Be kind to yourself ...

There is no doubt about it ... this painting thing is hard, but try not to be too hard on yourself. I say this, not necessarily because I follow what I say myself but mostly since I have started teaching classes again ... I see students wrestling with the process vs. the finished product.

All too often, the finished painting becomes the goal and the process is forgotten ... the love of the paints and the brushes and the feel of the rough canvas ... even the smell of the oils. That is the love. I won't say that I am not guilty of this myself but when I slip into that place where I am judging what I am doing ... it is then, I try to remember that I love doing this ...

Warm wishes,

Barbara

Group Of Eight Georgetown Trunk Show

Hi again,

I hope this finds everyone well … although we are still in the grip of winter here in southern Ontario, buried again by a late winter storm!

A few weeks ago, the Burlington Fibre Artists hosted a trunk show from the Group of Eight Fibre Artists based in Georgetown, ON and I took a few pictures that I know you will enjoy.

It was a wonderful evening full of inspiration, artists' talks, discussing of techniques and the sharing of stories - what could be better?

The Group of Eight was founded in 2006 by a few like-minded friends that were looking for a creative outlet for fibre work outside of the traditional quilting guilds. So, eight members were the basis of GOE which now has nine members. Please enjoy these photographs ~ 

The artists' of the GOE can be found at goegeorgetown.blogspot.ca or search the Group of Eight Fibre Artists with you favourite search engine. Please know that some of the photos may be details ~ not the full piece.

Very best wishes and thank you so much to the Group of Eight for joining us,

Barbara

Finding Your Voice

Just a little bit a go … a dear friend of mine (ours) and wonderful quilt artist gave a workshop with our little group of fibre artists from the Burlington Fibre Arts Group.

Sandy Simmelink - artist, judge, and teacher, both traditional and innovative … shared with us her own thoughts on finding your voice.

We all struggle at times to find our own unique voice or to make it more clear, sometimes struggling more often than not.

Sandy walked us through a series of questions meant to invoke what it is we really want to do with our artwork and what was truly important to us. It was nothing short of enlightening …

Here are some examples of Sandy's work - her free, experimental and playful side and then her traditional work that may take years to complete …
Both are Sandy's voice and both sides tell a story of how you can have two sides(loves) or maybe more, whichever works for you and your work. Maybe you have one voice, maybe you have many but practice, determination and experimentation are a sure way to recognize your own individual voice.

All this blogging … while watching the ladies long program from Sochi and witnessing artistic voices in all its amazing, beautiful and emotional forms!

Enjoy and many, many best wishes,
Barbara

Culture Days in Oakville

So, once again, I am fortunate enough to belong to a group of fabulous fibre artists that also belong to the Oakville Arts Council.
And I proud to say, that I will be part of Culture Days in Oakville at the new Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre on Saturday, September 29th.

There will be music and performances, as well as visual artists of all kinds - I will be volunteering at the event at the SAQA tables. We have a great display of work as well as information about the various groups in our area as well as upcoming shows!

The Oakville Fibre Arts group will have the studio up and running and open for visitors as well!

So, if you are in area of Bronte in Oakville, please drop by QE Park on Bridge Road and take it all in.

A few pieces that will be in the show!

Very best wishes for a great week,
Barbara