Autumn is a time to get out and breathe in the earthy air. Lately a lot of people on my instagram/facebook feeds have been visiting the waterfalls of Hamilton, a natural wonder that I was completely unaware of (I guess Niagara Falls gets all the love in these parts, or so I assumed). Anyway, it’s totally a thing. I love it when places brand themselves “The Waterfall Capital of The World” too. I somehow doubt it but that’s ok! There is plenty to explore (waterfalls, Bruce Trail, Niagara escarpment)!

I inquired as to what falls were toddler friendly. This website gives difficulty ratings. We went to Tew’s Falls (#15 on their list, so those other falls must be quite something) and the nearby Webster’s Falls (the top photo), which was about a 15 minute walk down a trail that was doable but nicely challenging for a toddler and mama carrying a baby.

We were impressed. John thought I was crazy planning this outing but had to admit it was quite something. Elodie loved it but immediately wanted more, as one does when they are two and a half.

Some nice views along the trail.

I wonder how the fall colours are now, we went a couple of weeks ago. Would be spectacular.

Webster’s Falls

On the walk back to our car Elodie became exhausted (YES! FINALLY!) and had to be carried. We thought we’d have to skip lunch and head home but we decided to head to nearby Dundas (town of) to maybe grab some takeaway from Detour cafe. The main street in this small town is pretty crazy busy, which struck me as weird but it must be a thoroughfare. We had trouble finding parking and then scored a spot right out front, and Elodie hit that second wind that then prevents her from napping, so we had a lovely cozy lunch, where no food was flung, nor tears cried. WIN! Here she is feigning sleep.

All in all, a day trip I’d like to make again!

This morning I was notified that Jurgen Lehl died in an unfortunate accident, and all day my heart has felt a great weight. We were graciously allowed to be one of the only stores outside of Japan to carry Mr. Lehl’s beautiful textiles and designs and having worked with Mr. Lehl for a couple of years we had made plans to come visit him in the New Year to interview him for our next book, and talk about a future exhibition.

I have been diving deeper into the Jurgen Lehl rabbit hole in the weeks before his passing, reading his books. Researching for the interview next year, and of course bringing in a much larger collection of his fabrics and designs than we have ever carried in the past.

My last correspondence with Mr. Lehl was letting him know I received his books, and our daughter Elodie was very interested in the book he did about rocks, and has asked to see it over and over. That was sent the day before he passed away. I hope the message made it to him, although the sentiment was simple I think he would have appreciated it.

A very inspiring man, who will be remembered for much more than his clothing.

If you are not familiar with his works I have compiled a small sampling.

 

 

We are honoured to be selected as a finalist in the Nordic Design The Shop Awards! Voting ends on October 19th.

After you vote for us, have a look around the Nordic Design site, it’s a great resource!

On Thursday night we held the opening of the first solo exhibition of Quebec based potter Renaud Sauvé (Atelier Des Cent-ans). We had an overwhelmingly positive response, and many people said it was their favourite exhibition we have held so far. I think this exhibition had an emotional quality added to it. Renaud created an environment filled with moss, stones, branches from his property along with paintings, drawings and antiques providing a glimpse into the inspiration behind his work.

This show was more atmospherically considered than any other we have done in the past.

A calligraphy set including works for sale made by Renaud, as well as antiques.

A soapstone black glazed pourer with stand.

An antique Swedish cabinet with a folk art still life of flowers in a pot. Inside of the cabinet is a carved reversible bowl with turquoise base.

The exterior of the pine wall featured a collection of hand “tattooed” waves plates.

Detail of the waves motif.

The low display bench primarily featured the black glazed porcelain works.

On the left is talc, made from ground soapstone from a mine near Atelier Des Cent-ans–one of the ingredients in the black glaze the potter developed. On the right is a celadon glazed bowl of moss with a plaster head and brass feet, curiosities collected by Renaud.

A Chawan tea bowl, and matching tea container.

A hammered copper handle on a black glazed lidded pot.

Linen square with hand embroidery made by Renaud’s mother, along with a black glazed tray and antique arrow head.

Detail of a carved bowl.

Black and white plate collection.

A carved rabbit “candle snuff” and South American wedding belt.

 

Our table featured work with both white and black glaze. This series was made specifically for this exhibition.

A charcoal drawing of Stockholm made by Renaud’s pottery teacher.

Small bowls with painted animal motifs.

The detail of a small pourer on a rock from the river near Cent-ans.

The small size white glazed pourer with a celadon drip.

A white bowl with a rim of clay found at cent-ans.

A porcelain cover with carved turtle figure.

A bowl with carved rat figure at the bottom.

Another candle snuff.

A tall porcelain flower vase with moat.

Bowls inspired by hammered metal.

A gourd pitcher inspired by the painting behind, made by Renaud many years ago.

A carved bowl featuring both black glaze, and celadon rim next to a “beehive” inspired vessel. The framed picture behind is actually made from a wasp’s nest.

A small teacup with a leaf motif.

A white oak alcove made by Renaud’s partner Gilbert with a black footed flower vase, and a white bowl with black drip.

A small flower vase / planter.

A unique bowl on a antique Korean lacquered wood stand.

“Shiva” carved hanging bowl.

One of my favourite vase forms is the “Mei Ping”, so I asked Renaud to make one for the show. It is really beautiful.

White and blue pottery on the black library shelf.

Magnesium drip footed bowls.

A large serving bowl with a celadon glaze.

A lidded bowl with hidden pattern inspired by embroidery.

A blueberry branch with red leaves in a magnesium rimmed bowl.

An oak lecture stand with exhibition catalogs.

The opening reception was really lovely, and we had the opportunity to meet many of Renaud’s fans who haven’t visited our gallery before.

The restaurant Bricco which is only a few blocks away from us provided the meat and cheese for the evening and it was exceptional. By the end of the night nothing was left.

Thank you again for everyone who came to our opening!

 

We have had an exciting morning unpacking all of the exhibition works for our show tomorrow with Quebec potter Renaud Sauvé of Atelier Des Cent-ans.

Here is a small sampling of what will be available tomorrow night.

Above: Classical vase with blue “tattooed” waves motif and rain and clouds embossment.

A porcelain drinking cup with walnut display stand.

A Soap stone black glazed lidded bowl with a hand hammered copper handle.

A hand carved celadon incense burner.

A deep hand carved plate with “tattooed” tidal wave motif. Can be hung on the wall.

Candle snuffs with carved animals.

A large Mei Ping vase with crackling glaze.

A celadon glazed cup with drip.

Shapes and Desire of Nature

A solo exhibition Renaud Sauvé of Atelier Des Cent-ans
Thursday, October 2nd 7:00pm – 10:00
Artist in attendance

We hope to see you tomorrow night!