Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases by being shared.
Taking some time tonight to work on my Buddha Series of photo art. There will be nine in the series and the edited images are just the start of what I hope to create.
Stay tuned as my vision progresses. Since I was little and my Grandparents had a big jolly Buddha on their bar I have been fascinated by them. I am blessed to have a dear friend with a gorgeous garden with a very special Buddha collection I was able to do most of my images from.
This is it folks, I have been working many a months on creating stock for my favourite holiday show of the year. When I am not doing social media consulting, photography jobs, or teaching art or SUP Yoga I am painting letters or canvases or sorting wee images into catchy magnetic collages. Tomorrow is set up day for the Bottega Christmas Show in Kelowna.
Bottega Farm is hosting the fifth annual charity Christmas Market on Saturday, November 28th & Sunday, November 29th from 11am – 5pm.
Over the two days, the festive market will feature some of the Okanagan’s finest artists & crafters . Festive live music, kids activities, specialty treats, food, drink + much more, all set in the heart of beautiful South East Kelowna at Bottega Farm
Minimum donation $3 | children are free
All proceeds in support of Karis Support Society; a local charity that provides safe housing, support, life skills, and training for people caught in life altering addiction and mental health.
Karis Society supports a cause close to my heart and it's a magical venue in the forest with live music, wonderful food and the most beautiful Christmas spirit always. I am so honoured to be picked as a returning vendor.
Being a maker is not easy and unlike a 9-5 typical job there is no guarantee with pay no matter how hard you work. A forty hour work week would be a luxury during peak selling seasons and you pour your heart into your wares. Artists and makers of all types often struggle to make a living in the name of following their passion. This Black Friday weekend don't support the big box stores and be blinded by the masses into crappy stuff you don't need. Shop local, shop small, support your community. Find Christmas Spirit in events filled with the energy and passion of people working in a sustainable, creative way.
Come say hello and see what I have been working on with Eachanoriginal, I have been working with them for over a year now and love sharing their line with stores and at shows. Handpainted pieces all made in Kelowna with love. This show is juried and has a really gifted group of artisans, you will not be disappointed.
Years ago I wrote one of my main Women in Art History papers on a contemporary artist who did large florals with shocking sexual words hidden within them. Blatantly teasing those who bought meaningless art to match their sofas and didn't have any depth.
Karen Walker on Will & Grace was hilarious and these image quotes of her lines are so fun. This particular one brought me back to the paper on the artist I can't remember that is going to drive me bonkers till I find it or her name!
Last October I collaborated on a little project with some very talented local artists and it was an amazing experience. As a photographer, I stepped out of my comfort zone behind the camera and stepped in front of it. I modelled for a styled shoot to feel what a client does and learn.
You might recall my post then with a little preview?
I love being a photographer and never want to stop learning. Being able to pose and make clients comfortable is a must have skill. Kids are fun and playful and easy for me to work with but often it's more difficult to put an adult at ease as we are self conscious and have so many inhibitions.
As Father's Day and wedding season is quickly approaching I thought it was a perfect time to share the experience. A little boudoir/glamour shoot peek book is a great gift for a loved one and having beautiful images done of yourself is a present every woman should give themselves at least once in their lifetime.
Amanda Huston from the Huston Spot was the lead of this project...it was her vision. She picked my look...my hair, my makeup, and outfits. She also did all the shooting and editing and was amazing to work with. To see her work visit the Huston Spot button on my left sidebar to get to her site. Right away she said she wanted to shoot me in an Old Hollywood style. As most of the images we took needed to be something I was willing to share publicly here we went more glam than boudoir in terms of outfits and posing.
The day of the shoot we started early and everyone was full of chatter and ideas. I was so nervous and not used to being the subject of attention. Coffee and baileys and Mimosas helped with that a lot.
Courtnie LaFontaine from square1one Salon did my hair which is no easy task as it doesn't hold curl well. She has been my stylist for a few years an I adore her...she gives me cuts and highlights that last for at least four months as I am a horrible procrastinator. We are currently working on her social media launch so for now I have a sponsor button for her services on my left sidebar, or you can like her new facebook page. She works from the salon downtown or on location.
Amy Gervais, the artist behind Alustria Makeup Artistry did my makeup. She works quickly with precision and a soft touch and went with an Old Hollywood look for me that I could wear comfortably. I knew I would not have been able to pull off the red lips and black eyeliner look, she respected that and worked with Amanda to pick a pink alternative. Both of these artists skillfully primped me into what Amanda imagined and then we were ready to shoot.
I am by no means a model and not very photogenic so I sort of thought of the whole thing as playing dress up and tried to focus on Amanda's fun but effective coaching to help me relax and look somewhat normal. Don't even ask how many times she had to say "part your lips a bit" "look here" "relax" etc. It also was kinda hilarious walking around my house and yard in lingerie and super high heels so we had lots of laughs while she patiently took hundreds of images. By the end I was getting pretty comfortable. When I saw the final proofs I can definitely pick out the images where I was relaxed vs the ones where I felt awkward in what I was wearing or how I was standing etc. A good photographer Iike Amanda is able to find your best side, your best smile, your best look and shoot to accent your features.
So, keep in mind she did take hundreds of images and I do have three sons I don't want to embarrass so I had to be selective about the photos I am sharing publicly. Glamour and boudoir photography is not at all about being vain or thinking you are hot stuff. Ask any woman who has had the experience...it is about being pampered and honoring yourself as a woman. It is about having special images you feel good about to share with your loved ones and to have later in life and look at with fond memories.
For me this day and this styled shoot was an amazing growing opportunity as a photographer, a treat as a busy Mom and a special memento, as most of the images my boys will have later in life will be of me in complete Mom mode taken on a lousy phone. The appropriate images from this shoot will maybe be something to show them what I was like as a person in general. I don't know, I hope so. I plan on picking a nice fully clothed one and printing three small copies to put in their memory boxes so they can show their Grandkids one day. So that being said here are some of the final images Amanda presented me from the styled shoot she envisioned and we made finally made happen...
A million thanks to Yuriko Lawson from Vintage Origami in Kelowna for picking the props like the chair and fur wrap and crates of other perfect finds to create what Amanda planned. She has an a huge selections of props and furniture and vintage treasures to rent for shoots and weddings or other big events.
I got to pull out my riding gear from when I was fourteen years old for one location which was amazing till the wild horses started being really agressive. I love horses and don't fear them but when they start pushing me and snapping at my clothing I can run and jump a fence rather quickly.
Lastly she did a variety of colour and black and white images and each has quite a different look.
So there you have it folks...that is all I am sharing.
Just a smattering, but enough to document the experience and talent of the team of amazing artists that took me, just an ordinary forty one year old Mom, and gave me a day of pampering, learning and self esteem boosting fun.
Photography is a luxury item but really should be a necessity. The days pass slowly but the years pass quickly... especially as you get older. Find time and budget to have special images created of your loved ones and you because one day you will look back and smile and be so glad you did.
Thank-you from the bottom of my heart to Amanda, Courtnie, Amy and Yuriko for your creative energy and dedication to this project...I feel blessed to have such artistic souls to call my friends.
After years of trying to decide what I wanted and prioritizing other things above art I went for it on a whim. I had oodles of ones I loved on Pinterest on my ink love board but we didn't even go there...I just sort of told him things I liked and he did a quick sketch and I went for it which is so unlike me but what the hell!
For me a skeleton key symbolism indicates opening or discovering that which is hidden or secret. Because skeleton keys usually can open more than one lock, they are often considered a powerful symbol. I had mine placed on my liver area, the third chakra, as the liver holds emotions as well and over the years I have had tenderness and strong stitch like pain flare ups in that area.
THE THIRD CHAKRA represents the development of your personality, self-esteem, and ego. Organs associated with the Third Chakra include the area of your solar plexus: your abdomen, upper intestines, liver, gall bladder, stomach, kidney, pancreas, spleen, adrenal system, and middle spine. Spiritual and emotional issues that can block energy in the Third Chakra are challenges with self-confidence, self-respect, competence and skills in the outer world, substance abuse, aggression, defensiveness, making decisions, and competitiveness.
taken from Dr. Christiane Northrup's page as I have loved her work and wisdom since seeing her on Oprah years and years ago...her books are fantastic.
There is lots of symbolism of keys in popular culture as well...
The symbolism of keys is present in both ancient and modern culture. A visiting celebrity or lauded individual might be given a "key to the city," an honor that implies power. The phrase "key to my heart" refers to intimacy and the "unlocking" of emotions or tenderness. Keys also connote the ability to uncover secret knowledge, illuminate hidden wisdom and gain entry to fortified areas. Keys can also symbolize initiation and freedom. Common phrases using key symbolism include: "key to my heart," "key to life," "key to wisdom," "under lock and key," "key to success," "key to wisdom," "key phrase" and "keywords." taken from ehow.com with gratitude.
Troy from Little Bird Tattoo here in Vernon came highly recommended so I let him be the artist he is and just do his thing. Already I am thinking of adding to it to make it wrap a bit more...maybe some very light line drawing motifs. Here is a close up so you can see his artwork well...
I had only seen a line drawing before I gave him the go ahead and let him work away till it was done without seeing so I have to admit I was very suprised by how dark and solid it was with shading...for some reason I expected it to look exactly like the sketch but that is my own ignorance and impulsiveness and I have gotten used to it and am so grateful to have gone with such an experienced and gifted artist. I will go back to Troy for more work for sure. Follow his work on facebook as well on the Little Bird page and give them a like.
As for my original plan...it was this on my forearm with my boys names of course but I have been warned by two artists that writing warps over the years and they wouldn't do it that small.
Another thing I was loving was vintage arrows and wanted three, one to represent each of my boys. I loved the symbolism as arrows always move forward.
Anything with straight lines is also tricky for placement as well and wouldn't work well on my hip or waist like I hoped. Not ruling out somewhere else later though as I still love this looks and idea.
I won't lie it hurt a little bit at times, especially when the darker outline lines were done but after having babies it didn't seem painful at all.
Thanks to my photog pal Amanda Huston from the Huston Spot for snapping these images for me during our coffee meet up this morning. See her work from my left sponsor button, she is rather amazing if you ask me.
So it only took me a couple months but I finally shared my first bit of ink...not bad since it took years of procrastinating to finally take the plunge.
Let's face it, most of us don't share straight out of bed shots of ourselves on facebook and instagram...we save the selfies for when we are feeling cute.
Today I was part of a big collaboration project that was so out of my comfort zone but ended up being so much fun. I worked with a group of awesome ladies to put together a styled shoot, and I took a turn on the other side of the camera to get a taste of how clients feel.
Now, I have decided I am not a good boudoir photographer. I am a families and babies gal, so I picked the best one around to work with for this project. Amanda Huston from The Huston Spot . She is so talented and fun.
Amanda had a strong vision of how she wanted me to look and decided an Old Hollywood feel would suit me best. Under her direction Courtnie La Fontaine from Square 1 Salon worked magic getting my limp locks full and wavy like a starlet. And Amy Gervais from Alustria Makeup Artistry painted me with the skills of an Old Master to create a look very different from my normal routine.
Yuriko Larson from Vintage Origami brought along a collection of vintage props and frocks for final touches and brilliant inspiration. It was a treat and I enjoyed being their guinea pig while we sipped mimosas and brainstormed ideas.
I told you we would be keeping it real so I am sharing a before & after sneak peek from Amanda.
(and yes, this is basically me straight out of bed and 70% of the time...it used to be 90% but the boys are getting older and I get a bit more time for primping when I leave the house)
Photography is a fine art...lighting, posing and connecting with the client is crucial. Amanda has got it nailed. I am super self conscious and not photogenic but she got me comfortable and studied me to find the poses that worked best with my features. She helped me be calm and made me giggle constantly. Amanda did not comment at all on my dorkiness issues...she patiently reminded me time and time again to look at the camera, not to tilt my head, stop slouching and to stop thinking so much! The done hair and makeup makes a huge difference on subjects, but without a good photographer's eye they are wasted.
Amanda has an extraordinary eye, and a way of making things modestly sexy which is essential for boudoir photography in my opinion.
Let's face it, most forty something Mommas of three are not Playboy material... but we still have pretty parts and should celebrate our femininity.
I was so lucky to collaborate with this team of creative lovelies, I will share more soon friends.
A smile is the best makeup that any girl can wear.
True... but makeup still seems so fun.
I have only ever had my makeup done professionally a couple times and each time was such a treat. It is such an art and watching the makeup artist work before a wedding I am shooting is always something I like to capture and admire.
For my own wedding I was too practical....I went to the Clinque counter before and had my makeup done and bought a few things she recommended....I still have that eye liner and shadow and I got married in 1994 so that sort of makes a statement on my makeup qualifications. I am not very exciting, I pretty much do the same thing everyday and it is done in less than five minutes normally. When I do try to attempt a smokey eye or other trend it typically doesn't go well. So I have my Arbonne faves that I stick to and the rest is generally from Shoppers Drug Mart. A couple shadows that look the same, two mascaras....waterproof and not, a few eyeliners, the much needed coverup for my tired eyes and some lip glosses
I am working on a recent wedding tonight and listening passionately to a current song obsession over and over. I had to stop and contemplate makeup after this first shot of the artist's palatte...it was so gorgeous. Not perfect or pristine....just loaded with colour and the opportunity to play.
Her canvas... the fresh face of a bride. What an honor to capture the transformation from naturally beautiful to wedding day sparkle.
I always get goosebumps watching people create....kids drawing, artisans at work, bakers kneading, handymen being handy, musicians sharing their song, people braiding hair, even excavators digging sometimes. I love the process, and watching the face and hands of the artist of that trade.
There is art in everything creative or transformative...let the work your hands do be your masterpiece for the moment.
Mine are busy clicking files and photoshop buttons. Although I would much rather be holding a brush in my studio I know I am doing exactly what I need to be doing for work at this time. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share what I see through my camera fine tuned by my imagination and the wonders of technology.
Today I had a late start but now I am working, working, working frantically before I have to dash into the rain and pick up the boys at the bus stop.
Just finished this image which was an important one for the Bride and Mother of the Bride at the last wedding I did which was full of lovely Scottish traditions.
My first solo exhibition in University during my art school days was called Wedding Bells...it was an installation piece inspired by a musty little book I found in a thrift shop that captivated me. I sewed a rice paper replica of the dress I would wear for my upcoming wedding then tediously glued on little pearls like the actual dress and suspended it. The whole ghostly piece was covered in soft graphite writing of wedding quotes and wisdom I found as I contemplated this big leap I was making so young. Around the walls of the gallery, on the walls I wrote this poem with China Marker...little shelves were hung with the things I would use for my day to fill these bride requirements. (I still have that paper dress, crumpled in a big ball and wrapped in plastic and tucked in my momentos box...one day I will pull it out.)
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.
As for the sixpence part, this is why...
And a Silver Sixpence in your Shoe. [for luck]
Historically (i.e., dating back to the reign of Elizabeth the First in the 16th century), the Lord of the Manor where the bride lived would give a sixpence as a wedding gift. Later, the custom evolved to that of the parents of the bride presenting a sixpence as a dowry gift. Since Victorian times, however, it has become more of a good luck charm to bring wealth and happiness to the marriage. -wiki.answers.com
By the way, the sixpence is traditionally placed in the bride's left shoe. I am not sure if I did this or not, I have forgotten!
Anyways for Jen I wanted her sixpence image to be something she could print on a canvas and hang like a piece of art to signify that special detail on her big day. Hoping this brings her bliss.
oxo
p.s. I apologize yet again for not having a brilliant eco-Friday post to share, the first week back to school has been full and since my little fender bender my head does not have it's normal stamina for research and writing. I will make it up to you one day!
cutting another batch of rhubarb, tending to the potted plants, spray painting an old barn screen for hanging jewelry and basically starting this weekend off with a whole lot of puttering....such a nice treat after a full week and that gave me a very over-full head
Once again Pinterst has lured me into starting a project that looks cute and easy that I really have no time for but could not resist. You would think I would have learned my lesson by now! I found several cute homemade pinata ideas and thought they looked rather easy and fun.
I decided to sort of wing it. I bought a giant balloon at the dollar store for $1.25 and had the a frantic time trying to pump it with my balloon pump as it had a huge blow up hole. Squeak squeak went the little balloon pump and I was mutterring away as I pumped and tried to keep the seal tight so my efforts weren't in vain. My fourteen year old who I hoped would step up and take over turned around and simply said: "Mom WHAAAT are you doing and WHY?" When I told him he just shook his head and went back to his tablet. I forgot to mention this was 11:30 in at night. Yes, I have crafty issues.
So today I cut up the newspaper strips, made a quick no cook paste and took Ry on the deck to tackle the messy part of paper mache-ing the gigantic balloon. Paper mache is messy but fun and keeping drippy, slimy strips slapped on by a six year old on a round object is trickier than one might think. He worked away giggling till the paste started to dry on his arms and in his hair and on his face then he got annoyed and wanted it off and jumped ship. We were only eighty percent done the first coat. He spent the next twenty minutes scrubbing the paste off.
I took this picture when he came back all chipper asking if we could stuff the candies in now. When I explained there were at least two more coats then the tissue decorations he was not impressed and gave me this look of defiance.
Sooo, I will keep on pasting throughout the day and see how it goes. I will share my results as I go but if you must start making a pinata today I would follow Martha Stewarts instructions not mine as mine might be a major fail. Find Martha's instructions and lots more pinata ideas on my Mexican-inspired Pinterest board called Fiesta love.
So far for ours we have bought...
1 giant balloon $1.25
1 spool of cool parachute cord to hang it $1.25
three reams of coloured tissue paper $3.00
1 bottle of Elmers glue $1.00
$5000 worth of sweets to fill the pinata.
Normally when you see pinatas at the grocery store (although I haven't seen any lately) they are about $25, so I figure we are still sort of ahead of the game.
Although I might consume double that in wine in order to finish this endeavour by Saturday. Also I could easily spend $60 on a house keeper right about now to cover off the stuff I am not doing while I continue to make more of a mess!
Back at it....time to make second batch of paste and slap on another layer of strips on that #%&F*@g big balloon on the deck. Wish me luck, if it turns out lovely it will all be worth it. If not I will stuff all the goodies in a box, duct tape it and tie it up for the kiddos to wack and I am sure they won't give a damn. The things we do for our kids in the name of cute parties.
