I have been working in one version of my most perfect place… there are several variations on this… but this is definitely a good one. The Okanagan is beautiful. And home to Canada’s best wines, including some amazing reds. I’m staying on the Naramata bench, right on the KVR walking trail, in a vineyard… overlooking the lake…. with fine sunrises and sunsets. It is heavenly…and that is just my mornings and evenings.
All day I spend at the Shatford Centre, home of the Okanagan School of the Arts. Some days I am teaching… and then others I am there as Artist in Residence. I’m using this time to tidy up some old work, refine my plans and goals for 2015/2016 and then start to enter into the mindspace for my upcoming exhibition in February. It is a wonderful world! Even with a separate studio space at home, and older children now, who are pretty self-sufficient, it is still a unique experience to go to a different space and focus. I think that is the key….to have clear goals to work towards in this special time set aside….with some breathing spaces allowed for…of course…and a fine glass of local red wine.
This weekend was a three day session on Joomchi Feltmaking. We had a small class, due to a few cancellations, so I had the opportunity to make my own piece as a demonstration. With experienced feltmakers in the class, we delved deeper into perfect fit in garment construction and with a focus on lots of surfaces and composition techniques.
All of the pieces were beautiful and perfect for their individual wearer and creator…
And my own, red study….working with a single colour to really highlight the textures in the piece.
This is first class I have taught in years that was not full. It was a tiny ego hit…being honest with you… but not for long…this smaller class size opened up opportunity to go much farther with my students and create something alongside them. We had more time for discussion and even a short “felt clinic” looking at past projects and tips for improving each work. It was a great gift of space and time…. These were three calm, creative, wonderful days, in an incredible setting and facility. It was pure pleasure.
And there are still 4 more days to go….
Warm wishes,
Fiona
Ahhh Fiona, I would gladly have come as a substitute for one of the cancellations … ;-D
(It would have been great to finally start with my "end piece" of last spring ….. still no oppurtunity to make the BIG piece 🙁 but planning to 😉 !)
Congratulations to both "students" ! It must have been very special to have you for a private teacher !!!!!
Enjoy your stay and other classes Fiona,
Love.
I wish I'd signed up for your newsletter earlier to know about your Okanagan visit and add to the numbers at the workshop. I am assuming that you won't be there much longer but would like to know what your schedule is, and if there's something I might be able to participate in. Please update me. Thanx muchly. Rosalie WIlliams
Ah, I am so envious of your time in that beautiful area and with such a small class. It truly is a gift! And the tops are absolutely gorgeous. i am still reeling with joy from the felting retreat at Meech Lake. Cathy (Luvswool)
What beautiful tops you all made! I imagine it must have been more like a felting retreat than a class with just a few students – sounds perfect!