Wordless Wednesday: Tallest Trees

photography by Sarah Ronald

In Praise of 2D (and an apology)

work by Sarah Ronald, James Mah and Elizabeth Wallace

There are some amazing talented 2D artists in the Blackberry Artist's Society; painters, printmakers, photographers and paper artists. Most months their work makes only the odd appearance in the blog posts, and for that I would like to apologise.

by Elizabeth Wallace

Firstly, it's much easier (for me) to photograph low-level (and I'm talking vertical here, rather than low brow) 3D objects because that's what I'm used to. As a 5'3" shorty with balance issues and an aversion to step ladders, I get fewer camera-shakes at sea level so to speak.
Another issue is framing, or reflection to be more precise. Glass, or indeed cellophane on the cards, throws up all sorts of light glare problems. Getting 'the perfect shot' is a problem.

by Alina Markiewicz and Tracy Riddell

I can only hope that the other shelf scenes and Critter Adoption pleas tempt you into the gift shop, and once there you remember to lift your eyes up to the walls and check out our incredible gallery for yourself.

Wordless Wednesday: Critter Adoption Edition

adoptable giraffe tea pot and cups from Myrta Hayes

This Month in City Hall: Yolanda Cheung

This month's featured artist in the City Hall display is paper artist, Yolanda Cheung. Her graceful and intricate cards and folded gift enclosures are regular finds in the gift shop. In addition, her framed pieces are wonderful hostess gifts from a local artisan.
Yolanda specialises in the art of paper cutting, using both scissors and sharp knife to create her amazing landscapes and animal images.

My personal favourite is the range of Chinese astrology animal cards, with each of the twelve animals carefully centred on a plain white card in the centre of an embossed frame. They make a stylish and unique birthday card. I'm also drawn to the 'Bliss' card featured in her display.

Note: all items in the display are for sale (with duplicate of many of the card styles available immediately in the gift shop) - phone 604 931 2008 to place your order through the gift shop.

Wordless Wednesday: Cards for Father's Day

cards galore for Father's Day

Don't Forget: Father's Day Is Coming Up

Still Creek Skiff by Tracy Riddell, wood intarsia puppy by Del Holbrook

Don't forget, Father's Day is coming up soon (that's Sunday, 19th June to be precise). Although dads can be a little trickier to buy for, not all of them want a laz-e-boy recliner (or however it's spelt in the flyers arriving since mid May) or golf equipment.

by Pat de Couto

Why not take a trip to your friendly neighbourhood artisan artist co-operative gift shop (yes, that's us) for some truly original one-of-a-kind handmade gift choices? We have some great wood intarsia art, stunning driftwood carvings and even some classy sterling silver cufflinks on offer.
As your one-stop gift buying experience, we also have re-usable cloth gift bags and a selection of art cards to complete your purchase.

by Amanda Maxwell

Happy Father's Day - we're better than furniture!

Wordless Wednesday: Talking Heads

work by Joan Marr, Del Holbrook and Pat de Couto

June's Featured Artist: Margret Billings

This month, the gift shop is featuring the intricate and colourful stained glass of artist, Margret Billings. Most of our visitors will already be familiar with her gorgeous summery butterflies which have been flying across our windows summoning the summer to visit rainy Port Moody. Many more will be anticipating Canada Day for the stunning red maple leaf decorations, and yet more will be saving up their pennies for Christmas's festive snowflakes (I'm sure I'm not the only one who keeps theirs out all year round - too beautiful to hide away).

Margret has been working in this medium for many years, and finds the copper foil technique ideal for the flowing lines of her drawings.
She is a familiar 'resident' in the giftshop with her architectural lamps and candle votives, and also her sought-after terrariums (I heard a recommendation that they can give even the least able gardener a viable green thumb). What many of you may not realise though, is that Margret also makes larger stained glass panels. The fairy on the rock currently on display is one example. If you'd like to see more, ask to check through her artist's bio for more examples. You won't be disappointed :)

Wordless Wednesday: Blimey! It's June.

paper art card by Valerie Gilbert (just right for Father's Day)