Sorta M.I.A....

Hi everyone...and thanks so much to all who left feedback on the new website, I really appreciate it. I am anxious to get the shop section completed but that may not come until the New Year, for I want my webmaker supreme and code spinner (a.k.a. Jonathan:D) to have abit of time off!

I didn't mean to be M.I.A post wise last week but it's not been a great time for headaches and migraines and honestly at this time I am kinda knocked off my feet from them. In the last week I've had one day free of pain and though I am getting lots of work done...well considering anyways I guess...I am staying off my computer, scanner, email etc for the time being...hence the lack of posts.

But I just wanted to pop in, say 'Hello' and 'Don't Forget About Me' and thought I'd share this photo I snapped of a beautiful pileated woodpecker, a bird which is somewhat common in our region. I wish I had this photo when I had to illustrate this exact type of bird for a conservation manual last year!

So anyhow with all that being said, I hope to be back in full swing soon and I am anxious to show you all some new work. If you don't hear from me much again this week it's because I am having to move very slowly and having to tend to my head but also always with this comes extra time to hang out with my sweet man and the honey bunnies, with abit of extra yoga and quiet time...so it's not all bad...

Be Well all and hope your all having pain-free days and enjoying each day regardless.

My Brand New Website Is Ready and Up....

I am beyond excited and proud to announce the arrival and completion of The New Home to "Bijou's Whimsy" my brand new website ...it's up and ready for your visits and viewing.

It's been a year in the making. It's been a big job for me. It's been an insanely huge job for my partner and web-maker supreme, Jonathan...who besides extreme talent also showed immense patience, as I know I was a very difficult and demanding client, ha ha!

And I can't think of a better day to finally launch it, than today, on my 32nd birthday:D...wow!

I've yet to see another artist's website with the search capabilities that Jonathan has built in for me on this beautiful site of mine...wow, it's all mine:D...WOW!...

Well back to my birthday festivities:D It has indeed been a wonderful and amazing day...and again, please do leave your comments and feedback about the site and also please do pass the link around if you think it's as fabulous as we do:D, ha ha.

WAHOOOOOOO!!!!!:D

An Amazing Show...Ovo

So a few weeks back Jonathan and I decided we needed abit of a treat and bought ourselves tickets to see our first Cirque Du Soleil show. It's never an easy decision for us to leave the rabbits, even for a single night and even though they are left in very capable and trusted hands. And its also a decision for us to brave the highways during hunting season! (when Jon tells me to close my eyes I do without question or argument for he knows and protects my tender heart better than anyone else). So anyways, I think after the heart ache of loosing our Hazel, we felt the need for a big treat so we went to Toronto...

...we've been wanting to see one of their creations for ages now...

...we saw 'Ovo' and it was so so spectacular, especially with front row seats...being that close to the action and seeing facial expressions and make up and costume details so perfectly was incredible...

We weren't allowed to use cameras in the big top which I found slightly frustrating because there were a few times that I knew I'd get some photographic gems, if only I were allowed the camera...c'est la vie and totally understandable though.

The outside of the big top was so lovely as well, it just filled me with such excitement and joy.

I feel so lucky to have been able to take in such an incredible and unique visual treat.

...taking in the Toronto skylines with my honey, having a fantastic dinner at one of our favourite vegetarian restaurants, seeing this amazing show AND getting to spend time with my best friend too....well indeed, I feel like one lucky and spoiled gal let me tell you!!! It was a heavenly weekend, one I'll never forget...but you know what, if we don't spoil and be kind to ourselves and give ourselves visual treats who will right!...so cheers to good things and good times...Cheers cheers cheers:D

p.s. The mondays 'reveal' might be put off a day or two due to some unforeseen circumstances...we'll see....

Soul Far, Soul Good...Peter Sloan

On the 30th of October, we went to the opening of 'Soul Far, Soul Good", this show features incredible new works by talented local North Bay artist Peter Sloan.

The exhibition is being presented at the beautiful artist collective that I am a proud member of, Art On Main. Peter has been a member of the collective for some time and this exhibition just continues to show his incredible and unique talent.

I was happy when Peter gave me permission to photograph his works for this post for I just knew I had to share his work with all of you....I promised at the inception of this blog of mine to share my visual inspirations and Peter's work is definatly something that makes my eyes pop and go 'wow'.

I always found his work incredible but these new 14 pieces in the exhibition are even more so, they are exciting, earthy and mesmerizing whiles gripping you with their fossil/petroglyph feel. They seem like some odd and organic relic from the past...well that's what I see anyhow!

Below is my very favourite in the show, entitled "Comfrey". The colours in this one are so bright but very gentle and the composition and detail is just beautiful to me.

I am usually not a fan of skull imagery but within Peter's work I do enjoy them as they do take on a beautiful and ethereal tone.

I can't even begin to figure out what Peter's process to make these would be! All I know is that they are made with unfired plaster and includes embossing or stamping from Peter's own handmade miniature stamps.

This is another of my favourites, something in it makes me feel close to my European history and I find myself saying 'Ohhhh' and than it draws me in closer for a more intimate look...

And here are a few other beauties...

Peter's show runs from October 28th to November 27th 2009. The AOM Gallery website is located here and Peter's own site here. All of Peter's works shown in this post and in his exhibition are only $275.00 plus taxes so if your interested contact Peter or AOM.

Thanks for taking time to pop in...I am breaking pattern and doing a Saturday post this week so pop in again than if you've time and hopefully Monday I'll have a big surprise to share:D, oh I can't wait. Be Well all, Be Well.

Beautiful Blogosphere Friendships

I am not able to show new work this week as planned but I did want to pop to post about a special person, Lori Portka over at Happiness Through Art.

Blogging has become a lovely part of my life, I now not only call myself an illustrator, an artist, and a creator but also now I proudly add 'blogger' to the list. Over the past few months I've finally been feeling like I am getting abit of a 'blogosphere family' and that means the world because it means lots of lovely, supportive, beautiful people taking precise time to reach out and leave comments and encourage me.

Lori is one of my new blogging buddies, we started chatting and encouraging one another a few months back now and I don't think we'll stop doing so anytime soon, which I am so grateful for. I am convinced now more than ever through this lovely new friendship that indeed you can find kindred souls and inspiring friendships in the huge world of blogs...So today I send out a big hug and thanks to my New York pal, ha ha Lori Portka.

Also Lori was super sweet by doing this really lovely and long post about me on her own blog a few weeks back, I just love what she composed, thanks again Lori...

I've also been meaning to thank Lori for the little surprise package of goodies which arrived in the mail a couple weeks ago, I honestly had to wait 2 weeks for the sun to make an appearance so I could take a nice sunny shot of the goodies...the cards she picked out for me are lovely and I will proudly and happily hang them in my studio for inspiration, I admit though that her sweet little thank you note was my favourite part of the parcel almost, ha ha...

Lori's blog and work is fun, cheerful, bright, honest and inspiring...so do have a visit.

I plan to do a few interviews sometimes soon on this blog oh mine, mostly of local artists I think but I'll make a few exceptions and have already asked Lori if I could interview her and she agreed, yay! When that's coming however, I don't know yet ha ha...but cheers to beautiful blogging friendships.

A Good Grateful Day...

Today I just feel grateful that I can stay inside our warm cozy rabbit warren (except for tonight when I must hop out for a quick meeting)...that I can work on my art all day...that I can stay out of the gloomy and blustery winds outside...Today I am grateful for embroidery rings recently found at a thrift store which are perfect for an upcoming project...

I am grateful for lovely shadows....and my lovely camera:D...

...I am grateful for my silly bobble head bunny that sits in my studio window and makes me smile inwardly...

...and I am grateful to have a fridge full of veggies that I can give to our furry babies...these are actually giant peas I grew myself...

...I am grateful and happy and just enjoying the simplicity of a good day...Hope you are as well.

Our Home...An Aerial Tour...

As promised here is the aerial tour of our little city of North Bay...

We had never ever been in a helicopter before but had always wanted to experience it...

So we jumped in a heli that was spanking brand new, with only 15 hours of flight time on it and that at first didn't want to start, ha ha, this did not help towards Jonathan's fear of flying one bit!....

But oh it was worth the leap of faith that all would be fine....the views of our little home town were breathtaking...Here is Lake Nipissing towards the North...

Farthur North even still...

And there in the distance towards the North East you see our other lovely body of water...Trout Lake...

It was hard to get decent photos of us because we were squished in the seats, ha ha...and because we didn't want to spend too much time behind the lens...but here's me...in bliss....

And here's Lake Nipissing again but abit more towards the West...

And here's my handsome guy, Jonathan...he loved it every bit as much as I did, we were like school kids afterwards, ha ha jumping up and down and wanting to do it all over again...I was so proud of Jon because he does have a pretty healthy fear of flying.

This is towards the West, we're pretty lucky to be surrounded by alot of fresh water lakes...the islands you see in the distance are ones that Jonathan bikes to when the lake is frozen solid in the winter, it's a trek I've yet to brave since I myself have a big fear of going through ice, so though we walk and ski on this lake alot in the winter, I stay within half a mile of the shore where I know its not likely to crack!

Here is a shot of our summer festival grounds and our train yards which has the 'bypass' crossing over...which Jonathan passes everyday to go to work, I love passing over early in the mornings because the sunrise and view of the lake is always cheering...

And this is our neighbourhood...if you zoomed in to that little court in the middle...that's our court and if you see the house surrounded by tons of trees with a little red car in the driveway, that's our little cozy abode:D...we we're all excited to see it from this vantage point and loved the fact that we own so many beautiful trees:D

And that my friends is the tour...we took tons more pictures but I think you get the point...I hope your enjoyed your aerial tour and thanks for popping by and sharing it with me.

Next post will have some new artwork finally! but I am working at the Gallery alot this week and than there is the taking down my exhibition so I may not post until Monday...until than be well and have lovely days.

My Hat...My Website...and A New Shop???

I get alot of compliments on this little hat of mine ever since I 'fixed' it up abit, ha ha...It's a straw hat I bought for myself in P.E.I a few years back but I always found it abit dull so I took an colourful necklace I've had since I was a kid but never ever wear and just stitched it permanently in place around the rim of the hat and voila...a cuter hat...

I thought I'd just quickly share that since it's gotten so many compliments...and it's so easy to do to any hat really.

My email and exhibition promo are working again, phew! Thanks to Jon for helping me switch everything over to a new provider...but we decided to keep the older website down and just announce the new one when it's ready to launch, which is soon.

AND...I am toying with the ideal of opening another Etsy Shop for my photographs!!!! I never thought of it before and than BANG suddenly in the middle of the night I sat up in bed and though 'Heh why not try that...' even though I've never called myself a photographer, people do seem to like my photographs...so I am going to play around abit with printing them and if I get a product I am happy with I'll perhaps do that...what do yous think???

The Artist's Garden...

This past August I was part of a wonderful sale called "The Artists Garden" and I really wanted to share the two lovely days with all of you even if it's abit late...and espeacially since today it's snowing! so I shouldn't put off 'summery' posts much longer I think, ha ha...

...So here we go...At the end of this quiet country lane....

There is a lovely and enchanted studio called "AshCreek Pottery" and the even lovelier host named Pat Stamp...

She extended an invitation to me to join in her 6th annual "The Artists Garden" craft and art sale, something I had heard much about and something which I was very excited to participate in....

The event took place in breathtaking countryside and in very close proximity was a lovely pond full of ducks, a barn full of goats, a huge flower and vegetable garden... so I was of course in 7th heaven!...the only thing missing were some little romping bunnies but they were probably smart enough to stay low and cool because the whole weekend was indeed a scorcher, two of the hottest days of our whole summer.

But the ducks stayed cool in their peaceful golden pond...

Pat even set up a tea and dessert room in her porch high above the action of the sale and in her quaint little kitchen...The artists were welcomed up here before each day to fuel up on fresh muffins, bagels and coffee...it was very sweet and cozy...

Down below scattered around Pat's studio and throughout her incredible acreage was a sea of tents each housing very lovely and unique artisans and crafters, about 20 of or so I think there was...

The weekend was so busy with customer traffic that Pat's husband Lloyd had to take out the plough and cut more fields to make more parking room!

We had the sweetest parking attendant, Alexander, to direct the constant flow of browsers and buyers...

...and there was even a group of people demonstarting some of their Tai Chi...it was the perfect setting for such a thing.

So here is me, little Bijou of Bijou's whimsy with all of my handmade wares...phew it was a relief to get everything set up just in time and I was able to relax after finally giving in that the ground was very uneven and my stands were far from straight, ha ha....

I of course set my tent up right by the pond so I could keep in the good company of the beautiful Muscovy's and Mallards all day long...

I was pretty sure that even if I didn't sell a single thing that weekend would be just perfect from being in close company of the animals...every time the goats would bray or a duck would glide and splash through the water my heart would jump for joy and it really started me wondering on why we don't live in the country!!!

I think this is one of my favourite shots that I took...

A major surprise and treat both days of the weekend was when Lloyd played his bagpipes. We could hear the music coming from deep in the forest and slowly coming towards us but just across the pond...then out of the trees steps Lloyd and than he walked the whole distance across the pond serenading the artists and buyers alike...it was so fantastic and speacil...

My neighbour tempted me all weekend with her sweet country stuffies....

And across the way from me was my friend Jana and a fellow AOMer working on some of her jewelry, somehow she managed to look cool and lovely despite the sweltering heat...

Also across the way was another fellow AOMer, the lovely Rosemary Thomas, selling her newest collection of pottery.

My dearest Dave Carlin was there and I did have a tendency to float over to his tent to hang out with this beloved man and friend oh mine:D....

And of course it never takes much coaxing for me and my pal Rachael to find some laughs and fun together, I was so glad she was there that weekend also...

There was good company of all ages actually:D...here's me with Dave's daughter Allison and her sweet baby boy Kristopher.

Each day around 2 or 3:00, all of the snow white Muscovy's would waddle out of the pond and putter around my tent...sigh...heaven:D ha ha....

There is my Jonathan nabbing a bite of lunch behind my Nubbins:D The 2nd day we rearranged the tent so we had abit more shade...(Thanks Jonathan my love, for all of your help, it couldn't have possibly been so smooth or as much fun without you there by my side:D XOXOXOX)...

I was pretty happy with my display...I went with mostly white fabrics and blue highlights...I used my trusty rabbit weather vane and the old antique frames from my Nanny to present my necklaces, which sold like hot cakes I must happily admit.

It was a brilliant sale, I am already looking forward to next summer's...

Though admittedly, I do look back at that weekend with much bitter-sweetness, which is perhaps why I didn't post about it sooner. Because the sale was all day Saturday and Sunday, not to mention the long days beforehand to get ready and then that Monday was when Hazel passed away...so at first I was very angry with myself that I was at this sale instead of home during Hazzy's last days...but I know now after some healing time that I couldn't have possibly known, that it wasn't my fault and that I was always there for her beforehand and I was atleast there to hold her when she had to leave...sigh...so I am trying to look back on the sale with gratitude and love because it was a great and speacil sale, the best so far I think.

Thanks for sharing with me....join me back here in a few days for a aerial tour of our little hometown and hopefully next week I'll have new work to share, it's not been a great month for headaches, so I've not been getting as much work done as I hoped for!!!!

I Know It's A Good Day When...

I feel it's a superb day when time seems to move more slowly and the sun is shining just right and I just feel blissful in knowing that there's plenty of time for some playing in the studio...

When there's time to think fondly of good friends, like my pal Julie here whose currently off on an amazing venture through Scotland...

It's a good day when there's time to photograph sweet things around the house, like the cute miniature rabbit she brought back for me from her first trip...

When there's time to photograph some honeycrisp apples before devouring them, ha ha...

When there's time to read and read and read...

and time to enjoy cappuccino in the lovely new cappuccino cups my mom gifted me awhile back...

And it makes for the most blissful of days when Jin and Jaks happily come hopping in to eat treats side by side in the sun...

Ahhhhh yes....it is indeed a very very good day:D

A New Lagamorph Lovelie..."Maggie-May"

I am so behind in blogging that I realized I haven't shared my latest Lagamorph Lovelie with yous all yet!...which I finished a couple months ago!...this is 'Maggie-May', isn't she so sweet....

Her face and body are hand-painted, everything has been cut and stitched by hand and this little Maggie-May is well travelled indeed since she was mostly completed during my last trip to Toronto, ha ha.

I am not putting her in my shop quite yet as I am not yet 100% sure how to properly 'introduce' my dolls yet but if anyone out there in interested she is indeed for sale and you can just send me a comment on this post or email me at mandysaile@yahoo.ca . I hope she finds a good home:D

Today also I am sending out a big thanks to a lovely local University student who recently made my day. Malinda Prudhomme, saw my solo exhibition at AOM and emailed to ask if she can use me and my work for one of her projects...this is a new one for me and I am very complimented and was happy to give her permission to move ahead on her project...I can't wait to see what she comes up with:D Good Luck Malinda.

Feeling Alittle Blue...

I don't feel like working this week so please kindly excuse to lack of new work! I've been catching up emails, organizing computer files and sketching but mostly I've mostly been huddled up with a)my honey b)my bunnies c)The 1st and 2nd Twilight books which I can't put down! and d)some BigFish computer games which tells you my brain needs a break because I hardly ever play video games, ha ha! But I think I just needed a bit of a break after a good 2 solid very busy months on the exhibition work and I think my blue mood started late last week when we had to go pick up Hazel's ashes...picking up ashes for any lost loved one would throw anyone for a loop I think...it's just hard to even lift that box and think that it's some form of our beautiful Puddy-Pie in there...oh it's hard on my already soft heart...and than today I came across the very last photo I took of Hazel, by accident, I was photographing some necklaces on the window bench and suddenly as I clicked Hazel stuck her gorgues little face in the shot, ha ha...she was always doing things like that...oh how I miss her...and I just had to share this precious last shot because I am starting to learn that my blogging community appreciates my tender heart and my life and journey with our beautiful bunnies...

I don't think it helped either that my fancy tail goldfish 'Bali' who graced me with his orangy sparkly loveliness for over 9 years passed away slowly and finally last week...RIP Bali, you were an awesome little fish....see I even get attatched to my goldfish! Now I only have 1, Tigger...who I feel bad for and wonder now if he's lonely in there all by himself!

I know the answer to get out of this mood and its to dive into work so I am off onto a new series...this one is a series of birds, I am excited to see how they turn out, they'll be mixed medias on floating boards, there going to be 8 'normal' ones and 4 or 5 birdies with hats. The originals will hopefully be ready in time for me to hang in my AOM space for the fast approaching holiday season!...I think abunch of evenings working on these near a roaring fire with the beloved remaining babies is called for right now indeed....

Hugs to all of my fellow tender hearted bloggers...Have a cozy fall day...it's freezing here! and if I stay in my studio too long I can't move my fingers!!!

Featured On Judit Gueth's Blog

I guess it's not a big surprise to being featured on Judit's blog since we're best friends, ha ha. But I appreciate it very much nonetheless. We had a wonderful visit in September, she only makes it up to North Bay once a year but our time is always very precise and anyways, I gave her some goodies from my studio and she sweetly put them on her blog in September...check it out here or click the image below....

Thanks again Judit...I told everyone I was way behind in my posts, ha ha. Check out Judits wonderful wares at http://www.juditgueth.com/ .

Happy 16th To My Love and Light...

I can't let today go by without one speacil shout out, for it is 16 years ago on this day that Jonathan and I went on our first date and 16 years from this date that we've officially and happily and blissfully been tied at the hip:D

Happy Anniversary to my Jonathan, my bunny daddy, my love and my light...Happy Anniversary my love, XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Your Bijou & Bella.

New Illustration "A Most Accomodating Hostess"

I am so excited to finally share the last of the new images created for "A Woman's Work"...this one has been floating around in my head for ages and I am so happy with how it turned out, plus I've never drawn mice before and they were alot of fun. I think the story is fairly clear in this one but I'll leave it up to yous to find the story:D

A print is available here.

The bunnies are all cozy, Ottmar Liebert is blasting from my stereo, it's a chilly fall day outside and extra cozy in our little warren...happiness is flowing today and so is the creativity, so back to my work I go:D...Have a great weekend everyone...I think we'll be spending some time outside cleaning up before the snow hits! Be Cozy, Be Warm and Be Well All.

P.S. Someone sent me this video on sand artist Kseniya Simonova, it's quite different and the music makes it very dramtic...I am not a big fan of youtube thus far but sometimes it's good to find interesting new things like this...enjoy!

New Illustration "The Lock and The Key" & More...

Hi everyone, thanks soooo much for all of the wonderful comments on my recent posts, especially for your feedback about my opening. Comments really make my day and I appreciate every single one. Finally! I feel like I am starting to find my own community in the big blogosphere and that is really exciting.

I wanted to pop in and share a few things...first being a new illustration, well it was for my exhibition so you probably saw it in the show photos but I really wanted to post a full version here today. I am really happy with this one and I am honestly glad that it hasn't sold so far at the exhibition, but than again I was to keep all my rabbit-y images! ha ha.

It is called "The Lock and The Key"...it's about a woman and her beloved bunnies and the knowledge they pass back and forth between each other and the beauty they hold for one another and that together in those things, they will find their way to better understanding and place of being...make sense? ha ha. The banner reads "...They are the Key...through the door...together... we will go...and I am the Lock..."

A print is available here.

I think after the opening my body said 'Ah Ha...Now you have time to be sick...' so I've been abit under the weather fighting some flu-ish symptoms, headaches, rainy aches, a really bad neck crink and just really needed to recharge my physical battery...goodness knows the creative battery is still running very strong:D...so I've been working some yes indeed but mostly taking it easy, reading and just snoozing with my heating pad and of course the best medicine around...snuggling with a bunny:D

I must again mention the amazing web promo Jonathan made for me to promote my show. Well he surprised me yet again but adding a few new things. If you go to the reception section, you'll see that he included abit of video from the night...where he inset the video in a poplar frame to match my work than he found a lovely little song to add than turned it to black and white which he knows I love....AND THAN!....I did a radio interview and he took that interview and included it as well and as you listen to the interview a montage of lovely photos flick by...wow, I am so blown away. He has created this amazing and complete and touching little package for me and years from now I can go back to this link and relive the evening. I knew that he was working on a secret project the past couple of nights, ha ha but all of this just blew me away. Do check out the wonderful additions here...and tell me what you think of my radio interview:D

I have so much to share and I am behind on posting but I think that's about all for today...Have a wonderful day everyone and thanks so much for your support and taking the time to pop in. XOXO.

A Woman's Work Opening Reception Was A Great Success...

My solo exhibition "A Woman's Work" opened this past Saturday night and I am so so pleased with how it went. Oodles of people couldn't be there to help me celebrate but oodles of people were there with bells on and I was so so so filled with love and happiness and felt so so so supported by all who came, thank you thank you thank you...and this will be somewhat of an indulgent post but here we go...

I do wish someone had told me my top buttons were popping open, ha ha...they were just fine before I spent the night hugging everyone honest:D!....

Here is me with my brothers stepson Cody and my sweetie-pie niece Karly:D I am so glad they got to see their auntie in action...

My lovely friends Becca and Darren promised to be there and they were...

Here's my mom and Cody and Jen taking in my work...

I was so so happy to have my friend and inspiration and mentor and high school art teacher Dave Carlin there...he's a big reason why I became an artist, he was my original inspiration on this artistic journey of mine and one of my original nurturer's, he brought me a bouquet of flowers too, wow:D.....the night wouldn't have been quite the same without my dear old Dave there...

I was happy that my brother, Steph was able to make it out, he misses alot of my art stuff cause he's just so busy with his own stuff but this was a biggie for me and I was honoured to have my talented big brother there in support.

Here's moi with Dave being silly as always, that's my dad in the back and my brother on the right.

I made my brother lift his pant legs to show off his tattoo work.

Here's my sister-in-law Jennifer looking pretty in one of my necklaces which she kindly purchased that night to show off at a party they were headed to after mine...

The Gallery AOMer's put out a nice spread for me, thank you Pat, Edna, Rosemary and Michelle...and Jonathan and my mom for added in some goodies as well...

I love this shot of our dear friends Kirk and Jessie, their enthusiasm is always contagious.

Here's me and pal Leslie, and I was so grateful that she took time to come out and drive abit of ways too before she had to leave to here her dad play a gig that night...

And I was so so touched that some dear friends like Judith here zoomed all the way down from Toronto just in time to be able to support and celebrate with me, wow:D thanks guys...

Here's me and my mom in front of my members display (which I am so anxious to completely change very soon).

This is mousy little me, ha ha with my beautiful friend Jana, I blogged about Jana before, she's a jeweler and fellow AOMer and also made a long trek in for my show which was touching.

Hugs, Hugs and more hugs, ha ha....here's me with my dear Shelley, she was out for my last solo exhibition years ago and I was so happy to have her with me again...

Jonathan's aunt Lynn completely lifted my heart but showing up and being a lovely support....

Here is my dear friend Michelle and also fellow AOMer, we've spent alot of time together in the past weeks, she helped me alot and I was so happy to have her there to share the night and to be my date for the after party.

I was blown away to have Keith Campbell there, he's a dear, a friend, and I really wish I had a tape recorder to record his incredible comments and insight into my work, wow, ha ha...he made my night special as well.

Here's me with Kirk and Jessie again....they were patient and good enough to stick around the whole evening.

I was happy to have another fellow AOMer there and insanely talented wood carver Michael Mathieu there with his beautiful partner, thanks for coming guys:D...

And I love this shot of me with Terri Campbell and my new lovely kindred spirit Tracey Walsh, ohhhh you two added so much to the evening, thank you thank you thank you..

Here is Tracey and her partner whom I hope to meet again soon, signing my guestbook, I can't wait to see what everyone wrote, yay!....

The kids of course gorged on the sweet treats:D

I love this shot of my mom laughing with Jessie and Shell, my mom never misses one of my art openings, never....

and of course the evening wouldn't have been complete without having my dear adopted grandpa Arlie there as well.

My buddy John Weiss was a sweetheart to come out and he got some emotional, it made me emotional, ha ha, he was so proud of me and thinks of me as one of his babies having been my kick-ass junior high school arts teacher. I was touched by John's words, reaction and presence.

An artist often wonders if they've made certain people proud and with John I have no doubts, thank you for that John.

My pal, the lovely Kelley Allen came of course, I was hoping she would:D

Here's moi with my extended family, Shelley and Dean. Dean is Jonathan's best friend and 'brother from another mother' ha ha and they amazingly but not surprisingly:D stayed right to the very very end and even helped clean up, thanks guys.

That's me! giddy to finally be able to have a cup of sangria towards the end of the night!

The only thing missing is the most important person, the amazing guy who was behind the camera all night long, my Jonathan....the opening photos are not complete without of shot of me with him:C we were just so busy and pooped by the end we just forgot to get a shot of us. But Jonathan knows he is the biggest, most important, most amazing and complete support this little artist could possibly ask for....so thanks baby....thanks everyone, I know I am missing photos of alot of people, but I was fully aware of who was there and I am just so very very touched and feeling very full and blissful in the good company I am surrounded by in this little city of ours. Thanks again everyone.

A Brillant Surprise

On top of working tiressly and doing an amazing job on my frames, Jonathan completely surprised me the other day with this fantastic promo ad web thingy he put together for my exhibition. I am almost as excited, if not more so about this new visual treat than my whole exhibition, ha ha for I love it when he conjures up this stuff, it seems a perfect marriage between his talents and mine. He's such a wonderful, amazing and insanely supportive partner and I thank him a million times over...Click here to view the ad or click on the image below.

After this evening, we'll stick some of the reception photos in the 'reception' spot on this fantastic little web thingy, so you can check back for those. Afterwards it will find a permanent spot somewhere on my new website...which we've both been working very hard on (though of course mostly on Jonathan's part being the computer/design guru/genius that he is). The new website will be launching VERY SOON, I am SOOO excited:D

Tonight is my opening wish me luck.

P.S. Don't you think the promo ad is brillant:D????

Mandy Saile A Woman's Work Solo Exhibition is now up

It was a very successful day at the Art On Main gallery with the hanging of my exhibition.

(Just ignore the ugly brown and grey folding wall! I tried draping it with fabric but that seemed to make it stand out even more...it's the only thing I had no choice about unfortunately.)

What do yous think?

So after two months of hard work I am breathing my first sigh of relief now that it's all hung and looking great. I'll sigh another breathe of relief if my opening is full and busy and I'll sigh a third breathe of relief when my work is back home safe and sound (hopefully minus a few due to sales, ha ha!) for it feels very odd to suddenly have a good chunk of my favourite work out of the house and either in my AOM Member space or in this solo show.

P.S. I created a little Press Release here.

New Illustration "Star Lite Star Brite"

...Star Lite, Star Brite, Keep All Rabbits Safe Tonight...

A new illustration for my exhibition. What do you think? I am pleased as punch with it. I really wanted the bunnies in the sky to glow and appear as star light and I think I achieved that.

This one illustrates my starry night sky wishes....

And an archival print of it is available here in my Etsy shop if your interested in a copy.

I am off to do a radio interview...yikes! I was responsible to do tons of interviews via paper, radio, and tv when I worked as a gallery coordinator and assistant to Dennis Geden. And I have gotten quite abit a news coverage with my various art projects/ventures and involvement with our local carousel, but still...ugh, wish me luck!

Distracting Bunnies!

I don't have much time but I wanted to pop in and share some recent adorable shots of our apple-pie...Jaks. He's been making it awfully difficult to stay focused on getting the last image for my exhibition completed!...he's so darn cute, I am up every few minutes to give him snacks or to just sit and watch him....or the others! Ella-Luna (a.k.a. Buda) keeps beckoning me into the bedroom for some quick catnaps on the floor with her, ha ha but I agree with her, its a most fitting way to battle the chilly, windy and rainy day outside of the house...and we are just grateful we more often than not get to stay in and be all cozy together when we don't wanna venture outside!

But theres something about a house full of warm, happy and sleepy bunnies that makes me feel oh so sleepy too...ha ha...I keep telling myself only a few more days than I can take a few days off just to hang out on the floor with my little furries....

Speaking of bunnies....I just discovered a new blog that I love and a kindred blogger as well I do believe, check out "Heart of a Cowgirl", Bridget has a beautiful family of mini-rex's and she often shares her bunny tales on her blog as well...hop on over her life is full of wonderful creatures and her blog banner alone will wow you I am sure.

Have a wonderful day and Hug a bunny...Bridget and I agree that it's quite often the best medicine:D.... XO Mandy.

P.S. I am wishing a 'good journey' to my pal Julie B. who is on her way back to a full heart and to Scotland and Nairn...have great travels Julie.

New Illustration 'The House & The Dreamer"

I've been working diligently more so than I have in quite awhile and I have to say it feels fantastic to be so focused on my work. I have a forward momentum going now that I really hope I can keep up because I have so many more new ideals I am so excited to finally get to...

But yeah, here is a new one...again for my exhibition...It is called "The House & The Dreamer"...I think the concept and story is pretty straight forward with this one. At the bottom I wrote "The House Protects The Dreamer And The Dreamer Fills The House". It was sparked by my ideals and possible theme for a co-exhibition I have coming up in 2010.

And of course....a print is available here in my beautiful Etsy shop:D....do pop on in and have a browse if you've never been before.

I am off to colour some more and to snuggle a bunny...after all it is very gloomy yet cozy fall day and whats better to do than hang with bunnies on these kind of days:D

I am in the last stretch of exhibition preparations and going in Thursday to hang my show so I don't know that I will post alot this week, but I'll try if I have time for I do have 3 more new illustrations created just for the exhibition to share with you pluse I'll take oodles of photos once it's all hung...oh I can't wait. The frames Jonathan made for me are all done and just wonderful and seeing my work matted and framed just gives me a boost and a little reminder that 'heh I am pretty good' ha ha.... and I just can't wait to see so many of my coloured pencils collected together all in the same place...ohhhhhh so excited:D

p.s. If your interested in signing a petition to try to stop Iceland from killing whales there is a new form here or in my 'take action for animals' section on the right hand side of this blog. Thanks!

I Met My Hero Jane Goodall

I am so blessed to have just met my long time hero Jane Goodall. She was everything I expected her to be but even more beautiful with such a strong but very very soft energy about her.

This incredible human being played one of the biggest roles thus far in how humans see animals and their relationships to them. She fights for them like no other and she continues this work 50 years later still at the lovely age of 75. She spends 300 of 365 days travelling the world to spread her knowledge and message of hope...she is just so awe inspiring to me...just incredible.

This woman, this bright and elegant human spirit was so wonderful to listen to. I needed to hear her powerful message of hope. I suspected before going to this lecture that I myself had lost some of my own hope in the past year or so, due to many different things but really down to just feeling separated from most people, feeling that my hearts passion and need for human compassion was travelling alone in this life's journey with not much company at all. I mean to say I am sympathetic and sensitive to animal welfare is an understatement...so sitting there listening to her talk and tell story after story about all these amazing people who care and who make changes, etc...well lets just say my already present migraine got even worse for trying to fight back a big well of emotion and the sudden realization that I am far far from alone in my passions about animals or with my hopes for their future on this disintegrating planet. Dr. Goodall was just beautifully eloquent and a ray of bright light that I very much needed. I am pretty sure that I wasn't the only one out of the 900 other people there to feel this surge of emotion and renewal of hope.

Her points ring so very very true, of which there were many and of which I couldn't possibly get into here for than this post would be insanely long! But I can't help but bring up one thing she said which really has to make you stop and think if you haven't done so already...If humans are the most intelligent species on this planet than why are we destroying our one and only home and planet....#1 with over-population and #2 with meat eating. I don't know how many people realize that the global climate change we are all undoubtedly experiencing is not coming from fuel pollution, well that's a problem of course but the main cause is peoples need to eat meat....the methane produced by meat cattle alone is destroying our ozone more than all the cars put together...and its the vast forest areas that we're clear cutting to a)raise more meat and b)farms for food to feed those animals so we can than slaughter them and eat them...it just makes no sense, it's completely preposterous to me that people aren't realizing this and simple saying 'well lets not eat meat' or at least eat less..even less would begin to make a difference! Although being a vegetarian myself I am of course an advocate for not having it at all.

Anyhow I don't mean to turn this post into a lecture, who will listen to me anyhow! but I loved hearing such a renowned and intelligent voice backing up my beliefs.

I walked away with my inner strength revived, with my hope for the worlds future boosted, and with my passion for animals and their welfare bolstered. I always walked around thinking 'well I am only one person, what can I do...how can I affect any real changes...' and this attitude took a somewhat negative root in my heart...now I realize I can indeed make a difference, even if a very small one.

And for a 75 year old she's so strong and energetic, she said she believes a big part of this was being a vegetarian....shes just so very very beautiful to me....

I will treasure this special evening for always...and of course this is now one of my most treasured photos...me, little itty bitty Mandy Saile of Bijou's Whimsy! with Dr. Jane Goodall..WOW!

I wanted to ask her one question, which was "Where do you find the strength and courage to do what you do and face what you face" how does she not give up, how does she not get angry.... she must be the most compassionate person I've eve met....but there was no time and I think when I sit quietly and think about everything she said I'll be able to formulate an answer and it's got to have something to do with just doing what you need to do because this world of ours and its amazing animals need help and she does what she needs to do and gets through any horrors because she has to continue being one of these brilliant spirits who does care, takes action and helps.

I really also wanted to ask her if she truly thinks art can make a difference with animal conservation and welfare...I still am not 100% sure it can or does, I just don't know but I guess I'll just keep trying and worker harder than ever to bring my own message to people in the best way I know how which is through my imagery...we'll see I guess won't we! I have more hope about it all than before though that's for sure.

To repeat what I said to her upon meeting "Dr. Goodall, Thank You....Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for being so inspiring...." at which point she looked deep into my eyes and smiled and I smiled back....a lovely connection...a lovely person....a lovely evening....I am in awe and once more....finally once more reconnected or on my way back to it.

For more info on Jane Goodall visit The Jane Goodall Institute.

And thank you for popping in and reading...be well and most of all Keep Hope.

Someones Trash is My New Treasure

Awhile back I was in a thrift store and I came upon this lovely picture made from thread, it really caught my eye and at only $2.99 it was also easy on my wallet! It really made me feel nostalgic and remember the past when I used to embroider and do crafty things like this. Someone put alot of time into this piece and did a nice job and I loved the colours...so I brought it home, painted the light brown frame a bright red and voila...a new piece of art that I really do unexpectedly love, ha ha.



Now every time I go into a thrift or antique store my eyes are peeled for threaded floral pictures, not like I need to collect anything else!! But it just once again goes to show that someone else's trash is some one else's treasure, hooray!

Exhibition Poster

The other night Jonathan and I conjured up a simple poster to help advertise my upcoming exhibition...


What do yous think? Would it make you want to attend the opening or pop in to view the show?

New Illustration 'Motions Of The Past"

I am so happy with this latest illustration I just completed for my upcoming exhibition. It is done in coloured pencil, is about 14x 19 inches and is called "Motions of the Past".

A couple months ago I had some past life regression done and some energy healing and I won't get into it here because well it was just intensely intensely fabulous and wonderful and something I could never properly convey to others and for some reason despite it being an amazing experience, it's one that I want to keep to myself but anyhow, this illustration stems from the past life regression and I know what it means to me but I want the viewer to bring their own ideals to this one.

And of course, a beautiful print of it is available here in my online shop for anyone interested.

That's all for today, thanks and be well everyone.

Some Old Furniture Refinished

So a few weeks ago when I was so so sad and lost without Hazel and when I wanted to just sleep all day and all night, I gave myself a couple projects to complete when I wasn't keeping Jin company...I thought I'd share those with you today...

We've had this old desk for years, Jonathan's grandpa made it but it was pretty rickety and ugly, so Jon peeled all the bubbled veneer off, sanded it down, made the shelves solid, and put new legs on than handed it to me...

...which I than painted a bright happy green and water blue. I love it now.

Than I took this old chair which I've had around for ages, took the old fabric off, painted it in the same green and blue and had just enough fabulous rabbit print material to recover it, so it became...

...This:D....which I am also so happy with...

...AND THAN...I took another old desk that I've been used for over 15 years and decided to give it a matching facelift as well, it needed no work just paint so it was quick and easy but it looks so much better and refreshed in these new colours.

...Jinny and Jaks seem to approve of the colours...I am happy...What do yous think?

New Illustration "I am A Beautiful Home"

Finally there was a chance to do some scanning and finally I can share with you one of my newest creations, one of my favourite illustrations "I am a beautiful home".

I created this with coloured pencil on Stonehenge paper, it's approx 14 x 20inches and I am so happy with how it turned out. It was inspired by my beautiful friend who is currently 5 months pregnant and she is indeed a most beautiful and loving home. The dove symbolizes peace and serenity from all the worry that comes with being pregnant. The black birds are symbols of good luck and positivity in the future.

You can buy a lovely print of this illustration o' mine right here in my Etsy Shop.

For anyone local, you can come see it and possibly buy the original at my upcoming solo exhibition at Art On Main, October 3rd-November 1st with a fantastic opening being held on Oct 3rd 7-9pm.

Still Around Just Busy...

I've been working almost around the clock on new exhibition work and the crunch for time is more present than ever these days. Luckily my wrist and hand have been feeling better despite the long hours of drawing and colouring, thank goodness because that sharp wrist pain was really freaking me out! I haven't even had time really to scan new work in to show you all but it's coming...I promise!

In the meantime here's a pic I snapped last week of a furry cutie-pie who was almost trampled but 8 little running rabbit feet! I snapped his portrait than set him in our pea plant...I love finding these little guys cause they are never the same...an awesome little delight in my books.

It's not been a good month for headaches or migraines, I admit to being abit stressed about my solo exhibition. It doesn't help that this week is busy with meetings and shifts at my art collective and I really could do without them inferring in work time but there are also not things I can cancel! But Jonathan is right....I do work the best under pressure and deadlines, I suppose that's my illustrator training rearing it's head!

In two weeks we're taking an evening off to see Jane Goodall, which I still can't believe:D and my honey bought us tickets to see Cirque du Soleil's 'Ovo' which I also can't wait for, I've always wanted to see one of their shows and I am already giddy for it...and I have the Twilight boxset waiting for me, so after my exhibition opens on October 3rd, I am in for some treats for sure:D

But in the meantime, wish me luck on the 3 remaining illustrations I want to get done...wish me luck on the framing, etc...and if I am abit absent from this beloved blog o' mine, well you know what I am busy with! Be Well all, be well....

Freindship and Fullness

I just had a wonderful wonderful long weekend with my best friend and I was in heaven having her and her partner here in our home for 4 day and 3 nights...we live 4 hours apart so we don't get to see one another as often as we'd like so the time we do get we soak it up fully and blissfully.

The weekend was also amazing with Judit and Ed meeting alot of my friends and local artists, including my oldest and dear friend visiting from Ottawa with her husband and two beautiful kids AND over the same weekend our sweet Jaks completely and suddenly bonded with our sweet Jin and well life right now just feels so very very full and warm and comfy with love and support and friends and family.

I have a beautiful new piece for my exhibition to share with you all hopefully on Thursday, I still have to scan it in but it's suitable to share after this post because it was inspired by my best friend.

I hope life today and this week finds you all with full and happy hearts as well...be well and see you again soon. XO Bijou.