Hudson's Bay Company

This is part of the rubbing I took in Victoria of the Hudson's Bay Company sign. We passed it on the corner of Government and Fort Street [I think] and came back early the next morning when the streets were being cleaned.

Our accommodation in Victoria was at the Gatsby Mansion and we got the rooms on the third floor, not the rounded corner suites but the servants quarters with the 3 smaller windows. The view was towards the water of the harbour and it was fascinating to watch the water craft coming and going.

Whales

Whale watching tours are big business in Victoria and we signed up for one, not in a Zodiac, as seen above but in a larger vessel. No sighting is guaranteed but we were very lucky to see a humpback frolicking and then a pod of transient Orcas making their way along the coast line of an island. It was amazing to hear them blow when they came to the surface and then watch them slide smoothly back under.

Signs

I have photographed some interesting signs that caught my eye as we walked around Downtown Victoria and environs. I'm impressed by the number of bookstores with amazing stock from floor to ceiling and as the sign above says, "many other clever things".

Seen near China Town- the 1/2!

Yes, I'm happy to be friends with delicious pie.

Went out for a 3 hour tour!


 

Victoria BC

Victoria on Vancouver Island is a lovely relaxed city surrounded by water. The Empress Fairmont Hotel is in prime position with the original building having been added to on either side.

These cute little ferries and water taxis are great for water transport. Looking like a floating bathtub they are quick and easy. We caught one to Fisherman's Wharf for a fish dinner.

The Satin Moon quilt shop in Fort Street is open 7 days a week and carries many local patterns and Canadian design fabrics. The shop has been going for 30+ years and current owner Linda is very friendly and welcoming.

Golden Textures

I have been selected as one of the exhibiting artists for Golden Textures in Maryborough Victoria at the Central Goldfields Art Gallery. The exhibition will run from February 21- April 5 2015. My  series is titled Seduced by the Imperfect and I'm excited to be making these new works.

A week or two ago it was very sunny and still enough to begin the dye process outside in my small backyard. Love this palm frond shadow- an idea for future work?

My colour palette is muted grey at this point so I was aiming for various effects with the dye. I am not using procion dyes for this as they are very water intensive and instead have found instant gratification with the Kraftkolour sun dyes made in Australia.

Pegs and beach pebbles help keep my fabric in position while the dyes work and dry.

And  a bit of shadow play while waiting!

 

Textile Festival in Wangaratta

Lots of textile events in Wangaratta, Victoria are on now or next month.
 The Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award 2013 was opened on June 1 and continues until July 14. Also in July is the Stitched Up Textile Festival with lots of great events to participate in. Check it out on their website and have fun visiting Wangaratta!