I walk to work every day. Rain or shine, blizzard or black flies, you will find me trekking up the lane to my studio. Every day, every season has it's own particular beauty.
There is a short stretch of time, though where the walk is positively intoxicating. And that time is now.
The honeysuckle and lilac trees are in full bloom, filling my nostrils with their heady scent, and my ears with the droning of bee and hummingbird wings. My eyes are overwhelmed with the multitude of colours. Drunk... Continue reading ...
I have often
been asked from where I find the inspiration for my work. If you
have seen any of my art or jewellery, I think it is obvious that much
of my work is informed and inspired by my deep connection to the
earth. I am so blessed to live in a relatively unspoiled rural area,
so I am able to experience and be inspired by the land and all that
grows and walks on it, the rivers and everything that swims in them,
the wide-open sky a...
Posted by Julie Brown on Sunday, September 18, 2011,
In :
Living by the Brook
So often I seem to run through my days, focused totally on the task on hand and what needs to be done next. I do try to take time to rest, often reading a book, or playing scrabble on my phone while sitting in my garden. But even though I take little breaks, I rarely feel rested and rejuvinated. I am exhausted by the end of the day, and often by lunch time.
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 on Wednesday, March 30, 2011,
In :
Living by the Brook
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 ...
Across the road from our farm and house are gloriously tangled thickets of hawthorn trees.
I am always struck by the lacy, abstract patterns created by the branches and long, spiky thorns. Beyond the hawthorns stand groves of poplar and birch.
Their linear, upright trunks contrast beautifully with the hawthorns.
My week 6 Thing A Week offering is a cuff, inspired by trees, and again created using metal from my scrap box, which means it is Earth (and tree) friendly, always a good thing in my book.
I stamped the inside with a secret message:
Click on the photos to read more about the inspiration behind this copper and sterling silver cuff, and to find out what the secret quote is. Continue reading ...
High bush cranberries grow thick along the creek (brook) and road. The tart, deep red berries provide nourishment through the autumn and winter to the birds and animals that live nearby.
The berries are particularly striking against the white snow, and that vision inspired the creation of a series of pieces I call "Winter Berries".
"Winter Berry" Synthetic Red Jade and Sterling Silver Earrings
"Winter Berries" Synthetic Red Jade, White Freshwater Pearl and Sterling Silver Necklace
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.
Workshop Schedule:
Saturday, January 26: 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Introduction to Wire and Bead Jewellery Making
Saturday, February 16 3:30 - 5:30 Ring a Ding, Ding!
Saturday, March 2 3:30 - 5:30 - TBA
March 11-15 - March Break Art Adventure
Saturday, March 16 3:30 - 5:30 - TBA
I am also available for art and jewellery lessons by appointment. Contact me for more information about the workshops or classes.
All workshops and classes are held in the studio at Spirit of the Arts on Lakeshore Road in New Liskeard, ON
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.
