Station Gallery :: Fenelon Station Gallery

Author Archive for Station Gallery

Why do I love rocks? – Sandy Cogar

on June 26, 2019

I was one of those kids that collected a pocketful of rocks on family outings and adventures. Only thing is, I never grew out of it! On many vacations I have set my eye on a magnificent piece of nature that would be my trip souvenir.

Why do I love rocks? They make me happy. A rock panorama has a calming effect on me and makes me feel content. They create adventure. Scaling a natural rock formation to the top makes you feel proud and free. They are beautiful. Natural rock formations have created some of the most incredibly scenic places in the world.

It definitely seems fitting that I am now creating rock art. Finding the rocks for my art is definitely not an easy task, especially when you are a rock lover. I have a lot of criteria set for rock picking, so much so that none of my family members or friends will help me anymore! It has to be the right shape – large potato with a flat bottom for a woodpecker or large, oval and pudgy for a bunny and the list goes on. In addition, the rock must have some interest in colour and geological formation. For me it’s all about the rock because the rock is what creates and finalizes the personality of each sculpture.

I’ve discovered that there are a lot of other people that also have a strong connection to rocks and have a favorite rock or two at their homestead. In fact I have made many garden art creations with someone’s special rock.

One customer kept a rock from the structure of her best friend’s cottage that had to be torn down. She hung onto it for years knowing that one day she would find something to do with it. She randomly came across me at a show and knew immediately that one of my heron sculptures was going to be her friend’s wedding gift and would showcase that special rock.

One more reason I love rocks? They allow me to create something special that makes people happy and sometimes tell a story.

Sandi will be in the gallery next on July 4th.

In categories Artists, Metal work with no comments

A Potter with no Kiln! – Janet McDougall

By Station Gallery

on June 23, 2019

with no comments

No Kiln!

In November when I first had trouble with my kiln I was not overly worried. Regular maintenance is required for any piece of equipment and to be expected. After replacing the elements, the thermocouples, and the relays, I was starting to get worried. There really isn’t much else to replace!

December came and went….January arrived and it was time to call in an electrician. Maybe it’s not the kiln but a problem with the connection. No such luck. Now at the end of February I am starting to get worried. Fenelon Falls Station Gallery opens in May. How will I ever get my pieces ready by then?

Being without a kiln doesn’t mean I have been idle. In fact, the ‘silver lining’ is that I have been able to just throw and hand-build. Normally, because of my small space, I produce for a couple of weeks then stop making and start the firing process. First the bisque firing and then days of glazing and then glaze firing, before I can get back to making again. Without a kiln there has been no break for firing. I have so many amazing pieces in my studio…well all over the house now…just waiting for firing. Hopefully I will have my kiln fixed soon (still no idea of why it is not working) and will start glazing….

End of March – Hurray! A working Kiln. I have been glazing and firing for days and have now a number of completed pieces. What a relief.

Janet will be in the gallery next on June 23, 2019.

In categories Artists, ceramics, pottery with no comments

Painting for fun – Maud Skoog

By Station Gallery

on June 12, 2019

with no comments

I’ve been enjoying acrylic paintings with a group of ladies at Fenelon Seniors’ hall.

We meet monthly and do floral and landscape paintings with some instructions and advice, but mostly just to have fun with brush strokes on canvas.

It is never too late to take up a new “hobby”… all supplies are provided.

Registrations are through Joanne Young or Rose Marie McColeman at the seniors’ office for future classes.

Maud will be at the gallery next on June 15th, 2019.

In categories Artists, Events, painter with no comments

Repujado – Mexican Art Form – Fernando Diaz de Leon

By Station Gallery

on June 5, 2019

with no comments

Fernando in his studio

I completed my BFA at OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario in Drawing and Painting with a minor in Materials Art and Design. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, I consider myself a dynamic, happy, and experimental artist with a drive for curiosity.

Currently, I am working on expanding my own artistic repertoire by creating pieces in metal embossing inspired by my natural surroundings. This is based on a traditional Mexican art form known as Repujado, a technique of embossing on aluminum, copper, stainless steel, brass and pewter. My work captures the natural beauty of the Canadian landscape with the influence of expressionism.

As a Mexican-Canadian artist, I have adopted some of my cultural traditions and bonded these two cultures into creating pieces of art that are inspired by the natural beauty of Canada.

Fernando will be in the gallery next on June 7th, 2019.

In categories Artists, metal embossing with no comments

Artful Labels – Sandi McNeil

By Station Gallery

on May 29, 2019

with no comments

Labels are a necessary thing. Most items we buy come with some sort of a label, and art is no
exception. Of course the price of the art is important, and that is often the first thing people look
for when they look at the label. But in addition to the price, artists are often asked to include
other information on their labels. Sometimes this can be confusing for the potential buyer. Other
information usually refers to things such as; the artist’s name, an assigned code using artist
initials, an inventory number, a title, dimensions, and materials or medium used to create each
piece. Of course all that information needs to be presented in a neat, easily readable manner.
Ya right. No problem. The most common issue is distinguishing between the price and the
inventory number, even though one starts with a $ symbol while the other starts with a # symbol.
Removable stickers are very helpful and allow for changes to codes and inventory numbers as
art is shown at different venues.

Paper being prepared

The very first time I did a show, all my baskets had open faced labels with individualized
information printed on each label. I was very proud of all the work I had accomplished, including
each label tied to each basket. During that day it rained, only very briefly, but long enough to get
the labels wet. All the ink ran and the print became unreadable. I was so disappointed. I knew I
had to replace all my labels with something that would provide some resistance to rain.
So back to the drawing board….What if I made folded covers for my labels out of fake
parchment paper? The parchment paper would keep the information on the inside dry, and it
could withstand a bit of rain without being ruined. Inside the folded covers, I could attach my
business card, and include another folded paper insert that had all the information that is usually
requested. Finally, each label could attached to the art using recycled telephone wire. So that’s
what I did and it works!

the cutting process

Finished product

When I make the parchment paper, I like to include dried silver dollars and the seeds from the silver dollar plant. I make the paper in the summer when it is warm enough to work on large tables in the garage. I use a lot of white glue in the process, and summer temperatures allow it to dry in a few days. After the glue has dried, the parchment paper needs another warm day to soften it before cutting it into size and then folding it in half. I use a large paper cutter to cut the
parchment paper and paper inserts.

It takes me a lot of time to create the labels for my art, but some people tell me that they like the label so much, and they want to keep the information it contains, so they leave the label attached to their basket. That makes all the work worthwhile for me!

Yes, labels are a lot of work but labels are a necessary thing.

Sandi will be working in the gallery next on June 1st, 2019.

In categories Artists, basketry, labels, packaging with no comments

Enhancing the Color of Wood – Morris Young

By Station Gallery

on May 22, 2019

with no comments

If you have been following my work you would have noted that most of my work has been done using the natural color of wood. I mostly finish my turnings using a blend of Tung oil and shellac. When blended together at the proper proportion and applied with friction the finish is much like a French polish.

Over the years I have used color to enhance my work. More notably when I turn flowers I have added dyes to replicate straw flowers

This year several of my turned pieces have been colored using a water based aniline dye. It comes in a power form and when mixed with water the colors are brilliant. I use primary colors and mix them to obtain the desired color that I am looking for. The aniline dye mixes much like water color however when dried I must use a binder to adhere the dye to my turnings. Without the binder or sealer the color would transfer to your hand when handled. Once the piece has been dyed it would then be finished using the blend of Tung oil and Shellac.

Although my preference is turning natural edge pieces using finishes to enhance the wood grain, adding color does have an appeal for those who are looking for something a little different.

Click on any image to enlarge.

Morris will be working in the gallery next on the 24th to the 26th of May.

In categories wood turning with no comments

Creating a Pond Panel – Mary Firth

By Station Gallery

on May 15, 2019

with no comments

Many of my panels have no background glass. This unusual technique allows me freer design; it is much more work but results in something quite unique. Overlapping glass gives a greater range of colour; it also is necessary to hold the piece together. I make use of copper wire as well for the same reason.

So to begin a new panel, I choose a border colour, cut the needed pieces, and lay them out on my work board where I have secured wood strips to keep the border square and in place.

Next step is to cut out ovals of varying sizes and colours and lay them in the open space, roughly where they will be in the finished piece. Some pieces will overlap each other and the border. All these pieces need to be ground to smooth the rough edges,then taped. Those pieces that overlap the border have to be embedded in the border; so it race the shape of the oval, then cut that shape from the border. The border pieces must be ground smooth and taped, and a solder bead applied to the straight edges. At this point I tack solder all the border pieces. The ovals (already taped) each need a solder bead. They are then cleaned and black patina applied. Each piece is thoroughly cleaned again and laid out on the board in the approximate place in the panel, overlapping some and soldering those pieces which are partially in the border. All the loose ovals have to be discretely soldered together and I have to be really careful not to let the flux get between the pieces of glass. ( it can look pretty grungy – the voice of experience!)

Copper wire ‘reeds’ and glass globs which are already taped, soldered, darkened and cleaned, are added to give strength to the panel. A zinc came is soldered around the piece and small loops applied for hanging. I then flip the panel over and solder all the joins from the back and finish neatly the seams of the border. All the fresh soldering must be cleaned and darkened, being really careful again not to let any flux or patina get between the pieces of glass.

Almost finished! I wash the panel, dry it (and use thin pieces of really absorbent cardboard to remove any water between the ovals). The zinc border is then painted with black Tremclad latex. The dragonfly which was made separately and has gone through the same processes as the ovals is carefully soldered in place and the solder spots cleaned and darkened. The piece is finished except for a bit of polishing.
This technique is far more work and very time consuming, but I love the final result. And so do many others – I have sold many ‘ponds’ over the years. And every one is unique as I create as I work.

Mary is working in the gallery on our opening day, May 18th! Pop in and say hello.

In categories Artists, stained glass with no comments

Linda Harris

By Station Gallery

on August 27, 2018

with no comments

Linda’s passion for pottery began 18 years ago when her son gave her a gift of pottery lessons. Since then, she has retired to Bobcaygeon, built her own studio and her work is displayed in numerous Galleries.

While wintering in Texas, she began to teach pottery and is now teaching classes in Ontario.

Being a self-taught potter, she has attended many conferences and workshops and still takes classes to better her skills. Linda works on the wheel as well as hand building, focusing on form over function.

Linda will be in the gallery next on the 29th, 30th and 31st.

In categories Artists, ceramics with no comments

Janet Tysiak – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

By Station Gallery

on August 15, 2018

with no comments

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle…the best way to procrastinate!

With each project, I pull upwards of 50 pieces of glass looking for the right combination of colours and textures needed to design the perfect glass panel. Editing the choices can sometimes be time consuming as each choice affects the mood and flow of the final design. I’ve been making glass projects for over 25 years, amassing a nice collection of glass. Some pieces are so precious that I pull them from the shelf, enjoy their beautiful details and put them back again. I’ve decided that I should REDUCE my glass stock…including the old, hand-rolled pieces I’ve been hanging onto.

In this blue panel, one piece of grey glass still had a sticker reading, “Made in Western Germany” on it! This is a mouth-blown glass that has a slight waviness and tiny air bubbles within…a stunning piece.

So, after I finished the panel, it’s time to clean off my workbench by placing the remaining glass back in the racks. Instead, I decide to REUSE the glass already scattered on my table and design and build a smaller blue panel with a totally different look.

Even after finishing the smaller panel, I still have small pieces of glass to put away…but I don’t! I choose to make little blue birds with the pieces. I even RECYCLE the off-cuts. All the small bits of leftovers end up in the hands of another artist who uses them in mosaic art pieces.

By now, you’ve probably realized that I would rather be making stained glass pieces, not cleaning up the work bench. Reduce, reuse, recycle…the best way to procrastinate!

Janet will be in the gallery again on the 18th and 19th of August.

In categories Artists, stained glass with no comments

Paint Party & Pinot

By Station Gallery

on August 1, 2018

with no comments

Maud Skoog, Janet Tysiak and Morris Young attended fundraiser for the Coboconk Chamber of Commerce and New Horizons Seniors group last night. It was a Paint Party & Pinot event in which 65 would-be painters were lead by local artist Adrienne Chalaturnyk.

The Fenelon Station Gallery was there in support of the arts.