Phil Cottell – A Suggestion for Politicians!
Phil Cottell – A Suggestion for Politicians!
A short time ago Phil was asked to carve, a ‘Talking Stick’ from locally grown Yellow Cedar. This was designed by the excellent & hugely talented Coast Salish artist, Chris Paul, a member of the Tsartlip nation. Once finished the design will show the head of an Owl – expounding wisdom one can hope….
A ‘Talking Stick’ has traditionally been used by First Nations to pass around from member to member allowing only the person who is holding the stick to speak. This enables all those present at a council meeting to be heard; consensus can force the stick to move along to assure that the “long winded” don’t dominate the discussion; and the person holding the stick may allow others to interject.
And so we come to our two main suggestions: Firstly, that a ‘Talking Stick’ be part of all Provincial and Federal Government meetings and limited to a speaking time of 10 minutes. Some hope! Perhaps we could produce a list of societies, organizations, clubs, mainstream media (or specific individuals) that could benefit from the introduction of a ‘Talking Stick’….Some chance!
Secondly, that a revised form of ‘Talking Stick’ be introduced which discourages speakers from proposing the usual inane nonsense, well beloved by politicians of all parties. This could be called the B….. Stick – no; good manners prevents further discussion.
So on to Philip Cottell; Phil was born at Ladysmith, Vancouver Island. After completing a doctorate at Yale (Phil denies being a member of the Skull & Bones fraternity and so was denied the pleasure of meeting the former President of the US, Mr. George H. W. Bush) he returned to his native B.C. to take up a professorship at UBC. With time spent working in forestry and wood products research, retirement beckoned. Phil returned to the Island in 1997 and with great enthusiasm and skill began devoting his time to woodturning.
From the following images you can see shelves of various woods ‘seasoning or drying prior to being turned. Phil particularly enjoys creating beautiful as well as useful objects, utilizing salvaged wood from local trees — maple, arbutus, dogwood, cedar and others.
Many of these pieces are allowed to dry for up to 3 years before being turned.
Phil’s subjects range from organic burl bowls, salad bowls and sculptural vessels to coloured, wall-hung plaques that take their cues from the wood grain and figure.
As with many local artists, Phil strongly believes in conservation of our resources.
You can find lots of Phil’s magnificent work at Side Street Studio in Oak Bay Village or on line at www.sidestreetstudio.com
Art that is Genuinely Beautiful and Practical
Just occasionally an artist’s work is both genuinely beautiful and practical. And this is the case where Wray Parson’s work is concerned.
For over 30 years, Wray has been making magnificent tools for all needle craft artists. He originally began turning wood when making toys for his children and after an early career in corporate banking focused all of his time in developing his micro-wood-turning techniques.
For 7 years Wray worked at Coombes Emporium, Parksville and then as his reputation began to grow he started working from a new studio built in his home.
The tools that Wray crafts are acknowledged to be amongst the world’s finest. They are heritage items designed to be family heirlooms, passed from generation to generation.
Wray’s scissors are made in Italy from Italian steel and are reputed to be the best that you can find.
Using 4 woods ranging from African Zebrano (Zebra-wood) to Pacific Yew to Yellow Cedar Burl to Cocobolo Rosewood, Wray makes a range of instruments.
Needle Holders, Scissors holders (inc. scissors), Thimble holders crafted in various forms, measuring tapes that roll back into Zebra wood holder, needle holders and sewing holders that use rare earth magnets – strong enough to lift a car! Seam rippers turned in Rosewood designed to last more than one lifetime.
In addition, miniature vases in a variety of woods including Maple, Yew, Oak Burl and Laburnum are turned in Wray’s studio.
Wray lives in Qualicum Beach, B. C. Canada.
A World Made By Hand
FUSED GLASS WINDOW DISPLAYS
With these bright clear days Diane Piercy's fused glass window displays will bring a burst of colour to any room in your home. Diane creates a huge range of Glass Hangings from Poppies, Orca’s, Sail Boats, Owls, to even Flying Pigs!
Born and raised in Victoria, BC, glass artist Diane Piercy creates eye-catching and original fused glass art called Sassy Glass. She learned her craft and developed her own unique style on Saltspring Island, where she lived and raised her two children from 1992 to 2003.
Now, back in her Victoria studio, Diane first sketches her designs, then draws and cuts each piece of glass used in her creations. The pieces are then meticulously assembled, and finally fused, or melted in the kiln.
Diane is inspired by both the beauty and whimsy in everyday life, and she hopes her work will brighten your window and add a smile to your day!
You can more of Diane’s beautiful work (including the Flying Pig) at http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/catalog/diane-piercy-m-80174.html
JESSIE PHOENIX – Expanding the Concept of Jewelry
JESSIE PHOENIX JEWELRY
My work expands the concept of jewelry as simple adornment to one that encompasses self-expression and purpose.
All things worn can have meaning. We need meaning to fulfill life and create balance, both within, and between, the individual, the community, and the natural world. Jewelry, when created and worn with intention has the ability to empower and connect us with our deeper selves.
Creating unique jewelry that encourages people’s individuality and connection to truth, nature and beauty is what guides my innovation and fuels my creative fire.
Originally from the islands of BC’s West Coast, I have now returned to my roots in the Comox Valley after some time in the city. I received my diploma in Jewelry Art and Design in 2000 and have since studied at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, as well as with local art teachers.
Jessie Phoenix Jewelry is sold in Side Street Studio, Victoria B.C., as well as at select craft shows. Along with being featured in The Georgia Straight and ELLE Canada Magazine, Jessie has also received numerous design awards including an Accessories Designer decoration at Vancouver Fashion Week.
Beautiful Local Pottery from Victoria
New! Blue Mountain Range. A lovely new Pottey range from Libby Wray of Victoria B.C.featuring a sweep of blue mountains against a soft palette of green and copper colours that will suit most decors.
Simply the Best Slippers Ever!
Simply the Best Slippers Ever!
Our Padraig slippers have been hand made in Vancouver, B.C. for over 30 years.
They are simply the warmest and most comfortable slippers that you can buy. Made with a two-layer sole of sheepskin for comfort and leather for wear these slippers are made to last. Strong enough for adults and teens yet soft enough for the smallest baby.
The upper is made from 100 % pure New Zealand wool which is warm yet breathable – and cool in summer! Padraig slippers conform to the shape of your feet and will stretch a little. Padraig recommend that for adults you size them snugly.
Padraig babies and kids sizes come with ties so that they can be sized with extra room for growing feet.
These slippers are hand dyed in small lots with up to four colour combinations, plus natural and solid colours. And….all of Padraig slippers are machine washable in lukewarm water on a gentle cycle – but must be air dried.
So treat yourself and your family this Fall & Winter – with the finest slippers ever made. All available at Side Street Studio
A World Made By Hand
Canadian Scarves from Rainbow Dreams
Janet Bartlett and Lynn Hilton are experienced fiber artists who reside on Northern Vancouver Island. They currently are painting and dyeing anything silk, mainly scarves, but with future plans to do more Arashi and Shibori which are Japanese folding techniques for making pleated silk scarves and fabric.
Janet and Lynn are both experienced in knitting, spinning, weaving and felting. They have attended numerous workshops, seminars and conferences to expand their knowledge in textiles. They are members of the local spinning and weaving guild (Midnight Shuttles Spinners and Weavers) and are associate members of the Association of Northwest Weavers Guild (ANWG). ANWG membership covers the north western United States and western Canada.
Janet started at an early age with various crafts, guided by her mother, who was an accomplished artist and sculptress. She followed her in her mother\’s footsteps and is now teaching her children and her grandchildren the joy of creativity. When she\’s not doing handicrafts Janet also enjoys reading, looking after her rabbit and her cats and hanging out with her grandchildren.
Lynn came from an ancestry of accomplished artists and is also carrying on the tradition of sharing the extensive knowledge she learned from her mother. She is getting a great deal of satisfaction from teaching her grandchildren and helping them to carry on the tradition and appreciation of the arts. Lynn is also an accomplished artist and an avid gardener when she’s not dyeing silk.
As long time Campbell River residents, Janet and Lynn have drawn inspiration from the beauty of the surrounding area and have tried to incorporate that beauty into their art. They both feel their city is a jewel and are proud to be members of the Campbell River Art Gallery and to be part of this emerging artistic community… http://www.sidestreetstudio.com
