As I close down the Nook for another rental season, I’m reflecting on the fascinating guests I’ve had this year. And thankful, too, for friends I’ve bartered cottage time for their amazing artwork. Most recently, that would be illustrator Carl Wiens. (I’ll tell you soon about Wendy Trusler, her Voices at Hand exhibition in Picton etc, and the astounding wooden burl carving we exchanged…)
Carl’s award winning Harvestin.ca design is fabulous, and I was so pleased to have him design my logo. His retro series documenting Birdhouse City captures Picton Ontario’s real-life folk-art birdpark.The birdhouses at Birdhouse City are whimsical replicas of actual local buildings, and they’re located in this park on the edge of town.
OnEarth magazine (amongst others like the New York Times) feature his illustrations,like this one about growing bamboo bicycle frames. I like visiting the backyard rink building post on his blog; the more current Retrobots are incredible fun. I chose a print of Swimmer 2 to have as my own, as it reminds me of swimming at the Nook, with Glenora and Lake on the Mountain in the background. See more of Carl’s diverse portfolio here. It’s always a treat to see what he’s up to, including the Prince Edward County Comix Jam held the last Wednesday of every month at the Acoustic Grill.
Marked in ink on my calender, is his upcoming show is on from Nov 26-Jan 3 at the Oeno Gallery, located at Huff Estates Winery,in Prince Edward County.
