June 7, 2011
My Spirits of the Heart cohorts and I have been working on our next exhibit project. "White Women Listening" will be a global reflection of the indigenous peoples, their beliefs and traditions, co-relating how we are all connected with similar needs, dreams and realities. The project is well into the planning stages. In between filling out grant applications, sourcing sustainably produced, earth and people friendly materials we are drawing and painting small studies in preparation for the larger pieces to come. Here is one of my studies, hot off my easel:White Women Listening: Exploring Connections Acrylic on cradled board, 12 x 12" copyright 2011 Julie A. Brown This piece explores the symbology and beliefs of the ancient indigenous people and cultures around the world, and the threads which connect us all.
I will drop this piece off at our ongoing Euphoria Exhibit at Euphoria Smoothies on Whitewood Avenue in New Liskeard, Ontario, where it will be available for purchase.
Posted by Julie Brown. Posted In : Art
June 2, 2011
Has it really been two weeks since my last post? I always seem to lose myself in my work, and then forget to share it with you! I've been busy catching up on the business side of my business as well as making jewellery, and haven't been drawing or painting at all for ages, it seems. This week though, I stepped over to the art side of my studio to work on a pastel portrait of Katie, a sweet little Shih Tzu.
Here is a work-in-progress photo:
You can also see a few of the over 100 pastel pencil... Continue reading...
Posted by Julie Brown. Posted In : Portraits
May 17, 2011
I managed to sneak away from my studio for a bit to do some gardening. I had planned to dig up the asparagus bed, because the last time I checked nothing was coming up. Imagine my surprise when I approached the bed, trowel in hand, and saw this:I've not had much luck growing asparagus, so I was very happy to see these new shoots. So happy, that I was dancing around the garden! A little happy dance of gratitude. I think I might cut a very few of these precious shoots and cook them up for s... Continue reading...
Posted by Julie Brown. Posted In : Living by the Brook
May 13, 2011
As promised in my last post here is my Aspiring Metalsmiths Art Jewellery Challenge piece. A mixed media pendant created from sterling silver, copper from my scrap box and a broken agate I found in a box of odds and ends while spring cleaning my studio. This design stretched my skills quite a bit, but I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. Interpreting a painting in metal was the perfect marrying of the artist me and the metalsmith me. I can definitely see myself developing this challe... Continue reading...
Posted by Julie Brown. Posted In : Creating by the Brook
May 11, 2011
I had a very productive day in the studio yesterday, working on a piece for the Aspiring Metalsmiths' April Design Challenge . For this challenge, we are to design a piece of wearable art with a favourite artist or style in mind.
I have many favourite artists and styles, but I chose to focus on Lawren Harris, a Canadian artist who was one of the founding members of the Group of Seven. I love the lines in his abstract landscapes.
Unfortunately, the photos I took of my work in progress didn't t... Continue reading...
Posted by Julie Brown. Posted In : Creating by the Brook
May 5, 2011
It's hard for me to believe that almost a month has gone by since my last post! Things have gotten a bit crazy here at the Brook, and I'm finding it hard to keep up. Spring has finally arrived. I noticed this lone crocus in my garden while I was hanging out the laundry. Crocuses are one of my favourite spring flowers. Such hardy little things. I have a lot of news to tell you, but it will have to wait for another day. I'm going out to play in sun! Continue reading...
Posted by Julie Brown. Posted In : Living by the Brook
April 11, 2011
I know I must seem obsessed by spring. After several months of being house and studio bound due to a cold-related health challenge, being able to go outside for more than two minutes makes me a bit giddy. I feel like a caged bird that's been set free! One of my favourite things to do as the warmer spring weather melts the blanket of snow is to walk around and see what is uncovered. The other day while out exploring with the dogs, we found the long lost Dora the Explorer ball. We hadn't be... Continue reading...
Posted by Julie Brown. Posted In : Living by the Brook
April 8, 2011
While walking up to my studio yesterday, I saw my first flock of geese flying north. There have been robin and killdeer sightings, too, but not yet by me. These are fairly good indicators that spring is truly on its way, although it is not unusual to see robins looking for worms under the snow.
Getting back into my studio to work on the backlog of portrait commissions and other projects feels wonderful. Even though I was fretting the whole time I was away, thinking about all the work I had ... Continue reading...
Posted by Julie Brown. Posted In : Creating by the Brook
April 6, 2011
A couple of weeks ago I attended our local Rock and Mineral Show. As always there was a good turnout of vendors selling rocks from all over the world. Not all of the rocks were ethically and sustainably mined, but by doing a lot of digging (through boxes of rocks, that is) and asking many questions, I was able to find a good selection of fair trade (most found by small independent rock hounds) stones. I always find myself more attracted to the rough cut slices of rock, rather than the polished... Continue reading...
Posted by Julie Brown. Posted In : Metalsmithing
March 30, 2011
It was finally warm enough that I could get out for a short walk yesterday. A sure sign of spring! I took my camera with me, on the hunt for other, more subtle signs that spring is well and truly creeping in. Some things I found:Leaf buds on trees Paw prints in mud The huge snowdrift at the top of the hill is shrinking so that the road is just over one lane wide instead of the less than one lane it usually is all winter. We are supposed to have a week of temperatures above freezing, which h... Continue reading...
Posted by Julie Brown. Posted In : Living by the Brook
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A Bit About Julie
| Julie A. Brown, Wabi Brook Studio |
| A Farm Near New Liskeard, Temiskaming Shores |
I'm a full-time artist and metalsmith following my own path. I live a creative life inspired by nature, and fueled by tea and dark chocolate. When I'm not in my studio slapping paint around or pounding metal, or collaborating with my Spirit of the Arts partners, you will find me in my garden under my favourite tree, lost in a good book.
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2014 Winter Workshop Schedule:
Wednesday, January 26: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. - Ring Making
Friday, January 31: PD Day Art Adventure Camp: 9:00 a.m to noon - Exploring Texture and Colour
Tuesday, February 4: 10:00 to Noon - Earring Making Thursday, February 13: 10:00 to Noon - Chain Making Tuesday, February 18: 10:00 to Noon - Introduction to Metal Stamped Jewellery
Tuesday, February 25: 10:00 to Noon - Metal Stamped Jewellery Part 2
Tuesday, March 4: 10:00 to Noon - Metal Stamped Jewellery Part 3
All workshops and classes are held in the studio at Spirit of the Arts on Lakeshore Road in New Liskeard, ON
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