Ritals of the Every Day

On Saturday, March 9th I will be exhibiting seven new needle felted pieces in a show titled Rituals of the Every Day. The show takes place at Swoon Gallery on Hammonds Plains Rd in Halifax, Nova Scotia and runs until March 30th. Please do drop by if you happen to be in the area - I would love to see you. As well there will be two other show openings happening at the same time and place.

 Swoon Gallery is a wonderful old farm house which has been lovingly converted into a beautiful gallery with a variety of art, antiques and truly eye catching visuals. If you haven't been, it's certainly worth checking out. Brandt (the gallerist) is also a delight with a great eye and would be happy to welcome you to the gallery.

All artwork is needle felted & stitched and includes an archival mat in a black shadow box frame. Email Swoon Gallery for further details at info@swoonfineart.com.

h a p p y h o l i d a y s

Art, gardening and food.....

It's been an interesting year so far, particularly as I have realized that I have been engaged in new opportunities and interests that have kept me from creating a new post for well over six months. During this time I have enjoyed spending time in my studio creating new pieces, have enrolled in several different workshops from Transition Town Training to Permaculture courses, started an independent online study of Permaculture and have in the meantime created a huge garden project. This year has been a realization that I need and would like to grow as much of my own food as possible, enjoy more time outside (especially after being sick for 5 months in total last year), truly engage in community resiliency and enjoy the company of those who bring great meaning for me on many levels in my life. I aim to be more self-sufficient in everything I do, particularly with making my own products like toothpaste and deodorant (to name a few), increasing my culinary knowledge to incorporate more fermented foods and the list goes on.

My time in my studio continues to be an expression of what inspires me most - the forest and woodland creatures which surround my home, the idea of embracing many permaculture principles and bringing them forth in all aspects of life and truly embracing a positive outlook as the world at large is face to face with many exciting challenges and changes ahead.

Just a few of my most recent creations:

Levitate
Acrylic, Pastel and Pencil on Wood
(SOLD)

Visitors
Acrylic,Pastel and Pencil on Wood
(SOLD)

In All of Its Pigness
Acrylic, Pastel and Pencil on Wood
(inspired by Joe Salatin of Polyface Farms)

Barnyard Bliss
Acrylic, Pastel and Pencil on Wood
(SOLD)

Bear
Acrylic, Pastel and Pencil on Wood
(inspired by the bear 

Get Better
Acrylic, Pastel and Pencil on Wood

Nova Scotia Ice Wine Festival

It's the time of year where the temperatures have dipped and the snow on the ground is glistening in the beautiful sunlight. It's also the time of year where Nova Scotia celebrates the bounty of Ice Wine combined with local food and outdoor activities. You can view a list the many events here:
http://www.nsicewinefestival.ca/events/2012-02/

Over the past two winters I have decided to truly embrace the season ~ one of which I have not always been entirely fond of. It helps to have a dog to get you outside ~ watching their tail wag even in the most frigid and stormy conditions keeping the feeling of happy alive! On my daily walks through the forest I often stop to admire the many lines and forms of ice in the various frozen pools along the trails. When the sky is bright blue, the ice emits a bluish hue. I always carry my camera with me on these walks and love to discover the many "Ice Formations" which change each day with the rise and fall of temperatures.

I am lucky enough to showcase some of my photographs at my favourite local shop, The Gaspereau Fibre Shop http://www.gaspereauvalleyfibres.ca/. This weekend they will feature wine from a local organic winery, L'Acadie http://www.lacadievineyards.ca/ and also have a chef on site who will create a dish from local lamb.

We are indeed so very lucky to live in the Annapolis Valley where food and community keep the spirit of creativity alive on so many different levels. I love this place and will take every opportunity to celebrate it and embrace February.

Wintertime Artisan Show

You are invited to join us on December 3rd, 2011 for a festive day of wintertime celebration of locally crafted creations and an array of friendly faces. Enjoy a glass of mulled cider and delectable treats as you enjoy a festive atmosphere. Any donations to the foodbank are welcomed. Thanks for your presence. :)

December 3, 2011
10am - 4pm
Wolfville Lion's Hall (Elm St., mere steps from the Wolfville Farmers' Market).

Sneak Peek of Exhibit

Show Statement –

In mid-autumn when the air grows colder and the nights longer, comes the hunter moon. Autumn is the time to reap the benefits from the long days of summer. Food is plentiful. In preparation for the coming long nights much of it is preserved and put away, but there are still the feasts. A carpe diem celebration of the bounty brought by the sun and the animals that give their lives. We think it is important to acknowledge and honour these gifts. When we do, we put an end to industrial farming and factory-produced animals. We regain in our health and enjoyment of the things that really make life good.

Ceramic artist (Tracy Horsman) and painter (Angela Melanson) reconnect with the cycle of life and death, celebrating the rhythms of hunting and foraging. This body of work includes limited edition vessels for enjoying the feast and embracing some of the ancient food traditions like tonics and ales and paintings inspired by our fellow omnivores and the bountiful Acadian forest.

Art for feast and forage under the HUNTER moon

Thought I would share with you the 6 completed mixed medium paintings I will have for my upcoming exhibit at Copper Fox Gallery in Halls Harbour, Nova Scotia. I will be sure to take photos of the exhibit where you'll be able to view both mine and ceramic artist Tracy Horsman's work. Until then, thanks for looking! :)

You can view titles, sizes, prices and how to purchase on the Lala & Gleen Facebook page. I hope to have all of these details up before the opening on Friday, September 30th.