A few months back, I had the honour of being interviewed by Patti Vipond, a writer for the Muskoka Life Magazine. If you’re interested in reading more about my background, process and artist career, be sure to pick up a copy of the April 2019 Muskoka Life Magazine!
Painting again
Recently Timber and Rain have been coordinating their 2 hour naps, so I’ve had some alone time! Bliss. Wait, what do I do? Do I nap? Clean, cook, bake? Do I just sit on the couch in peace? Read a book? (an actual paper book!) Well, one big thing I decided to do was PAINT! Get out those brushes, water, spray bottle, messy acrylic paint jars and pallet knife. I bought a big 36 x 48’’ canvas and called up a photographer friend for a photo and voila! Two weeks later there is a big painting of a majestic, buffalo trio on my drafting table. I really didn’t think I’d be able to paint for a long time having littles at home. But despite my excuses, I did it. I accomplished another work of art for someone to fall in love with and take home.
BUFFALO
36 x 48’’ acrylic painting on mulberry paper covered canvas
Silhouette Portraits
It seems hard to believe, but my son is turing ONE year old this March! This past year, I’ve spent most of my time focused on being a mom and home-maker; just day to day living. As Timber stared to get more independent and needed my undivided attention less, I started to think about my art again. If I’m being completely transparent, I actually got to a point where I felt depleted and empty; like I had nothing left to give and just wasn’t feeling myself. After a conversation with my husband (more like talking at him; processing and crying haha) I was able to come to the conclusion that I needed to find small ways of creating. I needed it to be easy, fast and efficient as well as possibly make a side income. Enter Silhouette Portraits! I found a specific product that I could accomplish in a small amount of time, I could pick up and walk away at any time (which was a must with small children constantly needing my attention). Drawing (opposed to painting) was a manageable medium I could work in with the chaos of life still continuing on around me. I then opened up an Etsy shop and started drawing side profile Silhouette Portraits. I was given a Cricut machine for my 25th birthday which I use to cut hand drawn designs into the paper around the drawing. Peter partnered with me to make magnetic rails that would act as a frame to hold the drawings. His history as an arborist added to little details of beautifully tied leather string at the top of the frame, and there you have it: ready to hang home decor art.
For the New Momma// All My Favourites
Now that we are expecting our second baby in March, I have been in the basement organizing and sorting through my totes of baby stuff. Pulling out all the things we used for Rain brings back so many memories, and gets me so excited to do it all again... only with a completely different, baby boy!
Recently I've been trying to de-clutter my house, mind and spaces. I have been using Simplified Planners for the last 3 years now, and following them on instagram has also been encouraging in helping me to get rid of all the extra and too much. In doing these things I felt inspired to share a post geared to the new mama audience that might be looking for tips and advice on how to do this whole raising humans thing. It can be scary and just down right overwhelming! The baby/parenting market is constantly growing; getting bigger, better, prettier and sometimes more expensive. What's best, what's trendy, what's the most cost efficient, what will last? What do I need and what do I NOT need?
For me, I think it really helped to have two things in mind when we were planning and buying things in preparation for Rain to enter and change our lives.
First was that we were focused more on starting a family; not just having a baby girl. Peter and I knew we wanted more than one kid, and that meant we were looking at the long term more than just this first new baby specifically. So gender neutral was a big thing when it came to all the big stuff or anything other than clothes. This is actually very easy right now as grey and soft colour themes are currently popular in the baby world.
The second thing was our need for minimal, simple and compact. When Rain was born we were in a very small cottage (apartment) rented from my in-laws. We did not have a lot of growing room for a bunch of baby stuff. Now that we have our own house that is much bigger and has tons of space, I'm actually so grateful we don't have a butt load of bulky baby things occupying every nook and cranny. Just what we need, and several things we're still using because they were designed with multiple uses or to grow with a family (I'll list and point out these things out as I go.)
I've always been a hard worker and I tried really hard in school, but I don't think I've ever put in as much time, effort and research as I did when it came to our baby registry and every little thing we've purchased for Rain (our kids) since! Seriously. I compare, google, blog read and youtube the heck out of everything! What better way to make use of all those hours and knowledge than to share it with all of you!? SO, here we go. All my favourite baby and toddler things, with a few I don't own but I have read about, like and think may be right for you and your family. *side note* Babylist is an awesome tool for creating a baby registry, I used it and highly recommend!
During pregnancy I highly recommend reading these two:
Ina May's guide to childbirth. It's mostly just a bunch of testimonies from women who have given birth in a setting that was natural and comfortable. It's great to read just facts and first hand accounts, rather than a bunch of opinions or one view point. I was also advised by a Christian friend and Doula to read up on Mary and everything God said to her around birth and excepting the Son of God! The biggest things for me were: "Do not be afraid" and "You are favoured". We were created and designed to be able to give birth. Baby Wise was a book I read after Rain, more in preparation for baby #2. Rain didn't sleep through the night until she was 10 months and I refuse to go through that again! So after following the advice of a sleep doula to finally train her to sleep 10-12 hours (with success!!) I decided to start off on the right foot this time. This book and the two charts above are simple guides for helping a new baby get to this place of knowing how to sleep on their own! Hopefully avoiding the long and painful process of sleep training the hard way!
Starting from the beginning, I would highly recommend these things for momma:
Belly Bandit Body Formulated Fit Belly Wrap or any postpartum wrap. For me it wasn't as much for aesthetics as much as it literally helped me to breathe! I'm 5 ft 1'' and Rain was 9 lbs 7oz! So the moment she was out, I felt like I had a 'HOLE' lot of missing in my mid section! I remember having to walk hunched over to be able to feel like I could breathe properly. Wearing this wrap for a couple weeks postpartum helped me feel held together!
Matter Company Products for postpartum healing as well as a billion other things for you and baby are amazing! Not to mention their products are made in Canada and they're based out of Toronto! Woohoo support local! I loved their cooling spray, nipple creme, sitz bath and their baby sunscreens.
Nuna Pipa car seat is one of the bigger $$ items we decided on, and the reason was safety and weight! At the time (there could be a new one now) it was the lightest car seat on the market at 7.7 lbs! Features listing a mile long:
- 5 Point harness
- Secure and simple 5 second install
- Dream drape
- Premium micro knit fabric
- Mesh peek-a-boo window
- Side impact protection for ultimate baby safe keeping
- True lock™ installation makes set up swift, simple and above all – safe
- Heavy duty shell is super resilient yet ultra lightweight
- Comfy infant insert is removable for growing babies
- Removable, full coverage two position & protective UPF 50+ canopy with flip out eyeshade
- Installs rearward facing in a snap with the PIPA’s base
- Lightweight carry handle is ergonomically designed to tote with ease
- Ideal for city living and taxis as it can be installed with a vehicle seat belt – no base needed
- Aircraft certified to travel everywhere and beyond
- Recommended use: 4 to 32 lbs, and up to 32 in
- Product: h 26.1 x w 17.5 x l 25.2 in
- Product weight: 7.7 lbs, with base 21.9 lbs
Baby Jogger City Select is another big $$ item we chose and the reasoning for this was the fact that it would LAST and GROW with our family. This is one of those investments intended to last us years- for all our kids in fact. With 16+ configurations and a simple adaptor for our Nuna Pipa car seat, it is a dream! Another great stroller similar to ours is the UPPAbaby Vista stroller. Our friends have this one and they love it. It's a little more expensive, but you're paying for the bassinet that comes with it and a few other little perks which are sold separately for our Baby Jogger City Select.
Graco Pack 'n Play Playard Portable Napper & Changer is an awesome and affordable item. A big reason I love it is because it serves several different purposes and we still use it today for our toddler. It has this little bassinet that clicks into the pack 'n play. With the press of a button it spins over to an easy-to-wipe, flat surface for changing diapers, while on the other side has a slightly reclined, soft bed material for napping newborns, then to top it off the whole piece is removable to set on the floor with no slip legs.
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump is new to me and I'm super excited about it! With Rain I had a Lansinoh Manual pump which worked great, but what I love about this new guy is that unlike my old pump, this one is so simple and EASY TO CLEAN! I don't know about you, but for me, if something is easy to clean, I'm SOLD! Ain't nobody got time for tedious scrubbing in hard to reach nooks & crannies! Another wonder with this product is that it collects the let down milk that would normally be lost from the other breast while feeding your baby. No work for stored milk and no lost liquid gold! Can I get an AMEN! Super cute design, small, simple, compact and beyond portable. It's QUIET, and efficient. It comes with an adorable little flower stopper and a suction base so that curious toddler of mine can't swipe it up in the two seconds it takes me to get the ladies tucked away, and the milk to a safe sanctuary in the freezer for a bottle later. (Preferably served by a glorious babysitter while I get some ME time! I love being a mom, but girl needs to recharge every now and again.)
Boon Bath products are my favourite. We've had to throw out all our other bath toys already due to black mould growing inside from trapped water I can never seem to get out. I don't own this specific tub, but one like it, however my friend does have this one and the collapsable design is amazing for small spaces or just keeping things neat and tidy. I also love Boon Snug Snack containers which we use all the time now for Rain's snacks. Easy for little hands to get at the food, but prevents spillage or the impulse to dump a thousand gold fish on the floor!
Milk Snob is also a must, and is another item we still use! It's a breast feeding cover, swaddle, carseat cover, and now we use it to fit over grocery cart seats so Rain doesn't go licking a germ infested handle- this is a real thing, she actually does this!
Ikea's ANTILOP is the most affordable, simple, easy to clean and semi-portable high chair! I really don't think you need anything more complicated or bulky sitting in your dining room!
Sili Squeeze is a life saver for clean and easy feedings- we started using this early on with Rain back when she was new to solids. It's great for purees, smoothies and currently it's biggest use for us is yogourt- which we squeeze straight out of iogo probio 875g yogurt pouches.
Skip Hop products are also among my favourite products both for design and price as well as function! Two of my loves include their Skip Hop Uplift Multi-Level Bouncer and their Explore & More Baby's View 3 Stage Activity Centre which we still use for Rain in the table stage for colouring and playing at. As far as bouncers go, this one is perfect and simple. It's one of the only ones that is adjustable to sit at floor level or up at a dining room table height- which I prefer for not having to bend down so far. It was nice to pull up to us when it was dinner time and with the new babe, I won't be worried about Rain tripping over and onto baby boy! It's also a cheaper alternative to the 4MOMS mamaRoo which is another popular, higher bouncer, but with more bells and whistles.
Hap Tim diaper bag backpack is what we switched to after using a stylish mom bag/ diaper bag from etsy for a year. We did this for more space and for practicality when travelling and needing to be more hands free when lugging around our family. I have a friend who also uses a diaper bag backpack but from the HONEST COMPANY -which I think is a great one for space and practicality as well! Inside I keep my favourite JJ Cole change pad which is an all in one, handy clutch that folds out to an easy-to-wipe surface with a pouch for diapers and a pocket on the opposite side to flip over for wipes.
Bumbo makes an awesome little seat for babies learning to sit up and starting to eat solids. I also love their Step 'n Potty which triples as a floor potty, step stool, and toddler seat on the 'big' potty! Now that we're talking more the toddler stage...
Diono Radian RXT Convertible Booster Car Seat is my favourite! It's also another item that's a little higher $$ but so worth it. The base folds up and is easy to carry with a separate shoulder strap- in fact we took this baby all the way to Australia with us on board the flight; Rain was able to sleep safely and have her own seat. More features include:
- Full steel frame and aluminum reinforced sides for unmatched safety
- Unique SuperLATCH system that makes installation easy
- It also fits 3 across in most mid-size vehicles, folds flat for travel and is FAA certified
- NCAP crash tested, the industry benchmark for verifying child seat performance in severe accident conditions
- Infant body support cushions and memory foam for added comfort
- Energy absorbing EPS foam and side impact protection provides added safety
- Safestop® energy-absorbing harness
- Additional forward-facing recline position to accommodate different types of contoured vehicle seats, 12-position adjustable headrest, 5 shoulder and 3 buckle positions deliver a comfortable ride.
- Rear-facing tether capability
- UAS installation up to 29.5 kg (65 lb) child then converts to a booster for children between 23 and 54 kg (50 - 120 lbs)
- Expandable sides and long seat bottom allow proper leg support
- Low-sitting profile makes it easy for your child to board
- Angled cup holder keeps a variety of drinks upright and within easy reach
- Cover is machine washable and dryable
- Rubber bottom grips for no-slip installation
Kidrox Headphones were also a life saver on our plane ride! Rain loves the Wiggles and Veggie Tales so we passed a lot of flight time with an iPad. These headphones are nearly indestructible- twist in every direction, have a removable foam piece to size down for smaller heads, and they're volume limited for young, delicate ears. * I bought ours on amazon.ca for $27... I noticed the price has more than double now, so try shopping around- eBay I think has better pricing.
Melissa & Doug anything and everything is my favourite! I love these people and all the toys they make! Often wooden, hand made, aesthetically pleasing, so simple and amazing for learning!
That's the bulk of it, and I hope it was helpful! If you have any questions feel free to ask away! Probably easiest on Instagram- where I often post in my stories things Rain and I are up to or things we use to make life easier or entertaining.
Flying to Australia with a one year old!
"Maybe you should stop taking crazy pills", a kind Air Canada employee joked with me after I told him we were flying to Australia with our 16 month old, and that I would also be 6 months pregnant. The reason we decided to fly all the way around the world is simply because of family. My Dad is Australian and I have dual citizenship. My husband has also never met some of my relatives like my grandma and we decided it was now or... maybe never. So just like that we booked our flights! And so, I thought I'd use my 'blog' here to share our experience and some tips for anyone interested in flying with a little person.
Pre Trip:
1. BOOKING - there is this awesome family who travels with their kids all over, and some how affords it all! HERE is their secret. Unfortunately we didn't get started on this in time so I can't personally sing it's praises, but after forking out a butt load of $$$ I know I will be going this route in the future!
Initially the idea of Rain being able to fly for 'free' still (under 2 years old fly free, or depending on the flight- ours for example- you may only need to pay a small 10% fee), our first instinct was to take advantage and just fly with a lap-toddler. LONG story short, the thought of flying 20+ hours in a small space, while pregnant with a very mobile and energetic 1 yr old on our laps brought a lot of worry and stress. It literally consumed my thoughts for the 3 months pre-trip, and finally resulted in us just purchasing her a seat after all. Actually, it was gifted to us by our blessed parents! Thank God for grandparents who love their grand baby and generously offered to help us out. TIP- take these kinds of gifts when offered! Which leads to tip 2...
2. PREPARATION- be prepared for anything (within reason lol). We were planning on flying with a lap-toddler all the way until the week before our flight- talk about cutting it close! With this in mind, you better believe I was Pinteresting and blog searching in all my spare time! I found some really helpful stuff and cool gadgets to help make flying with wee ones much easier! We have a large baby jogger stroller intended to grow with our family... which was expensive and bulky... so we decided to down-size to a smaller stroller to be sure we could push our daughter all the way to the gate and check it smoothly. We ended up finding this baby at a liquidation place. Mountain Buggy Nano is so light, super compactable and came with a snug cover bag to put it in once we checked it at the gate. I knew we'd be outside a lot on our trip and the possibility of her snoozing in the stroller was high so we also ordered this Skip Hop universal Sun Shade- bliss! Another reason for finally purchasing Rain a seat was because I desperately wanted to be able to use her car seat on the plane (she's used to it and might sleep better- also avoids having to pick her up during any turbulence... rules... rules). Bringing your carseat onboard/gate check is not allowed unless you have purchased a seat! So the hope of an empty (free) seat was possible but NOT with a carseat. Our Diono Radian rXT car seat is super convenient for flying! The base actually folds up and is rated for aircraft use (also a must to be allowed to use on board), you can also purchase straps for it to wear as a backpack! We purchased the Jeep car seat travel bag to put it in because I initially thought we might have to check it if we couldn't have an empty seat. (This thing is huge and will fit any bulky carseat! And you're welcome to borrow ours! haha). Another thing we did was get a head start on training Rain on using headphones with her iPad shows and movies. She's super into Veggie Tales and the Wiggles and I know I can kill a few hours on our journey with screen time. But we were aware that flight attendants and fellow passengers might not be appreciative of the sing alongs, so these KIDROX headphones were the obvious choice! They are comfy, super flexible/nonbreakable, and volume-limiting for delicate, young ears. It also comes with a foam clip-on that sizes them down for wee-wee ones.
3. SNACKS- I think I've read everywhere that snacks are the most important thing when travelling with kids! So pack as much as you can carry! Babies and toddlers are also exempt from the liquid rules, i.e. you can bring full bottles of milk! Icepacks are also allowed in carry ons to keep said milk cold. We packed all her favourites: cheddar bunnies, grahams & fruit snacks, her Sili Squeeze to fill with yogourt or smoothies, apples, strawberries, blueberries, granola bars, homemade muffins, and these Boon SNUG containers for easy access, but no spill/ dumping!
4. CARRY ON- First of all: PASSPORTS, for some reason, when I have a nightmare, it's always about forgetting my passport. I have no idea why, I rarely travel and have never done this before... random. But alas, I have a friend who has done this... as well as a friend who misread the expiry- so check, double check and get a friend to check! And a huge problem we did run into on the way home was that I did't have a Canadian passport! If you have dual citizenship (which is what I have and was travelling with an Australian passport) you can NOT get into Canada without a Canadian passport. Luckily I was able to apply for a one time acceptance back in to the country (I did this at the airport once I was informed of this new rule... which made us miss our flight by 10mins and we had to catch the next flight 24hrs later). You should also have your child's documents- birth certificate long form. You may or may not be asked for this... however I also read if you're travelling without your partner- you'll need some documentation of their permission (Look into this). We brought a carry on and her diaper bag which we had previously switched from the fashionable mom-bag/diaper-bag to this Hap Tim backpack, it's uber spacious and has compartments that make you throw your hands up with organizational Praise! Delightful, fast and easy wipes with one zip of a side pouch! We dressed Rain in her pjs for comfort and also because it was an overnight start. A change of clothes for her and for us. Hand towel for mopping up spills (wipes are already wet... so), iPad, charger, & headphones for all of us. My mom made this epic activity book for Rain with felt and a billion other things, twistable crayons (Rain likes to just snap regular ones in half), small (quiet) brand new dollar store toys (wrapped for the excitement and additional time bought unwrapping), & her favourite blanket. For us: neck pillows, compression socks for my preggers-self (circulation is a big deal and sitting for a long period of time while pregnant could be asking for problems!) Baby + regular Gravol for sleep, Dimetapp (this was recommended to me by a doctor who suggested giving Rain a dose 1 hour before landing for her ears) Tums, Tylenol (rather than Advil= safer for preggers), SANITARY wipes- I read that this was a must for wiping down the seats and anywhere children might touch or straight up lick! Ain't nobody got time for sickness and grossness! Poo bags (like the doggy kind: for diapers), bum cream (lather on prior with fresh diaper to avoid rashes!) Nasal spray (also read this is good for babies on flights). For long haul freshening up: Deodorant & toothbrush/toothpaste. WATER BOTTLES - take through customs empty and fill before boarding. Jet leg is largely due to dehydration. Also ziplock bags for any liquid and also for organizing and containing garbage accumulation during flight. A small first aid kit was also suggested to me: bandaids, nail file, Visine, burn cream...blah blah. Lastly, try to somewhat memorize where you put things, also strategically packing things in places of most use. We didn't like getting up to get things out of the overhead compartment and it was just a huge pain searching around for things. So make the most used things easiest and fasted to locate and grab. The more organized you are, the smoother the whole flight experience will be.
5. JUST INCASE- Write yo' name, address etc. on back of carseat with a sharpie (says Air Canada), and on everything else haha. Make sure you have travel insurance and look into whether or not you need to purchase and ETA Visa (for our trip Peter did). My pregnancy papers and documents (from my midwife) were also something I was told to bring.
6. BEFORE BOARDING- let babes run around and get all their energy out! BREATHE and be calm and mentally prepare for 'the worst', or in other words: just have low expectations! Then you will hopefully be pleasantly surprised when things go just fine!! Also be SUPER kind and in control- this makes flight attendants want to help, and like you! Welcome all kindness from fellow passengers! I read somewhere flying with a baby/toddler is like labour (BAHAHAHAHAHA) in the moment it seems overwhelming and like death... but then it's all over and totally worth it and once you're at your destination you'll forget all the pain! And you know what- Rain blew us away! She travelled like a champ and slept and behaved amazingly both ways! Praise the Lord!
7. ON BOARD THE FLIGHT- Timing. Don't pull out all the tricks right away. Save things as you need them/ when kiddo becomes bored and needs the next thing. We left the iPad for last. Rain loves the Wiggles and it's pretty much a no-fail for us- so we wanted her to exhaust everything else before pulling out her favourite shows we knew would keep her attention for a long time!
Sleeping- to get Rain to sleep it was half & half on her own and with help from us setting the environment. There were times when she naturally fell asleep by herself... we looked over and boom: she was out! Other times we got the flight attendants to warm up her bottle in hot water (do this while everyone is boarding; the moment the seatbelt lights come on they can't help you until you're up in the air... which might defeat the purpose of needing the bottle to help with baby's ears), and block out any distractions- like the tv screens in front and beside her. To do this we made a little tent from a blanket, tucked into the seats behind/ above her head and in front of her. I think there was one time she cried after the bottle was done and we just waited it out: "shhhh"-ing and "night night"-ing until she fell asleep. of course this sucks but, they're babies and they cry. It only lasted maybe 10 mins anyway and was worth it once she was out for 7 hours!
Well, that's the most of it. If you have any questions about flying with toddlers, please ask and I'd be happy to help if I can. I'm no pro, but after flying one of the longest long haul flights around the world, I feel like I might know a thing or two. Happy and safe travels!
Summer Show!
Still Growing is the name of the upcoming show put on by the Huntsville Art Society this summer at the Canada Summit Centre! Guess what... I'm in it!! The piece being feature is this giant, beautiful Ursus Americanus also known as the Black Bear! I know what you're thinking: "but you do portraits?!" You're right, I specialize in human portraits, but over the past few years I've noticed a trend. They're not selling. Sure, they've brought me some great commissions, and that's great. But in the mean time, I've decided that I'd like to sell the paintings I do in my spare time. So, I'm branching out in hopes that the paintings I put in future shows are the paintings people see and want in their homes!
The show will be on from August 16th to November 14th, 2017. So be sure to tell your friends and family! And once I have a date and time, I will post the opening reception!
Since February...
Where the heck have I been? And what do I do with my time? Good questions. It's what I've been asking myself recently. My last post was February and between now and then I really don't have much to show as far as paintings and work go. But then I suppose I can justify that "lost time" with being pregnant for the last 9 months and now expectantly awaiting the arrival of our first baby! That's a good excuse right? But really I think laziness, lack of motivation, and DISTRACTION also play a role (how ever small) in this matter. Either way, here we are and what I HAVE accomplished, I would love to show you! AND I'm happy to announce that I will be displaying one of my pieces in an upcoming show this summer. Maybe you'll even see baby Z and me there if you're able to come out!
Here is a commission I started in March and finished in May. His name is Mr. Millar. I first met this gentleman at the home of the friends we were visiting who commissioned me to do this piece. Now and again we will get around to talking about what I do for a living etc. So when he found out that I painted portraits he immediately started telling me about this epic photograph that someone had taken of him at his farm. A black and white photo featuring himself wearing a hunting orange hat, smoking a fat cigar, and sporting a braided, grey beard. With every word of this description, my visual brain was putting together this awesome portrait! I could see it so clearly without ever seeing the actual photograph. I knew right away I wanted this picture. So with in a week or two I had a copy of this epic photo and started working on not one, but two portraits. Yes, there is also a drawing of Mr. Millar. Which will be hung at the Other Side Gallery, in Rivermill Park, Huntsville this summer.
Mr. Millar (painting)
24 x 30'' acrylic on paper covered canvas
SOLD// commissioned
Huntsville Art Society's Members' show will be on from June 27th, to July 24th. The show is being held at the Other side Gallery across from Rivermill Park, on the "other side'' of Main street in Huntsville. Be sure to come check it out during gallery hours 11-5pm Wednesday - Saturday. And you may very possibly see me at the opening reception there on Thursday, July the 7th, from 5-7pm. That is if I'm not in labour and/or have recovered from delivering our baby girl. And if that is the case, you might see us both there! What more could you ask for: beautiful local art and a cute newborn baby. Sounds like the place to be to me!
Mr. Millar (drawing)
22 x 30'' Graphite
$2000
Spring Vitality
Guess what!? I'm back at the Summit Centre Art Atrium this February 17- May 17, 2016! Mark it on your calendars- the Opening Reception for Huntsville Art Society's Spring Vitality show is February 18, from 5 - 7pm! Come see me, 34 other amazing artists and our work hanging at the Summit Centre!
The Art Sampler with HAS
First thing's first, what is HAS?
Huntsville Art Society is an amazing group that I've recently been working closely with in pursuit of gaining a larger presence for arts and culture in the town. Their location (Signal North Gallery) is in the west end of Huntsville in the old train station (26 Station Rd, Huntsville). I was recently part of a show at the Signal North Gallery around Christmas and I'm looking forward to another upcoming show that I have been asked to be a part of!
That's where we get to The Art Sampler! The upcoming show at the Signal North Gallery will be featuring a number of local artists who are also going to be instructing a variety of workshops in what we're calling The Art Sampler! Yes, that's right, I'm one of those instructors! I will be teaching a Portrait Basics workshop on March 16, 2016. Anyone is invited to participate by registering at www.huntsvilleartsociety.ca. I hope to see you there!
Coming to a Close...
Well friends, I hope you all had a wonderful, blessed Christmas and New Years! We did! And Thank you to everyone who was able to come out and support our group show at the Train Station over the past month. It was an honour to be a part of and I'm excited for more shows to come. For those of you that still want to pop by and see the Rhythm & Hues art show, it will be up until January 16th. Signal North Gallery is open Wednesdays- Fridays 1-5pm, and Saturdays 11-5pm. Stay tuned for more shows and exciting events where I will be showing my art in 2016.
Upcoming Show!
Put it in your calendars: December 4th 5-7pm, come see me and various other artists from the Huntsville Art Society showing our art at the Signal North Art Gallery. Our works will be up from December 2 - January 16th for the Rhythm & Hues Christmas Show.
Timber Wolf
Acrylic on 14'' antique saw blade
Why a wolf?
Honestly, I can't tell you.
For those of you who know me well, you're first thought is probably: "she doesn't paint animals"
And you'd be right. I don't and I'm not looking to gain any animal commissions or build my business by painting just anything. I thrive off portraits and it's what I love most.
So I guess this painting was simply because I was allowing myself to be free in my studio. To paint something I saw that I liked. It inspired me. Period. It took me only a few hours to prepare the antique saw blade and to finish the painting. I love it. And what it means to me is maybe prophetic...
I'm sharing this because I'm letting you see what I do and what goes on in my brain and art studio. It's me being real and honest. I have no rules, or guide lines- I just know what I love most and what I do best. I can't do everything, so I do what makes me come alive.
PRAISE
18 x 24'' Acrylic on paper covered canvas
This girl has been waiting over a year for me to paint her. Now that my life isn't consumed with wedding details and getting life sorted out- I have had some time to create (in-between taking on commissions). Four of my friends and I met Shantae in Redding, California the summer of 2014. We travelled down to Bethel for a two week worship school. We rented a cute house near the school where we were able to host a fun BBQ// dance party! Probably while dancing to When Jesus Say Yes by Michelle Williams I caught this epic photo of Shantae. Praising our hearts out. Thats what happened in California.
FANIKIWA
Kenyan woman- tea, water colour & pen- on paper Sept 2015
FANIKIWA /// it means \\\ SUCCESS
I have been working on a big project that is very different from anything that I'm used to. But the vision, the heart and the people behind it is why I took it on and why I am so excited about it!
I am so honoured to be a part of this project. I can not wait to share the finished product once it's complete. But until then... this is all you get :)
-PSALM 112-
Hallelujah!
Blessed man, blessed woman, who fear God,
Who cherish and relish his commandments,
Their children robust on the earth,
And the homes of the upright—how blessed!
Their houses brim with wealth
And a generosity that never runs dry.
Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people—
God’s grace and mercy and justice!
The good person is generous and lends lavishly;
No shuffling or stumbling around for this one,
But a sterling and solid and lasting reputation.
Unfazed by rumor and gossip,
Heart ready, trusting in God,
Spirit firm, unperturbed,
Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies,
They lavish gifts on the poor—
A generosity that goes on, and on, and on.
An honored life! A beautiful life!
Someone wicked takes one look and rages,
Blusters away but ends up speechless.
There’s nothing to the dreams of the wicked. Nothing.
It's Official!
We're Married! The biggest reason for my new art direction, name and vision: becoming one with the man of my dreams. Peter Henry Zantingh. Which now makes me, Leah Alexandra Zantingh!
Thus is born- Leah Zantingh Visual Artist.
Check out our amazing photographer and the post of our wedding day!
Art Lessons
Teaching kiddos to build on their talents and passions is something I love doing.
Working with Oliver's Coffee
New and fresh things are happening with Oliver's Coffee Muskoka!
Sons & Daughters
-side note- want to see more of this beauty? Check out her work at her Film Photography page
Two years ago we (our church in Huntsville- Legacy Life Centre) hosted a weekend for the Sons and Daughters Conference. It was an amazing three days spent meeting incredible people, establishing strong relationships, sharing our hearts and visions and just hanging out. There's something about spending summer days on the water, eating great food, asking good questions and worshiping together that feeds the soul in a way that few words can accurately describe. It was so simple yet so profoundly beautiful!
This painting was from a picture I took of one of my very close friends at this conference. The picture seemed to portray perfectly the essence of that gathering. She was glowing; we all were.
Well... I'm Back!
Hanging On A Wire (2015)
So big surprise, life doesn't go as planned! For some reason, I think I can figure out how everything in my life is going to span out... and then, almost on cue, that thing happens that I did NOT plan for. So here I am, painting again.
This painting I actually started almost a whole year ago. Sometimes all I need is a good, forceful kick in the butt to remind me of what I wanted to be doing all along.
My fiancé took this photo a few years ago in Cuba. A gentle, weathered face; placid expression, holding onto a barbed wire as if it were string.
Oliver's Winter Blend
Recently I've been working on some seasonal projects for a local business. Oliver's Coffee and I have teamed up and are working on some new and exciting things! So far I have designed their Christmas mugs as well as the imagery for the label of their Winter Blend Roast. Both these products are now being sold at Oliver's Cafes. Hurry in and get your Christmas mug and try their Oliver's Winter Blend. The mugs come in green and white (above image), red and white or solid red with white, perfect for gifting to that coffee lover on your list. Merry Christmas everyone!