The stones sink the anchor and the wooden frame digs into the seabed.  The anchors were used as far back as the 16th century when heavy metal anchors were not common or readily available. Continue reading

This September I was invited to participate in an online panel discussion about a "New Way to Buy Art". Three art professionals (and amazing moderator Brita Lind) chatted about shopping for art online.  We addressed concerns for collectors about this "new" way of shopping for original art. It is a growing trend, accelerated by recent stay at home orders during the pandemic.  Galleries are embracing new technologies and innovative techniques to make the process easy, safe and comfortable Continue reading

14 Bells Fine Art Gallery was recently featured in the cover story for the Halifax Chamber of Commerce Businesss Voice. Continue reading

If they entice doodling, writing, love notes, or idea plotting, then I have succeeded.

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Local tip: There is a free art gallery in the Hydrostone District, hidden in plain sight! 14 Bells Fine Art Gallery has a beautiful collection of affordable paintings by local artists.  Continue reading

The boler (always lowercase b) was invented in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1968 by a used car salesman named Ray Olecko.  Elements of the origin story are hotly debated online.  Some claim the lightweight trailer was named boler because it resembles a bowler hat.  Others claim it was named after a previous invention of Olecko's, a hand held fibreglass slingshot, also named Boler (capital B this time). Continue reading

Nova Scotia metal artist Al Simm was featured on a recent episode of Maritime Made on Eastlink TV.  A great opportunity to watch the master at work! Continue reading

When Nova Scotia artist Mary Doane dropped off her contributions to this month's group show, DELICIOUS,  it included a cheeky little painting called "Chicken Bone Soup."  I had seen these candies before but I didn't know their story. A google search brought up this excellent article by Julia Wright of the CBC Continue reading

Wow. Our world has been shaken and things have changed very quickly. By the time you read this, the situation will no doubt be different again. We’ve all been affected by the pandemic in some way, and the cultural community is no different. Concerts and performances have been cancelled. Whole theatre productions have been put on hold. Movie releases have been pushed to later dates, and galleries have closed. As an artist myself, here is my story as one example of how artists are meeting the challenge. Continue reading

The 2020 fishing season is postponed.  It is one of a long, long list of pastimes that are on hold as we stay home to keep each other safe.  It seems a small sacrifice, but it doesn’t mean the die-hard anglers aren’t feeling the loss keenly.  Canada has a very long winter. Continue reading