What did I find at the beach?!

I discovered something quite amazing this week… It really really opened my eyes – what did I find on the Beach!?

Where did I go?

Sometimes we just need a change of scenery… Everyone has their favourite things to be preoccupied with but being in a rut can be somewhat difficult to get out of. The routines of everyday, work and blog-life seems like a constant running ‘machine’. I make things, take photos, answer emails, post on social media, ‘do a ton of things on the computer… Sometimes, I need to take a break from it all – to ground myself again!

I am fortunate enough to live about 10 minutes from a major body of water; Lake Ontario! Perhaps after being here for so long I have somewhat taken it for granted. Where better to go on a quiet stroll on a Sunday morning?! I have been going to the beach since I was 12, but this time it seemed different. Won’t you join me?

Off the ‘Beaten Path’

I always seem to want to be closer to the water’s edge, so much texture, the lapping water and stone. This lovely day was full of bright blues and amazing tones. I then came to the realization that without even knowing, this reflected in many of the things that I love to make! How many projects have I made dyeing Blue; from indigo, shibori and on to Cyanotype prints. Is it any wonder that when I stare over the water it immediately gives me a calming feeling?!

When I taught in the Art college one of the constant challenges for students was finding inspiration or ideas. Those ideas can’t just be ‘forced’ to arrive as wanted, but would rather very quietly find their way when you just calmly daydreamed.

I made that astonishing realization again when I looked back this simple quilt project that I taught my daughter!

What have I learned?

Just like life is a journey so is the creative endeavour. We may need time to work on our skills and be patient as we hone them. What do you think these beavers were thinking when chewing through these massive tree stumps?! Is it an easy job, no, but usually anything that comes easily isn’t worth that much… I have been creating for over 5 decades and running this site for almost 10 (whew) years! And it can still be a challenge, but I embrace that opportunity.

What materials do I love to use?

It’s a little crazy that I can achieve such visual satisfaction from looking at beach stones! Hmmm, it must speak to my sense of colour choices, texture and the permanence of nature. Perhaps thats why I love working with stone and rock as well as creating unique concrete creations! Wow, I actually found where I got my inspiration!

Please, allow yourself to accept some of the odd ideas that you may dream up! Mix up the ideas, forms and media as you see fit as that’s how the most unique ideas come to life.

I love these ideas taken from nature but they still have so much design potential! It’s like a small piece of the beach in these Mosaic Spheres.

What do we need to realize?

We are all different! We may feel odd and intimidated but we can persevere! That’s what these tiny sweet sprigs were beckoning to tell me, hanging on and eventually will be strong and invincible.

Stand out from the crowd!

Your style may be different but you can still stand out from the others. No matter how small or frail, you never really know your potential.

Take a closer look

Once I looked really close and understood the underlying abilities of some simple botanicals I discovered a whole new art form; Eco Printing! It continually ‘blows my mind’ and I can’t walk past a beautiful Sumac without taking note and wanting to go home roll up a bundle!

Combining some natural dyes (cochineal, madder, logwood) and sumac (or other local leaves) never disappoints! Who knew that the thousands of sumac bushes would give me so much,

Even though I am in Canada, there are many types of leaves available all over the world that will reward you with some prints.

Such a wonderful legacy that these small overlooked pieces of nature leave behind. Basic Eco Print methods provide so many varied results.

Even the small things can make a difference

They may look like weeds to you, but I see such design potential! Harness the sun for some silhouettes or texture and let nature’s specimens make magic!

Nature created these plaster or concrete relief castings with a little bit of help from me.

Yes, it’s the blue again but now the sun was useful to expose these Cyanotypes on fabric.

Cherish the things that speak to your heart

Don’t overlook the ‘live’ specimens. All the local creatures; large or small, have always fascinated me; no wonder that Needle Felting also does. I do wish I had more hours in the day, but I need to choose carefully.

Being able to use a natural fibre (wool) to recreate an animal to highest realism is quiet remarkable!

Conclusion; What did I find on the beach:

So what did I ‘find’ on the beach?! I guess you could say that I found ‘myself’. I found so much of the things that make me who I am. Perhaps that realization can help if you feel a bit lost or set an example for your child.

Where do you go to ‘find’ yourself? It doesn’t really matter, except for your own acknowledgement to yourself. Here’s to hoping I’ve just made your creative journey a bit better…