My sculpture decorates the CRCO website pages!

Look what I found when I was browsing today! The Conseil régional de la culture de l'Outaouais (think Council for the Arts in Ottawa, but on the Quebec side) has just launched their new and improved website. They have a series of images that cycle through as you browse through their pages. My Dragon is one such image - with the added bonus of having a clearly legible name tag! Most excellent. This has made my day.

Art on my head!

I keep forgetting that there are loads of people who haven't yet seen my new hairdo. I find it helps me embody artsyness!

I brought in a handful of autumn leaves to the colorist and the DVD of the movie "Amélie" to the hairstylist the get the colour and cut I was looking for and I'm thrilled that both of them were so delighted to do it for me, instead of trying to talk me out of it.

Here I am with my new Autumn leaves 'do. I love it! Thanks to Crystal and Kevin at the Fluid Colour Concept Salon in Ottawa for helping me realize my hair vision.

And a shot of me at work at Arthéna - a good view of the hairdo from the side - check out the bright orange stripe that frames my face:

Glass Beadmaking at the Haliburton School of the Arts

Every year since 1997 I've been driving to Haliburton, Ontario (a little village about an hour north of Peterborough and just on the southernmost border of Algonquin Park) for my week-long getaway at the Haliburton School of the Arts. Yes, going to Art school for six and a half hours a day, five days in a row is my idea of a vacation. I love it!

This year I was originally registered for a Business for Artists course. I was really looking forward to it as it was going to discuss tricks and tips for grant writing (my next thing to attack!). However, it got cancelled due to low registration. So I signed up for glass beadmaking instead and had a ball.

Glass beadmaking involves melting rods of differently coloured glass in the flame of a torch, winding the molten glass rods around a stainless steel stick and using the flame to make various shapes. Here's a shot of my work surface with the torch, some glass rods, shaping tools, stainless steel buckets of water for scrap and those stainless steel winding rods (the things that look like unlit sparklers – the gray stuff is called bead release and allows you to slip the bead off the winding rod once it has cooled down. Without bead release, you can't get the bead off and you end up with a nice plant stick – hee hee!


Here are my beads from the first day – looks like a bouquet, doesn't it? The red tips are so I can tell my beads from the beads of others. All the beads, once completed, go into a kiln (a really hot oven) to cool down slowly to room temperature to avoid thermal shock and cracking. Confusion and inadvertent bead theft can occur without the marking.


There are two main kinds of glass in bead making, commonly referred to as “soft glass” and “hard glass”. Melting temperature is lower for soft glass, and the colour you see in glass rod form is what you will get once you're done forming the bead in the torch. However, soft glass is more sensitive to changes in temperature (and more prone to cracking if you're not careful to keep it evenly warm while you're working).

The hard glass is called borosilicate glass and is the same stuff Pyrex bakeware and scientific test tubes are made with. It has a higher melt temperature and is much less prone to cracking because of uneven warming, so you can make more complicated things. My instructor, Brad Sherwood, makes these really cool glass marionettes out of this glass, with jointed jaws and limbs. The other cool thing about borosilicate glass is the colour variations you can get out of the glass by varying the heat applied to your bead.

Here is a beautiful pendant and matching tiny beads I made on my last day of class. Those tiny beads have fantastic swirls of colours and hints of metallic tinting. They didn't go into the kiln at all – their small size allowed me to prop them up on my tabletop to air cool with no ill effects. And I got all fancy when I was winding them on the stainless steel rods – instead of only one bead per rod, I wound four or five to each rod, creating quantities of beads in a very short time.


As you can see, I had great fun, as usual. I highly recommend this art school. Haliburton is able to attract excellent instuctors, and their course catalogue is large and varied. So go create!

Lisa's Wire Sculptures at Kempenfest 2009 - Barrie, Ontario

My first year at Kempenfest in Barrie, Ontario was enjoyable. Have you heard of this festival before? It's HUGE! Music, food, arts and crafts – you name it, they've got it. The arts and crafts booth numbered about 375 this year.

My general impressions – as usual, more crafts than art, so my sculptures were competing with things like goat soap and dog neckerchiefs (is that even a word? You know what I mean, yes?). I don't think it's an ideal venue for my work, but as a promotional show it's great – there's a constant stream of people coming through and I exhaused my business card reserves. I handed out over 400 business cards, by my estimate.

Reactions to my art – I placed my Dragon at one end of my display and my new turtle sculpture at the other end of the display. I was at a place where two paths converged into one, so I had great exposure, and lots of room for folks to admire the art.And admire they did! From my left, where the Dragon was, came my “WOW!” collection. It was all I heard as people caught sight of the Dragon. On the turtle side they used a few more words – usually “HAVE YOU SEEN THIS TURTLE?”- as they yelled down the aisle to their friends. My little Buzz Bugs got a laugh every time I told their story, my latest hedgehog caused many a change of direction as people on their way somewhere made a beeline to my table for a closer look. Many people mentioned my stuff was the most original and creative things they had seen.

Ah, if only all that translated into sales! Alas, my sister was my biggest customer (and only because she absolutely insisted on giving me her money, despite my protests). Apparently I wasn't alone in that respect – the custom cast iron gate maker in front of me had poor sales as well, and the cement garden sculpture maker commented it seemed to be a different crowd – his first day sales were nowhere near what they had been in previous years.

I will do Kempenfest again – it's a great bang of promotion for the buck, and you can only effectively guage shows when you do them more than once. People will be looking for me next year, I'm sure!

Exposition Renaissance

July 14, 2009

Sculpture installion for Exposition Renaissance at Centre Culturel Jacques Auger, Hull QC

Okay, so I have been chastened. I was supposed to deliver Interaction on Monday, July 13. Oops. I got a gruff call from Jeah-H. Guilmette, the president of the CSQ and the organizer of the show, asking where my sculpture was, the show is almost completely mounted and there's not much space left. Yipes! So I loaded it into the car (thankfully, another sculpture that fits in the Subaru) and made haste.

Jean-H. let me in and watched me unpack the monster fan I've been using to blow a wind that makes my lady look like a superhero. He looked critically at it as told me blunted it was ugly, it didn't compliment my sculpture, and should be replaced. So I tucked my tail between my legs and went to track down a new fan. I found a nifty new one at Giant Tiger (how convenient!) and went back home to get some wire and tools. I mounted it under the bike wheel and it looks great. The folks mounting the show even helped me with the ingenious power cord wrapping so it could be plugged in but the cord wouldn't be seen.


See the little fan just under the wheel between her feet? Much nicer. Jean-H. was right. Thank you! The new fan blows a gentler breeze. It looks subtle and ethereal. I like it.

Here's some photos of the room.


Here's a view from the far side of the room, facing my sculpture. See it – the tiny wire lady in the middle background? Behind the man with the balloon and the wooden “X”?

And here's a view of the room from where my sculpture is.



Opening night tomorrow from 5 to 7 pm. Will I see you there?

Recycl'Art 2009 in Montpellier QC

July 11, 2009

Opening day at Recycl'Art 2009 in Montpellier, QC

We were able to take the Subaru to this setup because the Window fits in the back. We were aiming to be there in time for me to attend the Conseil's annual general meeting at 11:30, but the rainy weather and last-minute packing delayed our arrival to 12:30, too late!

That's Jean-H., the president of the Conseil de la sculpture de Quebec.

We had lots of time for setup, though! So we pounded green T-stakes into the ground, using the cemetery as a backdrop and angling the piece so it would be visible on approach from the front of the gallery and the indoor displays. Here I am with the mounted Window. That's my comments box in my hands – I'll have to come back every now and again to check it's still dry and stocked with Sharpies.




After installation we had the afternoon to eat, visit with patrons and other artists and view the other sculptures on display. What an array of talent in the group of sculptors! This show gets better every year. There's more shots of the day here, but here's a little preview for you.



It's utterly amazing, I assure you. Come see.

Installing stained glass at Arthéna

July 9, 2009

Installing stained glass at Arthéna in Old Chelsea, QC

With my stained glass already packaged from its return from art09 in Toronto, I loaded it all in the car and was off the Arthéna on Thursday afternoon to hang it in the gallery.

I discovered the shop had acquired a new glass mosaic artist since my last visit, and two panels were already in the windows (including in the front window space I had plans to hang my panels in that you see as you first come in the door – too bad!). There were many other windows to hang my pieces in, however, and it looks great!

Here's the panels mounted in the other front window, deeper in the gallery. I like having the displays in front.

I hung two mirror-mounted pieces on the wall beside another large window, and the small and medium-sized squares on either side of the mosaic in the bow window facing the parking lot. Then I used the remaining window (conveniently on eye level with the entrance to Olivier, the soap shop behind the gallery) to display the framed and unframed vignettes. The Vignettes in the white frames hang down straight, with the frames hanging at a 45 degree angle. It's a nice visual when viewed from below.
I returned to pick up the large blue panel for repair (the solder had broken and a piece had slipped out of place) yesterday, and Capucine, the manager, told me she has received many positive comments about my stained glass. I think the larger pieces will encourage custom orders and bump the sales of the smaller, more affordable Vignettes and squares.

What do you think?

Inspiration on vacation, Gatineau Dragon Boat Festival, Aylmer Garden Tour 2009

July 2, 2009 - On Vacation

We're on a family vacation week, visiting with my husband's relatives in northern Ontario. I'm on the porch of a rented cottage at Panorama Camp in Lavigne, Ontario, typing merrily away on my Mac. The water in front of me is calm and gorgeous.

My husband is out on the boat. My daughter has disappeared into the trailer section of the park, having a great time with her new friends. Time for a blog update!

Saturday, June 27, 2009 - Gatineau Dragon Boat Festival

After five days of vacation, we packed the Dragon sculpture in the truck and took it to the Gatineau Dragon Boat Festival at Lac Leamy. The event is the major fundraiser for Centre C.A.R.M.E.N., a therapy and support centre that provides services to chronically and critically ill patients and their families.

Art therapy is a large part of their services. My Dragon was at their media evening last year. When the Centre's director called me again this year I was pleased to help promote the event.

You couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. Sunshine, warm, but not hot. Perfect! We set up the sculpture in the middle of the team encampments, along the path everyone used to get to the races. I removed the barrier from the front of the area and encouraged folks to pose with and investigate the Dragon (which this little guy did quite thoroughly!).

I put out a can for voluntary donations and managed to collect a small amount for their fundraising activities. Here's Master Shi-Fu, philosophising about the event:

Have you ever been to a Dragon Boat race? Four teams race at a time, and the same four boats are used for all the races. The rowers come in all shapes and sizes. There are XX rowers per boat, and a at the front to set the pace of the paddling. The trick for maximum speed is to get all the rowers synchronized. It's a great physical activity.

July 5, 2009 - Aylmer Garden and Art Tour

On my 12th wedding anniversary (!!), my artsy friend Christine Armstrong and I spent the afternoon at this wonderful show.

Christine and I were hosted at Sylvie and Louis' house. Sylvie has recently opened a flower and garden decoration shop beside the KFC in Aylmer and her garden is gorgeous! And especially attractive for me, especially since I discovered I live right around the corner. The show was within walking distance from my house - I couldn't have asked for more.

There was enough space in the garden for the three of us (Christine, Sylvie and me) to be stationed at different points along the visit. I was at the entrance to welcome visitors, Christine was in the middle of the yard and Sylvie was down by the ponds, Bontanix Guide in hand, answering questions about the wonderful plantings. We hung stained glass and Christine's impressive dragonfly sculpture/painting in the trees and tucked sculptures around the pond.

My large Dragon sculpture was placed in front of the pool fence and commanded attention. I hung stained glass fish across her bridge to keep the giant koi in her pond company. It all looked great!

We welcomed a steady stream of visitors all day, right until the end. There were two talented young violin players who did a tour of the six gardens, playing music at each one - it was beautiful. I would be a good idea to have more music next year.

I do think the event could leverage the artist's own invitation lists to incite more ticket sales next year (yes, I would be interested in attending again next year - I enjoyed it, despite my new strappy suntan.). I wasn't sure how much I should promote, as I got the impression the organizers may have been trying to keep the event low key for the first time out. Having tickets available at all locations would allow passers-by to purchase tickets.

If the show opens earlier in the day, I would need more time to set up. I was still setting out jewellery when the first visitors arrived. I have a lot of small things and hanging things and things that need pedestals and such. I didn't get a chance to change! Here's a photo of me in my shelter. I sold two of the little stained glass vignettes on the table. One gentleman seemed pleased and slightly surprised he was buying art. Go figure.

July 8, 2009 - new big and little sculptures!

I'm starting a new sculpture in response to the Kempenfest request for bigger sculptures. It's an American Alligator Snapping Turtle! Here's the beginnings of his body and the upper shell. I'm already incorporating all the recycled wire I can find (and got off those little things they're wound on - and out of that flaky glue!). I'm looking forward to fleshing it out.

And I made a new sad-looking hedgehog from telephone wire, with transistors for eyes.

Oh, and some Butterfly kisses to say goodbye.

Cheers,

Lisa

art09 – The Aftermath - A Show Review

My studio, replete with boxes of show stuff - what a job!

Monday, June 15, 2009, 11:00 p.m.

I'm home. I just arrived hours ago (7:30 p.m.) and I'm abrim with ideas and stories. I need to pour it out so I can get some sleep, so I thought I'd respond to the emails I've received asking me about my shows with a review of the journey. In the form of my first blog entry. Yippee!

Be cautioned! I'm about to express my experiences in detail using much positive language throughout. Be prepared to settle in for an extended read. I'll be entertaining.

So I'm content with the weekend as an experience. I sold things, which is more than some of the artists attending could say, so I'm thankful. Patrick (my husband) and I worked together like a well-oiled machine and had a great time.

I've met an array of interesting people and have shared many hours of conversation with them – clients and fellow artists alike (often they are one in the same). I've delighted children. I had a four-year-old jumping up and down in front of the dragon in excitement. I gave the grand "touch all" tour to a delighted two-year-old. I signed a Cuban's T-shirt. I got my picture taken with a man wearing a twenty-three layer petticoat. I talked about my kid, in animated French, with new friends over a Thai dinner on College Street. I am happy.

About the show:

How I Did

First thing first, because I know you are all wondering...

Three of my sculptures, “Oh yeah?”, the Copper Hedgehog and “The Frog Queen” have found excellent homes.

I sold the amethyst celtic star chain maille necklace to the wife of a participating artist. She ordered a bracelet and matching earrings to boot, so I even sold jewellery I haven't created yet. That was my first sale of the weekend. 

One of my stone chip rings sold as well.

Paul Shiers' partner is my hero. A dynamo of a woman! She gracefully modelled one of my butterfly necklaces all day on Sunday, and proudly went home with my dagger bracelet. She tells me now she has to find a dress to match for Paul's next big event. Paul makes marvellous sculptures in wood, stone and a variety of other media.

The baby peacock “Oh yeah?” has found a home at O's Gallery in Port Colbourne, Ontario, beside the sign that says “Don't piss off the fairies!” Peggy O'Hara knew she had to have him as soon as she heard his name. In addition to the gallery, “O” is also the nickname of Peggy's daughter. I'm so happy he's gone somewhere he will fit right in. Peggy, if you're reading this and you have a pic of Oh yeah? in his new home (or maybe his name is changing to O Yeah!), send it along and I'll post it.

The Frog Queen has been delivered into the careful and talented hands of Israeli jeweller Sara Shahak in exchange for some gorgeous jewellery – two bangles, each made from four interconnected square rings. They look like a marvellous angular sculpture on my wrist. I'm wearing them right now. Jingle jingle. And I received earrings to match. Okay, okay, here's a link to a picture of the gold-filled version (I got two silver ones, and matching earrings) from the Petroff Gallery.

She was so in love with the little green amphibian queen that she bolted upright in bed early Sunday morning exclaiming “Where's the frog? We lost the frog!” Her poor husband didn't know how to calm her down. What frog? Hee hee!

She told me this story first thing on Sunday morning, and admitted to frequent visits to my booth on Saturday to check and make sure she was still on display and not sold. So Her Majesty is moving overseas to forge new friendships and foster froggy love in Israel!

My cute Copper Hedgehog has been gifted to my niece Tryla on the occasion of her 10^th birthday. Happy Birthday, Tryla.

My Neighbours

I had wonderful neighbours – they helped the weekend to fly by!

To the right of my booth I had Stephanie Ford Forrester – a fantastic textile artist and painter. Do go and see her site for examples of her stunning art quilts. Hers was a popular booth.

To the left of my booth, I had Paulette Cecile, a painter. Paulette, Patrick and I had many conversations over the weekend. She was approached by a gallery during the show.

Across from Stephanie was Ruth Pellman, a glass artist. She found the show, like me, through the Ontario Crafts Council at the last minute and decided to give it a go. She sold five pieces to one customer on the last day. Ruth, let me know when your website is up so I can post it.

Behind me I had jeweller Hélène Limoges, who allowed me to erect a grid and draping behind the dragon and shared a meal with me, Patrick and marble artist Francis Coupal, who was just down the aisle. So many French-speaking artists at this show!

What I Learned

I loved the simple elegance of the booth displays. I picked up some pointers from new artist friends (thanks Zorica!) and was inspired by kindred spirits working with recycled materials – most notably Clement DesRosiers of Ferme-Neuve, Quebec. He makes amazing fused assemblage pieces with recycled glass bottles. I chatted to him about kilns for a bit – I hope we speak again.

Here are some photos of my booth display and excellent banners!

Attendance

Attendance was scarce to non-existent at times. Friday night was decently populated, thanks to complimentary entry tickets. I saw my parents, who cheerfully escorted Amélie back home with them for the weekend. They were the only people I knew who came to the show. Saturday was the lightest attendance day of the weekend. Sunday brought a steady stream of patrons and was when my sales were made. Pat and I were interacting with clients frequently and the day flew by. I got the impression it may have been the same for many. Last day sales are redeeming.

Obvious disadvantages. Let's not waste time.

Advantages included a heightened camaraderie among the artists; a bounty of information exchanged about excellent shows, well-stocked suppliers and design expertise, both for display and for art; the opportunity for increased client interaction for those times when you had interested browsers and the luxury of being able to browse the show yourself. That last was an unexpected delight!

The Venue

Hall C, level 200 MTCC North. It's on the third floor of the building, on top of the escalators. There was frosted glass between the main hall and the exhibit hall, so passers-by couldn't see inside.

I was at a booth near the back of the room, number 724, one of the more direct routes between the front of the hall and the bathrooms at the back.

The room could easily have held another 150 booths at least. I was told there were 180 of an expected 350 artists in attendance, which led to stacks of excess grids, dollies, chairs and draping in storage along one wall.

The service hallway, complete with garbage bin, served as an alternate view to the performers, panels and other activities on the main stage. The performers and activities seemed excellent, from what snatches I could glimpse from my booth. Carribbean performers on opening night (the female dancers had huge bustles on their costumes!); Thai dancers on Saturday and Panel discussions closed out the weekend on Sunday.

The Surprises

I had expected draperies around my space but they got cancelled at the last minute. We improvised quite admirably, though. Moving things in and out of the loading docks went rather smoothly despite a notification on Saturday morning about the move-out procedures that cautioned we may be there until late at night. We were on the road by eight.

In addition to the space fee and GST, I paid hydro, one night at a hotel by the airport, two nights at the University of Toronto (a cost-saving alternative not all artists were advised of – information could be added to an artist's information sheet in future years), gas and food for the weekend for two.

I learned that the Children's Room had an admission fee, something not mentioned on the event's site. I also learned that due to budget restrictions the voting for your favorite artist contest was cancelled and the results were not tallied. I was pleased to learn my name did appear on some ballots, so my self-promotion worked!

The advertisement I found in the Metro newspaper had an image of the entertainers on it. Weird for an art show, I thought.

Thanks for hanging in until the end of this giant first posting. Until next time, I'll say-

Cheers, Lisa