Wendy O'Brien: mixed media/ fibre art

Tidal Pools

2012-01-26T08:14:00.000-08:00

Switching topics again, Gallery 96 first show for 2012 opens in March and is on the theme of water. You can take a political view point, a spiritual one or simpley the beauty of water. Although I have ideas that would fall into the first 2 catagories, I don't think I have the time to accomplish them along with everything else. So I'm doing a series of smaller projects based on tidal pools. Here is the first complete one.

The second one in this picture is just underway, although it is in reality finished and framed

I'm really enjoying doing these and will probably do more. We are allowed 3 pieces in the show so I do have at least one more to do now. I have some bleached driftwood pieces from the ocean, so I think I will use them and keep it monochromatic with threads , yarns, shells in the white/gray range. Might also icoroprate a piece of bright red onion bag in for a spot of colour. As I was reaching for some onions yesterday to make stew, the lightbulb went on...simulate a piece of fish net.

Encaustic show

2012-01-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

Great news, Anna Koot, Wendy Orr and myself are doing an encaustic show at the Blyth Festival Gallery on June 22, 2012. It's called "Thre Hot Irons". These are two of the friends that did "Fusion" with me this year. Time to make some new work, the theme is loosly rural. Wendy Orr is well on her way with some done after her trip to Newfoundland.

"Hidden Arches" is done with paper casting and lichen on masonite and painted with encaustic.

The 2 others insist on loading upside down...can't figure it out. This one is suppossed to be the other way around althought the viewer may not realize it. The other is a landscape and so there is no point in adding it until I can figure out the problem. All three photos are from the same file. The one above was done with strings pulled out from under the layers of wax and then some extra carving done. The rust hinge is also encaustic...it seems to have fooled a few people, who thought it was real.

Bags, Bags and more Bags

2012-01-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of the bags I"ve been making for Green Thimble Designs

Burgundy and Tan with 2 inside pockets and wallet $60Cdn

Burgundy, Blue and Tan with 2 inside pockets $55 Cdn.

Three cotton satchels that are convenient to store in your purse. Checkered, Morninglory and Teapot satchels are $20 each Cdn.

Jewelry bags to store your jewelry while you are away on a trip. Multiple inside pockets to keep things from getting all jumbled up. Top left, pansy pink, delicate pink, yellow blossoms and front and centre is grapes. Each $20 Cdn.

You can find more bags @ greenthimbledesigns.blogspot.com

2011-12-29T10:24:00.000-08:00

A New Venture

2011-12-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

Well I"m way behind on my blog entries and I do want to catch you up on my fibre art and encaustic painting, but first I want to tell you about a new venture. Green Thimble Designs is a new business I"m entering into with two friends; Wendy Orr and Bernice Barrett. We are making products from existing materials and are starting off with bags of all shapes, sizes, with a variety of uses. Our goal is to design and make bags to replace plastic or poorley made cloth substitutes. Look back soon to view pictures and other details. We will be setting up a website over the Christmas holidays and you can already find us at greenthimbledesigns.blogspot.com.

It's such a busy season, I'm busy making a few gifts and I haven't got to the baking yet. Hopefully this week wil be a productive one.

Have a Happy Holiday where ever you are.

Line of Thought

2011-09-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

Well back again, nothing for two months and now twice in a week. "Line of Thought" is the current Gallery 96 show. As I"ve mentioned I am a member. This show was interesting as we did co-operative pieces with other artists. I think some artists had a hard time getting their head around the idea. I found it exciting and a great challenge.

I worked with 2 seperate artists. Lucinda Jones is a printmaker withGallery 96 and we worked on a triptych called "Three Sisters". We worked on one piece jointly and then we each did our own piece to go along.

The first piece is the joint effort, we made a piece of faux felt together and then Lucinda added some light pieces of print and I added the face. The second one is mine and it's all rusted fabric, some paper fabric, stenciling and embroidery. The third piece is Lucindas, all made out of printmaking papers and a hand drawn face

The second artist I worked with , I have never met in person. We did the whole thing long distance and by email. My partner was Cathy Connolley a fabulous artist/ illustrator from England. We met through her blog, "One Pink Goose". I have always liked her drawings and we have alot of common interests in subject matter. It was actually really easy for me to work with Cathy even though it was long distance.

Cathy's book on "The Naming of Hares"

A joint offering , "Under the Canopy"

I started off by sending her some papers and fabric that I had worked on. She in turn used them and sent them back to me and I put them together. I'll post more later about this work and add more photos.

Where did summer go?

2011-09-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

Here in Canada we had a late spring with cool wet weather and winter went on forever, so summer seemed incredibly short this year. Now we are officially into fall. In that short time I have been busy but neglectfull of my blog. We had a few great weeks up at the cottage, a place I love to be and hate to leave. Last weekend was our final trip for this year and shared with my siblings and spouses (minus one).. It was the only weekend I had free from exhibiting or preparing for a show. I have one more to do in three weeks and then I"m into the teaching.

Last night was the opening of "Line of Thought" which I will write more about in another blog post as I haven't yet downloaded the photos.. Two weeks ago was our encaustic show, "Fusion". Three friends from Gallery 96 and myself took an encaustic course a little over a year ago and were immediately addicted. So we mounted our own show at a friends new gallery overlooking the Avon River, just outside of Stratford. Studio Stratts is the studio and gallery of Nancy Groenestege, built as an addition to her home. It is a great place in a wonderfull location just two minutes out of town. Nice high ceilings, lots of windows, great lighting and as I said a terrific view. This was the first exhibition Nancy hosted and she was a great host during set up and the exhibition.

The four of us worked independently but it was amazing to see the similarities when we put the work together to hang. The groupings just formed themselves either by colour or subject matter. Here is some of the work.

BIRCH WOOD

This is one of mine and that's not real birch but simulated with the encaustic.

AUTUMN

Another one of mine , also shown above with the other "red" landscapes by Wendy Orr and Michelle Salter.

BARN SWALLOWS and the single one above are inspired by the 2 swallows that few into the barn and sat chatting quietly on a wire whilst I was working on my encaustic. We no longer farm so the barn is generally empty except for the barn cats and other visiting wildlife. I have used it for an exhibition called Rural Roots that I mounted with other Gallery 96 members and features in an earlier blog. The 2 little one beside the single barn swallow are by Wendy Orr.

THISTLES

THE STORYTELLER

The lavendar wall with Wendy Orr's Lupins that were inspired by her recent trip to Newfoundland. Growing Lupins in Ontario is hit and miss I've found, but they grow in abundance on "the rock".

GEORGIAN BAY ROCK

The above is all Michelle Salter's work, the texture in this piece is amazing, but I favour the 2 small pieces, they also use charcoal in them.

ESCAPE

Lots of blow torch with this one.

COPPER POSIES

BARN OWL

Peaking out of an old mold from a Cambridge tool and die factory that closed years ago. I used several of the mold as you will see later.

"Barn Owl" and the top right "Winter Wood" are mine next to the aqua and white work of Michelle and Anna

Anna Koot's wall, the landscape was so delicate. My personal fav is the pears.

This is another one of Anna's but no matter howmany time I rotate it to a verticle is switched back to horizontal.

My Fish and Mexican Daisies.

Yet another barn owl peeking out of a hole in a birch tree, 2 of my favourite subjects.

MEDITATION

BUTTERFLY LADY

She is done with colour pencil, collage on rice paper with encaustic. She is one of my favourites and I think I will try more using this technique.

A wall of landscapes mostly by Wendy Orr and a few of mine and Michelle's The ones on die molds and the one with gold leaves is mine. Wendy Orr did several amzing ones with sheep she saw in Newfoundland.

"Haliburton", a triptych inspired by scenes at my cottage on Kennisis Lake. It's a long narrow lake and sometimes gets lots of whitecaps. Not my favourite conditions for using our canoes.

"Gone Fishing" is another triptych. The bouy was made from neccessity...there was a nob in the middle of the die.

THE WATCHER was another sculpture piece. I thought she looked sort of aboriginal but Michelle tells me that the elongated "S" neck is reflective of my celtic heritage. Not sure that there is much of that in my blood, I married into the name and my family is so Anglo.

Tha';s it for the encaustic, but leave you with a scene from Kennisis Lake, a late day sky, just starting to clear after a grey day.

Planning for Fall

2011-06-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Yikes! I hate the thought of fall, it seems we've had no spring and summer hasn't been up to scratch yet either. Too much wet and cool weather. Not that I like it stinking hot and humid but....

I met Satuurday with 3 friends, we are planning a show in September on encaustic painting. Her is a prelim photo for the press release. The show is called FUSION and involves Wendy Orr, Anna Koot, Michelle Salter and myself, Wendy O"Brien.

Each one of us has a different style, which should make for an interesting show. Here is work by Anna Koot. You can check out more of her work on her new website http://www.annakoot.com/

I love the sculptural effect in the pears.

I will give you some sneek peeks of the others as we get closer to the date. The actuall show is September 9,10 and 11 at STRAT STUDIO , Stratford, Ontario. We are open 4-9 on Friday the 9th and 12 noon to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

June shows and some new work

2011-06-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Where did the time go? Silly question actually, when I know I spent alot of time working on pieces for two shows and neglected my blog, amongst other things. Two shows that opened on back to back weekends. Who's crazy idea was that? And, as if we didn't learn anything with that, I'm doing two shows back to back in September. Not very good planning, I admit.

" Go Fly a Kite" acrylic 18"x24" $135 Cdn

The first show was "4 Artists", Wendy Orr hosted myself, Anna Koot and Ev Scott for a show in her home. She didn't seem to mind the nail holes because she plans on painting. The Friday night opening was a fun party with a few sales, Saturday wasn't as busy but the sales were good. I was happy with what I did. All smaller pieces, but they do add up. Here are a few shots from that event.

"Back at the Bush" acrykic 6"x8" $95 Cdn

"Nest of Eggs" acrylic 6"x8" $95 Cdn

"Circ" mixed media 18"x24" $140Cdn

"Remember When", mixed media sold

Here are a few of Wendy Orr's beautiful pieces. Her work is available through Village Studios in Stratford, or through the artist herself.

Here are some more of mine; "Arch in Moonlight is 6"x8", acrylic/mixedmedia,is framed and sells for $95

"Jungle Ruin" is much larger at 24"x 30" and is also acrylic/mixed media and sells for $ 230 Cdn

'Tightrope Walker" is another mixed media piece 18"x 24" and $135 Cdn

These are a set of illustrations by Anna Koot for one of her Children's books.They are books that help tell children about "hard to talk about subjects", this one deals with death.

Her are a couple more acrylics by Wendy Orr

This next bunch are from the Gallery 96 Members show that opened last night at Factory 163. The first one is by Victoria Shannon, I had to take it on an angle to help with the glare and the reflection of a near by window. I love this piece.

Here are a few more, featuring a tryptych by Carolyn Horley

This next one is one of mine, "the Old Front Porch" and it sold immediately. It is faux felt with a photo transfer and machine embroidery.

Also one of mine done the same way. It was in the 4Artist's show and moved here for this exhibition. It is available for $150 Cdn.

Here is one of Lucinda Jones prints. she and I are working together on pieces for a collaboration show, "A Line of Thought". One of those infamous back to back efforts in September. We are planning a play date, to expoeriment and come up with some solid ideas for that show. Should be fun.

Another printmaker with Gallery 96 is Gloria Kagawa, these are 3 of here pieces, something new for her.

A lovely little piece by new member Heather Ruthig.

This show runs for another week if you are in town or live close by. Gallery 96 won't be doing another show until September. Stay tuned for more looks at that project and the encaustic show "Fusion", that I am involved with as well. It's going to be a full summer with trips to the cottage, gardening and making artwork.

May

2011-05-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

Still dreary, with chance of more rain. Canada is gettting a cold wet spring this year. I think everyone is just about had enough. My B-in- law says we are to get this until the middle of the month and then we are to get one of the best summers we've had in years. Let's hope so. I haven't even been out to clean up my flower beds, it's just too wet. My husband is tired of picking up limbs, because all this rain has come with alot of strong winds, which brings down more twigs, and branches. I live out in the country with alot of beautiful old trees, but they do continue to drop their dead wood.

I'm almost to the end of my teaching at the Gallery Stratford and The Foundation For Enriching Education, at least until the fall. I'm actually looking forward to being able to concentrate on my artwork instead of juggling the two. It means no money coming in or very little anyway. Guess that's the price you pay. Anyway it's a good thing I will be able to work on more artwork as I have two shows coming up in June and two in September. Two of those shows are with Gallery 96 the artist co-op that I belong to and the other two are are small shows with three other members from Gallery 96 that we are doing independently. You will be hearing more about them as time goes on and I have work to show.

One of the shows I"m excited about is the September Gallery 96 show , "A Line of Thought", which is a collaborative show. We willbe working on pieces with other artists, members and non-members, on ideas of our own choosing. I"m actually involved with two groups, the one group has my self and 2 members- a potter and a printmaker. That could be really interesting. The other one is also exciting, because I have asked Cathy Connolly of One Pink Goose to work with me. For anyone that doesn't know, Cathy lives in the UK and we are doing this long distance. We are each contributing one individual piece each and one joint piece; and how are we going to accomplish that, you might ask. Our plans are all on the hush-hush but you will get to see and hear more about it as we get closer to the date.

Meanwhile, I thought I would feature some of Cathy's work that I particularily like. The above photo is of some of her note cards. Below is "When The Sun Rises"

I admire the detail in the drawing of the bird nest. Cathy does such a variety of work. Below is a drypoint etching of a "Bird Carrying Heart", something I"ve never tried, but would like to.

So can you guess what theme we might be working on? You can see more on Cathy's Blog here http://onepinkgoose.blogspot.com/

The other ladies I am working with from Gallery 96 are Lucinda Jones , a local printmaker. This is "Birth in the Sea", from her show at Gallery Stratford, last winter.

The above is a clay collar by Bonnie Steinman from the "Wearable Art" show , at Gallery 96 last fall. Below is a dress that Lucinda made for "Wearable Art", all made from printmaking paper scraps. Best in show , I thought.

So you can see I will be working with talented ladies.

Another group of talented ladies, are the friends I am doing the smaller shows with. The June Show is with Wendy Orr , painter, Ev Scott, photographer and needle felter as well as Anna Koot, a painter and encaustic artist. In the fall Wendy, Anna and myself are joined by Michelle Salter in an encaustic show. More on these ladies in the next post.

Spring?

2011-04-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

As Easter is late this year I think we were all hoping for great weather, especially after a long winter. But, this is Canada and it seems like winter is never going to leave us this year. I live in southwestern Ontario, relatively mild in comparison to some parts of the country and on April 10th we got damaging hail. Golf ball size hail that was ankle deep. This Sunday it was snow, sometimes so heavy it was hard to see. this coming week sounds grey, cold and just plain miserable.

On the other hand the Gallery 96 show "The Goddess" was a success as far as attendence and sales went. It helped to have other artists invited to participate and the evening events brought in more people. Didn't hurt that there was a concert in an ajoining space one evening, as they all went through the gallery. Hopefully this raises our profile around town a bit. Here are my 3 pieces, encaustic on plaster. The faces were casts I made of one of the other artists faces ages ago.

The Three Graces

Now, in between teaching classes at Gallery Stratford and in the schools it's time to start on new work for other upcoming shows. I find it hard to get any amount of work done in between, I seem to be always preping for the classes. It's very frustrating.

This coming Friday a couple of friends and I are going to try some abstarct work. This will be a challenge for all three of us as we all tend to narrative works. Let you know how that goes in the next post. Happy Easter, everyone.

2011-03-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

I actually did finish some work this week, but it went out the door before I got a picture of it. When it's hung for the show later this week I will get a shot or two. Always better on a nice white wall anyway. So instead I'm going to show some work by artists that I am inspired by,

First is Virgil Burnett a internationally known resident of Stratford who is currently having a show at our local public art gallery. Virgil is an illustrator, sculptor and author. I have always been enchanted by his pen and ink drawings and their fantastical detail.

Muse by Virgil Burnett

End Papers

One of his own books

Books he illustrated covers for.

Another artist I wanted to feature is from the UK, Nikki Whitlock. She has a unique style incorporating both painting and mosaics. They too, are fantastical and full of detail. I like the fact that she also incorporated words into her pieces.

Coincidentia Oppositorium - The conjunction of the opposites

This a very mystical piece: The Underworld

The Spirit of Autumn

The Masquerade in the beginning, I'm waiting to see what this one looks like finished

Another Stratford artist and friend, is Wendy Orr. A one time graphic artist and currently a high school art teacher. Wendy is looking forward to her retirement and the opportunity to paint full time.

The Porch

Harmony of Opposites, something new for Wendy and it is now at the Stratford campus of the University of Waterloo

Fall

and Auntumn Floor

...

and my all time favourite, My First Collection. I watched her paint this one at my house, a marble a night. I think the light reflection is brilliant.

My Upcoming Classes at Gallery Stratford

2011-03-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

Letters of the Lost Art (ages 4-6)

For wee hands learning to print, the purpose of this 4-week class is to inspire, create and celebrate the importance of forming letters! From Egyptian scrolls, Chinese script, Native hieroglyphics to our own ABC’s – students will step outside the digital world to behold the beauty of lettering. Led by artist Wendy O’Brien.

4 weeks, Tuesdays, 4 - 5pm (a small popcorn snack will be served)

April 5th – April 26th

$55 Gallery Members, $65 Non-Members

All materials supplied

Art Submerged (ages 7-12)

Art and Science meet in this dynamic drawing and sculpture class inspired by the works of German artist and biologist, Ernst Haeckel. Best known for his colourful illustrations and discovery of over 1000 under-water species, Art Submerged will draw from observation as well as imagination translating students’ 2-dimensional creations into 3-dimensional works of art. Led by artist Wendy O’Brien.

6 weeks, Monday, 4:30 - 6pm

March 28th – May 9th (no class on Easter Monday – April 25th)

$85 Gallery Members, $95 Non Members

All materials supplied

Material Inc. (ages 7-12)

Combining paper and fabric, students will layer, print, stamp, stencil and more discovering the endless possibilities of textile surface design. With the use of varying fibres and techniques, each class will result in a unique piece of art! Led by local fibre artist Wendy O’Brien

6 weeks, Wednesday, 4:30 - 6pm

April 13th – May 18th

$85 Gallery Members, $95 Non Members

All materials supplied

Ready, Set, CLICK! (ages 7-12)

Learn the ins and outs of digital photography in a relaxed, fun and creative environment. Bring a camera from home or enjoy using one of the Gallery’s. Led by Wendy O’Brien.

3 weeks, Wednesday, 4:30 - 6pm

June 1st – June 15th

$55 Gallery Members, $65 Non Members

All materials supplied

ENCAUSTIC PAINTING WORKSHOP – TEENS/ADULTS

THROUGH THE USE OF COLOURED MOLTEN WAXES, STUDENTS WILL EXPLORE THE VERSATILE AND UNLIMITED FIELD OF ENCAUSTIC PAINTING! JOIN ARTISTS, WENDY O’BRIEN AND ANNA KOOT AS THEY GIVE AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF THIS ANCIENT PAINTING MEDIUM WHICH IS ENJOYING A WORLDWIDE REVIVAL.

ENCAUSTIC I - SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH, 10AM - 3PM

$75 GALLERY MEMBERS + $40 MATERIAL FEE, $85 NON MEMBERS + $40 MATERIAL FEE

ENCAUSTIC II – SATURDAY, APRIL 2ND, 10AM - 3PM

$75 GALLERY MEMBERS + $40 MATERIAL FEE, $85 NON MEMBERS + $40 MATERIAL FEE

The Gallery Grows Green in April!

In celebration of Earth Day, April 22 – Gallery Stratford will hold special workshops throughout the month of April. Each workshop will celebrate art by creating with an eco-conscience mind. You won’t want to miss these one of kind…GREEN art event!

April 4th - Monday – Tin Can Puppetry – 7 - 8:30pm - ages 7-12

April 13th - Wednesday – Botanical Drawing – 7pm – 9pm – Teen/Adult

April 16th – Saturday – Natural Dyes on Eggs – 10am – 12pm - All Ages

April 18th – Monday – Green Banners – 7pm – 8:30pm – 7 - 8:30pm - ages 7-12

April 27th – Wednesday – Upcycle: T-shirts to Art – 7pm – 9pm - Teen/Adult

$25 Gallery Members, $30 Non Members

All materials supplied

http://www.gallerystratford.on.ca/

new work

2011-03-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a few weeks, I contacted fifth disease from some child I taught. It's not bad if you are a kid but as an adult it's a knock out punch. They don't treat the disease, just the symptoms, I don't know which is worse the disease or the drugs. I keep being overcome by weak spells and fatigue. Not only did I break out in a nasty rash, but also had sore swollen joints. They were so bad I could hardly walk down stairs, or crawl into a vehicle. Walking was slow and paintful. My right wrist felt like I'd sprained it. The doctor's first comment was, "I wondered when I'd see the first adult with this!" The good thing, she had had it herself so was very sympathetic. The other benifit (if there is one), is I can never get it again. So, that's my story and I"m sticking to it.

I actually did get some work done in between teaching classes at the gallery. I used the faux felt I made for this first one. I used TAP paper to transfer and image, then I machine and hand embroidered it and added a little needle felting. It's mounted on plain canvas at the moment....not sure if I will put a colour wash on the canvas.

This next piece is paper fabric made with old book pages and lace, embellished with needle felt flowers and a 3D bee. there is also a llittle stitching and a few buttons. It's mounted on a rather thick canvas, so I added a paper border to break up all that black.

This one is a mosaic of decorative apers I made using a National Geographic and a natural orange cleaner, as well as bits of gelatin prints and found papers. the centre piece looks like an etching but it is a bit of a cheat. I mixed oil paint with linseed oil and spread it on a acetate sheet with a brayer. Then, I layed a piece of paper on top and drew a simple image. When I pulled it off, there where a few white areas, so I filled in one with a pencil drawing of an old farm gate. I liked the technique so I might try some more.

The last 2 are new encaustic pieces, one of thistles and one of Mexican sunflowers. I used a pick with the thistles which truned out quite effective. The second I carved away some of the wax, to define the petals more.

An open invitation to area artists

2011-03-13T06:10:00.000-07:00

As I have mentioned a few times, I am a member of Gallery 96, an artist co-op in Stratford, Ontario. The gallery has been working on a Trillium grant that has allowed the artist members to access help and information in the areas of curatorial practice, critical writing, advertising and marketing. So to that end we are presenting a workshop to help members and non memberas alike, get a grasp on marketing yourself as an artist. Something artists have trouble doing or they try and avoid it all together. It's a hard thing when you wear your heart on your sleeve, but a neccessary if you wish to become successful.So here is the info if you are interested and within travelling range of the event.

Marketing for Artists 101

Are you a practicing artist struggling with the ins and outs of marketing yourself? Do you know someone who is? Then you are invited to an evening workshop presented by Gallery 96.

Guest Speaker: Martine Becu; a marketing wizard who has worked with arts organizations and marketing for several years.

When: Tuesday April 26th 2011 @ 7pm

Where: Factory 163 (163 King St., Stratford, Ontario)

Presentation will be approximately an hour with time for questions afterwards.

Access if off the parking lot to the south of the factory.

Admission is free and open to anyone interested.

For further information contact: info@gallery96.com or visit our website at www.gallery96.com

This workshop is supported by the Trillium Foundation

Faux felt and Needle Felting

2011-02-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy few weeks since my last entry. In the last blog I featured a pair of red foxes that were playing in my siste's yard. Since then there has only been one other sighting and this time only one loney fox. I hope his partner is still ok. After all she does live in the city.

It's still winter around here, we had another blustery day yeaterday with a few rural roads closed. The snow is up to my knees in most spots. Here are a few photos from today. I like the dome on top of the gazebo and the old cream seperater. Then there is the piles by the barn, which I don't like.

....and one dozy cat in the window, even thought there is no sun today. It is at least milder but damp, Im not sure which is worse, that or the bitter cold we have been having.

I've been making some faux felt, a process I saw in a book by Val Holmes. I like this method and plan to do more and then embellish with more roving, embroidery, image transfer, etc. These first two are king of wild, they may become floral ones in the end, not sure.

This one actually has more of the dark green as you move up the piece. There is hand made paper and yarn in between the layers of roving.

This one needs a little more work I think, perhaps another layer.

I haven't given up needle felting, I have a fw new ones but there seems to be an issue with adding more photos all of a sudden. This happened the other day when I tried to add to my blog. Sometimes the computer is so frustrating. I'll give it one more shot and if nothing comes up I will try posting again tomorrow.

OK, now it works, and I don't have any idea why it decided to work now and not two minutes ago.

Huts and Dories

Spring Fields

Pumpkin Patch

Fuschia

....and yet another country road.

Foxes

2011-01-21T06:52:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted on my blog for a bit as I've had computer issues, don't you just love technology?

We are back with a few photos from my sister who lives in Mississuaga, a large city just west of Toronto. This happened on the weekend in her backyard that is surrounded by a high fence. It's equally amzing that these fellows managed to jump the fence and have a little play. Needless to say there were no squirrels around the bird feeders that morning.

My nephews had a great time naming them, but I doubt they will be around again. My sister's place is not to far from the Credit River, which is probably their normal home.

January Snow

2011-01-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

Back in December we had a couple of snow storms that dumped a fair bit of snow, haven't seen that in a few years. Then last week we had a big thaw and a lot of rain, the only snow left was along the fence lines. Winter has returned, but in a gentler fashion and we now have a layer of snow again. Makes for some beautiful pictures.

The Virginia creeper going up the silo looks like a drunkard's lace, here's a closer look.

Between the silo and the barn on the west side it gets little or no sun so the moss has grown to a luscious green.

Our dog Caesar is following me around, looking for hidden smells under the snow. The fruit of the sumac look great with their snowy caps

My son's old hideaway , he always called it fort Narnia. and great rusty hinges on an old barn door.

Shadow and Caesar, the only cat that he seems to have made friends with, the other barn cats just take a look and run.

First Gelatin Prints

2011-01-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone. Yesterday a couple of friends and I tried our first attempt at gelatin prints. We used water base printing inks, I found some of them quite pale and some of these photos don't help. I also tried some acrylic paint , but found it too sticky. As I want to try again on fabric I'm wondering if water base fabric screen printing ink wouldn't be more fluid.

Some of the ghost prints were more interesting then the first pulls, however I wasn't always sure what to do next . Some I might try transferring to fabric by printing them on the computer, they might make good backgrounds for new work.

The first pull is the top image and the ghost print is below

Anyway I will try some more after I reconstitute the gelatin, it is showing signs of distress. Seems the magenta ink stained it as well.

Onto another topic,; while making Christmas cookies the day before Christmas ( works well under pressure is on my resume), I was making a family favorite, Chow Mein Cookies. the ones with the chocolate, butterscothc chips, peanuts and chow mein noodles. Look what I found inside.

To say the least I was a little shocked and I have contacted the company. I wonder if this is an employee prank or what. Nasty! I'll let you know what happens here.

Christmas Fantasy

2010-12-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

It's just 2 sleeps before Christmas and I thought I should show some Christmas work by a fellow Gallery 96 member Ev Scott. Ev does a lot of different things but makes some wonderful Christmas figures.

Ev does other figures as well, many needle felted critters and an amazing Ark .

Ev also has donkeys, an animal I just love. We had some in our barn for a short while. Such big soulful eyes and eye lashes any girl would die for. Here s Ev with one of her babies.

Nick Hendricks Animator

2010-12-18T17:50:00.000-08:00

Growing up my son has always had two best friends, They are actually brothers, Nick and Christian Hendricks. Great young men following different career paths. We always enjoyed the dinner table conversation with these boys. And yes, it was an actual conversation, not your usual grunts and mumblings of some .

Nick is in his final year in Animation at Sheridan College in Oakville.I've watched this fellow grow up and I"m pretty proud of his work.

You can see more of his work and video clips on his blog.
Please check him out.
http://thenewanimationnick.blogspot.com

Textile Museum of Canada

2010-12-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

The Textile Museum is located in Toronto's downtown core, easy to get to on public transit. It's a great place for research and has amazing exhibits. At the moment they have one by artist Kai Chan who is an icon in Canadian fibre arts.

http://www.textilemuseum.ca/apps/index.cfm?page=exhibition.detail&exhId=313

Natural Rain wear from China and Japan
http://www.textilemuseum.ca/apps/index.cfm?page=exhibition.detail&exhId=321

Drawing with Scissors; Molas
http://www.textilemuseum.ca/apps/index.cfm?page=exhibition.detail&exhId=314

And the Permanent Collection
http://www.textilemuseum.ca/apps/index.cfm?page=exhibition.detail&exhId=289

If you are interested in any of these and are going to be in Toronto, it's worth a visit. The images from the museum wouldn't dowload , so you will have to make a visit to the links.
http://www.textilemuseum.ca/

http://www.kaichan.ca/work.html

School Tour

2010-12-14T05:56:00.000-08:00

My school tour is over, I managed to get in the schools that had been canceled due to snow storms, a lot of them are closed again today because of the weather and road conditions. Very icy and snow packed with drifting....the joys of living in a snow belt.

Here are some more of the work done by students in our lines and dots workshop. They were illustrating Aboriginal and Maori legends using only dots for the Aborigine and lines for the Maori.

Snow, Snow and more Snow

2010-12-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

Old Granny Smith apples that never get ripe enough.

It's getting dark and the Christmas lights are on.

The rosehips hanging on the arbour

New Landscapes

2010-12-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

I was in a small show on the weekend. We were only allowed to show one media, so I chose needle felting.Here are a few of the new landscapes I did. They are all matted as 8" x10".

Spring

Autumn Drive

Western Shore

Cranberry Marsh

Last Sail

Trail of Wildflowers

Lonesome

Fishing Boats

An evening for artists

2010-11-23T05:49:00.000-08:00

We are hosting an evening for artists in our area, tomorrow night. The idea behind it is to help artists prepare submissions to galleries, etc. Most of us are flying by the seat of our pants on this one. After talking to Zhe it appears that it is a common malady amongst artist as she gets long wordy bios and CVs, vague artist statements, poor photos, etc. Some artists have mastered the business end of being an artist which includes the above, but many leave it because they are uncomfortable with writing about themselves and their artwork, or they would rather just make art.

As secretary for Gallery 96, I will be taking notes for posterity and will give you an outline on another blog entry. This should be an informative evening.

A “HOW TO” Evening with... ZHE GU

INVITES YOU TO

A “HOW TO” Evening with...
ZHE GU
Executive Director
GALLERY STRATFORD

WHO:
An invitation to all artists!

WHAT:
The evening will commence with a 40 minute talk on writing proposals to art galleries, building a portfolio, letters of inquiry, biography and resume writing, et al.

A Question and Answer period will follow.
You are invited to bring your samples, of above, for possible discussion.

WHEN:
Wednesday, November 24 at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Factory 163, 163 King St., Stratford, ON

Info:
Wendy O'Brien obrienfibreart@hotmail.com

Talent Next door

2010-11-19T05:20:00.000-08:00

Well this is really my week, "The Talent Next Door", a book compiled by Craig Musselman, is coming out . Page 103 is all me and my artwork, not that I"m blowing my horn or anything. It's a great book showing the work of many talented artists in this region and I"m delighted to be a part of it; along with two other Gallery 96 members, Wendy Orr and Glenn Elliott. You can see some of their work at

wendyorr.blogspot.com
http://web.me.com/glennelliott/glennelliott.ca/welcome.html

Award of merit

2010-11-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited, the piece that was chosen for the show at the Glenhryst Gallery has won and Award of Merit.I've really just started submitting some of my work to public gallery exhibitions, so this is an big bonus.

I'm ready to try a few more. Part of the trick is to having something to submit that fits the galleries agenda. As lead time can be short , you have to have work on hand. I guess that means, nose to the grindstone.

VineArt Donations

2010-11-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

VineArt is this Saturday and I finally got my donations done and photographed for posterity. It seems like we are running from one deadline to another. Both these pieces are on the theme of " The River". The first one is machine appliqued woo roving, yarn and bits of glitzy stuff from and old Japanese obi I had made for a theatre production, years ago. It's called "Down River", for lack of a better title. Every piece has to have a name, but sometimes it's tough to come up with something, or it's a last minute thing done under pressure. Thistime it was under pressure as they needed label info and I hadn't even made the piece yet.

The next one is encaustic on canvas with beads, wrapped around cedar branches. It's called "River Run", as the branches look not unlike a boat skeleton. Rather a dark photo so I"m adding some close ups.

VineArt

2010-11-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday November 20th is Gallery 96 annual fundraiser VineArt, an evening of fine food , jazz music, miniature art auction and this year beer tasting of specialty brews. A little change-up for this year. I will add photos shortly of my contributions to the effort.

Foundation For Enriching Education

2010-11-13T19:24:00.000-08:00

I started my school tour for The Foundation For Enriching Education this week. The Foundation sends me to schools in Huron and Perth counties to teach art. Each term it's something different. This time it is a class for grade 4s on dots and dashes, a class about using the element of design line. The inspiration is the art of the Australian Aborigine and the New Zealand Maori. Great fun, I really like this age group.

Glenhyrst Gallery

2010-11-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

It was a busy weekend. Saturday I had to take a piece to the Glenhyrst Gallery in Brantford for the up coming show "Forces of Nature." This piece is called "Sentinel" and is made from an old bird cage, clay, fabric, drawing, wood and show lasts and contains a nest with eggs.

The gallery is on the old Edward Cockshutt estate. Anyone familiar with farming will know the name of the one time tractor manufacturer. Wonderful architecture located on great grounds.

As the gallery didn't open until 1 pm we took a side trip to Kitchener to an Art /Craft show.Stratford glass artist Brad Jesson was showing his pendants vases and most spectacular marbles. You can see them here, http://www.glassartists.org/bradjessonglassart or he is on facebook. Unfortunately I seem to be having an issue trying to download a photo for you, so you will just have to check him out yourself.

After Glenhyrst we went to Cambridge to the gallery there to see the "Fibreworks" exhibit, that I didn't get into. My work has a different feel to the work exhibited. Some I loved , some I just didn't get.

http://www.cambridgegalleries.ca/cambridge.taf?section=3

Again no picture as it tells me I have an incorrect URL, how can that be when I have copied it directly from the website. Don't get it.

Common Journeys and Solo Flights

2010-10-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

I really like the title of this show. It represents the members of Gallery 96, an artist co-op that I belong to, very well. We are a mixed group that work in a variety of media and are following different paths, ideas and themes.
This is our last show that is funded by the Trillium Foundation. We will be on our own from here on.

Here are a few photos from the show, there are alot I couldn't take because of the glare from the glass. I entered my birch bark corset, and snail armour which you would have seen in previous entries. I also added a new piece that expressed my view of the dieing coral reefs.

These are 2 great pieces by Val O'Flynn

Some luscious apples by Anna Koot

          This is a self portrait by Kathi Posliff in a dress she did for
                      "Wearable Art", earlier this fall

Here is another of Glenn Elliotts terrific metal sculptures, flanked by 2 encaustic pieces by Michelle Salter from her winter series.

Check out Glenn's work athttp://web.me.com/glennelliott.ca/ You will get a great view of alot of his work.

These are 3 pieces by cartoonist turned painter, Erik Sansom

Pardon the glare on this acrylic piece by Wendy Orr. Yes there are 2 Wendys in the group. I keep thinking we should do a show called Wendy squared ( can't make the2 in to a Sq. sign, is that even possible?)
We also seem to be having an apple theme going, must be the season, Ontario produced tons of apples.
You can see more of Wendy's work on her blog, wendyorr.blogspot.com.

These are clay pieces from Bonnie Steinman's "Skin Series".

A not very good photo of photographer Lesley Walker Fitzpatrick's work, altered and collaged water photos. If you click to enlarge you get a slightly better image. More of Lesley's work is on mayafair.ca

Printmaker Lucinda Jones piece from her water series, sorry for the window reflections. As I said the glass was a problem and I"m not a professional photographer.

Our last effort for 2010 will be our big fundraiser, November 20th at 7pm, VineArt, an evening of tasting, good music and gourmet food as well as a silent auction of small artworks by members as well as guest artists and vendor donations. Generally a fun night.

Avonbank

2010-10-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

Busy weekend with the aforementioned 2 shows on, haven't got the photos yet of "Common Journeys" but here are a few of the old Avonbank church. It hasn't been an active church in 43 years but the rural community in Downie Township have been using it for a variety of events and have been keeping the building up. The plumbing leaves a bit to be desired but the building itself is great.

This was the location for "In the Spirit", an artisan show this past weekend. Here are a couple of things I had up for sale. Little needle felted purses

Next are some encaustic figures, hard to do when you have to cover 4 sides. Anyone who has done encaustic knows the wax tends to run where ever it wants.

Upcoming Shows

2010-10-04T06:53:00.000-07:00

October 16th is the opening of another Gallery 96 show called "Of Common Journeys and Solo Flights", a show curated by Gord Hatt. We don't usually have funds to hire a curator but this one is through a Trillium grant. The premise of the show is that we are a group of varied artists using different media, each of us working on different bodies of work. This made it easy for members not to have to change course and adhere to a theme different then what they are working on yet gives some cohesiveness to the show.

This show is in the gallery space at Factory 163, 163 King St. Stratford, Ontario.

Also that weekend is the previously mentioned "In The Spirit" at the old Avonbank Church out in the country in Downie Township, it's to the south west of Stratford. So it will be a busy weekend for some of us.

The Elora Gorge

2010-10-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went on the Elora Fergus Studio tour with friends. The Elora Gorge is incredibly picturesque and is part of the Grand River water system. There used to be alot of mills in the area for obvious reasons.The are either derelict or converted into homes, restaurants and the like. One of the studios we visited had a spectacular view into the gorge.

in ruins

Elora Mill

the gorge itself

Elora Fergus Studio Tour

2010-10-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

It was a damp rainy day yesterday, we seem to be having alot of that lately. Despite that, a couple of friends and I wandered off to see the artists on the Elora Fergus Studio tour. I've been once before a few years ago. There were some of the same artist and some new ones. We came away inspired by several of the artists, also gleaned a few tips and interesting information. At a couple of the places, our heads nearly fell off our shoulders looking at all the art , etc. My favourite was the mixed media artists.

Supria Karmakar is an encaustic artist who I've met before. She is always very friendly and full of helpful information and I really like her work.

Step Out on Faith, Encaustic Mixed Media Collage, 24 x 24, 2010

You an find her work at http://www.supriasdesigns.com/ orsupriasdesigns-encausticmusings.blogspot.com

Another artist that had a wonderful display of her work was Grayce Perry, a self taught artist. She used to do alot of clay, but has moved to mixed media painting. Unfortunately Grayce does not have a web page, so I can only show you some of her work from the tour blog. Grayce's home was full of interesting artwork and curiousities. She also had some of her daughter's work. It was equally impressive.

The first piece is done on mylar with oil paint and pen. It gave you areal feeling of depth. An interesting technique, I'd like to try sometime. Like I need another project. The second piece shows some of her clay figures.

"Weathering the Storm"
by Grayce Perry

"Women I Have Known" 2009
by Grayce Perry

Jo Lomas was clay artist in this studio along with Shirley Al, both of whose work I enjoyed.


by Jo Lomas

Here are a list of the other artists , you may wish to Google:

2010 Artists on Tour

Shirley Al - Clay Sculpture
Vivian Andrews - Watercolour
Vicky Beverstein - Stained Glass
Dorothy Collin
Linda Risacher Copp - Batik
Jerre Davidson - Glass
Beryl Dawson - Painting
Tony DeLuca - Goldsmith
Mandy Deskur - Macadi Jewellery
Carla Drimmie - Jewellery
Neil Hanscomb/Gisela Ruehe - Glass
Bob Hill - Garden Art
Supria Karmakar - Encaustic
Stephen Kitras - Art Glass
Jo Lomas - Clay Sculpture and Painting
Anne Luxton - Textiles
Joel Masewich - Painting
Barry McCarthy - Painting
Erin & Rachel McCarthy - Mixed Media
Lorraine McDonald - Watercolour & Drawing
David McCord - Metal
Tim & Katherine McManus - Art Glass
Melanie Morel - Weaving
Jane Neff - Pottery
Dennis Novosad
Grayce Perry - Painting & Sculpture
Jacqueline Tate - Pottery
Melitta Toth - Painting
Lois Scott - Glass/Mixed Media
Pam Starratt - Pottery
Eleanor Steffler - Painting
Stephanie Smith - Painting
Maggie Vanderweit - Textiles
Sheri Visakaly - Photography
Dave Wilcox - Photography
Heather Wood - Glass

Culture Days

2010-09-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

Culture Days was an Arts Council initiative to promote culture in the province. there were lots of activities around Stratford this weekend. At Factory 163 there were various displays, events, workshops, demos etc. These are a few pictures from the event. Photos by Irene Miller, props from Off The Wall, fibre art from Micaela Fitzsimmons, Harry Potter's toy shop by students of Off the Wall, Carolyn Horley , props mistress extraordinaire...she makes the faux food, masks, paints, etc. There is no limit to her abilities, imagination and talent. Carolynn was making fake bacon yesterday. She is also a member of Gallery 96 and is responsible for organizing wearable art...see the next post.

Wearable Art and Culture Days

2010-09-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Wearable Art , a show by members and guests of Gallery 96 at the old Globe Wernick Factory in Stratford. now known as Factory 163 (163 King St.). It has been a great success. Here are a few photos.
Participants are Carolyn Horley, John Pennoyer, Glenn Elliot, Helen M,. Kathi Posliff, Lucinda Jones, Bonnie Steinman, Irene Miller, Lelsie Walker Fitzpatrick and Jill Wood and myself.

The view from here. The Niarara Escarpment

2010-09-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

The Niagara Escarpment doesn't just mean Niagara Falls, For those "from away" as a Cape Breton friend would say, the escarpment is a long ridge of rock carved out of the earth during the ice age. You can get some specular views.

Now that's what I call a lot of rock. We encountered some rock climbers on this trek, but unfortunately I didn't take a picture for some reason.

Older work

2010-09-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Here are a few older images, these are of some little fabric houses I made one year for VINEART, a Gallery 96 fundraiser. Gallery 96 is an artist co-operative that I belong to , here in Stratford. It has had many homes over the years and changed it's format, but it has been around for over 30 years. Every November we have Vineart, an evening of wine tasting gourmet food, music and a silent art auction. You never know which wall will be closed to bidding, so it keeps the interest going throughout the evening. Fortunately I am not helping with the organizing this year, been there, done that. I will be donating some art though. Not sure what, but here are the little houses from another year.

this year they are changing it up a bit and it is the vineart of bear tasting along with appropriate foods. There are a lot of specialized small breweries in the area and this is a town full of specialty food producers and gourmet chefs.

Stratford is smack in the middle of a large agricultural area. What is going on in that sector is very interesting, a lot of organic growers, farm gate sales etc. I have a few favorites One being Gourmet cook and organic farmer as well as a talented artist Anthony John, also known as the Manic Organic. Then there is Montefort Cheese, yummy and a neighbour of mine Perth County Pork Products. they are a family farm that offers farm gate sales of the best Octoberfest sausage as well as other pork products including wild bore. Haven't tried that yet. If you are ever in the area, check them out.

Anthony John the Manic Organic and owner of Soil Reputation organic farm.

From the DeMartines family

Montefort Cheese is operated by Stratford Chefs School instructor and chef Ruth Klahsen

The Sketchbook Project

2010-09-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

I have taken up the challenge and my sketchbook arrived in the mail this past week. I chose the subject dirigibles and submersibles, don't ask me why, it just appealed to me for some reason. Now I have to start actually thinking about what I will do. Not sure if I will replace the paper with something more substantial like some others have done, or just use appropriate media. Thought it would be a fun idea. I'll post some of the work after I get started.

Wearable Art

2010-09-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

It is indeed a busy fall. The next show up for Gallery 96, of which I am a member, is Wearable Art. After tossing ideas around and around I finally settled on doing dome hats. This first one is wool with needle felting and beads, inspired by the Laplanders.

The second one is inspired by the hats worn by Zulu women. It is also wool with a fancy yarn couched to it along with feathers. This shot is a 3/4 view so that you can see the feathers and tassel, they are really on the side.

The last one is a tapestry Tudor inspired hat with buttons and tassels. You can tell that I am partial to tassels. It's become a bit of a joke among some of my friends. Unfortunately this photo is rather dark, I really am going to have to find a more professional set up for taking photos. It all seems to be hit and miss at the moment.

Other Uploads I missed

2010-09-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

Another image I couldn't upload was this great gift of silk waste sent to me from a friend in Norwich UK. I"m anxious to try it but will have to wait until I have some free time from upcoming commitments .

One of which is "In The Spirit", a show in October in an old country church in Avonbank. Sorry for the bad picture

Photo Uploads

2010-09-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

Well I'm going to try this again, I've been having trouble loading images. Spent ages trying to get help.The solution seams to be , changing from the old to new format. Why don't they warn you this could happen.

I mentioned that I had done some little illustrations while at the cottage, well here are some shots from the cottage on Kennissis Lake. My Dad bought the property back in the late sixties and we all helped build the cottage. It has been a very much loved haven for all of us. My parents have since passed away in a devastating accident, but this remains our strongest tie with them.

In The Spirit

2010-08-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

I"m doing a pre-Christmas show with a bunch of old friends and some new friends in October. It's in a little old country in Avonbank. It's what my husband would call a "blow through", ...you blink, you miss it. I went as a quest last year and was impressed with the work and the attendance, so even though I haven't done this type of thing for a long while, I decided to participate. It's October 17-19th. The same weekend as a Gallery 96 show is opening in Stratford. It's going to be a busy weekend and I need to buckle down and get a lot of work done. You can see more at Ev's web site here http://www.evscott.com .

book preview

2010-08-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

Well this is exciting, a fellow from Kitchener has been working on a book of area artists, I was asked to submit a page and last night a preview came through email.The reality of it coming to fruition is exciting. Unfortunately I don't know how to include a pdf file in this blog. but basically it is photos of yours truly (boring) and works already seen on my blog; the snail armour and birch bark corset as well as the bird cage guardian. I have no idea when it will be actually out and in what format. I'll let you know. This is the link to the original site, but it doesn't yet have a preview of the artist pages. http://www.talentnextdoor.com

links

2010-08-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

I'm computer challenged, I know, but I've been following the instructions to publish links to my blog page and they don't show up. They are listed on the page that has my whole profile but not on the actual blog. Any suggestions?

More Little Illustrations

2010-08-05T16:16:00.001-07:00

...seem to be on a roll with these things.

2010-07-30T08:22:00.001-07:00

COTTAGE Back from an all to short week at the cottage. I did manage a few gouache illustrations. .

WAXING ENCAUSTIC

I took an encaustic class with Andrea Bird...I'm addicted. I have enough problem staying focused I will have to stop taking classes in new media. Since the class, I got together with a couple of friends and we did some more in my barn.

next piece

2010-07-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

Here is my new piece for a new body of work on the fragility of nature. And no, I didn't strip a live tree. Up at my cottage the beaver have cut down several trees that are now rotting, so I shook out the wood dust and I have several tubes to work with. Surprisingly it was easy to sew on mt machine as long as the pieces weren't too thick. It does have a grain though, so horizontal stitching sometimes splits the bark.
Still working on sheer fabric insect wings to go on it. I have entered this piece and the snail armour in the Fibreworks show at the Cambridge Galleries. Cross your fingers.

Next up is a coffee filter cloak and a pop can skull....stay tuned.

2010-04-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of quick pics of my " Curiosity Cabinet " for Gallery 96's collections show in May.
It is a collection of imaginary plants made from fabric, paper, yarn, zippers, etc. the book on top of the cabinet is made up of gouache paintings embellished with embroidery and beads. The inspiration came from my Mother's 70 yr. old plant press.

2010-04-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

Art in the Barn : Wendy O'Brien is a mixed media fibre artist who uses a variety of materials and techniques in her work. The Barn Studio/Gallery is open by chance or appointment from June 1 to Thanksgiving. It is located 7 minutes from downtown Stratford, Ontario.

#4264, Line 36 (Quinlin Rd.)
R.R. #5, Stratford Ontario
N5A 6S6

obrienfibreart@hotmail.com

Directions: Huron St. west to O'Loane Ave., turn right
north to the first stop sign (line 36), turn left
3rd house on the right #4264

2010-04-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

2010-04-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Took a needle felting workshop a couple of weeks ago and I'm hooked, literally and figuratively.Here is the first piece, more to come. I'm going to use it as part of my Curiosity Cabinet in the Gallery 96 show that starts May 8 at Factory 163, here in Stratford.Here are a few others...1st a zipper plant I've also been working on a book on my imaginary plants...here's the beginning. They are painted on old book pages with gouache and embellished with thread, yarn and beads.
Planning on doing some individual ones to sell.

2010-04-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

My piece on U-tube

http://www.youtube.com/user/highlandsmediaarts#p/a/u/0/qtE0pQtwXYk

Around Frayed Edges exhibition

Curated by Laurie Carmount

March 18—May 29, 2010

Please join us for the opening reception at the Agnes Jamieson Gallery March 19 at 4pm

...a narration spun through work that pushes the limits as to what an artist can do with fibre today. Similar to social misfits that sit on the outskirts of society, like mad inventors experimenting, and geniuses with universal knowledge, this exhibition encourages the far reaches of thought and imagination. Does society hang by a thread, will the Fates cut the cord, oh what a tangled web we weave…here is an opportunity to see work that follows a string into a world on the periphery.

Artists: Marianne Kyryluk, Carl Stewart, Robin Ripley, Jean Farrell, Heidi Hudspith, David R. Harper, Jill Odegaard, Laura Trach, Liz Menard, Nadine Papp, Wendy O'Brien, Johanna Nousiainen, Fay Wilkinson, Audrey MacLean, Caitlin Erskine-Smith, Barbara Wisnoski, Erika DeFreitas, Carmella Karijo Rother, Suzen Green, Sandi Luck, Cynthia Jackson, Amanda McCavour, Ilona Staples, Karen Goetzinger, Catherine Vamvakas Lay, Karina Bergmans, Jane Tingley

Agnes Jamieson Gallery

176 Bobcaygeon Road

Minden Ontario K0M 2K0

gallery@mindenhills.ca

705-286-3763

catching up contin....

2010-03-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

I was interrupted ,had to zip off to the Gallery Stratford to teach a printmaking class.The painting is by Jim MacDougall. The Tobacco Barns are a mixed media piece I did.

Never did get a good shot of this piece, meant to represent a barn, so here is the top, followed by the bottomThis is a close up of Fence Line.; a collection of bits and pieces sandwiched between netting.
Here is one of my own paintings in acrylic.

Gallery 96's next show was Booked Marked held at the local Library. It was a juried show of altered books. Both of mine made it but I don't have a decent picture , so that will have to be added later.
I just finished a piece for the Agnes Jamieson Gallery in Minden. The show is a fibre show and my piece speaks to the fragility of nature, It was a major effort. The bodice of the armour is all snail shells colledted by me and friends both big and small. Some are from my garden, some the Avon River and some from PEI. The bottom part is all appliques fabric, yarn and beads. The show runs until the end of May.

playing catch up

2010-03-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy year and I haven't found the time to keep up on my blog. With a new business plan in mind,I'm going to try and do a better job. But first I'm going to play catch up and post some of the work I've done in the last year.

After Industrial Strength last year Gallery 96 mounted a show at the Blyth Festival, called "Rural Roots". The feast in the foreground is actually a display of "fake food" by gallery member and props maker Carolyn Horley, it fooled more than one person and was quite the topic of conversation.
We moved the exhibit to my barn in September...after a major clean up. For the price of pizza and beer, my son and his friends gutted the stalls and had a huge bonfire. My ever obliging husband power washed the inside and we had it whitewashed. It made a great venue for art about rural life . The above photo is of the family history on this property.

Industrial Strength

2009-03-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Industrial Strength: a Gallery 96 member's show at Factory 163, 163 King St.,Stratford.

Here are my pieces!

Two lines of chairs, one with real miniature chairs, are 2 pieces for Industrial Strength, a show at Factory 163 March 21 to April 5. Factory 163 is the original Globe Wernicke furniture Co. in Stratford. They manufactured office furniture, in particular, barrister's stackable bookcases. Thus the chairs

This rusty worn freight elevator door at the factory was inspiration for the piece below.

This fibre piece came from the photo below, although I have since removed the red frame and sewn it onto wire mesh

This photo of the water stained ceiling of the factory was used as a photo transfer and collaged into the piece below, called "Water Marked", obviously. I rust stained fabric to mimic the watermarks and embellished the piece with beads and old hardware, mounting it on some old wire mesh from the barn.

Factory 163

2008-11-02T18:11:00.000-08:00

Members of Gallery 96 met at Factory 163 (163 King St.) in Stratford to take photos and sketch ideas for an upcoming show about the history and architecture of this old furniture factory. Got some interesting shots, now what to do with them?
Here's Erik, our currator for this show and our resident cartoonist. You can see Erik's work at www.toytrunkrailroad.com/

2 pieces for the Lawson Killer exhibit

2008-10-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Lawson Killer Exhibit is an annual juried exhibition at the Gallery Stratford. I entered 2 pieces and both were excepted. Yeah! The above piece,"POD", is coffee stained quilted paper, stamped embellished with yarn, beads, leaves, more paper. It is 3 sided and topped with velvet leaves and net leaf skeletons

"POD" detail
Next is "NEPTUNE'S GAUNTLET", which is a photo-transfer collage on fabric, embellished with beads,yarn, embroidery, paper, lace and sequins.

Masks and Maskmaking

2008-10-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

I often travel to schools doing art workshops. One of the kids favourites is maskmaking. Her are some photos from Sprucedale P.S. Their Musical that year was "The Lion King"

Rafiki

Timon
...and a few more.
Here are some of my own that were sold at Gallery Stratford.

From my portfolio

2008-10-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

"Eye Pods" Cascading pods made from old postcards. Three sided, one side pops open to view message.

"Family Pods", A trio of fabric pods-red dogwood boning.One is closed, the second slightly open to reveal a feathered interior, the third is open, lined in gold and has cascading family photos on fabric. The pod fabric is stained, painted and stamped canvas with fabric embellishments.

"Sentinel" , started as a piece of driftwood from Paddy's bay on Kennisis Lake. It's unusual shape
determined just what is was going to be.

"In Conversation With My Mother", Two paper teacups linked by machine embroidery

"Burrowing Owl" mixed media collage

Donation to the "I Love My Gallery Auction". Quilted watercolour

"Masks" Quilted , appliqued and embellished for a private customer.

Manipulate This and That

2008-10-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a member of Gallery 96, in Stratford. In September we had an exhibition called "Manipulate This". Members took a workshop on manipulating images using photoshop or gimp. The work produced was exhibited as works on canvas or as animations. All work was produced from an earlier work by the artist. "Manipulate That" was an art happening that followed where the public was invited to create and manipulate art and music. Above is the cover of the catalogue featuring work by Val O'Flynn and myself.

I had three pieces in the show, the first "Florabunda" was an image of an old quilted wall piece, "Secret Garden"
"Secret Garden"

"Florabunda"

The second piece was from a sculpture piece called "Guardian", a mixed media piece. The torso had pencil drawings of birds. The altered piece was called "Guardian 2" and was printed on canvas then beaded.The last piece was much smaller and done on my computer, printed on fabric, embellished and beaded. It was called "Iris" and was derived from a photograph.

Iris

Here are a few collages from another show at Gallery 96