Shimmer Ornaments at the the Kitchen Witch

Lots of Shimmers are now for sale at the Kitchen Witch, Bridgewater. When I saw the sign on the store a couple of years ago, I thought it was a place to purchase everything for the kitchen. However, that's not the case. They have gift items for everyone! This includes: a selection of leather purses and wallets, pottery, lots of different jewellery from artisans across the country, wall art, fancy umbrellas hung around the ceiling, framed prints, stained glass, clocks, tartan shawls, knitted children's sweaters, a year round Christmas display as well as much more.

I was impressed with the store and also pleased that the owner, Ann Jabalee, loved my Shimmers. I dropped down today with the rest of her order. Ann was in the process of hanging them on one of her trees in the window.

Shimmer display just started

View from one corner

My blue car outside

 

Pop-Up Gallery in Bridgewater

My daughter, Jill, was offered a gallery space from July 1st to the 8th in Bridgewater, NS. Here's her body of work:
I do like how the paintings show on the different wall colours!

Enjoy!

Standing Rock Series is her latest body of work

A Brief Walk.

A brief walk along the Centennial Trail, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. We took advantage of a sunny day because the province is suppose to get a full week of rain! This trail winds its way throughout Nova Scotia. It's quite pretty. On a hot, summer day, parts of the trail can be quite cool. I explained the word "dense" to Gale in relation to the branches and the shade showing in the shadows and the fact that it is a litter cooler in the shade of the trees.

signs of spring

Gale in her purple jacket!

Enjoy!!