Kirsten Chursinoff

Amanita Muscaria

2012-01-12T01:29:00.000-08:00

Amanita Muscaria, by Kirsten Chursinoff 2012 7" x 5" (17.5 x 12 cm)

detail shot

Also known as Fly Agaric.
Dangerous beauties.
Why are there so many of them in fairy tale illustrations? A reminder of the darker versions of these tales, or altered realities? I won't write about the uses of this ubiquitous toadstool. I'll play it safe and enjoy the cheerful colour and sprightly shape.

I embroidered the dots and then cut out the cap shapes from the red cloth. Then the pieces were sewn to the background along with the stems and then grass was added at the end.

A snapshot of some of the mushrooms found in the fairy ring below.

Fairy ring, Vancouver, Canada 2010. Photo by Kirsten Chursinoff

Additional inspiration found in my stamp collection!

Hoopla is here

2011-09-25T00:41:00.001-07:00

The book is here and it's nice and thick.

Hoopla is in stores now!

Sneak peek. Yes, that's me in my studio. Buy the book if you want to see more!

Leanne Prain, author, and me (on the right), one of the contributors.

Praise for Hoopla in Elle (Canada) Magazine, October 2011

P is for Prain, in "Who's Who British Columbia"
BC Bookworld, Autumn 2011

My family at the Hoopla book launch, Spool of Thread Vancouver

http://www.unexpectedembroidery.com/hoopla-the-book/

Arsenal Pulp Press
ISBN-13: 9781551524061

Author: Leanne Prain
Photographer: Jeffrey Christenson
Cover artwork: Hippo by Tumim & Prendergast
Foreword by Betsy Greer

Hoopla Book Launch

2011-09-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

I'm in this book!

Hoopla: the art of unexpected embroidery
by Leanne Prain

Images of my art, a project, a studio visit, and an interview are all nestled between these covers. To see the other embroiderers and for info on the author see the website:
http://www.unexpectedembroidery.com/hoopla-the-book/

For us Vancouverites, the book launch is Thursday Sept 22 at 7pm at Spool of Thread. Author Leanne Prain is also going on a tour in Canada and the USA with the book:
http://www.unexpectedembroidery.com/book-tour/

See you at the book launch!
Kirsten

Studio mate

2011-07-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

My new studio mate likes to go for walks.

This is how I keep my hands busy these days.
Happy summer!
K

Marine Conservation Congress: Art Show

2011-05-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

Moon Jellies Trio 4, Kirsten Chursinoff
http://www.chursinoff.com/kirsten/

‘From Starfish to Sticklebacks: Seven BC artists explore the oceans’ wonders’
Art exhibition at the International Marine Conservation Congress
Victoria Conference Centre (Victoria, BC, Canada)
May 14 to 18, 2011

Press release:
MAY 4, 2011, VICTORIA, BC –There’s something magical and mysterious about life under the sea. The deep ocean is a little like outer space—largely inaccessible, inhospitable, and little understood. Unlike the rest of our solar system, though, the sea is teeming with life: whales and sharks; giant squids and strange luminescent jellies; crabs, prawns, and lobsters. It hosts familiar fish like salmon and cod, and strange ones like rough-scaled grenadiers and quill fish. It is home to starfish and sea anemones, barnacles and plankton. The list is endless.

An upcoming art exhibition in Victoria will give the public a chance to explore some of these wonders through the eyes of seven BC artists. The exhibition is part of the Second International Marine Conservation Congress (“Making Marine Science Matter”), to be held at the Victoria Conference Centre from May 14 to 18.

"Those of us who spend most of our time on land don’t often get to experience life underwater," says exhibition curator and artist Robi Smith. "This show is an amazing opportunity for the artists to share their passion for the ocean with scientists and others who are working to protect marine ecosystems, including our own here in BC. We would love to inspire the public to learn more about the fascinating creatures who live in our waters."

Vicky Bowes http://oceanroots.org

Robi Smith www.blue-lantern.ca/studio

Leanne Hodges www.leannehodges.com

Anne Hansen - Oystercatcher Girl http://oystercatchergirl.blogspot.com

Cam MacDonald www.cammacdonald.ca

Ian McAllister (Great Bear Rainforest, BC), photography www.pacificwild.org

‘From Starfish to Sticklebacks’ is a free event open to the public. It will be on view in the Westcoast Room of the Victoria Conference Centre on Saturday, May 14 from 2 pm to 6 pm, and Sunday, May 15 through Wednesday, May 18 from 11 am to 6 pm. The public entrance to the exhibition is off Douglas Street.

***Note to my friends: I will have four pieces in this group exhibition so I encourage you to attend. However, our baby is due May 13 so I probably won't be able to attend in person. Hope you all enjoy the show!
Kirsten

Cherry Blossoms a Textile Translation 2011

2011-03-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

April 5 - 17 at the Silk Purse Gallery
1570 Argyle Ave
West Vancouver, BC
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 12-5pm

The opening reception is April 5 from 6 - 8 pm
Everyone is welcome.
I have two pieces in this group show.

Bleeding Hearts in the Garden

2011-02-08T01:54:00.000-08:00

Newest addition in the Bleeding Hearts series. I've enjoyed exploring this flower with a variety of background colours over the years.

Inspirational photo of bleeding hearts from a local community garden.

Honeysuckle Sunshine 2011

2011-01-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

Kirsten Chursinoff "Honeysuckle Sunshine" 2011
Fabric, couching, machine stitching, and hand stitching.

Honeysuckle is the Pantone colour of the year for 2011.
Here's my interpretation of this colour through my textile depiction of honeysuckle.

Detail showing the star shapes on the patchwork background as well as the couched threads and French knots. The background on this one is free motion zigzag stitch on over 100 small pieces of fabric.

This fabric was purchased years ago. I didn't dye it myself, but wish I could.

Sewing threads, embroidery floss and some hand dyed cotton.

I've been collecting images from magazines and photocopies from books.

My photo of Honeysuckle 2010

Rough sketches, templates and marker sketches on transparencies.

Some of my previous designs/colourways with honeysuckle:

Kirsten Chursinoff "Honeysuckle" 2005, SOLD

Kirsten Chursinoff "Honeysuckle 2" 2007, SOLD

Kirsten Chursinoff "Honeysuckle Vines" 2007, SOLD

Kirsten Chursinoff "Honeysuckle Sunshine" $800
8" x 10"
20.5cm x 25.5 cm

17" x 21" framed
43.5cm x 54cm framed

http://www.chursinoff.com/kirsten/

Nesting Season

2010-12-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

3-D Nest 20, Kirsten Chursinoff 2010

Next Exhibition:

Group shows are always a great idea. I haven't met the other artists yet. We were chosen by the arts centre.

I hope to participate in more group shows in 2011. 2010 was a great year, but solo shows are a huge undertaking.

Jan 6-Feb 18 2011
2425 St. Johns St. Port Moody, BC, Canada

Opening Reception: Thurs Jan 6, 2011 6pm-8pm

Excellent Hours:
Mon-Thurs 10am-8pm
Fri-Sat 10am-5pm
Sun 12am-4pm

Phone 604-931-2008
http://www.pomoartscentre.ca/

Gentille Alouette Textile Art Show

2010-12-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

Gentille Alouette (remember the song..."Alouette, gentille alouette...")

Eliza and I went to college together. Now she owns Gentille Alouette, a fashion boutique in Gastown. She's having a textile art show for December and I have 6 pieces on display for the month.

There's an opening party event Friday Dec. 3, 5-9pm
Gentille Alouette
227 Carrall St.
Vancouver BC
604-688-6819

Eliza Lau

These photos are from the Gentille Alouette page.

Circle Craft Gallery Exhibition Review

2010-11-23T14:41:00.001-08:00

Alliums, Kirsten Chursinoff, SOLD

Thank you Thelma Ruck Keene and Gaye Hammond for reviewing my exhibition at Circle Craft Gallery.

"Her portraits of knapweed and meadowsweet, and the umbels of the parsley family seem to spring up joyously within their frames to remind us of the unceasing energy and wonder of life."
Thelma Ruck Keene

"Her art form visually draws you into multi-layered surfaces that hold strength and delicacy. Each piece comes to life with dancing movement and perceived colouring, the highly detailed images appear to unfold freely with intrinsic elegance and beauty."
Gaye Hammond

You can read the full review here:
http://www.circlecraft.net/page436.htm

There's one week left to see the exhibition "Garden Silhouettes". The show runs until Nov 30th.
10-7 daily at Circle Craft Gallery in the Net Loft Building on Granville Island, Vancouver.

I'm excited to report that 7 pieces have sold already!

Garden Silhouettes - Reception Nov 7. 2-4pm

2010-11-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

Autumn Umbels, detail, Kirsten Chursinoff

Knapweed 3, detail, Kirsten Chursinoff

Autumn Light, detail, Kirsten Chursinoff

Meadowsweet, detail, Kirsten Chursinoff

Silhouettes, Black & White, detail, Kirsten Chursinoff

Thanks to the wonderful staff at Circle Craft, my "Garden Silhouettes" exhibition is now up on the walls.

Above, are a few details to temp to you to visit the gallery. The texture is difficult to capture in a photo, so they really should be seen in real life.

Circle Craft is located next to the Granville Island Public Market, and is in a building called the Net Loft, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The show runs until Nov. 30th, 2010.
The opening reception is Sunday Nov. 7th, 2-4pm
1666 Johnston St. Granville Island

I was going to include a Google Map of Granville Island, but the G-map is wrong! Don't believe everything you read online.

Circle Craft Exhibitions

Garden Silhouettes at Circle Craft

2010-10-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

Home after the fire

2010-09-24T10:56:00.001-07:00

There's no place like home (once the men in the HAZMAT suits have gone home!)

Home at last - after a wonderful vacation and then an unexpected mass evacuation of our apartment and surrounding businesses due to a CHEMICAL FIRE.

Life has been crazy, but I'm happy to report that all is safe in our suite and my studio. No damage or smells on our floor, and all my art supplies are safe. I'll be able to start work soon and catch up on commissions, as well as preparations for upcoming shows.

Kirsten

Low Tide - Salt Spring Island

2010-09-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

Moon Jellies Trio 3, detail, Kirsten Chursinoff

Beach Comber's Paradise, detail, Kirsten Chursinoff 2010

My Low Tide series arrives on Salt Spring Island today!

The exhibition is at Knotty Threads Studio and Artisan Gallery. It's the silk weaving studio of Jane MacKenzie:
http://www.janemackenziedesigns.com/

The location:
111 Morningside Rd. Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada.

The show is up for the month of September, but pieces will leave as they sell, so plan your visit for early September if you want to see the whole show!

Knotty Threads also displays my garden-themed and west coast embroidered/quilted pieces year-round as well as a fine selection of artisan-made items. The highlight is the one-of-a-kind silk scarves and shawls hand woven on site, by Jane MacKenzie.

"Birds at Sea" group exhibition at the first World Seabird Conference

2010-08-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Black Oystercatcher, Kirsten Chursinoff 2010

Two of my bird-themed textile art pieces are in this group show curated by Vancouver artist Robi Smith.

‘Birds at Sea’ art exhibition

1st World Seabird Conference, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada

September 7 to 11, 2010

AUGUST 25, 2010, VICTORIA, BC – The trouble with seabirds is that they spend most of their time out in the ocean, far from sight. Because of this, they are also often out of mind, leading in some cases to these birds quietly facing extinction.

An upcoming art exhibition in Victoria will give the public a chance to see some of these birds up close—including albatrosses, murres and puffins—as captured in photographs, painting and textiles by 6 accomplished artists from the west coast of Canada and the US. The exhibition is part of the 1st World Seabird Conference, the first ever gathering of seabird experts from around the world—more than 800 delegates from 40 countries. Part of the proceeds from sales of the artwork will go to support seabird research.

The artists featured in the exhibition:

Anne Hanson (BC), painting: http://oystercatchergirl.blogspot.com
Darlene Gait (BC), painting: http://www.onemoon.ca/
Kirsten Chursinoff (BC), textiles: http://www.chursinoff.com/kirsten/
Ram Papish (Oregon), painting: http://www.rampapish.com/
Robi Smith (Vancouver), mixed media: http://www.blue-lantern.ca/studio/
Ron LeValley (California), photography: http://www.levalleyphoto.com/

‘Birds at Sea’ is a free event open to the public. It will be on view in the Westcoast Room of the Victoria Conference Centre on Tuesday, September 7 from 10 am to 6 pm, and Wednesday, September 8 through Saturday, September 11 from 12 pm to 7 pm.

***Thanks Robi. I'm happy to be included in this exhibition!

Kirsten

Disgustingly Pretty

2010-08-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

Sedum, photo by Kirsten Chursinoff

Some "Pretty Little Pictures" to either make you gag, or at least inspire your search for the insects that may be lurking in there somewhere.

I've heard some strange comments about my work over the years. A woman purchasing a piece for her young daughter actually put her finger in her mouth (the gag motion) over the colour pink in one of my pieces. Another woman, viewing one of my exhibitions said "I thought they were just bad paintings until I got closer and saw they were fabric" and then there was that guy at my craft booth who asked me if it was macaroni craft! Maybe his contacts fell out that day?

Plain and simple, my work is about searching for beauty in the world. Sometimes I look to strange things such as tube worms or weeds, other times it's straightforward plants and flowers. My work has never been conceptual so there's no use pretending.

Opium Poppy, photo by Kirsten Chursinoff

Detail, Opium Flower, textile by Kirsten Chursinoff

Selection of sizes. Opium Poppies and Meadowsweet.

Detail, Meadowsweet, textile by Kirsten Chursinoff.

The Meadowsweet fabric was coloured with Jacquard textile paint. To achieve the glowing effect, the paint is applied darker as I move away from the loopy-knot-flowers.

Paint tray and stencil brush.

?

I promised you some insects. Shield bugs (?) on Mahonia aquifolium.

Quilting Arts Magazine Issue #46

2010-08-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

My Quilting Arts Magazine article highlights the inspiration behind the series of octopus and jellyfish art quilts. The series began with visits to the Vancouver Aquarium.

Quilting Arts Magazine issue #46 Aug/Sept 2010
http://www.quiltingarts.com/

You'll have to buy a copy to read it!

Cover of issue #46. Art by Ana Buzzalino.

Art Demo at Opus North Van and Canada Day at CCBC

2010-06-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

Now that my studio is tidied-up (well, mostly tidy - I had to hide some stuff under the bed!) and photographed, I'm getting ready for my next two events.

Both are free and are casual drop-in sessions, so stop by and say hello if you're in the neighbourhood.

From Opus Art News, June 2010

June 26, 2-4pm
Visiting Artist/Demo
Opus Framing and Art Supplies
120 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver

July 1, 12-4pm
Canada Day on Granville Island
Crafthouse, Craft Council of BC Gallery
1386 Cartwright St.
Granville Island, Vancouver
I'm going to be artist-in-attendance at my gallery show 'Low Tide'. I'll be there to talk about the art in the exhibition and show visitors some of the pieces I'm currently stitching. There will also be fine craft demonstrations in various media, taking place in front of the gallery.

A warm welcome to my American visitors who are planning a trip up to Canada from Washington State. See you there!

More info on ccbc site (below my exhibition info)
Craft Council of BC

Canada Day on Granville Island

And while I'm busy tooting my own horn, that's my 'Himalayan Poppies' representing the listing for the Craft Council of BC in the spanking new 'Van Dop Arts & Cultural Guide to British Columbia' (now in it's 12th edition!)

Whether you live here, or you're planing a trip to this part of the world, or if you're interested in the arts and culture of BC you'll want to check out the print version, or the online one here:
Van Dop Arts & Cultural Guide to British Columbia

Low Tide - on the gallery walls

2010-06-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

'Low Tide' is on the gallery walls!

I enjoyed designing the layout for the show. The small pieces are lined up in little rows among the larger pieces.

'Starfish Cove' was the first one to sell. (I love red dots!) I was thrilled with the response at my opening reception. Over a third of the show is now sold! Thank you everyone!

For my friends from out of town, I'm sharing the pieces in this show on my Flickr gallery, which you can always find by visiting my website Kirsten Chursinoff.

If you're in town, please join us at the gallery for my
Artist Talk and Slide Show:
7pm Tuesday June 22
Crafthouse/ccbc
1386 Cartwright St.
Granville Island, Vancouver, BC

Okay, now it's time to catch my breath and start cleaning up the studio. Exhibitions tend to lead to extreme chaos.

The race is on. I've got to tidy up for a studio photo shoot on Thursday!

It's worse than this right now. I'd take a more recent photo if I could find my camera. I used to have a desk in there somewhere!
Yikes, fabric on the floor! Naughty girl.

The Early Bird Catches the Worm

2010-06-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

The Early Bird Catches the Worm - the Tube Worm, in this case.

Yes, I've been talking about it for months and now it's finally here. No more counting down the days. My 'Low Tide show is now up on the walls at Crafthouse, The Craft Council of BC Gallery. The official opening reception is Thursday June 17 from 6-8pm, but no one will stop you if you're one of the early birds who likes to catch a worm, or starfish, or octopus or any of the other seaside treasures.

The Gallery is open 10-6 daily
1386 Cartwright St.
Granville Island, Vancouver.
Look for the red awning and banner:

Craft Council of BC

Everyone is welcome at the opening reception Thursday June 17, 6-8pm.

There are still a few spots left for my artist talk and slide show on Tuesday June 22 7pm, but RSVP is required for the artist talk. You can RSVP to me with your name and email address. If you don't know my email, you can always find it on my website:
http://www.chursinoff.com/kirsten/

Behind the scenes - Preparing for the show:
Since I've been spilling my creative guts all over the place, I may as well show my seams too!
Here's a peak at the reverse side of the Giant Pacific Octopus. This guy is in the exhibition, and if you know where to look, he'll be on some glossy pages in a month or two!

Giant Pacific Octopus, reverse side (bobbin thread and embroidery knots). Backing fabric is artist canvas. Hand and machine embroidery.

Once the pieces are finished and documented, I mount them on acid free art paper with hand stitches in matching thread colours. To hold the pieces in place I use a book (most often Charles Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species'- because it's the right size and this edition has a cool skeleton on the cover). I then mat and frame the pieces. The art appears to float on the backing once it's all put together. I leave the raw edges of the fabric exposed, but the layers are usually secured with a zig zag or other type of stitching, so they have a somewhat tidy look. I've developed this technique over many years. It's time consuming and has to be done just right, but I like the way the pieces look when they're finished and framed on the wall.

Kirsten Chursinoff Ochre Stars, framed 11" x 9"

See you Thursday evening!

Vancouver Aquarium Member Spotlight

2010-06-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

*Posted here with permission. Originally from the Vancouver Aquarium Member Newsletter, June 2010, written by Theresa Malar.

Aquarium Member Finds Inspiration in the Treasures of the BC Coast Exhibit

Beach combing, exploring tide pools and rocky shores, finding treasures from beneath the sea – this is all in a day’s work for textile artist Kirsten Chursinoff. Kirsten is a member of the Vancouver Aquarium and also a donor to our annual fundraising gala, Night at the Aquarium. She credits finding the inspiration for her marine ecosystems-themed artworks through the exhibits found here, principally the Treasures of the BC Coast exhibit. On the rocky shores of Stanley Park, Kirsten speaks of the mysteries of the world beneath the wake.

Her newest exhibit entitled Low Tide explores intertidal zones and the many fascinating creatures found just off our shores. Sea stars, urchins, anemones, octopuses and jellies are crafted out of a diversity of materials and captivate the eye with their colourful layers and textures. Each unique piece is a myriad of quilting, embroidery, beading, and fastening re-purposed materials as they come together to create the finished piece. Drawn to showcase the visual connection to the marine world and drive awareness of the environment, Kirsten aims to focus attention on the natural beauty found in our oceans and to remind us all to have an appreciation for the diversity of marine life found so close to home. Kirsten has found a unique way to intertwine her education focusing on the environment and her passion for textiles through interpretation on a canvas. When asked about her connection to the Vancouver Aquarium, Kirsten speaks of the mystery of the shoreline. Kirsten feels that the mystery is revealed though our galleries and feels a deep connection to the animals found within the intertidal zone.

Kirsten’s exhibit Low Tide will be premiering at Crafthouse Gallery, Craft Council of BC from June 17 – July 25. From there it will be travelling to Salt Spring Island to show at Knotty Threads in Fulford Harbour from September 1 – 30.

Theresa Malar
Manager of Membership Programs
Vancouver Aquarium
www.vanaqua.org

Thank you Theresa!

poster, artist talk, art demo

2010-06-02T22:09:00.000-07:00

So many new things today...

Posters for my show.

Artist Talk scheduled for Tuesday June 22, 7pm
at my exhibition 'Low Tide'
Craft Council Gallery
1386 Cartwright St. Granville Island
RSVP to me kirsten @ chursinoff . com

My art demo is now posted on the Opus Framing and Art Supplies Website and newsletter
Saturday June 26, 2-4pm North Vancouver Location
20 Lonsdale Ave, N. Van.
http://www.opusframing.com/how/demos/contemporary-fabric-art

An article about my work and finding art inspiration at the Vancouver Aquarium:
Waters, Member Newsletter

15 days to 'Low Tide', hmmm I need to actually look up the tide chart for that day to see when actual low tide will happen.

Fibre Events Greater Vancouver, Summer 2010

2010-05-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

I've been talking a lot about my Low Tide show coming up on June 17th. I think it's time to share some of the other great Textile Art/Fibre Art shows that are happening around Vancouver and the surrounding area.

Common Threads
The Twisted Fibre studio Tour

Once again, Julie Pongrac, Michelle Sirois-Silver, and Judy Villett open their fibre art studios and invite visitors to see completed new works, works in progress, and demonstrations by the artists on this unique self-guided tour through Commercial Drive and Strathcona in Vancouver, Canada. Join them in their studios Saturdays and Sundays, June 19-20 & 26-27, 10am – 4pm
http://commonthreadsvancouver.wordpress.com/
Visit the sit for map and details.

May 6- Jun 13 “Loose Associations” An Exhibition by Susan Cain, a textile-based mixed media artist who builds her sculptures from wood and wire, fabric, plaster, and paint.
Craft Council of BC Gallery/Crafthouse
1386 Cartwright St.
Granville Island, Vancouver, BC
www.craftcouncilbc.ca

May 14 to June 5, Capilano University Textile Arts Grad Show
Students in the Textile Arts Program cordially invite you to their grad show. Works in the exhibition range from silk-screening, printing and various surface treatments with dyes and stitched designs, to woven, felted and knitted pieces.
CityScape Community Art Space

335 Lonsdale Avenue

North Vancouver, BC

May 8- Jun 13 “Textiles – WaxWorks” by Netherlands batik artist Els van Baarle
www.elsvanbaarle.com
At FibreWorks Studio and Gallery
12887-12889 Sunshine Coast Highway, Madeira Park, B.C. (Look for the yurts!)
short ferry ride away

May 25- Jun 20 “Interlacement at 75” An Exhibition of scarves and shawls with tapestry and basketryaccent pieces.
Seymour Art Gallery
Deep Cove
4360 Gallant Ave. North Vancouver, BC
Open daily 10am- 5pm

Jun 21- Aug 1 “ thr3fold – on the road” with pieces from Vol 5.
www.thr3foldjournal.com
Opening Reception Monday June 21, 2–4 pm.
Meet the Artists – Linda & Laura Kemshall & Catherine Nicholls. This will also be the release of Vol. #5 of Thr3fold Journals –bring all your Journals for artist autographs.
12887-12889 Sunshine Coast Highway, Madeira Park, B.C. (Look for the yurts!)
FibreWorks Studio and Gallery
short ferry ride away

Quilt Show
Lions Gate Quilters Guild
June 11, 2010 to June 12, 2010
Fri. 9-7 Sat. 9-5
Adults $6.00
children under 12 Free
Delbrook Community Centre
600 West Queens Road
North Vancouver, BC
This is a new location for this quilt show!

June 4 - June 29, 2010
Opening reception, Friday, June 4, 6-8pm
Diana Sanderson and Suzanne Nairne
"A Twisted Exchange"
textiles & jewellery
Circle Craft Gallery, Granville Island
This collaboration between Sanderson and Nairne is structured like a rich conversation: an exchange of ideas in which they inspire, excite, teach, provoke and definitely challenge each other.

See the Silk Weaving Studio website for info about the Ocelot fashion show, workshop and exhibit in June:
http://www.silkweavingstudio.com/events.html

Need a reason to visit Vancouver? I just gave you 8.

'Low Tide' art exhibition, June 17 to July 25, 2010, Crafthouse Gallery, Granville Island. Opening reception June 17, 6-8pm.
Exhibition travels to Knotty Threads, Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island for the month of September 2010.

17 days to 'Low Tide' at Crafthouse, Granville Island.

Low Tide Invitation CCBC

2010-05-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

Click on the above to see it larger.

This image is from the ccbc website. The bouquet on the right is one of my pieces!

MAP

June 17-July 25
Opening: June 17, 6-8pm
Crafthouse - Craft Council of BC
1386 Cartwright St. Granville Island, Vancouver BC

We're also going to make some posters for the show. So many details to organize!
Three weeks to go!

Moon Jelly Fabric

2010-05-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

My little Moon Jellies. Aliens of the water. Machine free-motion and hand embroidery. The little polyps almost look like stars. This is totally making me think of something from my childhood, but I can't quite figure it out.

The fabric is iridescent and is difficult to capture with a camera.

Here's what the sheer iridescent fabric looks like.

When I drape it over a piece, you can see the translucent iridescence.

Moon jellies at the Vancouver Aquarium.

More jellies coming soon.

I'm working on the framing for the exhibition, but new pieces keep sneaking in, begging to be included.

23 days to Low Tide

Seagull eating a purple sea star

2010-05-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Seagull eating a purple sea star.

This guy still needs some work. I simplified the shape a little too much, so the wing doesn't quite fit the perspective. Birds are tricky subjects. They start to look cartoonish if you don't handle them the right way. I'm okay with illustrative results, but still thinking about this one.
The next one will be without the snack.

I've been waiting around at home for the guy to come and look at the heat pump, so I've had plenty of time to watch the gulls nesting on the rooftops.

Seagulls for Low Tide

2010-05-21T05:47:00.001-07:00

The ubiquitous seagull is often overlooked, but I've gained a new appreciation for this bird. Pairs of glaucous-winged gulls nest and raise their young on the rooftops around Vancouver. They appear to be excellent parents, bringing a constant supply of fish to their young.

As of yesterday, there are two eggs in the nest. They usually lay three. I'll check back later to see if there's a third one.

Juvenile gull eating a sea star. It looks pretty ridiculous, but eventually he gets it down. I've seen this happen a few times.

Stanley Park, zoomed-in a million times.

Juvenile, Kits Point.

Ingredients for making a seagull (eating a sea star).

'Low Tide' wouldn't be complete without a seagull or two.
27 days until 'Low Tide'

Tangled in threads for 'Low Tide' bio picture

2010-05-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

Me, by photographer Rachael Ashe

I was tangled in thread* by Vancouver artist and photographer Rachael Ashe, as part of her portrait series.

Rachael explores a variety of creative platforms through her blog Canvas to the Imagination.

I think I might use this image as my bio picture in the portfolio that will be displayed as a part of the 'Low Tide' exhibition. The exhibitions at the Crafts Council of BC (formerly Crafts Association) gallery always have an educational element. Artists/Craftspeople/Makers share information about their process, construction and techniques. Updating my blog has been excellent practice for writing about my work, and has given me ideas for preparing for my educational materials for the exhibition.

Now, with only a month left to go, the butterflies in my tummy are aflutter. I'll be spending many hours 'tangled in threads' from now till then.

*Thread: specifically DMC cotton 6-strand embroidery floss, pulled from skeins (for those of us who like to geek out over thread)

32 days to 'Low Tide'

Press Release for Low Tide Exhibition

2010-05-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

Making seaweed: Solvy (water-soluble) in an embroidery frame, free-motion machine embroidery.

Sewn anemones and various underwater creatures, made with Solvy, as above. The Solvy washes away in water.

Vancouver from Kitsilano Point, at Low Tide

Click on the press release to view large.

“Fibre is the perfect medium for representing the intricate details and textures of British Columbia’s rugged beauty. By exploring the subject matter of the seashore, I’m able to make use of a full spectrum of textile techniques.”

So, there's just over a month left before the show opens. Many of the pieces are complete and framed, others are still in process. The Octopus Series is on the way back from Massachusetts and will arrive in time for the exhibition to join the sea stars, anemones and birds.

I'm hoping to schedule my artist talk and slide show to correspond with the exhibition. The venue and date is to be determined. Watch my blog for more details.

35 days to Low Tide

Anemones - Low Tide Countdown

2010-05-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

Sea anemones, spotted anemone, embroidered.

Close-up of anemone showing stitches.

Photo taken at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Photo taken at the Vancouver Aquarium.

There are several types of anemones in reddish tones. I'm stitching below the intertidal zone now, to depict more marine creatures. I guess I'm stretching beyond the limits of Low Tide...extending my art boundary.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Theresa yesterday to be interviewed for the Vancouver Aquarium members newsletter. I've been spending a lot of time there doing research for my Low Tide exhibition. A while ago they were asking to hear stories about their members, so I sent them some photos of my octopus art quilts. It's perfect timing since my Low Tide exhibition is coming up and I can share the info with Aquarium members.

37 days to Low Tide...

Low Tide and sharing my art

2010-05-05T13:02:00.001-07:00

A funny thing happened while I was at the Vancouver Aquarium the other day...I received a phone call from - yep, the Vancouver Aquarium. Nope, I didn't loose my wallet or membership card, they were calling in response to some my Octopus Series art quilt photos I sent in a while back.

I've been researching sea creatures for my Low Tide exhibition, and for the Octopus series that will be published in my favourite magazine soon. Everything seems to be falling into place and the timing of publications and exhibition dates are coinciding perfectly. Now, to my delight, it looks like the interview for the Vancouver Aquarium Members June newsletter will also be timely. I'm meeting for an interview next week!

Promoting my art by sharing with the public is especially important for me this year. My Low Tide exhibition is premiering at Crafthouse. Crafthouse Gallery is a program of the Craft Council of British Columbia (formerly Crafts Association of BC) and they were one of the arts organizations to loose their provincial gaming grant funds last year. I hope that by sharing my art people will be reminded of the importance of art and culture in the province and in Canada.

Many people know the importance of buying local food and I want to encourage the purchase of local art and craft as well. The second venue for my Low Tide exhibition is the Studio Gallery of Salt Spring Island Silk Weaver, Jane MacKenzie. Her studio "Knotty Threads" is home to her one-of-a-kind handmade scarves and shawls, and the work of local artisans. As artist and entrepreneur, Jane has demonstrated her commitment to local talent.

Jane MacKenzie - Knotty Threads

Crafthouse Gallery - Craft Council of BC

Vancouver Aquarium

Low Tide exhibition countdown 43 days

2010-05-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

Some of the sea stars have now been sewn to the background pieces. I've also added some embroidery stitches and beads.
Blood star.

Ochre sea stars.

Purple sea star.

More backgrounds to fill.

I'm really loving the effects of the painted cheesecloth scraps from my sister. They are a bit tricky to sew into place, but the textures are wonderful.

43 days left to the first showing of Low Tide.

Crafthouse Gallery, June 17-July 25, 2010
reception June 17 6-8pm

Knotty Threads, Salt Spring Island
September, 2010

Low Tide - Purple Sea Stars

2010-05-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

Purple sea stars, Belcarra Regional Park, Port Moody, BC

It has been difficult to hear the news about the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I am not able to grasp the gigantic size of it, nor comprehend the endless repercussions it will have. I simply can't believe that something like that can happen because of our need to burn fuel.

The only thing I can do to stay sane is focus on the beauty of the coastline near my home and try to live gently as I interpret the creatures and landscapes through art. My heart goes out to the people of the surrounding areas, and the marine creatures that will suffer and die in the mess.

I know laws have changed since 1989 but did you know that Exxon (Esso) never paid for any of the damage their company caused in the enormous Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska!

Sea star shapes, not sewn into place yet.

Sea star shape, not sewn down yet.

Building texture on cloth with salvaged cheesecloth that was used in my sister's painting business. The paint stained cheesecloth is sewn onto the cotton, by free-motion machine stitching. It creates a great texture that is reminiscent of the seashore.

Sea Stars, Belcarra.

47 days to the start of my "Low Tide" Exhibition

Low Tide - Ochre Stars

2010-04-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

Ochre Stars, detail.

Ochre Stars, detail.
Beads and embroidery depict the texture of barnacles and shells. Ochre stars are machine appliquéd.

Variety of sea stars at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Sea star territory, low tide near Second Beach, Stanley Park, Vancouver.

Countdown to Low Tide exhibition at Crafthouse Gallery, Granville Island June 17-July 25 2010 and Knotty Threads, Saltspring Island, September 2010.

Low Tide - Black Oystercatcher Birds

2010-04-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Low Tide Exhibition Countdown 54 days

Kirsten Chursinoff 2010
Black Oystercatchers 26.5cm x 10cm (10 1/2" x 4")
Sewing machine appliqué and hand embroidery.

Black Oystercatchers looking for bivalves on seaweed covered rocks. Victoria's inner harbour.

English Bay, Vancouver, low tide.

English Bay, Vancouver, low tide.

Kirsten Chursinoff 2010
Black Oystercatcher, 18cm x 12 cm (7" x 5")

Black Oystercatcher, detail. I love their eyes!!! This one is about to eat a mussel.

Detail, rocky shore. Embroidered mussels, barnacles and seaweed (rockweed). Loopy French knots and single chain stitch (or daisy). Cotton floss on cotton quilting fabric.

The Black Oystercatcher is found along the Pacific Coast of North America. We don't have the one with the white feathers here, but you can see it pictured above.

The most striking feature is the long carrot-like orange bill.

"Low Tide" finding inspiration on the beach

2010-04-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Anemones.

Barnacles and mussels.

Goose Barnacles.

Beach "Structures".

I don't know what this is but it was very interesting.

Turban Snails.

Anemone.

Turkish towel (Turkish washcloth) seaweed.

Bat Star.

Wild Pacific Trail of Ucluelet, and the beaches, around Long Beach and Tofino, British Columbia.

57 days to "Low Tide" fabric art exhibition, Crafthouse, Granville Island.
June 17 to July 25 2010.

The show will then travel to Knotty Threads, Fulford Harbour, Saltspring Island for September 2010. It's interesting that the exhibition will be island-hopping, since much of the inspiration is coming from coastal islands: Mayne Island and Vancouver Island.

Low Tide countdown begins: West Coast Trip

2010-04-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Me, Englishman Falls, Vancouver Island BC

To start the two-month countdown to my exhibition "Low Tide" at Crafthouse Gallery, I'm pulling together some photos from our recent trip to the West Coast of Vancouver Island including the Wild Pacific Trail of Ucluelet, and the beaches, bogs and forests around Long Beach and Tofino, British Columbia.

This part of the West Coast has greatly inspired my landscape series of artwork.
I find the rugged landscape reveals beautiful vistas in every direction.

My co-adventurer. We're not afraid of a little rain.

The view from Radar Hill.

The edges of the earth.

Rugged beauty.

Wind-sculpted trees.

Islands.

Driftwood, Schooner Cove.

59 days until my textile art show "Low Tide" at Crafthouse Gallery, Granville Island. June 17 to July 25 2010.

The show will then travel to Knotty Threads, Fulford Harbour, Saltspring Island for September 2010. It's interesting that the exhibition will be island-hopping, since much of the inspiration is coming from coastal islands: Mayne Island and Vancouver Island.

Surrey Museum Speaker Series May 6 2010

2010-04-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

Surrey Museum
Spring 2010 Textile Program
Speaker Series:

Art Quilts with Kirsten Chursinoff - Slide Show and Artist Talk

"Take a colourful journey with fabric artist Kirsten Chursinoff, as she shares the inspiration, creativity, and design, behind her art quilts that have appeared in galleries and magazines."

Limited seating. Must pre-register.

1 session $6 (16+yrs)
Thursday, May 6
7:00pm-8:30pm
4207825

To register on-line click here
or
Pre-register by calling 604-592-6956, or 24-hr PhoneReg at 604-501-5100

17710-56A Avenue
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

This map is from the Surrey Museum website.

"Garden Stories" New Westminster Public Library

2010-04-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

Display case of nests and small garden embroideries.

Ramp Gallery art show, NWPL

"Garden Stories", my fabric art exhibition, is on display at the New Westminster Public Library for the month of April 2010.

Description:
Kirsten Chursinoff's fabric art celebrates the seasonal return of flowers to the garden. Inspired by the tradition of botanical illustration, some pieces delve beneath the ground exposing roots and bulbs; showing the full story of the plants. See what's happening in the garden through the eyes of a fabric artist - a garden where the petals, leaves and buds are sewn and embroidered to resemble paintings.

April 1-30, 2010
Please remember that the library will be closed April 2,4,5 for the Easter weekend (but is open on the Saturday).

http://www.nwpl.ca/

716 6th Avenue
New Westminster, BC

Hours:
Monday - Friday 9:30 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday (except holiday weekends) 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Salt Spring Island Fine Art Tour 2010

2010-03-31T15:39:00.001-07:00

Knotty Threads is the silk weaving studio of Jane MacKenzie, as well as a gallery of locally made fine art and craft.

More info about the Salt Spring Art tour:
http://www.saltspringstudiotour.com/

Boundary Bay Quilters' Guild Lecture and Slideshow

2010-03-12T23:19:00.000-08:00

I'm looking forward to meeting the members of the Boundary Bay Quilters' Guild at my presentation on Tuesday, March 16, 2010.

I have a slide show/talk and I'm bringing several framed art quilts to the meeting for close viewing.

This is a special treat for me to (secretly) celebrate my birthday while surrounded by people who share my interests.

Boundary Bay Quilters' Guild
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
3900 Arthur Drive, Ladner, BC
(in the gym)

Doors open at 6:30pm, meeting begins at 7:00pm
Guests always welcome - $5.00

I have a slide show/talk and I'm bringing several framed art quilts to the meeting for close viewing.

Guild website, directions, and more info:
Boundary Bay Quilters' Guild

My website:
Kirsten Chursinoff

See you on Tuesday!

Kirsten

Nest Making

2010-03-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

Close-up of 3-D Nest 18, feathery

Close-up of 3-D nest 15. Most of the mossy yarns and twigs were sewn on by hand couching stitches.

My snippets overflowing from my catalogue drawers.

Spreading out all the nesting scraps.

Sandwich of yarns between two layers of water soluble Solvy. Mounted in an embroidery hoop. I machine-stitch this and then wash away the Solvy to make the nest.

Egg shaped buttons, from Button Button in Gastown, Vancouver. I've made a couple of nests with these ones.

I thought about using felted eggs or silk cocoons as eggs, but the furry texture did not seem right for the eggs.

Polymer clay egg beads. I blended my own colours. Always searching for the elusive "Robin's Egg Blue". Sorted by colour and size.

Drawings - just scribbles

The final product. Mounted in a white frame. Ready to send-off to nature-lovers around the world.

Kirsten

Early Spring 2010 Vancouver

2010-02-28T13:12:00.001-08:00

Rhododendron Flowers, 2010, Kirsten Chursinoff

It's the end of February. The seagulls are guarding their nesting sites on the rooftop beside our building; the herons have re-inhabited their heronry/rookery in Vancouver's Stanley Park; and spring is generally early all across the city. The cherry blossom trees have been blooming for a couple of weeks now and the rest of the trees are skeletal, but show signs of returning life. Last years' nests are still visible and robins are poking around in the grass. A visit to the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden yielded some early shrubs in full-flower. It was raining a little, so the photos are a bit blurry.

Rhododendrons

Magnolias

Just a few of the hundred or more nests in the Stanley Park heronry.

Hellebores

White blossoms

Flowering tree of some sort?

Plenty of inspiration for my upcoming "Garden Stories" exhibition in New Westminster.

Oops, this last one is from our trip to Victoria last weekend.

Translating an Idea into Fibre Art

2010-02-19T01:36:00.000-08:00

Photo of a nest in a blossom tree, Kirsten Chursinoff

Fibre art nest in a blossom tree, Kirsten Chursinoff

As you can see, the finished piece is often quite different from the photo or idea that sparked the creative fire. When I look at the world, I'm always trying to figure out if I can "translate" images or objects into embroidered cloth. I look for organic lines, forgiving textures, embroider-able details. I think about what kinds of stitches I'll need to use, or the threads and yarns that will be applied to the surface. Colours are important too. The colours need to speak to me.

Luckily, spring has arrived earlier than usual this year. I've been hunting for inspiration for my "Garden Stories" exhibition at the New Westminster Library in April. I'm already busy getting the spring-themed pieces mounted and framed. I have five shows lined up for 2010, so it's going to be a busy year.

Right now I'm trying to decide if I should include a couple of pieces in "Garden Stories" that I've show previously. I've often shown pieces more than once. It seems to work fine if the pieces match with the theme. I think that people will understand if there are a few pieces that have been show before.

I'm also wondering how people will react if I have a few pieces that are "Not for Sale". Once my art sells I usually never see it again. I'm realizing now that I should hold on to a few of my originals and keep them for when I give presentations or when people come by for studio visits.

Art Show North Shore News

2010-02-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

North Shore News, print version, p. A12, February 12 2010
Credit to Cindy Goodman, Bright Lights
Artist Kirsten Chursinoff

The group exhibition "Super Natural BC" at the Silk Purse Gallery continues to Sunday Feb 14.

"The opening reception for the Silk Purse Arts Centre's current exhibition was held Feb. 2 at the West Vancouver gallery. Twenty artists from the Lower Mainland are featured in the collection showcasing British Columbia-inspired work depicting cityscapes, landscapes and seascapes. The exhibition will remain on display until Sunday."

http://www2.canada.com/northshorenews/index.html

http://www.silkpurse.ca/

The optimist in me thinks it's great that I'm in the paper on the same day as the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympics here in Vancouver. Everyone has their eyes on the news right now. But the pessimist in me thinks it could be the worst day to try and promote my art career since I'm drowning in a sea of corporate ad campaigns and over-shadowed by the Big Event. As this paper was being distributed to homes across North and West Vancouver, most people had their eyes on the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. The arts are struggling here in BC since large funding cuts were announced a few months ago. I'm shocked by how expensive the Olympics are turning out to be. I'm also dreading the Post-Olympic Debt that we'll be suffering from for a long time. It will be difficult to re-establish arts funding in the post-Olympic climate. I really admire the galleries and organisations that keep fighting to stay alive and vibrant through the difficult times. I also admire the many artists who are taking charge of their creative businesses and developing plans for self-promotion and independence.
Kirsten

Super Natural BC Group Exhibition

2010-01-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

West Coast 19 by Kirsten Chursinoff

"Super Natural BC" Group Exhibition
February 2-14, 2010

Celebrating BC in 2010, this unique exhibition of 20 artists from the Lower Mainland represents all visual art disciplines and depicts BC landscape art, Vancouver cityscapes, and awe-inspiring images of the West Coast. Vancouver is home to a very rich and diverse art scene and the Silk Purse welcomes artists: Enda Bardell, Marnie Boullard, Kirsten Chursinoff, Betty Ditters, Joan Fraser, Jim Gladden, Sachiyo Grossmann, Charlotte Grundig, Amir Jam, Tessa Johnston, Sarah Johnstone, Louisa Leibman, Frank Levin, Marguerite Mahy, Christiane Markgraf, B. Adrienne Moore, Gloria O'Neil, Barbara Parkin, Riitta Peirone, and Cathy Roddie.

Opening Reception:
Tuesday February 2nd from 6-8 pm
Everyone is Welcome

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday:12:00 - 5:00 pm

West Vancouver Community Arts Council Silk Purse Gallery
1570 Argyle Avenue West Vancouver, BC 604-925-7292

http://www.silkpurse.ca/

The Most Venomous Octopus

2010-01-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

Blue-Ringed Octopus 2010 Kirsten Chursinoff

Blue-Ringed Octopus - Back of cloth

Images from online sources. I would have loved to fly to Australia to take my own pics, but on an artist's income - not a chance.

This time the commission is for someone nearby, but the creature is from the other side of the planet. I've joked a few times now about how the octopus is my new FLOWER. Well, now it's coming true. Here's a few pics showing some of the stages for this piece.

My drawing, cut out as a paper template.

The Blue-Ringed has shorter legs than the Giant Pacific Octopus I've worked with previously.

Couched silk threads.

Building an undersea landscape. Fabrics and dyed cheesecloth. Light application of Shiva Paintsticks by stencil brush.

Bringing some of the elements together.

Hand stitching - couching blue silk yarn.

Machine stitching around the couched rings. All the connecting threads were trimmed with embroidery scissors.

Detail shot showing stitched and encrusted surface of the ocean floor, octopus suckers, small seashell beads salvaged from a necklace.

Lions Gate Quilters' Guild Presentation

2010-01-22T21:52:00.000-08:00

Detail image of "Fennel Blossoms" -Kirsten Chursinoff 2010

Tuesday January 26, 2010
I'm presenting my lecture and slide show to the members of the Lions Gate Quilters' Guild.

Lions Gate Quilters' Guild
St Andrew's & St Stephen's Church
2641 Chesterfield Avenue
North Vancouver, BC

Meetings are 7 pm to 10 pm, the 4th Tuesday of the month.
New members may join the Guild at any time during the year for a prorated fee and visitors are welcome to attend for a drop-in fee.
http://www.lionsgatequiltersguild.com/

I'm looking forward to meeting more of the members of this Guild. So far I've met some of them at quilt shows, art galleries and other fibre related events.

Commission - Flowering Quince

2009-11-16T11:35:00.000-08:00

Original - "Flowering Quince" by Kirsten Chursinoff

Notes on commissions - from the fabric artist's perspective

I'm currently creating another version of the "Flowering Quince" for a commission order. I kept all my notes, reference pictures and design sketches from the first work so I can refer to them as I work on the new art piece.

In this particular case, I'm making a larger artwork than the original. This means I need to alter the scale of the composition. The clients have specified the size.

With textiles, there is an added step when enlarging a picture. If this were a painting I might be able to just paint it larger, but this being a textile piece I have to think about the sewing lines. As well as adding surface design, the sewing is integral to the structure of the finished piece. The sewing holds the layers of fabric together. Also, there is a larger space to fill. The new design has to take this into account.

Drawing for the new Flowering Quince artwork

Since I've changed the composition slightly, I'm submitting the new design for approval. I'm confident that new design will work well for the larger size.

The flowers are more accurately depicted, although in an illustrative style rather than representational. I hope the added stem, with buds, gives the appearance of natural growth.

More info about this coming soon...

New updates, images:

Paper template of new drawing on art canvas.

Starting to build the background fabrics.

Background almost sorted.

Starting to place the flowers, stems and leaves.
Still moving things around a bit.

Fine details and sewing to come soon....
The photos were taken at different times of the day so the colours vary a little.

Finished artwork
Packed and shipped. On the way to the UK.

Shiva paint sticks - Giant Pacific Octopus

2009-11-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

Octopus 5, Giant Pacific Octopus, Kirsten Chursinoff 2009

I studied surface design and dyeing in the Textile Art Program at Capilano, but I've kept to the cleaner side of the fabric arts since then. I can usually find the colour I need in my fabric stash, so I rarely create a colour from scratch. In this case, I just wanted to alter an existing fabric. I'm happy that I didn't loose the spotted pattern. It's still visible through the lightly applied colour from the Shiva paint sticks.

Shiva paint sticks, stencil brush, plastic lid, sample scraps of fabric

I smeared the paint sticks on a yogourt lid.

Blended the Napthol Red and Ultramarine Blue with a stencil brush.

I then tapped the colour onto the fabric with quick brush taps. Hitting the fabric rather than brushing.

It takes a few days to dry completely. I tried ironing between two sheets of paper to speed up the drying, but it remained smeary, so I waited a few days for it to dry and then I ironed it again.

My octopus template on the newly altered fabric.

Ready to pin cut and sew!

Octopus Cloth

2009-11-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

Octopus cloth - 2009 Kirsten Chursinoff

I'm happy to report that the octopus series is underway. I've always wanted to embrace the creatures with my fabric touch. Here's a few studio snapshots of various "octopusian" undertakings. I've been inspired by the marine exhibits at the Vancouver Aquarium.

detail "Octopus" - 2009 Kirsten Chursinoff

Drawing - 2009 Kirsten Chursinoff

By drawing, re-drawing, tracing, and cutting, I intimately study each line. This prepares me for the free-motion machine stitching. Through all these step I hope to gain an understanding of the flowing lines. It gives me ideas about how the next piece should be drawn. Hopefully I'll get better at it as I keep working with the series.

Pins - 2009 Kirsten Chursinoff

Yes, I'm doing this the old-fashioned way.

More pins, Voodoo-Octo

Cuttin' it old school

Yes, hand drawn in pencil, traced in ink and then cut out to use as a template to cut my fabric. No seam allowances necessary. Appliquéd by free-motion machine embroidery. I did it the hard way. I wanted to see if the fabric would hold up to cutting without any interfacing or stabilizer of any kind. I don't recommend it...
Most of the cutting is done with my embroidery scissors. They get into those twists and turns.

More pinning and cutting

Shape against signature background

Not every detail can be depicted, so the body and texture are simplified so it can be "translated into fibre". The creature is illustrated, rather than just documented.

Even though the design of the octopus body is drawn out ahead of time there are still design decisions to make along the way. I leave the suckers to be spontaneously added near the end, and I add the eyes last to make sure they sit the way I want them to.

Legs are fiddly things, especially when there's eight of them!

More to come soon!

www.chursinoff.com/kirsten

Events - Exhibitions and Art Openings

2009-11-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

Future:

2010
Group exhibition Silk Purse, February 2010
Exhibition - CCBC/Crafthouse 2010
Exhibition - Circle Craft 2010
Exhibition - West End Community Centre, October 11-30, 2010 Vancouver, BC

Present:

November 19 - December 18, 2009
Reception: Thursday November 19, 7pm-9pm
Positively Petite Miniature Exhibition
and the
Christmas Boutique (an extension of the gift shop, continuing into the lobby of the arts centre)
Place des Arts, Coquitlam
http://www.placedesarts.ca/

Past:

June 16 to June 21, 2009
Wild Flowers
Seymour Art Gallery in Deep Cove North Vancouver
Group Exhibition for the Summer Festival

May 2009
Art in the City
May 1,2 3 2009
West End Community Centre, 870 Denman St. Vancouver BC
Friday May 1st 7:00-9:00pm Gala Launch
Saturday May 2nd 10:00am - 8:00pm
Sunday May 3rd 10:00am - 4:00pm
Admission is free
This is a fine arts fair with original one of a kind artwork of various media. All the artists will be present at their booths.

April to June 2009

Vancity Inaugural Art Show
New Location at Robson and Denman in Vancouver.

April 9 to May 10 2009
Exhibition
"Stories from the Robin's Nest"
Knotty Threads on Salt Spring Island, BC.

March 2009

Cherry Blossom Festival, Vancouver BC. Two venues.

February 2009

Exhibition
"Beachcombing and Berry Picking"
February 12 to March 14 2009
Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam BC.
Artist Talk, February 22nd, 2pm.

And you can always find me at www.chursinoff.com/kirsten

Events - Lectures and Slideshows

2009-10-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you for inviting me to present my textile artwork to your guild, group or school.
I've enjoyed meeting all the members, guests and students.

My 2010 schedule is approaching and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone in the coming the year.

2010
January 26, Lions Gate Quilters' Guild, North Vancouver
March 16, Boundary Bay Quilters, Ladner
April 20, Vancouver Embroiderers Guild
May 6, Surrey Museum, Cloverdale

2009
Fraser Valley Quilters' Guild, Delta
Capilano University, Textile Arts Program
Place des Arts, Coquitlam
Pacific Spirit Quilters, Burnaby

2008
Vancouver Guild of Fibre Arts
Capilano University, Textile Arts Program
New Westminster Public Library
Textile Arts Guild of Richmond
North Shore Needle Arts Guild

2007
Vancouver Quilters' Guild

Little Cricket

2009-10-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Announcing a new venue for my art, with a feature on the front page of the gallery newsletter.
Thanks Ron!

Made-in-BC art and craft

Little Cricket - Maple Ridge
22347 Lougheed Highway
604-476-1234
&
Little Cricket - Fort Langley
9180B Glover Road
604-881-0066

And you can always find me at www.chursinoff.com/kirsten

Blackberries, a Visual Ode

2009-09-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

"Almost Ripe" 2009 Kirsten Chursinoff

Finishing touches by sewing machine.

Photos that I've taken to inspire my work:

Blackberry flower and early berry.

Blackberries growing among grape vines at the University of British Columbia Farm.

Evergreen Blackberry (deeply serrated leaves) also growing among the grape vines at UBC Farm.

Unripe berries with the leaves starting to change into autumn colours.

Now, the following images are a sample of artwork that influenced my childhood and my current aesthetic. I've given the name of each illustrator/artist below each picture.

Janet Marsh

Molly Brett

Jill Barklem

Edith Holden

Cicely Mary Barker

Benjamin Perkins

Beatrix Potter

So, I'm not the only one to be inspired by the weedy bramble that brings late summer fruit to hedgerows everywhere.

BC Arts and Culture Funding Cuts, British Columbia Canada

2009-09-04T18:10:00.001-07:00

We’re facing huge cuts to the Arts in our province. I just received two emails confirming that galleries exhibiting my work will be affected.

Rally and protest info is on the following blog:

http://www.allianceforarts.com/blog

Remember to support your local artists!!!

Heather Meadows, Mount Baker, Washington

2009-08-15T01:40:00.000-07:00

Looking for inspiration across the border. Just a few hours away.

Blueberries and heather at Heather Meadow

Aster and leatherleaf saxifrage.

Alpine ? I'll have to find out what this is! I think it is a type of orchid.
Okay, so I just found out what this is: Elephant's Head Lousewort. Pedicularis groenlandica.

Wonderful walking trails

A little further down the trail

Technically this is Mt. Shuksan, but the summit of Mt. Baker is really close. We couldn't see the summit due to the misty clouds creeping through the pass.

Devil's Club. Take a close look to see the spines!

Seymour Art Gallery

2009-06-01T13:27:00.001-07:00

I'm participating in the "Wild Flowers" Group Exhibition as part of the Seymour Art Festival 2009.
http://www.seymourartgallery.com/

As well as participating in the above exhibition, I'm now selling small gift-size fabric art ($60-$120 Canadian) at the Seymour Art Gallery shop, called Treasure Cove. The gallery and gift shop are nestled in the cozy village of Deep Cove, North Vancouver, BC.

Art in the City, and Vancity

2009-03-30T01:21:00.000-07:00

Everyone is welcome to stop by and see what's happening at Art in the City 2009!

I have a booth at this fair and I'll be there the whole weekend.

May 1 to May 3, 2009

Friday night is the opening gala. It says private above, but everyone is welcome to join us!

If you're in the neighbourhood, I also have a display of my art at the new Vancity located at the corner of Robson and Denman in Vancouver's West End. It's a block away from the West End Community Centre. It's the inaugural exhibition.

Stories from the Robin's Nest

2009-03-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Nests, Kirsten Chursinoff, 2009

An exhibition at Knotty Threads, Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island.

April 9 to May 10 2009

Knotty Threads has been accepted onto the Fine Art Tour for the Easter weekend on Salt Spring.

The gallery is open Wednesday thru Saturday from 11-5 pm until May.

During the Easter weekend we will be open the Sunday and the Monday.

Knotty Threads Studio
Jane MacKenzie
250-653-4137
111 Morningside Road, Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island, BC

or contact Kirsten
www.chursinoff.com/kirsten

See my previous post:
Knotty Threads info

Tri-City News Article

2009-03-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

The Tri-City News
Artist takes 'fresh approach'

Kirsten Chursinoff

COLLEEN FLANAGAN/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

By Janis Warren - The Tri-City News

Published: March 03, 2009 6:00 PM
Updated: March 04, 2009 11:40 AM

From a distance, it’s easy to mistake Kirsten Chursinoff’s work as a photograph or painting. Her colourful pieces — 45 of which are currently being shown at Place des Arts — pop out from the frames they’re exhibited in.

But on closer inspection, her art reveals a blend of intricate textures: embroidery floss, beads, dyed fabrics and threads woven by hand and machine to create a perfect, quilted landscape of nature.

“I think of it as a traditional technique in a contemporary, fresh approach,” Chursinoff said during a tour last week of Beachcoming & Berry Picking, her largest exhibit to date and her first at the Maillardville facility.

Her unique style has caught the eye of many artists, some of whom were at a lecture Chursinoff gave recently at Place des Arts to discuss her process, which includes fabric collage, free machine and hand embroidery, appliqué, couching and French knots.

Each piece takes, on average, two weeks to complete. “I couldn’t do it for eight hours a day,” she said. “It’s too labour intensive.”

Chursinoff takes her inspiration for an image from a photograph or painting, or sometimes from a picture or drawing she does while out on a walk, she said. Once she sits down to re-create the scene, her mind — and hands — wander and another idea manifests to the finished product. “I get carried away with the romance of the material,” the Capilano College graduate said.

And she’s conscious about the materials she uses, too: Cotton and silk threads, glass and wood beads, recycled quilting fabrics. “Things that are good for the Earth,” she said.

Chursinoff said she was happy to showcase her work in a community space, where spectators can see her art close up.

“We have just heard incredible comments and fascination about her work. It has totally enlivened the space,” said Barbara Duncan, visual arts co-ordinator for Place des Arts.

• Beachcoming & Berry Picking is on show at Place des Arts until March 14. Artists wanting to exhibit their work at the Maillardville facility have until Friday, March 13 to apply. For more information, call 604-664-1636 or visit www.placedesarts.ca.

jwarren@tricitynews.com

Beachcombing & Berry Picking Exhibition February 10 to March 14, 2009

2009-03-02T23:00:00.000-08:00

Wild Roses, 2009

Garden of Rose Hip Delights (detail)

Kirsten Chursinoff, 2009

Place des Arts
1120 Brunette Avenue
Coquitlam, BC
604-664-1636
www.placedesarts.ca

February 10 to March 14, 2009

Opening Reception
Thursday, February 12, 2009, 7-9pm
Hours:
Monday to Friday 9am-9pm
Saturday, 9am-5pm
Sun 1-5

I will also deliver a talk about my art and creative process on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at 2pm in Room 202 at Place des Arts. If you are planning to attend the lecture I recommend arriving early as there is limited seating.
Update: If you missed the lecture, please contact me regarding speaking to your guild or craft group. kirsten@chursinoff.com

Also on exhibition at Place des Arts:

Heejae Suh
Woodcut, drawing, collage & mixed media on paper

Bojagi:Korean Traditional Patchwork
Youn Kyung
Textile, acrylic & mixed media

Vancouver Aquarium

2009-02-27T11:07:00.000-08:00

Jellyfish, Kirsten Chursinoff 2009

I'm so pleased to have my marine art pieces featured on the March 2009 Members News page of the Vancouver Aquarium Website.

Kirsten Chursinoff

More marine art coming soon!

Capilano University Visit

2009-02-25T15:50:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed meeting the students in the first year Surface Design class at Capilano University this morning. They were welcoming, and open-to-dialogue during my presentation.

The classroom felt like home, even though I graduated from the Textile Art program way back in 2000.

Students and alumni have been busy gaining recognition in the arts community. Recently, Jessica Thistlethwaite's work was featured in the Student Award Winners Exhibit Fresh Craft at Crafthouse Gallery; and Circle Craft featured the work of Corrina Suveges in the Student Scholarship Recipients Exhibit.

On a more alternative note, I came across an exciting project called Tree Cozy on Granville Street, downtown Vancouver.

Exhibiting Outside the Box

2009-02-04T18:00:00.000-08:00

Exhibiting Outside the Box: The Pros and Cons of Mounting a Non-Gallery Exhibition

Category: Professional Development for Artists

By Kirsten Chursinoff

Many unconventional venues are now being used to showcase art and fine craft. This can be a great opportunity for both emerging and established artists, but it is important to make an informed decision.

Possible venues may include libraries, theatre lobbies, cafés and restaurants, non-art/craft retail spaces, membership clubs, community centre showcases, window space in retail shops (often during neighbourhood art festivals), civic buildings and furniture stores.

Often you will be dealing with a proprietor or coordinator who may not be familiar with the usual operations of a gallery. You may have to take on more of the responsibilities. These responsibilities may include (but are not limited to) insurance, marketing, sales transactions, hanging the show, creating signage and contract writing.

I have found that most of my experiences with alternative venues have been good. It helps if you are very organized and have an entrepreneurial spirit. You can avoid most disasters by keeping the following in mind:

Insurance
Make sure that you are insured. If the venue does not have insurance that will cover your artwork, make sure that your home or business insurance will cover your artwork while in transit and at the venue. You may be asked to sign a waiver stating that you are responsible for loss, damage, and/or theft.

Security
Are there locked display cases? What about corners that are dark and difficult to monitor? Do they have an alarm system? Is there a risk of your work being damaged? Do they have enough staff, or are you responsible for your own security and monitoring of the show?

Suitability of Venue
Textiles may not hang well in a restaurant with cooking fumes, or a café with constantly steaming espresso machines; but this setting may be fine for craft that is framed and protected behind glass. Your erotic sculptures may dazzle the late-night theatre crowd; but don’t start yelling “censorship” when the preschool-friendly community centre rejects them.

Sales
Find out how sales are conducted at the venue. Do they process the sales for you, or are you expected to conduct all transactions with your customers? If you are responsible for your own sales, you have to consider the appropriate signage to mount with your exhibition. Let customers know how they can reach you by phone and email. Place a stack of business cards nearby, and mount an artist statement on the wall.

Marketing
When you are showing your work in an unconventional venue you must use creative marketing strategies. The display may look great, but that doesn’t mean the customers will find it. Decide who is responsible for advertising and promotion before you agree to the exhibition. If you have an email list, this is the time to get it in order. Do you know how to write a press release? Be creative with online promotion. Even if the owner does some advertising, you must also work to promote your show.

Dates and Viewing Times
If the venue is open by appointment only, or has very limited hours of operation, this may be very inconvenient to your customers. Try to arrange to show your work where it is accessible during reasonable hours.

Reception
For your opening reception, make sure you are clear about who is responsible for refreshments. Will you be handling your own sales, or will staff handle the details while you mingle with your clients?

Set Up and Take Down
Find out if you are responsible for mounting and taking down the exhibition. Prepare a toolkit in advance. Are you responsible for the layout of your show, or do they have a curator or an assistant that will determine the display? Be prepared for either situation. Will the walls or shelves need repainting? Find out who is responsible for this, and what kind of equipment is available. What about lighting? You may need to supplement with some lights of your own.

Contracts and Commission Fees
Get the terms in writing if possible, and be prepared to write up your own contract if they do not have one. Make sure to include names, signatures, addresses, dates, commission fees, insurance details and arrangement for marketing and security.

Comments or questions are welcome.

Cherry Blossom Festival Celebrates Textile Art 2009

2009-01-18T21:22:00.000-08:00

Blossoms and Nest 2009, Kirsten Chursinoff

Here's some info about three events of interest to textile artists. Let me know if you've heard of other events that tie into the blossom-textile theme and I'll add them too!

Cherry Blossoms: A Textile Translation
Exhibition
March 28 - April 25, 2009
Opening reception March 28 from 1 - 4 pm
Mason Sewing Centre
6184 Fraser St. Vancouver BC

Invitational exhibition by Friends and Members of FibreEssence.

Blossom Tree by Kirsten Chursinoff 2009

UNDER THE CHERRY TREE

Saturday March 28
Sunday March 29
10.00am – 5.00pm

Under The Cherry Tree is the opening event for the 2009 Cherry Blossom Festival.
This festival is presented with the support of the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens and the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver. Over 2,000 members of the public are expected to attend this family friendly two day part of the festival. As well as fine crafts hand picked by Leon and Pickles, this event will also feature the cultural arts and cuisine of Japan. Demonstrations will be taking place all weekend on the walkway adjacent to the hall as well as on the stage of the Floral Hall.

The Floral Hall of Van Dusen Botanical Gardens, 5251 Oak Street (37th and Oak), Vancouver The gardens are centrally located, have free parking and are convenient to public transit. The Floral Hall is beautiful and well managed - refreshments and music will be provided. Admission will be free of charge to Under The Cherry Tree.

CHERRY BLOSSOM SUITE
By
Judy Villett
At
Unitarian Church of Vancouver
949 West 49th Ave (Oak and 49th)

March 4 – April 5, 2009

Everyone is welcome to an ARTIST’S TALK Sunday, March 22, 1 – 3 p.m.

This series of six quilted wall hangings portrays the breathtaking emergence of cherry blossoms after the long, grey winter in Vancouver. Contoured city landscape provides great views of the rolling waves of pink, a result of extensive boulevard planting. Appliquéd and machine pieced waves of cloud, mist, blossoms and landscape are an important aspect of these pieces. Waves are also used as a horizontal quilting element to signify the energy of the earth, and how all these elements are interconnected. A veil of quilted and beaded rain angles across the winter scenes, changing to falling, painted petals in the last, late spring scene. The rhythm and harmony of nature is transformed into a visual symphony in six movements.

The exhibition is open to the public Sundays from 10–11 a.m. and 12–1 p.m. or call the office during business hours to arrange a viewing. 604-261-7204

During the same time period, Judy Villett has a collection of smaller textile pieces celebrating spring in the Fireside Room, Hewett Centre, Unitarian Church of Vancouver.

More info:
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
http://www.vcbf.ca/

Publish Your Fibre Art in Magazines

2009-01-13T07:04:00.000-08:00

by Kirsten Chursinoff

I get a thrill of excitement when I see the artwork of someone I know in print. If you are thinking about submitting your artwork to be published, here are a few things to get you started.

One of the entry points is to enter “Reader Challenges” mentioned in many magazines. Sometimes you may need to submit to several before you see results. The work submitted must follow the guidelines so read the instructions carefully. Sometimes you can send photos, but in some cases you may be asked to mail the art to the magazine. You are not usually paid for this use of your image (unless there is a prize), but you will be given credit and exposure.

Choose a publication that most closely matches your type of work. Examine back issues to analyze the style and quality of the work previously published.

Some magazines will accept print photos, but many have moved to digital submissions, so always read the submission guidelines or the challenge instructions. These will usually be printed in the magazine or are available on the websites. And make sure you send excellent quality photos.

The “Artist Profile” or “Spotlight” feature is often written by a staff writer. They may interview you by phone, or a combination of phone, email and portfolio review. Themes include: celebrating a body of work, your techniques, or the stories behind your pieces.

Feature Article: If you’re a writer, you may wish to write about your techniques or fibre related topic. This requires a focused query letter sent to the editor, outlining your specific article idea. Be clear and concise. A query letter is a “pitch” for an article, not the whole article.

Consider themes and seasons and check to see if there is an editorial calendar. Plan a year ahead. Magazines are often international in scope, so submit to American and international publications too!

Search the pages of magazines for competitions and opportunities and also seek out opportunities on magazine websites. Online versions of magazines and magazine blogs also encourage submissions.

Links:
Fiber Arts Magazine
http://fiberarts.com/submissions/submissionguidelines.asp

Surface Design Journal
http://surfacedesign.org/Journal-writers-guidelines.asp

Write an article for Quilting Arts or Cloth Paper Scissors
http://www.quiltingarts.com/cpsmag/submissions.html

General Artwork Submission Guidelines for the following:
Belle Armoir
Stampington and Co
Somerset Studio
Art Doll Quarterly
Altered Couture
http://www.stampington.com/html/wanna_get_published.html

American Quilter Magazine (see column on the left)
http://www.americanquilter.com/publications/

Machine Quilting Unlimited
http://www.mqumag.com/submissions/

More magazines to try:
http://www.interweave.com/

International Fibre Art Opportunities
http://fiberartcalls.blogspot.com/

This article was originally written for the newsletter of the Vancouver Guild of Fibre Arts.
http://www.vgfa.org/

Tyvek - "Innovative Uses" Feature

2009-01-07T14:01:00.001-08:00

Detail of Tyvek, heat-treated and stitched to the surface of
"Anemone Tidepool 1"

There is a new blog promoting the innovative uses of Tyvek. Douglas Khon, of Material Concepts, asked if they could use one of my images to represent the creative uses of this versatile material. Also featured in this blog, is work by Barbara Strembicki of Joggles.com and a link to more info on how to use Tyvek in artwork. There is also interesting info about recycling Tyvek here:
Material Concepts

With my work I've heated pieces of Tyvek so that it puckers and bubbles a little. It's very strong, yet it can be stitched very easily. I mostly use it to depict sea textures, bubbling waves, eggs, and general textured effects. It also accepts acrylic paint very easily and produces stunning effects.

Anemone Tidepool 1
Copyright Kirsten Chursinoff 2009

More info about this piece here:
Anemone Tidepool 1

Commercial Design

2009-01-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

About a year ago I was approached to design textile props which would then be computer animated. Although I was not directly involved with the project in the UK, here's an overview of the elements in my artwork that interested the advertising company, and the final result they created.

The ad as it appears in print in BBC Good Homes Magazine.

My original piece "Daisies" was the first piece discussed.

They also liked "Hyacinths"

Detail of stitched edges of leaf stalks.

Detail of stitched edges of leaf stalks. Note the stitching down the centre of the flower petals.

Detail of flower with stitching down the centre of petals.

I like the idea of using textile elements to advertise a product that will be used to condition fabrics. Their whole ad series is quite fascinating.

Numen Exhibition to Feb 14, 2009

2008-12-06T23:51:00.000-08:00

Numen Gallery presents

Kirsten Chursinoff
MOMENTUM
December 9, 2008 - January 11, 2009
Update: Exhibition EXTENDED TO FEB 14, 2009
7 of the 11 pieces are still on exhibition

You are cordially invited to meet the artist
at the opening reception on December 13, Saturday, 4 - 6 pm
at Numen Gallery, 120-1058 Mainland St., Yaletown, Vancouver B.C.

For more information, contact 604.630.6927 or info@numengallery.com or go to www.numengallery.com
Gallery hours: Tue-Sat 11-6, Closed Sunday and Monday.

Image: Kirsten Chursinoff, Momentum, 2008, textile, thread, 10" x 8"

New Salt Spring Island Gallery/Studio

2008-12-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

Keep your eyes open for new developments at "Knotty Threads":
www.janemackenziedesigns.com

Lecture and Slide Show Thursday Oct. 16

2008-10-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday October 16, 2008 7pm
New Westminster Public Library Auditorium
Free Admission

Art Quilts: A Creative Journey

Join me on a creative journey. I will present slides of my artwork and speak about my processes and creative inspiration. Using techniques such as embroidery, sewing and quilting, I create west coast landscapes, flowers and abstract artwork.

Contemporary art quilts have moved from the bed, to the wall, and have emerged as an innovative way to create art. This presentation explores the creative process including ideas, colour, inspiration, and technique.

This lecture is presented along with the exhibition "Autumn Leaves and Harvest Fruit" at the New Westminster Public Library for the month of October.
All are welcome.

New Westminster Public Library
716 6th Avenue (near 8th St.)
New Westminster, BC, Canada
604-527-4660

www.chursinoff.com

Autumn Leaves and Harvest Fruit Exhibition

2008-09-29T22:36:00.000-07:00

My artwork will be on display at the New Westminster
Public Library for the month of October, 2008.

On Thursday October 16th, I'm presenting my lecture and slide show:
"Art Quilts: a Creative Journey" at the NWPL auditorium.
7pm. Free admission.

New Westminster Public Library
716 6th Avenue (near 8th St.)
New Westminster, BC, Canada
604-527-4660

Monday to Friday 9:30am-9pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday 1pm-5pm

Closed for Thanksgiving:

Sunday, October 12th & Monday, October 13th

http://www.nwpl.new-westminster.bc.ca/

Making seaweed

2008-08-23T00:13:00.001-07:00

I've been making seaweed with "Solvy" and thread. "Solvy" is the name of a brand of water-soluble material that can be stitched with free-motion machine embroidery. When it is placed in water the material dissolves and only the stitches are left.

Wormy little bits that like to try and escape down the drain!

"Seaweed Cove" by Kirsten Chursinoff

I sew the small pieces of "thread" seaweed onto the surfaces of quilted and embroidered mixed-media textile art. The seaweed makes great surface texture.

Brewster's Coffee - Art Show

2008-07-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

Lupines, by Kirsten Chursinoff

"In the Garden" at Brewster's Coffee

Starting Monday July 21, my artwork will be on display at Brewster's Coffee in West Vancouver, BC, Canada. The show will be up until August 20, 2008.

Also in this neighbourhood, the Harmony Arts Festival takes place from August 1 to 10th. There will be music, craft fairs, art shows and presentations.
www.harmonyarts.ca

Brewster's Coffee is located at:
2436 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
This is in the village of Dundarave, on the south side of Marine between 24th-25th.
Hours: Mon - Fri 7am - 5:30pm
Sat 8:00am - 5:30pm
Sun 8:00am-4:00pm

Please contact Kirsten Chursinoff for more info 604-874-1827

"Patina" contemporary abstract textile

2008-06-06T03:53:00.001-07:00

Patina, contemporary abstract textile
Originally uploaded by Kirsten's Fabric Art

A new direction in my textile portfolio.

Contemporary art for modern interiors.

West End art show and classes

2008-05-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

Textile Art in the Display Gallery
West End Community Centre, Vancouver BC.

Now until May 31, 2008

870 Denman St.

Mon-Thur 9am-10pm
Fri 9am-9pm
Sat 9am-5pm
Sun 10am-5pm

My work will be on display for three weeks. In June I will be teaching beginner fabric art classes on Wednesday evenings at the West End Community Centre.

Blossoms and Texture Class

2008-03-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry, the class is now full! Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of future classes: kirsten@chursinoff.com

Blossoms and Texture:

Hand-stitched cherry blossoms

with Kirsten Chursinoff

Saturday, March 29 1:30 to 4:30

at FibreEssence Gallery, Vancouver

Fee: $35 plus $5 materials fee

Students will have a chance to develop texture - building quantities of French knot embroidery stitches perfect for depicting cherry blossoms! Also covered is the versatile couching stitch. Couching is the technique of securing yarns and decorative threads to the fabric surface. This works great for branches and tree trunks, as well as couching in a spiral for blossoms shapes.

Students may have time to complete a small finished piece suitable for mounting on an art card or in a small frame (not provided).

Both beginner and experienced embroiderers are welcome. Basic stitch directions will be given. If you already know how to work with these stitches, you will be challenged to use them in new ways and integrate them into the theme of “Blossoms”.

The material fee of $5 covers basic hoop, embroidery needles and shared use of a variety of threads, floss and yarns.

Max number of students will be 8.

Vancouver Museum Craft Presentation

2008-02-04T22:56:00.000-08:00

12:30 to 4:30 Saturday February 9, 2008

Vancouver Museum
1100 Chestnut Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada
604-736-4431

I will be presenting my work and techniques at the exhibition "Contemporary Craft in BC: Excellence within Diversity".

Lecture "Art Quilts: A Creative Journey"

2008-01-02T22:45:00.000-08:00

November 14, 2007 Vancouver Quilters' Guild

January 3, 2008 Vancouver Guild of Fibre Arts

January 30, 2008 Capilano College, Surface Design Class, Textile Arts Program

Vibrant Elements

2007-09-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

Kirsten Chursinoff, textiles
Jewell Shaw, oil paintings
West Vancouver Memorial Library
1950 Marine Dr. West Vancouver

Opening reception: Friday, November 2, 6:30 - 8:00, 2007
Exhibition continues to the end of the month.

www.westvanlib.org

Interviewed by Sheryl MacKay on CBC RadioOne "North by Northwest"

2007-07-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

The easiest way to listen is here:
http://www.chursinoff.com/kirsten/audio/CBC_Interview.mp3

The interview is also here, but you have to scroll down the page:
http://www.cbc.ca/nxnw/art.html

Ruth taught me a cool trick: you can listen to the interview and open my slide show to watch at the same time! So cool! Thanks Ruth. I think you might need two tabs or windows open in order to do this.
The art slide show is in the upper right hand corner here: Kirsten's Slide Show

Ruth Seeley, No Spin PR

Garden Inspirations

2007-07-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

Art Quilts with Embroidery

August & September 2007
The Secret Garden Tea Company
5559 W. Boulevard (Kerrisdale)
Vancouver, BC 604-261-3070

www.secretgardentea.com

Monday - Saturday 8 - 7
Sundays 9 - 6

Holiday closure August 6 & 7

Craft Demonstrations

2007-06-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

Mark Canada Day, Sunday July 1st, 2007, on your calendar.

Join me and several other professional craft artists as we demonstrate our techniques. Come down to Granville Island, Vancouver BC. The demonstrations take place at 1386 Cartwright St. in the tents outside Crafthouse/CABC.

I will be presenting my fabric art techniques between 2 and 6pm. Works will be for sale at the demo table as well as inside Crafthouse shop.

This is a free event and all are welcome to attend.

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS RELEASE Vancouver, BC - The Crafts Association of BC’s July 1st Canada Day Celebration will be a creative day featuring fine craft demonstrations. Enjoy the pleasures of making work by hand. Get inspired and be inspired by these master craftspeople as they demonstrate and share their skills. Watch Braden Hammond as he melts glass with his bare hands; Candace Thayer-Coe as she creates dazzling paper marbling; Anni Hunt of the Vancouver Guild of Fabric Arts and Kirsten Chursinoff present beautiful stitching and embroidery; turn blue by trying your hand at indigo dying with Ros Aylmer of FibreEssence; contribute your stories by “weaving” them into woven balls which form part of the Craft Year 2007 Community Project.”

Evidence of Spring

2007-03-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

Spring has often been the source of immense inspiration for writers, composers and artists. It is a time of blossom trees and rebirth. In her exhibition of fabric art, at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens, Kirsten explores the wonders of spring. She combines sewing, embroidery, appliqué and design to build layers of fabrics and stitches.

With this body of work Kirsten gives the viewer a glimpse of what lies below the soil, as well as what hangs above our heads. Bulbs burst up into bloom, and smooth blue eggs nestle in rugged, yet intricate, nests.

March 30 – April 29, 2007
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens, Chinatown
578 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

www.vancouverchinesegarden.com

Sea to Sky

2007-02-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

Fabric Art by Kirsten Chursinoff
Jan 29-Feb. 28, 2007

At the New Westminster Public Library
716 6th Ave. New Westminster, BC, Canada