Summer Report

Such a busy summer!  This year’s Artists of the Limberlost Open Studio Weekend has come and gone, and was a tremendous success.   The rain did not hold back the crowds (it was a perfect weekend to NOT be on the dock…) and even Sunday, usually a quieter day, was busy.  Hundreds of people enjoyed the amazing art we had to see, and sales were strong.  I still have many great pieces, so please feel free to contact me if you would like to arrange a visit to the studio.  Here is a sample of recent work, still available...

ICE STUDY I  (Framed wall mounted piece.)

 

Magical Winter  8" wide, free-standing in iron frame

Moonrise  8"wide, free-standing in iron frame

Next on my show agenda is the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour, September 17 & 18.  This is my 10 season as a guest artist with abstract painter Molly Moldovan, and I always look forward to our weekend together.  Her colourful paintings work in so many settings, and I am fortunate to own a few myself!
I round up the year at Made in Muskoka Christmas, a beautiful “boutique” fine craft show in Huntsville perfectly timed for Christmas giving, December 9-11.  But more on that later!

Final firing

I’m finishing up a few last pieces for the Artists of the Limberlost tour, August 15 &16.  Here is a before and after firing comparison.  These pieces will become 5” round bowls and 6” square plates after grinding, then firing them again over moulds to shape them. 

The kiln is ready to fire!

The original compositions are developed by layering specially formulated clear and coloured glass in sheet, crushed and powdered form. The islands with trees are made from copper foil copper layered between glass.  Before firing the work often bears little resemblance to the final product, which is a particular challenge of the medium. You may notice a pink background under the unfired work.  This is the kiln wash that coats the clay shelves I fire on.  The pink dye burns out when fired.

12 hours later - fuse fire is complete.  Compare the differences.

It’s interesting to compare how the piece looks before and after firing.  Often I am surprised by the results myself!  You can see the finished bowls and plates if you visit my studio during Artists of the Limberlost Open Studio Weekend.  artistsofthelimberlost.ca 

Catching Up

creating new work for Artists of the Limberlost, Aug. 15/16

One of the hats I wear is that of promotion and advertising coordinator for the popular Artists of the Limberlost Open Studio weekend.  It’s a lot of work to keep the website rolling, write the media releases, connect with the editors and make sure the advertising is all in place. Some days I don’t escape the computer at all, and as a consequence, I always neglect promoting myself!

I was embarrassed to realize the last post on my blog was way back in November, so I just wanted to let you know that yes, I am on the Artists of the Limberlost tour, my garden looks great (at this point, anyway) and I’ll be ready for the hundreds of folks who will come out to see my latest work.

And you heard it here first - I’m giving away lupin seed to every visitor who wants them, while supplies last.  I’ve been harvesting the pods from my wildflower garden and have hundreds!