Artists

"Growing up with artists and art lovers, I was very early on drawn to working with textiles. I began informally, then attended Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. After a B.A. in German and Linguistics, I spent a short but very intense time at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, my introduction to 4-harness looms, after which I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Halifax's Nova Scotia College of Art & Design. Haystack developed my love of weaving and all its possibilities. The NSCAD programme went beyond weaving, studying the construction and habits of multiple textile techniques. Having moved from a warm to a cold climate, much of my weaving has been focused on practicality and warmth. As a result, my first weaving blended practicality and warmth with colour and texture. I am now exploring visual warmth (and coolth) through tapestry and other weaving techniques. An interest in quilting has drawn me to wall hangings and fabric art. Some start from strict designs with a specific idea in mind, while others are impromptu, playing with colours and shapes, seeing where the piece itself decides to go. Much of what I dream is whimsy, based on enjoyment of shape and simplicity of design and structure."

Sam was born in Italy in 1956 and immigrated to Canada with his family when he was 10 years old. He studied at Ottawa Technical High School and took numerous courses related to the trades. He decided to focus on art as he realized he was quite passionate about painting and drawing. He continued his education in art by studying Animation at Algonquin College. After graduating, he worked as a background artist for various children’s cartoon shows (The Magic School Bus, Ace Ventura, Robin Hood, etc.). He continued working in the field until the animation industry dried up in Ottawa. Once that happened, he began painting for his own enjoyment. He is essentially self-taught, but after many years of experimentation, he decided to enroll in two of Robert Bateman’s workshops. One was located in Wyoming and the other in Montana. Bateman offered great critiques of Sam’s submitted pieces. When it comes to preferred subject matter, Sam loves painting natural landscapes and wildlife, oscillating between the use of acrylics and oils. He enjoys challenging himself with various mediums since his passion is to create art in any way possible!

Anne is an artist who started painting twelve years ago studying with artists in Barrie, Ontario, as well as completing many art courses at the Haliburton School of the Arts. Her preferred medium is oils, though recently she has started painting with acrylics. Anne’s style is impressionistic. Favourite subjects include older vehicles, figuritive works, and landscapes. Her passion is Plein Air whether out in nature or in an urban setting. Anne’s artwork has been accepted and exhibited in juried shows across Ontario—including Paint Ontario, Quest Art School + Gallery, Double Door Studios and Gallery and Rational Expressions Gallery. Anne has had a show at the Double Doors Studios and Gallery and displayed her work at local businesses and outdoor shows.
Anne presently resides in Ottawa.