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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Distracting Bunnies!

I don't have much time but I wanted to pop in and share some recent adorable shots of our apple-pie...Jaks. He's been making it awfully difficult to stay focused on getting the last image for my exhibition completed!...he's so darn cute, I am up every few minutes to give him snacks or to just sit and watch him....or the others! Ella-Luna (a.k.a. Buda) keeps beckoning me into the bedroom for some quick catnaps on the floor with her, ha ha but I agree with her, its a most fitting way to battle the chilly, windy and rainy day outside of the house...and we are just grateful we more often than not get to stay in and be all cozy together when we don't wanna venture outside! But theres something about a house full of warm, happy and sleepy bunnies that makes me feel oh so sleepy too...ha ha...I keep telling myself only a few more days than I can take a few days off just to hang out on the floor with my little furries....

Speaking of bunnies....I just discovered a new blog that I love and a kindred blogger as well I do believe, check out "Heart of a Cowgirl", Bridget has a beautiful family of mini-rex's and she often shares her bunny tales on her blog as well...hop on over her life is full of wonderful creatures and her blog banner alone will wow you I am sure.

Have a wonderful day and Hug a bunny...Bridget and I agree that it's quite often the best medicine:D.... XO Mandy.

P.S. I am wishing a 'good journey' to my pal Julie B. who is on her way back to a full heart and to Scotland and Nairn...have great travels Julie.

Monday, September 28, 2009

New Illustration 'The House & The Dreamer"

I've been working diligently more so than I have in quite awhile and I have to say it feels fantastic to be so focused on my work. I have a forward momentum going now that I really hope I can keep up because I have so many more new ideals I am so excited to finally get to... But yeah, here is a new one...again for my exhibition...It is called "The House & The Dreamer"...I think the concept and story is pretty straight forward with this one. At the bottom I wrote "The House Protects The Dreamer And The Dreamer Fills The House". It was sparked by my ideals and possible theme for a co-exhibition I have coming up in 2010.

And of course....a print is available here in my beautiful Etsy shop:D....do pop on in and have a browse if you've never been before.

I am off to colour some more and to snuggle a bunny...after all it is very gloomy yet cozy fall day and whats better to do than hang with bunnies on these kind of days:D

I am in the last stretch of exhibition preparations and going in Thursday to hang my show so I don't know that I will post alot this week, but I'll try if I have time for I do have 3 more new illustrations created just for the exhibition to share with you pluse I'll take oodles of photos once it's all hung...oh I can't wait. The frames Jonathan made for me are all done and just wonderful and seeing my work matted and framed just gives me a boost and a little reminder that 'heh I am pretty good' ha ha.... and I just can't wait to see so many of my coloured pencils collected together all in the same place...ohhhhhh so excited:D

p.s. If your interested in signing a petition to try to stop Iceland from killing whales there is a new form here or in my 'take action for animals' section on the right hand side of this blog. Thanks!

Friday, September 25, 2009

I Met My Hero Jane Goodall

I am so blessed to have just met my long time hero Jane Goodall. She was everything I expected her to be but even more beautiful with such a strong but very very soft energy about her. This incredible human being played one of the biggest roles thus far in how humans see animals and their relationships to them. She fights for them like no other and she continues this work 50 years later still at the lovely age of 75. She spends 300 of 365 days travelling the world to spread her knowledge and message of hope...she is just so awe inspiring to me...just incredible.

This woman, this bright and elegant human spirit was so wonderful to listen to. I needed to hear her powerful message of hope. I suspected before going to this lecture that I myself had lost some of my own hope in the past year or so, due to many different things but really down to just feeling separated from most people, feeling that my hearts passion and need for human compassion was travelling alone in this life's journey with not much company at all. I mean to say I am sympathetic and sensitive to animal welfare is an understatement...so sitting there listening to her talk and tell story after story about all these amazing people who care and who make changes, etc...well lets just say my already present migraine got even worse for trying to fight back a big well of emotion and the sudden realization that I am far far from alone in my passions about animals or with my hopes for their future on this disintegrating planet. Dr. Goodall was just beautifully eloquent and a ray of bright light that I very much needed. I am pretty sure that I wasn't the only one out of the 900 other people there to feel this surge of emotion and renewal of hope.

Her points ring so very very true, of which there were many and of which I couldn't possibly get into here for than this post would be insanely long! But I can't help but bring up one thing she said which really has to make you stop and think if you haven't done so already...If humans are the most intelligent species on this planet than why are we destroying our one and only home and planet....#1 with over-population and #2 with meat eating. I don't know how many people realize that the global climate change we are all undoubtedly experiencing is not coming from fuel pollution, well that's a problem of course but the main cause is peoples need to eat meat....the methane produced by meat cattle alone is destroying our ozone more than all the cars put together...and its the vast forest areas that we're clear cutting to a)raise more meat and b)farms for food to feed those animals so we can than slaughter them and eat them...it just makes no sense, it's completely preposterous to me that people aren't realizing this and simple saying 'well lets not eat meat' or at least eat less..even less would begin to make a difference! Although being a vegetarian myself I am of course an advocate for not having it at all. Anyhow I don't mean to turn this post into a lecture, who will listen to me anyhow! but I loved hearing such a renowned and intelligent voice backing up my beliefs.

I walked away with my inner strength revived, with my hope for the worlds future boosted, and with my passion for animals and their welfare bolstered. I always walked around thinking 'well I am only one person, what can I do...how can I affect any real changes...' and this attitude took a somewhat negative root in my heart...now I realize I can indeed make a difference, even if a very small one.

And for a 75 year old she's so strong and energetic, she said she believes a big part of this was being a vegetarian....shes just so very very beautiful to me.... I will treasure this special evening for always...and of course this is now one of my most treasured photos...me, little itty bitty Mandy Saile of Bijou's Whimsy! with Dr. Jane Goodall..WOW!

I wanted to ask her one question, which was "Where do you find the strength and courage to do what you do and face what you face" how does she not give up, how does she not get angry.... she must be the most compassionate person I've eve met....but there was no time and I think when I sit quietly and think about everything she said I'll be able to formulate an answer and it's got to have something to do with just doing what you need to do because this world of ours and its amazing animals need help and she does what she needs to do and gets through any horrors because she has to continue being one of these brilliant spirits who does care, takes action and helps.

I really also wanted to ask her if she truly thinks art can make a difference with animal conservation and welfare...I still am not 100% sure it can or does, I just don't know but I guess I'll just keep trying and worker harder than ever to bring my own message to people in the best way I know how which is through my imagery...we'll see I guess won't we! I have more hope about it all than before though that's for sure.

To repeat what I said to her upon meeting "Dr. Goodall, Thank You....Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for being so inspiring...." at which point she looked deep into my eyes and smiled and I smiled back....a lovely connection...a lovely person....a lovely evening....I am in awe and once more....finally once more reconnected or on my way back to it.

For more info on Jane Goodall visit The Jane Goodall Institute.

And thank you for popping in and reading...be well and most of all Keep Hope.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Someones Trash is My New Treasure

Awhile back I was in a thrift store and I came upon this lovely picture made from thread, it really caught my eye and at only $2.99 it was also easy on my wallet! It really made me feel nostalgic and remember the past when I used to embroider and do crafty things like this. Someone put alot of time into this piece and did a nice job and I loved the colours...so I brought it home, painted the light brown frame a bright red and voila...a new piece of art that I really do unexpectedly love, ha ha. Now every time I go into a thrift or antique store my eyes are peeled for threaded floral pictures, not like I need to collect anything else!! But it just once again goes to show that someone else's trash is some one else's treasure, hooray!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Exhibition Poster

The other night Jonathan and I conjured up a simple poster to help advertise my upcoming exhibition... What do yous think? Would it make you want to attend the opening or pop in to view the show?

Monday, September 21, 2009

New Illustration 'Motions Of The Past"

I am so happy with this latest illustration I just completed for my upcoming exhibition. It is done in coloured pencil, is about 14x 19 inches and is called "Motions of the Past". A couple months ago I had some past life regression done and some energy healing and I won't get into it here because well it was just intensely intensely fabulous and wonderful and something I could never properly convey to others and for some reason despite it being an amazing experience, it's one that I want to keep to myself but anyhow, this illustration stems from the past life regression and I know what it means to me but I want the viewer to bring their own ideals to this one. And of course, a beautiful print of it is available here in my online shop for anyone interested. That's all for today, thanks and be well everyone.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Some Old Furniture Refinished

So a few weeks ago when I was so so sad and lost without Hazel and when I wanted to just sleep all day and all night, I gave myself a couple projects to complete when I wasn't keeping Jin company...I thought I'd share those with you today... We've had this old desk for years, Jonathan's grandpa made it but it was pretty rickety and ugly, so Jon peeled all the bubbled veneer off, sanded it down, made the shelves solid, and put new legs on than handed it to me...

...which I than painted a bright happy green and water blue. I love it now.

Than I took this old chair which I've had around for ages, took the old fabric off, painted it in the same green and blue and had just enough fabulous rabbit print material to recover it, so it became...

...This:D....which I am also so happy with...
...AND THAN...I took another old desk that I've been used for over 15 years and decided to give it a matching facelift as well, it needed no work just paint so it was quick and easy but it looks so much better and refreshed in these new colours.
...Jinny and Jaks seem to approve of the colours...I am happy...What do yous think?

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

New Illustration "I am A Beautiful Home"

Finally there was a chance to do some scanning and finally I can share with you one of my newest creations, one of my favourite illustrations "I am a beautiful home".

I created this with coloured pencil on Stonehenge paper, it's approx 14 x 20inches and I am so happy with how it turned out. It was inspired by my beautiful friend who is currently 5 months pregnant and she is indeed a most beautiful and loving home. The dove symbolizes peace and serenity from all the worry that comes with being pregnant. The black birds are symbols of good luck and positivity in the future.

You can buy a lovely print of this illustration o' mine right here in my Etsy Shop.

For anyone local, you can come see it and possibly buy the original at my upcoming solo exhibition at Art On Main, October 3rd-November 1st with a fantastic opening being held on Oct 3rd 7-9pm.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Still Around Just Busy...

I've been working almost around the clock on new exhibition work and the crunch for time is more present than ever these days. Luckily my wrist and hand have been feeling better despite the long hours of drawing and colouring, thank goodness because that sharp wrist pain was really freaking me out! I haven't even had time really to scan new work in to show you all but it's coming...I promise! In the meantime here's a pic I snapped last week of a furry cutie-pie who was almost trampled but 8 little running rabbit feet! I snapped his portrait than set him in our pea plant...I love finding these little guys cause they are never the same...an awesome little delight in my books.

It's not been a good month for headaches or migraines, I admit to being abit stressed about my solo exhibition. It doesn't help that this week is busy with meetings and shifts at my art collective and I really could do without them inferring in work time but there are also not things I can cancel! But Jonathan is right....I do work the best under pressure and deadlines, I suppose that's my illustrator training rearing it's head!

In two weeks we're taking an evening off to see Jane Goodall, which I still can't believe:D and my honey bought us tickets to see Cirque du Soleil's 'Ovo' which I also can't wait for, I've always wanted to see one of their shows and I am already giddy for it...and I have the Twilight boxset waiting for me, so after my exhibition opens on October 3rd, I am in for some treats for sure:D

But in the meantime, wish me luck on the 3 remaining illustrations I want to get done...wish me luck on the framing, etc...and if I am abit absent from this beloved blog o' mine, well you know what I am busy with! Be Well all, be well....

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Freindship and Fullness

I just had a wonderful wonderful long weekend with my best friend and I was in heaven having her and her partner here in our home for 4 day and 3 nights...we live 4 hours apart so we don't get to see one another as often as we'd like so the time we do get we soak it up fully and blissfully.

The weekend was also amazing with Judit and Ed meeting alot of my friends and local artists, including my oldest and dear friend visiting from Ottawa with her husband and two beautiful kids AND over the same weekend our sweet Jaks completely and suddenly bonded with our sweet Jin and well life right now just feels so very very full and warm and comfy with love and support and friends and family.

I have a beautiful new piece for my exhibition to share with you all hopefully on Thursday, I still have to scan it in but it's suitable to share after this post because it was inspired by my best friend.

I hope life today and this week finds you all with full and happy hearts as well...be well and see you again soon. XO Bijou.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Last Days Of Summer

It's been colder and colder here as the days of summer end. Its much colder than August and September usually are but there's little point in complaining because there's nothing to be done about it. The only thing we can do is get outside as much as possible to let the buns enjoy the last days of summer...though it's honestly been very hard to see Jinny with her complete lack of interest of be outside since Hazel is gone, she hasn't pop-corned or played since than either and she just adored being outside and zipping around the yard, our poor darling...but Ella and Roo are enjoying themselves and here's some lovely recent shots my handsome Jonathan took to help you all share in the magic of a content rabbit enjoying their outdoors...
I am so excited today because we have some very special guests arriving later this afternoon...and with that being said, I should run and get a few hours of work in since I know the next 3 days will be too busy for any colouring...it makes me nervous to loose these days for exhibition work but I am determined to put it out of my mind and not worry about that as soon as they pull into the driveway. Have a wonderful long weekend all...and don't forget to be kind to a bunny or to any furry honey...XO Mandy.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

New Sketched Bunnies I Love & A Tattoo Plan

So it's no secret to anyone whose been following my blog/work for even a short amount of time that I love love love to draw rabbits...they are one of my favourite things and I plan to be drawing even more of them in the future since I have plans in the works for another solo exhibition but this time it would be all on rabbits...I can't wait! Anyhow, a few of my new pieces for this Octobers solo exhibition does include rabbits (of course) and I just had to share these 2 little guys I sketched out for one of these pieces...I just love them...

I've always wanted to get a tattoo and recently I had an epiphany of what and when I would finally get said tattoo...I want it to start on the left side of my breast area, it will be a zipper opening up and out of that will be a stream of rabbits...well 8 rabbits and 2 skinny pigs...portraits of all our babies...but if they were done in this style, with stars etc drawn in as well, well I think that would just be incredible. I told myself I will get this tattoo when all of our babies have left us, which needless to say won't be for some time yet...but when that has happened, when our house is painfully empty, we told ourselves that we'd travel again. So whiles we're galavanting around the world in years to come, I'll have them with me there in ink as well as in heart...and than when we're ready to settle in at home again and perhaps get another beautiful group...those guys can be added later. That's the current plan and I feel very comfortable and excited with the ideal so that tells me its most likely a plan that will indeed come true.