Jen Kivari

Meet Jen Kivari ..... another Soulful Sister.

Jen is an award winning artist who specializes in mosaics. Now, we've all seen mosaic art, but Jen's art is nothing like a normal mosaic. It's intricate layers of mosaic art, collage and 3D. Her work is inspirational to say the least. There is so much detail and fascination in every piece she creates.

I went to her studio for a visit last week. Her house, farm and studio are in Metchosin, BC. Her homestead is gorgeous, inviting and magical. I parked by her house and walked past the gardens, chickens, ducks and peacocks and up the stairs to her studio.

The studio sits atop the barn in a converted hayloft. It has been a labour of love for the past three years for Jen and her family. It's hard to imagine a hayloft now, as her studio has a pristine, clean white and inviting feel. Jen was working on a smaller piece when I arrived, but by the look of her studio, she likes to work in large pieces.

I asked Jen a few questions about her work and philosophies:

1. What is your favorite time of day to work in your studio?
Morning, after the kids are at school and the dog has had some exercise.

2. What treats do you hide in your studio?
Well....chocolate covered coffee beans (a good pick me up), licorice and dried apricots.

3. What do you feel passionate about?
I'm passionate about art and music, raising a caring compassionate family and finding balance in my life.

4. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would love to go to the Mediterranean for it's food, climate and people. Africa too, for all reasons.

5. What makes you a "Soulful Sister"?
There are many layers; first being comfortable and honoring oneself as a woman, respecting the earth and utilizing it's goodness. Choosing natural products, eating organic/healthy, growing our own food and recycling.
I feel I am a Soulful Sister because I have a Soulful mother who has and still believes beauty comes from within and is so important to "tune in" and listen to your playful spirit and soul which is inside all of us. I weave these messages within my art and is truly a reflection of my soulful journey I am on as a woman, mother and wife.

Jen is part of the Annual "Stinking Fish" Studio tour in Metchosin. This year it's from November 27 - 29. This a great chance to meet Jen and check out her artwork, studio and homestead. You'll find all the details at www.stinkingfishstudiotour.com

You can also check out her personal website, www.kivaristudio.com. There you can see her work and ask about commissions. I commissioned Jen to make a house number sign for me. Having her bright mosaic sign by the front door changed my house completely. There really is nothing quite like original artwork.

Thanks Jen.

Headache Relief

Headaches are not fun. Just ask anyone who suffers from them.

I used to be one of them
....until I discovered the recipe
for 'Headache Relief'.

Now, I do alot of selling at Christmas shows, Art Shows, Summer Festivals etc. What most people say after seeing the Headache Relief is "Oh, that will never work for me." So I reply "Why don't you try it. It takes only two minutes to feel the relief. What do you have to lose (except for your headache)."

So reluctantly they try it. Most often they try it then leave my booth and say they'll come back if it worked. So off they go, sure that they'll never see me again....now wait about five minutes....Oh my gosh they're back. Usually they buy a few bottles because they are so amazed that something so natural can make such a difference with their pain.

I've had one woman say, "I've taken pills for this headache for the past three days, and after I roll this on, my headache is gone. That's amazing."

So now you must be asking yourselves...How does this work so well. The answer...Essential oils. Specfically, Peppermint, Lavender and Rosemary. The Peppermint really does most of the work. It gives that cooling relief to the neck and shoulders. Lavender also helps with Headache Relief, and Rosemary aids in circulation, so helps the blood flow.

The best place to roll on this Headache Relief wonder is the back of the neck and shoulders. Roll it liberally up, down, and all around...then don't massage it in...just wait until the effects are felt....and they will feel good.

Have you ever built a website?

Well, I have. I really wanted a content management website so that I could make any changes I wanted myself.

I didn't think it would take me this long to get all my products photographed, uploaded and descriptions added to my website. But it has.

It's worth it of course...just not what I had intended to spend my time on.

Alas, it's now a pay on line site....and best of all I can change anything I want....anytime I want....and now I'm off to make some changes...because I can.

Check out my new site.

www.soulfulsister.com

Lady Dragon Glassworks

Meet Vanessa, she is the owner and head artist of Lady Dragon Glassworks in Victoria, BC....... And she is definitely a 'Soulful Sister'.

She makes incredible glass jewelery which she sells to retail outlets across Canada. Each pendant you get is an original, one of a kind piece.

I got to visit Vanessa while she was working in her studio. The
photos show the process of making a glass starfish pendent, and then me wearing the necklace in the last shot. It was so neat to
watch a tube of glass get transformed into a beautiful starfish necklace.

I interviewed Vanessa, asking some detailed and meaningful questions.

1. What colour would you love to paint your studio?
I've always painted it orange, but these days I feel that it needs
a lime green and crimson makeover.

2. What instrument do you play, or would you love to play?
I barely play the guitar, but would love to be talented enough
to play the piano.

3. When are you most creative in the day?
First thing in the morning.

4. What store would you love to have carry your glasswork?
I have always wanted to be in the Vancouver Art Gallery but they
are recently carrying my work, so I'll have to think of another
dream store to work towards.

5. What snacks do you hide in your studio?
Chocolate, chips, nuts....oh the list goes on....

6. What makes you feel 'Soulful'?
When I help my friends.

Check out Vanessa's website at Lady Dragon Glassworks. She has some great photos of her wonderful jewelery and the process of creation.

http://web.me.com/ladydragonglassworks/Site/welcome.html

Cherry Blossoms....

Spring has arrived at last to Vancouver Island. This shot was taken at Royal Roads University Gardens.

When I feel a little stuck in my creative process...I head somewhere beautiful to replenish my spirit.

Why not find a place to replenish yours?

Anytime is Time for the Beach...

In discussing Soulful Things in life, it's pretty much impossible for me not to mention the Beach. Seeing as how I live on an Island, the beach is intrinsically part of my life.

I love the Beach, and my friends and family go there often. Here are some Soulful things to do at the beach......actually hard to make a beach visit 'Unsoulful'.

• Bring amazing food. Everyone's hungry at the beach, and nothings better than eating really great, homemade (or good storebought) food. This should also include a thermos of hot coffee/tea/hot chocolate for those cold beach days.
  

• Build a fort...good for the young and the old

• Look for treasures...and who doesn't want treasures?

• Take your shoes off....toes in the sand is a must

• Dig in the sand....who knows what you'll create?

• Play a game....even if it's throwing rocks at a log....games are good for the soul.
  

The beach reminds us of the simple beauties in life.

We are all Soulful at the beach.