Vendor Profile #7 - Artist Nancy Benoy

Tell us about your work and what we can expect to see at this years Handmade Hamilton?

Delighted to be bringing colourful abstract original waterclour cards and paintings to give, to hang, to enjoy. A selection of my Itty Bitty paper paintings “Birds and Buildings” will be for sale too. 

What does your process look like? 

First I set up my space. I work from home, usually in the kitchen, the light is good and the coffee close.  I bring out the oil pastels, watercolours, inks, fill up the water dishes, grab brushes, gather the things. The process of the set up ritual is the beginning of the possibilities that lie ahead. I experiment with the materials, play with shapes, line and colour.  I let my mind wander until I am in that blissful state of nothingness.  That is where it happens for me. 

Tell us some of your favourite things about Hamilton?

I have lived in Hamilton for over 14 years and it has changed a lot but the things I like about Hamilton remain the same. It is a city in its own right. It is a 20 minute drive to glorious country side. It is a 20 minute walk to see a friend, pick up food, find a cool shop. It is a 5 minute walk to trails and trees, perfect for dog walking.  It’s my home. 

                

How has Hamilton's art and craft scene changed in the past 5 years?

So many more artist, crafters, shows and openings! 

Vendor Profile: Nancy Benoy

Tell us about your creative work and what we can expect at this years Handmade Hamilton Show.

    I am absolutely delighted to be showing pieces from my Itty Bitty Collection, a collection of simple, modern, graphic paper pictures mounted on lovely warm wooden boxes. These can be hung on the wall or simply moved around upon whim. (something I like to do with art. A lot.)

    Also this year I will be selling another paper project I am involved in - Time and Place, a hand stitched Chapbook featuring art/lyrics/poetry/short stories and photography from the Hamilton area.

   

What does your process look like?

    Messy. At times. Organized. At times too. Also, it involves walks with my dog Roxy through the grounds of Dundurn Castle and the Hamilton Cemetery.

   

What inspires you? Where do you find your inspirations?

    I am inspired by colour, texture and beauty in the everyday object, weather that be a tea towel, coffee mug, the light that casts a twinkling glow on the leaves out my window or paint swatches, I love colour and pattern. A lot.  

 Words of inspiration to other artists?

   

    I would refer to the quote below, because if you don't try something and follow through you might not know what success or divergent path you might encounter. 

Fave quotes?

    "In for penny in for pound" 

    Although I seldom say this quote myself, my husband does (quite often to me) and I think, yes, quite right, lets just give it a go and finish x,y,z project/idea/thought.

Favourite movie?

    I am not sure this is my favourite movie or the one that's been on my mind but recently I watched a documentary 20,000 Days on Earth about the musician/artist and writer Nick Cave. It literally brought me to tears.  It's one of those films I am craving to see again, but wished I could see it again for the very first time.  

http://nancybenoy.carbonmade.com/