Woodland Wool: 07/15

7/16/15

It's been a while...

Every summer my fibre art gets put on the back burner so that I can manage the Avon River Heritage Museum in Newport Landing, near Avondale. I love my job at the museum, where I get to organize art events, curate a handmade in Nova Scotia gift shop AND operate the 1760's inspired Lydia and Sally café. The only downside to my summer along the Avon River is that I tend to forget to tell all you lovelies about what I'm working on and where you can find my critters and artwork!

Currently my critters are available at Inkwell Modern Boutique in Halifax, Made in the Maritimes in Bedford, Fancy Lucky Art and Craft in Lawrencetown, and Planters Sea Chest Gift Shop in Newport Landing (ARHS museum) and my feltscapes are available at Shackwacky Art and Photography in Yarmouth, and the Bread Gallery in Brooklyn, Gallery 215 in Selma, Argyle Fine Art in Halifax and for the month of July you can see some of my favourite pieces at the Annapolis Valley Regional Library in Wolfville.

"Douglas the Cautious Bachelor" on display at the Bread Gallery as a part of Hodge Podge

Lastly, I don't stop creating completely in the summer, I'm just not built that way... so most Thursday and Friday afternoons you will find me hooking, felting or sewing at the museum along with a few friends as a part of our summer Open Studio series. Feel free to stop by with a project of your own and join our little gang!

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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.