James Wilkes

James Wilkes is an award-winning environmental photographer whose work has appeared in Canadian magazines and gallery exhibitions. He has been fortunate to visit and live in several remote communities, photographing the natural and cultural worlds across Asia and the Americas. Behind the lens, James sees ecological and cultural diversity as inextricably linked and he is inspired by the communicative ability of images to raise awareness and deepen our appreciation of the planet and its peoples.

This  work can be viewed at the Love of Jo, downtown Stouffville until March 1 and then at the Cornerhouse Restaurant for the month of April. Make sure you stop by and see this beautiful photography!

http://www.visualvoices.ca

Rita Staniforth

Rita creates wonderful whimsical pottery and has been busy since the Tour.

Rita would like to report

"As a result after the last show, and as a result of our advertising,  I got a commission to make 6 of my sheep.  The client had recently returned from Ireland where she'd spent a vacation with 5 lady friends.  She requested 6 sheep, each with a shamrock on their bellies, which she wanted to give as Christmas gifts.  I was happy to oblige.  I'm currently working on a whimsical Scottish terrier which has been requested by a lady whose mother bought one of my pieces several years ago - again because of the Tour."  

Great work Rita!

Marie Messina

Marie had a serious issue to deal with before the Studio Tour last fall ..... her studio space was gone! Here is her story.

This summer I had a sewage backup in my basement.  My studio was down there.  All my shelves, clay boxes, table, and everything else we had down there was totally gone.  

We have a partially finished basement with carpet, drywall build in cabinets and an adjoining bathroom.  It all had to come apart. Drywall had to be replaced 3' up the wall, all carpet and sub floor out.  Beautiful bathroom cabinet gone.  Anything that was wood or any material that can absorb had to be disposed.  

The whole area had to be disinfected and then we waited for this trade and that one to come and fix and paint and install everything back again.  It took 3 months, finally all done and looking good and I was able to start producing some pots for the tour.  What an ordeal!!!!! 

Notice the snake by Marie's grandson

The finished product

 









So now I have a new and improved studio.

Diana Bullock

Twelve of  Diana Bullock's paintings are on display at the Cornerhouse Restaurant in downtown Stouffville until January 3rd 2012. 
Diana also has a painting in DEBUT...details here

Diana says 

 "I love to paint, I love to paint quickly, and to play with paint and I enjoy different media and the possibilities that each offers. Each of the media that I use have different methods and results however they all cross over and influence each other. 

 

Recently I have been experimenting, with good results,  abstract paintings in Sumi-e [Japanese ink paintings].  Sumi-e tends to be very traditional so this is a wonderful adventure. This is a direct result of my new work in mixed media. 

I believe in enjoying the process of painting and the product is just a bonus."



To see more of Diana's work visit www.alternativesinart.ca or follow her on Blogger or Twitter

Colin Whitebread

Colin Whitebread has an exhibition of paintings at For the Love of Jo Coffee Shop in downtown Stouffville for the month of December. Stop by and have a peak.

     
Colin says

"In an attempt to counteract too much doing and over-analyzing I paint to be more mindful and present to the beauty of our world. It is for me a spiritual exploration. At the easel I attempt to express myself and enliven my subject matter with colour. I love art history, and am inspired by a wide range of artists past and present. Chagall, Klimt, Hunderwasser,Van Gogh, Picasso and many more are sources of inspiration. As I paint and draw more, I find myself becoming more experimental with media and more abstract. My favourite media is acrylic , mostly for health reasons, but I love oil for many reasons. Art is an awesome way to explore life’s journey and hopefully bring some wonder to others. Let’s keep on creating"