Halifax: In the Studio

This week I have been spending lots of time in the studio working through my ideas.

I am still waiting for glazes and decals that have been ordered, so this week I have been exploring forms and techniques using majolica red clay and white slip made from recycled clay.

Red majolica clay with white slip and scrafito imagery

Carving shapes from clay

Meanwhile I have been learning how to whittle wooden spoons. It is very addictive and I am finding it hard to stop.

Tools and materials used to hand carve wooden spoons
& a walnut spoon in progress

The artists who are participating in the residency got together to present their work to date and to discuss what they propose to do over the next two months. It is very inspiring to see everyone's artwork and to hear what they are planning to do. To find out more about the participating artists click here. 

To escape the summer heat I have been looking for cool cafes to hang out where I can continue to read about the history and lives of women in Nova Scotia. A recent discovery is Julien's Patisserie Bakery & Cafe in the North End. They have a lovely shady outdoor courtyard and make delicious treats. I tried a praline meringue filled with hazelnut cream. Yum!

This week I have been reading:
- The 1815 Diary of a Nova Scotia Farm Girl. Louisa Collins, of Colin Grove, Dartmouth.  Edited and annotated by D McClare
- Early Voices. Portraits of Canada by Women Writers, 1649 - 1914. Edited by M.A Downie & B Robertson with EJ Errington
- Sisters in the Wilderness. The lives of Susanna Moodie and Catharine Parrtraill by Charlotte Gray

And yesterday I visited Peggy's Cove, which is about an hour south of Halifax. It is a tiny fishing village and its main tourist attraction is the lighthouse, although I felt the village itself was much more interesting. Because of its scenic views it is now also known as an artist haven and is home to many artists - it is very tempting to spend a couple of days here sketching.

Peggy's Cove

Peggy's Cove

The Lighthouse.

Unfortunately I ran out of time to sketch here but I did take lots more photos for inspiration. Click here if you would like to see more of Peggy's Cove.

Kx

My top 7 foodie spots to visit in London

I spent a number of years living and working in London. I caught up with a friend recently who was planning a trip to London and she asked me for a list of my favourite places to visit. Funnily enough most of my favourite places were food related! Anyhow, I thought I would share the list with you too

http://www.travelsignposts.com/London/eating-drinking/eating-out-st-christophers-pl

1.St Christophers place
A little lane off Oxford Street connects you to this delightful stretch of cafes and interesting stores. There is a Godeva (amazing chocolate) store along here which is definitely worthwhile checking out. They
make the best chocolate.

http://www.christopherfowler.co.uk/blog/2011/03/06/london-gems-broadway-market/

2. Broadway Market markets
This place is probably my best discovery of London. Although tucked away in the East End and a little bit of a trek to get to - it is well worth it. One of the more artistic yet gentrified areas of the east end there is a market which is less mainstream than spitalfields and the road is lined with interesting shops and cafes and bars. Its very arty. Love it. 

http://thisthatandtother.wordpress.com/category/places-to-drink/

3.Candid Arts Coffee Shop
My favourite cofee shop in london. Its tucked away above a gallery just behind Angel tube.
It is very shabby with a little bit of chic, dark and cosy and brilliant to be tucked away on a grey london day. Also around Angel on the weekend are wonderful 2nd hand / antique markets.

http://www.flat-a-porter.com/2009/06/15/la-fromageriela-fromagerie/

4. the cheese shop in marlebone high street - La Fromagerie
This little hole in the wall is full of great cheeses - and even if cheese isnt your passion it has a great cafe where everyone squeezes onto a long table and enjoys the rustic atmosphere. A definite must to check out. Next door is the Ginger Pig Butcher which sells organic meat and has great pies.

5. OpenTable.co.uk
Great deals for cheap eats in London
This was my favourite website in london as you can join for free and get the most amazing deals at restaurants around london. Through this site we found a 15 pound curry meal deal in Islington. Delish!

http://london.randomness.org.uk/wiki.cgi?Hi_Sushi%2C_W1D_5LN

6. 15 pounds all you can eat sushi in Soho - Hi Sushi
This place has the most amazing value for sushi. we used to eat here often and it was always good. If you go for dinner, make sure you book as it is small and fills up quickly.

http://www.meemalee.com/2010/02/fry-up-at-smiths-of-smithfield.html

7. Smiths on Smithsfield

This place is very trendy and has delicious food and drinks. This area of London is the 'new' arty/trendy area and is worth an explore. There are lots of design offices and my favourite nightclub was in this area.

I hope you have enjoyed my virtual tour of London. Thinking about it, there are a few more places I havent mentioned, so Ill save that for a part 2.

 For those who have been, what is your favourite place in London?  

Kx