Woodland Wool: The many lives of a table

7/7/10

The many lives of a table

With the remaining prep for the Pretty Things launch party this Saturday at "Love, Me" looking a little less daunting, I thought I'd do something for just me and clean and set up my "new desk".

After years of speculation, Bryan's folks have finally decided to sell their 200 year old family house in Port Williams. As it turns out I'm seemingly the only one interested in "old" stuff, so over the last month we have accumulated a great deal of furniture and rusty farm equipment.

Included in our inheritance was what the family calls the "rhubarb" table. This piece spent many seasons out in the field, aiding the Woodworth children in their enterpenurial attempts as fruit and veggie salesmen. To me this table is the ultimate chameleon, already living more lives than you, me and the man down the street put together. I hoping it likes it's new home, out of the dirty barn, and into our cozy house.

Now that I've found a spot for one piece, I need to make room for some more because just a wee bit ago, while I was typing the first paragraph of this entry, Bryans folks, sister and nephew all pulled up to drop off the latest batch of goodies - which are now all strewn about the property. Looks like my desk might not get set up today after all... ah, but at least it's clean.

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Working in the arts has always been in the cards for me. After a childhood filled with time spent creating using what ever materials available, it was no surprise that by the age of seven I was firmly committed to living the life of an artist as I grew up.

After attending specialized art classes as a teen, I began my post secondary education studying photography and digital imaging, before shifting my focus towards graphic design, printmaking and film studies, eventually receiving a BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 2003.

Upon graduation I began teaching art to elementary students, and for over two decades I have continued to work as a freelance photographer and designer, collaborating with many musicians, entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organizations.

Since relocating to the tiny community of Ellershouse over a decade ago, my artistic practice has grown to include the creation of tactile fine artworks and products that make use of natural and recycled materials. These days I primarily create using wool from local British milking sheep raised in Avondale, which I carefully hand dye prior to transforming the fibre into vibrant felted wall hangings and functional items like hats and purses.

After taking on the role of facility manager for the Avon River Heritage Society Museum in 2013, the tidal river that surrounds the historic waterfront park became an ongoing source of inspiration for my artwork, especially evident in my 2019 felted series ADAPT, my graphic print Year of the Salmon, and the corresponding installation Ghost Salmon, which was placed along Simpson's Creek in Newport Landing in June of 2019.

When I'm not working or creating I continue to pass along my skills and knowledge by leading fibre art workshops and demonstrations, and by actively volunteering with groups like the Avon River Arts Society and the Full Circle Festival, organizing cultural events and activities.