A Woman's Work Opening Reception Was A Great Success...

My solo exhibition "A Woman's Work" opened this past Saturday night and I am so so pleased with how it went. Oodles of people couldn't be there to help me celebrate but oodles of people were there with bells on and I was so so so filled with love and happiness and felt so so so supported by all who came, thank you thank you thank you...and this will be somewhat of an indulgent post but here we go... I do wish someone had told me my top buttons were popping open, ha ha...they were just fine before I spent the night hugging everyone honest:D!....

Here is me with my sweetie-pie niece Karly (on the right!:D) I am so glad she got to see her auntie in action...

My lovely friends Becca and Darren promised to be there and they were...

Here's my mom taking a look at my work...

I was so so happy to have my friend and inspiration and mentor and high school art teacher Dave Carlin there...he's a big reason why I became an artist, he was my original inspiration on this artistic journey of mine and one of my original nurturer's, he brought me a bouquet of flowers too, wow:D.....the night wouldn't have been quite the same without my dear old Dave there...

I was happy that my brother, Steph was able to make it out, he misses alot of my art stuff cause he's just so busy with his own stuff but this was a biggie for me and I was honoured to have my talented big brother there in support.

Here's moi with Dave being silly as always, that's my dad in the back and my brother on the right.

I made my brother lift his pant legs to show off his tattoo work.

The Gallery AOMer's put out a nice spread for me, thank you Pat, Edna, Rosemary and Michelle...and Jonathan and my mom for added in some goodies as well...

I love this shot of our dear friends Kirk and Jessie, their enthusiasm is always contagious.

Here's me and pal Leslie, and I was so grateful that she took time to come out and drive abit of ways too before she had to leave to here her dad play a gig that night...

And I was so so touched that some dear friends like Judith here zoomed all the way down from Toronto just in time to be able to support and celebrate with me, wow:D thanks guys...

Here's me and my mom in front of my members display (which I am so anxious to completely change very soon).

This is mousy little me, ha ha with my beautiful friend Jana, I blogged about Jana before, she's a jeweler and fellow AOMer and also made a long trek in for my show which was touching.

Hugs, Hugs and more hugs, ha ha....here's me with my dear Shelley, she was out for my last solo exhibition years ago and I was so happy to have her with me again...

Jonathan's aunt Lynn completely lifted my heart but showing up and being a lovely support....

Here is my dear friend Michelle and also fellow AOMer, we've spent alot of time together in the past weeks, she helped me alot and I was so happy to have her there to share the night and to be my date for the after party.

I was blown away to have Keith Campbell there, he's a dear, a friend, and I really wish I had a tape recorder to record his incredible comments and insight into my work, wow, ha ha...he made my night special as well.

Here's me with Kirk and Jessie again....they were patient and good enough to stick around the whole evening.

I was happy to have another fellow AOMer there and insanely talented wood carver Michael Mathieu there with his beautiful partner, thanks for coming guys:D...

And I love this shot of me with Terri Campbell and my new lovely kindred spirit Tracey Walsh, ohhhh you two added so much to the evening, thank you thank you thank you..

Here is Tracey and her partner whom I hope to meet again soon, signing my guestbook, I can't wait to see what everyone wrote, yay!....

The kids of course gorged on the sweet treats:D

I love this shot of my mom laughing with Jessie and Shell, my mom never misses one of my art openings, never....

and of course the evening wouldn't have been complete without having my dear adopted grandpa Arlie there as well.

My buddy John Weiss was a sweetheart to come out and he got some emotional, it made me emotional, ha ha, he was so proud of me and thinks of me as one of his babies having been my kick-ass junior high school arts teacher. I was touched by John's words, reaction and presence.

An artist often wonders if they've made certain people proud and with John I have no doubts, thank you for that John.

My pal, the lovely Kelley Allen came of course, I was hoping she would:D

Here's moi with my extended family, Shelley and Dean. Dean is Jonathan's best friend and 'brother from another mother' ha ha and they amazingly but not surprisingly:D stayed right to the very very end and even helped clean up, thanks guys.

That's me! giddy to finally be able to have a cup of sangria towards the end of the night!

The only thing missing is the most important person, the amazing guy who was behind the camera all night long, my Jonathan....the opening photos are not complete without of shot of me with him:C we were just so busy and pooped by the end we just forgot to get a shot of us. But Jonathan knows he is the biggest, most important, most amazing and complete support this little artist could possibly ask for....so thanks baby....thanks everyone, I know I am missing photos of alot of people, but I was fully aware of who was there and I am just so very very touched and feeling very full and blissful in the good company I am surrounded by in this little city of ours. Thanks again everyone.

A Brillant Surprise & Support From The OAC

I am so pleased to receive an exhibition assistance grant from The Ontario Arts Council. The OAC is an agency of the Government of Ontario and has been supporting the Arts in Ontario for many years. The grant will help cover some of my costs towards the framing of all 14 pieces in this exhibition of mine. Thanks OAC, I really appreciate it. Also, on top of working tirelessly and doing an amazing job on my frames, Jonathan completely surprised me the other day with this fantastic promo ad web thingy he put together for my exhibition. I am almost as excited, if not more so about this new visual treat than my whole exhibition, ha ha for I love it when he conjures up this stuff, it seems a perfect marriage between his talents and mine. He's such a wonderful, amazing and insanely supportive partner and I thank him a million times over...Click here to view the ad or click on the image below.

After this evening, we'll stick some of the reception photos in the 'reception' spot on this fantastic little web thingy, so you can check back for those. Afterwards it will find a permanent spot somewhere on my new website...which we've both been working very hard on (though of course mostly on Jonathan's part being the computer/design guru/genius that he is). The new website will be launching VERY SOON, I am SOOO excited:D Tonight is my opening wish me luck. P.S. Don't you think the promo ad is brillant:D????

Mandy Saile A Woman's Work Solo Exhibition is now up

It was a very successful day at the Art On Main gallery with the hanging of my exhibition.

(Just ignore the ugly brown and grey folding wall! I tried draping it with fabric but that seemed to make it stand out even more...it's the only thing I had no choice about unfortunately.)

What do yous think?

So after two months of hard work I am breathing my first sigh of relief now that it's all hung and looking great. I'll sigh another breathe of relief if my opening is full and busy and I'll sigh a third breathe of relief when my work is back home safe and sound (hopefully minus a few due to sales, ha ha!) for it feels very odd to suddenly have a good chunk of my favourite work out of the house and either in my AOM Member space or in this solo show.

P.S. I created a little Press Release here.

New Illustration "Star Lite Star Brite"

...Star Lite, Star Brite, Keep All Rabbits Safe Tonight...

A new illustration for my exhibition. What do you think? I am pleased as punch with it. I really wanted the bunnies in the sky to glow and appear as star light and I think I achieved that.

This one illustrates my starry night sky wishes....

And an archival print of it is available here in my Etsy shop if your interested in a copy.

I am off to do a radio interview...yikes! I was responsible to do tons of interviews via paper, radio, and tv when I worked as a gallery coordinator and assistant to Dennis Geden. And I have gotten quite abit a news coverage with my various art projects/ventures and involvement with our local carousel, but still...ugh, wish me luck!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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?

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.

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?

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.

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....

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.

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.

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.