Jubilee

Since painting means so much to me, I wanted to make a big deal concerning my 25 years of painting (from the awkward but enthusiastic baby steps in the first few years to the full-blown intensity of recent years), and, inspired by Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee in 1977, I've been using that name to commemorate this, my own Silver Jubilee.

My celebrations took on various forms, but I started with a bit of history/reminiscing over on my own painting blog:

In Part One I recount the very first steps of my introduction to watercolour painting and the artists that inspired me to explore this strange but beatiful medium.

In Part Two I talk about my growing interest in portraiture and I shared a couple of my novice paintings as well as some of my more current portraits to show that I've made some progress over the years.

Part Three is about the year I decided to get more serious about getting a better understanding of watercolours by painting one picture per week (spoiler alert: I ended up painting 63 that year).

In Part Four I tell the story of my accidental initiation into painting in oils and the medium's lasting hold on me.

Taking place on Facebook and also mentioned in Part Five on my blog, I gave away five watercolour paintings at random –because you're supposed to give gifts for an anniversary, aren't you?

Scheduled to take place during this Jubilee, I did another painting marathon in November which, after last year's marathon, I didn't think I'd do something like that again, but after my 33 on 33 project this spring, I felt I still needed to learn more about Prince Edward County, so County 101 was conceived.

Five years ago I did a big watercolour to celebrate my 20th Anniversary, so, because I love painting so much, I wanted to paint one large picture (featuring the same model) to mark the occasion, which, at the time of this posting, is about 75% done (detail below). Working in oils this time, this one has an element from my very first watercolour back in 1988 but does not, unfortunately, have any of my matrix patterning anywhere...

Detail of currently-untitled
25th Anniversary painting
(in progress).

When that's finished later this week, I'll attend to the four new paintings of my Tourament of Shadows series which are prepped and ready for painting.

Will I take a break after that?

No –in fact, I plan on kicking it into a higher gear –there's a lot of painting still to be done!

Scarecrows in the County

Last weekend we hosted our third annual Scarecrow Festival. We always hold this event on the weekend of Canadian Thanksgiving because it is such a fun activity for people spending time with their families.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous, sunny and warm, with brilliant fall colours all around us.

When people arrive at the farm they are provided with a cross-shaped wooden frame on which to make their scarecrow. We give them a little bit of instruction, and send them to the barn so they can rummage through mountains of clothes to dress their scarecrows.

Then they head back outside to dress and stuff their creations.

Before long, some wonderful characters start to emerge...

... Such as "Eunice", who apparently "works in HR"...

 And this dentally-challenged chap who, er, likes to get high...

Sure, there are your shifty types...

...And your basically beautiful big families...

...And all kids just look insanely cute against a background of straw...

...And then there's some families who just love their kids so much that even their scarecrows have to have babies!

All of the proceeds of this year's festival are going to Puppets Without Borders; a project that will be taking me and Susanne Larner back to Ghana in February 2014, bringing puppetry and art supplies to kids in rural villages.

Me and Brie, rocking the donation box

This Thanksgiving we were super-duper thankful for all of our friends and supporters who helped make this year's Scarecrow Festival such a success: Sandra Henderson, Brie Kaduc-Stojsic, Terry Veevers, Nell Casson, Kelly Roblin, Andy Sheath, Georgia Larner, George Emlaw, Picton Metro, Picton Home Hardware, and City Revival. 

See you next Thanksgiving!

The Artists' Trail

There is a path in our woods. We call it the Artists' Trail. 

Visiting artists and guests are invited to create a piece of art and leave it on the trail, and everyone is welcome to explore it.

It's hard to resist the call of a path cut through the trees.

Let me show you a few things along the trail. DUCK!

It's a bone mobile. Most people run into it.

We maintain the path, but let nature entangle itself with the artwork.

Wind and water take their toll on every piece in one way or another. This carving by Peter Paylor was a light golden colour when we installed it:

 Many have left their mark here.

And their bright ideas...

There are love letters...

Nests...

And a sculpture that you shake to make a wish...

If your wish *happens* to be finding a place to create a sculpture in nature, then you are in luck!

When you reach the end of the trail, there is a view so beautiful we can't show it to you here...

You'll just have to come and see it for yourself.

The public is welcome to explore our trails; just check in at the gallery so we know you're out there!

Sweet, Sweet Summer

As our fourth summer at the farm draws to a close, here's a look back at what we've been up to over the last few months. It's been the best kind of whirlwind, full of art, guests, gardening and creative work of all sorts!

Find your happy place.

In June Milé completed his latest epic painting project, 33 on 33, which took him from one end of the County to the other, plein air painting this beautiful place. The paintings were exhibited at Blizzmax Gallery.

Meanwhile Krista was plotting her cardboard revolution and brought Cardboardia to Skeleton Park Arts Festival in Kingston.

July brought more residents from near and far.

Australian artist Della Jackson works on some paintings in the Art Barn.

In August, the Bicycle Music Festival rolled into town to perform a pedal-powered concert at the farm. Local musician D'Ari Lisle of Nine Mile wrapped up the concert with singing and playing guitar while pedaling to generate all the electricity needed to power his own amplification. Well done, D'Ari!

After the concert, we did a little 'silo session' recording with Jessica Moore, Abigail Lapell and Dana Sipos:

August also brought us a house full of puppeteers working on our program Shadow Puppetry Plays for Grown-Ups. It's always so great to have this crew here, they are such a fun and talented bunch.

Rick Zimmerman as Professor Murk in The History of Shadows

Guy Doucette and Kat Letwin as Him and Her in Almost

Cast and crew (L to R): Krista Dalby, Craig Morrison, Susanne Larner,
Brie Kaduc-Stojsic, Guy Doucette, Kat Letwin, Rick Zimmerman. 

We had many, many more guests and resident artists, including painters, puppeteers, musicians and playwrights. 

Paul Densmore does some early morning plein-air drawing near the silo.

Our last guests of the season were our dear friends Tamara and David, who enjoyed a mini-vacation camping out in the clearing. David Anderson is a long-time collaborator and co-conspirator, and was a great mentor to me during the four years I worked beside him at Clay & Paper Theatre. By special request, he played some music in our silo as part of our ongoing 'silo sessions.' I just love this song!

What a sweet end to a most memorable summer!

A Very Small Pond Wedding

This is my sister Meagan and her new husband Tim. Aren’t they a couple of cutie-pies?

Tim Nikita and Meagan Dalby, pic by Shutterbird Photography

I first met Tim a few years ago when Meagan brought him out to Small Pond on his 30^th birthday. Tim was kind of quiet, but I liked him right away, and it was pretty obvious how Meagan felt about him. Over the last few years they've spent a lot of time at the farm; they love Prince Edward County and live just a few hours away in Ottawa. Meagan called me after they got engaged, and we talked about the possibility of them getting married at Small Pond. It had become a very special place for them, and after organizing countless festivals and theatrical productions, I’m pretty unfazed by putting on huge events. Thus was the beginning of their picture-perfect country wedding.

In the days prior, there was much, much crafting:

And deliveries of beer:

I loved watching the big top go up:

 Thankfully we had lots of friends and family around to pitch in getting ready for the big day..

And there was yoga class to ensure things didn't become too much of a circus:

The day arrived and the weather was gorgeous. After bridal party preparations at The Manse, we headed back to Small Pond. Handmade touches were everywhere, including the bride's bouquet made by my sister Brittany:

Kelly Taylor Photography

My niece Brooklynn was the flower girl. Shiny as a new penny, she carried the rings in a bird's nest.

Kelly Taylor Photography

There was a little live music to help set the mood:

Adam Fogo and Tara Porter, Kelly Taylor Photography

Our father and mother walked Meagan up the aisle... er... grass path...

Kelly Taylor Photography

The ceremony was brief and beautiful, and took place in the clearing, in front of Trudy, a 1967 vintage trailer...

Kelly Taylor Photography

Kelly Taylor Photography

Kelly Taylor Photography

And was there was a grand finale of flag-waving!

Kelly Taylor Photography

Just married! Kelly Taylor Photography

Kelly Taylor Photography

Our silo banner this year was made by my other sister Caitlin, and the theme of locks and keys with hearts was found throughout the decor...

Kelly Taylor Photography

Kelly Taylor Photography

Kelly Taylor Photography

Meagan LOVES a pinata, so of course we had one of those:

Kelly Taylor Photography

We wiled away the evening under the tent, with a great meal, much dancing and laughter, and the loveliest bartender - our resident artist from Australia, Georga Ryan!

Kelly Taylor Photography

Milé was an incredible MC, with good jokes and his characteristic charm:

Kelly Taylor Photography

And there was food, food, food...

Amazing desserts made with love by Tim's mom
Kelly Taylor Photography

It couldn't have been a more perfect wedding. We were so happy to help make Meg and Tim's day such a special one.

Kelly Taylor Photography

If you're looking for a unique venue for a country wedding or creative event, let's talk! Get in touch at info(at)smallpondarts.ca