I haven’t wrote in a while, so I thought I would sum up my year and let you know my future plans. 2017 has been a busy year for me, working full time and trying to get my art career off the ground. It’s my second full year of creating driftwood projects and thought I would give you a few statistics. I’ve created 54 sculptures, won 3 first Place People’s choice awards, one top prize of Thriving Artist, one second place award, and a 3rd place innovation award, awarded one grant and one scholarship, I’ve sold 26 sculptures, been in Square Canada’s blog, and many many other smaller accomplishments.

Last month ARABELLA magazine showed some interest in my work and had me answer an intense interview, I was so excited to be considered for such a prestigious magazine, but now I’m a little down, I haven’t heard a word from them since! But i will still stay positive!

I will wrap up my year by submitting my applications for the next years art shows. I plan to apply for Pelham art festival, Toronto’s outdoor art fair, and Carmel art and music festival. Each application is a gruelling long process of essay questions and finicky photo guidelines. I plan to start this next week.

Lastly, I would like to hint to you about an exciting new style that I plan to unveil next year! I am so excited to do my first proto type, which is next on my list of projects. So far I have scoured the internet and I am almost sure that not one person has done this with their driftwood sculptures. It’s new, it’s fresh, it’s clean, and I hope to get it out there and be known for it, before anyone steals my idea! I’ve had a few people copy some of my sculptures and state that it was their “original idea”. Makes me so angry! I’ve even had people repost my stuff on Instagram making it look like they created the sculptures! I’m at a loss on how to stop these people. I guess it’s the ultimate compliment, but it’s so hard for me to look at it that way.

I’m hoping that next year will prove to be just as successful as my first two years. As forge forward, know that I appreciate everyone’s support and help of sharing my work with the world!

Last year I was invited to join the team at the Carmel Fine Art and Music Festival! It's been a year of planning for this exciting event! The event will take place from Friday September 15th to the Sunday the 17th at Firemen's park in Niagara Falls. Hope that everyone can take an hour out of their busy schedule to have some fun with us! Entrance fee for Saturday and Sunday is 5 dollars! Just 5 dollars! And children under 12 are Free!

I will be building a driftwood sculpture in the Kid's Zone, on the Saturday and Sunday. Children of all ages can paint a piece of driftwood with any design and sign their name!!! This unique piece will be added into the sculpture right in front of your eyes! Your name may live on to be famous or firewood! Lol

This finished sculpture will then be transported to the Niagara Falls Museum and auctioned off at a "Night Of Art" the following Thursday. All the proceeds from this auctioned off sculpture will be redonated back to the Niagara Arts Showcase!

So many exciting artists will perform and have their work on display. Come visit or even donate your time to a very meaningful event. Help keep the culture alive in the area!

Rose Festival Art Fair kicks off on Sunday the 4th. I'll be at Seaway Mall in Welland with a couple of my bigger pieces to wow the crowd. I would love if everyone could try to come out to the mall and vote for your favorite artist...ME lol.

For those of my followers that don't know, I work full time at Fallsview casino resort. I've been juggling both careers for 2 years now and have been the busiest bee imaginable. I work Swing Shift 615pm to 245am. I've pretty much been on this shift for 20 years! I've just recently had the opportunity to go to a day shift, and took it! What a life changing event. My new shift starts June 11th. I'm a little worried about getting up in the morning, I've been sleeping in for 20 years! I'm hoping that my art will increasingly subsidize my wages at the casino, and I will no longer need to work full time. Since things are starting to progress with my art, I feel day shift will be a lighter work load for me and I'll have more time for my drfitwood passion!

And speaking of work... a few of you may have noticed I was recognized on the COOL SIGNS. I had a small interview at work, due to one of my supervisors letting the 'cat out of the bag' to HR about my People's Choice Award at the One of a Kind Show. I'm also on the casino's Instagram, Facebook, and NCLinked. Great People of Niagara Casinos is a program at the Niagara Casinos to try and get to know your work mates. It's really not a big deal. Anyone can get on the COOL SIGNS just for being nice to a customer.

So come out next week and help me land the title of People's Choice at the Seaway Mall in Welland!

I received awesome news today... the mermaid arrived safe and sound, not a loose piece of wood to be found! I pondered for weeks on how I was going to ship the super fragile sculpture half way across the USA, and decided to plastic wrap the entire sculpture tightly. Used bubble wrap between her Medusa hair. Then used ratchet tie downs to hold her firmly to the crate. SUCCESS!

Today I also finished MONTY, the driftwood lion. He's already to go see his new mommy and daddy!
I also sold my wall mounted driftwood horse bust to a western style restaurant. I need to do a few details like waterproofing him before he's delivered.
I started my next sculpture MOROCCO, And yes, another lion! He's to go to the same destination as the mermaid. So I'm super glad that my method of shipping is good, I want MOROCCO to make the trip with the same luck!
This week I'll will also be filling out my application for the Welland rose festival art show. Come out and support me at Seaway Mall. Last year I won first place, People's Choice. I'm hoping, praying and wishing to nab that title again!
I've got commissions up to the end of June. So if your thinking you might want a sculpture for summer, put your order in now!!