Today is my 36th birthday. I'm taking a moment to reflect on what I want life to be about, and to celebrate and cherish who I am—the woman I've become, and the girl I have always been. I was looking through a stack of memories my mom passed on to me and this picture held my heart. I'm about 10, and I'm a picture of the feminine, gentle and creative soul I'm still nurturing to this day.
As I sit in this reflective space, I feel like the last few months have all been connected to this moment. I pulled back from the world over the summer and took time to be with myself and those dear. I found a lot of stillness in myself, along with a pool of grief and uncertainty, and more strength and confidence than I knew I had.
Here are a few of the moments that added up to a summer:
Quietening My Mind. In August I unplugged. It wasn't planned or unplanned, but it came together. It was what I needed in a deep way. I took care of myself and I worked on being the kind of mom I want to be. Accepting and embracing our son's recent autism diagnosis and parenting in a new way was a sort of surrender. I let myself feel the grief and the uncertainty of it all. I feel like this is the beginning of a new journey for us.
I spent renewal time with my mom in her garden oasis. I'm so grateful for my mom. She's something special.
Nourishment. Growing and eating fresh food, practicing yoga, making art, cooking, surrounding myself with beauty, and heading into the mountains with family to soak up nature's beauty.
Reading. Stacks of books are everywhere in our house. I got some of these titles from this local blogger. I love her perspective.
I read an interview with Julia Roberts recently (InStyle mag). These words struck a chord in their simplicity and truth: "Be nice, be happy, be grateful." This is the way to live. I'm a fan.
Dreams. A favourite Vancouver boutique—Barefoot Contessa—will start carrying my wholehearted art products this fall! A dream come true. Stay tuned.
A word. The word intentional emerged out of the chaos in my studio one night. It's definitely my word for right now. I am working hard to bring intention to everything that matters to me. It's a daily practice full of imperfection but also possibility.
And so, as I celebrate 36 I sit with the chaos and beauty of life, and know that I'm living it – my feet are dirty, my hair is messy and my eyes are sparkling. I'm grateful for this. Happy birthday self, with love. And welcome Autumn. I love this time of year.
ginger
Friends, the New West Cultural Crawl this weekend was a fabulous success! There was a generous flow of visitors through the studio all weekend long. So much beautiful humanity to absorb. So much enthusiasm and delight. And I'm thrilled with the products and art that went home with the lovely people who bought from me and fellow artists in the 100 Braid St Studios space. These are a few pics I snapped on my phone. Lovely, yeah?
Tiny bonus – was delighted to meet Vancouver jewelry designer Sarah Mulder. Check out her work, it's stunning!
Thanks to everyone involved! Feeling grateful,
xo Ginger
Hello dear friends!
I hope you're enjoying summer and getting some relaxation in.
I have an invitation for you – please come check out the New West Cultural Crawl on Saturday August 9th & Sunday August 10th. It's an art crawl around my beautiful town of New Westminster. And the perfect opportunity for me to share my new studio space with you.
I will have my new space at 100 Braid St Studios open, with original art and artful products for sale, ranging from small to big items!
My studio mates will be selling their art, and you can tour around the gorgeous space. Artists and studios throughout New West are participating in the event, so there is lots of opportunity to hop around and soak up all the creativity and different styles by a range of artists, and pickup gifts and art along the way. The River Market (formerly the New West Quay) will have all kinds of awesome things happening and it will be a great place to have a picnic and wander by the water in between studio visits. The event runs from 11am - 5pm both days. Bring your kids and friends!
Information, participating artists/studios and directions are here, and you can download the guide to print and take on your trek throughout New West. There will be lots of printed copies at all the venues too.
I hope to see you!!! I'm delighted to share this piece of my life and work with you. It will be fun!
With care,
Ginger
Below are samples of products I will be selling:
Greeting cards
art prints
stickers
bags
original paintings
It's been a crazy week. I just finished packaging up more product for The Art We Are in Kamloops BC. Looking forward to a weekend with my mom, and chilling and having good eats at this lovely bistro/gallery/boutique! Here's a peek at the art prints, greeting cards and tiny metal tins going there (I use the tin for carrying pills, and my friend's young daughter uses it as a treasure box for her fairies :)
All the info for buying your prints and cards online:
- Art Prints 8"x10" – $24 + shipping, buy online on Etsy, or buy on Society6 in a range of sizes.
- Matted Art Prints 8"x10" – $30 + shipping, buy online on Etsy
- Greeting Cards 4"x6" – $5.50 each + shipping, buy online on Etsy (recent florals not up yet, will be very soon - please send me a message if you're waiting)
- Greeting Cards 5"x7" – $7.50 each + shipping, buy online on Society6
Other products:
Tote bags - buy online at Society6
13"x13" – $18 + shipping (this is the size I have. Great for books and mags)
16"x16" – $22 + shipping
18" x 18" – $24 + shipping
iPhone and iPod Cases, mugs, throw pillows, rugs, clocks, t-shirts etc – buy online at Society6
All prices are Canadian. Shipping available worldwide.
One day I'll have all my products and shopping more streamlined, but for now I hope this helps those of you who have been asking where to find my products! I am working on getting them in stock in a few local boutiques for all you lovely Vancouverites. And I'm slowly expanding the line so if there's something you'd love to see please let me know.
xo
Well folks, my studio was broken into with quite a loss for many of the artists. It's been a challenge to feel all the raw emotions and manage the financial loss. The worst part? Other artists were responsible for the theft. After a few days of collecting myself I have found my way back to believing with my full heart that we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and carry on. Life comes with ups and downs. I still believe that we can build each other up, support each other, and there is room for everyone.
Yesterday
I took myself on a little inspo-gathering outing to fill my well back
up. Here are a few of the beautiful things I saw. Love my inspiration outings.
Chandelier, silverware and art prints wall at Lofty Living in New West
And a few fun things at a fave boutique, Brick and Mortar Living in New West:
Brick and Mortar Living – Greeting
cards (who are these by? I need to check, definitely someone local),
Jewelry by La Reine Designs, and awesome blank notebooks with vintage book
covers by PaperbackNote. These take me right back to when I was thirteen
years old and obsessed with Sweet Valley High. Let's see, Elizabeth,
Jessica and Todd right? Can't believe that's what I filled my head with,
but hey I was a young teen.
And at the end of the day the fabulous Darling magazine / the art of being a woman (how incredible right?), and this handmade linocut stamped sketchbook by District Dogs Designs made their way home with me. I also picked up fave mags Uppercase and Somerset Studio. Two of my friends are featured in Somerset this month, yay - Laly and Juliette. I'm ready for a reading fest.
These simple inspiration excursions are a fave way to claim time for myself, fill my senses with beauty and bring myself into the creative zone when I get stuck in my head. There is so much creativity pouring out of all these designers, artisans and makers - I love it. I love that I'm part of it, that I'm on this artist journey (with ups and downs).
x
Hi friends, the Papergirl Vancouver event last week was great. As usual the informal atmosphere and installation was inviting and beautiful, not to mention the gorgeous voice of the singer (who was she? I must find out). My wee boy and husband came along and we had a great time dancing around amidst the art and eating treats. I had a handful of pieces in the exhibit, and am excited for them to be delivered out into the world this SaturdayJuly 19. Hit the trails and you might find some art lands in your hands.
Here are a few pieces by others I loved. These first few are by Lorna Moffat Design - lovely, yeah? I'm not sure who these next ones are by (if these are yours please leave a note in the comments, thanks).
Yarn bombing by Olga O'Shea.
Thank you Papergirl! Another great year, and lots of wonderful talent shared.
xo
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