Vendor Profile #8 - Jelly Brothers

Jelly Brothers

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

We have been busy over the past year, expanding our popular series of Neighbourhood maps as well as our collection of silk-screened posters inspired by Hamilton.  Our collection of school prints is expanding as well, and we'll have a few new ones on display for the first time at Handmade Hamilton.

What are your inspirations?

Growing up in Hamilton, our work has a heavy dose of nostalgia and hometown pride, but we also look beyond our borders to other cities we love to visit. Cities continue to shape the things we create, whether it's the obvious choices of landmarks and historic buildings, or the more esoteric aspects of the infrastructure and built environment that surrounds us.

Tell us some of your favourite things about Hamilton?

Hamilton is big enough to be a complete city and to have its own independent identity, but still small enough to enable a sense of community. Hamilton shapes our work in many ways and has helped foster our weird little business. We get endless encouragement from the people around us, both for the things we create and for the city in general. 

Many makers listen to podcasts.  Do you? and what are some of your favourites?

99 Percent Invisible is always a great listen. The topics vary week to week, but the underlying theme is that design is an integral part of our lives. It's always interesting and inspiring. Locally, The Graham Crawford Show is a smart look into politics and city building in Hamilton.  

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 #1 : Bailiwick Studios

Bailiwick Studios

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

I am a printmaker working with lino block and primarily in black and white. I’ve branched out this year to include small, unique home décor pieces. You can expect block printed holiday ornaments and cards, upcycled animal planters and a variety of original art prints.

What does your process look like?

My process is SO scattered these days because I am very busy chasing my 11 month old around! It’s difficult as a creative to only have these small windows of time to work on your art, but it is very important for me to be present when its family time so developing that balance has been very important. Printmaking, although takes time, can be a nice mindless activity sometimes! 

Tell us some of your favourite things about Hamilton? 

Hands downs, the sense of community. Not only amongst artists and makers, but between local business’s.  

Many makers listen to podcasts.  Do you? and what are some of your favourites?

I just recently started and love it! I listen to How I Built This, Revisionist Historyhttp://revisionisthistory.com (among others) but I am currently obsessed with Being Boss!  

INSTAGRAM - @bailiwick.studios 

FACEBOOK - facebook.com/thebailiwickstudios/

Vendor Profile: Catherine Moon from Moonruddle Designs

Moonruddle Designs is Catherine Moon- artist, teacher, and mother of 3. She graduated with degrees in Fine Arts and French from McMaster University in 2000. She teaches French Immersion and continues to do printmaking in her spare time. All of her prints are original designs carved from linoleum and hand printed on an assortment of Japanese papers. She is inspired by nature and specifically by flowers, insects and forest animals. Other inspirations come from the French culture and from her visits to France and Quebec. More recently she has been experimenting with dyeing natural fabrics with natural dyes.