Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Collective

Gratitude

2012-01-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to all of you who came out to support your local creatives at our 12th show in December! We hope you had a peaceful and restful holiday season and that your new year has begun gracefully!

We have plans to renovate our blog this upcoming year to make it more of a year round place of interest and sharing regarding local and Canadian Handmade Culture so please stay tuned! Until then we'll leave you with a few pics from our Holiday show.

With Love,
SFM

Kari Woo

2011-12-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

In 1993 Kari discovered her love of making jewellery literally by accident. While recovering from a snowboarding injury she enrolled in her first jewellery class - it was love at first make! Though she had always collected jewellery through her girlhood she never imagined that she would make it. Now almost two decades later she is still at it and she still loves it. After a few initial classes Kari's beginnings were largely self taught until she returned to school in 1998, receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts [hons] specializing in Jewellery + Metals from the Alberta College of Art + Design in 2003.

Since then she found a second love - collaborating to build small independent arts events and businesses. In 2003 she co-founded the Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Collective of artists and makers based out of Vancouver, B.C. - a group that still works together annually to host one of Vancouver's best curated independent arts + craft events. In 2004 Woo co-founded INFLUX Jewellery Gallery in Calgary which she co-owned and co-piloted with her business partners until March 2011 when they passed the torch on to new owners. 2004 also saw the start of the New Craft Collective - an Alberta based initiative modelled after her successful collaboration in Vancouver. In 2007 she launched Made In Canada: Calgary Artist's Market which supported local artists with a venue to show and sell their works on a monthly basis for the entire year.

During this time she has also been able to develop and maintain her own studio based business where she designs, produces and distributes an independent line of contemporary art jewellery, works closely with clients on custom pieces and occasionally instructs workshops through the ACAD Extended Studies Program.

Her work is notably understated and modern in design but with the use whimsical freehand motifs and the intentional asymmetry of form it is also warm and intriguing. Drawing her influences equally from architectural forms, human dwellings and her observations of nature Kari’s designs reference notions of space - whether they be public or private, external or internal, urban or natural, physical or metaphorical. Her mixed media work has been exhibited in the United States, Europe, South Korea and across Canada; her jewellery designs are available in high-end design boutiques and galleries across the country, online and in select U.S. locations

In 2010 Kari moved to Canmore with her husband where they have burrowed into a cozy little nest which includes her home studio. In early 2011 they became new parents and are embarking on a whole new collaborative project of new proportions… and she still designs and loves to make jewellery.

Frances Felt

2011-12-10T08:06:00.000-08:00

Frances is a founding member of the Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Collective. Her work is a strong fusion of her experiences traveling and a utilitarian fashion sensibility. Fashion and function are both equally strong elements in her designs leaving the wearer feeling strong and feminine at once. Just the way we like it, Ladies!

Her clothes are fun and whimsical, inspired by colour, nature, process and material. Each garment is unique with collage-like detailing hand-picked by the designer. Most of her clothes are adjustable to make fitting all body types easy.

Frances Dickinson’s work has been featured in Toronto Life and Ion Magazine, as well as the Georgia Straight and the Vancouver Province. Frances Felt participates in The Circle Craft Christmas Show (Vancouver), is a founding member of The Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Shows (Vancouver) and has recently co-founded Crafty By Nature (Pemberton).

Erin Dolman Jewellery

2011-12-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

Anyone who is a fan of art jewellery in B.C. certainly knows Erin Dolman's unique approach to the medium. She has exhibited her work with the Shiny Fuzzy Muddy show many times and we couldn't possibly tire of her talent and unusual and sometimes rare negotioations of materials that she employs. Find hummingbird feathers mixed with vintage photos or buttons encased in boxes constructed of silver and copper. They are like time capsules or relics from another era, but don't quite equate to anything else you've ever seen.

Jeweller Erin Dolman was born and raised in Vancouver, but eventually heard the call of the wild pulled up her city roots and now resides in a beautiful cabin in the woods of Roberts Creek, BC, Canada. Erin’s work is designed and created by the artist in her home based studio under the supervision of her Pug-Burl. When not working in her studio Erin is an avid gardener, bird watcher and amateur naturalist and these interests show as a strong influence in her jewellery. A born collector, walks in the woods surrounding her home provide a wealth of natural treasures, which are then incorporated into her one of a kind pieces.

Over the past 12 years Erin has exhibited in numerous exhibitions in both Canada and internationally. In 2004 a craft scholarship enabled her to attend the prestigious Haystack Mountain School of Crafts for a 3 week course with jeweller Marcia MacDonald. Erin has also been the recipient of a number of grants and awards including the Rosen Group’s Niche Award in 2002, one of 5 inaugural BC Creative Achievement Award in 2005, and 1^st place in the brooch category for Lapidary Journals annual Jewellery Arts Awards in 2006.

Nana Fro Textile Art

2011-12-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

Mariana Frochtengarten is a Brazilian textile artist. She launched her company Nana Fro Textile Art in 2009, after moving to Vancouver. The artist's hand made creations include objects for the body and the home, carefully produced with the idea of adding beauty to our daily life. This is Mariana's debut at SFM. There isn't enough Beauty in this world so we are happy to host more of it at our upcoming 12th Holiday Sale. The care, love and attention put into this textile work is nothing short of wonderful. It is contemporary and classically feminine. We love it and hope that you do too.

Mariana is particularly captivated by the different kinds of resist dyeing methods in which patterns are constructed by preventing dyes or discharge agents from reaching certain areas of the cloth. In her most recent work she has been exploring elements of Japanese shibori to create a line of natural fiber scarves and children's wearables, as well as a variety of legwear including leggings and tights for children and adults. Indulging in the tactile properties of fiber, all of Mariana's creations can be described as real sensual surfaces composed of rich colours and geometric and organic forms. With a modern flair, the artist brings a contemporary approach to traditional, time-honored techniques.

Morena clothing

2011-12-08T22:47:00.000-08:00

Morena is unique, artful, cozy, sophisticated and made with authenticity. Its a been a couple of years since we have been able to host Marcy at SFM, but we finally snagged her and are glad to have her back!

As an art student, Marcy began creating recycled t-shirts as projects; with spray painted stencil collages and drawing imagery with her sewing machine. These projects evolved into deconstructive pieces that housed as sweaters from recycled, vintage sweaters, tweed jackets, lace, doilies, fur and memory trinkets as found objects to personalize each garment.

Marcy's line grew into Morena - meaning mix of culture or milato in Spanish - a clothing label which gives name and shape to the conglomerated form of cultures she resonates strongly with. Morena represents the women of contemporary times, the sensual blend of nostalgia and the emotions of today’s' female warriors. Morena leaped off the island after becoming one of the three finalists for B.C. Fashion Week's Generation Next competition. Her first line was created for Spring 2008, shortly thereafter. Morena is now carried in niche stores across Canada where 'handmade' is still sacred.

MaryMary

2011-12-08T22:40:00.000-08:00

MaryMary works with stencils. He is motivated by pervasive mediocrity and his own grand idea of style. Sometimes he has a sense of humour. MaryMary is so called, thanks to his sister who used to blister his contrary opinions by announcing that he was, 'such a bloody Mary'. MaryMary makes limited runs from hand cut stencils and is always open to new roads, collaborations or commissions. He is from Wales and now resides in Squamish, B.C. His work is a departure from our usual warm and fuzzy but we found it intriguing so wanted to give it a go. We think our patrons will be provoked to see things from a different perspective when they see his work.

Track and Field Designs

2011-12-08T22:29:00.000-08:00

Sasha Freeman is the gal behind Track and Field Designs. They offer a charming collection of vintage inspired accessories to protect your modern gadgets. All of Sasha's work is handmade and silkscreened with animals, bicycles and quaint objects. A first timer with Shiny Fuzzy Muddy, we haven't offered this type of product at our shows before so we are all in for a great treat this weekend!

LAUREN ELGEE Jewellery

2011-12-08T22:11:00.000-08:00

Innovative and intelligent Lauren's designs are contemporary with a vintage flair. Equally appealing to book lovers and design aficianados her unique and one of a kind pieces have to be seen in person!

It all began when Lauren was only seven and her aunt Dawne gave her long, blue-beaded earrings that she had made by hand. Though not a girly child she wore them happily, despite the very same aunt laughing at her for wearing such large earrings at such a young age.

As an adult Lauren's interest in art and adornment led her to travel and study extensively. In addition to completing a silversmith course at Central St. Martin's in London, England, Lauren has a degree in Art History from UBC. Her passion for jewellery design led her to complete the Jewellery Art & Design diploma program at Vancouver Community College.

Since graduating 6 years ago, Lauren has created playful and elegant jewellery from a variety of media. Lauren is best known for her one of a kind Storybook earrings, made from vintage illustrations. Women love to wear them and yes, they are big earrings.

Loden Clothing

2011-12-08T22:01:00.000-08:00

Charlotte Shea is the mastermind behind Loden Clothing which is a cut and sew clothing line from Victoria, B.C. Since 2007 they have been making visually beautiful clothing with attention to detail and craftsmanship. Focused on creating pieces that will last, not only in terms of durability - but remaining aesthetically timeless for seasons to come. They create their own artwork and hand print all of our fabric in-house, allowing the use of exclusive patterns and creation of their own color palettes. This hand printed process also makes each garments one of a kind. With a focus on locally sourced premium fabric and quality components, Loden strives to create clothing that people feel a close connection to. Largely a women's wear line of fantastic bohemian chic garments, they also offer some stellar printed T's for guys too. This is their first showing with SFM and we are looking forward to seeing their full collection.

heyday design

2011-12-07T23:56:00.000-08:00

Finely crafted and finely presented. We always love what heyday design brings to the SFM show. Simplicity with class. Modern vintage charm! What has she come up with this year? Come out to the show this weekend and see!

Claire Madill graduated from Emily Carr University of Art & Design in 2007 and wasted no time moving into a ceramics studio where she could continue excelling in 'plaster disasters'. She started heyday design to create functional and wearable modern porcelain while having an excuse to dig through second-hand shops for shiny objects and arresting patterns. Ideas around value and usefulness continue to inform her practice. heyday design mines the past to create for the future. commonplace, utilitarian vintage kitchen wares are transformed into contemporary porcelain objects and accessories, endorsing a new perspective on their purpose and aesthetic.

In 2011, heyday design fabricated over one hundred custom porcelain beaver jar lights for Anacleto Design's renovation of Oliver & Bonacini's canoe, as well as showed her porcelain jewellery with Designboom at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York City. Claire continues to live and work in Vancouver, B.C.

Astrosatchel/Winterluxe

2011-12-07T23:17:00.000-08:00

We are not sure that there is anyone who works harder than core SFM member Janna Hurtzig of famed indie brand, Astrosatchel. On every street corner one can literally see an Astrosatchel bag slung across some hip Vancouverite's swaggering body. They are the perfect coastal bag that is both fashionable and functional keeping your goods dry while keeping you looking darn good! We are looking forward to seeing new styles from Janna at this years show.

Janna started her Astrosatchel line in 1998, and 13 years later is still true to it's handmade ethos. In 2005, production moved from back bedroom to an airy, bright studio in Vancouver's Railtown neighbourhood where it remains today.

Inspired by nature, the Astrosatchel label combines Scandinavian design, Asian pop culture influences and a Canadian cottage feel, to give even the smallest of items a distinct look. Products include purses and tote bags, wallets, diaper bags made from vegan friendly Naugahyde vinyl. The Astrosatchel aesthetic is clean lined, yet detailed, allowing complex themes to be expressed in simplified manner. Bold and bright colour combinations add a striking layer to the story. Recent additions to the line include a new colour based series of back-to-basic, retro shaped purses and small housewares line featuring kitchen textiles.

2011 sees the launch of winterluxe, a winter collection made entirely from 100% recycled cashmere, including scarves, cowls, mittens and arm warmers. Off cuts are used to create shag cushions and luxurious shag rugs, keeping with the warm and cosy feel.

LUprints Homewares

2011-12-06T22:04:00.000-08:00

LUprints designer, Ulla Clark, was introduced to Scandinavian textiles at a young age, growing up with a Swedish mother. On frequent family visits to Sweden and seeing her relatives’ homes adorned with collections of hand-embroidered and screen printed linens, her fondness for table runners and napkins blossomed. Ulla spent a decade working outside in the forest, often finding time for collecting and cataloguing plants and flowers and has always been drawn to the pleasing simplicity that nature provides. Her strong affection for nature as well as her memories of the beautiful, yet functional linens, are a constant inspiration for new products and prints.

A regular guest artist with the SFM show Ulla's work is always stable and strong. Striking color and good design make her prints both memorable and desirable. Practical, functional and visually pleasing. Marimekko eat your heart out!

Caroline Miller Design

2011-12-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

Caroline's work is quirky, kinda whacky and just plain fun! We love having her, her good vibes and great jewels at the show. Her ability to merge materials together into unique art jewellery compositions definitely sets her apart from others in her field. She is always expanding her visual vocabulary by pushing her skills as a metalsmith to the next level, thus keeping her and her followers engaged in her work.

Of her work, Caroline says, "Although essentially a jeweller, I consider myself foremost a metalsmith. Traditional techniques of metalsmithing evolved over generations form the basis of my work and what I aim to do with them is create pieces that hold a meaning as particular as the individual that will wear them.

My work revolves around two distinct techniques - forging and construction. Along with my love of construction, I am progressing my interest in making modern forms and sculpture by traditional methods such as; raising, repousse and blacksmithing. These pieces range from small intricate constructed jewellery to larger copper hollow vessels. I am interested in exploring all creative avenues between these points in metal.

The materials I use are primarily malleable metals: silver, gold, copper and steel. However, I like to meet the precious with the non-precious and I also use plastics such as formica and plexiglass. Additionally, I often incorporate semi-precious stones with found materials and cast components are a frequent feature of my work. Many of my pieces have a narrative, where others are simply aesthetic and classic in style. In one sense my work is a microscopic study of the world we live in and in another it is simply part of the world we live in."

Miyuki Shinkai (Mellon Glass Studio)

2011-12-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

Beauty with intention is the way one could describe the work of Miyuki Shinkai. It is her first time showing with us at SFM and we are sure that our visitors will enjoy her work.

Miyuki Shinkai was born and raised in Shiga, Japan. After earning a BA in English and Comparative Culture in Osaka, she relocated to the United States where she studied in Hawaii, California and Vermont, earning an MA in Social Administration at Georgia Southwestern State University. While there, she developed an interest in glass and earned a minor in glassblowing. This interest led her to the Pilchuck Glass School, Washington and a career in the art of glassblowing.

Miyuki now lives and works in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, where she and her husband, Wayne Harjula, run Mellon Glass Studio. The couple met in the States, where they were both developing their craft and moved to Canada together to start their own studio. After working in Vancouver’s Strathcona area for a number of years they relocated to the Sunshine Coast, looking for a place that was closer to nature to raise their young family. Both artists have had numerous exhibitions of their work at galleries around the world.

"The environmental sustainability and the growth in local economy has become a mainstream concern to the general public. It seems to be the industrial age is coming to the end after we have gone through the saturation of materialism and consumerism. I feel strongly we are going through the transition period before the new era to come. As the artisan who works in traditional medium, it has been a challenge up against mass production economy, but now is the time that gives us special meaning to work with natural resources and emphasize truthfulness and the slow process of creation.

Through my visual art practice, I have been searching for unity. I believe that we are all together as one, while respecting many diverse cultural traditions and the uniqueness of individuality. Freedom of thoughts and creativity promotes innovation. I am interested in evolving flow, not staying static. Art expression allows me to overcome the differences in language and in our foundation of human beliefs. It has always been an ultimate communication method for me to feel closer to my higher self and interact with the rest of society. The presentation of the creation has been an important event for my personal development, integration and participation in the community. The Kizuna project in 2010 was a milestone: I have spent half my life in Japan and half living in North America. I feel a new chapter has just begun as an artist and mother. I will continue to push the boundary to be true to myself and stay in tune with my original intentions."

Arleigh Wood

2011-12-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

One of our core members, Arleigh is an inspiration to us all. Her dedication to her studio work is steady and disciplined; her whimsical and poignant style of image-making is truly original and her gentle manner and personality make you like her artwork even more! As a new mom she is even that much more inspiring as she strives to achieve the work/life/family balance.

Arleigh Wood studied at Concordia University in Montreal and the University of Hertfordshire in St. Albans, UK, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours. Wood has participated extensively in national and international exhibitions. Her work is in private and corporate collection and has been featured hotels and in various interior design magazines including Canadian House and Home. Wood’s paintings have also been used in films and television shows like the “Designer Guys”. When she is not working in her Vancouver studio, Wood enjoys fast-paced urban explorations and peaceful natural escapes.

Hammypie

2011-12-05T20:19:00.000-08:00

Welcome back Hammypie! A great addition to the show we are happy to have these girls back for a second year in a row. Their knits and paper products unite creativity with function adding great visual to the daily life of those who choose to live with Hammypie objects.

Meet Harmony and Eunice - these two make Hammypie! Harmony works as a local print media and graphic designer in Vancouver, and Eunice is an avid knitter. Whether it's making intricate jewelry pieces, handmade cards, or mobiles, there isn't any project that Harmony won't tackle! She ventured into teaching Eunice to knit 4 years ago. Since then, Eunice has been a bit of a knitting junkie, constantly thinking about different types of yarn, combining colors and textures, and finding unique buttons.

Unsatisfied in her search for well designed calendars, Harmony began designing calender in 2009. These calendars are whimsical and eco-friendly, and created and printed in Vancouver. Harmony's work has been highly influenced by her daily life, travels and whimsical imagination.

BETA5 chocolates by Adam Chandler

2011-12-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

A departure from our roster of media that we regularly represent BETA5 Chocolates is a welcome guest to this year's upcoming show! We love the love these edible creations are made with! They are so beautiful that it's hard to eat them, but once you start it is surely hard to stop!

The form-5 beta crystal structure is the moststable form of cocoa butter crystallization, formed through the controlledmelting, and subsequent cooling (tempering) of liquid chocolate. At BETA5 we are focused on makingclassically influenced chocolates and confections with a modern aesthetic. Weare committed to using the best ingredients available to us – local first, andorganic when it makes sense, but always free of pesticides and sprays. Wesupport farmers and food that is produced on a smaller scale, and we choosechocolate with a paper trail that can be traced to its harvest. BETA5chocolates are perfect for when you need to impress someone with a unique,handcrafted gift; when you’re throwing the party of a lifetime (we lovecreating custom treats, tailored specific to your event); when your personalstash is low; or, when you’re just looking to indulge.

MIKIND Handmade Ceramics

2011-11-20T23:01:00.000-08:00

Bridging the gap between the east and west side of the Rockies is ceramic artist Jenn Demke-Lange. Her long awaited SFM debut is finally here (we have been courting her for a while to do the show) and we are thrilled! Whimsical and narrative her work always seems to be telling a story. Come and find out what the story is!

MIKIND is a ceramic studio located in Southern Alberta founded by Jenn Demke-Lange, designer and maker. Drawing inspiration from contemporary graphics, patterns and illustrations, we produce handmade ceramic objects that are playful and decorative. Since our start in 2009, we have expanded our production from tableware to ceramic jewellery. We love to discover all the possibilities that ceramics can offer and create these unique objects for all who are interested in the world of the handmade object. We hope to share what we love with others and hope you pass it along.

Mikind studio began in Calgary, Alberta and has since moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta where Jenn now lives with her husband and their furry creature, Belle. Feeling most at home in her studio, Jenn can be found making and creating with her head down. With a BFA from the Alberta College of Art & Design under her belt, she continues her lifelong passion of using her imagination and doodling things she loves. She currently maintains a full-time job as Studio Manager at the Medalta International Artists in Residence Program where she is lucky to have her ceramic practice be continually inspired and flourish by the many artists filtering through the studio. When her head is up she can be found baking, perusing magazines, visiting boutique shops and sharing adventures with her closest friends.

Jessie Turner Designs

2011-11-19T07:37:00.000-08:00

We are really pleased to welcome Jessie Turner back to SFM. Her work strikes that warm and fuzzy nerve that we of course love to host at Shiny Fuzzy Muddy. Jessie successfully uses a mixture of materials to bring her work to life. Using a base of sterling silver she adds wood, gold foil and feathers for her desired effects. This season she is introducing bronze into her collection. We are looking forward to seeing her newest work as it is sure to inspire.

She is a jeweler who specializes in natural and contemporary forms using silver and gold. Much of Jessie’s work expands the concept of jewellery as simple adornment to one that encompasses self-expression and purpose. “All things worn can have meaning. We need meaning to fulfill life and create balance, both within, and between, the individual, the community, and the natural world. Jewellery, when created and worn with intention has the ability to empower and connect us with our deeper selves.” Jessie’s vision is to create unique jewellery that encourages people's individuality and connection to truth, nature and beauty. Both traditional and contemporary ideas of design guide her innovation and creative fire.

Originally from the islands of BC’s West Coast, Jessie has returned to her roots in Courtenay BC after living and studying in Vancvouver. She received her diploma in Jewellery Art and Design in 2000 and has since studied at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, as well as with local art teachers of different mediums. Her work is sold in stores through out Canada, as well as at select craft shows. Along with being featured in The Georgia Straight and ELLE Canada Magazine, she has also received numerous design awards including an Accessories Designer decoration at Vancouver Fashion Week.

Eastside Culture Crawl

2011-11-18T23:05:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest cultural events in Vancouver is happening this weekend - the Eastside Culture Crawl! Artists open up their studios to the public for three days (Nov 18/19/20) where you can experience the context of the work directly and get to know your local creatives.

Shiny Fuzzy Muddy artists that you can see on the tour this weekend include Arleigh Wood, Laura McKibbon, Astrosatchel, Jessie Turner Designs, heyday designs and Nana Fro Textile Art. Of course if you don't have a chance to get out this weekend you will be able to see all this wonderful talent at Heritage Hall in a few weeks!

Adhesif Clothing Co.

2011-11-07T12:46:00.000-08:00

As a staple in Main Street fashion culture where you will find Adhesif's Flagship store it is only fitting that Adhesif join the ranks of our show this year. We are so pleased to welcome Adhesif Clothing Co. to SFM!

Melissa Ferreira is the Vancouver-based designer of Adhesif Clothing Co. Born in Montreal, Melissa was influenced by her mother who worked in garment production for a large scale clothing distributor. At a young age, Melissa started teaching herself how to sew and has been experimenting with textiles ever since! After working for many years as a buyer for vintage retailers like True Value Vintage, Melissa noticed there was a lot of interest in using recycled materials and set out to create her own clothing label in 2007.

The collection plays with colours, shapes, and textiles to create one-of-a-kind, edgy garments. All of the clothing is made from recycled fabrics that have an attitude and personality all of their own. So if you thought adhesives were bad for the environment, definitely try this one on for size!

Adhesif Clothing looks great and is good for the environment. The line of garments for men and women is not only made from sustainable materials, but is also locally produced in Vancouver, BC.

These Gray Days

2011-10-31T23:03:00.000-07:00

We are so happy to have the collective brightness of 'These Gray Days' back at SFM! Their work is simultaneously whimsical and poignant, cleverly using humor to bring their audience's attention to the beautiful subtleties in daily life that can easily be overlooked. In the past few years Jasna and Noel have been participants in a number of prestigious artist's residencies including one at the Banff Centre and most recently the Medalta International Artist's in Residence Program in Medicine Hat's Historic Clay District. Earlier this year also marked another success - a commission for the new Anthropologie store in Vancouver. Come and see their lovely work for yourself!

These Gray Days is the collective name of artists Jasna Sokolovic and Noel O’Connell. The name These Gray Days represents the source of their inspiration—a constant reminder of the ongoing battle against monotony and complacency. They strive to be an unexpected brightness in these tedious gray days, wherever it may be needed. Whether it is objects for everyday use or large-scale outdoor installations, they approach each new project with a tender defiance to the expected and a goal of inspiring sudden joy in those who are trapped in the doldrums.

Sandpiper Studio

2011-10-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to Sandpiper Studio's debut appearance at SFM this year. Pushing the traditional boundaries of the aesthetics of handblown glass the artist applies images to the surface of her unique and often opaque forms that have nostalgic and narrative qualities coupled with a modern minimalism. We love them! Truly functional art.

Julie Gibb was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1974. She graduated from the H.B. Beal Art Program in 1995 and later from the School of Crafts and Design at Sheridan College in 2002. Julie is the recipient of several awards and honours including the Aaron Milrad Award for best decorative arts at the 2003 Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition and a residency at the studio of the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY. Her work has been included in several publications such as 500 Glass Objects and 25 Years of New Glass Review. Julie recently completed a three year artist in residency program at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. She has since moved to the Columbia Valley in British Columbia, where she operates Sandpiper Studio with her partner, Gordon Webster. Located in Windermere B.C., Sandpiper Studio is a small scale production/design studio specializing in hand blown functional glass and strives to create exceptionally crafted objects with modern aesthetics and sensibilities.

SFM 12 is coming up!

2011-10-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

So far its been a busting-at-the-seams-busy year for the SFM members with international residencies, new lines being launched, babies being had and growing up! As October winds down we are all busy with our delegated tasks of organizing our upcoming show, which we are so excited about! We have a stellar line up of Canadian talent (see side bar for list of SFM12 artists and links to websites) that we can't wait to host at this years event!

Year after year we hear the same responses from artists and visitors alike - that SFM is the best show around for its quality of work, cozy atmosphere which includes drinks, food and great (non-Christmas) music and room to move. While many other events at Heritage Hall host a lot more vendors we host only 25 artists each year. Be assured that this is all designed with intention. For our artists we want them to have the opportunity to showcase their work in a relevant, sophisticated venue that allows their work to breathe and be seen. For our patrons we want to provide an environment that is relaxed, authentic and offers the highest quality independently designed and crafted artworks.

The icing on top of this is that admission is free! So, on the weekend of Dec 10 + 11 come and visit us and bring all your friends! Until then keep checking back here for more detailed information about our artists + join our facebook page for visual updates. We'll leave you for now with some images from last years SFM 11 Show.

Show is ON!!!!

2010-12-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

We had a great turnout yesterday at our opening day of SFM 11. In just over an hour we will open our doors for our 2nd and last day of what is probably turning out to be our best show ever! Please drop in to experience a well curated and considered collection of art, craft and design. End your or someone else's decade in style while supporting your local arts and culture!

Laura McKibbon | cul de sac design

2010-12-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

One of the founding members of the Shiny Fuzzy Muddy collective, Laura has been working in ceramics since 2003. Born and raised in Vancouver, B.C., Laura McKibbon is largely a self-taught artist, with a background in science, printmaking and photography. Her distinctive line of hand-built ceramics reflects a love of modern design, a dedication to craftsmanship and ultimately function. Idyll summers spent at the lake instilled a lifelong interest and reverence for nature, a theme that is largely present in her work. Her inspiration comes from the world around us - highlighting the unique personal experiences we have - in the hopes that this moment will resonate with others, and they will bring their own story into the work.

In addition to her production line Laura creates one of a kind work as well as limited series. She continues to exhibit regularly and her work has been featured in several publications and international exhibitions, most recently in Gestalten's Fragiles: Porcelain, Ceramics and Glass presented at Al-Sabah Art & Design, Shaab, Kuwait. She has also participated in several international artist residencies, and has just returned from Denmark, where she was an invited resident during the European Ceramic Context.

Laura's variety of creative activity continues to inspire her SFM peers and colleagues. We are always impressed with how successfully she is able to combine international travel with her art experiences. Maybe SFM will go on the road with her one day!

Laura in her studio flooding a screen in preparation to print on her ceramics.

Applying the 'foot' on a ceramic platter.

Applying the print to a ceramic dish.

Kari Woo

2010-12-08T23:34:00.000-08:00

Solid Sterling Silver Reversible Pendants

First drawn to jewellery through her mother's treasure box of jewels and all the stories that came with each piece, Woo actually came to her craft literally by accident. During a recovery from a snowboarding mishap in 1993 which left her with an injured knee for months, she took a night class in jewellery making as a matter of interest and a way of passing time...seventeen years later she is still passing her time designing and making jewellery!

Kari's focus in recent years has been the development of her 'Draw the Line' Collection of sterling silver wire earrings and corresponding pendants and her 'Solid Ground' Collection of reversible pendants and versatile, bold rings. Having met with success and now distributing across Canada, Woo is finding time to experiment with and implement new ideas and design one-of-a-kind pieces again.

Sterling silver wire Cuff + Bangle

She is a full-time studio jeweller who also doubles as a mixed media assemblage artist living and working in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. Kari is co-founder/owner of INFLUX Jewellery Gallery in Calgary, Alberta, an instructor with the ACAD Extended Studies Program and a founding member of crafter collectives in Calgary and Vancouver (Shiny Fuzzy Muddy!!!) that advocate for the handmade and buying local. In her spare time she likes to think about the role of Craft in contemporary culture.

Her mixed media work has been exhibited in the United States, Europe, across Canada in South Korea. Woo graduated with her BFA Honors from the Alberta College of Art & Design in Calgary, 2003 specializing in Jewellery + Metals.

Double Trouble Design

2010-12-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

Double Trouble Design is a studio created by two sisters inspired to create a collection of unique and stylish handcrafted products for the home.

The collaboration began with handcrafted gifts. With these homemade products garnering attention in the homes of family and friends, Kelly was encouraged and inspired to take things a step further. Through a mutual appreciation of each others talents and an interest in creating new products, a partnership naturally formed between Kelly and her sister, Karen. Double Trouble Design was born.

Kelly has been drawing since her early days on a Magnadoodle. At six years old, she wrote an advanced copy of her autobiography which included a career as a fashion designer. It’s no surprise that she has gone on to pursue a Diploma in both Graphic and Visual Design and Fashion Design. Loving music, art, photography and culture, she thrives on learning and exploring new ideas across many mediums, and applying this to a variety of projects. She has traded in her Magnadoodle for Photoshop and continues her explorations in product design.

Karen is a makeup artist with a Diploma in Makeup Artistry and is equally infatuated with fashion, design, and beautiful things for the home.

Double Trouble Design carries paper craft calendars, clocks, stationery and more. The studio based in Vancouver, Canada aims to make everyday items fun, beautiful, and functional.

For the first time this sister-duo is showing at the SFM show and we are anticipating a keen a positive response to their collaborative work and uniquely combined sensibilities! Come and check them out for yourself!

Frances Felt

2010-12-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

Pemberton textile designer Frances Dickinson’s true love is textile design. After years of traveling the globe and becoming enthralled with the cultural heritage of textiles, she studied at three different Canadian art schools over five years before getting her BFA in textile design from the Alberta College of Art and Design. In 2002, she returned home and opened her business designing fabrics to incorporate into her clothing and accessories. Her clothes are fun and whimsical, inspired by colour, nature, process and material. Each garment is unique with collage-like detailing hand-picked by the designer. Most of her clothes are adjustable to make fitting all body types easy.

This season she has teamed up with friend and colleague, Ulla Clark of LU Prints to create a woman’s line called LU in Love. Inspired by Ulla’s great sense of graphic design, a collection was created. Skirts, Tops and Pants all covered in Owls, Deer, leaves and Wheat!

Frances Dickinson’s work has been featured in Toronto Life and Ion Magazine, as well as the Georgia Straight and the Vancouver Province. Frances Felt participates in The Circle Craft Christmas Show (Vancouver), The One of a Kind Shows (Toronto and Chicago) and The Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Shows (Vancouver).


Frances Felt (right) with creative collaborator Ulla Clark of LU Prints.

SFM fans and members have long been awaiting Frances Felt's comeback after a sabbatical she took to start her beautiful family! Welcome back Frances!!! If you are not familiar with her work you will be impressed by her ingenuity in design and fun-loving attitude that wearing her garments creates. Always colorful and bold, they are also versatile for many occassions ... contemporary with the perfect mix of classic.

These Grey Days

2010-12-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

Ceramic Stump Stool by These Gray Days

Ceramic Tiles by These Gray Days

These Gray Days is a small collective of active and exploratory minds based in Canada. The name of their collective, These Gray Days, represents the source of their inspiration—a constant reminder of the ongoing battle against monotony and complacency. They strive to be an unexpected brightness in these tedious gray days, wherever it may be needed. Whether it is objects for everyday use or large-scale outdoor installations, they approach each new project with a tender defiance to the expected and a goal of inspiring sudden joy in those who are trapped in the doldrums.

Anxiously anticipated at SFM is the debut of work by These Gray Days Collective. A powerhouse of creativity and clever ideas between Jasna Sokolovic and Noel O'Connell, their collaborative works are sure to make your mind move!

Not only are they working in ceramic, but have branched out into design-based initiatives such as their 'Reflector Tie' that garnered international attention in the 'seoul cycle design competition 2010' organized in collaboration with the seoul design foundation. To read more about their design click here.

Reflector Tie by These Gray Days

Caroline Miller

2010-12-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

Caroline gravitated toward jewellery at an early age, when as a young girl growing up in Victoria, BC she would sneak plastic earrings onto her ears and into family portraits. Since those days she has apprenticed as a silversmith in Uruguay, earned a diploma in Jewellery and Small Object Design from the Kootenay School of the Arts and studied in the coppersmithing town of Santa Clara del Cobre in Mexico. She currently works from her studio in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada.

Her work and inspiration are derived from the many oddities of personality and its ongoing progression. Balanced with these flights of fancy are the permanence of geometries, physics and the techniques of a practised silversmith. Her choice of materials incorporate the precious with the semi-precious; gold and silver and gemstones are often combined with found objects or plastics. Caroline’s work is distinct in design, sometimes bold, sometimes subtle. Classic style is often married with contemporary flair.

Caroline has been the recipient of numerous awards and grants and is committed to strive towards new and fresh approaches to her craft. She has show with the SFM group a number of times so far. We appreciate her quirkiness of design and are inspired by her work ethic and dedication to her studio practice and ever evolving ideas!

Jen Pleadwell | Thousand Flower Textiles

2010-12-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

Thousand Flowers Textiles are handmade in Vancouver, BC by designer Jenefer Pleadwell. Combining a variety of techniques including weaving, dyeing, and surface embellishment, Jen creates individual and one-of-a-kind garments in silk and wool. From her studio on the Eastside, she continually works to bring old techniques into a relevant, modern context in the form of unique wear-ables.

Also showing with us for a second year in a row we are anxious to see Jen's new designs and how her works have evolved over the last year!

Clarie Madill | heyday design

2010-12-05T13:08:00.000-08:00

Claire Madill graduated from Emily Carr University in 2007 and has been working full-time in her east van studio ever since. Her label, heyday design, mines the past to create for the future. She takes commonplace, utilitarian vintage kitchen wares and transforms them into contemporary porcelain objects and accessories, endorsing a new perspective on their purpose and aesthetic.

Currently she is working on a custom lighting installation of her 'beaver jars' for Canoe (a high end restaurant on the 54th floor of Toronto's TD Tower in the heart of the financial district). The installation includes 92 jars all lined up and glowing!!! As a result, she is hoping to get a day or two off between now and when they ship in mid-january... yikes! Her ceramic accessories can be found at the San Francisco MOMA Mueseum Store, which has her pretty excited these days! Go Claire!

SFM happily welcomes Claire back to the show for a second year with her clever and quirky translations of objects we all know and love!

Western Front Society : Craft Cross Promotion!!!

2010-12-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

Hey Fans!

If you love craft and independent culture and are looking for some this coming weekend check this show out!

TOQUE: PRINT & PAPER

2010 Holiday Sale

Friday, December 3 from 6 pm – 9 pm

Saturday, December 4 from 11 am – 5 pm

at the Western Front Luxe Hall, 303 East 8th Ave, Vancouver

Toque, the Western Front’s annual craft sale, gets a new look this year with a focus on books, text and printed material. Please join us on December 3rd and 4rth at this unique holiday sale featuring local designers, crafters,

artists and artist collectives.

Nineteen vendors contribute to Toque this year, with wares ranging from books, zines, cards, handcrafted décor, jewellery, and other special gifts. Long-time Toque favourites return, such as local publisher Simply Read’s

children’s books, Perro Verlag’s wide selection of indie art publications from around the world, and Contexture Design’s map based mobiles. These Toque regulars appear alongside exciting newcomers such as the West Coast classic Arsenal Pulp Press, Vancouver’s independent music collective Safe Amplification Society as well as legendary New York Based contemporary art publisher Printed Matter, and many others. Look for exclusive Western Front publications, as well as a limited edition commissioned tea towel and colouring poster by Jeff Hamada, Vancouver based artist and creator of the popular blog www.booooooom.com.

Toque opens Friday from 6 – 9 pm, where you can browse and enjoy a drink. On Saturday come by between 11am and 4pm for shopping as well as a special collaboration with Collage Collage, a local children’s arts and crafts shop

and teaching space. Bring your children for fun crafting and colouring! Fine baked goods will be available from Hatty Cakes.

Proceeds from Toque support the Western Front Society, an artist run centre and non-profit registered charity. Held in the warm heritage setting of the Western Front in Vancouver, this sale is a great way to support your artistic community.

Vendors include:

A Farmer's Daughter

Arsenal Pulp Press

Artspeak

Banquet

Collage Collage

Contexture Design

Divesin

Fillip

Hatty Cakes

Penelope Brown

Perro Verlag

Printed Matter, Inc

Safe Amplification Site Society

Simply Read Books

The Beautiful Project

Thistle Town Studio

Tin Can Studio

Wendy Oakman

Audra Neill

2010-12-03T07:29:00.000-08:00

Audra is a graduate from the Alberta College of Art and she currently works as a buyer for the set decorating department in film and makes stuffes as well as indulging in her other artistic endeavors when she has time. The movies she has worked on can be found on the IMDB website. Check it out as it is an impressive list!

Audra has been making a host of stuffed animals for many years. Her stuffies are always evolving and no two are exactly the same. All are handmade by Audra and can be found locally at Barefoot Contessa on Main Street and Commercial Street in Vancouver. After working on the feature film Red Riding Hood, she gained a deeper appreciation for the handmade and has come up with some new art dolls as well as knitted scarves made from hand dyed wool.

Another good friend of the SFM show we are thrilled to see Audra back at Heritage Hall again this year. It's amazing to think that she has time to be creative with a film industry job but her new art dolls sound totally intriguing and we can't wait to see them!

Mary Anne Tateishi

2010-12-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

Squid Propulsion by Mary Anne Tateishi

Mary Anne Tateishi is a Vancouver-based painter who paints on wood panel, using acrylic paints, tissue, art papers, and resin. Her painting process uses layering, transparency and vivid colour to explore ideas of time and memory. Her work is in private and public collections across Canada, as well as in the U.S.A., Europe, and Japan. She has been interviewed on the CBC radio, City-TV and Fairchild Television, and her work has appeared in local newspapers and arts magazines.

"Usually my paintings are pretty big, like three feet by four feet, but just for SFM, I'm doing some very small work as well, which I think looks adorable. Once I bought a tiny painting in P.E.I, and the fellow told me it was artwork I could take everywhere. I love that crazy idea of portable artwork. Imagine taking art with you in your car or on your bike or to work, the possibilities are endless!"

"My paintings are process-driven, I enjoy painting layer upon layer, working with transparent materials and revealing the whole history of the painting. I also experiment with colour, since bright colour energizes the art work and pulls the viewer into the painting. If I had my way, our whole world would be a lot more colourful, but I'll start with the artwork."

Mary Anne's work should be a colorful addition to our thoughtfully curated show. As she stated earlier she is doing some work particularly for the SFM show this year, which everyone should be excited about! Its a gre
at thing that the Shiny Fuzzy Muddy show not only exhibits outstanding work, but it also inspires all of us to make new and often better work! You can read more about Mary Anne's work, thoughts and process on her blog.

Erin Dolman

2010-12-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

Returning to the SFM show is crowd favorite, jeweller Erin Dolman. She was born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Canada, but eventually she heard the call of the wild, pulled up her city roots and now resides in a beautiful cabin in the woods of Roberts Creek, B.C. on the Sunshine Coast. Erin’s work is designed and created in her home based studio under the watchful eye of her Pug, Burl. When not working in the studio Erin is an avid gardener and amateur naturalist, and she also has a weak spot for hotrods and vintage tattoo designs. These diverse interests show as strong influences in her jewellery designs. Skulls and feathers, birds and hotrod flames all come to be incorporated into her work. Over the past 15 years Erin has exhibited in numerous exhibitions both in Canada and internationally. She has also been the recipient of a number of grants and awards including a Niche Award in 2002, an inaugural BC Creative Achievement Award in 2005 and first place in the Brooches Category in Lapidary Journal's Jewellery Arts Awards in 2006.

We always look forward to Erin's unique works and marvel at the way she is able to translate her keen sense of observation of details into her jewellery designs. They all have a story to tell!

jill allan | studio-oodio

2010-12-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

Jill Allan lives on Vancouver Island, Canada. In 1999 she graduated with distinction from the Alberta College of Art and Design earning a BFA with a major in Glass. Her work is included in the collections of the Canadian Craft Museum, Vancouver, the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning N.Y., and the Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary. Jill has received several awards including the British Columbia Creative Achievement Award (2007). In June 2010 she accepted a scholarship to attend a course in Neon making at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood Washington. Her work is quiet, based in the craft tradition of vessel making, but not exclusively functional. She is influenced by Scandinavian designs, particularly those of Finland’s iittala and is interested in designing with light both for public sculpture and also for the domestic sphere.

At first understated and modest, Jill's subtle brilliance with form and color becomes apparent if you can be still long enough to contemplate it. She offers a variety of works at the SFM shows - functional art glass, sculpture and jewellery. A long time friend and colleague of the SFM collective - we are happy to have her back for another year!

Astrosatchel aka Janna Hurtzig

2010-11-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

An original member of the Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Collective, Janna is an inspiring and prolific designer and maker. Her collection is a local cultural phenomenon - you can spot and Astrosatchel bag on almost every inner city block if you are looking for them! Go ahead - try it next time you are walking about and taking in the fantastic visual culture of Vancouver!

Born in Ontario, Janna Hurtzig moved to the West Coast in 1994. Completely self taught, she has been handcrafting her creations since 1998. In 2005, production moved from home to a large, cozy studio in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, where it remains today.

Inspired by nature, the Astrosatchel label combines Scandinavian design, Asian pop culture influences and a Canadian cottage feel, to give even the smallest of items a distinct look. Products include purses and tote bags, wallets, diaper bags made from vegan friendly Naugahyde vinyl as well as one of a kind pieces made from recycled textiles. A winter collection including toques and scarves made using recycled cashmere is an annual favorite.

The Astrosatchel aesthetic is clean lined, yet detailed, allowing complex themes to be expressed in simplified manner. Bold and bright colour combinations add a striking layer to the story. Recent additions to the line include a new colour based series of back-to-basic, retro shaped purses and small housewares line featuring kitchen textiles.

Sold in independent boutiques across Canada and the United States, Astrosatchel products have appeared on Much Music, and MTV Canada, and in numerous magazines including Vancouver Fashion and Flare.

Carylann Loeppky

2010-11-30T09:19:00.000-08:00

Carylann Loeppky is a self-taught painter & visual artist. She comes from a graphic design background. Studied at Emily Carr University of Art & Design, British Columbia Institute of Technology and Vancouver Vocational Institute. For twelve years she worked in

the Art Department of a major record label where she added video and motion graphics to her inventory of art practices.

Currently her study is painting: oil on canvas and board, creating portraits, abstracts + figurative works. Exploring and combining these techniques with subject matter. Inspired by the old masters; using layering methods as she has developed in her graphic

design work, Carylann incorporates glazing, layering, sanding, and scratching to the painting to blend and soften the appearance: bringing out small details and energy to each piece. Her portraits tend to be quite small, which gives them a unique intimacy and take can take up to one year to complete each piece.

Locomotive Clothing

2010-11-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

Locomotive's husband and wife team are Jay and Aaron Matte and they live, create and garden in a sweet little Vancouver area house. They are makers of sweet and unique streetwear, adorners of objects, riders of bicycles, do it yourselfers, visual learners, and lovers of the good life. They also throw great parties and make unique and wearable streetwear with images of things that drive and inspire them. Current obsessions are vintage Canadiana, old school farm equipment, hearts, vampires, music and circus imagery. And they always love trains. They also love a touch of whimsy and adorn their items with everything from classic Penny Farthing bicycles to trains floating on clouds to kids playing jump rope. All graphics are created by them, either digitally or by hand and are hand screen printed, spray painted and appliquéd onto quality cotton tshirts, long sleeves, hoodies, tank tops and onesies for guys, gals and tots.

SFM Artists in Eastside Culture Crawl

2010-11-25T07:08:00.000-08:00

This coming weekend, Nov 26 | 27 | 28 will mark the 14th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl in Vancouver. SFM11 artists that are showing this coming weekend in the Culture Crawl include:

Arleigh Wood
Janna Hurtzig | Astrosatchel
Laura McKibbon | cul de sac design
Claire Madill | heyday design
Carylann Leoppky
Mary Anne Tateishi
Jen Pleadwell | Thousand Flowers Textiles
Jessie Turner Jewellery Design

It's annual and it's a FREE 3-day visual arts phenomenon. This event involves more than 10,000 people visiting artists in their studios in the area bounded by Main Street to Victoria Drive and from First Avenue north to the waterfront of Vancouver, Canada. The Eastside Culture Crawl Society provides opportunities for the public to engage with member artists through the ongoing creation of events and programming that support the growth of east side artists.

Kudos to Media Sposor - Vancouver is Awesome!

2010-11-24T17:50:00.000-08:00

Vancouver is Awesome has just offered to be a media sponsor for our upcoming SFM 11 show! Many greatly appreciated thank yous to Bob Kronbauer, Managing Editor + Executive Director and the crew at V.I.A.! Vancouver Is Awesome Inc is a community-based, incorporated not-for-profit organization dedicated to spreading a positive message about the city of Vancouver and the arts and culture within it. Founded, edited and maintained by folks who live in the city and who truly love Vancouver and the many communities it fosters, V.I.A. delivers lighthearted yet thoughtful news through their blog, Facebook, Twitter, and in their print annual as well as a weekly piece on 100.5 The Peak. They also work beyond the media, producing events and partnering with other organizations and companies and generally making Vancouver a better city for its citizens to enjoy.

On Monday, Nov 22 they kicked off a donor drive supporting their organization. They've got over $7000 in raffle prizes to give away to their donors, and 60 support letters from different organizations and businesses they've worked with over the last year. Click here to read more about why it would be a good idea to support V.I.A. and to follow their fundraiser-ometer!

Hammypie

2010-11-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

Meet Harmony and Eunice - these two make Hammypie! Harmony works as a local print media and graphic designer in Vancouver and Eunice has recently gone back to school for nursing. Ever since the ripe age of five, it was clear that Harmony was made for the arts. From making intricate jewelry pieces to handmade cards to mobiles, it feels like Harmony has done it all! Eunice, on the other hand, only recently discovered that she too has an artsy side. It all started when Harmony taught Eunice to knit 4 years ago. Since then, Eunice has fallen in love with knitting, exploring different yarns, and finding the most unique buttons ever.

Unsatisfied in her search for well designed calendars which can be welcomed in any home, Harmony went on to create the 2010 calendar collection. These calendars are whimsical, eco-friendly, created and printed in Vancouver. Harmony's work has been highly influenced by her daily life, travels and whimsical imagination.

Eunice's knitwear consists of cowls and circle, infinity scarves. She loves mixing materials with different textures, using wool as her staple. From choosing the yarn to sewing on that very last button, there isn't a part of knitting that Eunice doesn't thoroughly enjoy.

New to the SFM show this year, we are looking forward to seeing Hammypie's collection as we are eternal fans of good design and well-conceived ideas.

Gailan Ngan

2010-11-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Gailan Ngan's ceramics present a contemporary, conceptual twist to the age-old art of pottery. Combining a keen interest in visual art and experimentation with a steadfast respect for everyday practicality, these beautiful, minimal pots are the product of an artist's enquiring mind into the mysteries of form and space.

Originally from Hornby Island, BC, Gailan began her ongoing fascination with the possibilities of ceramics at an early age, first as a studio assistant- and eventual apprentice- to her father, Wayne Ngan. She founded her own studio, Cornershop, in the Strathcona neighbourhood of Vancouver in 1997, and graduated from Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in 2002. In 2010 Gailan moved her studio to Hornby Island.

Welcoming her back to Vancouver, our crew is happy to have Gailan showing with us this year. Though we always have a few artists each year practicing in the same medium (ie - clay) we strive to have a diverse representation of the material and form. Gailan's work definitely resides in it's own niche amongst the other clay works you will find at Heritage Hall this year!

Phaulet

2010-11-23T09:28:00.000-08:00

Born and raised in Colombia and living in Vancouver since 2003 with her husband and two kids, Paula González brings together the colors and beauty of antiques and vintage illustrations refineing them with a subtle touch of sophistication and grace.

The passion for beauty in all aspects has taken Paula González to create Phaulet: a Double sided resin jewellery line made by hand where resin and old illustrations combine to create very unique and unconventional art-pieces to wear. Every piece has been created inspired by stories!

We were struck by how unique Paula's blend of materials were in her Phaulet line of jewellery - each piece is a vintage mixed media collage - and a reversible one at that!

Jasna Sokolovic

2010-11-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

Jasna is a good friend of the SFM show and has shown with us a number of times over the years. She is an artist with a broad background which provides her with an ever-expanding palette of creative tools to work with. Her ceramic works, whether they are functional or non-functional, tell a story like a letter to a friend does. They are intimate and personal and when you are observing them you may feel like you are the only person in the room with them.

'Speak Love to Me' by Jasna Sokolovic

Detail of 'Speak Love to Me' by Jasna Sokolovic

Jasna working on ceramic tile in her studio.

With a foundation in architecture, Jasna moved to Canada from Yugoslavia in 1994, where she earned her BFA Degree from Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design in 2000.

Jasna has participated in gallery shows throughout Canada and United States. Her work was recently selected for the 5th World Ceramic Biennale in Korea. Also in 2009, she received the Winfred Shantz award for ceramics. She has participated in artist residencies in Denmark, the Banff Centre, and most recently in Mexico.

Jasna’s work is featured in the Lark Books Transfer Imagery on Clay, 500 Tiles, Surface Design for Ceramics, and 500 Vases.

She works in a variety of artistic fields, using clay as a basis to explore gallery installations, fashion and interior design.

Arleigh Wood

2010-11-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

At first glance Arleigh's mixed media paintings are beautiful collaged photographs embellished with texture and sometimes found objects. If you are lucky enough to be able to spend time in the presence of her work or live with her artwork in your personal space they become so much more than that. They are layered portraits of memory or early morning dreaming -part whimsy, part nostalgia and all poetry - full of personal iconography leaving the viewer feeling like they've been to the places she depicts. Her unique approach and use of digital photography has gained her attention at home and abroad. Wood is an original member of the Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Collective contributing much of her personal time and energy in the last years to the success of SFM shows. Thanks, Arleigh!

Arleigh in her studio during Eastside Culture Crawl 2009

Arleigh Wood studied at Concordia University in Montreal and the University of Hertfordshire in St Albans UK, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours. Wood has participated extensively in national and international exhibitions. Her work is in private and corporate collection and has been featured hotels and in various interior design magazines including Canadian House and Home. Wood’s paintings have also been used in films and television shows like the “Designer Guys”. When she is not working in her Vancouver studio, Wood enjoys fast-paced urban explorations and peaceful natural escapes.

Hand & Shadow

2010-11-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

We are happy to welcome Georgie and her creative expressions of found under the name of Hand & Shadow to the show this year. Her inspirations are intriguing and poignant and we look forward to seeing it all at SFM 11.

If you linger on the smallest details, have found and carried around a feather or bone, or saved your molars long after they were removed, you’re likely to fall for Georgie Russell’s Hand & Shadow.

Lace Tee by Hand & Shadow

The natural world in both it’s blossom and decay exist in tandem – drawing you closer than ever before to the neck of a howling beast or the cracks of a human skull. There is a beauty revealed here. Teeth are mistaken for lace or pearls and hair flows and curls like fine ribbons.

The designs of Hand & Shadow pay attention to all the small things, not missing a stray hair or cracked tooth. All garments are printed by hand in East Vancouver. This allows the uniqueness of each print to show in the variance of colour, texture and placement. They are made in small volumes using sustainable, sweatshop free products where possible. The inks used are bleach based leaving each garment soft to the touch and will not crack or fade.

Georgie is a little bit scientist and a little bit seamstress in all that she makes. Her work appreciates a beauty that is real and a little rough, even frightening at times, but all the while accessible in the beauty one can’t help but want to linger, just a little longer on.

Holly Cruise

2010-11-10T19:53:00.000-08:00

We are really excited to have Holly joining us again this year! She is a woman of many interests and talents as you will discover by reading on. Oh, and if you were wondering who designs our great graphics you've found her right here!

Glass Pendant by Holly Cruise

Holly Cruise started working with glass in 1995 as an apprentice at UrbanGlass: The New York Experimental Glass Workshop. While there, she worked with many reputable artists as an artist's assistant and teaching assistant, and took part in the work study program.

In 1997 Holly moved on to New Orleans, Louisiana, where she worked in a production glassblowing studio. Holly settled down in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 1999. From 2000-2004, she worked for New-Small & Sterling Studio Glass on Granville Island. At the same time, she began to pursue flameworking, making beautiful glass jewelry out of her studio at the Glass Onion.

Holly has had a successful career as a graphic designer, and is currently working on a new product line of prints, cards, jewelry & clothing incorporating her finely drawn illustrations. Holly works from her home in Vancouver when she is not chasing after her most amazing creations, her two little boys, Dexter & Spike.

LU Prints

2010-11-09T07:27:00.000-08:00

LUprints designer and screen printer, Ulla Clark, creates prints and patterns for LUprints textile collections, as well as hand prints many of the items in the line. The companies' screenprinting workshop is based out of Pemberton BC, where it is surrounded by forests and mountains, both a constant inspiration for the nature oriented aesthetic of the line. Her Scandinavian heritage reflects LUprints' design philosophy to create beautiful, yet functional pieces meant for everyday living.

Ulla Clark of Lu Prints in her printing studio. Check out that press!

Lu Prints Studio

LUprints will also be taking part in Circle Craft in Vancouver Nov.17-21 at the new Convention Centre where it will be showcasing its' textile and tableware line, as well as a new collection of women's wear, LU in Love, designed and created by Frances Dickinson (aka Frances Felt).

Some of the excellent print designs by Lu Prints!


LU in Love - collaboration between Lu Prints + FrancesFelt

Table Tray and Napkin by Lu Prints

Dahlia Drive

2010-11-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

From the North Shore OUTLOOK, Vancouver, B.C., May 2010 -

One North Vancouver designer says she’s noticing a growing environmental interest among consumers. Wendy Van Riesen's line, Dahlia Drive, recycles previously worn slips and men’s shirts. She paints designs onto paper and then presses them onto the clothing. The process not only uses a small amount of water — she can complete 10 slips in one washer load — but the printing paper can be reused.

“I do see part of my job as educating,” she says.

Van Riesen recently completed a line of T-shirts for the Vancouver Art Gallery’s Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, one of which was bought by the president of Finland.

"It’s always the design that first attracts the customer, but the environmentally friendly aspect is a winning bonus," Van Riesen says. Although she was originally drawn to used slips because of the stories and character which accompanies the clothing, "working with what you’re given also keeps the environment in mind." Van Riesen says.

"Dahlia Drive’s slogan is ‘Resurrecting the fashion wasteland’." she notes.

Dahlia Drive gathers discarded women's slips, fabrics, men's shirts and reworks them with colour, images and textures to create one of a kind fashion for the unique individual. Each found piece is considered on its own merit: type of fabric,pre-existing stains or tears, how it responds to dye. Depending on thesequalities, the piece may be buried in the garden with rusty things to over-stain previous stains or patched with pieces of fabric to strengthen a tear. Then each piece is dyed and screen printed with an image of bones, plants, animals, grid textures and/or lace patterns to add another layer of history to the garment. New to its repertoire, some slips are hand painted first onto paper and then transferred onto the garment through heat.

Most fashion pieces are created from pre-patterned 2 dimensional yardages cut and sewn to the finished sculptured form. I start with the sculpture. The garment becomes a continuous landscape for its own story, the wearer'sstory and mine. The canvas of a recycled slip, for example, has its own
history; broken threads, stains from luncheon dates, torn lace from years of leg crossing. They provide an intimate landscape of the female form. These landscapes inspire me to layer, infuse and embellish a new story onto their map; not to eradicate the previous history, but to stand on its shoulders as
part of its evolution. Ultimately, someone wears it and fills it physically, adding another layer to the story.

Example of printing on fabric with natural rusting process by Dahlia Drive.


Sample of fabric with rust print by Dahlia Drive.

Jessie Turner

2010-11-04T00:45:00.000-07:00

With our line up of artists now confirmed we want to start sharing information about the people that you will be able to meet at the show this year! Jessie Turner is a Vancouver based jewellery designer who literally puts her heart into her work. The Georgia Straight recently published an article featuring her work and notably designated her as one of the city's top two jewellery designers. Right on, Jessie!

Having shown with us in the past, but not last year, we are happy to have Jessie back at SFM this year!

Jessie Turner has been a jewellery designer since 1998, specializing in natural and contemporary forms in silver and gold. Jessie's collections are inspired by the natural beauty around us, and by the ways we manifest and express our interpretations of that beauty. Her travels in Asia, Europe, Central America, and Canada, and exploration of these places through their art, culture and architecture profoundly influence her designs. Originally from British Columbia's west coast Jessie now resides in Vancouver.

"All things worn by people can have purpose and meaning that fulfills lives in some way, creating balance, both within and between, the individual, the community and the natural world. In my work I hope to bring this alive by playfully exploring traditional and contemporary ideas of design. I create jewellery and art, encouraging people's individuality and connection to truth, nature and beauty."

Check out this year's Line Up!!!

2010-11-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

We've confirmed our line up for the year! Please see all of the greatness we are expecting at the SFM 11 Show under the SFM 11 heading in the column to your right! To satisfy your curiosities you can click on most names and find more info on each artist at their personal websites. Don't forget about our Facebook Page either to see regular updates!

Our Process

2010-09-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

We often receive inquiries about how to become part of our annual show + sale. Our process is not typical of many art + craft fairs in that we generally invite other artists/makers to join us, rather than to apply to the show. The exception was last year when we finally landed a reserved date at the Heritage Hall which doubled the number of folks we were able to accommodate in the event. At that time we put a call out for applications. While this was a good process to go through we found that it was just too much work for us!

There are five core members of our collective and we all share the responsibilities and duties of organizing the show and curating the collection of super talented people and work that makes our show so great each year! To find out more about our collective's history look to the right on your screen and find the 'about us' blurb.

We always love seeing new work, so if we don't know yours and you are interested in introducing yours to us please, send us an email at shinyfuzzymuddy@gmail.com!

UPDATE!

2010-09-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

After a hiatus over the spring and summer we are back at work organizing and planning for this year's show! We have a great roster of artists lined up - some familiar work and lovely faces and some new! So, mark your calendars for Dec 11 & 12 for SFM Show 11! Come back to visit for upcoming posts on this year's event and great Canadian talent coming your way!

Ulla Clark

2009-12-11T23:32:00.000-08:00

LUprints main designer, Ulla Clark, was introduced to Scandinavian textiles at a young age through growing up with a Swedish mother. On frequent family visits to Sweden and seeing her relatives’ homes adorned with collections of hand-embroidered and screen printed linens, her fondness for table runners and napkins blossomed. She has always been drawn to the pleasing simplicity that nature provides, she spent a decade working outside in the forest, often finding time for collecting and cataloguing plants and flowers. Her strong affection for nature as well as her memories of the beautiful, yet functional linens, are a constant inspiration for new products and prints.

Ulla has been trained in industrial screen printing by both fine art printers as well as textile printers in Canada and the USA. She has been printing full-time since 2005 in her screenprinting studio Limelight Screenprinting. Her love of printing combined with her knowledge and training in sewing and designing led her to start LUprints in 2006.

Naomi Yamamoto

2009-12-11T23:23:00.000-08:00

Naomi Joy Yamamoto attended the Fibre Program at the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with Distinction in 2006. During her schooling, Naomi had the opportunity to spend a month as a work study intern at the Haystack School of Crafts on Deer Isle, Maine. She has also recieved several travel scholarships which enabled her to visit Tibet, China and Spain. Upon graduating in 2006, Naomi attended the acclaimed Banff Centre for the arts as a fully funded artist in residence. Inspired by her love of textiles, design and traveling, Naomi created Flight Path Designs in 2007 as a way to merge these three passions. Her work utilizes a combination of found imagery from her travels, vintage textiles and leather to create a line of belts, handbags and other accessories.

Naomi’s leatherwork can be found at stores throughout Alberta, including; ShisoMiso(Calgary), The Art Gallery of Calgary Shop,Saffron (Cochrane) and Sabrina Butterfly Designs (Edmonton). In Vancouver, her work is available at Dream Designs, Favourite and Motherland. She also sells her work through the monthly sales of the Portobello West Market in Vancouver and has exhibited at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto. The Flight Path line has been featured in several publications, including The Globe and Mail, Orb Magazine, Swerve and Fashion Magazine.

Naomi currently resides in Vancouver where she maintains her studio practice at the historic 1000 Parker Street studios.She can be found there most late nights, lovingly creating and designing her line.

Mark Pilon

2009-12-11T23:18:00.000-08:00

Mark "Atomos" Pilon was born under the Northern Lights, in Canada's mysterious north. Perhaps it's a childhood dwarfed by the aurora borealis that made him seek out his alias. After graduating from art school, Mark was researching an art project when he stumbled across a Walt Disney book called "Our Friend the ATOM". The Greek name Atomos leapt out at him. "It means indivisible, or the smallest possible object," Mark explains. "Mystery and science are a good working combination."

Mark earned his Advertising Arts diploma at Winnipeg’s Red River College in 1989, and then attended Emily Carr College of Art & Design, to pursue his dream as a painter and illustrator. He left Emily Carr in 1992 to work for Discorder Magazine, honed his skills as an artist and graphic designer, and spent three of his six years there as Art Director. He departed Discorder in 1996 to join the Georgia Straight as a designer and illustrator, and today he the renowned publication’s Senior Designer. Meanwhile, he continues to illustrate for magazines worldwide and shows in galleries across North America.

Every aspect of his art is carefully computer drawn and then meticulously painted in acrylic layers, to give them a sharp, print-like synthetic quality. His paintings are a natural transition from his editorial illustrations. Mark’s paintings grew out of his love of underground comics, space-age record jackets, scooter culture, and moog music. His latest works reflect a post-pop conviction with an inking of surrealism and cast aside logic to reveal slices of modern images that are projected from dark holes into a dreamy multi-color world.

“I enjoy building my own worlds. I pull most of my imagery from my own personal sleeping dreams so you can say each dream is expertly captured and placed under glass for the viewer’s inspection.”

Some of Mark’s recent clients include:

The Georgia Straight, The Globe & Mail, Circle Productions, The Sierra Club, Wired, Scoot Quarterly, IKEA, Virgin Records, Home Maker Magazine, Vancouver Magazine, BC Business, Random House, Intrawest, Motor Trend Classic, AQ Magazine, OC Weekly, Mint Records, DDB Chicago, Walgreens.

Mark exhibits at:

La Luz de Jesus - Los Angles, MModern Gallery - Palm Springs, Roq la Rue - Seattle, DC Gallery - Denver, Dva - Chicago, Swizzle - Toronto, Shooting Gallery - San Francisco, Moon Base - Vancouver, Lunar Boy Gallery - Astoria, Harold Golen Gallery - Miami, Rotofugi - Chicago, Orbit Gallery - New York.

In 2006, Mark received the “Best Illustration Feature” award for “Running On Empty” at the WMA’s 24^th^{Annual Awards Ceremony.}

Marcy Ross

2009-12-11T21:18:00.000-08:00

Victoria fashion designer and artist Marcy Ross illustrates her sensibilities by playfully pairing forgotten furs, vintage pieces and fine knit laces with eco-friendly fabrics creating a flirty collection of one-of-a-kinds.

Her label, Morena Clothing emerged as an independent, sustainable, design studio in 2004. Since her debut on the local runway, her steady rise in popularity and loyal clientele has resulted in her valuable all season collections being sold in contemporary boutiques and galleries across Canada.

Tick Tock!

2009-12-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

Well, the countdown is on! Our 10th Shiny Fuzzy Muddy show starts tomorrow and it is a stellar line up of artists and designers from Western Canada. Come and visit us to witness some of the most thoughtfully conceived products and art works around. This show is a must do for artists, arts advocates, connoisseurs and those new to the world of art! Meet your local creative community and feel good about the dollars you spend supporting your local arts community!

Read through our previous posts to learn more about the 25 artists that will be presenting their work at Heritage Hall this weekend. If you want to see more of their work online scroll down the page and find a list of all participating artists to your right and click on your favorite one!

See you this weekend! Bring all your friends and stay warm!!!

Lincoln Heller

2009-12-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

I began working with leather in an Alaskan logging camp, making tool pouches from discarded boots. When I came back to Vancouver I began filling leather bag orders for men. Now I have developed my own line of accessories for men and women that emphasize the sculptural properties of vegetable tanned leather.

I use vegetable tanned leather for my products because it is cured with vegetable tannins, unlike the chromium baths of conventional leather. I buy undyed hides so I can create custom surfaces without the chemical saturation that industrially finished products endure.

The surfaces of my leather goods are fashioned by hand. I make impressions with recycled objects and blend coloured dyes to create unique mottled finishes.

My minimalist approach to construction is very important, there are no tricks, no glue, no linings, no synthetic replacements. I use very basic materials; leather, wood, hardware, and thread. Before refinement these materials occur on this planet, and my hope is they will, over time, decay naturally.

Functionality and longevity are most important. I aspire to create things that do a job well and for a long time. I resent disposability and planned obsolescence, and think today’s climate of self-serving convenience is breeding the waste that is stuffing our landfills.

Laura McKibbon

2009-12-11T12:32:00.000-08:00

cul de sac products are all handmade in vancouver, bc. solely by designer/maker laura mckibbon. with an academic background in sciences, laura is a self-taught ceramic artist whose work is not bound by labels or tradition. laura’s work incorporates hand built, functional ceramics with photography and printmaking, making each piece a unique exploration of art, craft and design.

laura enjoys custom work and collaborative artist projects, so please feel free to make your ideas known…

Kari Woo

2009-12-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

Kari Woo is a full-time studio jeweller who also doubles as a mixed media assemblage artist. She is co-founder/owner of INFLUX Jewellery Gallery in Calgary, an instructor with the ACAD Extended Studies Program and a founding member of crafter collectives in Calgary and Vancouver that advocate for the handmade and buying local. In her spare time she likes to think about the role of Craft in contemporary culture.

Her mixed media work has been exhibited in the United States, Europe, across Canada and most recently in South Korea at the Cheongju International Craft Biennale. Her jewellery designs are available in high end design boutiques across the country and in select U.S. locations. Woo graduated with her BFA from the Alberta College of Art & Design in Calgary, 2003 and has been in the art jewellery field since 1993.

Jill Allan

2009-12-08T14:04:00.000-08:00

studio-oodio is the Vancouver based studio practice of artist, Jill Allan. Jill graduated from the Glass Department of the Alberta College of Art & Design in 1999 earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Since that time she has consistently produced beautiful and functional designs out of glass. Her work is quiet and distinct drawing on Scandinavian and Asian design sensibilities for inspiration. Characteristic features of Jill's work are refined surface details, optical trickery and clean forms.

Jessica deHaas

2009-12-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

Jessica de Haas has had a lifelong passion for fibre arts - it may have started as a child when she received a Fisher-Price loom for Christmas. In her teens she had a batik clothing business, and studied the art form in Indonesia. After nearly a decade of travels, interspersed with both formal art school training and self directed studies, she settled down in Vancouver and started her clothing line, Funk Shui. Using the ancient art of feltmaking, Jessica creates gorgeous, one of a kind fabric which is sculpted into wearable pieces such as hats, shawls, scarves and jackets. She is fascinated by the metamorphosis of ordinary materials into something extraordinary, through the primitive process of feltmaking. She has been selling her work from her Atelier on Granville Island since 2006.

A Sample of work by Jen Pleadwell!

2009-12-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

Jen Pleadwell

2009-12-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

thousand flowers textiles are handmade in Vancouver, BC by designer Jenefer Pleadwell. Incorporating a variety of techniques including weaving, dyeing, and surface embellishment, Jen creates pieces one by one in the couture artisan tradition. Her work in textiles is an attempt to bring old technique into a relevant modern context. Each stage of her process deliberately embraces the slow and the labourious, sentiments that she balances with the desire to be innovative and to push things forward in her discipline.

Jasna Sokolovic

2009-12-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

With a foundation in Architecture, Jasna moved to Canada from Yugoslavia in 1994. First to Montreal, studying at Concordia University and later to Vancouver where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design in 2000. Jasna has participated in gallery shows throughout Canada and United States, including a solo show at the Gallery of BC Ceramics and group shows in Toronto, Montreal and L.A. She uses clay as a basis to explore gallery installations, fashion, interior design and site specific work.

Her work is featured in the recent Lark Books Transfer Imagery on Clay, 500 Tiles and Surface Design for Ceramics, as well as in HGTV television series. Most recently Jasna’s work was selected for 5th World Ceramic Biennale in Korea and included in their permanent collection.

Janna Hurtzig

2009-12-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

Born in Ontario, Janna Hurtzig moved to the West Coast in 1994. Completely self taught, she has been handcrafting her creations since 1998. In 2005, production moved from home to a large, cozy studio in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, where it remains today.

Inspired by nature, the Astrosatchel label combines Scandinavian design, Asian pop culture influences and a Canadian cottage feel, to give even the smallest of items a distinct look. Products include purses and tote bags, wallets, diaper bags made from vegan friendly Naugahyde vinyl as well as one of a kind pieces made from recycled textiles. A winter collection including toques and scarves made using recycled cashmere is an annual favorite.

The Astrosatchel aesthetic is clean lined, yet detailed, allowing complex themes to be expressed in simplified manner. Bold and bright colour combinations add a striking layer to the story. Recent additions to the line include a new colour based series of back-to-basic, retro shaped purses and small
housewares line featuring kitchen textiles.

Sold in independent boutiques across Canada and the United States, Astrosatchel products have appeared on Much Music, and MTV Canada, and in numerous magazines including Vancouver Fashion and Flare.

Heather Braun-Dahl

2009-12-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

dahlhaus was launched in 2007 by artist Heather Dahl as a way to connect her painting and ceramics practices under one ‘roof’. Inspired by the Bauhaus school, a love for textile design as well as an interest in organic shapes, the dahlhaus ceramics collection is hand-made pottery by the artist made in her East Vancouver Studio.

Heather Dahl graduated from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in 2001 with a major in ceramics and painting.

Genevieve Tso

2009-12-04T06:24:00.000-08:00

Genevieve Tso joined The Pharm Design Group in 2004. The Group consists of two main designers/dreamers who have grown up in the age of technology, yet raised by the arts and crafts. What brought them together was like-minded pursuits of a friendlier environment through well-designed fashion and products.

In 2000/2001 Genevieve went to Helen Lefeaux School of Fashion Design where she was taught her technical skills, then in 2003 graduated from Capilano College for Textile Arts. It’s dreams & ideas that award a person their creativity not the education. Her clothing collection reflected a return to the hand made, but with splicing of new technology and urban design.

Currently, Genevieve is the creative director/designer of Cielo Kids clothing.

Lightbank Studio Holiday Art Sale

2009-12-04T06:09:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks! If you happen to be in the Seattle area this weekend please visit what looks like a great event - the Lightbank Studio Holiday Art Sale. SFM artists Laura McKibbon and Jasna Sokolovic (two of Canada's greatest ceramic artists!!!) will be joining the group for this event. If you miss them in Seattle, don't worry ... the Shiny Fuzzy Muddy show is only 8 days away!!!!

Lightbank Studio Holiday Art Sale
Saturday December 5, 11am – 5pm
Sunday December 6, 11am – 5pm
2200 North Pacific Suite A
Wallingford, Seattle

Erin Dolman

2009-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Jeweller Erin Dolman was born and raised in Vancouver but eventually heard the call of the wild, pulled up her city roots and now resides in a beautiful cabin in the woods of Roberts Creek. Erin’s work is designed and created in her home-based studio under the watchful eye of her Pug, Burl. When not working in the studio Erin is an avid gardener and amateur naturalist, she also has a weak spot for hotrods and vintage tattoo designs. These diverse interests show as strong influences in her jewellery, skulls and feathers, birds and hotrod flames all come to be incorporated in her work. Over the past 15 years Erin has exhibited in numerous exhibitions both in Canada and internationally. She has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards including a Niche award in 2002 and a BC Creative Achievement Award in 2005.

Denise Wilson

2009-12-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

Denise Wilson calls Vancouver home even though she was born and raised in Toronto. What’s more is that she regularly takes up residency with her husband’s family in Peru. Denise, who studied fine art in Vancouver and Florence Italy, uses her extensive travels throughout Europe and the Americas plus their languages, cultures, art, design and architecture to influence and inspire her.

Denise has successfully launched three unique collections. In 2003, Patina Designs launched a collection of buttery soft leather accessories accented with hand silk-screened images and appliqués. The collection has expanded from books to include refillable journals, agendas and coin purses.

In December 2005 Denise and husband Andres Hinojosa teamed up to create Bronsino Designs for Living. The line pays homage to the 16th century Florentine artist Agnolo Bronzino and the Hinojosa family home on Calle Bronsino in Lima, Peru. The finely crafted handbags and accessories from the Bronsino collection are classically inspired works of art produced in very limited numbers.

The following year Bronsino Recycled came to fruition and focuses exclusively on the use of recycled and reclaimed leathers.

Denise’s work has been featured in Fashion Magazine, the Georgia Straight, Vancouver Lifestyles Magazine, Real Weddings, The Toronto Sun and Shared Vision Magazine.

claire madill in the studio!

2009-12-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

my work currently falls into two categories: slipcast porcelain vintage jars and accessories (earrings and brooches). both are derived from vintage glass -- at some point a year and a half ago, my thrift-store-eyes turned exclusively towards the stuff. the kitchen cupboards of our grandparents were filled with things that we just don't use or need much anymore -- canning jars and pickle dishes, in particular, have lent me an almost endless source of inspiration. the idea of 'value' comes into play a lot for me as a result.

in order to use these found objects for my ceramic purposes, i have become a moldmaker. (every new mold is declared to be my 'prettiest', so i'm definitely getting better all the time! the promise of a good mold to work with makes the process not so daunting anymore...) the best part of making a new mold of the pattern from the bottom of a vintage pickle dish, for example, is seeing the 'negative' of the pattern in the plaster. even though your eyes can look at the glass original and see a diamond impression, the 'negative' of the same is always a fantastic surprise! so then i'll have to make a mold of the mold to be able to use both 'positive' and negative' images for my accessories... this idea has been translated into my newest earring designs -- i've been calling them 'same same but different'. when you look at the pair of earrings, they are definitely a pair -- no question. but looking closer, you discover that one is the positive and one is the negative.

Toronto One of A Kind Show

2009-12-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

This is Canada's largest show & sale featuring distinctly Canadian designers, artists, crafters and makers. Its on now until December 6! If you happen to be in the big city drop by booth I45 and visit SFM artists Kari Woo or booth U19 and visit Anat Basanta!

East Side Culture Crawl

2009-11-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

If you haven't been out for the best art stroll (or marathon!!!) of the year in Vancouver, then you should go out today! Visiting artists in their working environments can provide such a greater understanding of their work and sources of inspiration. Many of the SFM artists are participating in the Crawl including ...

Arleigh Wood
Laura McKibbon | cul de sac design
Janna Hurtzig | Astrosatchel
Denise Wilson | Bronsino Design
Amy Stewart | Olie Designs
Clarie Madill | heyday designs
Jenefer Pleadwell | 1000 Flowers
Naomi Yamamoto | Flightpath Designs
Lincoln Heller | FiveLeft
Heather Braun-Dahl | Dalhaus

Scroll down the page and find artists links on the right side! See ya on the Eastside!!!

SFMers @ Circle Craft!

2009-11-12T23:31:00.000-08:00

From November 11 – 15 you can find some of our SFM gals at the Circle Craft Show in Vancouver at the Convention and Exhibition Center! If you are in the area drop by to view some of the works in person! While you are there grab some postcards and give them to all your friends because they are really pretty and good reminders to come visit us all on Dec 12 & 13!

Anat Basanta - Fine Jewellery
Caroline Miller - Fun Jewellery, Booth 335
Ulla Clark | Lu Prints - Home and Personal Accessories

Caroline Miller

2009-11-12T23:12:00.000-08:00

Caroline has been the recipient of numerous awards and grants and is committed to strive towards new and fresh approaches to her craft. She can be contacted at info@carolinemiller.ca for orders, queries and commissions.

Brendalyn Avender

2009-11-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

Brendalyn Avender works in metal using industrial processes with the idea of creating simple works of wearable art that are conceptually and economically accessible. Powder coating allows Brendalyn to suffuse her pieces with color while retaining the flexible and durable qualities of the metal. Through exploration of metal and color, she combines the two in a way that confounds the viewers’ experience. At first the pieces may appear to be made of a different material, such is the uniformity of the colored surface. It is not until the cool surface is touched or the pieces are heard striking one another that the viewer becomes assured of their metallic nature, creating disjunction between initial perception and deeper experience

Audra Neil

2009-11-09T22:51:00.000-08:00

Audra is a graduate from the Alberta College of Art. She currently works in the set decorating department in film and makes stuffies as well as indulging in her other endeavors.

Audra has been making a host of stuffed animals for many years. The stuffies are always evolving and no two are exactly the same. All are made by Audra and can be found locally at Barefoot Contessa on Main Street and on Commercial Drive. They can also be found at www.tedde.com and www.dearhome.ca.

Become of fan of our Facebook Page!

2009-11-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

shinyfuzzymuddy on Facebook

Arleigh Wood

2009-11-08T23:51:00.000-08:00

In an artist's statement Wood explains her work as, "Comprised from a series of specific images that are characteristic of my initial vision, I utilize photography to capture visible impressions during my travels and in my daily encounters. My mixed media process distills the initial photographic image into a multilayered composition that includes various painting, collage, and printing techniques. Oils, acrylic, and especially the application of encaustic (wax media) alter appearance of the original photograph. Details are highlighted by scratching back into the surfaces, while silkscreen, etching, and woodcuts are used to create emblematic patterns and repetitive imagery.

These ethereal and romantic images are not depictions of the past or the future but exist somewhere in between, floating in memory and dreams.."

Anat Basanta

2009-11-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

I am fond of using familiar ornamented “retro” patterns, almost kitschy wallpaper like designs, which typically appear in fabrics, ribbons and laces. I use these textured patterns alongside woven silver to capture the femininity. softness, fluidity, and airy nature of knitted textiles. Synthesizing metal work techniques with those typically used in textiles, I blur the boundaries between the two mediums. I tend to work with simple forms, and strive to reach the meeting point of beauty and intrigue.

Amy Stewart | Olie Designs

2009-11-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

Amy Stewart was raised in 108 Mile House until moving to Vernon at the age of 9. After leaving home Amy left to Vancouver and enrolled in counseling and psychology courses to pursue a career in counselling, then moving to Edmonton deciding on a career in Child and Youth care. During that time she moved to the Netherlands to do an exchange program in Art and Play Therapy. Creating has always been part of Amy’s life, as not only does she love it, but finds it a huge stress relief when working in her field. She started Olie Designs in Vancouver, in September 2007 and took her love of knitting and turned it into a business. Now Amy works as a Child and Youth Victim Support Worker and is happy to be working in a field she loves while being able to also creating knit items to love and share.

Little Known Facts

2009-11-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

*Shiny Fuzzy Muddy was named for the media it aimed to represent (shiny jewels, fuzzy fabric, muddy clay) and though still adequate, the name may not completely encompass all the amazing work and intersections of materials that one can witness at our shows!*

*Our first show was in Dec 2003. Contrary to the number 10 attached to our upcoming show we are not quite 10 years old. From 2004 - 2006 we held shows semi-annually in the spring and winter. The upcoming SFM 10 show will be our 7th winter show :)*

*We started in a small space - the common room in a condo complex - but outgrew that space after about 3 years. We rented a space in TinselTown one year for the winter show and moved to the Video In Studio (VIVO) on Main Street the following year where we remained until our Big Break this year! A window of opportunity opened up to us while we were on the hunt for a new space earlier in this year - a cancellation at a Main Street architectural icon ... our 10th and largest show to date will be held in Heritage Hall this year with 24 magnificent makers, designer and artists presenting what they do best!*

Welcome!

2009-11-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Here it is - our official blog! We are going to be using this as a stage to introduce you to the artists that are participating in show 10 this December! Get ready to see the artists in their creative processes as we invite them to send us studio pics and descriptions of their activities. We will also be highlighting the fabulous art items you will be able to find on Dec 12 & 13 in person at Heritage Hall!

Thanks for joining us and for supporting creative culture! Stay tuned...

SFMers @ the Vancouver One of a Kind Show

2009-10-06T02:29:00.000-07:00

This upcoming week the Vancouver Convention Center will be host to the One of Kind Show. Some of our Shiny Fuzzy Muddy 10 artists will be presenting their work at the show so come on down and meet them!

Arleigh Wood

Kari Woo

Naomi Yamamoto | Flightpath

Anat Basanta

Jessica de Haas | Funk Shui

Caroline Miller

Marcy Ross | Morena Clothing

Denise Wilson | Patina

The show features over two hundred exceptional creators, artists and designers from across Canada and includes a fashion district full of the newest styles, a flavor district for edible treats and gourmet gifts, an eco-district for inspired green ideas and products as well as a "rising stars" district where you can find the work of new artists. Amongst all that you will also be able to find a schools district where some of Canada's leading creative post-secondary programs will be present with student and alumni works and of course a diverse selection of handmade objects and accessories for self and home!

Show details are as follows:

WHEN:
Thursday, Oct 8 to Sunday, Oct 11, 2009
THURSDAY to SATURDAY 10:00 am to 9:00 pm / SUNDAY 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

WHERE:
Vancouver Convention Centre - East Building (Under the sails)
1055 Canada Place
Vancouver, BC, V6C 0C3

ADMISSION (allows unlimited re-entry passes):
Adults $10.00 Seniors (65+) $6.50 Students (13-17) $6.50
Children (12 and under) Free

Go to http://www.oneofakindvancouver.com for more info!