Creative Comfort: Laura Daub Gallery & Art School

Post Script: Laura has moved herself and her studio to Toronto, Canada since the time of this article. However, I'm leaving it posted because Max and I had such a fabulous time and it was such a great learning and bonding experience. If you have the opportunity to take a kid in your life to a similar class, I absolutely recommend you do.

AN ART CLASS FOR TWO

A couple weeks ago, 8 year-old Max and I headed down to Laura Daub's gallery and studio for an art lesson. Max is a great mini-human (the son of my sweetheart, Alan); he's patient, kind, sweet, and personable. He is, unfortunately, nearly six years older than his little sister Blueberry, who is turning 3 next month. Max is incredibly good with Blueberry, and I can say with certainty that, if my little brother had been a toddler when I was Max's age, I'd have stuffed him in the microwave long ago. Everyone's attention tends to get hijacked by her antics. Both Max and I occasionally reach our breaking point with this, and so when Laura offered to give Karter a special art lesson, he and I both jumped on the chance to go. It would be Jordan-Max time without any screaming, crying, or Dora the Explorer.

I met Laura Daub about six months back at the Handmade Harvest craft show. Her mini houses and colourful acorn sculptures drew me in, and I was lucky enough to get a print of a fox done by her, as well. I immediately started following her social media channels, and was thrilled when she announced that she was opening a gallery/studio space down in Britannia Village.

Max was thrilled when we arrived at the studio and looked around, and frankly so was I. The space that Laura has claimed is right down by Britannia Bay; it's a great little building that stood vacant when I was a kid, until another art gallery took it over and ran for over a decade. Laura has restyled the space with warm white walls, simple decor, and some of her fabulous friendly art, making a place that says, "Come create here".

We settled in and Laura explained to Max that we'd be working on superheroes today--faces in particular. Armed with a tiny bit of information I'd given her over email, Laura had prepared a lesson based around Hawkman--a Max favourite. Her way of explaining things was kid-friendly without being patronizing, and Max listened in rapt fascination as she explained the proportions of the human head. We both drew along with her instructions, with Max happily tossing in some comic book trivia as we all conversed. 

The environment was comfortable, the lesson was at a level Max could understand, and before long he had a drawing he was seriously proud of. I was so happy to see him enjoy the time so much, and I know he felt pretty cool being allowed to use high-end art supplies like the drafting markers and inking pens that Laura brought out. When we left and were walking to the car, I asked Max if that was fun and he quite literally yelled a happy 'Yeah!'

Two weeks later, we were sitting together and drawing again, and Max asked about the proportions that Laura had taught him. He remembered everything, and we practiced measuring each other's heads to see if the math really worked. Then he drew the Flash, and I couldn't get over how much his skills had improved from that one short hour with Laura. We immediately hung his Flash drawing beside his Hawkman on the fridge--the place of honour for all great art accomplishments. My fridge is a happy fridge.

ABOUT LAURA

So who is this Laura Daub, and how did she get to be so awesome? I asked Laura some questions about how she got started and what drives her passion. She was kind enough to give some tips on encouraging new artists, too:

In 5 sentences or less, what do you offer at the studio?

I make and sell my own artwork at my studio, with a focus on illustration, intuitive paintings and clay sculptures. I do commission work and also attend shows and sell in shops! I also offer private and small group art classes for parents who are looking for focused art instruction for their child who has a a serious passion in the Arts and are looking to further explore their talents. My goal is to teach children who thrive on exploring creatively through different artistic mediums. I meet with parents and students first, to ensure a good fit with the classes I offer and to ensure each student will get the most out of their learning experience in a creatively-focused, collaborative, non-competive atmosphere.

[Author's note: Laura also offers adult courses; be sure to check them out.]

How long have you been teaching art?

I started teaching adults Media and Design related courses 13 years ago at the college level. I just made the switch to teaching art lessons to children a couple of years ago and loving it.

Why is art important for young people?

Oh boy, I could go on and on about the benefits of nurturing visual art in children for hours! :) I will try to be brief! Nurturing a love of the Arts promotes creative thinking, problem-solving and aids in mastering fine motor skills, but nurturing a love for fine arts and crafts to children also allows them to explore their imaginations and express their creativity in all aspects of life.  I do appreciate that the need to teach art to children is perhaps just one facet of learning in life, but it is such an important tool in positively shaping their lives for the future. I truly believe exposure to Visual Arts is NO LESS IMPORTANT than any other skill that requires creativity, whether learning to play an instrument, writing poems, stories or singing, learning to dance or even learning to play a competitive sport.

Is it important for adults? How so?

Yes! Definitely! For the same reasons as above… it is never too late to explore the Arts to help nurture creativity in other areas of life.

What are a couple good ways to support a young artist? What are a couple things to avoid saying/doing that would dissuade a youngster in art?

I cannot stress enough that a child who is artistically-inclined may well actually have a need to pursue this passion. If you ever read interviews on working artists, I’m sure you will find a common element in the answers to the question, “When did you know you wanted to become an artist?”… almost every artist states that they remember drawing/painting/colouring/creating from a very early age and always reference their passion as something that they have always done and art has always been a huge part of their lives. You might also notice that they also talk about the actual “need” to work creatively and mention that when they don’t, things just aren’t right in their lives! I wholeheartedly agree with this, as this is also my story! As a parent of a child like this and an artist myself, I can suggest to nurture your child as much as possible. I have heard from many parents that they know their child is artistic, but they themselves “can’t even draw a straight line”. I totally understand this and that your child may not have the same interests!

Here are a few helpful tips to help nurture your child in their artistic exploration:

1. Understand that the Arts are important to your child and allow them to explore it! Encourage them, and be conscious of making positive comments on their latest creations. I have to say my student’s pieces of art that I think are amazing are usually the ones that look messy and childlike! One of my hardest tasks as an art instructor of children is to break them of the need to be “perfect” right from the first pencil mark. My goal is always to ensure they keep a free-spiritedness in their drawings!

2. Try out different creative things with your child. There are so many arts and crafts DIY tutorials out there online… many of them not requiring special tools and supplies. Try recycling things into art… maybe your child will collaborate with you on what you can do with that jar of buttons or that newspaper and glue you’ve got. Google DIY Arts and Crafts with your child or check out Pinterest, which is a wonderful resource!

3. Visit Art Galleries with your child… The National Art Gallery has a wonderful program called Artissimo on Sundays. For free, you can also visit many of the smaller galleries in Ottawa too that are selling amazing artist’s work… in the Byward Market, Hintonburg, Westboro and all over the city, There are great art gallery websites as well… the Louvre’s website is pretty amazing. Come and visit my studio too (shameless plug) :)

What does a person get out of making something with their own hands?

I do believe we are not just using our hands, but actually using our head, heart and hands! I learn something new in each piece I do, whether it is a painting, drawing or sculpture… sometimes things seem effortless, but I often make mistakes and get frustrated during the process… but then I feel encouraged by something that's working well and a whole new positive energy arises. In the end, I am always happy and proud of my work and I think there is no better feeling!

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time”. - Thomas Merton

Deciding to leave a 'traditional' career and pursue something in the arts: that takes a lot of courage and vision. What's your advice to others who have a creative streak they want to help flourish?

Yes, I agree that leaving a traditional career to pursue something in the Arts does seem like a huge leap that takes a lot of courage and vision! I guess in my case though, my traditional career choices have always been in Arts and Design related and I am grateful that every job I had in the last 20 years prepared me for the adventure of running my own art business today. I think my best advice would be to never give up on a dream, no matter what it is, surround yourself with truly encouraging, supportive people (family and like-minded friends) and to be perfectly honest… be prepared that it is not easy path to take. I have to say this, as I suppose many people might think a career as an artist/artisan looks like an easy career choice, but it takes a lot of dedication and continuous practice, as I'm sure every business or skill does. If you are a creative person who is truly passionate about your artwork, it is definitely possible… there's no question about that in my mind!

You can connect with Laura on her website and her facebookpage; I heartily encourage you to take any mini-humans in your life down to the studio. Laura's warm and inviting space makes art more accessible and engaging for young and old alike.

Max and I bought a pair of Laura's tiny houses on our way out of the lesson, and I don't know what Max was more excited about: that he had drawn a fabulous piece himself, or that he now owned a tiny piece of art from a real live artist who owned an art studio. Thank you, Laura, for this fun and Dora-free adventure.

Business, Crafted: Stroked Ego for the dapper man!

Girl, Crafted is all about crafting life for yourself, and who better knows about that concept than an independent business owner? I love to talk with and learn about local businesses and artisans, and so I'm pleased to be launching the first Business, Crafted spotlight post; and even better, it's with one of my favourite shops--StrokedEgo.

The video shows my interview with Kevin, as well as a killer tie tying tutorial at minute 7:58 and a shaving product demo at minute 2:24 that'll make you purr, it looks so luxurious. (I'm seriously debating if If want to start using this stuff on my legs, boar hair brush and all.)

Stroked Ego, located on Bank Street in Ottawa's Centretown area, is the shop for discerning

gentlemen. Specializing in personal care products, accessories, and apparel, Stroked Ego is my go-to shop for any important male milestone--and occasionally, a female milestone for my more 'tomboy' lady friends. You'd be hard pressed to send a fella into this shop and not have him come out looking dapper and chic. Gone are the days of a baseball cap and jersey being acceptable casual wear; men are taking better care of themselves and working harder on their appearance. Likewise, a shift in formal wear is happening, with men trying to add a flash of personalization to office attire--a fashion wasteland that has barely changed in generations.

Oh, and the cufflinks...soooo many cool cufflinks.

Kevin Martin, co-owner of Stroked Ego, was kind enough to show us around the shop. They opened their doors in 2010, and quickly gained notoriety, most particularly for their underwear. While I have little to no understanding of men's underthings, I do appreciate it when a man is in something more impressive than a pair of heather grey Fruit of the Looms. Having a few swank pairs of boxer briefs seems like a basic necessity, though; your private parts are precious, afterall, and why not take some pride in them.

We got a little carried away in our interview with Kevin, and had such a swell time that, aside from the spotlight post above, we also made a short video tutorial with just Kevin teaching us thePratt tie knot; as well, there's a minute-long 'tour' of the shop you can see, too.

Thanks to Stroked Ego for having us in! You can check out their website (with online store, to boot) and also follow them on Facebook and Twitter! 

(Follow Girl, Crafted on Facebook and Twitter while you're at it, eh?)

Extra note: Stroked Ego is hosting a simultaneous ladies-only party in tandem with the Capital Geek Girls Ladies' Night (Apr 21 '13)...making them the coolest shop on the block. Learn more on the Ladies Night event page! 

Handmade Harvest: not your grandma's craft show!

A BIANNUAL HANDMADE MECCA

Craft season is gearing back up for the spring. This is one of my favourite times of year, given my devotion to all things handmade. I’ve done some serious tours of the local craft shows, but my favourite every year is the Handmade Harvest show that happens both spring and winter. I got to chat with HH organizers Emily and Colleen this year, and here’s what they shared about the show, coming up May 4th in Almonte, Ontario at the Agricultural Hall:

1. Who are you ladies and what do you do, aside from planning the best craft show in the valley?

We are Emily Arbour and Colleen Hewitt, two entrepreneurial moms who love to craft and plan events. 

I [Emily] am a freelance writer/marketer who works for various clients, as well as writing an advice column in our local arts community newspaper under the pen name Miss Write. 

Colleen owns and operates a little shop of goodies called {smitten} in beautiful downtown Almonte. Home to many of our Handmade Harvest vendors alongside fun & funky finds.

2. What's happening at Handmade Harvest this season? 

Golden Weather Productions

We are really excited about this year's spring show. It's the third time we've shown at the Almonte Ag Hall, and the space really allows us to showcase our vendors well. It's a stunning old building just on the river's edge in the centre of town. We had several new faces apply to the show and we're always thrilled to welcome new talent to our line up. Shoppers can expect to find a really well rounded mix of products. Everything from bath and body, jewellery and accessories, baby and kids products, textiles and art, printmaking, clothing, edibles...you name it. 

  

3. What do you think attracts people to handmade goods? Is the Ottawa area particularly fond of handmade?

We think people want to be connected to the products they're purchasing. Folks love a good story to tell and they want to feel good about the way they spend their money and the products they consume. We're not sure that it's just Ottawa that is particularly fond of handmade (though it is) but more so that there’s been a North America-wide handmade movement. People love items that are unique, and handmade usually means one of a kind!

4. What's your favourite part about running Handmade Harvest? 

Crazy Fox Studio (love them! -Jordan)

I think we can agree that our favourite part about running the show is meeting all the incredibly creative (and enthusiastic) participants. We love hearing that they've had a great sales day, and that we've helped to inspire them to turn their hobbies into bonafide businesses. That's our mission. Several of our vendors have gone on to quit their jobs and create full time. Personally, I also love working closely with Colleen. We used to work side-by-side almost every day and now that we've got our own businesses to tend to, we don't get to powwow as frequently. Granted, we can drive each other completely insane, but we have a very unique friendship in which we seem to always find the balance (and forgiveness) that allows us to make this show so great. I think our vendors and our shoppers can sense our enthusiasm for the show and our support each other's success. We hope anyway.

5. What's in those goody bags and how do people get them?

Well wouldn't you like to know!? Each of our vendors is required to donate 25-50 small items to our swag bags, so they're chock full of stuff. Because we stuff them the evening before the big event, we truly couldn't tell you what's in them, but in the past our bags have seen loads of coupons, earring sets, hair clips, buttons, food samples, mini pieces of pottery...you name it! Swag bags are given to the first 50 shoppers in line the morning of each show. We've had a shopper line up as early as 3 hours in advance of the doors opening, but that's an extreme case. Anyone who arrives an hour before we open (at 10am) should be good.

6. Who's new this year that you're excited to showcase? 

Add caption

That's a tough one. We have so many new vendors this year that we're pretty pumped about a lot of them. If I (Emily) had to pick, I'd say I'm most looking forward to seeing Winged Beast Outfitters. We've had silkscreen artists in the past, but these guys are polished and have a certain "funk factor". I need more t-shirts in my life. Colleen says she's brimming with excitement over the new clutches that Gillian Hyde of Pip Robins will be bringing.  And secretly crossing her fingers that there will be some left to go in her shop.

  

7. How can people learn more about the show(s) and stay in touch?

People can learn more about the show by joining our mailing list (found on our website ), visiting our website, liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.

Thanks so much ladies! I hope all of you come enjoy the show on May 4^th and pick up something to cherish!

The line for swag bags. I do this every year, cursing the whole time.
(But I'm a baby when it comes to weather.)

Capital Geek Girls presents: Ladies Night at the Comic Book Shoppe!

There ain't much I need to say that's not here on the poster or up on the facebook event page. RSVP there now! That's right: Capital Geek Girls is going beyond visual, and will be LIVE at the Shoppe!

So proud to have this happening, and so proud to have the support of a great girl-friendly Shoppe. Events like this help new geeky girls feel welcome, and veteran geeky girls find each other. And new geeky loves. Special displays will be set up, local girl-friendly businesses are sponsoring, and generally it should be a fabulous evening. Ladies, we want to see alllll of you there. Come join us!

Girl, Crafted Gears Up for Ottawa Comiccon! (And Wil Wheaton with a ball of twine.) (Fingers crossed.)

Ladies and gents, I hope you’re excited, because I am. Know why?

Burt Ward.

Adam West.

Gillian Anderson.

Jonathan Frakes.

And soooo much more at this year’s Ottawa Comiccon.

The 2nd annual Ottawa Comiccon is coming the 2^nd weekend of May, and I am stoked. Last year the crowds blew away any and all expectations, with approximately 24,000 people making the trip down to the Ernst & Young Centre in Ottawa’s south end. That was about 5 times as many people as originally expected, showing that Ottawa is indeed a geeky town. Way to show the world, Ottawa!

This year, GIRL, CRAFTED has been invited to blog the launch event for the con, as well as right from the comiccon itself. The con weekend promises to be a happy place for geeks of all types, ranging from Walking Dead fans to vintage Batman fans. There’s even a concert on the Friday night with James Marsters—Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Heck, even Kevin Sorbo (Hercules from the fabulously cheesey 90’s TV show) will be on site, making dreams come true for any of us who may have, ahem, thought he was pretty dapper in his leather pants back in the day.

Of course, there’ll also be tons of vendors in the house, with tons of great fan merch to be had, and this is where I usually spend my time. Costumes are eagerly encouraged and if you haven’t been before, you’ll see just how much the costumed crowd itself is part of the draw for geeks like myself.

I'M COMING FOR YOU, WIL WHEATON

But you know who I’m most excited to see? Wil Wheaton. I never ever thought I’d say that, because while I was raised on Star Trek: the Next Generation—I mean, three episodes a night, kinda thing, on endless repeat—I never liked Wesley Crusher. He was too goody-goody, and things always worked out for him in the end, and it was eternally frustrating to a kid who was watching and thinking, “How the hell did that nerd get on the deck of a starship while I’m stuck here on the couch, grounded again for doing something way less horrible than standing by while all the Dorvanians are exterminated by the Cardassians.” Wesley Crusher seemed to have a horseshoe up his butt, and I didn’t like it.

But I like Wil Wheaton, and I like the important role STNG played in my childhood. I like that Wheaton has made peace with his Crusher celebrite, and has forged a name for himself in the world of geekdom, and maybe most importantly to me: he’s buddies with Jenny Lawson (aka the Bloggess), the funniest-smartest-bestest blogger in the whole wide world. So, if I get to meet Wil Wheaton at the con, it’s kinda like getting to meet Jenny Lawson, and then my head will explode. (Possibly because Wheaton will stand idly by while a Cardassian shoots it, but either way.) I’m hoping we will meet and take a photo to send to the Bloggess and then I can cross two things off my bucket list: meeting Wil Wheaton and having a connection to Lawson.

Anyway, all this to say, you need to head over to the Ottawa Comiccon website and check out the lineup, the events, the music—see it all. Me and my blog posse will be there, getting footage and pics and hopefully—if I’m out-of-this-world lucky—saying hi to Wil Wheaton. Which may not go well, since I basically get tongue-tied around famous people; but when I accidentally call him Wesley eighteen times and drool down my front, it’ll be okay because I’m going as a vintage X-Men character so if he thinks I’m weird and worrisome, he won’t recognize me the next time. Unless he follows me on Twitter. Then I’m screwed.

Meet Mr Darcy, the love of my life that's also a goblin.

I figured, since many of you follow me on twitter and have seen many pictures of my dog, you may like to be introduced to Mr Darcy. 

Mr Darcy is my fat old pug. I adopted him from the Humane Society when he was 4; he's now somewhere around 11. Darcy was surrendered because his previous owners purchased a champion pedigree bulldog and Darcy kept peeing on him; knowing him as I do now, this doesn't surprise me. When we first got Darcy, he appeared to be deaf, but it turned out he had a raging ear infection that had gone unnoticed. He was actually more difficult to live with *after* the infection was cleared up.

Dear Hotel Indigo Ottawa: an open letter

OPEN LETTER TO THE HOTEL INDIGO OTTAWA:

Dear Hotel Indigo,

Recently, I stayed at the Hotel Indigo for my first time while doing a blog post on how to have a solo-vacation. To be honest, I’d never been further into your hotel than the Phi Bistro on the first level for a tweet-up, but I wanted to visit as I always appreciate businesses with good blogger relations; so I really had no idea what to expect when I arrived. Now that I’ve experienced your gorgeous establishment, I would like to request that I not have to leave.

Hear me out.

I think that Hotel Indigo should consider housing me permanently in the hotel as a sort of ‘resident blogger’. Any of the rooms would do nicely—I got to see a variety of them because my initial room had noisy neighbours and your incredible staff were kind enough to move me so that I would be comfortably situated. And before I go on about the rooms, let me just say that your staff were fantastic; my check-in was the smoothest, fastest check-in I think I’ve ever had a hotel, and they helped relocate me with great patience and speed. Being polite, quick, and efficient are key qualities when dealing with a blogger-in-residence, particularly on a writer’s block day.

Your blogger in residence, perched on the front desk undoubtedly
testing the patience and politeness of your fabulous staff.

Executive suite: living room. Heaven.

Anyway, yes: I’ve now seen your standard guest room, your executive level rooms, and one of your suites, and I can say that all these rooms are gorgeous. The décor, colours, and hardwood floors make the rooms feel so much nicer than the average hotel room. Every detail, from the subtle ocean theme that continues throughout the entire hotel, to the porcelain sinks and immaculate bathrooms, work to create the feeling of a posh apartment versus a cramped, wallpapered, itchy typical hotel room. So as your new resident blogger, I think I’d be quite happily situated…particularly in the incredible suite I was given, with a living room larger than my real living room, and a giant flatscreen TV in the bedroom where I could happily lay back and live-tweet any number of reality TV shows.

King sized bed!

I think we could make my presence into a sightseeing attraction. I love that some of your rooms face into the middle of the hotel and look down onto the main lobby called the atrium, with the fantastic glass skylight above allowing natural light to filter down to every level. It reminded me of the guest quarters on a cruise ship that features a promenade. So you see, your staff could welcome new guests to the hotel and point up to my windows, whispering reverently that the great and eccentric writer Jordan Danger lives up there. I would be willing to schedule specific times of day where I would throw open the curtains and wander back and forth muttering to myself, hair askew and bathrobe flapping, like a perfect blend of Walt Whitman and the Phantom of the Opera.

Haunting the guests from my window overlooking the atrium.
You can't see the bits of cheezies stuck to my face.

Naturally, I could also haunt other prime facilities in the Hotel Indigo. It would be a simple matter to find a favourite lounge chair beside the tranquil swimming pool; I could give toasts at weddings and events held in your lovely conference rooms. Guests could request something well-written and articulate, or something wild and nonsensical. I can do both.

With your hotel located so perfectly within walking distance of Bank Street, Elgin Street, Sparks Street, and the Byward Market, there would be no end to the array of activities and restaurants I could frequent, keeping me entertained forever. The Phantom of the Indigo would of course become infamous, with shopkeeps and restaurateurs pointing me out on the street to their clientele. Guests from all over would book with the Hotel Indigo just on the off-chance that they’d be present on one of those rare writer moments where I’m starved for company and drag someone into my suite so I can show them my collection of little plastic unicorns.

Inward-facing rooms look down into the atrium--a very cool effect.

In all seriousness though, Hotel Indigo far exceeded my expectations and renewed my faith in the idea that a hotel stay can truly be a getaway from stress and worry. The beautiful, comfortable rooms; the polite and highly efficient staff; the sea of inviting pillows on my kingsize bed; the immaculate cleanliness of the rooms; the utter lack of hideous watercolour framed prints anywhere on the property; all these things meant that I had a true getaway in an environment that was relaxing, luxurious, and incredibly comfortable.

So if you ever do kinda warm to my idea about bunking down in the Hotel Indigo, you just let me know. I’ll be there with bells on, and unicorn collection in tow.

Thanks again for the fabulous experience,

Love,

Jordan