Inspiration and Place

The canvas gives us the place to embed an idea with thread and needle.

The space of time gifts us the mediation to be mindful. Ah I love that sense of peace.

In Atelier Gwendolyne hanging out together plays a big part of this creative journey. Lise took my seat by my sewing machine in this workshop. It's a favourite spot for me.

I am fortunate that my creative life is supported by my life partner William.  As artists we are always sharing our creative journeys. In Atelier Gwendolyne we too get to inspire and support each of us.

Lise's French knots are filling in her Meadow. I always love how emerging stitches build texture. As one who loves detail this excites my senses.

We use erasable Japanese markers to plan our drawings. Here I know where my leaves shall emerge.

 

Rita is one of my life inspirations. She has been taking the workshops from the start. Her artworks speak volumes of her inspirations in life.

Looking out another window from the 401 Richmond building I can see our studio fan in the window. The emerging buds, and my feelings of renewal, reminds me constant change is life.

When a child finds something for the first time their first move is to show it to someone. Sharing and inspiration can coexist beautifully. I often think it is imbalanced egos that are to blame from dampening the potentials. Gratitude for life and the magic that surrounds us is our simple reality.

I breathe to carry those thoughts everyday.

This last Sunday on Earth day I was gifted with so much inspiration I decided to share it.

Finishing Touches

When the signature and date has been stitched, it is time for the stretching of the canvas.

This process usually takes one class to do.

Once framed Margaret's inspired Art & Crafts era EARTH element becomes clear and crisp.

Having completed their first element many of my students get inspired and plan the next one. Here Margaret has sketched her idea, chosen her palette and outlined the canvas border.

The booklet that comes with the course has stitch illustrations and workbook pages to keep the ideas flowing.

Nancy's inspired Country Garden EARTH element was rich with stitch texture.

Her exploration of ribbon stitching brought her artwork an exciting look.

Elizabeth's inspired Imagination AIR element was a adventure in new needlework techniques. Her Dragon's head turned out to be adorable.

Kathleen's Summer inspiration represented all the elements. Her summer sensibility of colour palette and stitch work was beautifully executed.

left to right: Margaret, Kathleen, Elizabeth, Nancy and Gwendolyne

Our studio in the 401 Richmond building downtown Toronto is the location for Atelier Gwendolyne. My goal and passion in these workshop series it to inspire people to get in touch with their personal creativity in the arts of needlework.

Thanks everyone for the great time we spent together this year.