Rubina Panjwani: Jewelry Artist

Rubina Panjwani will be at the Oak Ridges Community Center on the 17 and 18 of October for the Richmond Hill Studio Tour and this is her blog post.

I am a creative person and familiar with a variety of crafts. With respect to jewelry design, I am very interested in wire wrapping techniques, which is a technique that dates back thousands of years. Wire wrapping requires the use different kinds and shape of wires, cabochon, beads,and an array of tools.

This is a piece of jewelry as it is being created.

Here it is completed.

My motivations come from Mother Nature. A hoping frog, Fall colours, trees in the winter-time, colourful flowers, majestic birds, and beautiful butterflies - anyone of these sights can prove inspiring. When I make jewelry, I don't usually draw first. In the past I have tried that, but drawing a pre-set notion of what I want to create often feels restricting. When I just follow my train of thoughts and let my hands keep up, the wire-wrapping takes me in unique directions, and then I add-in beads or work on cabochon. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why I never repeat my designs. All my designs come from my heart and soul, and a place of freedom. In fact, I do my best work when I too am happy and at peace. Making jewelry is certainly not as easy as it may seem. You require imagination, yes - but it also needs patience, effort, hard-work and persistence. An important piece of advice for aspiring wire-wrappers is to remember that wire has a soft nature. When you stress wire, it becomes hard and stiff; it refuses to listen to you and bend to your whims and becomes difficult to work with. Be gentle in your approach.

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend. Please click here to see the brochure so that you can visit the Richmond Hill Studio Tour artists this weekend.

Studio Tour Featured Artist - Vera Samarkina

Vera Samarkina, a wonderful new to the studio tour this year shares her artwork and thoughts on her process in this week's post.

Born to an artistic family, I grew up surrounded by watercolors, brushes, stained glass and sculptures, but it wasn't until I started doodling - a passion that brings lines to life in a somewhat meditative process and naturally intertwines into animal and floral images, which are often finished with slight touches of color.

My inspiration comes from nature - vibrant flowers, green valleys, and peaceful lakes fill my canvas. Spending time outdoors with my family always puts me into a creative mode. My absolute favorite place is Algonquin park, where it seems I can stay forever and just paint. I love this feeling of freedom. My creative process is very spontaneous and each piece may take as little as 15 minutes or many weeks. Sometimes I keep painting for days on end, allowing the work to stay in a raw and quite state for weeks. However, whenever the urge appears, even if it is late at night or half way through my house chores, I pull out all my brushes, put up music and set the stage to paint, just as a rock star would, as they are about to perform.

Check out the brochure for Vera's location info, dates and times of the Studio Tour!   

Ona Kingdon - Watercolour artist

Ona Kingdon is an internationally award winning watercolour artist and will be in the front East room at Boynton House, 1300 Elgin Mills Rd on Richmond Green on the 16th, 17th and 18th October for the Studio Tour this year.

Ona loves being able to create a story or capture feeling through her art….  

“Every blank piece of paper I use feels full of hope and promise. Sometimes I am inspired by music I hear or a phrase or lyrics from a song and this sparks ideas. Other times it’s as simple as a feeling or emotion that inspires me. 

 Although I usually have a very clear idea in my mind from the onset what I want to create, the painting journey is full of times when I am unsure of how to proceed, times when I need to stop and think, or times when I make a mistake and have to decide whether to live with it and use it or to find a way to remove it.”

 From initial reference photo to the finished framed painting, this composite photo outlines the journey of the creation of Ona’s painting ‘Heart Strings’

“ As a fellow watercolourist said to me recently: Watercolour is such a delicate and unforgiving medium but the trials during each painting journey often seem to enhance that feeling of accomplishment at the finish line.... It’s this journey that I love the most.” 

  We wondered if Ona had a favourite painting that she had created…

 “There are a couple that I am attached to for sentimental reasons (usually those of my children) but generally my favourite changes with each painting I do because what I love most is the process of creation. There is nothing quite like taking an idea only I can clearly see in my mind and capturing the essence of it on paper so that others can share in the emotions or story attached to it.”

 In this photo Ona is painting the watercolour ‘Sugar sugar’ watched by one of the hummingbirds as she carefully paints each note of the song in the background.

During this year’s Studio Tour Ona will have many of her music series watercolours for us to see. She says:

 “I love how you can be having such a dismal day, you hear a piece of music and it can uplift you. Equally it can calm or energize you too, so in my music series I set about finding ways to capture visually the many different ways music touches us. For example, in Sognando I wanted to capture that almost dream like feeling when music transports you to another dimension" 
 

Both Zayn and Sarah, the musicians in the photos above will be playing live at Boynton House during this years Studio Tour. Several of Sarah’s fellow musicians from the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra will also be joining her. It promises to be a great event.

 "I am really excited that some of the musicians that helped inspire my paintings are going to be with me on the Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday afternoon of the Studio Tour playing live music for us all. They are also bringing some of their musician friends so not only will my visitors be able to see the art but also hear some of the music that inspired me to create it.”

Check out the brochure for location info, dates and times of the Studio Tour!  

Karen Pasieka - Polymer Clay Artist

This week, Karen Pasieka is sharing her inspiration and how one of her most beloved pieces was formed.

When I had made my first ranunculus flower brooch, I noticed that I had accidentally created a simple cane with the offcut.

I never discard any clay, and I saw an opportunity with these byproduct canes to make simple, graphic flowers when left in miniature.  For Pick Me! II, I filled a wide band of the polymer clay tile (which is a sheet of clay that I created, blended from soft teal blue to white to simulate the sky) with a cluster of these varied cane slices.  I create my composition by first placing in the flowers, then painstakingly fill in the stems from each and every flower head!

The final product is baked and then mounted in a shadow box frame.

Sometimes my inspiration comes from what I see in nature, and other times simply by the vibrant colours from my bins of clay.  When I'm working well and frequently, the designs and compositions run through my head and I simply cannot wait to get to creating them.  Very rarely do I ever sketch before I create.

I have always been a creative soul, and have been crafting and making art of various forms from various media since I was a little girl...polymer clay is the one that I always return to...I think it's the tactile nature of the medium that love so much!

Looking forward to sharing more of my work and inspiration with you during the Studio Tour! Check out the brochure for location info, dates and times!

Wendy Emery: Glass Artist

Wendy Emery is a glass artist who will be showing her work at her own studio at this years' studio tour on October 17th and 18th! Wendy wanted to share with us all the fun she has with glass...

As a child I was told to be wary of glass, I heard things like,  "Be careful it's glass!" or "Don't touch it you'll break it!" I guess I was a rebel, because I didn't listen. Now I play with glass all day long. I think it's because glass really fascinates me. I am intrigued by what happens when I break, cut, smash, grind, shape and sometimes polish my pieces of glass.

My favorite however, is when the glass is heated to extreme temperatures (sometimes over 1500 degrees F), and I am able to manipulate the glass, making it stretch, and watching it bend curl, and twist.

I love that glass has a liquid quality in it's solid state, and that not only depth but so many different textures can be achieved when fusing glass. 

So glad I was a rebel!!! Can't wait to see you during the tour! Check out my location details in the brochure.

Meet the Artists at Covernotes

On Thursday September 17th, between 5pm and 8:30, come and meet Richmond Hill Studio Tour Artists, have a delicious cup of tea. Please join us and see some of the lovely work they have hanging, and hang with some lovely people!

 Just a sampling of some of the lovely work.

And here is a sampling of a lovely artist.

Check out our brochure for the studio tour which will be held on the weekend of October 17th and 18th.

A Delicious Art Weekend

In addition to tasting all the wonderful food, and enjoying the festivities, Studio Tour Artists Ona Kingdon, Josephine Sherman, Victor Molev and Momin Kahn shared art with visitors to this wonderful event.

Ona Kingdon was Snap'd by Snap'd Richmond Hill sharing her technique for creating such beautiful and emotive faces.

Josephine Sherman, a talented acrylic painter was demonstrating some of her painterly technique.

Victor Molev was capturing the imagination of event attendees with his fanciful and fantastic illustrations.

Momin Kahn paints brilliant and vivid watercolour paintings, and we wonder if the young girl is watching him create, or is the subject of his creation. What do you think?

 This year, the studio tour is on the weekend of October 17-18. For more updates on what Studio Tour Artists are creating, visit our Facebook Page! https://www.facebook.com/richmondhillstudiotour

Summer is here!

Our Richmond Hill Studio Tour artists have been busily creating with the theme of summer in mind this week.  Here are a few of the beautiful pieces of art they have made.

 Sharon Kirsh painted a wonderfully vibrant floral that almost feel like floral fireworks welcoming the warm weather.

 Rubina Panjwani created delicate Swarovski pearl Sterling Silver Earring. Beautiful for accesorizing that special dress on a summers day
 

and  Karen Pasieka created these beautiful polymer clay summer flowers.

If you'd like to learn more about the Richmond Hill Studio Tour, which will be held on October 17th and 18th, 2015, check out our Facebook Page.

Featured Studio Tour Artists: Elena Fumagalli & Shiva Moghaddasi

The studio tour is only a few months away. And as we've shared, many of your favorites are participating, as well as some new names and faces! We will be sharing a little bit more about the artists on the blog. Take note of your favorites, so you can visit them during the tour!

This week we are sharing the artwork of Elena Fumagalli and Shiva Moghaddasi



Elena Fumagalli

Elena has been working with clay for the past 12 years, and every time she starts creating it is just as exciting as the first day. Working full time in an Interior Design firm putting colours together for clients, Elena draws and creates here pottery whenever she gets a chance. All her life she have been involved in Art, one way or another and it is her passion. www.potterrificbyelena.com

Shiva Moghaddasi

Shiva designs and creates extraordinary 3D masterpieces in the magical world of Textiles. Her work ranges from woven Persian Rugs to painted silk scarves. She integrates the two amazing ancient mediums of rug & silk to create the magic of old & new. As a member of Richmond Hill spinners and weavers guild she explores and creates new contemporary woven pieces as well as expanding her colourful collection of silk scarves. www.shivagallery.com

 

 

 

 

 

Mixed Media

Mixed Media art, is the combination of different materials and techniques. This weeks featured artists, use varied materials to create lovely works of art. Take a look.


Daniel Marlatt combines a variety of materials to create exciting dimensional pieces of art.

And mixed media also applies to the art of jewelry making. Inga Rozin has used some unique materials to create this lovely necklace.

Rubina Panjwani uses gemstones from around the world, including garnets from Iran, featured in these lovely earrings.

Check out our Facebook page if you are interested in learning more about Richmond Hill Studio Tour Artists.

Art is Fun

Richmond Hill Studio Tour Artists, take their work very seriously, but they also like to have fun, and this week has been very fun for studio tour artists!

Ona Kingdon's painting won an award at an International Watermedia Exhibition in Colorado. How much more fun is that?

Victor Molev created this oil on canvas painting, which offers a very humorous and fun approach.

Sharon Kirsh, inspired by some of Richmond Hill's many green spaces is having fun, experimenting with texture and collage.

Wendy Cho's charming illustrations are always fun and joyful.

Check out our Facebook page if you are interested in learning more about Richmond Hill Studio Tour Artists.

New Art and Artists on the Hill

Today we are sharing some new art, as well as some new studio tour artists.

Sharing work on our blog for the first time, this painting is by Grace Tetelbaun, and it's her first year participating in the studio tour.

Ona Kingdon is not new to the Studio Tour, but this lovely work is. She just finished this beautiful commissioned work and it is currently on it's way to the US.   

Studio Tour artist Shoshana Lock was SNAPD this month with Richmond Hill's mayor David Barrow.. Shoshana Lock will be auctioning this painted guitar, with proceeds going to charity.

 

This is a new and fabulous textured work by Daniel Marlatt.

 

 

 To see more of our fabulous artists work please visit our Richmond Hill Studio Tour facebook page

Creativity abounds

 Our Studio Tour artists have been giving us a glimpse of their wonderful imaginations this week as they create and share their work.

Victor Molev shared this work "Dog suddenly gained its gracious host" 45x61 cm. Oil on canvas

Sue Foerster Creations will have this Acrylic painting "Baby" on display this coming weekend at the Mill Pond Gallery

This is Daniel Marlatt's new piece "Web in the broken window". The piece can be hung in outdoor space , it is made of poured epoxy in a steel frame.....  It will also be on display this weekend at the gallery at Mill Pond.

To see more of our fabulous artists work please visit our Richmond Hill Studio Tour facebook page

Artists in Action!

It's no surprise that art comes from those artists, who passionately pursue their work, and also enjoy sharing their talents with others. This week, if you visited Door's Open, then you may have seen some of these artists creating in front of your very eyes. If you weren't able to visit some of the historical sites, then check out these images of our Studio Tour Artists working at some of Richmond Hill's most fascinating historic sites!

We had Inga Rozina creating jewelery at The Burr House.

Karen Pasieka was creating her lovely polymer art.This picture doesn't show off Karen's amazing work, but the crowd of onlookers really tells the story!

Momin Kahn in action was creating an energetic watercolour of a historic house. It's really amazing watching him work, his passion and enthusiasm for his work is captivating.

Ona Kingdon was painting the Clockmaker's Workshop in Gormley. Let's hope that Ona shares the finished work with us soon! Her watercolours are captivating!

If you want to see more of these artists in action, then make sure you put October 17th and 18th in your calender, and join us for the Studio Tour! In the meanwhile, please follow us on Facebook!