First months of Vancouver

I moved to Vancouver at the end of April, 2014.  It was a trial of many things, and I am glad to say that since the move I've gotten a job, explored a lot of the city, and done quite a few beach runs.  The studio which is downstairs by the entry way, was formally known as the fourth bedroom.

I've acquired a few things that are related to my art practice, notably:
-a second mannequin
-a small sleeve ironing device
-hand held steamer
-large steamer on wheels
-various boxes/containers for storage of fabrics/supplies
-small space heater for working in the colder months    

And one thing that was not related, a piano.

This piano was moved into the studio as the stairs to the upper levels of the apartment are too weak on the outside and too narrow on the inside.  The entry way itself is small and angled, and while it could work, the household as a collective agreed it would be too much of a narrow space after having it there.  It has a few broken hammers that need to be repaired, needs a tuning at some point, and has a few chipped ivory keys, but it is lovely all the same. 

My studio space is now divided but infinitely enriched.

Currently, I have been making harem pant patterns, repairing everyday clothes, making a cosplay (Judal, from the anime Magi), and creating some curtains.  And now, I have to get back to all that before I lose the interest to do so! 

Brown Paper Experiments

What is new: this machine ^

I also got my contract for the SCC (Saskatchewan Craft Council) Affinity Gallery Exhibition that starts this month Feb. 8- April 12.  'Archetype: Mystic' will be on display there, and hopefully I will be sent some more information as it progresses.  It will be the first time I've received artist fees for having my work in a gallery, so that is inspiring and reinforces my choice in career path.
 

elephant grey

                                   trying out some new patterns I've been drafting.                                       

Here are some colour/fabric swatches I've been working with:

Mostly though, this end of winter I have been drawing, and planning some mini projects.  I am more focused on moving to Vancouver BC, and so that and the daily job has been the recipient of most of my energies.  I had a good series of photos of some art experimentation that I will be uploading in another post though ^__^ cheers 

Headpiece accepted into SWAG

'Archetype Mystic' got accepted to this: http://www.surfacedesign.org/events/saskatchewan-wearable-art-gala-swag   It's a wearable art gala happening for one night on October 26, 2013! 

As part of the application process, I took a ton of photos- here's a couple of the free form fun shots below:

It reminds me of performance art, and that in turn reminds me to begin that practice once more.  In time, it's easy to forget that to be an artist means you need to be constantly thinking of how to reinvest yourself into your chosen path.  It's hard to remember to do so during a daily routine of day job working, paying off debts, and breaking out into an emerging artist. 

I need to believe that although it may take years, eventually I will be an established artist being paid in some form to do what I love to do.

July no show, enter August

My plans for felting the rest of the wool into yardage and secondary structure wraps were postponed when I moved to new apartment, upon which I organized my fabrics and gave the sewing machine back to my aunt.  I got another one, and started a job at the Capitol Theatre doing costuming for a youth summer program of Sweeny Todd.  July was a month of two jobs, and minimal internet time. 

It's August, and I'm attempting to tackle a project that will be due next Friday~ I will be posting updates and photos on a more regular basis in all due course!  In the meantime, I'm waiting for my headpieces to be sent back in September, and I'm planning on what to make/send to other exhibitions that are coming up.

Cosplay complete!

Character: Sayaka Miki
Series: Madoka Magica

Made for a friend in Newfoundland, it will hopefully be in her hands this Monday.  Also very much willing it to fit as this is one of the few times I've made something without having the person physically around.  The costume is made from a bed sheet, cotton, gold ribbon, and blue synthetic stretch upholstered onto an existing bra.  Knotted ribbon fake buttons, hand pleated ruffles and lots of hand stitching make this one of a kind for sure. 

In other news, the leather jacket is coming along- the third pocket is attached, the hood is in a working stage (I need to see how it fits the client) and then it can be attached to the jacket via snaps.  I am quite possibly going to add an inner flap that will also snap on, so that the wearer's face can be covered when they are wearing the hood up.  It's black leather scraps, and looks pretty cool considering I don't usually work with leather.  My view on the material has moved from not using it at all to not buying any of it brand new.  If I can get leather secondhand and reuse it by making something new, that's great!

Vancouver Art Exhibiton

I got accepted to the Talking Heads: A Contemporary Take on Headdresses!  It opens July 25th, in North Vancouver.  'Archetype: Amazon', 'Archetype: Bishop', and 'Archetype: Pharaoh' are all going there by postage in the next week or so! 

Excited and proud to be an artist- mainly I'm just reminded that hard work pays off and you do get some breaks in the art world if you keep going.  Getting your art out into the public sphere is fantastic. 

I need to put together some video and photos of the headdresses in action before they leave Nelson, as I haven't managed to do that yet (now there's extra motivation!).  Currently, I am finishing the hood and a pocket for the leather jacket, and still putting together the cosplay. 

Things are certainly rolling along...