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Monday, August 31, 2009

A New Paper Cut

I am behind schedule on posting things but that's okay in the grand scheme of whats really important...I finished this 8th papercut a couple weeks ago during my last Art On Main Gallery shift...and once more I am very pleased with the results.

What do yous think? Should I list all 8 in this series as prints in my Etsy shop?

I had a crazy successful weekend of drawing out new pieces for my upcoming exhibition and I am so so excited about all of them. I am hoping to have 6 new pieces, but even I know that's ambition when working with coloured pencil so we'll see...wish me luck!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Still Thinking of Hazel...

It's not that I feel like I have to in anyway prove that Hazel is heavy on my mind...I don't need to tell everyone that our hearts still ache for her to be back with us...I don't have to go on about how wonderful, how silly, how funny, she was...and it is somewhat difficult to post these pictures, as I know it will be hard for Jonathan to see them when he next pops into my blog for a visit (sorry baby)...but I just loved these pictures we took just a couple days before Haz left us...I prepared them for posting before she left us and it seems like a shame not to share them as I planned and not to share her beauty even though she's gone...so here we go...it was a successful bonding season of the 3 minds...
I had to share these...so thanks for popping in and sharing them with me...I remain authentic with my posting and honest to my heart so if Hazel is what I am thinking about today that Hazel is what I will post about...Miss you Haz XXOO.
P.S. Join me soon again for a new papercut.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Featured On Pecannoot

I am excited and happy to have been featured today on the wonderful abundance/joyful/inspiring blog called "Pecannoot".

I love the fact that this bunny illustration of mine does remind me our beloved Hazel...when she'd sit up real straight and serious like...so it's nice to have this hommage to bunnies pay respect to the dear soul who just left us and of course at the same time I hope its inspiring people and filling them with joy and abundance...

Thanks so much Jess, you've made my day...head over to Pecannoot to read the post . It's so cool that someone all the way over in Atlanta, U.S. has seen my work and liked it enough to share it on her own fabulous blog...it's so wonderful and soul filling for sure, thanks again Jess.

p.s. I just realized how similar the colour schemes are on our two blogs...we share the same good taste I see, ha ha!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Whiles At The Store...

I feel as though I can get back to my blog abit more now...the heartache of loosing Hazzy is still present of course but time does heal and though I'll miss Hazel every single day like all the babies who have left us before her atleast now I can maneuver through a day without feeling hate and anger towards any normality. The suddenness of her leaving is still leaving me somewhat shocked and numb however, but the old adage of 'Time Heals' is indeed very true, I know this and will wait patiently for it and rely on it. So today, I am at my beautiful artist's collective Art On Main, all day long...I took a shift from another fellow artist to force myself out of the house and I do love being here, I feel better already. It's not just being surrounding by beautiful works of art that is cheering but the store itself just has a happy and easy vibe and I need that today, especially since a very annoying headache has been haunting me for 2 or 3 days now with a very sore left shoulder that's just pulling pulling pulling to aggravation...and also of course a deep ache in my tail bone area has set in too. I've been away from my yoga practice for much too long and these little pains reminds me so. So today I write this post from the counter of the store, Patricia Barber is playing...and with Hazel on my mind I choose this old rabbity image of mine to share today... Today whiles at the store, I am working on the final papercut. The series of 8 will be shown in the storefront window in October so those must be prepared and finished up. I am also happily working on sketches for new pieces for my quickly upcoming exhibition...which I've finally decided will be entitled "Woman's Work". As I sit here I am watching a small group of people looking at my coloured pencils and Nubbins in the window and pointing at this and that...oh..and they just came in the store...it's a good feeling to know that my work is bringing people into the store...and I am not just assuming that, I say so because I've been told it was so, ha ha....My heads not getting big or anything no worries! I don't know...as I ramble on I must confess that I somehow feel like Hazel is still with us and then there's strange things like Jinny never being a big eater before suddenly eating voraciously...like Hazel used to do. Or, Jaks suddenly digging and ripping up his boxes with happy abandon which never used to do but Hazel loved doing... maybe parts of her precious soul went into the remaining lovelies still gracing our warren...can that happen? I don't know but that's how I've been feeling. So it is almost lunchtime...I need to get this papercut done soon so that I can have atleast half my shift for sketching so I should get going. Thanks for those very few of you have expressed sorrow on our behalf...Jenn over at Kanna Glass in particular...Jenn your note made me teary and I know you understand my current state...thank you for taking time to reach out. Everyone else thanks for giving me space...because at times like these those who know me well know that I can't help but pull away and become very introverted...my best friend Judit for gently checking up on me every couple of days..and mostly thanks to my honey, your forever my rock and always helping to pull me out of the overwhelming tides. We've had 6 furry hearts leave us now, 5 of whom have died in my arms...it's not getting easier, I guess I shouldn't assume it would but boy oh boy it hits me hard and takes alot to get back to myself...and those that respect and love me most are the ones who accept my greiving process...because the rabbits are not 'like' our babies...they ARE our babies and I love the fact that as I get to know myself, as I get stronger, as I grow...I can see that the people who can't accept this part of me aren't people I need to closely associate with and that epiphany is worth its weight in gold... I leave you with my favourite Patricia Barber song "Snow"..enjoy...I am...Be Well and extra kind to your own tender hearts...

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Our Hazel Has Left Us

It is very difficult to do this post but I must in memory of one of the best little rabbits that ever hopped on this earth...shockingly and completely unexpectedly our sweet and funny little 'Pud', our most wonderful Hazzy...suddenly died this past Monday night. We don't know what happened, she was having a perfect day (it never took much to make this little one happy), she spent 5 or 6 hours in the yard having a ball, she'd run up to me and touch her sweet little nose to my hand, she was sprawling out in the sun, happy as pie than later that night whiles watching a movie Jon and I were admiring how beautiful our sweet puddy pie was and I went in the room to give her hugs and kisses and a treat and she was looking just fine...happy and joyful as our little girl always was and an hour later she went into some kind of seizure or had a stroke and she died in our arms in a matter of minutes. We miss her so much. She added something to this home that none of the others have, she was so bright and special and loved and loved us so so well...

Hazel leaves behind her sister Jinny...and Jaks who was just getting to know her...I am still in shock that she is suddenly gone, I am angry and feel empty but at the same time I still feel her wonderful joyful spirit around me...there is no question that we were beyond lucky to have found her and have her part of our warren. She will be missed every single day.

I will not be posting for awhile. I don't know how long...but today, this week, I just feel like I have nothing to give...I am spending every second I can with Jin, she's never been alone, she always always had Haz by her side...now we're all very lost without her.

...Go to Beanie, Gimmley, Thodan, Hobbs, and Noodle sweet girl...they will keep you good company intil we see you again someday.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

I am going to be here...

I am happy and excited to be participating in the popular Artist's Garden hosted by Ash Creek Pottery and Pat Stamp. It's going to be this events 6th year running and I am told I'll be in my element because I'll be selling my wares in the country side surrounded by a wonderful bevy of fellow artisans and craftspeople and with goats and ducks nearby too...I can't wait...

...my tent is ready...pretty much everything is ready...these sales are much more fun when your not running around like mad! I promised myself that I'll start getting products ready starting after xmas so the I can participate in more of the local summer sales without the stress! I am going to drive out Friday to pick out my spot and set up my tent...and apparently there's a family of wild rabbits out there too...so hmmm I'll try to set up my tent close to them perhaps, ha ha...wish me luck. I won't be posting again till the 18th or 19th.

Last night I was up till the wee hours...till about 3am watching the meteor shower 'Swift Tutle', don't you just love that name, its seems the perfect name for a cosmic event, ha ha. The peak hours for us were from 9pm till about 2am and it was fantastic, I was so excited about each streak racing across the sky, wow...little bits of another world being sucked in my our earths gravity and travelling over 100,000 km an hour...well that is just impressive and weird. I counted to see on average how many we were seeing and between the two of us laid back on the loungers on the back deck in a span of 15 minutes there were 56. I hope everyone with a good view took it in too. Be Well and Happy Blogging all.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Art On Main Window Display

Twelve days ago I was at Art On Main setting up my work in the front window...I was asked if I wanted the space because one side was not booked and knowing that August is tourist time, I jumped at the opportunity... So with two pieces new to AOM and a few pieces from the top of my space in the gallery and I filled up the wall space...

...but I really wanted my decorative dolls, my precise 'Nubbins' to be the main focus, so I laid down big pieces of felt from my studio and I think that all of the great colours in my dolls against the black really makes them pop.

...and voila...my window display which will out for all to view for the whole month of August. I still have a few tweaks to make, I'll fill a couple spaces with a couple newer paintings and I'll make some signage, something like "Come on in and see the fabulous work of Mandy Saile..." ha ha just kidding but something along those lines just not so cheeky:D!
...so if you happen to be local or if you happen to be coming from out of town...please do enjoy our cute little main street, which is only getting better with time...
...and when you walk past Art On Main, have a look at my stuff in the window and than come on in and say...
..."Please may I purchase that pretty little doggie..I mean dollie...in the window..." Ha ha.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Just a lazy day...

On lazy days I love photographing loved things around the house...like this beautiful water jug we found at a antique store a couple months back...for a mere $5 who could resist!...
...now I am off to take toothpaste and toothbrush to it to shine it up and get it looking it's best again. Orange juice seems to taste particularly good from it, ha ha...just like to me coke tastes better in plastic glasses! Cheers to our oddities...Cheers...

Monday, August 10, 2009

Another New PaperCut...

Another New Paper cut...7 of 8...This is one of my favourites of the series. Today I have to share this link a friend sent me...get ready to pee your pants...well maybe it's only pant-peeing material for those of us who have a love/hate relationship with our printers...and a soft spot for silly animal antics...check the youtube video out here...enjoy!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

A Morning of Berry Picking and an afternoon on an Unplanned Road Detour...

I am so behind on assembling my photos so though this was a couple weeks ago I still wanted to share it with yous...A couple Saturdays ago we woke up early and decided it was the perfect day to go strawberry picking...we go every year and I love it...

...the drive out to the berry fields is enjoyable and relaxing, often we see moose or deer along the way...and once out at the fields...well you can see for yourself that it's literally a breathe of relaxing and fresh country air...ahhhhh.....

...I have a 'thing' for hay rolls!...

...and here comes the little red truck to drive us out into the fields as its much to far to walk...
...of course I am ready with the baskets...3 for us and 1 for my parents will be picked...
...time to board the truck and get picking, wahoo!....I admit to loving the truck ride out into the fields and its one reason we come to this picking patch...
...after berry picking we decided the day was young and why not journey farther up the road to see what there is too see...happily for me there were beautiful fields of more hay rolls and I just had to get Jon to stop the car so I could snap a few shots...
...and than gloomy skies turned ominous and very moody...but we decided to keep driving...
....through torrential rains!....
....and flooded roads!....
...and the rain cleared up just as we hit Port Loring...where we stopped at a general store to buy a map because we wanted to find a different way back home instead of the way we had just come.
We made sure to stop and enjoy the views from Port Loring...
...and with highway 64 picked out we proceeded on a 5-6 hours road trip back home! ha ha...We ended up in the French River area so we stopped here and there to explore abit.
...too bad we didn't have our canoe! But we'll be back to the area we're quite sure.
There was a nice little restaurant in one place we stopped...but we refused to enter the shop/store for we glimpsed fur pelts through the window and we refused to give our patronage!
...but I think stopping for this cool totem shot was well worth it indeed...
...we saw many pretty views along the way...lots of beautiful horses like this guy enduring the ceaseless downpour...we drove through many 'blink-and-you'll-miss-it' towns...alot of those!...
...and at the end of the day, we and our freshly picked berries had a unplanned and relaxing road trip...
Don't you just love those unexpected type of adventures...I do:D Thanks for stopping by.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Happiness Is...

The summer is going swimmingly and brillantly and is full of goodness, adventure and relaxation...really just all of the good things in life seemingly strung closely together for pure enjoyment...ahhhh....so today I am going to enjoy... ...Some more new books...picture ones on bears and one on elephants...ohhh so nice:D...

...sweetie-pie Jaks a.k.a. Nibbler whom will most likely be happily dozing under his chair in the sunlight...

...and this gourgeus new tea set...ohhhh so pretty:D....

...may you be able to sit comfortably in your own bliss today whatever that may be?...

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Another New PaperCut

Just popping in quickly today to share with you all another new paper cut in my Heart and Home series... I will be offering these prints in the shop soon, I will list all prints of all 8 in the series at the same time and you'll be able to choose what colour of background you like the print to be on, such as black, green, purple, brown or blue...than the originals will be mounted on painted wood blocks, sealed and hung in my space at Art On Main once they are juried in. Also today I wanted to mention a new blog...my pal Julie B. is on this amazing adventure through Scotland and the Highlands...long story short she befriended the actress Tilda Swinton in London at a sushi bar and a few months later Tilda has sent my friend a plane ticket to visit her and has planned this incredible adventure for Julie along the way...which will also include kayaking with dolphins, deep fried mars bars, and running in a kilt in the highland games! ha ha...so if your interested follow the blog here...I know I will be tuning in whiles being ever so slightly jealous at the same time! kayaking with dolphins..omg! ha ha...I wish her health, fun and safety along her journey.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Some New Books

Some delicious and newly purchased books are making this little artist happy today... Hmmm.....what are the odds that I could get all 4 read by the end of summer!...ha ha.

Monday, August 3, 2009

A New Papercut

We've been having such great weekends and I have so much to share but today I am just going to pop in to show you all a new paper cut I just finished last week. I am really happy with it and I can't wait to see all of the originals hanging on a wall at one time...that's coming soon. I will have 3 more of these paper cuts to share, there are 8 in the original series and whether I build onto the series or branch off into a new subject/theme I don't now yet but I do know that paper cuts is not something I will stop doing anytime soon, though they are hard on the wrist so after these 8 are finished I might take a break for a couple weeks to rest my hand. It feels so good to find a new medium...soooo good. Right now it's late Monday evening, on our civic holiday, its been raining all day and has been super gloomy making our rabbit warren even cozier...we've had movies playing, did some rabbit bonding between Haz, Jaks and Jin, made some strawberry jam...and now my pencil crayons and another movie in the bedroom are calling to me...ahhh cheers to the versatility and mobility of beloved prismacolours. Have a great night everyone.