Trollbeads Day 2017 at Tartooful

It’s almost Trollbeads Day… and this year we have some very special treats in store for you!

This Saturday, 17th of June we are delighted to present a gorgeous array of SS17 Unique Glass from the talented Trollbeads artisans.  In addition, we have a collection of premiere Jumbo Unique glass that have to be seen to be believed.  As if that wasn’t reason enough to come raise a glass with us… we also will be unveiling the fabulous Trollbeads Day 2017 Stone bead, the Golden Rutilated Quartz.  We’ll have the usual menu of attractive pricing , with buy three get the fourth free, or a free bracelet chain with decorative lock.  So many reasons why this year’s celebration is a must.

This Saturday the 17th of June also marks the opening of

Imagine: Recent Works by Ronnie Watt.  

These works shimmer with the heat and warm light of Ronnie’s home country of South Africa.  The complex brushwork energizes these pieces and the delicious, astonishing palette delights the eye.

Come enjoy these beautiful works, and meet the artist from 2-4pm

…So many good reasons to spend a little of your Saturday with us at Tartooful.  See you there!

C.

 

 

Now Showing: Andrew McTaggart & Sara Morison

“Beaver on the slide”, original art by Andrew McTaggart.  Mixed media.  40″x60″ 2016.

North Vancouver is a dynamic place, perched between our working waterfront and the coastal mountains… and our incredibly rich artistic community finds inspiration in our dramatic environment.  That beginning point, however, in the hands of two different artists, can create very diverse expressions.

This week we are delighted to unveil a fresh installation, exploring North Vancouver’s artistic diversity at Blueshore Financial’s “Arts on View” gallery space at 12th & Lonsdale, North Vancouver.

“Beaver on the slide” is an arresting piece that demands you stop and look closely.  It depicts the workhorse aircraft of our coastal harbours, the beloved and iconic Beaver.  upon closer examination you’ll find weathered rivets, inner workings of the engine and even painstakingly detailed decals.  The care that went into the detailed depiction shows the affection that the artist feels for his subject.  Perhaps that’s natural, as when not at his easel, Mctaggart spends his time piloting commercial aircraft.  Although Mctaggart has been an artist for many years, this marks his exhibition debut in North Vancouver, and we delighted to have been a part of that.

“And the Sea Remembers” original art by Sara Morison.  30″x40″ acrylic on canvas.

In contrast, you’ll find various works by acclaimed local artist, Sara Morison.  These pieces have also been inspired by her experience of the ocean… but Morison’s abstract, joyful and brilliantly coloured artworks come from a different perspective, and thus express a completely different aspect of our Maritime environment.  Sara is a full time artist, who publishes, teaches and paints regularly.  She last exhibited at Tartooful in 2013, and we are so pleased to be able to once again show her beautiful work.

Thank you to BlueShore Financial for hosting this exhibit, and supporting our community of North Vancouver artists.

Arts on View on Lonsdale – a Blueshore Financial Community Program, curated by Tartooful.  1250 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver.

C.

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Saskatoon Sling (wasn’t that a party…)

As most of you know, we are currently showing Fake Plastic Trees, a photography and mixed media exhibit that is a part of the Capture Photography Festival… and last night we celebrated the artist and her work with an opening party.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the artist… together you made an irresistible chemistry in the room, and the mood was fabulous.  Laughing people, sparkling conversation, good friends – what else could one ask for on a warm Friday night?

How about a little live music?  A very special thank you to Michale Rene Ertzinger who graciously played jazz trumpet for us to wind down the evening.  If you missed his performance, or would like to hear more of his work, please visit his website and enjoy.

Finally, by popular demand here is the recipe we concocted for our signature cocktail for the evening… the “Saskatoon Sling”:

1 part freshly squeezed lime juice
2 parts cherry liqueur
4 parts gin
8 parts pineapple juice
2 parts Concentrated and cooled Saskatoon berry tea
Soda
Cocktail Umbrella, Swizzle Straw and fruit to garnish

To serve:  Mix lime juice, cherry liqueur, gin and pineapple juice in a pitcher.  Chill.  Pour 1 oz Saskatoon berry tea into bottom of glass.  Add cubed ice.  Pour mixture from pitcher carefully into glass to layer over tea.  Add splash of soda and garnish to taste with fruit.

Where to find Saskatoon Berry Tea in British Columbia?  We found our delicious blend at South Island Saskatoons, in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island.  They were even kind enough to ship to us!

Thank you again to everyone who came out to help us celebrate this beautiful series and the lovely artist who created it!

C.

 

 

 

Fake Plastic Trees: The Photography of Biliana Velkova

Tartooful is honoured to once again host acclaimed local artist Biliana Velkova and her most recent series as a part of the 2016 Capture Photography Festival.

Fake Plastic Trees presents Velkova’s wry observations on the branding and commodification of nature.  She romanticizes, exaggerates, and complicates the exploitation of nature, referencing tourist tropes found throughout the Saskatchewan prairies and Alberta’s Rocky Mountains.

Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Velkova lived under the Communist regime until immigrating to Canada in 1991 at the age of fifteen.  Her memories of communism have deeply impacted the way in which she perceives the “West”, leading her to explore issues of capitalism, appropriation, and Western femininity.  Although her interdisciplinary practice focuses on social and political issues from a devastatingly accurate, critical perspective, her delivery is optimistic, witty and affectionate.

From iconic, fake palm trees found throughout Saskatoon to the majestic views of Lake Louise, Velkova’s cinematic photographs celebrate opulence and kitsch.  The glossy images of fake plastic trees create a spectacle from everyday encounters.  Through her Bulgarian lens, Velkova offers a fresh and alternative way of viewing and interpreting the Canadian landscape we thought we knew.

“When an outsider comes to a new place, he sees the picturesque and the freakish, whereas the local sees through layers of emotion and memory” – Walter Benjamin.

Fake Plastic Trees by Biliana Velkova is now showing at Tartooful until April 28, 2016.  Please join us at the gallery for the Opening Celebration, 8th April, 2016 from 7pm.

C.

 

“Waiting for Alice”: The Photography of Susan Mendel

Please Join Us at Tartooful

Sunday, October 4th from two until five in the afternoon,

as we celebrate the latest series of photography by noted local artist,

Susan Mendel.

Susan’s latest series is an homage to Lewis Carrol’s Through the Looking Glass, which was published one hundred and fifty years ago this year… Like the classic book, these images are puzzling, fascinating and beautiful.  Each piece is artfully framed in vintage pieces as unique and lovely as the piece within.

Come out, meet the artist, enjoy a little North Shore hospitality and culture, and be sure to visit the good folks next door at 32Books as they will be celebrating right along with us!

Hope to see all of you there,

Cathy.

3183 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver BC 604-924-0122

tartooful@gmail.com

a beautiful little life…

“Summer Memory” Original art by EA Klann, oils on canvas, 40″x60″ CAD$4900 2015.

The shift has happened, and even before the calendar tells us us it is so – Autumn has arrived.  Here on the West Coast of Canada we are back to cool temperatures, with dark mornings and steady drizzle that has breathed life back into our Summer parched gardens and forests.  It’s a contemplative time for me.  It’s a season with start-of-school memories that inspire positive change and fresh starts.  It feels like a good time to reset priorities and make sure that I am creating the “beautiful little life” of my daydreams.

I’m not an epic person… I’ve never striven to live large, exude drama or be the center of attention.  Rather, I cherish the quiet details.  I find that for me the difference between average and extraordinary is always in the details… for example, when selecting a car, all of the many options included ample power, demonstrated safety standards and comfort.  The one I fell in love with also was an evocative shade of blue, had controls that felt like an extension of my hands, and a minimalist aesthetic in the cabin.  Another example… Every morning I drink my morning cafe au lait from a Timo Glass – the most perfectly practical and elegantly restrained design of drinking vessel I know.  Details.  It’s always the same for me… whether it’s something as significant as a car, or as simple as a cup, I find divinity in the details.

So… the “beautiful little life” is all about tending for the details.  One by one, day by day they all add up to a life that is lived with care, and savoured day by day.  Today, on this rainy day, I am focused on that…

C.

 

The Oddlings: Recent works by Andrea Klann

Please join us on Wednesday, the 3rd of December here at Tartooful in Edgemont Village as we toast the newest series of stunning original artworks by Andrea Klann.  We’ll be popping the cork on proseco starting at five, and will be at the gallery until at least nine.  As always, her rich and mysterious works delight and beguile as they hint at otherwordly matters.  Executed in oils on canvas this series offers a fascinating range of subject matters from landscapes to portrait.

Here at the gallery we have “decked the halls” with all our favorite treats – warm woollies from Avoca of Ireland, Sweet toys by Maileg of Denmark, bath luxuries by Tokyomilk and Marvis, lots of local artisan goods and of course, the latest glittering treasures by Trollbeads of Copenhagen.  We hope to see you and share of glass of holiday cheer at Tartooful from five until nine on Wednesday!

C.

 

Are you ready for Valentine’s?

This is the question today…

Whether it’s a small gesture, or a lavish expression of love, Tartooful has you covered.

With succulents artfully tucked into atomic inspired wooden planters… (Think clever alternative to the usual ho hum roses…) Mid century glass candlesticks by iitala and orrefors, worthy of the most romantic candlelight dinner… tiny perfect Trollbeads just waiting to be slipped into a glass of champagne….

Tartooful is the perfect spot to browse for a devastatingly apropos gift for your special someone.  For your young daughter?  Perhaps a mod posy for her hair?  We have adorable felt hairclips that she will love.  For your husband?  Perhaps a thoughfully designed gift by RedFlag…a dopp kit, or maybe a vintage brass key hank.  (Rugged and handsome!)  For your son?  No question, our cactus planted into atomic shaped wooden blocks will it his style… and oh my, for your sweetheart….

Well, for the woman who is the love of your life we’d recommend you take a peek at the sparkling rings of the Mollard Collection…

These curated estate jewels range widely in style and price, with something for every taste and budget.  Each one has been professionally appraised, and is sold at merely half of that figure, making them a beautiful and brilliant choice.  We currently have a stunning array of pieces in store, so do drop by…

xo

C

 

 

 

Jeweller Creates Wearable Art: Kolton Babych at Tartooful

Did you spot Kolton Babych in the North Shore News recently?  That’s him in the photo above, with his beautiful jewelry and stunning prints behind him at Tartooful.

Talisman Bangles in Sterling Silver

The North Shore News wrote a glowing article about Kolton and his design work, following the opening celebration of his solo show, currently on display at Tartooful.

For more information about our talented new Tartooful artist, be sure to read Anne Watson’s excellent North Shore News article…

C

Trollbeads Design Challenge: Day 3

“Travelers’ Bliss”, by Sara Morison

Today is the opening celebration for the art of Sara Morison at Tartooful… we’ll be having a glass of champagne with the artist at the gallery tonight between 5 and 8pm, and would love it if you all came and joined us and enjoyed her lovely art.

Day 3

With Sara’s amazing palette of colour in my head today my bracelet reflects her art… This combination makes my heart sing, but it’s very different from the bracelets that I usually design!

I feel as though today I finally let go of some of my preconceptions about what my bracelet design ought to look or feel like.  I tried here to break through some of my design guidelines and simply make something that felt right just for today.  I reached for bright, clear colours that reflect the joyful palette of Sara Morison’s art.

Turquoise and softer shades of warm blues are a must for this bracelet, so I placed them in the center of the design.  The individual beads were chosen for their simplicity of pattern and clear colour.

Most of the colour groupings are anchored with a brilliantly toned armadillo.  Although I love these beads, I often find them too bold for my usual subtle compositions.  It’s a real treat to bring them out to play!

Ordinarily I prefer to sprinkle the various colours of a bracelet design more or less evenly around its span.  Here I have grouped each family of colour:  blue, pink, green, orange and lilac.  Clearly my collection is lacking orange and yellow!

I wanted the bracelet to feature modern blocks or chunks of colour, rather than a tapestry effect.  For silvers I chose sculptural forms such as the “Spot”, “Smiling Cylinder” and “Cells”.  The “Neither Fish Nor Bird, Large” and “Waves” were a nod to the aquatic life of the Bahamas that inspired Sara’s recent art series.

This is not your typical Tartooful Bracelet!

What fun it was to build today’s bracelet… a total departure for me, I broke all kinds of my own rules!  Prisms tucked into the middle of the composition, finishing on one silver and one glass, not perfectly balanced, colours all blocked together… and still so pretty.  It feels so liberating to simply design in the moment.

If you’d like to see this bracelet while it is still all together, come by tonight for a glass of champagne with Sara Morison and us at the gallery, between 5 and 8pm.  As the gallery will be open until late, we plan to open a little later than usual at noon.  Hope to see lots of you there!

C.