From humble beginnings...

First photo's of Studio Olivia Ball. This was before the building really began, more photos to follow when it's all up and ready.

 Really need to get going, my lovely tools need somewhere to live! I couldn't help myself though, I've just had to start making...

A tiny piece of Gros Morne

Well, it's been quite a while since my last post, but I've been a busy jeweller. I'm back in the UK and working away. All of my research time in stunning Newfoundland is helping me along the way to crafting a tiny slice of Gros Morne right here in my workshop!

Home sweet home

Well, I'm back in the UK! Busy working on the designs that I drew up whilst in Newfoundland. Some very different and exciting ideas turning up. Watch this space...

open studio

Open studio today! 10am-3pm at the artist house.

Directions: stand by the theatre, look up the hill and it's the right hand side of the blue house in front of the school.

If I don't answer when you knock on the door, knock on the basement window, I can't hear the door if I'm in the studio. See you soon!

artist talk

My artist talk will be this Sunday 7th August, 7pm at Woody Point Discovery Centre. Comg along!

another wonderful workshop

Images from today's workshop at Gros Morne National Park Discovey Centre. We made stick and ink drawings of found objects, simplifying each time then crafted the images out of wire. Beautiful scenery added extra inspiration!

collaboration

Exciting new project on the go! As a part of the Writers at Woody Point festival, I will be collaborating with Jennifer Galliott to create a fish. Jennifer is a multi-disciplinary visual artist who specialises in textile art and ceramics. She has exhibited throughout Canada and New Zealand and holds a studio in Woody Point, Newfoundland.

The wooden form above (provided by festival organisers) will be the base for our fish. And a base only! We aim to create a piece that exhibits a fusion of our individual skills bases. This project offers a wide range of possibilities and an exciting opportunity to play around with ideas in a new medium. Expect big things from this collaboration!

A whole shoal of fish designed and decorated by local artists and school children from the Bonne Bay Academy will be available to buy through silent auction at the Writers at Woody Point festival.

Drawing workshop or full body workout?

A few photos of my first drawing workshop in Woody Point. Lot's of rushing about, stretching, switching, spilling, laughing and general fun with inks and charcoal. All, of course, at a very high speed. Apparently it was more of a drawing bootcamp than a workshop! But everyone had a great time and I'm sure you'll agree that the outcomes were great! Each of the drawings shown here had everyone in the class work on them. Plenty of drawings on display up at Woody Point Discovery Centre. Next workshop 1st August 2pm.

Workshop

Head down to my workshop at Gros Morne Discovery Centre, Monday 18th July at 2.00pm. Bring an object that speaks of your relationship with Gros Morne (e.g. hiking boot, shell, bug spray, anything goes!). All materials are provided.

Location

Here are a few photos of Woody Point, the small town where I currently work. Breath taking scenery for inspiration and plenty of wildlife to keep things interesting!

Rain rain go away!

Another rainy day here in Newfoundland. It's too foggy to draw the landscape so I'm going to have to take my chances and brave the weather for a trip down to the beach. Hopefully the bad weather will have washed up more interesting finds!

Whale ahoy!

Just looking out of my window, admiring the beautiful view and what do I see? A whale right here in the bay! Minke whale are quite common here but humpbacks also visit from time to time. Fingers crossed for more sightings!

Artist in Residence

Hello from Woody Point!
I arrived here in Newfoundland to begin my residency in Gros Morne National Park. The artist in residency programme is a orchestrated by a partnership between The Rooms provincial art gallery (St. John's, Newfoundland) and Parks Canada.
I've just moved into my own little house and had a good look around town. Gros Morne is absolutely beautiful! I hope to be doing a lot of hiking, if only the weather would perk up...
Photos to follow!

A new beginning

It's been a very busy time. I've finished university, enjoyed my degree show and exhibited at New Designers! Combine this with working and preparing for my forthcoming residency in Newfoundland and you have a very tired lady! Lots of exciting opportunities opening up though...