A Day At QUILT CANADA 2022: RECONNECTED

I have always loved textiles and what can be created from them. The stories, the creative communities and the Art, all reasons why I was drawn to this 3 day event, June 15-18 at Vancouver Convention Centre. But, can I sew or quilt? No, but my friend Bobbie Yoshihara, has been a life long crafter and made a special quilt, when she volunteered at My Sister's Closet Thrift Boutique, supporting women and violence prevention. Here is the quilt she made of donated fabric.

As the first day, June 15th was the grand set up day for the many Quilt Exhibits, Merchant Mall, Demonstration Booth and Bistro, Exhibit Halls A & B, I attended on Thursday, June 16th. There were 5 Demos: Bag Making by Tara Sinclair, Quilts for Survivors by Vanessa Genier, Scrap Happy Modern Quilts by Carola Russell, 2 Fabric Applique Fabric Preparation by Connie Johnson Sayer, Janome Circular Attachment by Michael Smith and Creative Quilting Using Your Serger, by Adrienne Gallagher. Although I was not in any of these classes, I passed by some, on my way to two lectures, and heard a lot of animated conversation and saw an 'all hands on deck' atmosphere in the work spaces. The entire Conference was filled with Quilters, excited to learn new techniques, to share photos and samples of recent creations and travels to share them, make them in new places and expand their creative communities. I definitely want to attend the Gala, next time, to find out more about the National Juried Show Trendtex Challenge and Viewers' Choice  Categories: National Juried Show, JN Harper Youth Challenge, CQA/ACC Individual Member Quilt Challenge, and CQA/ACC Member Guild Quilt Challenge. But you know that after going to two lectures and lunching with fellow attendees, I spent the rest of the day being immersed in the fantastic world of Quilts. When I left the Convention Centre, the whole world became patterns: container ships with layers blocks of color, the ocean shades from light to dark blues, greens, and dark purple and black, the deeper down I looked. Every setting could be divided into a quilt story, for sure. And, I looked at what people were wearing because so many Quilters had dressed for this conference. Even in the warmer weather, there were many quilted bags, jackets, skirts, hats, umbrellas and more.

The first lecture I was intrigued by was by Sandy Sandvik: Zero Waste; The Art of Up-Cycled Quilting, Mix Media and Textiles. She brought beautiful Quilts and many photos  From very Northern B.C., close to the Yukon Border, Sandy said, "Stop Shopping"; use the materials you already have and swap fabric and avoid the plastics and polys, although these can be purposefully recycled for Art pieces. Men's shirts and old sheets are great fabrics and patterns, too. I chatted with Sandy about our 8 seasons of ECO Fashion Week, here in Vancouver, thanks to Myriam Laroche and shared with her, this blog about the reuse and upcycling of hotel sheets, here. Sandy listed so many resources: "Why We Quilt" by Thomas Knauer. "Cultural Fusion Quilts" by Sujata Shah, and "Unconventional and Unexpected American Quilts Below the Radar" by Roderick Kiracofe are 3 books that appeal to me. I like that quilts are made by women and men and I like quilts that are without a frame, out of the ordinary, in terms of pattern and shape, tell a story and feature explosions of color. A video Sandy showed featured Artists Margaret Fabrizio and Joe Cunningham in discussion about Margaret's Kawandi. This can be viewed on YouTube and is inspirational. She highly recommended that we visit our local store: Our Social Fabric deadstock fabric store, that we listen to Suzanne Tick: Ted XNavesink Talk: "Weaving Trash into Treasure" and look at this link. Where do you start in your Zero Waste Practice? She recommends: Use what you have, source your supplies (local, thrifted, swapped) analyze fabric - organic or not?, use every inch of fabric and leave no waste. Sandy is a great teacher and lecturer and Quilter, of course. See her on instagram: Sandy Sandvik.

So surprised to see Ivan Sayers, Consultant, Curator, and Collector of Canada's largest Clothing Collection 17th-20th Century,  giving two lectures: Figured Fabrics 1800-1900 and Figured Fabrics 20th CENTURY. I went to the first one. Ivan says he has "the prettiest dresses in the country". but he also brought quits and fabrics for us to (yikes) touch and circulate. WOW! He also says, "I will tell you about my opinions but I don't know everything." If he doesn't know, he will tell you how to find out. He talked about how technology, for example the Spinning Jenny, changed the slow by hand movement and how the industry became more about making money. People were able to print fabric designs rather than weave them so uniformity and speed became the methods. He talked about how wars and revolutions greatly changed craft and clothing. There has always been constant revival and reuse and he showed how style trends like the big sleeve and pointed shoulder are back. Natural dyes became chemical dyes and small prints became huge blocks of color. Japanese women gave up the kimono for European dress. And now the Kimono can be seen in every shape and form. In fact, there were 4 Japanese Designers at Vancouver Fashion Week, this past season. And many of us wore Japanese styles from Terry Sasaki. Ivan has so much knowledge and so many stories that each lecture is not to be missed. He is in his element at Quilt Canada 2022, and I could not resist a capture of his enthusiasm and of the mannequins before and after. You can see more about Ivan Sayers on this blog as well as at smoc.ca. More about QUILT CANADA on Facebook Canadian Quilters, Pinterest: cqaacc, Twitter: cqaquiltcanada, Instagram: Canadian Quilters. Should you, on your travels or here at home, see anything to do with Quilting, go and be amazed. Oh, and have a look at what you can find around you.

Here are just a small sample of the fabulous array of Quilts on exhibit. 

 

 

  Sandy Sandvik and one of the Quilts she made

 

  Sandy's Eco Practices Lecture

 

 

A Fantastic Magazine Must for all Quilters

 

 A Quilt Sandy brought for her display  

 

Sandy Sandvik's collection

 

Sandy Sandvik's Collection

 

  Sandy Sandvik's Colection

 

Sandy Sandvik's Collection

 

 

 Multi Media Artist Fuzzy Mall's Eco Practices 

 

  Quilted Portrait by Multi Media Artist Fuzzy Mall 

Ivan 

Ivan Sayers, Iconic Fashion Historian and Collector meets Sandy Sandvik, Artist/Quilter Extraordinaire

 

 Indian Cotton Pomegranate Printed Fabric (l) and floral print (notice big sleeves) 

 

From Ivan's collection - black dye was the most 

expensive so indication of elevated status

 

Ivan Sayer's Slide showing Japanese Women Wearing 

European Fashions Rather Than Kimonos  

 

 

  Leslie Wain representing her group Quilt: Our Sewing Room

 

 Photo Finish by Diane Chretien

COVID 19: Moving Forward with Photographers Laura Noonan and Tara Mary Paget

I first met Laura Noonan and Tara Mary Paget at an exhibit of their photographs of people and places on the Eastside of Vancouver. She and Tara are partners in MeetMeAtTheLamp(p)ost. I share an Irish name, Colleen, and a bit of Irish family heritage and when I see them, I think about a visit, some day. Although I have seen Tara at the Massybooks exhibit, I see Laura more, now, through her work with Art!Vancouver. She has taught me how to take a selfie and how to do more on Instagram, toured me through Art Exhibits, visited me BWSS_MSC, My Sister's Closet Thrift Boutique, to pick up an outfit for the real Kentucky Derby, shared her exhibit Art!Vancouver and has invited me to watch her paint Art!Vancouver at Cathedral Square, Fridays 11-2, throughout the summer. So busy, so energetic and enthusiastic, she took the time to tell us more about MeetMeAtTheLamp(p)ost and how finding magic in the small things, the every day world around us, is so important right now. Thank you Laura Noonan and Tara Mary Paget and, as always, to MarilynR.Wilson, who led the way for the COVID 19 Interviews. See all interviews here.

Meet me at the Lamp(p)ost

1. Tell us more about your business and how long you have been working at it. Goals, audience, events, etc.

Meet me at the Lamp(p)ost is a visual art collaborative established here in Vancouver, in 2016, by Irish-born, Canadian residents Laura Noonan and Tara Mary Paget. The premise of our work is focused on the idea of contentment in self and place. We aim to highlight the beauty in the mundane and splendor of everyday life. Our work is concentrated in the present and committed to challenging the status quo. We are guided by notions of gratitude and questioning as a means of capturing stillness in a world full of transient moments.

The body of work we have presented since 2016 reflects a lens-based exploration of the landscape, people and architecture that make up East Vancouver. East Vancouver breathes creativity and acts as an illuminative backdrop for self expression and contemplation.

Our work is currently on display at Bean Around the World on Granville and 14th and we will be exhibiting at Art Downtown, Lot 19, in association with the Vancouver Visual Art Foundation on August 12, 2020.

2. How did you reach your audience before covid 19? 3.What are you doing now to reach

them during this time of social isolation?

Since the beginning, Meet me at the Lamp(p)ost has endeavored to separate itself from virtual platforms of presentation. Our online presence has always been significantly minimal, and we have tried to steer away from virtual engagements with our audience. Our focus instead has been directed at physical connection and experience. COVID-19 has given birth to a whole new genre and era of social, and by extension, artistic interaction. In many ways we could view this as a negative reckoning so to speak but we don’t. We are accustomed to standing in opposition to ‘e-interaction’ and have always advocated for the attainment of a tangible and quantifiable truth. A truth that can only be found by way of human connection. Fighting against the status quo is something we are very familiar with. As society submerges itself deeper into the depths of the world wide web, Meet me at the Lamp(p)ost can be found swimming in double time towards land. We will never compromise the weight and importance we place on physical connection and until such time that we are in a position to interact with and present to our community again, we will continue to study, continue to self reflect and continue to grow.

4. How has COVID 19 affected you and your colleagues/friends/work group?

It’s interesting because despite the distress COVID-19 dispensed i.e. exhibition cancellations paired with the inability to interact in and with our community, it presented an opportunity to really reflect and root ourselves in our present moment. It allowed us the opportunity to realign our feelings and attitude towards the things we are thankful for and the way in which we assign a hierarchy to our priorities. This in essence is the mandate Meet me at the Lamp(p)ost champions – the banality of everyday life and the wonder that can be realised in the simple things, the little things. The onset of COVID-19 meant that we had no other choice but to find joy in our present self and place and this is

the feeling we wish to conjure in each and every person that stumbles upon or engages with Meet me at the Lamp(p)ost.

5. What moves you forward? Do you have a mantra, model, book, photo, country?? something that motivates you? Next Projects?

We are very excited to be working on a brand-new body of work, centred on the human brain, its mechanisms, and our never-ending pursuit of identity as visceral and functioning members of society. We aim to delve into both the conscious and unconscious realms of the mind to ultimately arrive at an understanding of self. Our directive around the promotion of contentment in self and place translates and applies itself to this project tenfold. Our aim is to elevate our exploration of thoughts around contentment in self and place by focusing directly on the human psyche. COVID-willing, we hope to be in a position to present this work in a physical sphere in 2021.

Website: https://www.mmatlp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meetmeatthelamppost/

Email: meetmeatthelamppost@gmail.com

VOGUE - Our Common Thread: Creativity During A Time of Crisis

The June/July Issue of Vogue features self created images (with commentary) from people in the world of Fashion, Art and Theatre, confined at home during this pandemic. Articles on how people's creative responses are changing the world, include: Creating the Future (Fashion) Still Life (Art), Into the Wings (Theatre), Brave New Trail (Political Strategy - Biden's Virtual Campaign) and more.

On sale now, this issue is an inspiring account of how people are moving forward in a tough time of isolation and subsequent changes in all aspects of our lives. One of the most compelling images for me is of Annie Leibovitz, Photographer and Mother of 3 Teens: "All I'm doing is laundry and cleaning and trying to figure out meals." Everyone does laundry and meal planning, but her photo tells a much bigger story. Love the photo of Billy Porter, Long Island, NY., with his tee shirt featuring Barbra Streisand, singing "When the Sun Comes Out". He looks for joy to inspire his writing for his soon to be published memoir, the reworking of a musical and spending time with his husband. Others, like Lin-Manual Miranda, take photographs of constants in their lives, like the George Washington Bridge and how the traffic has diminished. A two page spread of photos: A Model World, shows models at home with families, at home reading, cooking and working. A black and white photograph by Enri Canaj, Athens, shows a man trying to make a living by selling fruit. There is no colour, and there are no crowds, showing the stark realities of a city slowed and a work life changed. And Artist, Cindy Sherman also has a two page photo of a woman from two perspectives: She says, "I have no idea of what it means." She was recently here, at The Vancouver Art Gallery here. Sherman's work invites you to be somewhere else, like right in her images. Love that way of being transported.

So I would highly recommend this edition of VOGUE because, as Anna Wintour says: I don't think I am alone in wishing for a little bit of hope right now--though one of the few positives of our current time is that one can find it if one is looking for it. She goes on to say that people have rushed in quickly to help and I found, too, that when I asked people to keep me company and tell me what they are doing now, they did. You can read more about what they said on the blog. I started off with what i was reading, here: You can see the 19 interviews completed to date here.

Image taken by Colleen

Image via Vogue

Image via Vogue

Image via Vogue

Image via Vogue

Image via Vogue

COVID 19: Barbara Halparin Tells How The GoGos Continue to Fund Raise

My friend, Bobbie Yoshihara, a life long Sewer/Crafter, has now joined the Richmond Branch of The GoGos. and is continuing to share her creative skills to fund raise for Grandmothers in Africa, who are raising their orphaned grandchildren who have lost parents to HIV/Aids. A fabulous quilter, she also makes a myriad of other projects, including masks, the proceeds of which she donated to the Gogos. Here is Bobby below and some of her creations.

I asked Darcy Bilinkoff and  Barbara Halparin to tell me more about the Gogos and what they are doing across Canada. It is clear that these Grandmothers motivate each other to move forward during COVID 19.

Thanks to Marilyn Wilson for the Covid 19 Interview inspiration.

Interview with Barbara Halparin

In 2006 the Stephen Lewis Foundation launched the Grandmothers Campaign in response to the HIV AIDS pandemic ravaging Africa. Millions of grandmothers, many afflicted with the disease themselves, and mourning the loss of their children, stepped up to raise their orphaned grandchildren. Since then the Stephen Lewis Foundation has partnered with more than 325 community-based organizations in fifteen African nations to support the grandmothers’ fundamental needs for housing, education, medical care, support groups, business skills, LGBTIQ awareness and much more. The principles of social justice, equality and partnership guide our process. 

There are over two hundred Gogos groups (gogos is a Zulu word for grandmother) across Canada dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the Grandmothers Campaign. Greater Van Gogos acts as an umbrella organization to support more than twenty groups in the Lower Mainland. We have two co-chairs, a steering committee, and representatives from six geographic “neighbourhoods.” We also have a regional communications team and a speakers’ roster, and we provide speakers’ training upon request.  

All of our groups are autonomous, each choosing its own meeting format and fundraising initiatives. Many of these involve attractive quality craft items such as jewelry, aprons, scarves, umbrellas, notecards and a variety of bags. Our handcrafted tote bags have become a recognizable signature product.  

Groups have also undertaken other types of fundraising events such as art auctions, African dinners, and concerts. Our latest area-wide endeavours include an annual 50 or 100-kilometer Solidarity Cycle, and the For Love of Grandmothers Fitness Challenge. 

The Coronavirus pandemic has challenged us to adapt and grow, and we have responded with enthusiasm and creativity. Many groups had already embraced technology by creating websites, and now continue to hold chapter meetings by Zoom. On-line events are springing up, with one group hosting virtual cocktail crafting workshops.  

With craft fairs on hold for the foreseeable future, one group is holding a ”craft crawl” in four limited venues.  Instead of tote bags we are making masks, allowing us to give back to the communities that supported us while continuing to join hands and hearts with our African partners. 

Our annual fitness challenge has morphed into an event called Gogos Go to Joburg, a virtual walk of 17,000 km through the fifteen countries in which the Stephen Lewis Foundation has partners. Participants engage sponsors, and gain 5 virtual km for every hour of physical activity performed. 

Our fourth annual Solidarity Cycle will take place, also with modifications. If we are not able to hold a group event, our sponsored cyclists will dedicate Grandparents Day, Sunday September 13, 2020, to individually completing their 50 or 100 km ride. 

What keeps us going with such love and determination? It helps to think about the many millions of African women who inspire us with their intrepid ability to rise to the multiple challenges of not just one, but now two pandemics: HIV AIDS and COVID 19. They are the best people to teach us what the needs are, and how best to respond to adversity with self-awareness, generosity, and empathy. It helps to track the incredible advancements that have been made in turning the tide of HIV AIDS since 2006. 

But the mantra that has kept us focused and committed from the very beginning is the one we think about when we are exhausted from only a few hours with our grandchildren:  

“We will not rest until they can rest.” 

Check us out at: 

• stephenlewisfoundation.org 
• greatervangogos.org

Last year’s For Love of Grandmothers Fitness Challenge wrap up luncheon.

Inaugural Solidarity Cycle, September 10, 2017.

Tikun Olam Gogos: Paddles for Africa, an online art auction of mahogany dragon boat paddles painted by local BC artists 

Tikun Olam Gogos (my group): Totes and Masks

COVID 19 Interview with VCC Fashion Production and Design Program Grad, Shadi Arasteh Manesh

Last February, I attended the fabulous VCC Fundraiser Gala, FLOURISH. This is an annual event for which the top Culinary Alumni cater and all of the programs are there, with students showing off their  expertise to bring in the money that keeps the College, flourishing, growing and really providing an oasis of services at both campuses. The theme colour is green and attendees wear it. When I go to visit VCC, I am usually there about Spa, Jewellery, Food and Fashion. I am in awe of the vast array of services and courses, and often do interviews, before events, especially for Vancouver Fashion Week. Of course I did meet Sarah Murray, Fashion Program Coordinator and Continuing Studies Marketing Liaison, at FLOURISH, and she showed me the Illustration Competition. In keeping with the theme, Flourish, students were invited to draw an illustration around the words green and circle. The illustrations were sold in sets of gorgeous cards as well as being sold individually in the Silent Auction. Long time attendees are determined and know exactly when to bid to win, but I managed to land Shadi's beautiful illustration, which I call 'Lady of the Flowers'. It is framed and is on a wall that I look at every day. I love the life in this illustration: the windblown hair is so natural and the colours, particularly those royal purples and brilliant gold yellows of the dress and flowers, over the green background, draw me closer. I contacted Shadi for an email interview and, because she is working during this time of social isolation, she was happy to send along her reflections and her extraordinary illustrations. Thank you, Shadi for bringing light and inspiration to our readers. Thank you also, to Marilyn R Wilson who began her COVID Series on her blog: Olio by Marilyn. One more, a big one to Nancy Nesbitt, Interim Executive Director, VCC Foundation and Co-Chair of the FLOURISH GALA, who made sure Shadi's illustration was delivered right to my hands. She was there to thank me, too. Excellence and commitment from everyone! By the way, Nancy designed her own red carpet ready gorgeous green dress and also did an illustration for it. VCC-the place to be. Fundraising for students: the benefits are obvious! Shine on, Shadi Arasteh Manesh.

Please Tell us about your work, school, Art, how long have you been doing this? 

I am Shadi Arastehmanesh a start up fashion designer based in Vancouver and originally from Iran. I remember when I was child, I made a game related to fashion design. I drew different pieces of garments such as skirt, top, pants, dress etc, and I asked my family and friends to pick one of each and make a new look and I drew the new style for them again. I’ve been always connected to art and design and started my academic education in Graphic Design field when I was 14. I entered to university of art when I was 17 and I’ve received my associate degree in Persian Painting and bachelor’s degree in graphic design in Iran. After I finished university, I opened my gallery specialized in making relief and patina. I moved to Canada on December 2017 and I decided to continue my study in fashion field since I’ve been always passionate about it. I took fashion design and production diploma program at Vancouver Community College and now I’m about to pass my practicum and get my diploma. Illustration is my favourite part in fashion, and I know several techniques since I got my associate degree in Persian painting. I love hand drawing even though I am comfortable with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Who is your audience and how did you reach out to them before COVID19? 

We live in Technology era and Social media makes communication easier in most parts of the world. Since I am still new in the country and I was studying full-time and working part-time I didn’t have too much chances to make a local network but definitely participating in events, exhibitions, contests, fashion shows provided me the chance of making more audiences which due to COVID19 I missed those events. I have been always in touch with my audience through Instagram account, so in this case I had more free time to promote my profile, upload more pictures from my design and spend more time with my followers who are interested to know more about me and my artworks. In addition one of my favourite brands Alexander McQueen have been creating challenge every week and designers can participate, share their design( could be illustration, handcraft, design idea, actual garment) and use hashtag AlexanderMcQueen and Mcqueencreators to get more followers on Instagram and people can reach out to our profile through their channel.

How has social isolation affected you? 

The first thing I was totally upset about was postponing Vancouver Fashion Week from March 2020 to October 2020 which I was supposed to showcase my graduation collection on that, and it was like a dream comes true for me. Due to postponing VFW I missed work opportunities and connection with people in fashion field, it caused delay for starting my career also trend changes when season changes. In addition I should have finished my practicum course by end of April, but because many businesses were closed I couldn’t finish my program yet even though I have time, I believe to finish my job at the right time to avoid any delay in my plan in the future. With consideration of this fact that COVID19 is an issue for many people all around the world and it is out of my control I tried to take advantage of my free time due to pandemic and made new projects. I participated in some contests and I’m honored to be recipient of Circle Craft Award of excellence during this slow time and showcase my handcraft piece in Circle Craft Gallery in Granville Island.

What strategies are you using to reach people now? What projects are inspiriting you to move ahead? 

First of all, I encourage all my friends, family and audiences to improve their health care plans and not be strict about themselves when they are not too much productive. Think about what they wanted to do in their busy time, and they didn’t do it because they didn’t have time for it. Now it is a perfect time to start and do whatever you want. There are too many free channels, courses, tutorial, workshops you can learn from. Be creative and positive and believe this situation will end soon and you will be back into your busy life. I try to reach out to people through Instagram. Share my stories and projects I have done before. Nature is my inspiration currently. Since I have been staying home for couple months, I feel the need of sunshine, fresh air, and beauty of nature to share with my audience and inspire them.

Do you have a mantra, motto, role model, favourite illustration that moves you forward? 

Being creative is my motto everyday in my life. No matter what you do, just do it right and make best out of it. Whenever I do artwork, time flies for me. There are some illustrators and fashion designers I am always inspired by and admire their creativities. Also, thanks to my amazing instructors in fashion program at Vancouver Community College who encouraged me to participate in some contests during this time. I have been always inspired by ancient architecture and my country heritage (IRAN) as you can see in my illustrations, but there was a movement for me when I drew flourish illustration. When I was drawing this portrait of mine, my hometown (IRAN) wasn't in a proper political situation and I was worried about my family and friends!  During that time, there were too many tragic stories happening in my hometown, but I just want to tell you no matter where you are, how you feel, just take advantage of every single moment you live! float among colourful flowers and enjoy. You live once!

See my Instagram page here! 

A photo of the illustration I bought from Shadi

COVID 19 Interview with Christine Dibble, Recent Grad of VCC Jewellery Program

I have long been a fan of  VCC Jewellery and was pleased to meet Christine Dibble, recent Grad of the program. Also a Music Therapist, Christine's beautiful designs reflect her total immersion in the Arts.

Interview with Christine Dibble

Hi folks! My name is Christine Dibble, creator and designer of Bodacious Butterflies, and I am a recent graduate of the Jewellery Art And Design program at Vancouver Community College, 2020.  

I started hand making Bodacious Beads woven beaded jewelry in 2011, in a search for alternative forms of creative self-expression after moving back to BC from completing my Masters in Music Therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario. Bodacious Butterflies came to be in 2012 after I was inspired by butterfly wing art I saw in several galleries in the Nayarit province of Mexico. I attended a stained glass art workshop from Sunlight Art Glass in Surrey BC, to explore ways of presenting these beautiful specimens as wearable art. In 2016, I began silversmithing through workshops at the Working Silver Studio in New Westminster BC, to further pursue my love, passion, and craft of jewelry making and design.  

I create not only as a means of giving voice to my inner world, but also as an instrument of self-exploration. I find motivation to design wearable pieces through the joy the act of constructing brings, as well as its inherent therapeutic components. I consider art, like music, as therapy: it brings a sense of calm, peace, and purpose. Making gives my life meaning: to devise elegant pieces that people can wear to reflect their inner individuality, and appreciate for their aesthetic appeal and uniqueness is the aspiration of my art. 

Since I have been a full time student for the past two years at VCC, I have not had much time to continue growing Bodacious Butterflies within the community of the Lower Mainland. I had, up until the start of my studies, been very active in the artisanal craft show circuit, meeting with current and potential clients, making contacts for custom designs, and growing my professional circle. Since the lockdown following the COVID 19 Pandemic, I am continuing to focus on my online presence, growing my brand globally. It has been difficult, as several shops that sell my work in Vancouver have also closed down, and online sales have seen a definite decline. I often worry about the relevance of my work during these strange days, where other human necessities are far more important. However, art is therapy! As artists, we still need to create, to grow, to build, despite the financial uncertainties. I create for catharsis, not for financial gain, and this will not change regardless of the state of the world.  

My plans, now that I am finished my studies and my music therapy work has been put on hold due to COVID-19, are to advance my technical jewelry making skills through online workshops and revamp my website into an online portfolio instead of an online store. I would also like to start a YouTube channel that focuses on jewelry making techniques and how-to videos. I want to expand my audience not only to current and potential clients, but other jewelers as well. I want to use online platforms to connect, communicate, and share art.  

I think what sustains me in continuing to move forward with my work is my passion for creating. I want to know more, gain more skill, learn, grow, and branch out. I have always had a herculean drive in all my artistic endeavours, and the present is no different. Though currently we may have had to alter how we connect, I see it as an opportunity to continue reaching personal goals and milestones creatively and artistically.  

COVID-19 has currently put a kibosh on our first and second year students year-end show, however we have found alternative means of sharing our work. The VCC Jewellery facebook page is featuring our work online through photo postings, and the BC Craft Council gallery on Granville Island is hosting a window display for socially distant viewing of our work. Opening night at the Craft Council is May 28th from 6-9pm, with both the online and window displays being featured until June 11th 2020. 

Click here for more information: https://www.facebook.com/vccjewelleryartanddesign 

We hope to see you there, from afar, and I look forward to what these new horizons have to offer.  

~ C 

www.bodaciousbutterflies.com 

Facebook: Bodaciousbutterflies 

Instagram: Bodaciousbutterflies 

info@bodaciousbutterflies.com 

VCC Jewellery Program's Grad Shows, Student Exhibitions and Sales are truly wonderful.

Recently, VCC Jewellery Grad Show has gone online and can be seen on Facebook and at CCBC store on Granville Island.

Thanks so much Christine! Thanks also to Marilyn R. Wilson who led the way by featuring her own COVID Series Olio by Marilyn.