May 7, 2016 found me at Granville Island for the Craft Council of BC’s Annual Earring Show. My pastel danglers were juried into this fun and inspiring event. It was great to rub shoulders with so many creative and encouraging people.
In February 2016 the Ladysmith Fine Arts Show was held at the gorgeous Waterfront Gallery and “Loopty Loo”, a necklace with rich emerald green sea glass, was awarded an honourable mention. Loopty was one of only two jewellery entries juried into the show at this historic venue.
In June 2013 I had an amazing opportunity to be Artist-in-Residence at the Wickaninnish Inn in sunny Tofino, B.C. I was set up in the historic Henry Nolla carving shed right on Chesterman Beach with my soldering station well out on the sand and away from those fragrant cedar chips. It was great to talk to so many people, watch the surfers and soak in that stunning view.
Well, lightning struck twice–my necklace “Princess Grace of Atlantis” was given one of the eight Awards of Excellence at the 2014 Sooke Fine Arts show. Out of a field of roughly 400 entries (of all the media categories) it was the only jewellery piece selected–an honour I didn’t realize until the night of the award presentations. Princess Grace is a choker made up of sterling silver and some extremely rare sea glass pieces (authentically surf-tumbled and unaltered). The rainbow colours and tube spacers are hanging from a sterling cable that has a hidden clasp. Once again, huge thanks to the volunteers and sponsors! !
Here is an article from the 2013 special edition of Aqua Magazine. Go to page 30 to read the article. Click to read this article.
Another highlight of the summer of 2012 was being awarded first place for jewellery in the Sooke Fine Arts Show for my necklace “Ava Gardner.” I was humbled when I realized the scope of this show – the largest of its kind in British Columbia. This prestigious show is possible because of its amazing army of volunteers and many generous sponsors.
Indeed an elegant showcase for West Coast artists.
Here I am accepting the first place award for jewellery.
“Ava Gardner” on display.
The show
One of the highlights of summer 2012 was meeting my musical hero, Richard Thompson. After his mind-boggling performance I had the chance to speak with him and took the opportunity to ask his permission to use his lyrics on my homepage. He graciously agreed by saying “I wrote that?”
– Thank you R.T.!!
Richard Thompson playing at the Vancouver Island Music Festival
Meeting Richard Thompson
This was a great day out on the water prowling for treasures. With my faithful companion and chief otter spotter Ruffie aboard, our ragtag flotilla made its way to our favourite beach in what is known to the locals as “Hernia Bay”. (long story behind that name…). Once ashore a very respectable harvest was made with some great beach glass and stones. Then back to the cottage for sorting and cavorting. Today we await a predicted snowfall–the only comfort with winter storms is that the high tides and bashing waves are tumbling more beach glass to be uncovered next summer.
