Elderberries and Ladybugs

"Elderberries and Ladybugs" by Kirsten Chursinoff, 2012
5” x 6 ½” (13 x 17cm)
12" x 15" framed (31 x 38cm)

These days my art making is best done while Ansel is visiting his grandparents, or swimming at the Y with Daddy. A few weeks ago I had a good chunk of time to myself and I sewed some berries.
My design and photo files are filled with images of berries. Here are a few snapshots that inspired my recent pieces:


Elderberries, Mole Hill, Vancouver


Elderberries, Mole Hill, Vancouver


Sewing the berries.


Sewing the reflected light.


"Elderberries" by Kirsten Chursinoff, 2012
3” x 4 ¼” (8 x12cm)
9" x 11" framed (23 x 28cm)


Bye for now,
K

P.S. Did you notice that "Elderberries and Ladybugs" also has ladybug eggs and a larva?
P.P.S. Why do some people say ladybug and some say ladybird?

Cherry Blossoms 2012 Reception

The opening reception for the group show "Cherry Blossoms: A Textile Translation" is in a few days. It's wonderful to be part of a group show. I have less time to work on art these days so it will be a while before I have a solo show (although I do have one booked for Feb/Mar 2013 already! Yikes).

I'm pleased that three of my pieces were accepted for the Cherry Blossoms show.

Join us at the opening reception Tuesday April 17, 2012 fro 6-8pm.
There are 19 artists showing 26 original pieces.

The show continues until Sunday April 29.
Gallery hours Tues-Sun 12-5, closed Mondays.

Silk Purse Gallery
1570 Argyle Ave.
West Vancouver, BC
604-925-7292
http://silkpurse.ca/


Detail of "The Orchard" by Kirsten Chursinoff, 2012

Cherry Blossoms 2012

Amanita Muscaria

Amanita Muscaria, by Kirsten Chursinoff 2012 7" x 5" (17.5 x 12 cm)


detail shot

Also known as Fly Agaric.
Dangerous beauties.
Why are there so many of them in fairy tale illustrations? A reminder of the darker versions of these tales, or altered realities? I won't write about the uses of this ubiquitous toadstool. I'll play it safe and enjoy the cheerful colour and sprightly shape.


I embroidered the dots and then cut out the cap shapes from the red cloth. Then the pieces were sewn to the background along with the stems and then grass was added at the end.


A snapshot of some of the mushrooms found in the fairy ring below.


Fairy ring, Vancouver, Canada 2010. Photo by Kirsten Chursinoff


Additional inspiration found in my stamp collection!

Hoopla is here

The book is here and it's nice and thick.


Hoopla is in stores now!


Sneak peek. Yes, that's me in my studio. Buy the book if you want to see more!


Leanne Prain, author, and me (on the right), one of the contributors.


Praise for Hoopla in Elle (Canada) Magazine, October 2011



P is for Prain, in "Who's Who British Columbia"
BC Bookworld, Autumn 2011


My family at the Hoopla book launch, Spool of Thread Vancouver

http://www.unexpectedembroidery.com/hoopla-the-book/

Arsenal Pulp Press
ISBN-13: 9781551524061

Author: Leanne Prain
Photographer: Jeffrey Christenson
Cover artwork: Hippo by Tumim & Prendergast
Foreword by Betsy Greer

Hoopla Book Launch

I'm in this book!

Hoopla: the art of unexpected embroidery
by Leanne Prain

Images of my art, a project, a studio visit, and an interview are all nestled between these covers. To see the other embroiderers and for info on the author see the website:
http://www.unexpectedembroidery.com/hoopla-the-book/

For us Vancouverites, the book launch is Thursday Sept 22 at 7pm at Spool of Thread. Author Leanne Prain is also going on a tour in Canada and the USA with the book:
http://www.unexpectedembroidery.com/book-tour/

See you at the book launch!
Kirsten

Studio mate

My new studio mate likes to go for walks.

This is how I keep my hands busy these days.
Happy summer!
K

Marine Conservation Congress: Art Show

Moon Jellies Trio 4, Kirsten Chursinoff
http://www.chursinoff.com/kirsten/

‘From Starfish to Sticklebacks: Seven BC artists explore the oceans’ wonders’
Art exhibition at the International Marine Conservation Congress
Victoria Conference Centre (Victoria, BC, Canada)
May 14 to 18, 2011

Press release:
MAY 4, 2011, VICTORIA, BC –There’s something magical and mysterious about life under the sea. The deep ocean is a little like outer space—largely inaccessible, inhospitable, and little understood. Unlike the rest of our solar system, though, the sea is teeming with life: whales and sharks; giant squids and strange luminescent jellies; crabs, prawns, and lobsters. It hosts familiar fish like salmon and cod, and strange ones like rough-scaled grenadiers and quill fish. It is home to starfish and sea anemones, barnacles and plankton. The list is endless.

An upcoming art exhibition in Victoria will give the public a chance to explore some of these wonders through the eyes of seven BC artists. The exhibition is part of the Second International Marine Conservation Congress (“Making Marine Science Matter”), to be held at the Victoria Conference Centre from May 14 to 18.

"Those of us who spend most of our time on land don’t often get to experience life underwater," says exhibition curator and artist Robi Smith. "This show is an amazing opportunity for the artists to share their passion for the ocean with scientists and others who are working to protect marine ecosystems, including our own here in BC. We would love to inspire the public to learn more about the fascinating creatures who live in our waters."


Vicky Bowes http://oceanroots.org


Robi Smith www.blue-lantern.ca/studio


Leanne Hodges www.leannehodges.com


Anne Hansen - Oystercatcher Girl http://oystercatchergirl.blogspot.com


Cam MacDonald www.cammacdonald.ca

Ian McAllister (Great Bear Rainforest, BC), photography www.pacificwild.org

‘From Starfish to Sticklebacks’ is a free event open to the public. It will be on view in the Westcoast Room of the Victoria Conference Centre on Saturday, May 14 from 2 pm to 6 pm, and Sunday, May 15 through Wednesday, May 18 from 11 am to 6 pm. The public entrance to the exhibition is off Douglas Street.

***Note to my friends: I will have four pieces in this group exhibition so I encourage you to attend. However, our baby is due May 13 so I probably won't be able to attend in person. Hope you all enjoy the show!
Kirsten

Cherry Blossoms a Textile Translation 2011

April 5 - 17 at the Silk Purse Gallery
1570 Argyle Ave
West Vancouver, BC
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 12-5pm

The opening reception is April 5 from 6 - 8 pm
Everyone is welcome.
I have two pieces in this group show.

Bleeding Hearts in the Garden

Newest addition in the Bleeding Hearts series. I've enjoyed exploring this flower with a variety of background colours over the years.


Inspirational photo of bleeding hearts from a local community garden.