Collage Collective Exhibition

Last year I was invited to join a collage collective. We got together and had a blast working on collage of varying sorts. The work was then exhibited in the Mary Cooper Gallery on the Flatlands Artist Inc. premises. Last month was the second annual gathering of the collage collective. Due to my teaching schedule I couldn't make the last collage-a-thon, but I have created some pieces for this years exhibition.

The Exhibition will be opening Feb.28 2010. Details can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=451541025260

Paper Dolls

It's been a while since I've posted- but that's not because I have nothing new. I've been busily working- but a large part of the work so far has been prep for printing. While I am very excited about making prints again, it's not much to write home about. Conversely the paper dolls I have been making are pretty fantastic (humbly so). Here are 2 of them!

Not so much a step as a start.

Looking at what I have accomplished in the past 2 weeks, I feel as though I haven't taken any steps forward. I still do not know how to set up and run a business, I don't have a solid plan, and so far I have mostly just succeeding in making a list of things I need to learn and do. Taking a lesson from Socrates though- I have started to learn that I do not know; it is not so much a step as a start, but I am starting.

This week I have made new business cards and approached a local store that has agreed to look at my beaded bookmarks for sale on consignment (and I'll tell you where once I have a contract signed). I sold a little drawing and a few hair pins. It seems like every spare minute I have been beading. As far as classes- I did learn that my Silkscreen and Art Sampler classes will be running for sure. The Story and Stamp class will not be running (sorry to the 2 little tuckers who where registered), and I need a few more registrants to get Greeting Cards up and going. There are also a few more spots in the Silkscreen class if you are interested.

If you like the look of the hairpins and bookmarks, drop me line. The hair pins average $2 each (3/$5) and the bookmarks vary from $2 - $8 depending on the size and beads ($8 gets you a lot of pretty beads).

Upcoming Classes, I teach, you learn, we have some good times.

Registrations for winter classes are now underway!

While there are plenty of great classes being offered at the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Center this winter, I would like to draw special attention to- well- my own. To register call the Neil Balkwill Center at (306) 777-7521, or register online at www.regina.ca you will need to reference the class number that is with the write ups. I encourage everyone to check out the full listings (yes even those I am not teaching) in the City of Regina Winter Leisure guide

My classes are:

Silk Screening- (15yrs and up) T-shirts, posters, and so much more. Silk screening is an easy and versatile way to make your own prints.
Class # 96455 Sundays 1pm-3:30 pm Jan.24- Mar 14 $161.75

Greeting Cards- (15 years and up) Learn how to make your own cards from scratch working with rubber stamps and creating your own designs.
Class #96060 Saturdays 9am-11:30am Feb. 13-Mar.20 $127.60

Story and Stamp- (3-5 years) Each week we will read a story, and then act it out and use rubber stamps to create our own books.
Class #96558 Wednesdays 10 am- 11:30 am Jan 20- Mar 10 $95.00

Art Sampler- (6-10 years) A little bit of everything and a whole lot of fun- we works with everything on hand, and think outside the box- perfect for kids who have never taken an art class and those who want to explore the boundaries.
Class #96058 Saturdays 2:30-4:30pm Jan 23- Mar 13 $115.00

I am always open to new ideas, collaborations, and opportunities so please drop me a line if you are interested.

Drawn to a scanner.

I feel a bit like I am treading water right now. True it has only been a week since I have started the adventure of promoting myself and my art work- but I feel like I haven't accomplished anything yet. It's hard to justify 'research' and 'planning' when there are not concrete signs of achievement.

So yesterday I bought something I have wanted for a long time. A scanner. Today I set the sucker up and started to scan some of my recent drawings.

These two are both ink and watercolour pencil on watercolour paper, approximately 10cm x 12cm. Prices are available upon request.

New Opportunity

I'm not a new year resolution maker as I don't hold to the belief that a new calendar year automatically brings change and a new start. It does just so happen the end of one calendar and the room for opportunity coincided for me.

For those who don't know me: I graduated this spring with my Bachelor of Fine Art in Printmaking. I had been working part time for the Saskatchewan Arts Board during my last year at university, and gratefully took the opportunity to work the same position full time the week after I completed classes. While I have been working hard at trying to maintain an art practice; the problem is I have also been working hard at being mom, working full time, and taking on a part teaching time job as well. This is a problem not because I haven't been loving my life or enjoying what I do, but because it leaves very little time for making and creative expression.

My great opportunity -it turns out- is becoming unemployed. My work term at the Arts Board ended, and my classes don't start again until the end of January- so I have the great gift of time. As an artist and a maker of many things I have always wanted to being to exploit my talents to financial gain, so this year I will be taking a shot at becoming at becoming a commercial artist. So welcome to my blog- please check back for updates on my triumphs and dispairs, and for things you may want to buy (I won't succeed if i don't sell stuff!)