Wishing everyone happy holidays!!! Here is a warm and cozy idea for your holidays.
The 'best ever' carrot soup recipe....

Carrot, Red Pepper and Pear Soup
Yield: 9

INGREDIENTS:

1 medium onion, chopped (1)
4 large carrots, chopped (about 1lb.) (4)
1 1/2 cups roasted red peppers (375ml)
2 pears, peeled, cored, chopped (2)
4 cups chicken stock (1L)
1 cup milk (250ml)
3 tbsp butter (45ml)
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup thickened yogurt or sour cream (125ml)
1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional (15ml)
1 tsp curry paste (5ml)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter and sauté onion and carrots for about 10 minutes.
2. Add stock, pears and peppers to carrot mixture and simmer for 20 minutes, until carrots and pears are tender. Add milk.
3. Puree soup in batches, in a food processor or blender until smooth.
4. Pour soup back into saucepan and stir curry in. Bring to a simmer and season with salt and pepper. Do not allow soup to come to a boil.
5. Garnish with a dollop of thickened yogurt or sour cream and parsley, if using.

This little story is about a small Island I went to visit years ago. The island is called Ile d'Aix. I had written this story and then pasted it on top of this background of hollyhocks. This was one of the most remote and beautiful places I have been to. There were tons and tons of hollyhocks everywhere on this island! Click on the image to view the larger version.

This is the full story: L’ile d’Aix

This tiny island reminds me of my grandmother’s home and yard, vulnerable from all sides, its homes chipped and worn from the ocean winds. It has a natural charm decorating-type magazines seek to imitate. Hollyhocks, hundreds upon hundreds are sagging from fences and homes, and swaying, and reaching out sideways. Their bright fleshy tones for petals, pinks and blood reds ready to blossom, burst out, flowing forward-my tongue reaches for the taste this season brings. We sat on a patio made of stones, sunk deep into the dirt. I satisfied my thirst on a sugary mixture of Orangina and grenadine and played with the tiny sugar cubes wrapped in paper packaging imprinted with pictures of great cathedrals. This island’s colour is sweetness, and so pretty it hurts the eye like a sweet tooth.

Here is the gallery for my jewelry ...

I have also been taking photographs of wedding bouquets this past summer... see them here.
Here is one of my favorites!

I have a new series of paintings for sale at Modern Country Interiors. The work is composed of mix medias, including painting, drawing, collage, and printmaking. I drew inspiration from fashion and textile design for these new works. Using my own images, I designed all the textile patterns seen in the wallpaper, clothing and other fabrics.

These photographs are from a series Forgotten Places - Forgotten Faces. These shots were taken in Shaunavon and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. My technique: I have layered the black and white photographs with paintings in photoshop ... and I am loving the effect ...

I have artwork (shown below) displayed at the Mendel Art Gallery and at the Avenue Centre Gallery. The work is in the 'That's 2 Gay' show. It is a Two-part exhibition of new work by young local queer and queer-friendly visual artists. Work will be in the Mendel auditorium 9am - 9pm daily until June 24, and at the Avenue Centre Gallery 10am - 7pm Monday-Friday until July 10.

Reception on Friday, June 16 from 7:30 -10:30 pm

I have new series of both bittersweet berry paintings and magnolia paintings at Modern Country Interiors on Broadway Avenue.
They are undergoing renovations, so I will be dropping off more art over the next few months to help fill up their wall space.

James & Borolien, a men's clothing manufacturer based in Saskatoon commissioned me to design some images for their t-shirts. They will be available in the late summer. Check back for store locations.



I'm also getting ready for the Broadway Art Encounter, which takes place June 2-3. My art will be featured at Bill's House of Flowers and Modern Country Interiors on Broadway Avenue.