A reminder that the One Of A Kind Spring Show returns to Toronto on Wednesday 30 March and runs to Sunday 3 April.
The Toronto show is the only spring show on the OOAK calendar, so be sure to check it out and support our wonderful Aura Collective artists.
One Of A Kind Spring Show - Toronto
Wednesday, 30 March - Sunday, 3 April
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto ON M6K 3C3 Canada
Tickets: $12 at the door
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Store Plug: "Whatever Lola Wants" in Toronto
Every once in a while, I stumble into an "artist-related" store and admire the place. Yesterday, I met Kimberley Price in a little shop on Bayview Avenue in Toronto called "Whatever Lola Wants (WLW)". Kim was working in the shop at the time, and she gave me some merch for Aura Collective.
From the outside, I found it hard to grasp what the shop sells because the sign says simply "WLW". As it turns out, the store carries mostly Canadian made jewellery, accessories, and quirky bits geared to the female market. There is a nice window display that changes often, but some information on the sign would be helpful to the passer-by. But I digress.
Rhonda, the shop's owner, is a lovely woman who has been hard at it for over 2 years now with WLW. It is never easy opening a stand alone store, and downright impossible to make a go of it selling Canadian art and craft. But Rhonda's determination and keen eye for interesting pieces and new artists is paying dividends.
The store carries artists such as Amber Higgins (beautiful glass heart necklaces), Kim Price (gorgeous fine beaded jewellery), dconstruct (eco-resin jewellery), Matteo Mio (leather handbags at sensational prices), and Alicia Niles (glass jewelley) - to mention a few. My wife picked up a great leather baggage tag, and a provocatively funny birthday card during our short visit. But I will be back soon.
Long story short, you should drop in to WLW (1625 Bayview, 647-350-1833) next time you're in the area . You won't be disappointed. Good on ya, Rhonda!
From the outside, I found it hard to grasp what the shop sells because the sign says simply "WLW". As it turns out, the store carries mostly Canadian made jewellery, accessories, and quirky bits geared to the female market. There is a nice window display that changes often, but some information on the sign would be helpful to the passer-by. But I digress.
Rhonda, the shop's owner, is a lovely woman who has been hard at it for over 2 years now with WLW. It is never easy opening a stand alone store, and downright impossible to make a go of it selling Canadian art and craft. But Rhonda's determination and keen eye for interesting pieces and new artists is paying dividends.
The store carries artists such as Amber Higgins (beautiful glass heart necklaces), Kim Price (gorgeous fine beaded jewellery), dconstruct (eco-resin jewellery), Matteo Mio (leather handbags at sensational prices), and Alicia Niles (glass jewelley) - to mention a few. My wife picked up a great leather baggage tag, and a provocatively funny birthday card during our short visit. But I will be back soon.
Long story short, you should drop in to WLW (1625 Bayview, 647-350-1833) next time you're in the area . You won't be disappointed. Good on ya, Rhonda!
UPDATE: Rhonda has launched a new website for the store for Whatever Lola Wants (WLW) called wlwonbayview.com.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
VIP Art Fair - Disaster Strikes!
A good idea that many of us were keen to see in action has fallen flat in its debut today.
The VIP (Viewing In Private) Art Fair is an exclusive international art fair conducted entirely online during the week of January 22-30, 2011. Today was day one. As the website states:
"An unprecedented event, VIP Art Fair gives contemporary art collectors access to artworks by critically acclaimed artists and the ability to connect one-on-one with internationally renowned dealers—from anywhere in the world and without leaving home."
The event has attracted significant media interest, including publications like BusinessWeek and the Economist. According to the Economist, 138 galleries from 30 countries had signed up to display and sell works to registered users and collectors.
While a very interesting concept to those of us who sell art online, the website had its share of troubles on day one. Technical issues plagued the first day due to excessive website hits, with errors encountered every time a gallery or artwork is selected for view. The technical issues appear to have been resolved at the end of day one. When the event lasts only a week, and there is only one chance to impress your audience, a lost first day is a major annoyance for organizers and the public.
According to the website, the VIP Art Fair heralds a new online approach to marketing artwork:
"VIP Art Fair’s innovative technology presents artworks in relation to other works of art and in relative scale to the human figure. Inquisitive visitors can zoom in to examine details of a painting’s surface, get multiple views of a three-dimensional work, and watch videos of a multimedia piece. Galleries will provide comprehensive details on artworks and artists, including biographies, catalogue essays, artist films and interviews, and in-depth information that will empower collectors"
As someone who has developed an art-based website devoted to the public, execution is everything. Aura Collective does not yet display or sell wall art (paintings, murals, fabrics, etc) because showcasing the pieces online in an effective way is difficult and expensive. We were (and are) very keen to see the technology in action here.
As for the technical issues, you test, test, and test again before going live. It is surprising that excessive website hits would crash a website devoted to a global audience. Perhaps the organizers were pushed on their timelines and rushed the execution, only time will tell. It is easy to sympathize with the organizers (gallery owners apparently), who perhaps miscalculated the complexity of going live in such a public way.
Great idea, poor execution. One has to wonder how much was invested in this venture.
It is disappointing to see the site face troubles on the first day, because it gives ammunition to the cynics who say art cannot (or should not) be sold over the internet. It will be interesting to hear of the success or otherwise of the participating galleries. Fingers crossed the Fair achieves success across all metrics.
Despite the troubles of the VIP Art Fair, the concept is sensational even if the execution is underwhelming. I look forward to seeing this and other events bring art to the global masses via the online channel.
Is there such a thing as bad publicity? Maybe not.
The VIP (Viewing In Private) Art Fair is an exclusive international art fair conducted entirely online during the week of January 22-30, 2011. Today was day one. As the website states:
"An unprecedented event, VIP Art Fair gives contemporary art collectors access to artworks by critically acclaimed artists and the ability to connect one-on-one with internationally renowned dealers—from anywhere in the world and without leaving home."
The event has attracted significant media interest, including publications like BusinessWeek and the Economist. According to the Economist, 138 galleries from 30 countries had signed up to display and sell works to registered users and collectors.
While a very interesting concept to those of us who sell art online, the website had its share of troubles on day one. Technical issues plagued the first day due to excessive website hits, with errors encountered every time a gallery or artwork is selected for view. The technical issues appear to have been resolved at the end of day one. When the event lasts only a week, and there is only one chance to impress your audience, a lost first day is a major annoyance for organizers and the public.
According to the website, the VIP Art Fair heralds a new online approach to marketing artwork:
"VIP Art Fair’s innovative technology presents artworks in relation to other works of art and in relative scale to the human figure. Inquisitive visitors can zoom in to examine details of a painting’s surface, get multiple views of a three-dimensional work, and watch videos of a multimedia piece. Galleries will provide comprehensive details on artworks and artists, including biographies, catalogue essays, artist films and interviews, and in-depth information that will empower collectors"
As someone who has developed an art-based website devoted to the public, execution is everything. Aura Collective does not yet display or sell wall art (paintings, murals, fabrics, etc) because showcasing the pieces online in an effective way is difficult and expensive. We were (and are) very keen to see the technology in action here.
As for the technical issues, you test, test, and test again before going live. It is surprising that excessive website hits would crash a website devoted to a global audience. Perhaps the organizers were pushed on their timelines and rushed the execution, only time will tell. It is easy to sympathize with the organizers (gallery owners apparently), who perhaps miscalculated the complexity of going live in such a public way.
Great idea, poor execution. One has to wonder how much was invested in this venture.
It is disappointing to see the site face troubles on the first day, because it gives ammunition to the cynics who say art cannot (or should not) be sold over the internet. It will be interesting to hear of the success or otherwise of the participating galleries. Fingers crossed the Fair achieves success across all metrics.
Despite the troubles of the VIP Art Fair, the concept is sensational even if the execution is underwhelming. I look forward to seeing this and other events bring art to the global masses via the online channel.
Is there such a thing as bad publicity? Maybe not.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Artist Beth Mueller - True Holiday Spirit
Here's a nice story to get you into the holiday spirit!
Last evening, I received an email with a "funny question" from Beth Mueller - the acclaimed artist from Barre, Vermont. Beth produces beautiful ceramics, clothing, and paper using simple but colourful motifs to express experience and emotion.
As you know, Aura Collective showcases Canadian art so I was intrigued by the approach from an American artist.
Beth had recently shipped an order for holiday cards to the Gardiner Museum here in Toronto. Unfortunately, the order arrived too late for the Gardiner to sell 12 boxes of cards prior to Christmas. Faced with the prospect of shipping the merchandise back to Vermont, Beth contacted Aura Collective to see if we would accept the cards and donate the proceeds to charity.
Of course, we gladly accepted Beth's generous offer. So Aura Collective will donate 100% of the proceeds to Habitat For Humanity by default, or to the customer's charity of choice.
If you would like to purchase a box of Beth's cards (see examples at her website www.bethmueller.com), please email me at Aura Collective and I will contact you immediately to finalize the order. Or call 1-888-318-2872 and go through to Sales.
Unfortunately, we don't have time to place the cards on the website.
Thank you, Beth. And happy holidays to all!
Last evening, I received an email with a "funny question" from Beth Mueller - the acclaimed artist from Barre, Vermont. Beth produces beautiful ceramics, clothing, and paper using simple but colourful motifs to express experience and emotion.
As you know, Aura Collective showcases Canadian art so I was intrigued by the approach from an American artist.
Beth had recently shipped an order for holiday cards to the Gardiner Museum here in Toronto. Unfortunately, the order arrived too late for the Gardiner to sell 12 boxes of cards prior to Christmas. Faced with the prospect of shipping the merchandise back to Vermont, Beth contacted Aura Collective to see if we would accept the cards and donate the proceeds to charity.
Of course, we gladly accepted Beth's generous offer. So Aura Collective will donate 100% of the proceeds to Habitat For Humanity by default, or to the customer's charity of choice.
If you would like to purchase a box of Beth's cards (see examples at her website www.bethmueller.com), please email me at Aura Collective and I will contact you immediately to finalize the order. Or call 1-888-318-2872 and go through to Sales.
Unfortunately, we don't have time to place the cards on the website.
Thank you, Beth. And happy holidays to all!
Alan McIntosh Studio Sale
Alan McIntosh, the wonderful artist who crafts magical utensils, is holding a studio sale on Saturday, 11 December 2010. There you can see how Alan does what he does, and buy some pieces direct from the artist. The salad servers pictured below are a great example of Alan's work.
Alan's studio is located at 20 Stanley Avenue in Toronto. Alan's studio is a little hard to find, so a map is below.
View Larger Map
Alan's studio is located at 20 Stanley Avenue in Toronto. Alan's studio is a little hard to find, so a map is below.
View Larger Map
Thursday, November 25, 2010
One Of A Kind Show Back In Toronto
It's that time of year again. The One of a Kind Christmas Show is back to the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto (details below).
We are delighted to have eight Aura Collective artists presenting at OOAK this year. Good luck to all! Remember, if you can't buy at the show, you can always go to the Aura Collective website.
dconstruct Jewellery - Sean & Lisa Reico (Recycled Resin Jewellery)
Lisa Ridout (Silver Chain Jewellery)
Don Beamish (Cutting Boards)
Kate Church (Sculptural Puppetry)
Judi Patson (Themed Jewellery)
Sylvain Tremblay (Pepper Mills)
Virginia Wilson Toccalino (Filigree Glass)
Gillian Batcher (Precious Metal Jewellery)
One Of A Kind Show Details:
Weekdays and Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-6pm
We are delighted to have eight Aura Collective artists presenting at OOAK this year. Good luck to all! Remember, if you can't buy at the show, you can always go to the Aura Collective website.
dconstruct Jewellery - Sean & Lisa Reico (Recycled Resin Jewellery)
Lisa Ridout (Silver Chain Jewellery)
Don Beamish (Cutting Boards)
Kate Church (Sculptural Puppetry)
Judi Patson (Themed Jewellery)
Sylvain Tremblay (Pepper Mills)
Virginia Wilson Toccalino (Filigree Glass)
Gillian Batcher (Precious Metal Jewellery)
One Of A Kind Show Details:
2010 One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale
Thursday, November 25 to Sunday, December 5, 2010Weekdays and Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-6pm
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto ON M6K 3C3 CanadaWednesday, September 1, 2010
A Visit With Don Beamish at Larchwood Enterprises
The summer weather in Eastern Canada has been sensational this year. So I was fortunate to spend some time with artist Don Beamish in Margaree Valley, Cape Breton in August. One of Don's cutting boards was recently endorsed by Aeroplan with a listing on the Aeroplan merchandise website, and what better way to talk business than a visit to Cape Breton.
It is from this small picturesque community in Nova Scotia that Don produces some of the most beautiful and functional cutting boards in the world.
How does Don and his crew do such good work? Because every step of the process is personal. There are over thirty steps to making a Beamish cutting board or chopping block, and each one is hand made using only quality larch wood.
A side note on wood. While wood is the best material for a cutting board, not every wood is appropriate for cutting boards. In fact, very few woods are suited to the demands of the average kitchen. Because cutting boards are constantly wet and heavily scarred with knives, there is a tendency for the board to deteriorate quickly over time particularly if the wood is soft. Most wood will wear quickly and splinter when used as a cutting board, and this makes it difficult to clean.
Most of us have experienced a piece of wood in our food from an inferior cutting board. While beautiful to admire, bamboo is particularly bad for splintering and shedding wood into your food.
Don is careful to use only larch wood in his boards. Why? First, larch contains natural oils and is a bacteria resistant wood that resists water and rot. Second, larch is very hard wearing unlike other inferior woods but communicates tenderly with your prized knives. And third, the larch end grain is gorgeous and Don's boards are a sight to behold.
What's end grain? Think of taking an axe to a tree stump. Cutting into the tree from above has little effect on the stump. But cutting sideways into the stump causes damage. Most cutting boards use pieces from a plank of wood (think the length of the tree trunk). Don uses the end grain because the boards heal naturally when cutting with the grain rather than against the grain. Also, the end grain highlights the pattern of the tree's growth rings which, in the case of larch, are magnificent.
The end result is a beautiful, hard wearing, bacteria resistant cutting board which takes centre stage in many of the best kitchens in the world.
See for yourself at Aura Collective.
It is from this small picturesque community in Nova Scotia that Don produces some of the most beautiful and functional cutting boards in the world.
How does Don and his crew do such good work? Because every step of the process is personal. There are over thirty steps to making a Beamish cutting board or chopping block, and each one is hand made using only quality larch wood.
A side note on wood. While wood is the best material for a cutting board, not every wood is appropriate for cutting boards. In fact, very few woods are suited to the demands of the average kitchen. Because cutting boards are constantly wet and heavily scarred with knives, there is a tendency for the board to deteriorate quickly over time particularly if the wood is soft. Most wood will wear quickly and splinter when used as a cutting board, and this makes it difficult to clean.
Most of us have experienced a piece of wood in our food from an inferior cutting board. While beautiful to admire, bamboo is particularly bad for splintering and shedding wood into your food.
Don is careful to use only larch wood in his boards. Why? First, larch contains natural oils and is a bacteria resistant wood that resists water and rot. Second, larch is very hard wearing unlike other inferior woods but communicates tenderly with your prized knives. And third, the larch end grain is gorgeous and Don's boards are a sight to behold.
What's end grain? Think of taking an axe to a tree stump. Cutting into the tree from above has little effect on the stump. But cutting sideways into the stump causes damage. Most cutting boards use pieces from a plank of wood (think the length of the tree trunk). Don uses the end grain because the boards heal naturally when cutting with the grain rather than against the grain. Also, the end grain highlights the pattern of the tree's growth rings which, in the case of larch, are magnificent.
The end result is a beautiful, hard wearing, bacteria resistant cutting board which takes centre stage in many of the best kitchens in the world.
See for yourself at Aura Collective.
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