Thursday, September 22, 2011

Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour- We Are Ready!



This weekend is the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour and we are ready!  Mother Nature has done her work and the trees are turning brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow.  It should be a perfect weekend to explore Muskoka and visit the artist studios.  September 24 and 25, 10:00 to 6:00.




Take a virtual tour of Limberlost Woodturning and see Brian's skill as a woodturner.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Three Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour Artists

The Limberlost area, near Huntsville, has three artists who are opening their studios for the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour: Susan Higgins, fused glass artist; Catherine O'Mara, painter; and Brian Markham, woodturner.

You are invited to visit on September 24 and 25, 10:00 am to 6:00.







Susan Higgins will welcome you into her scenic lakeside studio.  Her colourful art glass protrays natural themes using the ancient technique of fused glass. 

Glasses are cut, composed in layers and melted together in a kiln to create inventive effects in original bowls, platters and window panels.

 This beautiful platter is called Autumn Light.


Meet Catherine O'Mara in her Limberlost Studio with its lovely garden cottage. 

Learn about the ancient medium of egg tempera.

Catherine has been working on a birch series using a Renaissance techique called Pastiglia. This creates a textured and raised effect with stunning results.  You have the sense that you can step into the forest.



Visit Limberlost Woodturning on Rebecca Lake where you can see Brian Markham creating unique wooden bowls and platters in his workshop.

Brian has been experimenting with different shapes as he follows the natural contour of the burl to reveal the variations of colour and grain within.

This is a studio where you are welcome to touch and explore the warmth and beauty of each piece.


Yellow Birch Burl Bowl

For the details of all 26 artisits on the studio tour go to:

Saturday, September 17, 2011

See the Artists' at Work in their Studios


The nights have been cold and the days sunny so next week should have a magnificant display of autumn leaves for all who participate in the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour.  Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the artists' studios, and see the artistic process at work through demonstrations and displays.  See how a bowl is made as Brian turns it on the lathe.

 
York Gum Eucalyptus Burl Platter

Join us on September 24 and 25, 10:00 to 6:00 and see the many beautiful bowls and platters that Brian has created in his workshop.

Maple Burl Bowl with Live Edge

Monday, September 12, 2011

Getting Ready for the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour

Tamarind Branch Platter

Twelve days to go before we open the workshop for the "Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour".  Twenty-six diversely talented artists will give you a glimpse into their studios where raw materials are transformed into superb art pieces. Join us on September 24th and 25th for the tour.


Raw edge bowls of Russian Olive, Mulberry, Black Cherry
Brian has a large number of bowls and platters ready for the show so he has had fun making smaller raw edge bowls from unique and highly figured wood. 

He has been experimenting with Russian Olive, Mulberry and Black Cherry.





 
Figured Maple and Onyx Platter

We were finally able to obtain onyx from India after a two year wait for delivery.  These beautiful tiles have layers and bands of colour which range from cream to green to rust. 

Brian made a few new figured maple platters with an onyx centre.  Very popular and versatile, they are purchased as soon as people see them.

Brian has a week of production on the lathe before we begin the transformation from dusty workshop full of wood shavings to an open studio, ready to welcome our guests.  Lots of work ahead!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Continuous Present at The Art Space


HUNTSVILLE ART SOCIETY
CONTINUOUS PRESENT – Inspired by Gertrude Stein

"Continuous Present" is a dimension where each frame of memory is layered onto the present, making every experience unique and extended into space and time.

A burl is the tree's continuous present, the natural destuction of the linear model, chaotic and out of control.


"Continuous Chaos"
Yellow Birch Burl Bowl


Brian has entered this yellow birch burl bowl in The Art Space show from September 2nd to October 2nd.  For more information about the show: