GirlCanCreate

Looking Back #1

2012-01-17T23:07:00.000-05:00

In the next few weeks as I transition to Hamilton i am going to take a few moments to Look Back to some of my proudest moments in Toronto. Here is the first one!

In 2010, I coproduced FOOL-Festival of Oral Literatures with Dan Yashinsky. (We co-founded it together in 2009) This festival grew out of our mutual love of stories, and the question of where storytelling was in our modern world. The festival was organized during my pregnancy, and although i would be tired,we had planned that i would host the events with a small 3 week old baby.

Of course, things don't always go as planned and I spent much of those days in the hospital as my son Max underwent two surgeries on his bowels. I remember the days of sitting by his side and then going to the theatre to host the shows and then back to the hospital to be with him at night. The good news is that he is well these days, and the bad news is that i don't remember much of the festival at all.

As i was creating a post about leaving Toronto (I will be moving to Hamilton next Monday!) I happily came across this video and was reminded about the importance of stories, about bringing people together and of the great festival that Dan and I put together. It's just a little taste of a great festival that i hope continues for many years.

I have many ideas of projects for my new city, and I look forward to bringing together tellers from both Toronto and Hamilton. I can't wait. In the meantime, enjoy this great video put together by Luigi Bianco with many great artists involved!

The Weekly Creature #2

2012-01-11T23:32:00.000-05:00

This is Laverne.

She lives in Newfoundland and if she were human she would love plaid skirts, romance novels and scones. But she's just a cat so clothes don't interest her, she can't read and bugs and cat food serve her well.

Although Laverne was a senior cat she still possessed kitten qualities.

Who's Your Favourite?

2012-01-09T19:32:00.000-05:00

2012 Intentions

2012-01-08T20:22:00.004-05:00

(It never feels like the new year till kids go back to school, and this past week has felt so very laid back which meant that i didn't have the energy to post here!)

I never really do the resolution thing, cause well, i think that i happen to be a person that if you tell me what to do, i won't do it. And so when i set up a resolution, i get a little contrary, and a few days after do what i wanted to stop doing, even though i was the person setting it up that way. Silly, well, of course, but nonetheless, it's how i go.

About ten years ago i noticed and decided that putting intentions out into the world and then letting it all take care of itself was a much more effective way for me. I wrote it down, and then got busy on making baby steps along the way. And often, i would accomplish most of the tasks on my intention list.

My List of Intentions for 2012

1. I welcome more fitness into my world. Dancing for sure, going for walks on the Escarpment, and just investigating our new city will definitely help with this.

2. Apply for more outside of Toronto craft shows.

3. Cultivate a new community; which because of my move to Hamilton is necessary and exciting.

4. Work on my two shows: Little. Miss. Everything. And Tonet, which i hope to finish by the end of June.

5. Can, Preserve, Pickle, Bake and Freeze seasonal fruits and veggies. Can't wait!

6. Be the best Mama I can be, and love my family in all ways that i can.

7. Go deeper into my art and create a much more meaningful practice that is not based on events and deadlines. I want to explore printmaking, watercolours and drawing. I also am going to begin exploring the world of textiles and fabrics to incorporate in my collages.

8. I hope to blog more frequently with interviews of more artists. Eventually i hope to include podcasts in my online offerings, so i look forward to that. I think that this will also be a part of my world of creativity coaching which i also plan on doing more of.

9. Producing events that bring together both artists from Toronto and Hamilton. I believe that there is so much for us to all learn from each other, to share and to laugh together. Can't wait to connect some of the lovelies that i know and will get to know.

10. And so very importantly, keep in contact with all of my dear Toronto folk, although i am very excited by our move to Hamilton, I will so very much miss my world here that i have created in the 22 years since i have been here. At times i can't imagine going away, and yet, in less than two weeks we will have moved and will be sleeping in our new home.

What are your intentions? You simply need to write them down and then leave them. It's that simple. Come back in a year and see how many happened, and you will be surprised.

Happy New Year and see you all soon!

The Weekly Creature #1

2012-01-04T21:31:00.005-05:00

So here's the deal.

I am a bit of a cat lady. And dog lady. And animal lady.

I like goats, and hedgehogs.

I think that raccoons are cute but know better than to go make friends with them.

I have been known to speak to squirrels and they seem to sort of understand.

And as i go around the world, i often find animals and take a moment to pet them, talk to them, and take their photo.

So i would like to introduce The Weekly Creature feature to my blog.

One photo, a bit of the story and where i met them. And of course the imaginary name i gave them, cause well, i always think i know their name.

Yep, it's true, i am just a bit wonky. And i like it that way!

This is Frank.

We met in Kensington Market.

He walked right up to me and sat on my lap. He posed for the camera and walked away. It's often like that with these city cats. A bit aloof, but lovely nonetheless.

Gratitude

2012-01-02T22:41:00.001-05:00

Today's post is mostly graphic in nature. Just a look back at a few of my proud moments in 2011.

In 2010 I decided that i wanted to be in some of the larger art and craft shows in the city. Looking back i am proud to say that i have indeed participated in a handful of wonderful shows!

One of a Kind Show 2011

Me at the Handmade Marketplace, making buttons!

It started off with the Spring One of a Kind show, and then i went on to Handmade Market in Niagara which i LOVED! The summer found me at Cabbagetown Arts and Crafts, Mini Crafternoon Tea, Queen West Arts Crawl and the Xmas One of a Kind Show. I hope to continue to spend much of my time creating work and taking it to art shows across Ontario, perhaps focussing on ones outside of Toronto.

I had great fun doing Make and Trade Art Cards sessions at Wise Daughters.

ATC's at Wise Daughters

People I See as Artist Trading Cards

In February, I spent one week at the Artist Educators Intensive at Canadian Stage which was really great return to the world of art education and theatre after Max was born.

Me, Max and Lauren at the Artist Educators Intensive at CanStage

Aside from Art, I spent some great times with my little lovely family! Max grew from a wee baby to a big toddler and i feel blessed by such a wonder in my life.

Max and his sheep!

Max's monkey and me at the Workroom Trunk Sale.

Max and spaghetti

Max growing up!

And the biggest thing that happened in 2012 is that we sold our house in Toronto in order to relocate to Hamilton, a smaller city just 45 minutes west of here. It's a scary move, but the possibilities in Hamilton are exciting alongside a great art scene, more green space, a welcoming community and some seriously great bakeries!

Our house sold in two days!

Tomorrow i will write about some of the exciting plans for this new year, but for now, it's time to pack and get rid of this bad cold that i have! Chicken Soup and Tea all day for me!

I would love to hear about your successes in the past year! Either share them here on the comments section, or link to your blog!

2012

2012-01-01T15:29:00.002-05:00

We welcomed in 2012 with a quiet night and lots of art.

Art Night at the Pijuan-Nomuras with our hellos and goodbyes to 2012!

It's an annual tradition that we make little pieces of art to say goodbye to the past year and welcome the new year. It's been an unusually challenging year this past year, and we are really looking to some of the changes that the new year brings. Relocating to the city of Hamilton about 45 minutes west of Toronto is among the first and biggest changes that will happen in just two weeks. We look forward to a quieter pace of life, a wonderful new home, a beautiful new garden and lots of green space around! We will also be looking forward to meeting some of the people that i have met online who have been really helpful in our search for daycares, painters, and bakeries!

Dave and I wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Historically Hamilton has been known as an industrial city. In recent years there has been a saying that i am loving. Art is the New Steel (I am quite sure it comes from the Print Studio) Hamilton is now a blooming city with a great art scene and i look forward to meeting and creating and living there.

I would like to thank all of my readers for their patience in the blog and i wish you all much happiness and creativity in 2012!

The cats just taking it easy!

Happy New Year!

Testing from an iPad

2011-12-29T21:43:00.001-05:00

Well this is my first attempt at blogging on an ipad.

My favourite holiday video!

2011-12-12T12:07:00.000-05:00

Movies and Makers: The New Poster!

2011-12-07T18:05:00.001-05:00

Come and join us in two weeks for the wonderful mix of makers from Toronto and beyond!

For more info check out www.moviesandmakers.com

A Time for Change!

2011-10-21T10:59:00.000-04:00

For the past few months i have been having difficulty posting on this blog. I didn't have much inspiration so for a while it sort of became a place to post events, which i honestly know isn't really what i want it to be. When i first started this blog, i wanted it to be a place where i placed my ideas about art, creativity, craft and most importantly the artistic life; both mine and others around me. I think for the first while i was on that path and it was working well.

However, last year after Max was born, something in me shifted. I started to doubt that people would want to read about my life as a mom. I told myself that the people who read this blog are only interested in smart and clever pieces about creativity. I told everyone that i would never become a mommy blog as if that was something icky and wrong. And soon after, my posts became less inspired, less interesting, and lacking and i lost my love for sharing here.

For the past few months I even thought that i should stop posting on the blog all together. However, earlier this week I listened to a podcast that changed my thoughts and inspired me to make it happen. I discovered Goddess Leonie a few years ago and followed her blog. The past few weeks she has hosted what she calls the World's Biggest Summit which is a FREE summit of some of the world's best creatives sharing interviews, talks and videos about art, creativity, self care, money and much more.

Every day there are 3 or 4 interviews and i must say, they have had a huge effect on my thinking about this blog. I was particularly inspired after hearing Britt Bravo. She spoke with such ease and kindness and really made me realize that i should just blog about what i am passionate about, what i love, and what inspires me in my daily life.

And so, that means that yes, i will write about being a mother and an artist and an artrepreneur and an creativity coach!

I am excited for this new phase of my life, and in turn my blog's life. I hope you enjoy the changes and i would love to hear what you think as time goes by!

Daily Collage Update

2011-10-21T07:42:00.001-04:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

I have been doing my daily collages, but as it happens i haven't had much time for blogging about it these days. So, here is one of my favourite creations!

I hope that you enjoy your day!

Wishcasting Wednesday : What do i want to make time for?

2011-10-19T10:05:00.000-04:00

As always, there happens to be a serendipitous moment with some of my thoughts this morning and with Jamie's Wishcasting Question today.

I found myself awake at 4 this morning. The baby woke up from a really congested head, and after i put him down i starting thinking about the next few months. I am doing the One of a Kind Show which is the biggest show in Toronto, if not Ontario which houses 850 vendors. I am looking for a house in Hamilton and am thinking about the holidays.

My day is structured with naps, lunch, another short nap and then off to drop the baby at daycare and only then do i have 3 hours alone to work on my art. I realized that i will have to get my start working till 9 to meet my quota of art. Sheesh...it's funny to think that i have an art quota to meet. But that is the business of art, i suppose.

All of this to say that i need time to walk around my city aimlessly by myself looking for inspiration. Right now i am putting everything out into the world. I need to eat up some beautiful art, interesting landscape, fresh cool air, urban spaces along with quiet parks.

This week I will take some time to find what it is that i need that feeds me (other than the most yummy ice cream sandwiches from a new bakery in my neighbourhood called Bakerbots Bakery!) I need to feed my soul and only then will it feel like i have found balance!

I am wishing you all a great week and hope this finds you wonderful well!

Fear and Action!

2011-10-13T09:13:00.001-04:00

This video goes well with yesterday's post! Check it out! Brought to you by the brilliant Harley Roxanne!

Power of Practice

2011-10-12T17:01:00.002-04:00

Now, most of you know that i work as a creativity coach. It's a gift of a part time career alongside my work as an artist and i love helping others find their ways to their true one of a kind creative voice.

In my coaching world, i most often work with people and help them develop a strong practice. It's one of the most important factors in the everyday process of being an artist. However, i find that most people think that creativity is the world of inspiration, and lightning strikes and bold moments of genius. Of course there is a bit of truth to that, but to me, the most important aspect of being an artist is the everyday hard work of putting hand to paper, paint to canvas, dance to dancefloor. The work is creating something from nothing.

The only way that i know how to do that is to give your art the time, space, and imagination that it needs to come to fruition. An artist needs a practice the same as a yoga practicioner, an athelete or a doctor. You need to make sure that your instrument is ready and oiled to receive those moments of thunderbolt inspirational genius! So i urge my clients and anyone who wants to create to build a practice. I am often met with resistance and responses of not enough time, too tired and no ideas. And to that, i respond, Just Begin!

Here are a few ways to build a practice.

1. Set aside 25 minutes a day to work on what you want to do. Even if you go and sit down and just begin something, this is in fact something, more than you had yesterday. If every day is too much, begin with 3 days a week.

2. Create a special space to work. It doesn't need to be big and a table will do. Make sure it's comfortable and free of interruptions. Close the door, turn off the phone and let others know not to interupt you for 25 minutes.

3. Create a ritual. I light a candle and often play two records which i know will take me to my minimum of an hour daily in the studio. If i am inspired to do more, i will, otherwise, an hour is sufficient.

4. Keep it sacred. For a while, until you have established this practice, don't let anyone come in and see you during this time. It's your time for you and your artist, so honour that.

5. Have fun, and play. Connect with the child in yourself that allows you to create without critic.

6. Allow yourself to make mistakes and ask the critic to leave the room for the next half an hour or so. It's amazing what happens when you do that.

I have found that all of these tips help us become the creatives that we want to be in our lives. It is amazing that after one month of doing this it becomes quite important and impossible to imagine our lives without it.

So give yourself a gift today and create a practice of art making. Trust me, you will be glad that you did!

My Daily Collage - Super Mickey

2011-09-27T18:39:00.001-04:00

Super Mickey, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

Event: Craft Supply Trunk Show at Wise Daughters

2011-09-26T17:29:00.003-04:00

Handmaker Heaven

Craft Supply Trunk Show

Friday September 30, 2011
6:30 – 8:30

WiseDaughters Craft Market

3079BDundas St. W.
facing Quebec Ave in the Junction

Freeadmission, free grab bags for those who arrive early, great bargains on beads,paper, stamps, yarn & more! Kick off Culture Days by stocking up on suppliesto satisfy your creative urges!

A portion of sales will goto support MABELLEarts www.mabellearts.ca

The Daily Collage - New Style

2011-09-22T23:28:00.001-04:00

New Style

4 x 4

$28 includes Free Shipping

The Daily Collage

2011-09-22T08:56:00.001-04:00

It's been a most busy time here as i finish off the summer shows and start getting ready for the Xmas One of a Kind Show! I am taking a Collage and Assemblage course at Central Tech Art School just to be reminded of some of the techniques that i don't use daily, or that i might have forgotten. I realized that wanted to play a bit more with my collage, and so i present The Daily Collage! A world where i create daily works and they are available for purchase!

Here are my first two pieces, i hope that you enjoy them!

Ocean Music

4 x 4

Field Music

4 x 4

$28 including free shipping

Cabbagetown Arts and Craft Show!

2011-09-08T16:12:00.000-04:00

This is one of the reasons that i have been missing from bloglandia! I will be taking part of one of my favourite art shows! I would love to see you there! Come by and say hello!

People I See 2011

2011-08-20T08:51:00.002-04:00

People I See 2011, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

I had the urge to do some more People I See Yesterday which has inspired me to do some on my day trip to Hamilton! What fun!

Paper Pieces

2011-08-19T22:39:00.000-04:00

I have been working on a few new styles of collage involving paper as opposed to canvas and wood. Here they are!

Wishcasting Wednesday : What do i wish to choose?

2011-08-17T07:09:00.002-04:00

Welcome to another Wishcasting Wednesday from the brilliant and wonderful Jamie Ridler!

Today's question is What do I wish to Choose?

Damselfly, originally uploaded by dpnsan.

I woke up early this morning, which is rare for me as a mom of an 11 and a half month old baby. But somehow this morning i woke with the sun and sat in a quiet corner looking out the window and listening to the birds chirp, as the city slowly began it's busy sounds.

I thought about this time last year, and how my pregnancy had been quite a challenge, and then after Max was born how he had such a difficult time with his surgeries. I thought about Max now, and how strong he had become, and how beautiful. Such a happy boy. I realized how far we came together, my little family of mine, and i smiled the biggest smile ever.

So with this question of what i want to choose, as we near max's second year in life, i want to choose magic. Not a magic of the abracadabra sort, but more like a joyful, beautiful magic where things happen with ease. I understand that life with a toddler is anything but easy, but i want to see and take note of the moments where a simple thing like a damselfry on a leaf, a bird chirping and a smiling baby boy are the most magical things of all.

Happy Wishing and Have a Wonderful Day!

Lost

2011-08-10T07:41:00.000-04:00

I take photos.

A lot of photos.

Well, perhaps that should be i USED to take a lot of photos until i misplaced my camera. I didn't realize that i had lost it immediately cause as a mama to a very busy boy, things just become a bit hectic, and then a few days later, i think, oh, now where did i put my camera. I thought it was in my studio but after a serious search last night, nothing showed up.

And so now, i am sad and feel dumb, and am not sure if it is lost in the mess of my house, or if i have truly left it somewhere, which makes me feel crazy.

So, if you happen to know where my Nikon D70 in a green case is, please do let me know. I would love to take more photos of my daily life, and can't help but miss it tonnes.

Thanks.

Nourish

2011-07-27T17:02:00.001-04:00

I am hoping to be back to blogging and one of my all time favourite blog activities is Wishcasting with Jamie Ridler Studios.

Todays question is

What do you Wish to Nourish?

As a mother of a almost one year old, life tends to be hectic. With Max's difficult beginnings (he had two surgeries by the time he was 2 months old) we have been on tenterhooks for quite some time. Now that all is well and that he is healthy and strong, I can slowly step back towards my life as an artist, which is brilliant. But the fact that i have not been regular in my practice need that i need more art nourishment.

How do i do that?

Well, i think i need to nourish my ability to play. I often have deadlines for shows which spur me on to create.

But now, i just need to find time to play. It has begun. For the past while i have had sitters over to care for Max while i go down to the studio to create. And as opposed to creating art with a capital A, i am making little art. Playing around with colour, form and composition.

Suddenly when i aim to make big art, it feels easier, more connected and healthy, which makes me incredibly happy.

I also need to nourish my blog. Thoughts, words, ideas sharred, comments left, and stories written. Can't wait to get back to it all.

2011-07-27T06:43:00.000-04:00

I had been planning to take a hiatus from shows so that i could focus on making during the months of July and August. But when i saw this show, I was just so excited that i knew that i wanted to be a part of it, especially considering that it's two minutes away from my house.

It's so great to see people promoting what i think is one of the loveliest neighbourhoods of the city, and i really can't wait to see what it's like. Fingers crossed for good weather!

Call for Submissions: Tarot Art Show

2011-07-26T15:02:00.001-04:00

I see Tarot as something that is created by the wide range of people who engage it. It is not a static thing that has always been but grows and changes as the world grows and changes. It is through community, history and readings that we create tarot. Tarot also reaches back from the spirit side of creation and creates itself. It is in this intermediate space between our creation and spirits unfolding that art can help birth the future of tarot. This show is a place for artists who are exploring the world of tarot, or tarot in the world, to share their creations and talk with others who are participating in tarot’s evolution.

Deadline for submissions is September 30. Please send your submissions to art_show@thehermitslamp.com. This is a juried show. All artists will be notified of the jury’s decisions. Please pass this invitation on to anyone you think would be interested.

Here is the FaceBook link for the event (including the call to artists): http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147920405286262

Show opening will be October 27th 7-9pm. Show will run for the month of November. Please put it in your calendar.

The Hermit's Lamp is a spiritual wellness centre in Toronto. It is the creation of Andrew McGregor tarot reader, coach and artist. Some of its virtual manifestations can be found here:

www.thehermitslamp.com

www.torontotarotportal.wordpress.com

@thehermitslamp (twitter)

Square Foot Show!

2011-07-25T10:51:00.000-04:00

This happens to be one of my favourite shows in the city and i am so excited that i will be a part of it this year! I have been working on three square foot pieces and am looking forward to seeing what they look like aside so many brilliant other pieces! It would be great to see you there!

9TH ANNUAL SQUARE FOOT SHOW

NEW offsite venue- TWIST Gallery, 1100 Queen St. West (Queen & Dovercourt)

Exhibition dates: Saturday August 6th - 21st, 2010

Press/Collectors Preview Gala: Friday, August 5th, 7pm

(Tickets are $20.00 and proceeds from ticket sales will go to local charities. Tickets available online)

Public Reception: Saturday, August 6th, 7pm (free admission)

Often imitated but never duplicated! THE 2011 Square Foot Show at AWOL Gallery is once again set to become Toronto’s premier summer show! With hundreds of artists and over a thousand works of art, AWOL Gallery promises a dynamic visual art experience. Be the first to see the show at the Gala reception or stand in line (that’s right, this is one of only a few shows which creates a line up on opening night) and experience the artists' reception, which attracted over 1000 people at last year’s event. The shows appeal is in the collective creative energy of having hundreds of local, national, and international artists in all media showcasing their work in a central location. Gallery Hours: Wed. - Sat. 12-7pm & Sun. 12-5pm.

Family Friday - Meet the Fur Kids!

2011-07-22T15:06:00.000-04:00

Last week you met Max! Now it's time for the cats!

This is Beans. He is snarky, charming and loves the ladies.

And this is Weiner. She is old, crochety, and just wants to sit on Max, which of course she can not do!

We have been together for quite a long time and it's all quite wonderful!

2011-07-18T14:55:00.000-04:00

We are in the middle of a heatwave right now, and it is a reminder of where i was last year. It seems like an eternity ago that i was all pregnant and getting ready for the arrival of Max. I think that one of the great things about having a blog is being able to look back and to remember some of your life experiences!

I have been getting back to my online work of blogging, twitter, facebook and of course etsy! Here are some new vintage buttons that i have just listed. In the next few weeks i will start putting more of my original work along with prints and buttons!

Family Friday - Introducing Max!

2011-07-15T10:12:00.000-04:00

It's almost been a year since Max was born, and at that time, i announced that this blog would not become a mommy blog, nor would it have copious amounts of cutesy baby photos. It would be about my creative process and that alone.

It occured to me that one of the problems with such a statement was that much of my creative life these days actually were focused around Max. Because of the grandiose proclamation to the world, I felt that i could never really mention Max, which made it difficult for me to post on a regular basis.

Well, here is a new announcement!

Every Friday, I will talk about my family life, and our escapades with the little one. I will discuss the joys and challenges of being a mom, along with some of our shennanigans!

So, without further ado, meet Max!

Max was born on September 1, 2010. He had rough beginnings as he had two surgeries in the first two months of life. One for a twisted bowel and the second, more serious one for an obstructed bowel where they removed 45 cms of bowel. We are so pleased to let everyone know that Max is doing really well, crawling all over, standing by himself and eating everything in sight!

Me and Max at the Workroom Trunk Show

He loves music, and bright colours, and is a really intense people watcher!

In my life with him, he has taught me patience, joy, and how to live life in the present.

Max and his Dad!

What a gift to be a mother to such an active and wonderful boy! I feel blessed!

Willie Nelson - Rainbow Connection

2011-07-14T09:42:00.000-04:00

I never would have imagined linking a Willie Nelson song on my blog, but this is quite beautiful. The song Rainbow Connection (as sung by Kermit the Frog ;-) ) happens to be our wedding song, so it's a special one for us.

Snail Mail Art Card - ATC Swap!

2011-07-13T08:53:00.000-04:00

And so, if you know me, you know that i LOVE Artist Trading Cards. I first discovered them when i embarked on the world of making after needing a break from my world as a theatre artist/storyteller, so i was particularly happy to find the world of art cards.

They were and continue to be such a small step towards big creativity. When stuck, i find that working out a few cards gets the juices going and makes me inspired to create more art of any shape or size.

And so, i am proud to announce the GirlCanCreate Snail Mail ATC Swap! I have attached all of the details below and extended the deadline to July 20th! I look forward to having you along and sharing your cards!

__________________________________________________________________

Here are the details!

What? An open themed ATC Swap for the Summer of 2011. You send in 11 cards, one for the moderator, and 10 for trade along with your address and you will receive 10 cards back.

There is no theme for the swap, and the only rule is that the cards be 2.5” by 3.5” and have your name and date written on the back.

When? The deadline is July 20, 2011 so please have all of your cards to me by then. If you might be late, please email me at girlcancreate@gmail.com to let me know the status of your cards.

All cards will be mailed out on July 25, 2011 so depending upon where you are expect them the first week of August.

How? You create 11 cards, put them in an envelope, mail them to me and by mid August a package will come your way with 10 cards from other artists!

Once you have your cards finished, please mail them to

88 Hallam St

Toronto, ON

M6H 1W8

Canada

In your envelope please include your email address and mailing address. You will be contacted by me via email when I have received your cards. If you have mailed your cards and haven’t heard back, please contact me.

Who? This swap is organized by Lisa Pijuan-Nomura of GirlCanCreate.com. Lisa has been hosting ATC Make and Trades at Wise Daughters for the past two years in hopes of spreading the good word of Art Cards. Ideal for both beginner and experienced traders, please join the fun!

Found on a Wall

2011-07-12T06:57:00.000-04:00

From the Universe with Love

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit

2011-07-11T15:47:00.000-04:00

It's been a few years since I had checked out one of my favourite art shows in the city, but thankfully all went according to plan this past Sunday as we headed out on a hot and sunny day. The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit was celebrating their 50th Anniversary, and i must say, how pleased i was to find some really great new talent.

I left the show inspired and happy to have met and discussed art with some lovely new people!

Amanda McCavour

Sometimes when you walk into a booth you want to be transported into a magical space that you want to be in forever. This was what i felt when i walked into Amanda's booth. This installation made me feel as if i was underwater and bright orange jellyfish befriended me..the photos don't do it justice, check out her work for sure. Really magical.

http://www.amandamccavour.com

Installation by Amanda McCavour

So Yeon Michelle Kim

If you know me, you know that i am particularly enamoured with slightly dark and whimsical art. I also love all things tiny, so i was happy happy happy to come across the work of So Yeon Michelle Kim. Her dioramas are so captivating that i could stare at them for a long time.

Red Sun

Beautiful dioramas by So Yeon Michelle Kim

http://soyeonhong.blogspot.com

Kate Puxley

Now let me first say that i was slightly repulsed by the large taxidermied racoon when i first saw it, but after talking with artist Kate Puxley, I understood and appreciated where she was coming from. As an artist who creates pieces based on roadkill, she felt it wrong to dispose of the bodies after creating art with it, so she decided to learn the ancient art of taxidermy to honour the animals. I fell in love with this small weasel. She had mentioned that many people became enraged and angry with her, but i sort of found it fascinating as to how she took care of animals that so many people simply drive by.

A sleeping taxidermy weasel by Kate Puxley

Lucky Jackson

And now for something completely different. Every year when we go to this show we like to find a new artist and buy a small piece of art. After looking at many pieces we settled upon an embroidered piece by Lucky Jackson. Her work was fun, nostalgic and had such a sense of humour that i just couldn't help but want it in my house.

The amazing work of Lucky Jackson!

http://luckyjackson.etsy.com

Check out all of these artists and let me know what you think! Who were your favourite artists?

A new Antique Market in town!

2011-07-09T17:06:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, Dave and I decided to go to the Brickworks. We had heard a lot about the site and it's great photographic nature, but we were so excited to hear about a new Sunday Antique Market! Now, as much as i love St. Lawrence Sunday Market, i am always pleased when there are alternatives. I was getting a bit tired of the same scene each week, so it was a nice change indeed.

We were happy to find some great vendors in such a spacious and natural environment. I think that for the next few weeks, this will be the market of choice. Here are a few snapshots of what to expect!

Babies and Blogs: Finding the Balance

2011-07-06T23:05:00.001-04:00

Sharing some time with one of my fave furry felines!

My first attempt at a Artist Journal

More buttons from Scientific America!

Lots of things going on, so many things in fact that my brain turned to mush for much of June ;-)

Am back now, and hope to post with some regularity, but my challenge is this. How does one balance the world of baby and blog? I find it especially difficult with my limited time to make art, clean the house and see friends, never mind write a blog post!

However, it's July now, and i have been accepted to some pretty exciting shows for the fall so i am hoping that i will be able to share what i am working on! Max is getting older now and we are getting into a lovely routine!

Just this past week, I took some time to start my first artist journal. A few months ago, while working on an artist education project, I accidentally bought a bunch of paper bags thinking that we would make paper puppets. We didn't and i kept on looking at the 200 bags on my shelf wondering how i would ever use them. Fast forward to last week, and it occured to me that i could cut them open and use them as journal pages. When i have enough, i might affix them to fabric and bind them in a book.

And of course, my never ending obsession of buttons. This months features have been antique Scientific American, Ebony 1957, and 1970 McCall's Needlework and Craft Magazine!

Soon I will be creating more new art and i look forward to sharing it all with you! Can't wait!

4 by 4

2011-06-02T07:32:00.000-04:00

A few new pieces!

Upcoming Shows with GirlCanCreate!

2011-05-02T17:56:00.000-04:00

I am so excited for the next two weeks!

On May 7 and 8, I am proud to announce that i will be taking part of Handmade Marketplace in Beamsville at the Good Earth Food and Wine Co. It's a two day market and the vendors list is sooo wonderful, and the venue looks absolutely divine. We are heading up and staying at Cottage on the Lake, so this weekend will be a sort of working holiday! Can't wait!

If you are looking for a place to take your mom, your sister, your friend, or just yourself for a day trip, i highly suggest that you head on over and say hello to me!

The other show that i am looking forward to, is the show that i am organizing. Movies and Makers was created about 2 and a half years ago with the wonderful Andy and Dan from Fox Theatre. We originally screened Handmade Nation but decided that it was too hard to keep looking for crafty movies but the idea of the craft show in the theatre really won us over. So we have been hard at work organizing our first Spring show! We have an ecclectic mix of artists and look forward to seeing you there!

As always, i love doing shows. I reminds me why i create. I believe that art brings people together. It connects creators and appreciators together and sparks wonderful conversations.

I look forward to both of these great shows, here is a few new pieces that i will be showing!

Busy Busy Me!

2011-05-02T17:08:00.000-04:00

So, it seems like i am finally falling behind. I did pretty well with my preparations for the One of A Kind Show, but it seems like all that work finally took it's toll on me. Which would explain my absence from the world of blogging.

I have had moments of guilt and then i think to myself, Who is this blog for? Well, it's a tricky question. On one hand, it's for me and me alone, a place to express my thoughts, share my art and inspire others to be creative, and on the other hand it's a place where i can market my work, sell my art, and inspire others to be creative. Depending upon how you look at it, it's either okay for me to post when i do, or it's my duty and obligation to post every day. As you can see, i am of the first mind set.

Don't get me wrong, I do dream that one day i will be able to balance it all, but i must say, with an 8 month old baby boy, about 6 craft shows, and organizing Movies and Makers, i am pretty busy. And one day, i hope that when Max finds himself in a daycare, and I have a bit more time that i will be able to make it all work together. I know that the time will come for that to happen...until then, it's fits and bursts of words and info for you, my wonderful readers.

Busy at Art!

Pin ATC's by Archie!

ATC's by Catherine

Cards by Dave and I!

Yesterday I found myself doing my last Art Card Make and Trade at Wise Daughters and it was really wonderful. A great group of folks and some amazing cards. Here is some of the cards created!

What i Learnt at the Spring One of a Kind Show

2011-04-15T09:51:00.000-04:00

As you may know two weeks ago marked my debut at the One of a Kind Show. It was a great experience and one that opened my eye to a lot of things. So here, in list form is what i learnt during those long 5 days. Some things are crafty related and others are not.

1. If you happen to be displaying art, do it in 3's. People like triplets and if you offer a good price for the 3 together, better yet!

2. It was amazing at how many people didn't understand that i create art using original papers. So many people thought that i just downloaded the images from the internet. Once they found out that they were original papers, people got way more excited about the work, cause it had nothing to do with being computer generated.

3. To some people, collage is just cut and paste, and vintage is just old.

4. Make friends with your neighbours and always share treats.

5. Laugh.

6. Bring ear plugs just in case of really loud obnoxious fire alarms.

7. Always have something to do. People enjoyed seeing me make buttons because it was something different and new for them. They had an idea that buttons were made in a factory, not by me, in my home.

8. Don't eat fries two days in a row, even if they happen to be very yummy.

9. Drink water and bring healthy treats.

10. Record your stories and make friends. There is only one time that this will be your first time at the biggest show that you might ever do. It's a wonderful way to network and make friends.

Etsy Magic Monday!

2011-04-11T16:33:00.001-04:00

I have decided to share my etsy fave's from time to time on my blog.

Today i will feature 2 great finds that i have found recently while surfing the net!

I wish i was a millionaire so that i could by original art all the time, but thankfully it doesn't require that much of an investment to get some great quality prints from brilliant artists. I just found Amber Alexander's shop and she creates brilliant watercolours. My favourites happen to be of the birds and cats.

Check her work out here

http://www.etsy.com/shop/amberalexander

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66740849/red-print-of-original-watercolor

Next up we have the awesome art of minouette. She is a local artist who creates some really whimsical and colourful work that i love. Since we happen to be on the theme of animals, i love this print of a Jack Russell Terrier! You can see more of her work here.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/minouette

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43044667/jrt-love-1st-edition-linocut

Colour!

2011-03-23T05:49:00.000-04:00

One more week till One of a Kind Spring Show!

I don't have any photos of the new collages I have been working on, they will come later today, but i do have some photos of vintage post stamp cards that i have been doing. As you might see, i organize all of the stamps by colour and them create the cards. Yes, it's a little wacky, but for me totally meditative!

If you happen to be coming by the show, i hope to see you!

I will be at booth J-09.

Please drop by and say hello!

Cool Happenings in the City

2011-03-18T01:08:00.000-04:00

Sorry i have been a bit absent in the past few weeks, we have been sick and now i am getting deep in the final touches for the One of a Kind Show happening in a week and a half. As some of you may know for the past 5 years i have published an online newsletter called the RED Letter. As part of this, i like to let others know about some amazing things happening in the wonderful city of Toronto, and so, here are a few offerings in the next few weeks. After the show is done, i plan to be back in bloglandia a bit more than i am right now! Be well and happy spring!

Nohayquiensepa is a multimedia dance-theatre piece that explores how we react to the death of strangers - and is a requiem for those who have been forced off their land. Inspired by events in the Colombian river town of Puerto Berrio and by reports on the activities of Canadian mining conglomerates, we have assembled a team of artists from Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Venezuela to investigate the connections between our lives here and in those places where human rights violations are common.
March 13 to 27, 2011
Tuesdays to Saturdays 8 P.M.
Sundays 2:30pm
at
The Theatre Centre
1087 Queen Street West (at Queen and Dovercourt)
Featuring Carlos Gonzalez-Vio, Lilia Leon, Victoria Mata,
Beatriz Pizano, Chris Stanton and Mayahuel Tecozautla
Directed and designed by Trevor Schwellnus
Choreographed by Olga Barrios
Tickets: $20 (Tue-Thurs)
$30 (Fri-Sat)
$15 (Sundays, Student / Senior / Equity)
To buy tickets: call 416 538-0988
www.alunatheatre.ca

________________________________________________________________

FULL STOP
featuring Marie-Josée Chartier, Colin Edwards, Tina Fushell, Luke Garwood
directed by Rebecca Picherack
screening by Peter Chin & Nick de Pencier
Following the overwhelming success of hub14’s inaugural presenting series, Under A Paper Moon in February 2010, we are pleased to announce that hub14 is curating it’s 2nd Annual winter show.
full stop is a new site-specific dance work inspired by and including the Gemini Award winning dance-film Streetcar (2004).
Tuesday March 15 – Sunday March 20, 2011
8 pm. @ hub14, 14 Markham Street
Tickets: $22/$18 CADAInfo: info@hub14.org
__________________________________________________________________

Kanchan Maharaj InHerEye.ca

March 26

An intimate concert by Alex Hickey 

Wise Daughters Craft Gallery, 3079 Dundas Street West

7 to 9 pm

$5 cover

Alex Hickey writes and performs funny, down-to-earth, roots songs about life, love, sex, bicycles, feminism, the environment, the economy, urban vs rural, good vs evil, and ice cream vs everything else.

www.alexsings.ca

OWOH Winners!

2011-02-22T20:27:00.000-05:00

Sorry this came out a little late. It's been a crazy week as i was at the Canadian Stage Company's Artist Educator Intensive last week. It was an inspiring, educating, soul opening and humbling experience which left me exhausted at the end of the day!

Unfortunately, i am a bit behind, so apologies for that!

I LOVED One World One Heart! A big big thank you to Lisa from a Whimsical Bohemian for organizing it. Next year she will be changing it up a bit!!

And now for the winners!

The Joy Vida Beads go to Antonella

The Clarity Vida Beads go to Heidi at My Hiding Place in Cyberspace!

And the Cards and buttons go to Marie Neige!

Congrats to all those who came by and i hope to check out some more of the brilliant blogs that participated!

Inspired

2011-02-03T12:12:00.002-05:00

For the past few days i have been checking out the One World One Heart blog event. It's amazing on so many levels. For me, the biggest surprise is the sheer numbers of people who are out there blogging about their creations on a daily basis.

Of course i knew that there were a lot of bloggers, but the fact that there were so many artistic bloggers really makes me happy. I have always been on the lookout for others whose words and experiences resonate with mine, and often was left empty handed. But this time around, i have found a handful of blogs that inspire me, make me smile, leave me in awe of their beautiful creations. I hope to learn more from these people and the stories they share.

Some of the blogs that i found particularly inspiring were:

Du buh du Designs: http://dubuhdudesigns.typepad.com/du_buh_du_designs/

Image copyright by Christine Alvarado

Christine Alvarado creates exquisite art dolls. When i saw here work, I immediately thought of being in Czech Republic with Puppets In Prague and all of the brilliant puppeteers that i met and worked with. I also thought of the film Madame Tuttli Puttli which is a beautiful creepy animated film that is AMAZING! Christine's work is splendid and i look forward to reading more!

Another Magical Day: http://elzesworld.blogspot.com/

I am so drawn to those who are making dolls, maybe it's because i haven't worked on a puppetry project for quite some time. Elze creates dolls in a number of styles, and her giveaway for the One World One Heart project is amazing. If i don't win it, i might have to save my pennies for one of her sculptures. So amazing.

Off i go to continue reading. We are all home sick today. So for me, it's about sleep and blogging. And drinking soup and taking care of little max.

One World One Heart!

2011-01-31T15:58:00.003-05:00

In the past i have often been hesitant to be a part of blog events. Probably out of fear, but i recall last year reading the lovely Martha Browns blog and knowing that the next time this event happened that i would want to be a part of it! Well, here i am and happy to be participating! (If you want to participate, check this page out, it has all the information!)

My name is Lisa Pijuan-Nomura. I am a a work at home mom of a new baby boy named Max. I live in Toronto with Max, my husband Dave, and two furry felines named Beans and Weiner. I am a creativity coach and a multidisciplinary artist and i aim to balance my life between performance and visual art. These days I am getting ready for the largest visual art show yet, The Spring One of A Kind Show! I am totally terrified of it, but feel that the time is indeed now!

I have spent most of my professional life working as a performer and visual art has always been part of that world. In recent years, after a handful of hardships, i ended up finding myself creating and doing more and more visual art until finally people started to buy my work. I was amazed and humbled and just plain tickled pink! It has been such a gift to live creatively and now I am also excited to help others achieve their dreams through being a creativity coach.

When i was thinking about this, i started thinking about what sort of door prizes i could offer. Immediately I thought of my Vida Beads, contemporary meditation beads. Vida beads are meant to be carried around, put in your pocket, and used as reminders of all that is beautiful in life. Similar to the concept of a rosary, but without a specific religious denomination. Please note that they are not pieces of jewelry to wear!

When i was a little girl, my grandfather used to have a rock in his pocket. It was sort of like a worry stone, and he used it to remind him of home. He would touch the rock and somehow, he found that it grounded him, connected him back to the world that he was in, and not the one that lived in his head!

Vida Beads are a nod to my dear grandfather Antonio, who is no longer with us. A bit more elaborate than a single stone, these strands of beads combine unique glass, metal, wood, semi precious, vintage and upcycled beads to create a cohesive one of a kind piece. When i string the beads, i meditate upon an intention that i hope finds it's way in the pieces!

And so, to the dear bloggers of the world, i look forward to reading your stories, sharing our art, ,and finding new friends. Here are my three prizes.

Clarity: This piece is about finding your way through difficutlt times. It's about being able to connect to the world, and to the earth. It's about finding a stillness that is essential to go forward in our life.

Joy: This piece is about finding the joy and fun in your own creativity. A combination of rose quartz, amethyst and lampwork beads from my travels, my intention was to find a playful quality in the colours and in the beads themselves. May these connect you with the child within that is essential to aid with our creative self.

And just for good measure, I am also including a last price of two gocco cards created from vintage images along with 4 one of a kind pinback buttons!

In order to qualify for these door prizes, you must simply comment on this post. On February 17, i will draw 3 winners and announce it here on this blog!

I will continue to post here as much as i can, and will check out all of the blogs that are participating in the One World One Heart event! Can't wait to meet you all!

Write On Wednesdays! - Week 1

2011-01-19T23:19:00.001-05:00

Crack in the sky, originally uploaded by dpnsan.

A photo by Dave Pijuan-Nomura.

Look at it for a moment. Don't think and either write for ten straight minutes in the comments section or on your blog and link back to us.
Have fun! Can't wait to read your writings. Mine will come soon!

Write On Wednesdays Revisited Again!

2011-01-19T23:12:00.000-05:00

I know that i have posted this before, but i beleive that one day it will actually stick and that i will be able to keep it going! Here's to hoping!

A few times in my life i have had the good joy of being part of an online writing community. I am at a time, where again, i feel the need to engage in this sort of communication and practice, which i think benefits all who participate.

About ten years ago, I was part of a online book group. It was based on the book Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg and it was amazing. If you don't have this book on your shelf, i suggest it highly. Not only does it have wise thoughts about writing and creativity, but also for life as well.

The basic idea of that group, and now this group will be that we do weekly writings that are creating from both visual and written prompts. You would use the prompt as a beginning for your writing. Each writing is a stream of conciousness writing for 10 minutes. After you finish the writing , without editing, you post it in the comments section with a link, a title that states your name, the Week Number and the prompt for the week. ie, http://girlcancreate.blogspot.com, Lisa - Week #1 - Us

There is basically two sides to this project. One is the writing part, and the second is the reading part. By the middle of the week, everyone should have posted their writings in order for us to have time to read each others writings so that we can comment on it. I think this is one of the most important aspects of this work. We comment on one thing that we really enjoyed about the writing, and then we ask a question about something in the writing. All of this happens on a weekly basis. The written prompt goes up on Wednesday, and you post your writing by Sunday and then you comment on the others work in the comments area by Wednesday and then it begins again.

In the past i have limited the amount of people set up in the group but have decided that it's best to put it out to the world! This process will take 10 minutes of writing followed by about 15 minutes of reading and then about 15 minutes of commenting. If you miss a few writing prompts, that is fine, but please try to commit to writing as much as you can as it contributes to the quality of the experience!

This process is a great way to free up your mind, and soul and it often makes you want to write more. Which is one of the main reasons that i enjoy this forum.

The blog is public and anyone can read it, so you might keep that in mind, but hopefully that won't influence your decision to post here! Because this is a writing group, sometimes some of the writing can be personal, and i ask that we respect each other and the writing.

Here we go! And as always, if you have any questions, please do send them my way!

Photo of the Week by Dave Pijuan-Nomura

2011-01-07T22:31:00.001-05:00

Soap, originally uploaded by dpnsan.

Dave is my husband who takes amazing photos and i think cause he helps me so much with all of this online world that i would like to celebrate his genius here on Saturdays. (I know that it's Friday night, but i figure it's best to do right now!)

I love the colours of this photo and the possibilities that are in this shot. It really makes me think of this new year and how bright and wonderful it feels like it might be.

Hope you enjoy!

A New Year Message

2011-01-02T11:52:00.002-05:00

Wishing you the best New Year possible.

2010 was a challenge indeed, but i can't help but feel like 2011 will be brilliant indeed.

What do you want to acheive in 2011?

I am not into resolutions, but i must say, more art, balance and dancing are on the horizon! Can't wait!

Winter Wishes

2010-12-22T05:45:00.002-05:00

lashes of max!, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

It's Wednesday and that means Wishcasting is in store for the blog. Thanks as always to Jamie for this!

Todays question is What is my Winter Wish?

This couldn't come at a better time, as i lay in bed too early in the morning, looking back to a year of a difficult pregnancy that included many visits to the hospital, a challenging birth, the arrival of the most beautiful baby boy followed by two surgeries on him that has left me a bit more fragile than i thought.

I have a feeling that i might be a bit weepy in the next few days but it's not tears of a victim, they are in fact tears of survival that i feel. Amazed that i made it, and that my little family is so very strong and happy and well.

For the winter I don't wish for much, other than simplicity. With that, i mean, I wish for no visits to the emergency. I wish for no pain for my wee Max and that he grows strong and big and with no more traumatic experiences.

I wish for a simple home. Yummy home cooked meals, the house together and clean. I wish for a messy studio full of creativity and for art on the walls. I wish that people will see and like and purchase my art. I wish for simple abundance, not a lot, just enough to live by.

I wish for laughter. Lots of laughter.

I wish for simple love, one where you look in your loves' eyes and know that together you will be okay, loved, inspired and held close.

And i wish for the day when Max doesn't flip out when we put him in the car seat, cause well, that would just be lovely.

May what i wish come true, and may what you all wish come true to you as well. Enjoy the light as the days get longer. I have a feeling this week is going to be wonderful.

Making Merry!

2010-12-20T19:56:00.000-05:00

It was a great month of holiday sales and I have one more tomorrow at HUB 14 which is a bit of a celebration plus holiday market. If you want to come and say hello to me and Dave and Max, all the info is here!

I am excited to share my wares with people who know me primarily as a performance artist as opposed to a visual artist. It will be interesting to see the response. Meanwhile, here are some of my best sellers from the show!

Tonight is the lunar eclipse and i hope to catch it in the wee hours of the morning. Hoping to get some healing moon vibes for the wee one!

Music to Warm You

2010-12-14T14:53:00.000-05:00

Wishcasting - What do i wish to transform?

2010-12-08T12:22:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday today and of course we have the wonderful prompt by Jamie at Jamie Ridler Studios to get us thinking. Today's question is What do i wish to transform?

That's hard for me right now, as I am in the middle of a big transformation in my life that is happening simply by becoming a mother. So thinking about what do i wish to transform on purpose is a bit foreign to me right now. But as I know from experience, I am going to jump right in and just brainstorm on this question and maybe something good will come out of the brainswoosh that i am about to perform.

Transform. It makes me think of the toys. Transformers, Robots in disguise. Transformers, more than meets the eye. Yes. That is what it is. Uncovering something that you don't see. Bringing to light. Making something happen. Making something wonderful from the not so wonderful.

It's strange, but right now the main thing that is coming up for me is my kitchen. Since before Max was born we wanted to take over the house and create our dream kitchen on the main floor. We have moved the studio to downstairs, and we have moved upstairs, but the kitchen remains mostly untouched other than a lot of Ikea boxes waiting to be opened and assembled.

This sounds like such a material thing, but i feel that once our kitchen is ready, our house will truly become a home with a place to create yummy food, important nourishment and a heart to our lovely house. I look forward to transforming my house into a home.

I don't know if that is trite, but i know that it will make a difference to me, and look forward to seeing it happen.

I wish this to be true!

Craft Shows!

2010-12-08T09:08:00.002-05:00

So happy to be at Crafternoon Tea!, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

After reading Kit's post about her first craft show, i am inspired to post some of the things that i have learnt selling my wares at these sales!

1. Be as early as you can be for the set up. This time is always stressful and if something can go wrong it will. Arriving early ensures you some time to breathe, have a coffee, set up you display and fix any thing that has gone wrong.

2. Try to have signs for all of your product prices otherwise you will be telling people the prices every time they come to your table. This is not fun.

3. Don't be discouraged if people don't buy your work. A grumpy seller is the worst thing to encounter at a craft show. And you never know when someone who takes your card will contact you for something they couldn't afford the first time they saw you but now want to purchase.

4. Be happy. You are selling what it is that you love. That is a gift. Smile and realize that things are good.

5. Bring healthy snacks to the show or expect to eat cupcakes all day long. Not that i am complaining about cupcakes, but it's just that you might not feel to good after the 5th one....believe me i know this one from expereince!

6. Have something to do during the show so that you can keep busy. It would be preferable if it was something related to your craft rather than this weeks suduko puzzle! People are always interested in process.

7. If you like something from a fellow artisan, don't hesitate to ask for a trade. The worst thing that they can say is no. I have learnt this from Claire Louise Milne of Needlebook who has lovely lovely sewn gifts!

8. Smile.

9. Keep track of what you are selling, so that you can see what the public buy. I now know that cat, horse and fashion images are most popular button sales at craft shows. If i didn't look at what i was selling, i would never would have realized it!

10. Thank the organizer at the end of the day. It takes a lot of work to put a show together, and even if you didn't get a sale, understand that once the show begins, it is out of the hands of the organizer. Thank them. It will remind them why they organize shows in the first place.

I hope this helps. What tips do you have from your years at craft shows?

GirlCanCreate Organizes!

2010-12-07T15:23:00.002-05:00

GirlCanCreate Organizes!, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

When I had a baby i knew that I had to reinvent the way that I worked in the studio. I wasn't sure exactly what it would look like, but by now, I have some good ideas.

Planning small helps. During the day when I am in charge of caring for Max, I can't do big projects, but while he naps I can do production like things ie, stamping cards, making paper packs, finding images for buttons. I can't plan big or i find myself frustrated for sure.

Don't work in the studio during the day. I bring little boxes of stuff to work on upstairs and while he sleeps, i take it out and do it. When he wakes everything goes back into the box and it goes back downstairs.

Be flexible. This is the most important thing. There are days when I don't get anything done. I must remember that taking care of a baby is a lot of wonderful work and if I don't have the energy by the end of the day, it's okay to take a break from the studio.

When in studio breath and have fun. Wednesdays and weekends are my time to have in the studio along with some evenings. Dave comes home and we all eat together and then I go to work. Somehow, having a baby and a limited time in studio really makes me focused, which i love. I can get more done as long as I go down, and breathe and do a quick meditation. It's amazing, how much more I can get done on such a short amount of time compared to how little I used to get done when i used to have unlimited time. Unbelievable!

As i continue to grow as an artist and as a mother i will figure this all out. It's all such a gift. Creation. Wow.

Black Cat Studio

2010-12-03T10:16:00.001-05:00

Black Cat Studio, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

Collage a Day. Number 4.

2010-11-22T14:01:00.002-05:00

He and She Collage, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

Collage a Day. Number 3.

2010-11-21T22:58:00.003-05:00

Telegram Collage, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

I am doing the collage a day project, but i am sort of sucking at taking photos, so they might be every other day or so, but it's really refreshing to take time just to keep on putting images, colours and thoughts down on paper.

Some of these will be for sale at the seasonal craft shows i am doing!

Crafternoon Tea

2010-11-21T19:33:00.001-05:00

I have been busy the past few weeks getting ready for the upcoming craft season and it starts for me next Saturday at the brilliant Crafternoon Tea organized by the DIY superstar Nathalie-Roze!

I participated in the show two years ago and it was such a boost for me and i feel really lucky to be a part of it. Nathalie-Roze curates an amazing mix of artistans, and also has an extra treat of English-Style tea service with some very yummy baked goods!

I would love to see you there, and it's really worth the trip to the east end, even if you are a west ender! Trust me! You won't regret it!

Collage a Day. Number 2

2010-11-19T08:55:00.003-05:00

Need Collage, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

Celebration!

2010-11-18T17:02:00.003-05:00

The wonderful Jamie Ridler hosts Wishcasting Wednesday and this week she asks What do you want to celebrate?

For me this is an easy one. Clearly i want to celebrate health, specifically health of little baby max. He had such a difficult start and now it's nice to be getting into a routine. So many people complain about the bad health care in Canada, and all i can say is how brilliant it is along with the amazing doctors and nurse and Sick Kids Hospital.

The second thing i want to celebrate is creativity. Throughout my life, creativity has been the one thing that has helped me though the most difficult times in my life. When my dad was very sick, I spent a lot of time working on a play that was part of the playwright unit at Nightwood Theatre. After my miscarriage a few years ago, i worked on an artist book specifically linked to saying goodbye to dear Neko.

Creativity has also helped me express joy and happiness and given me the confidence to have a vision of what my art and world will be like and how to take steps towards that vision.

In January i will be doing more creativity coaching and visual art. I hope to help others move toward their dreams and give them a lot to celebrate as well!

Collage a Day. Number 1

2010-11-16T13:24:00.003-05:00

_DSC4688, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

Fear and Francis

2010-11-15T08:26:00.002-05:00

When i sat down to collage, i had this overwhelming fear that i had lost my creativity, my talent, my sense of colour and texture that i love so much. I was reminded of so many of my clients who i work with, and i welcomed the fear and slowly coached myself to creating something.

In the past 11 months i have not created much art work. I journaled and sketched and wrote a lot but spending time in the studio just wasn't going to happen with the amount of fatigue and nausea i was experiencing.

So in the past few weeks i have been spending a few hours every day in the studio. At first I spent some time organizing everything as we had moved my studio to the basement, and then i ended up putting together paper packs and finally i created Francis.

As i would be there every day, i would gather images and ideas that slowly spurred me to create what you see. Sometimes i think it's best to jump right in, but this time round it was perfect to just take my time, play and gather ideas as i gathered confidence.

I like the oval canvas and look forward to working more with them!

Organizing

2010-11-14T12:34:00.001-05:00

When i think about much of my work in the past ten years, i realize that i am quite naturally an organizer. I love having a vision, coming up with an idea, finding community partners, and then seeing it all come to fruition. From full blown storytelling festivals to evenings of performance, I have put together many events.

I have always had a dream of putting together a craft show, and i am happy to say that this December 4, along with the wonderful folks at the Fox Theatre, i will be organizing the 2nd Movies and Makers Art and Craft Show!

It's full of great artists and i am really looking forward to seeing it all come together in the next few weeks.

For more info check out our Facebook Page or our Blog!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Music Books and Poetry

2010-11-11T05:39:00.001-05:00

As i started in the studio yesterday, i came across a book that a priest used to keep his sermon ideas in. It's from 1904. I had originally purchased this with the thought of using it in a collage, but really, it's just too delicious to even think about cutting up. I had a good look through and even though i can't read much of his writing, i did find this..Keep On Keepin' On.

It was amazing to see how he gathered his thoughts and how he started with Seed Thoughts which eventually became full sermons. And of course, there was a fair share of Books and Poetry mentioned here. Which also happens to be one of my main sources of inspiration. Ah, the process of creation is forever fascinating.

If you know me, you know that i have a HUGE collection of vinyl. It started off with my grandmother's collection of flamenco records and then it grew and continues to grow. I pick albums up at garage sales, antique markets all around. The problem is that i haven't listened to many of them.

So, in an attempt to broaden my horizons, I will listen to 3 new albums every time i am in the studio. If i like it it stays, if i don't it will go in the donation pile!

My first find was Charles Aznavour. His voice is smooth and clear, and the songs are cheesy enough and yet have enough substance for me to love! And it's called La Mamma! How appropriate.

What music do you listen to in your studio? Or do you prefer to create in total silence. Let us know!

And so it begins

2010-11-06T16:12:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year when most crafters/artists get ready for the holiday shows. I wasn't sure that i would be participating in any of them, but i am glad to announce that i will.

Part of the reason that i can do this is because i have a whole schwak of stock from last year which makes me confident that i have enough for the season.

I am also very lucky to have the support of lovely dear Dave. He helps me create buttons, takes care of little max for a few hours while i work in the studio.

In just a few minutes all three of us will venture into the basement and put some things in order so that i can fully start working there. Max has been in the studio at least twice and both times was wide eyed with intrique. I imagine he was dreaming of all of the things he can get his little paws into! In time, i am sure!!

This week i am focusing on vintage paper packs and one of a kind buttons. I will post more as the week goes on..

mama and artist

2010-11-05T15:14:00.008-04:00

When i became pregnant, i was surprised at the amount of people who told me that I had better get all of my arts projects finished before the baby came because it would be years before i would do anything dance-performance-visual art related again unless it was with and for my child.

Of course for me, this is not my reality. I have heard many women who talk about how there life before children was full of art and how that ceased upon the arrival of the little one. Sometimes their tone of voice was angry, resentful and sometimes just tired. When I heard that,I vowed never to become one of those women.

You see, i have been an artist for much of my life. Thankfully it's how i make a living. But it's also how i express my joy and sadness, how i explore thoughts and ideas that might not be clear. Art is my life. And i just can't stop with that now that Max is here.

In fact, the addition of this brilliant child in my life just inspires me to create more. Yes, it will look different than being in the studio from 9 to 5 every day. I will be tired. My husband will take Max so that i can create. And yes, there will be days that i do nothing at all.

But at the end of the day, i will have been both mother and artist.

And i will be happy and my son will be proud.

Max the Strong!

2010-10-26T20:58:00.001-04:00

Another long absence during difficult times finds me wanting to share with you all where i have been. I know that i said that this wasn't going to become a "Mommy" blog where i would forever be posting about Max, but this post is different. This post is to let you know what has been happening since I introduced you to the lovely boy a month ago.

On October 8th, Max woke up crying, and inconsolable, which for this boy is a bit rare. Yes, sometimes he cries, but after a bottle, or a good cuddle he calms down nicely. We tried to lull him to no avail, and then he did it again. He vomited the evil yellow bile that we knew so well from the prior surgery. We jumped into the car and found ourselves at the Sick Kids Hospital once again.

Upon arrival we were quickly assessed and admitted to a room. He had a bowel obstruction, but one of the residents felt that it would fix itself as they often tend to do. We waited about 15 hours, and things became worse, and Max looked very sick and the decision was made that they would once again perform a surgery on his bowels.

Four hours later they came out, yet this time the news was not so very good. They removed 45 cms of his bowel and he had an infection in his bowel. They also found that he had a blood clot in his leg due to an IV in the femural attery. We found ourselves in a state of fear. Afraid that our little boy would be in pain, would be sick forever, that we would be in the hospital for a very long time.

We stayed in hospital for a total of 2 weeks and 1 day. Many days of not knowing and infection and fevers until finally things started looking better. Max once again pulled through and was strong and beautiful. He wooed the nurses, all of which wanted to take him home! I told them they could babysit, but that this boy was ours forever!

Since Max was born, I have felt incredible love, and awe and honour to be his mother. I hope that he doesn't have to go through this again and i hope that we can begin being his parents at home. It's the little things that i look forward too. It's the feeding and the smiles, and the little hand reaching out to me. All of these are gifts as is Max himself.

I do hope to be here more often now. To create art and to be an artful mother. I hope that the days here outnumber our days in the hospital and that it soon becomes a far away memory. I look forward to sharing and being present in this brilliant most wonderful community.

Meet Max

2010-09-28T16:01:00.002-04:00

The reason i haven't been around is this little fella here.

Max Antonio was born on September 1, and unfortunately on the 9th of the month ended up at Sick Kids Hospital for major surgery. The good news is that he is definitely on the mend and recovering well from a surgery to fix a malrotated or twisted bowel. It was a scary time, but we are now doing much better.

This blog won't become a mommy blog, but i will talk about the issues that artists face once they become mothers. And of course, you might see some photos of max, cause well, he's just awesome.

The Weekend in Photos!

2010-08-21T23:14:00.003-04:00

Lots o buttons!

How to display them?

Some of my favourites: Pretty Lady

Patsy

Super Size

Photographing Vida Beads! To be updated in my Etsy shop tomorrow!

And packaged some more vintage gocco cards!

Write on Wednesday - Visual Prompt

2010-08-18T20:42:00.002-04:00

Write on Wednesdays is a online writing group open to all who wish to participate. The original instructions are here! Hope to have you join!

Originally uploaded by dpnsan.

Enjoy!

Wednesday Wishcasting: Where do you wish to make a fresh start?

2010-08-18T12:16:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the questions that Jamie asks are difficult, and make you go deep into your soul. I love those questions. Often, after a good amount of soul searching, you make a discovery, and that, to me, is one of the greatest aspects of Wednesday Wishcasting.

And then sometimes, well, the answer just seems so obvious, and so boring. I wish it wasn't so, but alas. Perhaps i shouldn't be so judgmental with my answer, so here it goes.

I wish to make a fresh start with this new baby. I found out that i will be induced in 12 days. And up to that day, we are finishing off the main floor of our house so that it will be exactly like we dreamed it would be when we bought it four years ago.

With this fresh start, i believe it will breathe life into all that i do, being a mother, an artist and a partner.

Exciting and scary are the words that i have been using often in these past few days, but it's true. And i suppose that all fresh starts should be exactly that.

What in your life excites and scares you simultaneously?

The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody

2010-08-16T16:34:00.001-04:00

Sometimes one just needs something as foolish as the Muppets to make their day. It's been a crazy week as I spent some time in the hospital. No worries, everything is okay, just making sure that i didn't have rising blood pressure.

Sorry for vanishing, but now i am back and would like to announce the winner of my limited edition print goes to Stephanie! (Hopefully Stephanie reads this and could email me to let me know her mailing address! That would be great!

The doctor's orders are rest, so i stocked up on a bunch of magazines! Can't wait to share them with you tomorrow!

And now, enjoy the Muppets!

For the Love of Links - Artist Trading Cards!

2010-08-10T09:08:00.000-04:00

A few years ago, while browsing online, i came across the original site for Artist Trading Cards. Inspired by the idea, i ended up creating a handful of cards which soon found themselves being traded through the mail. As i searched in Toronto for other existing groups, i found that there weren't many, and if they were happening, they were closed or happened sporadically.

I decided to take the matter in my own hands and did a Make N' Trade ATC session. Soon, a new community of people from all walks started getting involved.

I think that this form is really a way into making art become more important in your life. Because they are so small they are less intimidating then being faced with a large blank canvas.

Here is a handful of links that i hope inspire you to create your own!

Artist Trading Cards - The original site for Artist Trading Cards - ATC's.

ATC Quarterly - A great zine created by Ronna Mongelon all about ATC's. A thourough and diverse mix of this great form.

Flickr Artist Trading Cards Group - A collection of some wonderful ATC's from around the world!

Cedarseed - A great resource and inspiration for creating your own cards using different techniques.

Art Junction - Are you a teacher who is interested in getting ATC's in the classroom? Well, this is the website for you!

Art Print Giveaway!

2010-08-08T12:42:00.002-04:00

Magic Itself, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

As a celebration of my 1000th tweet at twitter, i am having an Art Print Giveaway!

The lucky winner will get a 8 x 10 limited edition print of the piece "Magic Itself"

There are a few ways to win.

1. Post a comment in the comments section for one entry to win!

2. Tweet about it, and let me know in the comments and get 5 entries to win!

3. Mention the giveaway in your blog, let me know about it the comments section and get 10 entries to win!

I will have a draw on Sunday August 15th and announce the winners, depending upon how many entries i get, i may find one more print..will let you know by the middle of the week!
Thanks for following me, and for supporting all of my creative work! It means a lot!

Photo of the Week - Wildflower bud

2010-08-07T12:31:00.001-04:00

Wildflower bud, originally uploaded by dpnsan.

Every Saturday I will be posting a photo taken from either myself of my husband Dave Pijuan-Nomura. Enjoy!

The Friday Shine featuring Tosca Teran of Nanopod!

2010-08-06T14:26:00.000-04:00

This weeks Shine is the ever inspiring Tosca Teran of Nanopod Studios. When i met Tosca a few years ago, i was impressed by her ability to create jewelry that seemed so biological, so organic, so from the earth! We soon started following her work and seeing her at different art and craft events around the city. Her work combined art and science in such an accessible way as she created jewelry and sculpture. A very shiny spirit, i think that the world should know more about her so i asked her about her inspirations and about her work with glass and metal.

Check out some of her work at her shop, website and blog! Enjoy!

www.nanopod.etsy.com

nanopod.tv
nanopod.wordpress.com

Could you tell us about what inspires you?

An uncle of mine was an undersea photographer in the 70’s. He worked for the US parks and services dept., and went out on the Calypso quite often. He would visit bringing stories, amazingly beautiful gigantic colour photographs of corals, sea anemones, and fish, interesting shells, etc., and share them with me. I was fascinated and wanted to dive with my uncle and Jacques Cousteau. I wanted to live in this undersea world I was learning about… As a child, pretending I was a scientist I would wade through local marshes and creek beds collecting tadpoles, frogs whatever I could find to bring home and watch grow (to my Mother’s dismay). I always had smelly Sea Monkey tanks on the go, and was super happy spending hours staring at water droplets, blades of grass, or whatever else I could literally dig up, under my microscope.

Later I would hitchhike to tide pools off of Bolinas, or Drake’s Beach (I grew up in the SF Bay Area) and spend hours observing the life forms. I was a full on nerd. I listened to music that was not popular with my friends; Tomita, Klaus Schulze, Synergy, later Brian Eno.. electronic, and ambient music of the 70’s. My father inspired this! I was a huge fan of sci-fi novels, and films. LOL! Several films that embedded themselves forever in my psyche are Fantastic Planet, Silent Running, and Logan’s Run. Yeah, well what can I say? Watch them and you will see how they’ve filled my work. I spent hours developing story boards, collecting sounds with my tape recorder, and drawing worlds I imagined and dreamed of.

How did you end up working with metal and glass? Is it something you set out to do?

When I hit middle school and high school new mediums found their way into my hands for creative expression. “Jewelry” was taught at Redwood High School and although it wasn’t an elective for Freshmen (Seniors only) the teacher didn’t mind me cutting class in order to learn this ‘trade’. Mr. Lamante, was not the friendliest but he taught me how to cut stones & cab them, scrimshaw (basically tattooing ivory) how to make my own tools, set stones, fabricate, and lost wax casting. Meanwhile, my fav courses were still science, chemistry, and art.

After high school I continued studying goldsmith and silversmith techniques through assisting and apprenticing professionals. Along side this passion for working with metal was a computer programming passion!

Throughout the 80’s, and into the 90’s I worked with metal, selling and exhibiting my work through small boutiques, galleries, national shows, etc.

In the late 80’s my brother worked for Arrowsprings in California building kilns/annealers for glass artists He desperately tried to get me into glass via flameworking. He made beads, and pipes and sold them at the Renaissance Fair. I was not interested (at the time) in what I thought of as craft (a four letter word). On top of that- Hippy craft! As a metalsmith I was often looked down upon by other ‘artists’ as a ‘jeweler’ due to its associations with craft, so I was not about to start making beads!

Art vs. Craft. It wasn’t really until I moved to Toronto in 2001 that I heard the term, ‘Maker’. And met a community of people that weren’t afraid of the word- C R A F T. In fact, they embraced it!

Oh yeah, back to glass. It seems there has been many occasions where glass has found its way into my pieces, collaborations, and installations. Most of the time through found objects, or friends that worked with glass in some capacity. In 2004, glass artist Catherine Vamvakas-Lay traded her workshop in glass blowing for one of my 8 week courses. That was it! I was hooked and wanting to learn how to work with glass in any way possible. At the time I shared a studio with goldsmith, Catherine Allen known as the Fishbowl. Catherine left Toronto and I took over the Fishbowl turning it into Tank: fire + metal- the fire part had to do with me bringing in two flameworkers from a near-by studio of their own.

I need a positive environment and the ability to create my own world to work out of so, I founded nanopod: Hybrid Studio aka nanotopia in 2005 and have been working with glass along side metal ever since.

I’ve studied various glass techniques in Brooklyn with Anna Boothe, Corning NY with Suellen Fowler, Jesse Kohl, and Loren Stump.

I was a featured artist at SOFA, NY represented by Urban Glass Brooklyn in 2009 and was awarded three scholarship this year for glass studies at the Penland School of Crafts, The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass, and the Pilchuck Glass School- which I am traveling to August 12^th.

I love the immediacy of glass, its sense of flow and movement. Colour is also an important component. Glass is an incredible medium I feel every artist should try on.

Advice to emerging makers?

Make stuff, express yourself! Don’t worry about current trends, and work that is salable. Read this book: Art & Fear!

Be happy, and make/create what you want to, what you feel – from your heart. This work will be appreciated. You are not alone.

Wishcasting Wednesday: What do you wish for your creativity?

2010-08-04T09:28:00.000-04:00

The ever so lovely Jamie Ridler hosts a great weekly post called Wishcasting Wednesday. The last one i did was in the first week of January before i found out that i was pregnant with the baby boy, and now, only weeks from his birth, i am back. And this weeks question is perfect.

What do you wish for your creativity?

Before i got pregnant, i was excited and hyped because i had just found out that i had been accepted to the One of A Kind Show to sell my collage work. I was nervous, inspired and ready to go into full production mode. And then i became pregnant. And it was a very challenging time, and i kept on looking forward to the second trimester which had it's own set of complications including kidney stones, hospital stays, amniocentis and in the third trimester gestational diabetes. It became clear to me that i had to pull out of the OOAK show because there really wasn't a possibility that i could even get out bed daily, never mind make physical pieces of art.

For the past 8 months i have been focused on the baby, and feeling as best i can and taking care of myself. And now, suddenly, i have energy with which to create.

I wish for my creativity to return fulfilled, refreshed and inspired since it's baby making hiatus.

I wish for it to change with this child, and inspired by him, and not to be threatened when things don't go quite as planned.

I wish for my creativity to deepen as i continue to live my life as art, and now with a new life, hopefully inspire him to do the same.

And so i wish this for myself. May it be so!

Write On Wednesdays - Week Two - Visual Prompt

2010-08-04T08:54:00.003-04:00

Thinking, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

Here is this weeks prompt.

For a reminder of how it works check out here.

And don't forget to post a link to your writing in the comments section!

Please spread the word, the more the merrier!

For the love of Links - Food Creatives

2010-08-03T12:20:00.000-04:00

Some of my might know that i have gestational diabetes, and am on insulin for the past few months of this pregnancy. It's been a challenge, but i am following the diet and feeling great, but I am seriously missing some of my most favourite foods, ie, vietnamese pho, korean stonebowl, mangoes, watermelon..you get the idea!

The other day, my dear friend Noah and I spent some time looking at food blogs. And although i can't partake, it totally inspired me to think about all the recipes that i will cook once we get back to normal post baby!

Now, these blogs are unbelievable, and although not many people think that food is creative, oh it is. And especially when photographed and prepared the way it is here! Enjoy!

Kitchn - It all started here, when we were looking for Kitchen designs as we renovate before baby arrives. And then i saw some of the photos of food. Holy crow. And from there, my food blog obsession grew. Yep, i am blaming it on this website!

Smitten Kitchen - This site is advanced for such a beginner cook like myself, but it's always good to challenge oneself. Plus, if there is something i want, i am luckily surrounded by brilliant cooks who would be happy to cook for me! Whoo hoo!

Kiss My Spatula - It was the post about fig jam that got me hooked, and the photography, and the jam and the writing, and the jam..well, you get the picture!

Tastespotting - And this just pushed me over the edge. "a community driven visual potluck", What more do we want in life?

What are your favourite recipes?

Do you have any food blogs that you love?

Please do share!

Vida Beads and Other Preparations before the Boy Arrives

2010-08-02T12:03:00.002-04:00

Jasper Vida Beads, originally uploaded by girlcancreate.

As i continue to get ready for the arrival of Baby Boy, i am finding myself spending time doing a few things.

1) Reading everything i can about birth and pain and breathing and positive stories! If you have any tips or great stories, please do share!

2) Creating a space of beauty for us to live in in ease and peace. We are totally changing the house around. After our tenant left, we decided to move upstairs, make the basement my studio and build a kitchen on the first floor. A lot of work but absolutely worth it! (Just so you all know, i am not doing any of the reno work, i wouldn't want for you to be worried!)

3) Finally, as an attempt to keep connected to some sort of meditation, I have continued to create my Vida Beads - which are one of a kind contemporary meditation pieces. This afternoon i am going to spend time photographing a handful and then putting them on my Etsy shop. Each piece is created with semi precious stones, wood, metal, glass, upcycled and vintage beads that i have collected from my many travels. Each piece is created with an intention in mind. I have created creativity beads, passion beads, balance beads and many more. The beads are used as reminder of what is important to us as we journey thorough our everyday life.

I haven't really shared these beads with many, but i thought that it was time to put them into the world as they give me so much joy. Hope they give you joy as well!