Inspiring Girl

From the very first moment I met Missy Knott, there was something about her that stood out...her spirit had such a unique light.
Im fortunate to of been able to work with her for various events and for my work to of found a home with her.
She is someone who still continues to inspire me in one way or another.

Life. Moving On

I can come up with a million excuses...well two dozen realistically, as to why it has been so long since actually using this blog.
Some of them are good legitimate reasons, while others are merely excuses. But when you think about it... aren't they all excuses?

This summer was filled with many life changing times. I have to say, I do believe it has been the most influential summer in my life to date, at the time it felt like the end of the world. But I believe every little thing leads to something else.
These events that happen in our life...I'm feeling are either something to test us, to encourage us, to help us, to lead to something more. It is my own opinion so no one can say I am wrong. (You will discover, I am quite the sensitive, insecure soul. Something I would like to improve on-keep the sensitive part though;). So don't be surprised if you find I question what I am saying often. )
Rather you believe in fate, destiny or nothing...you must agree at least a little, that life sometimes has a weird way of incorporating the bad and good for a reason.
And I KNOW that sounds awful, especially when some are dealt such a hard hand in life...perhaps in their next life they will know the beauties this world or the next has to offer? I'm not saying the trials and tribulations one is given are fair or are they deserved. Or the constant pain and suffering some are dealt is planned...I just like to think that in some way it relates to something else...a bigger picture so to speak. But another part of me feels these things are often unjustified. No, almost every bit of pain seems unjustified, especially when I have met some purely kind souls who have known nothing but pain.
The whole leading to something more issue is simply a game I play with myself, for my own benefit it seems.
I'm still in the process of learning and discovering this life, be patient with me to fight my ignorance and to see more. I'm still learning and have a long way to go.

My personal and professional life gave me a few obstacles to overcome this summer, both happening at once.
Ironically, everything seems to of been for the better in the end. I'm still working on having confidence and not being so fearful on opening up, but I'm going to push myself. After all wouldn't it be a terrible thing to miss out on opportunities and have a life full of regrets in the end?
My life for the past four years have been spent with someone else, it was the longest I have ever been close to anyone. This person was more of a friend then anything else to me...like most things in life, its a loooong story. But that story has now ended.
I could have many regrets and kept on wishing to of changed certain things, I can't live like that and don't want to. I remember BOTH the good and bad, for it has brought me to where I am today.
It has made me who I am. These experiences have helped me grow and learn.
It always feels like the end, then you hit rock bottom and realize there is something there. You find another part of yourself. The extra strength...the strong, sassy, rebellious, independently thinking, spiritual, eccentric person who has been in hiding all these years.
I don't blame him for losing myself or for anything that has happened, I don't blame anyone. What happened has happened. Life is too short to point fingers...instead I will continue to pick myself up and keep starting over.
That's the beauty of life, you can always pick yourself up and start over...as many times as you like.
Sometimes your lucky to have someone do such with you, other times you find out more about yourself when you do it on your own.

I never knew who I really was before, I mean, we all have ideas on how we would LIKE TO BE...to actually know who you are is a rare thing.
I'm in shock with the beautiful treasures I have been finding in the past few weeks. I have friends who are so caring, strong, uniquely creative, mindful spirits...it is wonderful to see them. Work is offering more paths then what I know what to do with.
Then with one individual, one I'm very lucky has come into my life. Its ironic for he has seen briefly what has been going on in my life...his kind and encouraging words helped me through some difficult days, ones that weren't as kind as others. One of the things he has mentioned and that I hold dear to my heart is...that what I am looking for, will find me. It has.
I am finally learning how to open up and trust...my god I think that is the hardest thing I have done thus far...well trying to. I'm not going to run from this.

Everything in my gut is telling me not to post this...maybe its my heart, out of fear?
To know someone truly, you have to see the good and the bad...more then just one side. I want to know people and I don't want to pretend to be something else anymore.
This is who I am.

...and I promise all my posts won't be this long and self involved ;)

First week of art summer camps

We just finished our first week of summer camps at the art school of Peterborough.
We had so many amazing and talented students this week.
The summer is off to a great start!

Banana chocolate chip cookies:)

The weather has been extremely hot here, but I shouldn't complain. We are very luck to be able to have ac.
It offers some relief from these humid days that seem to be upon us.

Using the oven would be a crazy thought and something only lizards wouldn't mind doing during this hear wave.
...I seem to be one of the crazy ones.
With honey recovering, I wanted to show an appreciative thank you to the lovely people who helped her get better. We have an amazing vet, backed with a positive group of people.
I decided to make some banana chocolate chip cookies for them.
You can tell I'm my mothers child . She always believes in thanking people with gifts from the heart and is a homebody.

The recipe I used for the cookies is from: baking bites.com

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mashed banana (1 medium)
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chocolate chunks


Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and mashed banana. Stir in flour mixture, then mix in the chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks) until well-distributed in the batter
Shape dough into 1 to 1 1/2 inch balls and place on baking sheet, leaving about 3 inches between cookies to allow for spread.
Bake for 11-14 minutes, until cookies are a light golden brown.
Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 32 cookies.

Source: http://bakingbites.com/2011/09/banana-chocolate-chip-cookies/


Danny and I hope to bring them in later this afternoon in a decorative tin.
Until then I will be working on my art, few new pieces for sticklings and will be dog sitting my moms pups :)
A very good thursday so far!

A little time spent in the pottery studio.

I managed to sneak in a few minutes in the pottery studio today :)
Does time ever fly down there.

Upcoming Events

Lately life has been a little hectic for us.
One week was filled with very negative events and this week has turned out for the better. Honey is now recovering, we have managed to find a nice car to help us get around in and travel.

Now the studio is buzzing with excitement and many projects.
For a list of confirmed upcoming events, take a look below and see what we will be up to. Many more events and happenings are sure to be added.

Art Commissions

Want to give someone close to you the ideal gift?
A personalized work of art is the perfect gift to give someone for any holiday occasion; birthdays, anniversarys, baby showers, wedding showers, valentines day, christmas.

With every commission I will provide a one on one consultation suited to your preference, either by email, phone or in person.

We will discuss what you have in mind for the subject, medium of choice, sizing and intent for the overall piece.
Every creation can be personalized or if inspirition is needed, I have a variety of stock photos and references (I have taken myself) to help come up with an idea.

Each commission will be treated individually and with the greatest care.
For more information or to inquiry more about a commission today, please contact me at: info@briannagosselin.com


Youth Summer Camps 2012 - Art School of Peterborough
The Art School of Peterborough begins its Summer Program on Monday July 09, with week-long art camps for ages 6 - 12, inclusive. Camps continue throughout the summer. In our All In One Camp weeks, art campers will experience the fun of making their own pottery, learning to draw, painting in a variety of media, creating imaginative projects in mixed media, and creative movement!

Our Pottery Camps concentrate on working with clay, both hand building and on the wheel and our Girls Only camps are designed with all things girly in mind with creative projects including making purses, bracelets and princess paintings.

All In One Camps
Dates: July 9 - 13, July 16 - 20, July 23 - 27, August 7 - 10,
August 13 - 17 and August 20 - 24
Time: 8:30am- 3:30pm
Cost: $200 for the week

Pottery Camp or Girls Only Camp:
Dates: July 30 - August 3 and August 27 - 31(Girls Only Camp is Full)
Time: 8:30am- 3:30pm
Cost: $200 for the week
Caution: Be prepared to have fun and get messy!

Spaces are limited so early registration is recommended.
To register online please visit the Art School of Peterborough at the following link. http://www.artschoolptbo.org/reg_summercamps.php



30 Craft Market
Saturday December 8, 2012
12pm - 5pm
Peterborough Public Library (lower level)
Peterborough, Ontario

For a myriad of delightful, locally handcrafted items under $30, drop by the 30 Craft Market at the library! It will be easy to find a gift or even a treat for yourself! Meet the 32 artisans and be prepared to be awed by their craftsmanship and creativity.

Brianna will be displaying her creations and selling original miniature paintings. A work of art is the perfect gift for christmas, you never have to worry if they already have the item. Ideal for those who are hard to shop for as well. - Truly a wonderful, personalized gift.

Just in time for holiday gift shopping, you won’t want to miss this wonderful opportunity! Free admission and less than a 5-minute walk from the local and Greyhound bus terminals.
The market will be on the lower floor of Peterborough Public Library and wheelchair-accessible.



Buckhorn Fine Art Festival
AUGUST 17 – 19, 2012
Buckhorn Community Center
Buckhorn, Ontario.

The Buckhorn Arts Festival will be celebrating its 35th year this summer.
Brianna will be competing in the open class category and will have her piece for display and show.

The event will run:
Friday August 17: Preview Night GALA 7-10pm
Saturday August 18: 10 am-5 pm
Sunday August 19: 10 am – 5 pm

For more information, directions and the artists exhibiting please visit the Buckhorn Fine Art website.



Hands of Man Art Show
Morrow Building, Peterborough Ontario
October 19, 20, 21, 2012
http://www.thehandofman.ca/

Every year The Peterborough and District Guild of Arts and Crafts holds a large exhibit showcasing 85 of the Kawarthas finest artisans.
Brianna will be showing and selling her paintings/drawings, pottery, wire trees, reconstructured furniture pieces, prints and more at the Hands of Man show.

The event will run from October 19th to the 21st.
The times are as follows.
October 19,2012 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
October 20,2012 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
October 21,2012 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.



Exhibition at Sticklings CafeOngoing Exhibition Summer 2012
Brianna's pieces are up for viewing pleasure on the beautiful walls of Sticklings' cafe.
A wide variety of unique paintings are available for sale along with original ceramic pieces.

"Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, lunch or dessert, Stickling’s Bistro offers an incredible range of choices. Everything is made from scratch using all natural ingredients. Enjoy unique vegetarian sandwich creations on organic bread. Fresh organic greens from local farmers. Or a warm, hearty soup. You can eat indoors, or take advantage of our beautiful covered patio in the summer"
Sticklings

Honey May

Honey May, my 4 year old English, cocker spaniel.
She truly is my sweetheart. She has been my companion, my little shadow ever since I found her.

Doing art by my side, cleaning, reading, cuddling. She does it all :)
She has quite the big spot in Danny's heart as well.

A week ago this past sunday, I had found a lump on her tummy. The lump was located right on her memory gland, which we found out is not really a good place to have one.
We brought her to the vets to figure out what this lump may be. Our vet said it was a tumor but was unclear if it was benign or malignant.
With the lump being on the memory gland, it is a very vital area for tumors and a common place for them to be benign. Lucky with Honey being fixed as a puppy, her risk of it being malignant was lowered.
They took Honey into the backroom and did a biopsy to find out what the tumor was. We sent the sample out to the lab and waited eagerly for results.

A day later (yes, it was that quick) we received an answer. The lab was unable to determine if it was benign or malignant.
I have to be honest, I was worried sick. I am a positive thinker and knew Honey could conquer anything, but I didn't know how much of a struggle she had ahead.
Before we had sent the biopsy away, the vet had discussed with us what steps to take depending on what the result may be. We knew she would have to go through surgery to get it removed regardless. The only difference would be how intense the procedure would be and how aggressively they would be in removing the tumor (and the area around it).
We were asked if finances were an issue and we said: no, not what so ever. I suppose things would of been done in a different maner if they were. We never looked into it. We have Visa for a reason ;)

Honey went into surgery the very next day, they were able to get her in a day earlier then planned.
The procedure went fantastic, there were no complications and they were able to remove the tumor completely. We sent the tumor to the labs, this time the whole tumor was sent. We could have a better chance of finding out what this little thing exactly was.
Results came in, this time not so quickly. We had to wait an extra day (which is still not bad, but hard when your anxiously waiting).
The tumor was benign!
Turns out it was caused by trauma to the area and had turned out for the worst. I knew right away what could of caused it.
Honey has a tendency to move the chairs with her head and then proceed to jump onto them to get on the table. Since she was a puppy she has always been very cat like. Jumping onto the back of couches, jumping onto the table and so many more crazy habits.
Now Honey is being intensively trained to not do her jumping tricks anymore.

It has now been a week since Honey has come out of surgery, she has been a tad stubborn with her cone and trying to learn to just relax. She is a very active puppy still and doesn't let anything hold her back.
During her recovery we have had our fair share of being covered in her pee (she was too sedated and weak to get up to pee), cuddling, feeding her by hand and sleepless nights but she is doing great!
Dan has been a great dad during Honey's recovery too, he never complained and ways always offering to walk her so I could attempt a few minutes of sleep.
Our visa now has an additional $1023.00 on it, but well worth it.

Honey is such a strong, positive girl. Even when she was laying down on the bed after surgery she would still wag her tail and try to give me a kiss when I leaned down to pet her.
Danny and I love her a great deal.
She never ceases to amaze me and is always teaching me to be a better person.

Work in progress

Experimenting with oils again. I'm curious to see if this will turn out like I hope it to be.

Gotye - Eyes Wide Open - official film clip

Curry's Art Contest

At the moment Curry's is holding an online art contest.
Participants upload a photo of their artwork and viewers can vote by clicking the like icon below each photo.
The artwork in this contest is amazing and there is such a variety of styles!
Please take a look at all the participants and if you feel like clicking on the like button below my photo, I certainly won't mind and will send some positive vibes your way ;)
(You can do so by clicking on the photo of my piece below, titled Traces. Thank you <3 )

Valentine's Day

Valentine's day is just around the corner...really, it is.

I have put a few new pieces up at Sticklings cafe for the occasion.
They are the perfect gift to give your sweetheart for valentine's day. I know I will be giving one I put aside for mine, but shh...don't tell him ;)

Each piece is created on Canon watercolor 140lb paper. Watercolors and ink create a natural, dreamlike image with the subtle hint of love as the theme.

If you would like to purchase one of these pieces, please visit Stickling's cafe in downtown Peterborough on Charlotte Street.
(They also have many yummy goodies that would be beautiful to give alongside a painting. Their heart jam filled cookies have always been a personal favourite.)

Together
Watercolor and Ink on Canon Watercolor Paper

Touch
Watercolor on Canon Watercolor Paper

Pay It Forward 2012

I have decided to participate in "Pay It Forward 2012". I will make something handmade for the first five people who comment on this status. They must in turn post this status and make something for the first five people who comment on their status in order to qualify. The rules are it has to be handmade by you and they must receive it before 2012 ends.

Ill have something handmade to the five people delivered by the end of february. Otherwise time may get away on me and this will ensure everyone recieves their items :)

Sketchbook Project 2012

I have finally finished my sketchbook for the 2012 tour.
This was my first time participating in something like this and I am quite happy I did.
It was an incredible journey and I learned many new ways to work with my beloved mediums. I also know what to do for next time as well. My new sketchbook for the limited edition is already being constructed.
Below you will find a video showing my sketchbook.
The song is by Danny TC and is called February.





For a better look at each individual page, you may find images posted on my FB account and on my main website.

If anyone else who participated in the sketchbook project has their photos posted, I would LOVE to see them :)

Amazing Art

Matchbox Twenty - Long Day (Video)

Fresh at Sticklings

Alternate World
Sharpie and Ink on Canvas
12x12

Lost City of Atlantis
Mixed Media on Canvas
16x20

Living Hope
Mixed Media on Canvas
8x10

Story Unfolding
Mixed Media on Canvas
8x10

Treasure Golden Moments
Mixed Media and Gold Leaf on Canvas
16x20

Laurel Burch

Laurel Burch is an amazing artist. I love her use of colors and how her work is truly unique. She uses her imagination and doesn't simply reproduce an image.
Laurel's work has feelings and warmth.
This is simply my own opinion, but I really am a fan of her art.
In one of my youth classes, we will be studying Laurel Burch as an artist and will be creating a piece that is inspired by her style.

In the l960s, Laurel Burch was selling her work on the streets of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district. Today this “flower child'' is a nationally famous artist and designer who fluently speaks the universal language of art. Though she has never taken an art class, Laurel’s trademark style is the manifestation of her strong, imaginative spirit.

Growing up as a young girl in southern California, Laurel was the child on the block who brought everyone together through the world of imagination. Frequently hospitalized because of a rare bone disease, osteopetrosis, young Laurel would make things happen while recovering in the hospital-creating stories and making small gifts to cheer up the other patients. At the age of seven she was already spiritually precocious, using her physical obstacles as stepping stones to her inner strengths.
As a young woman, Laurel saw intrinsic beauty in the streets. She collected stones, bones, beads, and coins, joined them together, then polished them and wore her creations. When passersby admired a piece of her jewelry, she responded by giving it to them. People identified with and valued the kind of global spirit her work expressed, and soon she was able to sell the pieces she created.
This self-taught artist has since expanded her design to coffee mugs, clothing, tote bags, prints, fabric, buttons and note cards through The Laurel Burch Design Studio. Laurel considers herself to be more of a folk artist than a designer, creating symbols and myths that communicate universally. She paints images that represent her own values, yet at the same time provide a bridge between cultures, and honor the common ground.
The whole purpose of my art is to express beauty and meaning, and most of all connect people to one another in special ways.
Laurel furthers this commitment through her involvement within the community. She contributes her talents to causes supporting children, the disabled, animal welfare, disease prevention, and global conservation.
The strong, uplifting spirit of Laurel Burch is evident in her art and in her life. “I have had to overcome such an enormous number of obstacles that I have developed a belief system which allows me to feel like I can accomplish almost anything. Of course, I can’t, but sometimes the courage to say ‘I can' is all it takes.”

Source - Taken from Wic Biography

Florence + The Machine - Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)

TR Mack

TR Mack is an amazing artist.
I first came across this artist while doing research for projects to use in my youth mixed media class. Being a lover of nature and trees, TR Mack's pieces spoke to me immediately.

If you wish to create a piece inspired by this amazing artist yourself or with a young one, please follow this link.

"I am a mid-career artist.
Self taught for the most part. I've dabbled in furniture design, cartooning, pastels, pen and ink, color pencils illustration and many mediums, but I always come back to the paint, the canvas and a brush. I guess I know what I need to do... " -Tom

Why...

This is why I could never handle school. I know I am not alone when it comes to feeling this way.
This is why PCVS is so important to me. I am not sure where I would be without that school, no doubt somewhere quite unpleasent.
Pcvs was the outside for me.

Second Annual Art-A-Thon

The second annual art-a-thon is here again at the Art School of Peterborough.

Back again, after the resounding success of last year's Art-a-thon! From noon to midnight, artists from all disciplines will be gathering in the art school to work on their craft for 12 hours straight in our 2nd Annual Art- a-thon. Sponsor and artist, and support the art school. Spectators are welcome throughout the day. Admission is $5 at the door. Doors open noon- midnight. Come and witness the spectacle, as well as learn about each artist's varied approaches.
Saturday, February 25, noon- midnight

ASOP Second Annual Art-a-thon
Saturday, February 25, noon- midnight


If you wish to sponsor Brianna for the annual art-a-thon, please send an email to briannagosselin@hotmail.com or leave a reply here.
For every $25 pledge, each sponsor will receive a miniature painting similar to the one pictured above.
Each miniature will measure 4x6 inches.
All payments can be made in person to Brianna at the Art School or through paypal.
All donations $10 and over will recieve a charitable tax receipt.
(All miniatures will be delivered to sponsors within 2 weeks of donation.)

All donations and money raised from the art-a-thon will go directly into the Art School of Peterborough and help keep the school running.
The Art School is a non-for profit organization and provides bursaries for youth and adults to attend classes.

To learn more about the art-a-thon and how the Art School operates please visit: http://www.artschoolptbo.org .

Art Biographies and Applications

For quite some time I have been postponing tackling my art applications.
There are a few festivals and tours I wish to take part in this new year and the applications are the last thing I wish to do.

Writing artist statements, artistic vision, choice of medium and biographies have never been my strong point...actually writing in general is not my strong point (as you may of already noticed).
I will be tackling these applications all day and hopefully will be able to mail them out tomorrow...well realistically probably by the end of this week.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!

Well... even though it seems I didn't quite make it to staying up all night, I was still awake for the 10 second countdown. My mind and body were quite exhausted, which resulted with me going in and out of conciousness on our couch. The quilts kept me so nice and warm, how was I to resist?

Before I begin working on my art pages for the sketchbook project today, I shall leave you with some interesting facts about new years... (Resolutions to follow tonight.)

Five Festive Facts About New Year’s Day

Ring in 2012 with a few things you probably didn’t know about celebrating a new year.
By Anthony Rando

It never ceases to amaze me how the beginning of a new year can bring such a newfound sense of responsibility, renewed hope in lost endeavors, and pledges to change the way we think, act and feel.

Of course, by mid-January those hopes and pledges usually dissolve into empty promises, leaving only a foggy memory of a really awesome New Year’s Eve party.

That said, here are a few fun facts about celebrating a new year that might stay with you:

1. The first New Year’s Eve ball was made because of a ban on fireworks. In 1904, the owner of the New York Times threw a huge New Year’s Eve party with an enormous fireworks display. This became a tradition -- hence the Times Square party every year -- until 1907, when NYC banned fireworks.

So that everyone would have something pretty to look at when midnight struck, a huge ball was made out of wood and iron and illuminated with 100 light bulbs.

That first ball weighed in at 700 pounds, but that’s nothing -- the current Times Square ball tips the scales at 12,000 pounds, and is made of Waterford Crystal.

2. The most popular New Year’s resolution is to lose weight. The biggest empty promise of the new year is to watch those empty calories. Which makes sense, when you consider that more than 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese.

The other top five resolutions, in no particular order, are: quit smoking, get a better job, go back to school and save money.

3. Pork isn’t the only traditional New Year’s food. Growing up in my house, January 1 meant a dinner of pork and sauerkraut. But if you grew up in the southern United States, it’s a safe bet that black-eyed peas and ham were a part of the feast.

In Spain, people down a dozen grapes just before midnight, while in Sweden and Norway they serve rice pudding with an almond hidden in it. Whoever finds the nut can expect 12 months of good fortune!

4. You know that song that plays every New Year’s Eve, that no one really knows the lyrics to? It’s called “Auld Lang Syne,” and it’s actually a Scottish folk song. It was first published in 1796 when a poet named Robert Burns transcribed it for a book about Scottish music.

The song’s title literally translates to “times gone by,” and if you ever really listen (or read) the lyrics, you’ll see that the song promises to remember friends and times in the past with fondness.

5. Approximately one billion people watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve. Which means that people all over the world are watching as the ball in Times Square makes its 275-foot descent at midnight on January 31.

Up to one million people pack themselves into Times Square to watch the ball drop in person, and to hear Dick Clark count down the seconds to the new year, like he’s done nearly everyyear since 1972.

Have a safe and happy New Year’s!

Five Festive Facts about New Years

I hope everyone had a beautiful new years eve and they arrived to their destination safely.