The past several months have begun an intense exploration into self discovery, finding my roots, and building artistic confidence.
I’ve been taking great pleasure in the changing seasons, watching the landscape shift from frosted branches to growing green and lush, seeing the earliest spring flowers come and go. And like nature, I’ve seen a shift in my self as well.
I often ride a rollercoaster of ups and downs, as one does in life. And this year has been no different. The chaos comes together though at times of clarity, and I find myself on new paths of creativity – insight into myself and a deeper understanding of the world around me and my place in it.
As usual, my inspiration is rooted in nature, its ebb and flow, and life’s precariousness. A recent death of a loved one remind me of the uncertainty of the future, but nature is full of reminders that life will always come full circle. I look back on pictures from the winter and find it hard to believe how quickly the heat of spring takes everything in a new direction. Suddenly the stillness is bursting with life. Gardens become a fresh focus and the drudgery of the seemingly endless snow and ice gives way to bustling energy and renewed hopes.
These thoughts have slowly built in me a new obsession, tactile elements call me, and I’m ready to start a new path. I’m developing several multimedia pieces, inspired by my home – Alberta – with familiar elements – the mountains, the flora, the fauna – they are highly textured and colourful. Combining my love of multimedia and collage, I work with textiles, hand dyed fabrics (using natural elements), embroidery techniques, pastels, charcoal, paint, and more. I hope to express, through layers and depth, the vastness and variety of this beautiful place.
In regards to my sculptural pieces, things are leaning into a fantasy direction. Fairies have been dancing in my imagination, like circus performers flipping in the air. These lively characters will lay on the moon, prance with the flowers, and hide by the mushrooms in some magical decorations – fantastic gifts for your most whimsical loved ones. I am so excited to share these pieces with you in upcoming weeks, and hope you enjoy them as much as I’m enjoying making them!
This leads to me next market, Triwood Farmers Market, at Triwood Community Centre (2244 Chicoutimi Dr NW) Tuesday July 11th from 3-7pm. The weekly summer market runs every Tuesday from June 6th to September 26th. Packed with local vendors, live music, and food trucks (Taco Tuesdays anyone?), the market is sure to please! Looking forward to seeing you there, come on down to take a look at my new handmade items and artworks.
Tangled Heather 