Spotlight on Elora-Fergus Studio Tour continues - Metal and Stain Glass Artists

This is the work of Vicky Beverstein, a stained glass artisan on the Elora-Fergus Studio Tour.  Vicky is a self taught stained glass artist, with thirty years of experience.  Her studio, Glass N'Stuff is located in Elora, stop by her studio to see one of a kind creations.

The above two photographs are the work of the artisan duo, John and Heather Zondervan, of Metallic Evolution.  They come from a diverse design background, from custom wood furniture to costuming.  Strongly influenced by the Bauhaus and Deco design movements, this husband and wife team first began translating their ideas into steel in 1996, and since then have developed a broad range of metal products for the home.  They are both involved in all aspects of the design and fabrication process.  All work is done by hand, ensuring individual attention to each piece as well as making each item unique.

A reminder that my free draw prize continues, to enter, make a comment with your name and it will be placed in a draw for a piece of my work on Oct. 5th, at the end of the Elora-Fergus Studio Tour.

Mandy Deskur, Macadi Jewellery - New Artist on Studio Tour This Year, Free Draw Continues

Mandy Deskur is a new artist on the Elora - Fergus Studio Tour this year.   The new store front, studio space called Macadi Jewellery was opened on September 1st 2007.  Having the workshop on site gives the customers an opportunity to see the design process from start to the finished piece.   Mandy says that she is "inspired by nature's impressions.  ...I study  very closely the unique lines in a leaf, the elaborate patterns in a butterfly wing, or the silhouette of an orchid...and then takes these characteristics and abstract them, zoom in on interesting features and add my own vision.  Simplifying a very intricate pattern often makes a design more appealing.  I often incorporate semi-precious and precious stones into my pieces.  Completing my studies in Gemology has helped me to understand the properties of each unique gem."  Add Macadi Jewellery Studio onto your route during the studio tour weekends, and meet Mandy in person.

Showing up at the Studio & Being Open to the Creative Muse

Here are some new pieces in my Etsy Shop....As you might know from my post a few days ago....I have been feeling a little off kilter, so to speak, rhythm has been off....So here is my attempt this week at trying out my new "Modus Operandi" ...To help kick start a routine and get in touch with getting art work to move from within the vessel, onto the page, or onto the substrate....

Wake up 5:30 bells ( or more like 6:00 bells)

Declutter kitchen, putter around 

Make some beautiful dark roast organic free trade coffee from the Peruvian Cooperative, "Cafe Feminino", a cooperative run by all womyn ...If you haven't tried this coffee, try and get some, it is to be savoured and enjoyed...

6:00 - 7:00 am - read, journal with my lovely coffee

7:00 - 8:30 Morning routine with my lovely girl

8:30 - 9:30 Off to school - brisk walk to school, venturing up the hills of Fergus

9:30 - 1:30 Studio Time

Lunch (sometime during studio time)

2 - 3 - Gym

4 - 6 Time with Maya, homework, supper

Of course I do want to keep this open enough that it can be flexible and change..but for now I think this is a routine that might help to get the creative juices flowing again...and for some work to be done for upcoming and past deadlines..wish me luck...

Don't forget there is a free draw for a piece of my work, being drawn Oct. 5th....good luck to all...enter as many times as you want, make a comment, add your name. 

Art of Barry McCarthy, 22nd Elora-Fergus Studio Tour, Free Draw Continues

Barry McCarthy's new art studio.

Barry McCarthy is opening his new art studio, in time for the 22nd Elora-Fergus Studio Tour.  

In Barry's own words, " When I was about 5 years old, I got a rocking horse and cap guns for Christmas.  Since then I always wanted to be a cowboy.  I couldn't and didn't so I decided to be an artist."

Barry enjoys working in watercolours and oils full time.  His favourite themes are still life, florals, seascapes, architecture (especially the Cape Cod Style) and landscape particularly the Elora Gorge.  This theme has always intrigued him as he enjoys doing paintings from his travels but does not have to go too far to find paintings in his own back yard.

Barry works on 7 to 10 ' canvas sizes...he likes this challenge and finds the impact from the viewer rewarding.  Barry feels that the life force in any canvas is what brings the viewer closer to the moment and that's the job of an artist.....to heighten this integral force, break away from the ordinary and mundane and bring the viewer to a different reality.

Come see first hand Barry's new studio and his fabulous large dimension work.  

What are your thoughts on what the artist's job is?  Is it to story tell?  To capture reality? Or fantasy?  There are no right or wrong answers are there...as an artist's life and purpose is as varied and diverse as there are types of art...I am so interested in hearing your thoughts on what you like art to provide for you in your life.

Any comments with your name will be placed into a free draw prize for a piece of my work.  Draw will be done Oct. 5th at the end of the studio tour...Please comment as many times as you like.

Hope to see you on the studio tour..