CBC Radio One Interview for Nora Young's Spark

Andreanne Baribeau, an associate producer for the CBC Radio One show called Sparks, hosted by Nora Young, came to the studio to interview me about how the internet has impacted on my tapestry weaving. She's in Toronto at CBC for a month , part of her Carlton University placement, and next month will be off to Rwanda. She made being interviewed a fun experience. We're unsure when the segment will air, but she thinks sometime in late August or September. Get hooked on this cool radio show. Go to www.cbc.ca/spark/.

JOY

Another tapestry comes to completion. Any of my hand woven tapestries, are full of flaws and imperfections. It's been difficult for me to accept this and to be with it. The feelings that come up - discouragement, disappointment, futility of my efforts, and failure. This leaves me feeling very vulnerable. Now I see that any tapestry I make, represents me in my entirety. I will work on trying to feel more comfortable with that. Just because one sees the flaws does not mean I or the tapestry is worthless or of little value. I know that I do not want the tapestry or anything I make to look machine made. Therefore why strive to make it seem as though it was.

What I have learned in weaving this tapestry and seeing it to completion is to practice celebrating my flaws and imperfections for they are the opposite side of the same coin, my qualities. I will practice feeling the joy of being human, however challenging that is.

JOY

14" x 60"

Encounters & Departures: Tapestries of Peter Harris and Line Dufour

The exhibit of our tapestries was a visually stimulating array of textures, colors, shapes and forms. The tapestry exhibit was in conjunction with a ceramic exhbit, Seduced by Clay, the pieces on loan from the Burlington Arts Centre collection. Lisa Daniels, the curator and director of Gallery Lambton, is teaming with dynamic, enthusisastic , and unbiased though discriminating views of art and fine craft. Without question she is the hub of the cultural excitement happening in Sarnia. I felt that our tapestries were displayed in an unparalleled dynamic fashion. In addition, it is not often that we find such ample space to display our work.

The opening reception took place March 7 2008 and was incredibly well attended by many prominent and respected citizens of Sarnia. The attendees gave the artists as well as the gallery staff much praise for how compelling the exhbit was. I want to thank all of the staff - Lisa, Dave, Holly, and Guy for all their support, and for doing such a wonderful job on the show.

Above, the third picture down is myself on the left and Lisa Daniels on the right. The 4th picture down is Peter Harris (right) and his cousin, Bev on the left.

Happiness

2' x 5' handwoven tapestry

Since so much of my work is based upon feelings, I feel it is equally important and necessary to honor our happier and joyful feelings. They are necessary to our well being and our health. Because we feel lighter, perhaps even more superficial, doesn't mean that they are less worthy of visual expression than more 'serious' feelings and thoughts. Without the moments of joy and happiness in our lives, would life be worth living? Happiness....the necessary nectar that sweetens the sometimes solemn aspect of responsiblilites and committments and grim events that happen all over the planet.

Ontario Craft '07 Opening Reception

The opening reception for the Ontario Craft Council's exhibit Ontario Craft '07 was a wonderfully well attended evening....so much so that it was near impossible to get good photos of the event (unfortunately). The exhibit is on until December 31 2007 at 990 Queen Street West, Toronto.

Ontario Craft '07 Exhibition

Today I learned that I have been accepted into the exhibit Ontario Craft '07, organized by the Ontario Craft Council and juried by the well respected David Kaye. The reception will be November 15 between 5pm and 9pm. The exhibit runs from November 13 to December 31 2007 at 990 Queen Street West, Toronto. The piece selected was Gravity. To know more about the Ontario Craft Council go to www.craft.on.ca. David has his own gallery and in the area as well. Visit his website to know more about the events scheduled there: www.davidkayegallery.com.

5 Canadian Tapestry Artists at one exhibit

From left to right: Marcel Marois, Sondra MacLeod, Barbara Heller, Line Dufour, and Jane Kidd

September 8 2007 all 5 artists talked about their work. I was eager to hear what the artists had to say about what influenced them, inspired them and discuss their creative process. It was a very moving experience. Thanks to the Fern Hill School for their generous support to the Burlington Art Centre to put on this exhibit, as well as to the Canada Council for providing a grant to have the other 4 artists flown from Quebec, Nova Scotia, Alberta and British Columbia.