Sunday, July 6, 2025

SUNDAY STUDIO DAYS - ZACHARY STEINMAN

 Hello folks! It's Sunday, so you know what that means...

Time for another SUNDAY STUDIO DAYS blog post! 

This week we are featuring LEGO sculpture artist Zachary Steinman! 

Zachary posed with some of his Lego creations

Zachary is a Halifax local who has made a big name for himself in the LEGO world over the last couple of years... the LEGO company has even invited him to their HQ in Denmark! So Cool! 

We asked Zachary... 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

    "I take inspiration from all over the place, patterns in architecture, patterns in nature etc."

Check out this video of one of Zachary's iconic cube designs below!
From Zachary's Youtube

Do you prefer to work alone or with others?

  "99% of the time I work in solitude but on the odd occasion I’ve done a collaboration."


A shot from Zachary's studio. Here you can see LEGO storage and a photography station!

What do you like to listen to while you're creating?

    "I listen to a variety of music while I work mostly electronic but, often mixed with, alternative, blues, hip hop or if I’m really in the zone the music doesn’t really matter."

A shot of Zachary holding some of his cool cubes! Look like there is a little LEGO friend saying Hi in the background... can you spot them?

Do you have any special gear or clothes you wear while creating?

"[I am] almost always wear pyjama pants and T-shirt when I’m building."

Look at all that LEGO storage, so organized!

What projects are you currently working on?

"[I am] currently working on a dystopian cityscape which will be featured at a couple big LEGO shows and hopefully in Nocturne coming up this fall, progress of the city and other works can be found on my instagram."

Looks like some of that cityscape is lurking in the background...

What is one of your proudest milestones in your art career?

"Most memorable experience to do with my work so far was being featured in the Masterpiece Gallery in Denmark for a year.  LEGO recognizing my work as art and featuring it in the birthplace of my medium was something I hadn’t even dreamed of."

Zachary discussing his work at the Masterpiece Gallery at LEGO HQ in Buillard Denmark.

Thanks for sitting down and reading this week's Sunday Studio Days blog!

Chair build from Zachary's Youtube

Want to purchase one of Zachary's awesome LEGO builds? Contact us at the gallery to see what's available!

We'll be back again next week with more ART and studio visits from our artists

See you then!

Sunday, June 29, 2025

SUNDAY STUDIO DAYS - JODIE HANSEN

 Hello Readers! Welcome back to this weeks Sunday Studio Days!

Today we will be diving into the studio of Jodie Hansen! 

Jodie Hansen!

Jodie is our resident pop culture QUEEN! 

Jodie owns and opporates Design Corner, her one woman run business, known for her fantastic greeting cards, pop culture references and innovative design ideas. 

Double sided Star Wars magnet for the dishwasher, designed by Jodie!

A shot of Jodie's home studio

We asked Jodie... What do you do when you're not making art?

"Outside of my side business, I'm a full-time Senior designer in an advertising agency (Trampoline) here in Halifax. I've worked for the same company for 30 years! I jokingly say my side-hustle is my second full-time job. At least when I retire, I'll be down to one full-time job. :) Needless to say outside of that, I have very little free time..."

Tampoline used to have their office space above the gallery, and thats actually how we met Jodie!
Jodie would take art breaks and visit the gallery, eventually those breaks would turn into fun brainstorming chats and many wonderful art ideas would come to life!


Jodie never stops! See her here at one of the many markets she does... everything she sells is available through us!

Where does your inspiration come from?

"Most of my inspiration comes from things around me - mostly pop culture. Puns are my favourite as I think we all need to laugh every day... especially these days. I'm a giant nerd at heart and my side business started with illustrating Stars Wars and Star Trek funny cards."


A shot of Jodie's desk space with some of her producs

What is something people may not know about you?

"Something people might not know about me... I'm originally from Ontario and competed in provincial competitions for both Gymnastics and High Jump in the same year.(a longggg time ago....). I also used to play the trumpet in my younger years."

Jodie's very organized studio storage!

What do you like to listen to while you work?

"I like to watch/listen to True Crime documentaries while I work. I'm looking down most of the time that it's on and for the most part you can just listen to them and know what's happening. It also means that I get really behind on favourite shows and movies I'd like to watch. I seem to be always busy creating!"

A shot of the art in Jodie's space... Art makers are art lovers too!
Some works pictured are by Jodie herself and other's from other artists we carry at the gallery!

What is your proudest moment in your art career?

"I have two proud moments that have happened to me in my later years in my career. Four years ago, I was contacted by Barnes & Noble and they were interested in carrying my die cut calendars. I almost didn't believe it! I'm just finishing up my 4th year with them. Such an exciting opportunity for my one-woman small business! Also this year, I was ranked #83 in Canada by Strategy magazine in the Designer category."

Jodie's die cut calenders getting boxed up and ready to be shipped out!

What is a piece of advice you have to give?

"My best advice is to just give something creative a try. What's the worst that can happen? My background is illustration and I started illustrating my own Christmas card every year after graduating art school. I started selling them here and there and kept expanding. Now I have over 80 retails stores selling my quirky products! I love just playing around with things and seeing if people are interested. It still blows my mind that I make something and people want to buy it!"

Jodie Hansen, Schitts Creek Bookmark - Moira, her arms go over the page!

T.HANKS Greeting card by Jodie

T.HANKS for reading this week's Sunday Studio Days blog!

See our album of works from Jodie HERE

Sunday, June 22, 2025

SUNDAY STUDIO DAYS - CRAIG GUNN

 Hello and WELCOME BACK to our Sunday Studio Days! 

This week we're featuring oil painter Craig Gunn. 

This Sunday blog post will be a little different as we not only take a look into Craig's creative space but also celebrate the opening of his new show!

Craig in the Studio


Last week we opened a new body of work from Craig, titled "Beauty in the Rough" this awesome show of 13+ paintings was inspired by the beauty hiding in plain sight all around Dartmouth!

Craig Gunn's Show Poster


A room full of happy faces at Craig's Opening

Craig chatting with fellow artist Gordon MacDonald about the process of painting

Craig spent the WINTER months painting outside on-site to build his show!
Check out Craig's videologs from his outdoor adventures in our Highlights section on our Instagram page!  

Where to find videos of Craig painting on site on our instagram!
Screen shots of Craig painting on site in Dartmouth.

See the results from Craig's outdoor painting session pictured below!

Craig Gunn, Dominion Diving's Harbour, Oil on Board, 11"x14"

Craig is not only a phemonenal painter, but also a local actor! He's been in many locally made film and tv shows and has a real interest in comedy horror! 

Posters from films Craig has been invovled in

We felt opening his show on Friday the 13th was an awesome way to connect and showcase Craig's horror side and have a little fun. 

Craig Gunn (right) & Gordon MacDonald (center) posed in our Friday the 13th window photobooth at the opening

Craig has a fantastic sense of humour so many laughs we're had with all the horror-silliness! 

NOW, Craig's studio...!

Being the film guy he is, Craig has provided his studio interview answers in the form of video! 

Craig Gunn painting away in his studio

Watch below to see some behind the scenes from Craig and how he works in his creative space!


SEE CRAIG GUNN'S NEW SHOW HERE

SEE CRAIG'S ALBUM OF AVAILABLE OLDER WORKS HERE

Thanks for tuning in to this week's Sunday Studio Days! 

Friday, June 20, 2025

BASIL TURNS 90... LET'S CELEBRATE

 HAPPY (almost) BIRTHDAY to Basil Doucette!

Basil Doucette dressed and ready to party!

Basil, the fantastic folk artist, is turning 90 on June 28th and we can't help but start celebrating now!

A collection of Basil hand carved and painted critters - with party hats!

Local film maker, Jason Eisner, interviewed Basil earlier this year and we're so excited to share that clip with you!
Check it out below.


Basil carves many things but he is really known for his adorable birds!

the gangs all here & they're ready to party!

In honour of Basil's 90th we are offering $5 off his medium size birds, regular $25 each. 

See below for the available birds on sale (party hats included by request)!

SALE Birds NOW $20 was $25

SALE Birds NOW $20 was $25

Even the owls are ready to celebrate!
Various prices


We're so thankful to have Basil in our lives and at the gallery! 

Happy Birthday Basil!

Sunday, June 15, 2025

SUNDAY STUDIO DAYS - LIZ BATEMAN

 Hellooooo & welcome back to Sunday Studio Days! 

This is our weekly deep dive into the creative spaces of our fantastic artists.

This week we are featuring fisheries biologist and scientific illustrator Liz Bateman!

A snap of Liz at work! 
She is currently in the Labrador Sea, collecting samples of Northern Shrimp on a factory trawler.
"Here's a pic of me with a Daggertooth (seeing lots of scary deep sea stuff!)"


We asked Liz...
When/how did you get into art?

A shot of Liz's sketch book and desk

"I’ve been doodling ever since I could hold a pencil, but I started getting into scientific illustration several years ago during my biology degree. As a visual learner, I found it hard to understand complicated concepts and anatomical structures unless I drew them." 


"Photo of a work-in-progress Pollock next to my sketch, research materials, and palette."

"Soon, I realized that drawing detailed, morphologically accurate biological illustrations was a deeply satisfying process. I always used to struggle with what it means to be creative and never felt comfortable calling myself an artist, but once I discovered this style of art, everything clicked and I finally felt like I was doing what I was meant to do!"

What is scientific illustation?

"Scientific illustration is art in the service of science communication. When it comes to fish, this type of art is used in many ways, such as in figures for research papers about morphology, technical documents on how to collect samples, and signage for anglers indicating fishing regulations." 

"View of some of my drawings hanging from fishing line in my studio"

"The most important aspect of scientific illustration is accuracy, so knowledge of anatomy and techniques to draw proportionally are critical. However, there's so much room for artistic interpretation in how colour and light are represented because fish are often iridescent and reflective. It's an exciting challenge and no two fish illustrators approach it in the same way!"

"Example of the exciting colours I get to use"

Where do you get your inspiration?

"Working on the water as a biologist and seeing all kinds of critters every day provides an endless stream of inspiration for scientific illustration! We are surrounded by so much natural beauty here in Nova Scotia, I don’t need to go far to feel inspired."

A shot of the factory trawler 
collecting samples of Northern Shrimp on a factory trawler

How do you decide what to paint?

"Lately a lot of my paintings have been a part of larger projects, such as fish identification signs for anglers. I keep lots of checklists around to help me keep track of what species need to be painted next!"

"Pile of prints waiting to be packed"

What’s a typical day in the studio look like to you?

"When it comes to fish paintings, the first step is actually catching the fish! It’s so important to see fish up close and to notice how they hold their fins out and the way their scales catch the light. When I can, I photograph the fish I want to paint in a tank of water to get the best reference photos possible."

"Me gathering painting reference photos of a Creek Chub"

 "Then, back in the studio, I start mapping out the fish in a sketchbook by measuring the distances between key features and counting structures like scales and fin rays. These characteristics are called morphometrics and meristics and are what biologists use to identify species. Once I’m happy with my outline, I trace the sketch and transfer it onto watercolour paper. Then I start building layers in acrylic paint, always starting with the eye. It usually takes about a week of studio nights to finish the painting."

"Photo of how my painting sessions usually look (late at night)"


What activities outside of your art practice do you like to enjoy?

"Outside of the studio, you can find me fishing, snorkelling, backpacking, and gardening!"

Find Liz's illustrations in the Anglers' Handbook! 
Shot of our Liz  Bateman window display for Father's day

We love reading about Liz's creative journey and all the super cool things she gets up to in her work! 

Check out this LINK HERE to see what prints and stickers we have available from Liz.

Thanks reading & don't forget to tune in next week for more creative behind the scenes!

Sunday, June 8, 2025

SUNDAY STUDIO DAYS - BRIAN TAYLOR

 Hello art lovers!
Welcome back to our Sunday Studio Days.

This week we are featuring folk artist Brian Taylor!

Brian hard at work in his studio

Brian spent his career working in the Transportation Sector of the HRM until his retirement, where he stopped talking transit (mostly) and started picking up the paint brushes! 

NEW this week!
Painted Flowers, assorted sizes.

Now that Brian has retired he has turned his attention to creating fantastic folk art, and it is certainly a better world with his whimsical, cheerful and colourful painted fish and flowers in it!

Brian Taylor, XL Large Fish, Folk Art, 13.5"x20"

We asked Brian what he likes to listen to while he makes art...

"I listen to music whenever I am doing art. Rock from the 60’s to present day and some Chicano fusion as well."

NEW this week!
Fish on Sticks, assorted sizes

We asked Brian where he finds his inspiration for his colourful artworks...

"I am inspired by landscapes, gardens and especially a number of abstract artists whose work I enjoy."

Brian Taylor, Large Fish, Folk Art, 10"x14"

Brian claims he prefers to paint alone, but sources say he sometimes shares his studio space with his granddaughter, who, just like her granddad, has had a passion for art from a young age!

"I have always enjoyed doing art right since I was a child."


Close up scan of Brian's painted school of fish!

This concludes another week of Sunday Studio Days! 

Thank you again for reading our blogs and tune in next week for another peek into the world of one our fantastic artists!

PSSSST.... Want MORE ART?!

Follow this link HERE and explore our many many albums of available artworks from various artists!

Thursday, June 5, 2025

📣Calling all CAT DADS!📣 CAT ADOPTIONS

Do you know a CAT DAD?

Want to be a CAT DAD?

Want to add another CAT to your family?!

The adopable kitties, 2"x2"
Polymer Clay Cats by Beth Hunt

We've got the sweetest little clay kitties looking to go home with their FURever homes!! 

Just in time for Father's day, these adorable kitties make the perfect gift...
for yourself OR someone you love!

 
(And of course, all cat parents are welcome and encouraged!)

ADOPTION FEE : $25

Jordy 

Jordy the Clay Kitty
Jordy is shy to start but once he gets to know you he'll chat your ear off! 
He's an excellent hunter and especially likes hunting for single socks from the laundry basket. 
He prefers chin scratches over tummy rubs and will let you know when he's had enough! 


Jenga 

Jenga the Clay Kitty
Jenga is extremely playful and adventurous! 
Jenga loves to climb the furniture and find the highest possible perch to watch over her human companions. 
However it doesnt take her long to snuggle up on the first open lap she sees! 
Nighttime can be a bit tricky for Jenga... she doesn't love boundaries and will make a solid effort to break into any locked doors!

Earl 

Earl the Clay Kitty

Earl is a lovely older kitty, he's extremely gentle and affection. 
His happy place is a warm sunbeam or pile of blankets near his humans. 
He really loves a good nap but will wake up with the energy of a young kitten if snacks are involved! He is currently holding the title for loudest pur at the gallery. 

Oscar 

Oscar the Clay Kitty
Oscar is a very vocal guy who loves telling stories! 
He can sometimes get a little confused and has been known to scream into empty, dark rooms but calling his name brings him back to reality. 
He just wants to be where the people are, or where the snacks are... make sure any chips or ice cream is out of reach or you'll be sharing!

Zorro 

Zorro the Clay Kitty

Zorro, despite the heroic name, is quite skittish!
 He holds the gallery record for highest jumps and has been known to do some impressive parkour. Zorro loves playing hide and seek and wins 9/10 times. 
Once Zorro gets to know his people he becomes quite cuddly and loves a good head scratch! 

Raptor - ADOPTED
Raptor the Clay Kitty

Raptor is a skilled huntress and a thoughtful gift giver. 
She is known for her bosy personality and impressive left hook. 
She likes to prowl the neighbourhood, keeping a vigilant eye out for wrong doers (and birds). 
She might be fiesty but she's secretly the sweetest most affectionate girl around!


Pearl
Pearl the Clay Kitty

Pearl is the prettiest princess and she knows it well. 
She has a real sassy sweet personality and likes to be the center of attention. 
A favourite pass time of her is knocking things over and watching her people pick them up. 
Pearl loves having her long beautiful mane brushed a minimum 3x a day,
if you miss a brushing she will make sure you know it! 
But don't worry! She loves to reward her humans with snuggles after making them work so hard! 


Would you like to adopt one of these adorable little kitties? 

Contact us at the gallery or come in person and meet the whole crew!