Getting the Word Out

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

I thought that with the summer would come a slow down in work, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I have been pretty busy this week working on designs for Paper Artsy and doing some planning for the fall and winter, if you can believe it! I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who posted and emailed with congratulations about Belle Armoire. I really appreciate the kind words.

You may have noticed the new button on my sidebar for ArtistsinCanada.com. I was surfing the net and was delighted to come across this site. It's features Canadian artists and it's a wonderful resource for artists to access information on a variety of subjects (including employment opportunities) and to just get their names out there. I was just saying to Deb the other day that it shocks me how few Canadian mixed media artists have a web presence or name recognition in our circle. I know there have to be more of us northern folk out there! I think part of the reason why may be that Canada traditionally is about 2-3 years behind in the artistic trends of the US. I know this is true for the quilting community and from what I can tell, it's about the same for mixed media.

When I started with mixed media, the only way I had to connect with others interested in it was via the Internet. By the time I began teaching it, 3 1/2 years ago, it was just coming into Canada. It's still in its infancy here. Local venues where mixed media/altered art instructors (like me!) can teach are still scarce at the moment, though I am hoping eventually that will change. I am doing my best to get the word out! I still get the funny looks when I try and explain what I do. It's just easier to point people in the direction of my website and let them see for themselves. Like they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words".

Speaking of Canada, Sunday, July 1st is Canada Day, our birthday as a nation. What does that entail? Well basically, a day off with pay and a picnic or BBQ with the family. We're pretty low key in our patriotism, but we love our country, just the same. I for one feel incredibly blessed to have been born on this soil, to have grown up on the prairies and to now live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. So Happy Birthday Canada and to my fellow Canadians. Have a wonderful and safe weekend!