Felt by Design

Felt by Design hits Hintonberg!

2012-03-05T14:09:00.001-08:00

I am pleased to announce that the latest creation in my series of four seasons pieces is now on display in the front window of Wabi-Sabi, Ottawa's go-to spot for all things fibre, knitting, spinning and weaving. Entitled "Life Cycling," this is my largest fibre art-work to date, measuring 6 feet by 1.5 feet when framed in an old storm window. The piece is on display for the month of March.

Wabi-Sabi can be found at:

1078 Wellington Street West
Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y3
(613) 725-5648
www.wabi-sabi.ca

Store hours:

Tues - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Public Transit: #2 (stops in front), #14 (stops on Gladstone at Melrose, one block away), O-Train Bayview Station (10 minute walk).

Celebrate HER - Multi-venue Visual Art Exhibits

2012-02-29T19:41:00.002-08:00

Annually, on the 8th ofMarch, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women andcelebrate their achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activityconnects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, businessconferences and government activities through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances andmore.

In the spirit of thisday, Celebrate HER is hosting a multi-venue, weeklongfundraising and awareness campaign utilizing the performing and visual artswith proceeds going to the Ottawa Sexual AssaultSupport Centre (SASC). Celebrate HER is an Ottawa-based genderinclusive non-profit organization with a mission to raise awareness of women’sissues and lend support to local programming. With this series of events, Celebrate HER aims to honour amazing women in the Ottawa areawhile also supporting the development of emerging, mid-career and professionalartists.

The visual artistsexhibiting with Celebrate HER address the lived experiences of womenfrom diverse standpoints and backgrounds. In the presented artworks, viewers will encounter a multitude of challengingthemes such as human interconnectivity, notions of the self, the sensual, erotic being, and complex inner anxieties. Viewers may also step into ongoing conversation about immigration, urbanlife and the simple wonder and joy of being. What ties these diverse artworks together is an undeniable tribute to the many expressions offemale power and resilience that we celebrate this week.

The visualart exhibits can be viewed in Ottawa's Hintonberg and Lower Town areas between 2 noon and 5 p.m.,Monday – Sunday* at:

1. AlphaSoul Cafe

1015 Wellington StreetWest

2. FloGlass Blowing Studio

957 Gladstone Avenue

*Closed Sunday - Monday

3. Le Michel-Ange Café,Warehouse, Roastery

35 Laurel Street

*Opens at 6:30 a.m.Monday – Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday

*Closes at 3 p.m. Monday –Friday, at 2 p.m. on Saturday; closed on Sundays

4. PatrickJohn Mills Contemporary Art Gallery 286 Hinchey Avenue

*Closed Monday -Wednesday

5. The Daily Grind

601 Somerset Street West

*Closed Monday

Celebrate Her - Call to Artists

2012-01-31T08:06:00.000-08:00

CALL to ARTISTS

Each year, on the 8^th of March, thousands of events areheld throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements forInternational Women’s Day. In the spiritof this day, Celebrate HER is organizing a week-long fund raising initiativebenefiting The Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) as well as local women andindependent artists. Festivities will takeplace during the first week of March 2012. I am excited to have the pleasure to co-curate a series of visual art exhibits for this celebration.

Events, including several visual art exhibits, are taking place in anumber of venues located within some of Ottawa’s art hubs – Hintonburg,Chinatown, Little Italy and more to be announced. We are featuring a variety of fine-artspresentations, including: music, theatre, dance, visual art and spoken wordpoetry. We are also putting together aphoto showcase honoring some amazing women in our community at the Alpha SoulCafe, 1015 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, ON. Visual Arts will be showcased at Flo Glassblowing; Le Michel-Ange Cafe, Warehous, Roastery; The Daily Grind; and Patrick John Mills Contemporary Art Gallery.

At this time, Celebrate HER is seeking visual artists to exhibit theirworks at participating venues from March 3 – March 10, 2012. Proceeds from sold artworks will be dividedbetween the artist (70%) and The Sexual Assault SupportCentre of Ottawa (30%). (Works sold during the opening Launch and closing Gala will be subject to a 50/50% split between the artist and the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa). Emerging, mid-career andprofessional artists are invited to submit exhibition proposals by Friday, February 10, 2012 to info@celebrateher.org. Eligible mediums include, butare not limited to, drawing, painting, mixed media, textiles, photography,sculpture, glass making, wood working, etc. Selected artists will be notified by e-mail by February 18, 2012.

To be considered by the selection jury, proposals must include the following information:

1. Artist’s name and address

2. Daytime and evening telephone number

3. E-mail address

4. Website/blog address (if relevant)

5. Artist’s career stage (emerging, mid-career, professional)

6. Short artist statement (100 – 250 words)

7. Three (3) good quality digital images of works available forexhibition with a corresponding image list indicating the:

o title

o medium

o size

o price

*Please note that as a gender inclusive organization, Celebrate HERwill consider art works created by women and men. However, successful proposalswill include artworks that address the lived experiences of women from diversestandpoints and backgrounds.

WWW.CELEBRATEHER.ORG

Promoting Amazing Women doing extraordinarythings

Check it Out! 29 Was to Stay Creative...

2012-01-18T03:50:00.001-08:00

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.

Check out this amazing textile artist in Hamilton, Ontario

2012-01-17T05:54:00.001-08:00

I first saw this Canadian artist's work at last year's New Art Festival (Ottawa, ON) and have been following it ever since. These are definitely handmade products I plan to buy and a textile art I would love to learn!

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/featured-seller-jenna-rose-handmade/?ref=fp_featured

Felt by Design goes LOCAL!

2011-12-09T06:08:00.001-08:00

I am pleased to announce that two of my fibre art pieces and a selection of my one-of-a-kind greeting cards are now available in one of my favorite places in my neck of the woods - Wabi Sabi.

This fabulous knitting, weaving, spinning and felting store found in Ottawa's artistic Hintonberg area is featuring a selection of unique works by local artisans. The wares on offer include arm warmers, ceramic knitting bowels, scarves, ornaments, jewelry, and my hand-felted items in addition to its usual overflowing stock of art yarns, wool, roving, knitting needles, spinning wheels and many other glorious things.

Visit Wabi Sabi, Ottawa's unique destination for knitting, spinning, and weaving at:

1078 Wellington Street West
Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y3
(613) 725-5648
www.wabi-sabi.ca

Store hours:

Tues - Fri: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Public Transit: #2 (stops in front), #14 (stops on Gladstone, one block away), O-Train Bayview Station (10 minute walk).

Also, check out the latest creative endeavor in support of this fiberlicioius hot spot: http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=698d46383cbe1cef172136610&id=9280a999f4

* Finally, keep your eyes pealed for instances of knit bombing - Wabi Sabi is not immune!!!

Etsy Treasury Lits Curated by Felt By Design

2011-11-08T04:12:00.000-08:00

This just in - Etsy treasury lists curated by Felt By Design just in time for the holidays!

Find treasures in pleasing tones of yellow ocher at:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTUyNjEwOHwxMDU1ODQ3ODAx/yello-ocher-envy?index=0

Fiberlicious fiber arts and supplies at: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTUyNjEwOHwxMDA0ODA5MzQ2/fibrelicious?index=1

Shades of Gray for a Sunny Day - who says gray needs to be dreary??? http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTUyNjEwOHwxMDAxNjMxNjUx/shades-of-grey-for-a-sunny-day?index=2

Felt by Design greeting cards hit Ottawa!

2011-10-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

Good news! Just in time for the holidays, Felt by Design greeting cards can now be purchased in Ottawa, Ontario at the Rama Lotus Yoga Centre. Drop in for a yoga class and pick up a card.

Visit www.ottawayoga.com for boutique hours and a class schedule.

Rama Lotus Yoga Centre
342 Gladstone Ave.
Ottawa, ON
(613) 234-7974

My Latest Creation!

2011-09-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

As always, I am fascinated by the changing of the seasons and the life cycle of trees. This is my largest in my "Four Seasons" series, coming in at 6 feet by 2 feet.

Felt by Design reaches New Brunswick!!!

2011-09-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that my line of fibre art cards are now being sold at the Common's Creperie Cafe in Rothesay, New Brunswick, just outside the city of Saint John. The cafe is a lovely spot where you can enjoy a scrumptious grilled panini sandwich or savory crep with curried squash or carrot soup followed by a dessert crepe and locally roasted fair trade coffee while surrounded by one-of-a-kind art pieces.

The Common's Creperie Cafe can be found at:

11 Hampton Rd.
Rothesay, NB
E2E 5K8
(506) 847-8480

I will be announcing additional Ontario points of sale for my fibre art cards shortly. Until then, contact me directly at allysongreen@rogers.com for additional information.

Sneak Peak! (felted cards)

2011-08-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

Coming soon - my new line of hand felted cards, available in bricks and mortar points of sale in and around Ottawa!

OAG Director's Blog: A Visit to the Prairies: Art Gallery of Alberta

2011-08-03T02:02:00.000-07:00

OAG Director's Blog: A Visit to the Prairies: Art Gallery of Alberta: "In light of the potential for a new purpose-built space for the Ottawa Art Gallery, I have taken time to tour various municipal and regional..."

Follow this blog for a sneak peak into some of Canada's most vibrant and innovative galleries...

CTV News Spot - Flo Glassblowing

2011-07-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

My friend and fellow artist, Melody Jewitt was recently featured on the CTV News show at noon. She and her business partner, Bronwen McKnight, opened a lovely glass blowing studio and showroom - Flo Glassblowing - on Gladstone Ave. near Ottawa's Littly Italy. The film clips show Melody crafting a glass bird and Bronwen blowing a glass ornament.

View the Flo Glassblowing website and online store can be viewed at: www.floglassblowing.ca. See the interview and glass demonstrations at: www.ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080205/ott_highlights_noon/ (choose the videos on the right hand side entitled "Leanne visits Flo Glassblowing - Part 1 and 2").

As a side note, thank you Melody for providing these beautiful neclaces for my very special event!

Upcoming Exhibit - selected work at AOE Selections 2011

2011-07-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased to announce that my piece entitled "Burning" has been accepted into this year's AOE Selections 2011 exhibit at the Shenkman Arts Centre. The exhibit runs from September 29th to October 25th and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Please join us for the vernissage on September 29th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Trinity Art Gallery, Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Orleans.

Full information can be found at: http://www.artsoe.ca/en/events/selections.aspx

July Creations

2011-07-25T12:26:00.001-07:00

With some unexpected 'free' time on my hands this month, I created two summer-in-Ontario inspired pieces that I am very excited about. Find them, and additional artworks at my new Etsy shop (highlighted below): http://www.etsy.com/shop/Rowanwood?ref=si_shop.

My new Etsy Shop!

2011-07-23T16:35:00.001-07:00

Here are my first listed items...

Commissions and Pieces Currently Available for Purchase

2011-06-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

I recently uploaded a series of photos to my flikr page in a set entitled "Felt by Design." Within this set, you will find photos of now available for purchase; prices are listed in the description area. I currently do not have a "Four Seasons" piece in stock, but can make it to order (images of available windows are also posted in this photostream). Please note however, that as fibre is unpredictable, each piece is unique unto itself and so no "Four Seasons" piece can be perfectly reproduced.

Follow this link to reach the photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/39731623@N03/sets/72157627060379894/

Sneak Peak, Take 3!

2011-05-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

(thanks for your inspiration on this one Armita!)

(Quilting, in a different way...)

Sneak Peak Take 2!

2011-05-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peak! - The New Art Festival

2011-05-25T06:29:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Exhibit @ The New Art Festival!

2011-05-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

Ottawa’s longstanding outdoor art tradition, The New Art Festival, is repeating once again this spring on June 4th and 5th. This year, I am excited to be a participating artist and will show my fibre art on the “Clemow Pathway,” space 37.

The New Art Festival (formerly Art in the Park) remains Ottawa’s largest outdoor art exhibit with over 250 artists and entertainers from a full spectrum of disciplines. As always, the festival takes place in the Glebe’s Central Park – east of Bank Street up until O’Connor, between Patterson and Celmow – and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine. [Due to construction, the Festival can be accessed by car on O’Connor or Patterson, or by foot on Bank and Clemow.]

According to the organizers, The New Art Festival is a non-commercial event and therefore does not include any mass-produced goods, nor does it have any representation from large chains or corporations. It also continues to be a low carbon footprint event. When attending the festival, you can expect to find:

- free admission
- a family-friendly and community-oriented environment
- a beautiful park setting
- food from local vendors
- a selection of art that is juried by artists and arts professionals
- artists on site to answer your questions and explain their craft

For full details about the exhibition, including driving and public transit directions visit http://www.artinfoboy.org/. In the coming days, you will find samples of my work in addition to a site map on this blog.

Culture in the upcoming Canadian Federal Election - get your vote out on May 2nd!!!

2011-04-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

CCA Bulletin 15/11 - Federal Election 2011 - The Party Platforms: What About Culture?

"The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) has taken the platforms available from the five major federal political parties and broken them down for you. Below, you will find all pertinent elements of the party platforms divided into different priorities identified by the CCA. These priorities are areas of focus for the arts, culture and heritage sector in terms of public investments in culture, cultural policies, regulation and taxation. We have not edited any elements of the platforms: we have simply divided them into relevant categories. We also have not omitted information in any of the sections below. Empty columns indicate that we did not find any relevant information on that particular topic in the respective party’s platform. As a final note, with regards to the Bloc Québécois’ platform, we ourselves completed the French to English translation.

"Next week, we will complete our analysis of the political parties’ platforms from the cultural perspective by publishing their responses to the questionnaires we sent them on April 5."

See the full CCA analysis at: http://www.ccarts.ca/en/advocacy/bulletins/2011/1511.htm

Tips & Tricks for Buying Art

2011-03-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

Check out this great Etsy blog by Kate that has excellent tips and tricks for buying art you love: http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/eight-etsy-artists-you-should-know-12547/?ref=fp_blog_title

Conference on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

2011-03-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the interdepartmental Government Conference on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was designed to facilitate reflection upon strategies to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities throughout all government programmes and policies - a treaty that Canada ratified (with one reservation for Art. 12(4)) on March 11, 2010.

According to UN Enable - a web portal to information on the rights of persons with disabilities - the Convention:

"marks a 'paradigm shift' in attitudes and approaches to persons with disabilities. It [shifts] from viewing persons with disabilities as 'objects' of charity, medical treatment and social protection towards viewing persons with disabilities as 'subjects' with rights, who are capable of claiming those rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent as well as being active members of society... It clarifies and qualifies how all categories of rights apply to persons with disabilities and identifies areas where adaptations have to be made for persons with disabilities to effectively exercise their rights and areas where their rights have been violated, and where protection of rights must be reinforced" (emphasis mine, http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?navid=13&pid=150).

The full text of the Convention can be found at http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?navid=13&pid=150.

Throughout the course of the day, conference participants examined the Convention itself, community responses to the Convention, the application of the Convention to our work as public servants and best practices in accessibility in the Government of Canada.
From my perspective, highlights of the conference include:

The resounding "Nothing about us, without us!" was heard frequently throughout the day. This refers to the call from the people whose lives will be most affected by policies and programmes that target clients with disabilities - they ask that we do not take action without client consultations (as provided for in Art. 4 of the Convention). This is because "able-bodied" people do not understand the complexity of a life lived with disability so therefore their programmes or policies may not account for all the diverse needs of people with disabilities. Moreover, acting without the input of people with disabilities reinforces traditional conceptions of disability where disability is understood in terms of dependence and infirmity.
Disability does not discriminate - it is (and can be) experienced by people of all ages, races, genders, and socio-economic classes. In addition, able-bodiedness is not fixed or stable - any one of us can acquire disability in our lifetimes. Therefore, disability issues are not only relevant to those with impairments.
Disability is not necessarily the result of physical impairments, but rather disabling social barriers. For example, someone who is visually impaired can navigate society and the workplace if information can be translated into text. Here, text-to-voice software like "Kurzweil 3000" which reads text found in pdf. format offer different, though no less effective, methods of engaging with language. "Jaws," another similar programme allows people with visual impairments to navigate Microsoft Office and web browsers by reading out loud the dialogue boxes and function keys on the screen.

These are just a few of the highlights and questions that I am considering after my attendance at the conference. If anyone wishes to discuss these, or any other issues, or would like to look at my materials from presenters, then I would be happy to do so.

Work in Progress...

2011-03-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

And so it begins...

I lay out squares of partially felted wool upon a layer of un-spun roving...

The piece expands until it is...

...all laid out...

...and ready to go! So I cover the piece...

Add hot soapy water and agitate...

Until I peel back the screen to see the un-spun wool as cloth!

*Stay tuned for the COMPLETED project which will include sewing, beads and a frame!

New Master's Programme ~ The Business of Art & Design

2011-03-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

Check out this new programme for those who wish to administrate the arts!

The Business of Art & Design (MPS)

The Master in Professional Studies (MPS) in the Business of Art and Design provides a comprehensive, highly concentrated education in business management specifically for artists, designers, and related professions. Fundamental to the work of these creative professionals is the production of creative goods and services - yet until now there has been no business degree specifically focused on their unique needs. This innovative Master's program meets this need with a curriculum that is designed to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to start, sustain, or grow an art or design related business, or to be a dynamic creative manager working with or within a business.

(http://www.mica.edu/Programs_of_Study/MPS_Degree_Programs/The_Business_Of_Art_And_Design_(MPS).html)

Photos of my exhibit at Morala Specialty Coffee, courtesy of Rosalie McGrath (thanks Rosalie!)

2010-10-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

~ October 19th, 2010 - November 8th, 2010 ~

734 Bank Street, Ottawa ON

"Escape"

"Fall Rhapsody"

"Into the Deep"

"Full of Promise"

Up close and personal... with my art at the Buzz

2010-03-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

Instead of the usual bar crawl on St. Patrick’s Day, I had the pleasure of stopping by the Buzz Restaurant and Lounge to view the installation of my art work. It was a fantastic experience to see my work displayed in such a posh setting. I took these photos, ‘for posterity’ which give you a taste of the exhibit.

New Exhibit, just in time for spring!

2010-03-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

What: A fine art exhibit of 2 local artists, brought to you by the Basement Artists (www.basementartists.org). As one of the ehibitors, I am showing 6 original, hand-felted pieces (images in the preceeding post).

Where: The Buzz Restaurant and Lounge, 374 Bank St. (@ Gilmore)

http://thebuzzrestaurant.ca

Mon - Tues ~ 4pm - 10pm

Wed ~ 4pm - 12am

Thurs ~ 4pm - 11pm

Fri - Sat ~ 4pm - 12am

Sun ~ 10am - 3pm (Brunch)

Sun ~ 3pm - 9pm (Dinner)

When: March 1st - May 3rd, 2010

On display at The Buzz Restaurant & Lounge (374 Bank Street @ Gilmore)

2010-03-12T06:26:00.001-08:00

More Christmas Cooking! Warm-you-up Sweet Potato Lentil Chili

2009-12-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

Sweet Potato Lentil Chili

Red lentils thicken this simple yet flavorful chili, with sweet potatoes lending a delicate, smooth contrast to the spice. Serve with warm crusty bread of tortilla chips and guacamole.

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 ¾ cups onions, finely chopped

1 cup celery, finely chopped

1 pound orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, washed, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

3 large cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoons sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

½ red chili flakes

1 ¼ cups red lentils, rinsed

2 ½ cups water

1 28-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes

1 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

2 bay leaves

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Lime wedges (for serving)

In a large pot over medium heat, add oil, onions, celery, sweet potatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, nutmeg, cumin, cinnamon and red chili flakes. Cover and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add lentils, water, tomatoes, beans and bay leaves to pot. Stir, increase heat to high to bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 25 minutes or longer, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes and lentils are soft.

Stir in lime juice, season to taste with additional salt and pepper, and serve with lime wedges.

Serves 6 – 8

December 22nd, 2009 - Green Lentil Soup

2009-12-23T06:12:00.001-08:00

This recipe is one of my all-time favorites. My mum and dad made it for me as a child and it still hits the spot when I am not feeling well, or just want something wholesome and soothing in my tummy!

Lentil Soup

2 Tbsp Olive oil
1 medium Onion, diced
2 stalks Celery, chopped (optional)
5-6 Cups Water
1 Cup Green lentils
1 tsp. Dried oregano
1 ½ tsp. Dried marjoram
2 Bay leaves
½ tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Pepper
2 Tbsp. Tamari soy sauce

Sauté diced onion and celery in olive oil and a medium to large sized pot. Add water and cover; bring to a boil. Uncover pot and add washed green lentils; replace lid and simmer on low for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and add spices; simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Stir in tamari soy sauce and serve.

Enjoy this nutrient-packed soup as the winter draws to a close. Complete your meal by adding crusty whole grain bread and a yogurt or fruit for a nourishing lunch.

Serves 4

December 21st, 2009 - Root Vegetable Bake

2009-12-21T06:28:00.000-08:00

Root Vegetable Bake with Fresh Rosemary

1 Sweet potato
1 Red potato (can be substituted with purple potatoes, white potatoes, etc.)
1-2 Carrots
1-2 Parsnips
2 Cups White button mushrooms
1 bunch Green onions, white and light green parts only
½ pound Extra firm tofu, diced in 1 cm by 1 cm cubes
2 cloves of garlic, crushed (optional)
3 Tablespoons fresh rosemary
2-3 dashes of chilli powder
Coarse salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Olive oil

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Roughly chop vegetables and cube tofu. Place all the vegetables and tofu in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle oil onto the vegetables and mix until they are well-coated. Add spices, salt and pepper and mix well. Transfer vegetable mixture to a large, oiled pan, making sure that the vegetables are only one layer thick (use two pans, if necessary).

Bake vegetables until the juices begin to caramelize and the tofu browns (about 1½ hours).

Serves approximately 4 – 6
Substitute any vegetables of your choice. Beets, rutabaga, squash, etc. all work well.

Dec. 20th, 2009 - Red Lentil & Rice Soup

2009-12-20T06:27:00.000-08:00

Red lentils are smaller than brown lentils and cook more quickly. This mildly spiced curry-flavored soup is brightened with fresh ginger. To add more heat, drizzle Asian chili oil before serving.

Preparation time: 10 minutes (not including cooking time for rice)

Total time: 40 minutes

Serves: 4 – 6

2 Tbsp. Extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1 Cup Onion, chopped

2 cloves Garlic, chopped

2 medium Carrots, chopped

1 Tbsp. Ginger root, finely minced

2 tsp. Ground cumin

1 ½ Cups Red lentils

2 Cups Vegetable broth, canned or fresh

1 Cup Canned tomatoes, drained and chopped or chopped fresh cherry tomatoes

1 ½ Cups Brown short grain rice

Salt and pepper to taste

1) Heat the oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic, carrots, ginger, and cumin; sauté 2 minutes. Add lentils, broth, and 5 cups water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are just tender, about 20 minutes.

2) Add tomatoes and rice, and simmer 5 minutes. Remove a quarter of the soup (about 2 cups) and puree in a blender. Return to pot and stir. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle with a little oil before serving.

Dec. 19th, 2009 - Sweet Potato Chili

2009-12-20T06:19:00.000-08:00

Every day from now until Christmas I will post a recipe for a vegetarian soup, stew, chili, or baked vegetable dish. I am making one recipe a day and freezing the results for the year ahead. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I hope that you will enjoy the goodness of these concoctions too!

SWEET POTATO CHILI

2 Sweet potatoes, peeled & diced into large wedges

1 each Green, red & yellow pepper, seeded and diced in large chunks

1 large Onion, chopped

1 28 oz. Can diced tomatoes

2 tsp Garlic

2 1/2 tsp Mild chili powder

1 tsp Cumin

1 pinch Crushed chili flakes (to taste)

1/2 Cup Extra-virgin olive oil

3 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil (in dark glass)

1/2 Cup Fresh coriander, chopped

Salt to taste

1) Sauté the chopped onions until tender in a large, thick-bottomed pot with the olive oil.

2) Add the diced peppers and sauté until tender.

3) Add the garlic, chili powder, cracked chili flakes and ground cumin; mix well.

4) Add the diced tomatoes and diced sweet potato. Simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender (40 – 60 minutes)

Serves 4 - 6 (you can cut the recipe in half for a smaller quantity - or double it!). This dish freezes well.

Note: Tofu, potatoes, squash, eggplant, zucchini, etc. may be substituted for sweet potatoes.

New Windows!!!

2009-12-05T09:54:00.000-08:00

Last week, I had the good fortune to get my hands on 15+ new (to me!) windows - thanks for your help dad! They are of all shapes and sizes and have different window pane configurations which equals... inspiration! Look for new my new creations in the not too distant future. Also, if you have a specific project in mind, let me know - I may just be able to put it together for you now that I have a variety of frames to work with.

Additional fibre art pieces for sale @ Oh So Good - Nov 30, 2009 - February 1, 2010

2009-12-05T09:35:00.000-08:00

Exhibit @ Oh So Good Dessert and Coffee House

2009-12-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

What: A fine arts and photography exhibit of 11 local artists brought to you by the Basement Artists (www.basementartists.org) in which I am participating

Where: Oh So Good Dessert and Coffee House, 25 York St. (in the Byward Market)

When: November 30th, 2009 - February 1st, 2009

Latest Creations

2009-08-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

In a Private Collection

This piece is currently on display at the AWOL gallery in Toronto, ON in their "Square Foot Show," August 15th through September 7th. Cost: $200 (www.awolgallery.com)

Windows, windows, who wants a window (Part 2)?

2009-08-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

Choose any of the windows in this post, or the last one, for your very own custom felt piece!

Windows, Windows, who wants a window?

2009-08-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

The Four Seasons...

2009-06-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

Following the Seasons - sold in the first five minutes of the show; noe I'm working on a commission for a similar piece

Summer

Fall

Winter

Spring

Lessons learned at the New Art Festival

2009-06-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

I've had enough time now to take stock of the weekend and to reflect upon some of the lessons I learnt about creating and showing my art. Here they are, in no particular order:

- My isolated location at the very edge of the Clemow pathway was a blessing, not a curse; I was the first artist people saw when entering the park and the last one seen upon leaving it,

- People are more likely to buy seasonal work

- Sunsets, autumn colours and water reflections are popular, whatever the season

- More orange please... 'nough said!

- Explaining the felting process gave viewers a greater appreciation for my art

- Greeting cards were an excellent way for people to take home a sample of my work

- Having a greater number of small, more affordabe pieces, is a good idea for next time!

These are my thoughts... do you have any others to contribute?

Snap shots from The New Art Festival (June 6 - 7, 2009)

2009-06-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

My booth

Grass is nice

A cooler masquerading as a table to display felt examples, my portfolio and the greeting cards

Live music in the park - what a treat!

***Photos curtsey of Rosalie - thanks!***

Reflections on The New Art Festival

2009-06-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

It has been little less than two weeks since the New Art Festival wrapped up and I think I am finally beginning to recover from all the excitment! The weekend was a fabulous experience and far exceeded my expectations - in slaes and in positive feedback. I couldn't have done it without the help of a core group of people:

Rosalie, who acted as chauffeur extraordinaire and did anything and everything that needed doing. This included bringing me lunch and warm clothes; carrying my pieces to and from the car; doing a last-minute bit of framing; keeping me company; hleping me put together my original submission for the festival's jurry process; and for encouring and inspiring me to go for it in the first place, rusty or not!

Dad and John who built my display easels and kept me in coffee;

Mum, who nurtured my creative juices, carted home storm windows and gave me space to store all my supplies;

Britt and Chris who provided me with a tent to protect my work from the elements;

Dean, who brought me strawberries and kept me company;

Vanessa, who made time in her busy day to visit and helped take down my display on Saturday evening;

and, Sonia for generally making herslef useful!

It really did take a village for me to put this show on and I thank you all so much!

Sold in the last moments of The New Art Festival...

2009-06-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

(Sold) "Falling"
- Upcycled storm window, leaf fossils, wool, mohair, silk, bamboo -

It's all about trees! (also for sale this weekend)

2009-06-04T08:29:00.001-07:00

(sold)

Works for sale at The New Art Festival

2009-06-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

(sold)

(donated to Carleton Place, ON spoke word poetry fundraiser)

(sold)

The New Art Festival - June 6 & 7, 2009

2009-06-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

I will be exhibiting my fibre art at The New Art Festival along with a slew of talented Ottawa area artists this weekend, June 6^th and 7^th. The event is taking place in Glebe Central Park (@ Bank Street and Clemow Ave.) and is open from 10am to 5pm each day, rain or shine. I invite you to come and support local artists by browsing the booths, watching dance recitals and plays, listening to live music and eating delicious food. For full details about the exhibition, including driving and public transit directions, visit http://www.artinfoboy.org/. Continue to check back here to see the pieces I plan to sell at the show and to watch videos of the felting process itself (I will continue updating it with new images until Friday night).

King Mountain (2003)

2009-06-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

2009-06-01T20:07:00.001-07:00

2009-06-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

2009-06-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

Spring in December! (2008)

December 2008

2009-06-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

*not for sale*

The Felting Process

2009-06-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

Step #1 - Start with a neutral base...

Step #2 - Adorn with colour

Step #3 - Just add water...

Step #4- And gently pat then rub the fibre in a circular motion

Step #5 - Work that fibre!

Step #6 - And you will have a finished product!