Ten Questions with Heather Dahl

Let's meet Heather Dahl, from dahlhaus studios where she has been making ceramics as a full-time maker since 2007. 

When did you start your art practice?

I took my first painting and ceramics class my first year in college while I was practicing for a violin exam.  I thought taking a couple of art classes would give me a bit of a break from my intense music studies, along with some of the general arts classes I was taking in University.  Sure enough, it wasn't long until I wanted to be in the Visual Arts program full-time.  I ended up graduating from Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in 2001 with a major in painting and ceramics.  

A year after I graduated my first son was born, with my second 2 years later.  As a new mom I was checking out my local community centre and found a pottery studio that offered part-time memberships for people experienced in clay.  It was the perfect scenario for me to get back into making a few pots I needed for my family and slowly as my hands got more involved in making, my head started wondering if I could actually pursue the art career I had thought about in Art school.  In 2007 I applied for a self-employment program that gave me a bit of a financial cushion while also giving me some of the business skills I would really need to take my practice to a level that would sustain me and my family.  

What is your creative process like? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

The concept for dahlhaus came about from an interest in mid-century design, vintage textile and wallpaper patterns, modern abstract art, and some of the paintings I had worked on in art school.  I love using hits of colour in my work in the form of simple, graphic shapes.  Inspiration often comes with just a pair of scissors and some tape or paper- cutting shapes out that will become glaze designs really inform how I make my work.

How has your art practice evolved over the years?

When I started dahlhaus I had a super small painting studio and a little ceramic studio- both shared spaces so they were affordable.  I spent time in both studios making paintings and functional ceramics, but over time it was clear I had to make a choice about what medium I was going to commit more time to.  At the time a larger studio in my ceramic studio opened up and I had my first solo show as a ceramic artist at the Gallery of BC Ceramics, so I made the choice to focus just on clay. Since then I've had the opportunity to work with small shops and galleries, but also some really big retailers too.  

Describe what you make.

I use porcelain and white stoneware clays and then just glaze to decorate my work.  My glazing method, style, and colour palette have really become my signature look, so I take a lot of time to glaze each piece. 

How many years have you participated in SFM?

This will be my 3rd year participating in SFM!

What's new for this year's SFM?

I'm really excited about premiering these new porcelain platters with my glaze patterns as relief that I've been making over the past couple of months.  Along with the platters, I recently made some new tall vases that create a great grouping when added to my bottle vases.  I can never have enough new glaze colours in the studio!  There's always a new pattern that evolves in the mix so there will be plenty of new work to see!

What's your favourite part about the SFM show?

My favourite part about the SFM show is that I actually want something from every vendor that's part of the show! The show is really well curated, the quality and level of each maker is really high and it's really inspiring to be part of a show that represents such great work.

Who are your favourite artists?

Just a couple of artists that have recently made me excited about painting again:
Julian Meagher is an Australian painter who's work caught my eye on instagram- his paintings are so intensely beautiful!
Jessica Bell is a Vancouver- moved to Ottawa for grad school artist who makes work that is based in the idea of collage, but presented in kind of a fresh way.  I have a few pieces of hers at home, including a knitted painting that is so fresh and kind of crafty at the same time. 

What are you listening to in the studio?

I'm a CBC radio junkie. Mostly I like to listen to The Signal, with Laurie Brown.

What other creative outlets do you enjoy?

I really enjoy making food, having people over, baking, gardening, and sewing things for my home or for myself. 

Postcards are out!!

Our postcards are printed and we love them!! Come grab one this weekend from our SFM Artists taking part in IDS West this weekend at the Convention Centre in Vancouver!

If you can't wait for the show, and look forward to some sneak peeks delivered straight to your phone, follow our feed on Instagram: shinyfuzzymuddy 

Ten Questions with Claire Madill

This go round for Ten Questions, we meet Claire Madill of Heyday Design, whose work we look forward to seeing again at Shiny Fuzzy Muddy 14.

I started heyday design in late 2008 and launched my work  / brand / website / self at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition in 2009 and it's where I got my very first store, MADE.

I like bicycling in the city and hiking in the mountains and watching bird dramas wherever they unfold.  I often find myself having the same arguments with friends:  "No, YOU'RE the BEST!".  I call them nice fights.  The cage-match of nice fighting is when we fight over who gets to wash all the camp dishes after a meal:  "NO, it's MY turn! YOU just made that DELICIOUS MEAL!"  And then we fight over who is the nice fight champion:  "No, YOU ARE!"

When did you start your art practice?

I moved into my current studio right after I graduated from Emily Carr in 2007 and got down to work!

What is your creative process like? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I get a lot of inspiration from the patterns I find on vintage glass objects -- I love seeing patterns in the negative of the mold, and I love the subtleties of light and shadow when patterns are rendered in clay.

How has your art practice evolved over the years?

I've developed two different lines of work (decor objects and jewellery) and I'm quicker to jump into mold-making projects so I can get to the fun stuff faster.

Describe what you make. (medium, materials)

I make plaster molds of objects / patterns.  I sometimes make a mess.
My line of decor objects includes vintage canning jars, vessels made from crushed aluminum cans and plastic take-out tubs; for these, I use a liquid porcelain slipcasting technique.

My line of jewellery consists of geometric shapes in white or black porcelain, featuring spare, asymmetrical glaze spots and sometimes a pop of gold or platinum lustre for subtle drama. I use porcelain clay and make everything by hand.

My favourite tool is my exacto knife!

How many years have you participated in SFM?

Since 2009! Yay!

What's new for this year's SFM? 

New earring designs -- I'm really into a multi-dimensional 'crystal' pattern I discovered on a vintage lamp base! 

What's your favourite part about the SFM show?

The room is full of amazing artists, incredible work, and people get to stop by for free and check it out!

Who are your favourite artists? 

jewellery: caroline miller
sculpture:  christopher donnelly
painting:  jess groome
photographer:  edward burtynsky

What are you listening to in the studio? 

CBC 

Espace-Musique

CITR:  Duncan's Donuts

Songza's 'Artists' Record Collections'

This American Life

What other creative outlets do you enjoy?

making delicious cocktails for friends

innovating new awkward dance moves 

digging around in second hand stores and making up stories about the things i find

pulling out the tickle trunk and suddenly everyone has a costume for the party

claire madill
heyday design

www.heydaydesign.ca

Ten Questions with Jessie Turner

We're very happy to welcome Jessie Turner back for Shiny Fuzzy Muddy 14. Let's get to know her and her jewelry a bit better with this instalment of Ten Questions.

When did you start your art practice?

I can't even remember when I actually started creating things.... when i was wee. 

I remember (and my mom reminds me :) ) of when i was probably only about 7 years old walking around an art fair on Cortes Island, where I grew up,  selling my hand made beaded earrings. 

I started working as a full time jewellery maker 9 years ago after 2 years of Jewellery Art and Design studies. 

What is your creative process like? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

For me the creative process is hard to define. Sometimes I just feel inspired to explore a topic. I enjoy contemplating many philosophical subjects and  get really excited when one of those ideas turns into something tangible in my hands... that someone can wear. Mostly I am inspired when I can spend time doing my studies into 'Soul work', through writing, classes, yoga and being in nature.

How has your art practice evolved over the years?

More and more I like to explore ideas through art. Like the idea of being uplifted, in my new feather series. I am more interested in making things that inspire thought, consideration and both inner and outer dialogue. 

Describe what you make.

Mostly I make sterling silver jewellery. Sometimes this involves stones and the addition of some gold. 

How many years have you participated in SFM?

This will be my 4th year (i think?!?)

What's new for this year's SFM?

More one of a kind pieces...and feathers.. I can't stop with the feathers!

What's your favourite part about the SFM show?

Being a part of such a diverse and talented group of artists. It's a super fun show and a lot of us know each other from being in our creative community so it can be like a little reunion!

Who are your favourite artists?

Ooooh don't make me choose!!!! 

I'll admit to having a lot of Laura McKibbon ceramics and eyeing up a new Arleigh wood piece for my walls. 

What are you listening to in the studio?

oooh yes.... studio tunes...

Bon Iver

Ben Howard

James Vincent Mcmorrow

The Cave Singers

Mumford and Suns

... notice the theme of broody romantic here!

What other creative outlets do you enjoy?

I'm exploring painting and mixed media work again which is super fun. I've just started teaching creative process classes too- which is super exciting!

Stay in touch with Jessie Turner via jessieturner.ca and thecreativequest.ca

Ten Questions with Melissa Ferreira

For this instalment in our Ten Questions series, we meet Melissa Ferreira: Adhesif Clothing designer and Vancouver localite.

When did you start your art practice?


My mom is a seamstress. She worked in garment factories throughout my
whole childhood. On top of that, she was always doing alterations for
friends and family at the kitchen table.

I learned how to sew from her and taught myself the technical design
process. I've been the creative type since I could walk and have
experimented with all kinds of design techniques. I became a vintage
clothing buyer outside of high school and that really got the wheels
turning for Adhesif Clothing which was conceptualized in 2003.

What is your creative process like? Where do you draw your inspiration
from?

There is a method to the madness. Many people have told me I have an
"eye" for color, print and pattern matching.
The process of working with reclaimed and vintage materials is a true art
form. How to make sense out of a giant mound of this and that, takes
constant problem solving and a keen eye as well as attention to detail.
Much of my inspiration comes from vintage clothing designs from the 1960's
and before but a lot of it also comes from people watching. I love the
confidence that comes with individualistic style and people who create
trends as apposed to following them.

How has your art practice evolved over the years?

It's very interesting to see how my technical ability in drafting
patterns and designing, in general, has really developed from when I
started Adhesif Clothing years over a decade ago.
Being a fashion designer presents a constant challenge in the learning
curve. I'm always learning new techniques and ways to create a better fit
in the garments designed and in the construction process.

Describe what you make. 

 I create garments made with up to 95% reclaimed and vintage materials,
notions and details. That includes anything from cotton twill, silk,
denim, wool sweaters, scarves, discarded yardage, vintage buttons and
zippers etc..
Every garment design is original, no 2 garments are identical. Every piece
is lovingly handmade in Vancouver, BC.

How many years have you participated in SFM?

This will be my third year with SFM and I am so thrilled to be apart of
such an amazingly talented group of artists!

What's new for this year's SFM?

Every spring-summer and fall-winter season I create a new collection.
This year there will be a new and exciting designs as well as some of
signature knitwear items.

What's your favourite part about the SFM show?


Ooooh...too many things to mention!
First off I absolutely love the fact that SFM is organized and run by the
designers and artists who also show and sell their work there.
I always refer to this show as one of the absolute best holiday markets of
the year without the consumerism craziness that's associated with
Christmas markets.

I also LOVE the intimate vibe and the diverse and high quality pieces,
that can be found by what I feel are some BC's best artisans.

Who are your favourite artists?

I love Denise Wilson's work from Patina and Bronsino (Vancouver) as well as Cokluch, Little Houses and Eve Gravel (all from Montreal)
What are you listening to in the studio?


Just like the designs I create, I also have pretty eclectic taste in
music as well.
I listen to jazz, blues, swing, 60's rock and french pop, folk, old country,
world beats, funk...basically what ever moves me.

What other creative outlets do you enjoy?


Oooooh boy...well before I became a full time artist I used to do film
photography, creative writing and painting.
When I get around to it I also like dying fabrics and silk screening.

Keep in touch with Melissa:

adhesifclothing.com

Ten Questions with Janna Hurtzig

As 2013 marks 10 years of SFM, we have decided to ask our artists ten questions so you can get to know them a little better. 

This first instalment we meet Janna Hurtzig: Astrosatchel and Winterluxe designer, Shiny Fuzzy Muddy founding member, Vancouverite and vegan. 

When did you start your art practice?

I started Astrosatchel in 1998, and officially launched my Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere line in 2009.

What is your creative process like? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

At the moment, as I am working mostly with recycled cashmere, a lot of inspiration comes from the thrifting process: seeing what's available and figuring out what to do with it all. I'm drawn more and more to tonal colour palates right now, which is very different from my Astrosatchel line, which is known for it's bright and bold contrasting colours. I suppose my design aesthetic has matured a bit over the years, and my Winterluxe line let's me approach colour in a different way, as the colours I can choose from are constantly changing depending on what sweaters I find. 

As far as the starting point for all my work, I consider our weather and lifestyle on the West Coast quite a bit: I try to create practical items that function in the forest and the city, but don't have a 'technical' look to them, and the manufacture needs to be top notch. I've been interested recently in creating patterns in the cashmere, so I have been working on some tile-type graphic patterns, which lend themselves nicely to cushions and blankets... So we can expect to see those at SFM this year.

How has your art practice evolved over the years?

Originally I made bags and wallets only, but I added the recycled cashmere component slowly over time. As there was confusion (my bags are all Vegan and made with new materials, while the cashmere I use  is a recycled animal sourced material) so I decided to split the line. Now I am focusing more on Winterluxe as Astrosatchel has an established customer base and doesn't need as much nurturing right now.

Describe what you make.

This year, I will have lots of cashmere hats, mittens, scarves, cowls, arm warmers, and new cushion covers, as well as my bags and wallets that everyone knows and loves.

How many years have you participated in SFM?

I joined SFM in the early days, so this is probably my 11th show. I love how we have grown as a show over the years, and I'm proud to have contributed to our success as a show and a group.

What's new for this year's SFM?

This year I will have more styles of mittens and arm warmers, new cowl scarves and new styles of home decor cushions, all in recycled cashmere.

What's your favourite thing about the SFM show? 

I think the best part of the show for me is the people: the artist line up is top notch but everyone is really great on a personal level. The show never feels competitive, and it always has a happy, fun vibe. I think that carries over to our customers too: people who shop at the show love supporting us and meeting the artists. I've made so many connections and friendships, both on a personal and business level over the years, with fellow artists and customers. I always look forward to seeing everyone, that makes the show for me.

Who are your favourite artists?

My taste in art has turned more and more geometric, abstract  and colour based, so I love the work of Vancouver locals Melissa Wong, Andy Dixon and Hugh Kearney. 

What are you listening to in the studio?

I listen to lots of music while I'm working, but lately it's been Foxygen, Wampire, Generationals, King Tuff.... My musical preferences definitely change with seasons, but since it's spring I'm enjoying something light and happy and a little bit retro. I really enjoy seeing bands live as well, so I go to  a lot of shows.

What other creative outlets do you enjoy? 

I enjoy cooking a lot, which is good because I'm vegan. I also really enjoy taking photos and posting them on Instagram.... I really love that I can share my day to day life in an artistic way.

Keep in touch with Janna:

astrosatchel.com

shopwinterluxe.com

Facebook: 

Astrosatchel Accessories

Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere

Instagram: hello_persimmon

Happy Spring!

While many of us are planting seeds in our gardens we are doing the same thing, metaphorically speaking, behind the scenes of our Shiny Fuzzy Muddy show! We are already hard at work putting together our December show. There is a reason that our patrons love to come back year after year ... and it isn't just about the free admission!

Stay tuned for updates about our featured vendors this year. Until then please enjoy some lovely visuals of our last gathering.

Heather Dahl | dahlhaus

Caroline Miller

Laura McKibbon | cul de sac design

Sonja of SML Glassworks

kari woo contemporary art jewellery

Mr + Mrs Jenn Demke-Lange of MIKIND Handmade Ceramics

Holly Cruise | Mimosa

Jasna Sokolovic is 50% of of Dear Human

Meghan Hildebrand

Elizabeth Burritt handpaints the  porcelain vessels she makes

Denise Wilson | Bronsino Leather Goods

Our happy visitors!

Julie Gibb | Sandpiper Glass

Astrosatchel's booth ... but where's Janna???

Checha of StudioChecha Jewellery

There's Janna (aka Astrosatchel girl)

Megan from Identity Home + Tees

Ulla Clark | Lu Prints

Claire Madill of heyday design