The Living Canvas
Company History
The Living Canvas was established in Deep River, Ontario in 1999 when I began to paint one-of-a-kind clothing for my children. Others, intrigued by my creations, began to inquire about custom clothing for their own children and my first orders were placed. As my business grew, I progressed to painting mostly flowers on women's clothing and started to take my creations on the road selling at pop-up art shows around my immediate area.
Not liking the lack in durability of paints, I studied dyes with the use of books and a couple of “hands-on” courses. The dyes opened up a wider range of colours and allowed me to develop any colour I needed to complete the artwork.
I soon tired of the amount of inventory needed to do road shows selling women's clothing so I decided to apply my dye techniques to an accessory not linked to sizing and came up with scarves. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Working on a flat, symmetrical piece of fabric, I have been able to advance my dyeing creativity tremendously over the years and have become an expert in the technique of sun dyeing. For the last 20 plus years I have concentrated on perfecting all my various dye techniques and sell my work all over Ontario.
About Me
I have lived my entire life in the Ottawa Valley within close proximity to the eastern border of majestic Algonquin Park. Working as a fibre artist since 1999, I have learned over the years how to push my paints and dyes to their limit, making them perform under conditions not always intend for their use. Largely self-taught through experimentation, research and happy “accidents” I have developed a line of sun and ice dyed silk scarves that will stand up to everyday wear and carefree washing.
I find both solace and fulfillment gathering botanicals from the extensive gardens around my house and surrounding area to capture in my sun dyed line of fabrics and scarves. During the long cold winters in North Eastern Ontario I turn to ice and snow as mediums for my ice dyed creations.
I work with paints and dyes on fabric so that I can capture the two things I loves most in art, vibrant colours and nature. On hot, sunny days I can be found outside in my extensive gardens, capturing the beauty of botanicals in sun dying.
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My art is driven by my determination to learn new things and my inner need to be challenged. I share my life and love of art with best friend and partner Murray as we travel around the country together participating in art shows.
