Gift Ideas

We all know Christmas is almost here, and most of us aren't finished our shopping.  If you have trouble with ideas for those you buy for here's some thoughts, beyond the big box store and gift card options:

- home made cookies/baking
- donation to a charity they support
- OK, so I said beyond gift cards, but an Etsy gift card
- take them to see a performance or out for a meal
- gift made by a local artist or craftsperson: painting, pottery, clothes/accessories, jewellery, bath & beauty, etc.
- note cards, especially if hand made, or reproductions by local artists
- something that came from a Fair Trade shop
- artisan/small batch foods
- a magazine subscription to something they like

Toronto Outdoor

This weekend (Friday-Sunday) is the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, a big art show downtown.  I was in the show in 2011, but not this year, so I went with another artist friend of mine who has done it too, to check out the show and visit some people we know.  Also ran into a few other friends who were dropping by the show.  The weather on Friday was rainy, but yesterday was sunny and hot. 

Studio Tour!

I'll be bringing some existing and hopefully some new textile/fibre pieces to this show, and possibly some of my bead jewellery also!  I'll be at stop #5 on the tour.  Great opportunity to get out and about, maybe even start your holiday shopping!

While I'm at it, check out the Studio Tour's Facebook page, and the 'event' invitation also! 

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition

Well, I took it pretty easy yesterday, since the show on Friday through Sunday was so busy! Thank you to everyone who came to the show, it was great being supported by my friends & family, and meeting so many great people - both visitors and other artists.

Here's some photos from the show, my booth in this post, and some of my favourites to follow!









 

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition

Just to let you know, my booth number for the Toronto Outdoor Art Show will be Turquoise 283. Show is July 8-10.

Choosing Art

In response to certain observations I have made when showing work and talking to people about my work, I'm going to make a couple of suggestion posts this week about choosing artwork, and choosing jewellery. 

I've noticed that some people when looking at artwork, beit paintings, prints, photography, etc. are looking for work that compliments their decor, or blends in with it.  They consider this above anything, and then narrow down their choices based on what they like, what will fit in terms of size, and if the art holds a deeper meaning for them. 

For me, although understandable, this seems a little backward.  Absolutely, if you're going to display a piece in your home you have to like it, but there is so much more to liking something than just colour.  So what makes you like something?  Think about factors like the medium, technique, brushwork, size, frame, subject matter, location you plan to put it, and don't forget about what the piece means to you.  One of the elements of art is conceptual.  What is the story the piece is telling?  What statement is it making?  Why do you feel like you connect with that piece, with that artist?