visual artist

April 2021 - Update

March 30, 2021

I finally finished the second Gouache painting from the Translation Series I started at the Vermont Studio Center back in 2019. I still have seven more paintings to complete. The process is definitely slow and steady, but I’m making progress!

Translation #2 - Gouache Painting, 2021, Gouache on canvas, 10 x 10 inches — *Translation #2 - Gouache Painting*, 2021, Gouache on canvas, 10 x 10 inches

I spent the rest of the month getting organized to start the art book project funded by the Canada Council for the Arts. I went out and got an extra large calendar that I’ve colour-coded in order to stay on schedule for completing the project. I’ve also purchased all the supplies and equipment I need and can’t wait to get started!

Last weekend I ironed and scanned the handkerchiefs. This week I’ll be converting one of the scans into a cross-stitch pattern. Over the long weekend I’m planning to get started on the first cross-stitch. Let the cross-stitching begin!

March 2021 - Update

March 01, 2021

Highlights

Canada Council for the Arts - Research & Creation Grant
Art Hole Magazine, Issue 9, February 2021
Seeking the Periphery, Virtual Exhibition Launch, Mar 11, 6:30pm EST
Uncompressed, Group Exhibition, Rebecca Randall Bryan Art Gallery, Coastal Carolina University
Digital Carnival Z, Virtual Public Presentation, Artist Panel, May 2021

At the end of February I received some amazing news! The Canada Council for the Arts informed me that my application for a Research & Creation Grant was successful. This means that I’ll be receiving funding to complete my proposed art book project. More to come on the project later, right now is the time for celebration and reflection. This is a major milestone in any artist’s career and I acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts for their recognition and validation of all my hard work and determination over the past few years. It’s not always easy staying motivated to pursue an art career while at the same time maintaining a career which helps me sustain a living. But now I’m confident in saying that dreams really do come true and this is just the beginning of more milestones to come.

My focus over the last month shifted from creating to research and reading. Readings included cross-stitching techniques, the history and future of technology and the connection between technology and women. I surprised myself because this was the most I’ve read in years and it made me feel like I was back in school (but in a good way)!

Lastly, I’d like to share some news about where I’m currently showing and will be showing my art. I was recently published in a UK magazine called Art Hole: 9, for their February Issue, which can be purchased online.

This month my new cross-stitch series Remnants of the Manmade will be part of the virtual group exhibition, Seeking the Periphery at the Paul H. Cocker Gallery, Department of Architectural Science, Ryerson University in Toronto. The virtual exhibition launch will be taking place Mar 11, 6:30pm EST, via dasxhibitions.ca. and free admission tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Later this Spring 2021, my video Part 1: Introduction - What Am I? will be exhibited in the group show Uncompressed, at the Rebecca Randall Bryan Art Gallery, at Coastal Carolina University.

Along with two others artist I will also be presenting a virtual public presentation in May 2021. The Artist Panel (key words: gender, labour, surveillance) is part of the 9th Annual Digital Carnival: Z, organized by Cinevolution Media Art Society.

September 2020 - Update

September 01, 2020

Over the past month, I’ve been writing, painting, cross-stitching, and finishing two new video works. I’ve been working on my proposal, budget and supplemental responses for the Canada Council Research & Creation Grant. Now that I’ve received edits and feedback from a few peers, the next step will be for me to work on revisions.

I’ve also been working on the second painting in the Translation series, painting one 1/4 inch square at a time. I’ve been trying to figure out what the final presentation or form this series will take. I think I’ve landed on the decision to combine all 9 pieces into a stitched (quilt-like) grid. I’m interested in the juxtaposition of using the medium of painting and combining it with female craft-based processes. I’ll do this by using a needle and thread to hand sew the painted pieces on canvas together.

I completed another cross-stitch piece System Failure 02, which is part of a series of three I’m currently working on. The cross-stitched images are partially “unfinished” in order to give the appearance that it is “glitched”. I like to think of them as glitches within glitches. The second glitch or system failure refers to the glitch that occurs when the human machine (me, the artist) executes the project.

System Failure 02, 8x10 inches, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 2020 — *System Failure 02*, 8x10 inches, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 2020

Lastly, I’ve finished two new video works below. Part 1: Introduction - What Am I? interrogates the definition of artist, machine, and woman. The video documents a month long process where even rows of white thread are cross-stitched for a few minutes each day. At the onset of my menstrual cycle, I proceed to unstitch and undo all of the work that was done prior. There are pressures and expectations that come with being a woman and an artist. As a woman, it’s embedded in my biology to reproduce, but that doesn’t mean that I will. The audio track that plays throughout the video poses questions surrounding productivity and ponders what it means to go against what is typically expected of a programmed machine. As an artist if I’m not producing work, I often feel guilty, as though I am ignoring the very thing that I am programmed to do. Can I be an artist and a woman and not produce? Or does this go against the very nature of my existence?

Part 2: What Happens to a Stressed System? shows how societal pressures that come from being an artist, machine, and woman, can lead to an overwhelmed system that is doomed to fail. The video begins with a functioning system of productivity, consistency, and archival documentation. As the video progresses, glitches begin to integrate and disrupt the flow of the system in both the video and audio components of the piece.

March/April 2020 - Update

March 31, 2020

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all hanging in there! No matter where you’re stuck in quarantine, we’re all in this together! Needless to say, that with the current situation (covid-19) things have definitely been challenging. I’ve been working my day job remotely for the last few weeks and will continue to do so until further notice. I didn’t post last month due to some computer difficulties, so I’m excited to share photos of finished works, which I hope will help bring some joy to your day!

Side note: back in January/February I read a book called “Just Kids” by Patti Smith, which was a biographical love story between herself and Robert Mapplethorpe. I really enjoyed the poetic nature of her writing and the glimpse into their lives as struggling artists in New York City in the 70-80s. If you’re looking for something to read, I would highly recommend it.

Alright, time to switch gears and update you on my art practice! Over the past couple of months, I finished the last two cross-stitched pieces from the Translation Series, which is a series of 9 in total. The next step will be to “translate” each of these cross-stitched pieces into paintings. You may or may not remember that I completed one of these paintings back in September while I was at the Vermont Studio Center Residency.

Translation #8 Paint By Numbers, 2020, acrylic, canvas, embroidery floss, 4 x 4 inches and Translation #8- Cross-Stitch, 2020, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches — *Translation #8 Paint By Numbers,* 2020, acrylic, canvas, embroidery floss, 4 x 4 inches and *Translation #8- Cross-Stitch*, 2020, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches

Translation #9- Paint By Numbers, 2020, acrylic, canvas, embroidery floss, 4 x 4 inches and Translation #9- Cross-Stitch, 2020, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches — *Translation #9- Paint By Numbers,* 2020, acrylic, canvas, embroidery floss, 4 x 4 inches and *Translation #9- Cross-Stitch*, 2020, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches

Translation #1-9- Cross-Stitch, 2019 - 2020, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches each — *Translation #1-9- Cross-Stitch*, 2019 - 2020, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches each

While my computer was out of commission, I focused on finishing another painting from the Paint by Numbers Series. This was another project I worked on while I was in Vermont, but to be honest I don’t enjoy hand-stitching these painting as much as I do cross-stitching. I think it’s because it takes more concentration to push the threaded needle through canvas with paint, rather than through a gridded canvas with holes (cross-stitching).

Pattern F (front view), 2020, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 19.5 x 19.5 inches — *Pattern F* (front view), 2020, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 19.5 x 19.5 inches

Pattern F (back view), 2020, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 19.5 x 19.5 inches — *Pattern F* (back view), 2020, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 19.5 x 19.5 inches

Lastly, I’ve finally been spending a more focused effort on a project I started a couple years ago (it’s been a side project). Stitching Loose Ends is a time-based piece that uses up remnants of embroidery thread leftover from old cross-stitch projects. I’m always looking for ways to reduce my waste, whether it’s in my every day life or my art practice. This piece will eventually be shown in a group shown with We Are Pie art collective at the Kariton Gallery in Abbotsford. The show was scheduled to open in July, but I anticipate this will be delayed due to covid-19 closures. As soon as I have an update I’ll let you know when/if the show is re-scheduled.

Until next time, please stay safe and healthy!

Stitching Loose Ends (progress shot), 2018-2020, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 16 inches wide x 1 3/4 inches thick — *Stitching Loose Ends* (progress shot), 2018-2020, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 16 inches wide x 1 3/4 inches thick

Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT, September 2019 — *Vermont Studio Center*, Johnson, VT, September 2019

Vermont Studio Center - Artist Residency

October 06, 2019

My 1-Month residency at the Vermont Studio Center feels like a dream that I wish I had never woken up from! A soon as I had arrived, I knew that I was going to be part of something spectacular. The creative energy was abundant and buzzing amongst the 55+ artists and writers, as soon as we stepped foot onto the “campus”. We all fed off of this positive vibe and took it as a motivator to be productive in our own unique ways.

Church Studios, Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT, September 2019 — *Church Studios*, Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT, September 2019

Most of my time in Vermont was spent in my studio, located in Church Studios. The building was newly renovated due to a recent fire. I was extremely happy with my studio space and the beautiful natural light that came with the tall church windows. I immediately went to work and was determined to be productive. What would’ve taken me 2 months to complete back at home (during the spare hours of weekday evenings and weekends), only took me 2 weeks while at the residency. I’m thrilled with the amount of progress I made on this new body of work and I only wish I could’ve stayed at the residency longer!

Photo of the studio before the work began.

On Day 1, I started off by unpacking my paint squares from my Paint by Numbers series. The patterns were pre-planned as I had picked all the squares a couple days before my departure. By doing this I only brought the supplies that were necessary to make the projects I planned to work on during the residency.

Bottom left is the notebook where I sketched out each pattern for the paintings I planned to make while in Vermont.

Each painting stacked and held together with elastic bands.

I pre-planned nine patterns for the Paint by Numbers Series, however, in the end I only ended up finishing three (the two on the left and the middle painting). I ended up splitting time evenly between this series and the Translation Series. — I pre-planned nine patterns for the *Paint by Numbers Series*, however, in the end I only ended up finishing three (the two on the left and the middle painting). I ended up splitting time evenly between this series and the *Translation Series.*

After I finished unpacking, I started off by cross-stitching the first translation,Translation #1, from the Translation Series.

Translation Series paintings pre-planned and laid out on a window sill. — *Translation Series* paintings pre-planned and laid out on a window sill.

Starting to cross-stitch Translation #1 using a Stitch Fiddle pattern on my laptop, created using a scan of the hand-stitched painting. — Starting to cross-stitch *Translation #1* using a Stitch Fiddle pattern on my laptop, created using a scan of the hand-stitched painting.

Detail shot of Translation #1 cross-stitch in progress. — Detail shot of *Translation #1* cross-stitch in progress.

I was thrilled at how quickly I was able to get Translation #1 - Cross-Stitch finished. I figured out that I could get 1/4 complete in a day, which meant that I could complete a cross-stitch this size in 4 days if I put in 6-6.5 hours per day (something I could never do while at home). Before I started the next cross-stitch, I started working on the the first stitched painting, Pattern A.

Translation #1 - Paint By Numbers, 2019, acrylic, canvas, embroidery floss, 4 x 4 inches and Translation #1 - Cross-Stitch, 2019, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches — *Translation #1 - Paint By Numbers,* 2019, acrylic, canvas, embroidery floss, 4 x 4 inches and *Translation #1 - Cross-Stitch*, 2019, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches

Pattern A in progress, back view. — *Pattern A* in progress, back view.

Pattern A in progress, front view. — *Pattern A* in progress, front view.

Once I finished sewing Pattern A, I completed Translation #2 - Paint By Numbers and brought out the iron to get things that were done looking crisp and flat. After these were ironed and scanned, I started prepping the cross-stitch pattern for Translation #2 and planned out the embroidery floss colours.

Everything ironed, sitting on a stool in my studio, before I packed things up and took them to the lounge to be scanned.

Pattern A, 2019, acrylic, canvas, embroidery floss, 9.5 x 9.5 inches — *Pattern A*, 2019, acrylic, canvas, embroidery floss, 9.5 x 9.5 inches

Planning out colours for Translation #2 - Cross-Stitch — Planning out colours for *Translation #2 - Cross-Stitch*

As I continued to cross-stitch, I was starting to realize that I had not packed enough blue and green embroidery floss. I knew I had to buy more, but there wasn’t anywhere in Johnson, VT that sold embroidery floss. An employee from the residency suggested that I post something on the local neighbourhood forum. Within 1-day I was able to source a local resident who was willing to donate a beautiful stash of embroidery floss from her personal collection. She insisted that I take as much as I like, although I still had to restrain myself from taking too much. Afterwards it had started to rain and she kindly gave me a ride back into the main part of town (I had walked 20 min on the way there). I definitely hit the jackpot with this one and I’ll never forget this women’s generous offering!

Amazing stash of embroidery floss donated by a local Johnson, VT resident.

Presenting at “Res Pres”, talking about the Glitch Series. — Presenting at “*Res Pres*”, talking about the *Glitch Series*.

At the end of the first week, I signed up for the Resident Presentations and gave a Pecha Kucha style artist talk (20 slides, 20 seconds each, 7 minutes total). Each week artists and writers shared their work both past and present. It was truly inspirational and insightful to hear everyone talk about their processes and ideas/concepts behind the work they create.

Translation #2 - Cross-Stitch (Detail) — *Translation #2 - Cross-Stitch* (Detail)

Pattern B, work in progress — *Pattern B,* work in progress

During the second week, I worked hard on completing Translation #2 - Cross-Stitch and Pattern B. As I was working on these simultaneously, I also began to think about the next stage of the Translation Series and went to the local art store to buy some supplies. I purchased 2 yards of raw canvas and acrylic gouache paint, which I’d been meaning to get around to trying! I usually only ever paint with acrylic paint and the occasional water colour.

Studio Store, the local art supply store was right across the street from my studio. — *Studio Store*, the local art supply store was right across the street from my studio.

Laying out the 2 yards of raw canvas I purchased, so that I could cut it into 20 x 20 inch squares.

Translation #2 - Cross-Stitch, 2019, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches — *Translation #2 - Cross-Stitch,* 2019, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches

Pattern B (back view), 2019, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 9.5 x 9.5 inches — *Pattern B* (back view), 2019, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 9.5 x 9.5 inches

Pattern B (front view), 2019, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 9.5 x 9.5 inches — *Pattern B* (front view), 2019, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 9.5 x 9.5 inches

After cutting up the raw canvas, I stapled a few pieces to the walls of my studio and primed them with gesso. Then I began testing out how I was going to paint by measuring and taping out, as precisely as possible, each square. Once I was comfortable with how the test was going, I moved onto preparing the canvas by measuring and numbering each column and row, which took a lot of concentration and patience. Finally I was ready to paint! During each “round” there were 64 squares exposed at a time, which I calculated to take me an average of 45 mins.

Testing out how to use painter’s tape to paint small 0.5 inch squares one at a time.

Canvas fully prepped with all the columns and rows numbered.

After taping off the canvas, 64 1/2 inch squares were exposed at one time. To the left of the canvas is the cross-stitch pattern I followed to do the painting.

On Thursday, we had our first evening of Open Studios which was an amazing night of walking around to all the studios and seeing the hard work that everyone had created so far. See below for a slideshow of photos from the night.

My Studio

On the weekend, I was feeling a little burnt out from all my hard work and walking around from Open Studios. My friend Lauren and I went for a walk to explore our natural surroundings and take photos (slideshow below). Then in the evening we stayed in, ate junk food, and watched a movie.

The following week, I started to rotate between three different stations in my studio: 1. Sewing Paint Squares, 2. Cross-Stitching, 3. Painting Squares.

I also volunteered to have my saliva swabbed at Lauren’s pop up clinic in her studio. Click here to learn more about her Plasticization Clinic. I filled out a medical form, gave her a swab of my DNA, and she took my photo. Now I’m “in the system” as… — I also volunteered to have my saliva swabbed at Lauren’s pop up clinic in her studio. Click here to learn more about her Plasticization Clinic. I filled out a medical form, gave her a swab of my DNA, and she took my photo. Now I’m “in the system” as part of the archive for her project!

Lauren and I also decided to go for another walk and we finally found “Journey’s End”, a trail that lead to a small waterfall. See slideshow below for photos taken during our nature walk and some other photos of Johnson, VT.

As the residency was starting to come to a close, I worked hard to finish the three works I had in progress. My goal was to finish the cross-stitch, the hand-stitched painting and the small test paintings all in time for the last Open Studio.

Translation #3 - Cross-Stitch, work in progress. — *Translation #3 - Cross-Stitch*, work in progress.

Translation #1 - Gouache Painting, work in progress. — *Translation #1 - Gouache Painting*, work in progress.

Lauren had to leave a couple days early to get back to NY for a class she was teaching, so we decided to revisit a restaurant in a nearby town called Stowe, for some delicious pizza from “Pie-casso” as a little farewell dinner.

The last couple of days I spent wrapping up my projects and working on submissions for various exhibitions and publications.

Translation #1 - Gouache Painting, 2019, gouache, canvas, 10 x 10 inches — *Translation #1 - Gouache Painting*, 2019, gouache, canvas, 10 x 10 inches

Translation #3 - Cross-Stitch, 2019, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches — *Translation #3 - Cross-Stitch*, 2019, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches

Untitled, work in progress — *Untitled*, work in progress

After finishing my projects, I cleaned up my studio and hung all of my finished pieces on the walls for the second round of Open Studios.

Translation #2 - Paint By Numbers, 2019, acrylic, canvas, embroidery floss, 4 x 4 inches and Translation #2 - Cross-Stitch, 2019, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches — *Translation #2 - Paint By Numbers,* 2019, acrylic, canvas, embroidery floss, 4 x 4 inches and *Translation #2 - Cross-Stitch*, 2019, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches

Translation #3- Paint By Numbers, 2019, acrylic, canvas, embroidery floss, 4 x 4 inches and Translation #3 - Cross-Stitch, 2019, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches — *Translation #3- Paint By Numbers,* 2019, acrylic, canvas, embroidery floss, 4 x 4 inches and *Translation #3 - Cross-Stitch*, 2019, embroidery floss, Aida cloth, 6 x 6 inches

Pattern C (front view), 2019, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 19.5 x 19.5 inches — *Pattern C* (front view), 2019, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 19.5 x 19.5 inches

Pattern B (back view), 2019, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 19.5 x 19.5 inches — *Pattern B* (back view), 2019, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 19.5 x 19.5 inches

Installation shot, Open Studios, Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT, 2019 — *Installation shot*, Open Studios, Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT, 2019

Untitled, 2019, gouache, canvas, 2.5 x 2.5 inches (each square) — *Untitled*, 2019, gouache, canvas, 2.5 x 2.5 inches (each square)

Untitled (Left), 2019, gouache, canvas, 2.5 x 2.5 inches (each square), Pattern B (Middle), 2019, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 9.5 x 9.5 inches, Pattern A (Right), 2019, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 9.5 x 9.5 inches — *Untitled* (Left), 2019, gouache, canvas, 2.5 x 2.5 inches (each square), *Pattern B* (Middle), 2019, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 9.5 x 9.5 inches, *Pattern A* (Right), 2019, canvas, embroidery floss, graphite, 9.5 x 9.5 inches

More photos from Open Studios round #2.

The last day of the residency was spent packing and cleaning up the studio, as well as saying goodbye to the space, Johnson, and the wonderful people I met along the way. I hope to return to the Vermont Studio Center someday and I’ll definitely be looking to do other residencies in the near future!

July 2019 - Update

July 03, 2019

Glitch Series 03
Solo Exhibition: I Come From a Long Line of Machines

Glitch Series 03

This past month I’ve been spending approximately 20-24 hours per week cross-stitching whenever possible. Why, you might ask? I was determined to finish Glitch Series 03. I’m happy to say that I did it! This series will be framed in 18x24” frames, each cross-stitch and glitch image is approx. 5.5 inches. I’m so happy to have another series under my belt, but I’m also looking forward to completing Glitch Series 04 which is currently in progress.

Solo Exhibition - I Come From a Long Line of Machines

Only a month away till my solo exhibition: I Come From A Long Line of Machine at the Ranger Station Art Gallery, in Harrison, BC. If you haven’t made any August long weekend plans, why not make a day trip out to Harrison for the opening reception on August 4th, starting at 2pm? The show will include Glitch Series 01, a new series of Instruction Tables, The Machine: Knitting Ouroboros, Think Like a Human Act Like a Machine, When I Cross-Stitch I Feel Like a Machine, and a few other Glitch Series pieces!

November 2018 - Update

November 04, 2018

Inktober
iAD Anonymous Art Show
Maker Market
Mainstreet Mixed Bag
Art on Demand 4.4

Inktober

This past month I participated in the Inktober challenge and I created a new drawing with ink every day (with the exception of the last couple of days). Below are images of the new work I created throughout this challenge.

iAD Anonymous Art Show

This past month I submitted a painting to the Anonymous Art Show in New Westminster for International Artist Day (iAD). Over 100 artists created work on 12”x12” canvases and pieces were sold for $150 with $50 going towards the New West Arts Council and $100 directly to the artist.

Maker Market

Last week I did my first market, the Maker Market at the Ellis Building (1024 Main Street). My inventory is fully stocked and I’m ready to keep getting my name and my art out there for people to see!

Upcoming Market - Mainstreet Mixed Bag

That’s right, I’m signed up for my next market! This one is called Mainstreet Mixed Bag, at the Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street, Vancouver, on November 11, from 11am-6pm. Don’t miss out on killer deals on my art, who knows you might find some holiday gifts for that special someone or maybe just treat yourself.

Art on Demand 4.4

My solo exhibition at the Reach is coming up this month! Art on Demand 4.4 will be up from November 15 - January 6th at the Reach, Abbotsford, BC. The opening reception will be on Thursday, November 15th at 6:30-8:30pm, be sure to stop by and see some of my most recent work in person. Below are images of the work that will be on display, featured projects from my MFA Thesis and Glitch Series 01.

The Machine_Knitting Ouroboros (Video Still).png

Think Like a Human Act Like a Machine_ Programming an Artist_Spread.jpg

Think Like a Human Act Like a Machine_ Programming an Artist.jpg

October 2018 - Update

October 01, 2018

I’m finally blogging again! After a much needed break from art and life, I’ve been working on my mental health over the past few months. Being an artist is a gruelling practice, you have to go through constant rejection and heaps of doubt. People are always telling you that you aren’t going to succeed and there are moments when you believe them. It can be difficult to stay motivated, but in the end it’s worth it. I can say with every cell in my body that I am an artist and I will always be passionate about making art and sharing it with others. This passion is what keeps me going and when I listen to my heart I know I’m doing what I should be.

It’s a bit delayed, but please read the rest of my blog for an overview of what I had been working on earlier this summer and what I’m up to right now!

Neither Here Nor There
Diane Arbus
Paint by Numbers
Glitch Series 03
Upcoming Art Market: Maker Market, Friday, October 26th, 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Upcoming Solo Exhibition: Art on Demand 4.4, The Reach Gallery, Abbotsford, Nov. 15 - Jan. 6

Neither Here Nor There

Glitch Series 01 was part of a group exhibition, July 7-20, Neither Here Nor There, at South Main Gallery, Vancouver, BC. I'm so happy to have been a part of the exhibition, showing with several other emerging artists in Vancouver. See below for photos from the opening reception and documentation of the whole exhibition.

Diane Arbus

I've finally finished my Diane Arbus portrait and I've decided to take a bit of a break on my Women Artist Portraits for the moment. I'm trying to figure out the direction I want to take the series before I continue any further.

Paint By Numbers Series

Still continuing to work on more Paint by Numbers quilted paintings, but I've been starting to think of how I'm going to frame this series. I'm also thinking I might start another set of larger paintings!

Glitch Series 03

After showing Glitch Series 01 and getting lots of positive feedback on the work, it's inspired me to keep working on more pieces like this. I finished a mini set of cross-stitched glitch images titled Glitch Series 02 and now I've begun another Glitch Series 03 that will be larger than Series 01 and 02. See photos below for the first complete piece from Glitch Series 03.

Maker Market

Some awesome news! I’ll be selling my art at the Maker Market, at the Ellis Building (1024 Main Street, close to Science World), on Friday, October 26, 5-10pm. Now is the time to start thinking ahead of the game and find something unique for your holiday gifts! Also it’s a chance to see me with my art, my true passion.

Art on Demand 4.4

Even more exciting news! Art Demand 4.4 is an upcoming solo exhibition at The Reach Gallery, in Abbotsford, BC, November 15 - January 6, 2018. I will be showing Glitch Series 01, When I Cross Stitch I Feel Like a Machine, as well The Machine: Knitting Ouroboros, which will include the video and installation. The challenge with the “Ouroboros” installation has been trying to figure out a way to mount the piece onto the gallery wall. Through trial, error, and many discussions with my peers and the curator, I’m still working on a solution. All in all, I know we’ll come up with a way to show the piece even if we have to change the format slightly.

June 2018 - Update

May 31, 2018

After a hiatus during my studies in Winnipeg, I finally got around to relaunching my Etsy shop. I worked really hard on rephotographing my art and presenting it in a way that makes it more appealing to purchase and place in homes like yours!

April 2018 - Update

April 02, 2018

I have three updates for this month's blog:

RAW: Vancouver
White Rock Youth Mural
Paint by Numbers Series

RAW: Vancouver

I will be presenting/selling my art at RAW: Vancouver, on Thursday, April 12th. The event is a showcase of various creatives across several different disciplines including fashion designers, musicians, hair stylists, visual artists, and more! Ticket sales go directly towards supporting the artists who are participating. Therefore, even if you are unable to attend, you can still support me!
Hint, hint, nudge, nudge...

Tickets are sold here, on my RAW artist profile. As always I'd love to see as many friendly faces as possible! I'll be offering a 20% off discount to anyone who buys a ticket from me. Also I will have a basket full of discounted items, as I am trying to flush out some old work from my inventory in order to keep my work more consistent.

I've been working hard during some time off from my full-time job, in order to create more work and come prepared for my first real art market experience. I'm so excited, and I'm sure it'll be an event like I've never been apart of!

Check out photos below of some of the new art I've been making especially for RAW!

#WhiteRockYouthMural

In March, I started on a youth mural mentoring project with Rachel Kirkpatrick and Semiahmoo Arts. We've been meeting for the past three weeks with several students from Elgin Park Secondary. After a few days of exploring ideas and concepts, we finally completed the sketch/layout for our mural and the concept has been approved by the city! This means that later in April we will start to paint the actual mural. Hurray! I'm excited, the students are excited, and I can't wait to get this painted, so that everyone can come see it when they visit White Rock! This is a student led project and I'm so eager to see them take on their first mural/public art project.

Below are some images of the workshops we've had over the past few weeks. Stay tuned for more photos of the process and of course the final reveal of the mural.

Paint by Number Series

I've been working on a new series of paintings that stem from ideas I wrote about in my thesis (I Come From A Long Line of Machines). Below are photos and videos documenting the process, as well as a video revealing the selection of the first squares, used to create the first quilted painting of the series.

I briefly explain the concept behind a new series of paintings I've started called the "Paint by Numbers Series", which further explores ideas from my thesis "I Come From a Long Line of Machines". I also do a reveal of the squares used in my first quilted painting by following a pre-established pattern.

A timelapse showing the machine artist at work; hand-stitching the squares for the first painting in the Paint by Numbers Series of quilted paintings.

Highlights

Glitch Series 03

Solo Exhibition: I Come From a Long Line of Machines

Glitch Series 03

Solo Exhibition - I Come From a Long Line of Machines

Inktober

iAD Anonymous Art Show

Maker Market

Mainstreet Mixed Bag

Art on Demand 4.4

Inktober

iAD Anonymous Art Show

Maker Market

Upcoming Market - Mainstreet Mixed Bag

Art on Demand 4.4

Neither Here Nor There

Diane Arbus

Paint by Numbers

Glitch Series 03

Upcoming Art Market: Maker Market, Friday, October 26th, 5:00pm - 10:00pm

Upcoming Solo Exhibition: Art on Demand 4.4, The Reach Gallery, Abbotsford, Nov. 15 - Jan. 6

Neither Here Nor There

Diane Arbus

Paint By Numbers Series

Glitch Series 03

Maker Market

Art on Demand 4.4

I have three updates for this month's blog:

RAW: Vancouver

White Rock Youth Mural

Paint by Numbers Series

RAW: Vancouver

#WhiteRockYouthMural

Paint by Number Series