In Good Company - The F Word Exhibition

http://www.thingystudio.ca/

In my yoga class yesterday, our teacher was talking to us about connecting.  As we moved through the poses, she spoke of us all having a role to play in our lives, that we each matter and that we share a connective bond through our own humanity - our faults, our perfections. 

I love going to her class - not just because it is a physical challenge - but this young mother has such a gift of sharing these thoughts of acceptance and purpose - without it sounding preachy or too new age.  Her words just make sense.  I leave the class feeling tired, enegized, mindful and more positive about my own place in my life.

While I wrote the other day about my shyness, please know that I love being around people.  And yes, I may be quiet and spend time observing, but I do find people-watching fascinating.  The happiness, sadness, an angry mother, the cock-sure attitude of teenagers cruising the mall.  We act the way we do for a variety of reasons - our human nature, our personal history, the expectations of our peers, the pressure of the media, our desire to be the person we see in our dreams. 

I think that making art - whether it's the jewelry, collages or the journals - is my way of talking to people, of reaching out and opening the door to conversation.  It's the small details in the pieces that pull people in closer and generate questions that I get to answer, and in so doing, make a brief connection. 

I think all artists share this need.  To start a dialogue.  Whether it be about something trivial, or something else, art opens the door to connecting with humanity.  It allows people to venture into subjects that can be deeply traumatic, agonizingly painful, contentious or upliftingly beautiful.  Art lets people use the medium to voice ideas and opinions that may otherwise be hushed away in the corner.

Next weekend, I have a necklace featured in an exibition on feminism.  "The F- Word - Exploring Feminism in the 21st Centure," brings together a small group of female artists sharing their differing viewpoints on the changing face of feminism in modern culture.  I am humbled to be included, and yes, even proud.  I've always wanted a voice, and even if it dressed up in shiny baubles, there is more to me than beads on a string. 

I am so looking forward to meeting this dynamic group of women, to showing my daughter these works and having our own conversation on her place in this life, to connecting with the audience and seeing how our art reaches out to touch them.

I hope that you can come share this experience.

The F- Word - Exploring Feminism in the 21st Century

February 23 -April 2, 2012
Opening Reception: Feb. 25, 2-4PM

Location
#1100 - 2253 Leigh Square Place, Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C 3B8
Behind City Hall on Shaughnessy St. & McAllister.

Lessons

As I deal with two looming deadlines that are coming up at the end of the month, along with a growing to-do list of other miscellaneous items, I've been thinking about the relationship between where I am with this venture vs where I want to be.  I've come to a few conclusions.

So, in no particular order, here is my list of sure-fire ways to shoot-yourself-in-the-foot-and -not -be -successful....

1.  Spend too much time cruising the internet when you are supposed to be working.
       I do spend too much time popping up from my workbench to have a quick cruise through Facebook or my email.  I might poke through Etsy with random searches.  Whatever I'm looking at, it is usually something that can wait.  The world will not end if I don't see what's going on in cyberspace without me right that second.  I think this relates to spending far too much time on my own.

2.  Procrastinate
    This relates to #1 in that I know I am putting off making all those tiny soldered rings, or polishing, or filing something - those tedious jobs that I have to get through.  It's been a lifelong issue with me.  Why work through something at a steady pace when you can stress yourself out with frantic last minute deadlines?  The only time in my life that I didn't put things off was in university.  My professors would hand out the term paper assignments in the first week of class and I would promptly go to the library, take out something like 50 books (anyone remember just how far B Lot is from the UBC library?  Ugh!), and get started.  Yes, I was a studious nerd in those days.  Anyway, along with my resolution this year to start enjoying life in the moment, comes the side benefit of dealing with everything in the now too.  Or as the Nascar fans like to say, (and this pains me), "Git er done!"

3.  Don't market yourself.
    This is a biggie.  But it is difficult when you are on your own in the business.  I know I don't spend nearly enough time promoting Pink Gargoyle.  Word of mouth and exposure at markets can only do so much.  I have very little on Etsy, and don't have all the strong tag words and SEO stuff that I need for my website.  Honestly, I find that very tedious and I'm sure in part that has to do with the fact that I need to learn more about how to do it all better.  I need to get out to more stores, more fashion events - try to broaden my exposure with a larger retail environment, get some press, get my work in some fashion shows.  It all takes time away from being in the studio where I am happiest.  It is an issue of time management, self-confidence, knowledge, and chutzpa.    But not doing it is clearly not working for me.  It is possible to hire PR people to help with the marketing and maybe that is something that needs to be explored if I can't get my butt into gear (see #2).

4.  Be Shy.
    This is a difficult one, and one that I wish would just go away.  I am terribly shy, always have been.  I know I chat with you all at the markets, but it's not easy.  I feel very self-conscious, and worry that I will ramble on, or stumble over my words, or... or....Honestly, just making a cold phone call to a store or contact takes ages to work up the gumption.  I do believe in my jewelry and do believe that I have something worthwhile to say with the art that I do, but getting that message out there - stomach knotting anxiety.  I'm great on email but that doesn't really deal with the issue - at some point, I have to talk to a real person.  This one, I don't have a solution for right now.

There are more things I can add to this list, but as you see I am working heavily on issues 1,2, and 3 right now.  I need to go sit down at the workbench and not get up again for several hours.  And as for #4 - I don't know - just please remember that I am not anti-social, unfriendly or a snooty B - and thank you for taking the time to talk to me.

Cheers,
Christine.

A Quick Sum Up of a Good Week

I'm supposed to be doing the dishes, changing the laudry and supervising the kids while they practice their instruments but I'll just do a quickie here.  It's been a week of good news - first, Influx Jewelry Gallery in Calgary, Alberta (www.influxgallery.com) has accepted me to be one of their regular selling artists.  I've got to put together a package of about 25 pieces to ship out to them by the end of the month.  As well, Belle Armoire Jewellery magazine has accepted me for a technical article feature on the how-to of making one of the steampunk-inspired soldered rings.  Not sure what issue it will appear in, but it will be sometime this year.  So I'm very happy.  Maybe this will be the year that Pink Gargoyle breaks through.  I've finished two more journal this week too.  One is a little book, about 3*5 - it's very manly though with a vintage strongman image on the cover.  The other is meant to be a cookbook - there are kraft tags attached to each page that spin out of the way.  I see it as having the ingredients written on the tags, and the instructions underneath on the page.  I'll get pictures done this week.  I have to photograph the making of the ring step-by-step so I will have the camera and lights properly set up.  I've got some more silver birds to photograph too.

Anyway, I've got to get back to domesticity.  But I'm looking forward to another great week with lots of time in the studio (with regular outings to yoga!).

Cheers!

Working with my hands

So last week I spent working with polymer clay.  I've had the supplies since Christmas 2010.  I did fiddle around with it a bit at the start of last year, but wasn't having much success and got caught up in designing White.  Everything got shunted aside while I went back to work and then all the summer/fall markets, when I just need to keep up with the supply of my regular pieces.

However, during the Harrison Hot Springs labour day craft fair, I met a very talented artist named Andy (facebook: A. Brown Designs) who creates fabulous jewelry in clay.  I bought of pair of her fooler gauge earrings and a ring.  I fell in love with her octopus tentacle earrings and raven head pendants.  She gave me the inspiration to try again.

With no markets in sight, I was able then to spend several carefree days rolling out clay and experimenting.  First project was to make calla lilies.  I have always loved Diego Rivera's paintings of lilies, and of course, I have my own Lily.  After sketching them, I began to roll them out, intertwined with leaves and vines.  I wasn't interested in making them realistic in terms of colours, and the ones in deep purples, blacks and reds are my favourites so far.  Even the gold and black looks pretty good. 

You have to understand, while I love working with my hands, working in clay has always been a sore point.  Even as a child, I had a small kiddie pottery wheel.  And I spent hours trying and trying to make a simple, smooth pinch pot, to no avail.  They were horrid, mishapen lumps.  Even in university when I was studying for my B. Ed, our art classes touched on clay, and I was again left with some shrivelled lumps.  Several years ago, I even took a class at the Rotary Arts Centre in Kelowna on working with PMC (Precious Metal Clay - fine silver).  While the class was supposed to be beginnner level, my fellow 'students' were sculptors.  I ended up with hard lumps of mangled silver compared to their detailed pendants.  Trust me, PMC is very expensive and is not something you keep practicing with unless you know you can produce something reasonably attractive.

Why on earth would I invest in purchasing all the tools I needed for polymer clay?

I guess we all have yearnings for secret talents.  Anyway, I like how things have so far come out, and I think I've figured out what works for me.  The beads and art pieces in the books by Donna Kato and Carol Blackburn are very pretty.  And I'm not even going to try to make them.  I'm sticking with simple lines, flowing shapes.  It's what works for me in my silver jewelry, and it seems to work for me in clay.

Technical notes on clay:  I've only worked with Fimo so far, but have some packages of Sculptey which bakes at a different temperature.  I'll try it out next and compare the two for ease of manipulation, texture, etc. 

Short nails seem to be best for working with clay - you don't want to mar a piece with a poke of your fingernail. 

Don't drop unbaked clay onto the dog bed.  It picks up hair very easily.

And so we try again

Move ahead 6 months since I last sat here and wrote something, and I find myself staring at the white screen with the cursor's nagging blinking urging me to come up with something interesting or witty to say.  I have been putting this off.  It's really not that I don't think about writing these posts, but somedays what I want to talk about isn't really the norm for a jewelry blog.  Somedays I just need to vent about something, or am looking for a sympathetic ear.  When there isn't really anyone in one's life who can fill those roles, then cyberspace calls, but that's TMI for anyone reading out there.  I read other crafty blogs from time to time, and they are all about the creative process, with great tutorials and the like.  Moving forward, should I decide to continue this seriously, that is what I should be doing. 

Overall, last year was a good year for Pink Gargoyle.  Sales were consistent with 2010, which I guess in a fragile economy, is a good thing.  Some new shows were absolutely fantastic - the Bloom Markets in Ft Langley were superbly organized, marketed and attended.  A Crafty Affaire in South Surrey shows tremendous potential.  Make It Vancouver continues to grow in scope and attendance.  My hat is off to these talented people who conceptualize and realize these great markets.  I know it's not easy, especially to do it so graciously as well.  I really respect their dedication to promoting local artists and designers. 

I learned a hard lesson too.  Responding to an invite for a series of new Christmas markets, called "Made in BC," I learned that no matter how professional the application looks, or the apparent capabilities of the organizer, some people are strictly there to scam you.  Losing several hundred dollars in application fees to shows that didn't happen is a bitter pill to swallow.

Looking ahead to 2012, I'm going to try for some of the even bigger shows - One of a Kind, the Harmony Arts Festival.  With so much beautiful jewelry in Vancouver, it's hard to know if I stand a chance.  However, my collage paintings got such a great response during the last few markets, I am continuing with them this year and will actually agree to sell them this time.  I have also been learning how to do bookbinding, with the covers being smaller versions of my collages.  I hope that by adding to what I have available beyond jewelry, then I can venture into new markets.  At any rate, creating these have been a tremendous outlet when I need to take a break from jump rings and polishing.

That's pretty much it for now.  I've been more of a recluse the last six months, except for going to markets.  Maybe recluse is a bit strong - let's say I'm more selective about whom I spend time with.  After a rather harsh comment about the future of a friendship at the end of the school year, I tend to keep to myself and my family.  Ultimately, they are what matters most anyway, and I am so tired of the way a lot of women seem to treat each other.  Frankly, it's no surprise that some of my best friendships in my life have been with men.  They are not so quick to pass a damning judgement and terminate a friendship over some imagined slight.

Off to yoga now to find some inner zen, and to try to not fall over.  Then back into the studio, to explore what possibilities await.

     

The Perfect Woman in Black & White

Statement about “Branded” – The Perfect Woman in Black & White

Combing through a mid-1960’s woman’s magazine, I was struck by the constant running theme of having to be the perfect woman pleasing her man - she had to be beautiful, coiffed, a gracious hostess, and doting mother.  Whether or not she had ambition, her own wants, or any other thought in her head seemed irrelevant.  Indeed, it seemed that that ideal image was a marketable brand.  Sadly, in many ways, this brand of perfect wife/mother/sexpot has not progressed very far in forty years.  We are still reminded on a daily basis that we can have it all – motherhood, career, size 00 jeans, and a fabulous man – if we just stay thin and beautiful so that we attract all the right kind of attention.  There can be campaigns for natural beauty, there can be movements to empower women across the world, but until we truly feel that we are worth more than a number on the scale in order to snag a man, we are still simply accepting that the brand of the Perfect Woman is the best that we can be. 

Hey April Fool's Day!

And I'm actually writing something. Neat trick huh? I guess I haven't had much to say the past few weeks. Just working and living. Seems to take up all my time. I've had my first few shows of the year and the feedback (and sales!) are off to a great start. Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments about my new pieces. I especially like talking to those of you who have known me from the beginning and have seen the changes over the years. Your support and encouragement for me to keep growing mean the world to me. And for those who are seeing my jewelry for the first time and like it, just know that I am always looking at new ideas and want to keep growing in my craft. I take all of your comments and suggestions to heart so please continue to let me know what you think. "White" is now finished and made its debut last night at the Newlands Wedding Show. I had a new table display too. All in white of course - set up on blank canvases with white flowers and loose white petals. A big blow-up of one of the pictures of Lily modeling for me too. I really thought it looked pretty. Of course, there is not a picture of it as my camera is possessed and often chooses not to work. I have taken quick shots of all the pieces in the line and put them into a price catalogue. If you are interested in receiving it, please send me a message and I will email it to you. This is just until I convince Lily to pose for me some more and I get the rest of the shots done properly. She's happy to do it, but she would prefer that I take the pictures on a warmer day than last time. Poor thing was wrapped in just a scarf on the dining room table while I snapped away. When I get some more of the seaglass pieces done, I'm taking her to the beach to pose there. What else? Damn genetics I guess. I've doomed my children - especially Lily. So far this week she's had her first real migraine, been told she's getting braces by the end of the year, and tomorrow chances are high she will be getting glasses. Max got his eyeglass prescription today. Hopefully he won't be getting the migraines too. I've read that while fewer boys are prone to them, those that do get migraines are often also sleepwalkers. Max had been over his sleepwalking for about the last six months, but he has started again in the past couple of weeks. Recently, I found him on the couch in the middle of the night, just sitting there, eyes wide open but clearly still in sleep-mode brainwise. I'm thinking that he might be going through some kind of growth spurt again and things are firing a bit off kilter. Anyway, got to run right now. Just a reminder - please let me know if you would like a copy of the white catalogue or pictures of anything else you've seen at my table but hasn't made it onto the website yet. I'll get it to you. I'm am working to get the website totally up to date so thanks for bearing with me. Cheers, Christine

Drum Roll Please!

It's a "no."

Had a bit of a sulk, then went to a couple of bead/gem stones and spent several hundred dollars. Nothing like retail therapy.

On a funny side - I had to write an "artist statement" for the jury. All about what inspires me- the burning urges inside that help bubble up all my creativity. I know I should have one and so I spent hours one day trying to write this thing without sounding like a pompous git. Apparently, what I wrote seems to be more akin to soft porn. My husband read it and thinks its hot. All the talking about the molten metal swirling around or something. I should spend more time alone with him apparently..... he seems a bit hard up. Too funny.

So a bit cheesed I guess about the results, but to coin an overused phrase, "it is what it is."

Back to work.
Cheers!

Jury Duty

On Sunday I am to take four pieces of jewelry to be juried for the daily market at Granville Island. The jury is held only once every two years. Two years ago, I was tempted but knew that even though my work was pretty, it wasn't up to snuff for the artisans on Granville Island. Frankly, I am nervous about my chances this time too. The competition is fierce and the quality of the artists is outstanding.

Any jury is nervewracking though. Here you are, being judged on whether your work is good enough to sell. They say yes, and wow - big sigh of relief, validation, "They really like me...." You get told "no" though and it's hard to not take it personally. It is a huge blow to one's ego, to one's motivation to keep going. You question whether to keep slogging away at something that means so much and wonder if anyone will ever think it's good enough. It is difficult to sometimes keep that professional distance - to understand that you are not being judged, that it is simply not the right venue for your work. And the problem is too that there is no explanation given when you are told no. It would be nice to know that your worked was liked, but there weren't enough open spaces, that it's not suited for the market, that something.....but it's just NO.

Vancouver is a very competitive jewerly marketplace. There are a lot of designers and they are very good. And while I know that what I make is definitely unique, it is also a more difficult sell. Finding the right venue can be a challenge, and remembering that the jury process is there to make sure that you are successful at the market can help ease the blow of rejection. Let's hope that I remember my own words when I get my answer next week.

Overall, I do prefer markets that jury - even if I don't get in, and especially when I do. It does mean that there is a certain standard that sets the market above just the "first come first served" venue. The customers have a higher expectation and are more likely to appreciate the artistry of the vendors ( and accordingly, shop). They are not there just looking for a bargain or some inexpensive imported bauble to keep the kids quiet for a few minutes.

So....we shall see what happens next week. I won't have an answer right away on Sunday and will have to wait a few days. I'm taking four carefully chosen pieces - "Blooms", a new piece from the Alchemy collection, "Vintage Punk," and .....torn between two others.

There's always 2013.

Directions

Been working steadily all month and so many more ideas to hold onto and create into something tangible.

"White," will be the new bridal line of jewelry and should be ready by March for the first of the bridal shows I intend on doing this year. Features round Swarovksi crystals in many sizes, quartz, white pearls, sterling silver, metalwork, white satin and organdy ribbons. I've created a soldered silver infinity symbol wound with crystal that runs as a theme through the line. These pieces are more delicate than what I normally produce and I think they will be so beautiful when they are done. I'm really pleased.

The other line goes in completely opposite direction and I finally came up for a name for the pieces today. This collection will be called "Alchemy." Alchemy is the "art of transmuting metals," and is usually used to reference the wished-for transformation of metal into gold. This jewelry uses rough-hewn pyrite (fool's gold), lemon quartz, vintage watch gears, lots of soldered metalwork, grey satin ribbon and rich blue pearls. They reflect my love of steampunk, of post-apocolyptic literature and movies (The Chrysalids, 1984, Farenheit 451, HG Wells, The Stand, Mad Max...), minimalism, and raw beauty.

While I had intended to call the line "burton," for my appreciation of the vision of Tim Burton, I've chosen Alchemy to represent the post-apocolyptic world of "Nine," which Tim Burton produced. This beautiful and dark movie tells the tale of nine "stitchpunks," who represent the soul of their creator and are his attempt at retribution for the part he played in the destruction of the world. Each stitchpunk embodies one element of the scientist and collectively they return life, and hope, to the planet. An interesting fact, the voice of the scientist is done by Alan Oppenheimer, a cousin to Robert Oppenheimer. Robert Oppenheimer was the man responsible for overseeing the creation of the atomic bomb during the Manhattan project:

"I knew the world would not be the same, few people laughed, few people cried, most people were silent."

We all have the choice to create beauty in our world. We all have the choice to be more human and humane, to ourselves and to one another. Choose wisely.

The Procrastinator's Blog

That really should be the new title of this. Seriously, without that microchip planted in my brain to livestream the daily blogs I do compose in my head directly into the computer, I seriously suck at doing this regularly. So here we are, Happy New Year! I've got until the end of January to keeping wishing people that, don't I?

I have been working. Finished a number of custom pieces so far this month so that's been a great way to start the new year. I've also been shopping. I received some polymer clay for Christmas (Fimo) and tools, so I've been out acquiring the other tools I need to try my hand at making beads. I've really enjoyed studying the techniques by Donna Kato and can't wait to get started. I have to admit that I am a bit nervous about this. I absolutely suck at working with clay. I've tried pottery, even had a wheel when I was younger. Everything looked like it was made by a blind monkey with no hands. I've tried PMC (precious metal clay) - those lumpy little nuggets of silver will never see the light of day. It didn't help that the others in my class were all sculptors and handled their clay beautifully. (and yes, the class did say no experience was required) A bit intimidating and very frustrating. It's a very expensive product too, so just buying some more to play around with is not such an easy expense to swallow.

So here am I about to tackle the medium again. Stubborn girl. I don't expect to be showing any of my beads in my work for quite awhile. But I am prepared to take my time and make mistakes.

I have been working on the bridal line as well. It's called "White." I think that the pieces I've done so far will turn out really well. Delicate, flowing, feminine. I can't wait to see the finished product and post some pictures.

Been buying some new stones and glass too - more steampunk to come and certainly a line of edgier, more industrial pieces. We must evolve and I can't keep churning out the same stuff. I am keeping some favourites - the flowers for example, but they are being repackaged in a fun way.

For now, looking at shows for the year. I need to try out some new venues and broaden my reach. While I did increase sales overall last year from 2009, the markets that had been tried and true in the past dropped dramatically for sales. I may be spending more time in the car this year to go to go a bit further afield.

So I'm looking forward to 2011. It's the year of marketing and growing for Pink Gargoyle. Time to get this show on the road and make a splash.

"And to all, a good night"

Well, it's actually only 11:30 in the morning, but the last line of The Night Before Christmas somehow seemed fitting. 5 days to go and Max is so excited. It's good to see that even at 8 years old, he is still enveloped in the magic of Christmas. Lily is excited too, but a bit quieter about it all. We've been asking and asking what she'd like, and the answers are hard to come by - mostly books really. Neither one of them had any lengthy list of must-haves. It's nice to see that they are content with what they have, but it does make our job a wee bit harder. However, in keeping with my last post, we have ordered several custom gifts for each of them that will be one-of-a-kind and speak volumes to them about how special they are to us. Haven't really set foot in the mall too much. While I cross my fingers that these things will make it here on time, I know that they will be worth the wait if they are a few days late. The presents can wait if they have to, but our Christmas morning will be just as wonderful with just being together. It will be just the four of us on Christmas day as we are entertaining family on Christmas eve, but I don't mind. We so rarely get a whole day to just be together.

I finally slept for 8 hours the other night, but so far it's the only time since September that I've made it all night. The headaches have backed off a bit, so I will take what I can get. I would rather slather on the concealer and feel groggy than feel like taking an ice pick to my head to pry the migraine out. I've had migraines since puberty but the last few years they had mostly gone away. Not sure yeat what is triggering this round, but it has been quite stressful at home the last few months. Big changes are looming for my husband and until that is all settled, I feel that these things will continue for me. When it is settled, then I believe things will be really good for all of us. I've read our horoscopes for 2011 and things look promising. I'm supposed to be more creative than ever, and he is to excel in his career. Let's see if the stars are right.

I'm planning some new things for 2011. More courses for me - wax casting, acid etching to name a couple. I've got a complete bridal line to design in January. More and more custom work keeps coming in and that's super. Thanks so much to everyone who has trusted me to create something special! I'm going to do a series of more practical and technical blogs - try to get pick up by some of the bigger jewelry blog sites. 2011 is all about marketing Pink Gargoyle and really getting it out there - time to get into the States for sure. I'm going to enter some design competitions too. I'm also toying with some home decor items in copper and wood. Let's see if I can avoid biting off more than I can chew!

So that's it for now. I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanza or whatever you choose to celebrate. I hope you all find peace in 2011. Thanks so much to all of you out there who have supported Pink Gargoyle - it truly means the world to me that you find my work beautiful enough to spend your hard-earned money on it.

Cheers!

Ozymandias

"I met a traveler from an antique land
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed;
And on the pedestal these words appear:
“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away."

Make It Count

Last weekend at Make It Vancouver (http://www.makeitproductions.com/) was simply awesome. A wall-to-wall crush of people for the full three days, great music and a totally upbeat atmosphere. There were some interesting outfits being sported, including a mohawk-haired woman in Buzz Lightyear pajamas (I know Vancouver is casual, but seriously?). And I'm not sure about adults wearing furry animal hats with ears. To each his/her own, I know...I know...not judging, but did make for some good people watching. For those that were wondering, maybe the only one person out there, I've decided to include the poem that is featured on my cuff bracelet that I wear all the time. It is called "Ozymandias," by Shelley, and it struck me the first time I read it in Literature 12 and it still speaks to me now.

Okay, so apparently I can't copy and paste it into this entry so the poem gets it own blog entry. I'm not that technical and it's taking too long to figure out.

Anyway, this poem is important to me because it clearly signifies how humankind's quest for domination over this planet and each other is ultimately futile. Nothing we build now, no wars, no endless quest for greed and excess - none of it will matter because in time, we all turn to dust. I'm not trying to be depressing. But I am tired of the relentless need to shop that consumes North America. With the coming of American Thanksgiving this week, and the news anchors already gearing up to cover the line ups, chaos and maybe even more deaths by shopper stampede, it puts me off even thinking about presents. We don't need anything. None of us really do. Does this make me sound like a hypocrite? Here I am making jewelry that I really want you to buy but I'm saying "hey, don't shop." I like giving gifts. I like seeing someone receive something that makes them feel special - that's a great feeling and it can be wrapped up in a pretty package. But we need to chose thoughtfully - not just whatever is on special, or the latest gadget just because it's what everyone has.

And even more importantly, we need to treat each other better in the here and now. Be kinder, be more understanding, be forgiving of other's foibles. While our buildings and bodies will eventually crumble, we can at least control the here and now and make it worthwhile. We won't be remembered for having the biggest house, or the most stuff, but we will be remembered for being simply a good person. I've recently been dumped by a friend for some unknown unforgiveable sin - several weeks of nonstop migraines, lots of product to build so no time for long phone convos, too big a muffin top - I really don't know. I fell out of touch for a couple of weeks and boom - not on the cool list anymore. No hard feelings on my part- disappointed that it happened when I don't know what I did, but I'm not going to grovel. If that is what she wants, then I guess the relationship wasn't what I thought it was. I've been mulling it over constantly to try to figure it out, but no more. I can't keep blaming myself for being busy and in a pain-killer induced stupor. It's not what I would do to someone, but as I said before, to each their own. I wish her well.

So hopefully tonight I will actually sleep and not rehash anymore. Insomia and migraines. Great combination. Anyway, back to work making more gifts....I'm doing two charm bracelets for some high school coaches. Each charm will have the number of a player on it. It's a very thougtful gift that will be remembered. The kind that brings a smile to one's face and the warm feeling inside that you really matter to someone and won't be easily forgotten or dismissed.

What's in a Name?

So in helping Lily do a bit of research on the Notre Dame cathedral the other day, we came across an interesting fact about the origins of the word "gargoyle." It is derived from the latin word "gurgulio," which means throat or gullet. In actuality, the gargoyles on the cathedral are drainpipes, hence the name - the water "gurgling" through their throats. In archetectural terms, gargoyles are functioning drainpipes, non-water spouting gargoyle-like creatures are simply known as "grotesques." There are over 5000 gargoyles at Notre Dame. I guess I have 9 "grotesques" sitting around me at home. Neither Guido nor Salvatore (yes, I name them), spout water, but they do make me happy (they are both smiling). Lily thought this little tidbit about what gargoyle means simply hilarious. So yes, I guess Pink Gargoyle is really Pink Drainpipe.

But still, I really appreciate that a true gargoyle has both form and function. I like that in modern art and architecture too. Pretty objects are lovely, but if they also serve a useful purpose, then so much the better. When I was in my painting phase, I worked first on clothing before moving to larger and larger pieces of furniture. While I decorated these pieces with themes of mythology, or mexican tile designs, each still had a functional purpose. Frankly, you can't argue with the absolute perfection of an iconoclastic Eames chair. I don't pretend that my work was ever so lofty, but still even my painted wooden pepper mills served a need. Does my jewelry? The function is pretty basic - accent an outfit and flatter the wearer by being comfortable and easily wearable. The form - well, that continues to evolve.

I am glad that the season for markets and craft shows is winding down. I have another 5 weeks to go. But I am already chomping at the bit to move on and let my art evolve. I have a list of new skills and techniques to learn during the winter and spring so that I can continue to expand on my vision of what Pink Gargoyle means to me and, hopefully, to you.

Just Being

Still waiting for fall. And waiting, and waiting. Beautiful warm sunny days and still not a sweater in sight.

I've been in my new studio for about a month now and I absolutely love it. It's so nice to sit by the window all day and watch the neighbourhood, listen to classical music and create, create, create. My husband's office has been relegated to the basement - his choice - don't forget, this was all his idea, and apparently he's lonely. I may say we can move everything back in a soothing voice, but really - I'm not going anywhere. And the dining room table is clear - and we've been eating there. That's great too. I find we spend a lot longer together over dinner - talking, laughing. I think this move has been good for us in so many ways. We only have dinner together as a family a few nights a week, so it really helps spending this extra time together.

In the fall and winter, I do find that I cocoon, and with the pressure of getting ready for the West Coast Women's Show (www.westcoastwomen.net) and the other upcoming Christmas markets, I have withdrawn a bit from the social swing of things. That's okay though - like I said, I think our focus right now is certainly more on family life. Family is the one constant and I am not about to take it for granted any longer. Friends come and go, mostly go really, and I am not a believer in the whole idea of a "BFF." As a family, we are making some decisions about some major changes in our lifestyle and location that will hopefully come to pass in the next two years. (Nova Scotia anyone?) Then it's only a hop across the pond to move to Europe in the future too. I don't want to grow stagnant by staying in the same city all my life, and I want my children to know more that this part of the world. I find it scary when you meet people that basically live down the road from where they grew up. Come on - get out of town. Start fresh with no baggage, no preconceptions of who you are supposed to be, and no pretending to be someone else just to hang onto a friendship.

I know that this all may sound a trifle negative, especially with regards to friendship, but it's not. I like having friends and I'm very loyal to them. It's just that I think that I have reached, finally, a place in my life where I am content with myself and my family, and they need to be the focus of my attention and affection. They are my world and I treasure my time with them.

It's that wonderful time of the year again

And I don't mean back to school. I mean Fall is almost here. I love Fall. I like back to school too though. I haven't done too much work over the summer. Working means ignoring the kiddies and then they just stare at their video games with slack jaws for hours on end. So I am eager to get really going on some new ideas. But Fall - boots, sweaters, no more bees....crispy afternoons and cuddles under a blanket. And rain. I love rain too. Total Vancouver girl. Truly my favourite time of year.

So new ideas - I have recently acquired a selection of vintage watch gears and enamel watch faces from the 1800s. (www.steampunksupply.etsy.com). I really like steampunk. How can I not? Huge Tim Burton fan - the man can do no wrong. I'm not out to copy the basic trend. I'm going to incorporate what I've been doing already with the little bits and pieces. I was looking through my own jewelry the other day at what I was wearing 20 years ago (so old!), and there is a lot of steampunk like pieces in my personal collection. Vintage door knockers with old rhinestones, antique watch faces and other assorted electric knick knacks - incorporated into brooches, bolero ties and the like. So I think taking on the steampunk esthetic is not following a trend, it is more like returning to my own roots - the things that I have liked and worn for years. I'm thinking of call the line "Steampink" - too corny? Anyway, I will get up some pics as soon as I finish a few pieces.

Today was the first day that I went back and read what I wrote for the last post about Lucy. I read it without crying. So that's good. Still miss her terribly but I can talk about her with a feeling of love, not sadness. Bless our pets though. They are our furry children.

I recently taken over the office space in our house for my new studio/shop so very happy about that too. My drill and hammers can come into the house. I can make as much noise and mess as I want. I can listen to classical music all day - Pablo has been relegated to the basement for his workspace now. Can't fault the man for his support in all this. It was even his idea. And guess what, we are eating at the dining room table for the first time since Christmas. Freaky. I may even invite people over for dinner.

Goodbye Baby

As I write this, there are tears in my eyes and a crushing on my heart. Today I said goodbye to my beautiful calico cat, Lucy. She was eighteen. We knew that her time was coming but that doesn't make it any easier. She began panting heavily with her mouth full open and wheezing. She was staggering. This morning she gave me her usual good morning howl and demanded breakfast, but barely took a bite. She had a small turn around the garden but asked to come back in. An indoor cat for her life, we had recently started letting her out in the garden in the quiet of the early morning. She wasn't going to be jumping any fences. She loved her adventures and would sit on the chair beside me on the deck, purring and touching me with happiness. She was peaceful as we drove to the vet's office and they were so very kind. It was all very calm and peaceful, and we said our goodbyes. I've been crying for so long today. Telling Lily and Max was horrible. Max had become very close to Lucy the last few months as she sat beside him on a chair during each meal. I think the sounds of their choking sobs was worse than the silence in the exam room. I dread the day when when we have to say goodbye to Molly. Molly and Lily are devoted to each other in the same way that I belonged to Lucy before anyone else. I have cleaned away her plates and water glass. I have a lock of her fur tucked away. Lucy loved me fiercely and enjoyed each day of her life. She was loud and tempermental and funny. She could flush the toilet. I miss her terribly and it's only been three hours without her here. So if anyone reads this and knows how strong the bond can be with a beloved pet, raise a glass with me and toast Lucy's memory. Forever my Lucykin. Mama will always love you.

One week in

And all is good. I've been walking 5k in the mornings with some hand weights, and am eating sensibly the majority of the time. I finished reading "Skinny Bitch," and the authors do make some well-researched points about diet. However, I am not prepared to go full vegan right now. I am still eating fish and organic eggs. I really can't believe that shrimp have feelings and if the chicken is treated fairly, then there is no issue for me to eat an egg now and then. I've given up dairy, sugar, and white flour. I've been having a delicious maple gluten free cereal with almond milk for breakfast and it is delicious. I don't even like cereal but I look forward to my bowl each day. I've been trying some of the Yves veggie cuisine and it's ok but definitely not the real thing. The "ground beef" was okay over a baked potato and in a taco. Cheese however is a problem. I don't really want to have soy, and the one that I have bought that is totally soy and dairy free is questionable. It make look like cheddar, it may grate like cheddar but I find it musty and nasty. I think it would be better to forego cheese, and maybe have a little of it now and then when it's absolutely necessary. Like eating meat. I am not going to eat meat on a daily basis, but if we go to the Keg for dinner and the smell of steak is infectious, then I may order my filet. I'm certainly not missing meat and there hasn't been an issue cooking it for the rest of the family.

Now, admittedly I did have some wine on the weekend (and it was sooo good), but I'm not missing that either on a daily basis. I feel quite content with what I have been eating but I do need to expand my mostly vegetarian repetoire. While my husband says he will eat what I eat, he has already forbidden any type of bean product. I love beans and there are some great recipes for delicious garlickly white beans. Anyway, he's going away again for weeks on end, so I don't really have to worry about him for now. Last night, we had mussels in a delicious broth and tonight it's scallops with some garlicky-teriyaki type green beans.

The weekend was so-so for sales. The Steveston Artisan & Farmer's market on Sunday was my most successful outing there ever. However, the Tsawwassen Sun Festival was a complete bust. Everyone was looking for a cheap bargain and hitting the beer tent. Not the right environment for my jewelry.

Trying to finish some new pieces this week but I've been slammed with a nasty cold so mostly just drifting around the house. Reading two awesome books, "Her Fearful Symmetry" by the author of "The Time Travellers Wife" and the "Vintage Caper" by Peter Mayle. Promised to take Lily out on a mommy-date today and taking Max for his mommy-date tomorrow. It's been hard giving them each enough attention with my husband away so much, so time for some one-on-one.

Lily is back from gymnastics and is thrilled to have found some change in the parking lot. Off to mommyland.

Cheers.

Um yeah, so it's been awhile.....

Okay okay - it's July 25 so I certainly didn't follow through with that resolution. Nor did I manage to shed my 20 pounds, but the year isn't over yet! Ever hopeful, I continue to try. Though Gillian Michaels has said that to try is to fail. One must do. Frankly, if there was some way of streaming all the entries I compose in my head each day directly to the blog, I would have achieved my goal. I honestly think about what I want to write all the time. It's just the sitting down and actually typing it that seems to be the problem. So you can see, it's not that I am not committed, I'm just....well, honestly I guess in this respect it's fair to say "lazy." That sounds harsh but it is what it is (I really dislike that expresssion).

So quick round up of the year to date: I have had some awesome shows - the Women of Worth event in May (www.thewowevent.com) All signed up for next year. Township 7 winery Art in the Vines (www.township7.com) Looking forward to the August date as well. I had two pieces featured in the July issue of Bead Trends magazine. I'm getting more custom orders too. I even did a large crystal spider as a headpiece for a bride. I should get some photos of that shortly.

Personally - it's been a rough year and that is another reason for the absence. Frankenfoot made a reappearance, coupled with a sprained wrist for Lily. It looks like she has chronic tendonitis in her ankle so this will continue to happen as her training gets harder. However, Lily did place in her last three competitions including a silver for her bar routine. The word "divorce" has been mentioned though things seem a bit more settled now. I am spending most of the summer as a single parent though as he will be traveling (for work) for most of it. I did a stint working full time for several months - I enjoyed it but working, driving children and running a business? We ate a lot of takeout. Max now has a full size drum set and Lily graduated to a sweet red electric guitar. Practice sessions send the house shaking. Max also has really taken to basketball.

So here we are, halfway through the summer. I haven't been feeling great either so I really think it is time for some serious lifestyle changes to get myself back on track. I've been diagnosed with bursitis in my upper leg which causes a great deal of discomfort and I've been battling exhaustion. Excuses, excuses. I am my own worst enemy a lot of the time.

So here we go. Just do. And I shall....and I shall even tell you about it.