Sunday, January 21, 2018

Life away from our art

Amazing as this seems - some of us have a life other than our art. 

Such is the case with Holly Edwards. Some know her as SWAA's Vice President and Co-chair for Reflections in 2017. She also has a successful home business: My Custom Cake Topper. https://mycustomcaketopper.com 

But this is how she spent this weekend. She placed 3rd overall in her first competition with a final lift of 325 lb. She may not be very big - but don't mess with her! 




Thursday, January 18, 2018

Upcoming Class at the Razertip Classroom

Carve a Natural-finish Loon with Garry Rector
Wednesday Evenings February 21 through April 25 2018, 6:30pm- -9:30pm

At The Razertip Classroom, 301-9th Street North in Martensville




Garry Rector will instruct you in the use of using rotary tools to create a Common Loon, approximately 12 inches long. The piece will be done creating a smooth finish with some detail, glass eyes, then coated with a clear finish to bring out the natural grain of the wood. Once completed you will have created a piece of art you will be proud to display This class is ideal for first-time or less experienced carvers (although more experienced carvers will also enjoy the class). 

The Razertip classroom is a fully-equipped facility where each workstation has all the top-quality tools and equipment you'll need to complete your project. Even if you have tools of your own, you won't need to bring them (unless you really want to). 

A fee of $250.00 includes everything - a bandsawn blank, pattern and glass eyes, clear finish and any other tools and supplies as needed (also includes all applicable taxes). All you need to bring is a desire to carve your bird! 

About Garry Rector: 
Garry started carving in 1989. He teaches his carving skills on a regular basis. He has taught in Saskatoon, Martensville, Winnipeg, Regina, Moose Jaw and at the Kenderdine Retreat at Emma Lake. He has instructed numerous workshops at the Lee Valley Tools Store in Saskatoon. 

Garry’s accomplishments include Best of Show and Best of Division awards and many category awards from carving shows all over North America. In 1998 he had the honor of winning the competition at the Reflections of Nature Show for the Ducks Unlimited Sculptor of the year for his miniature Ruddy Duck. Garry was honoured to be published In the annual Competition Carving magazine in 2015. He won the Best of Show In the Hunting Decoy Catergory for three consecutive years in the Alberta Wildlife Images of Nature show in Edmonton Alberta. His works can be found in many private collections around the world. 

Garry is also a member of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Art Association and the Saskatchewan Woodworkers' Guild. Limit 10 students. 


For more information or to register: https://www.eventbrite.com 
or by phone at 306-931-0889. 

Upcoming Carving Class Hosted by Razertip Classroom

CARVE A SAW-WHET OWL WITH CAM MERKLE
Thursday Evenings Feb 8 - March 29, 2018 
from 7_00 - 9:45 pm
At the Razertip Classroom
301 9th St North in Martensville
Over 8 weeks (2.75 hours per week; total 22 hours) you will carve (using power carving tools), texture and finish a 5-1/4” high, realistically-shaped, natural finish Saw-whet owl perched on a stump from a single piece of butternut wood. 

There will be no painting in this class; we will apply natural finishes to the bird to bring out the unique woodgrain beauty of each piece. This class will be of interest to carvers of any experience level; whether you've never carved a bird before or you’re an expert, you will find this class enjoyable and challenging as Cam works with each individual student based on their experience and abilities.

When the class is done you'll have a beautiful carving that you'll be proud to display! You'll also have learned many new skills. 

The Razertip classroom is a fully-equipped facility where each workstation has all the top-quality tools and equipment you'll need to complete your project. Even if you have tools of your own, you won't need to bring them (unless you really want to). 

A fee of $230.00 includes everything - a bandsawn blank, study notes, pattern, finish coat, and any other tools and supplies as needed (also includes all applicable taxes). All you need to bring is a desire to carve your bird! 

Cam Merkle is the owner and president of Razertip Industries Inc. and Saskatchewan's only Wildfowl Master Artist. He has been teaching bird carving since 1984 and has been a teacher, judge and competitor with his carvings at shows and carving events all over North America. An avid bird observer and photographer, Cam has over 40 photo reference books and 2 pattern and photo books currently in print with more in the works. 


Limit 10 students. 
For more information or to register:
or by phone at 306-931-0889. 

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Feature Artist for 2018 Reflections

Photographer Sharon Walker has accepted the honour of being our feature artist for the 2018 Reflections of Nature Art Show & Sale. Many who have been following Reflections over the years will remember this photo:





See more of her work at
Your Shot National Geographic.com

Sunday, January 14, 2018

New Reflections Officers

We now have a new slate of officers to head up the organization of the Reflections of Nature Show 2018. 

REFLECTIONS EXECUTIVE:
Chair - Beth Campbell
Co-chair - Robyn Magera
Secretary - Judy Kasdorf (with Harvey Rebalkin as backup)
Treasurer - Brian & Connie McConnell

Some of the committees have been started with members stepping forward to head up teams:
Judges - Harvey Rebalkin will coordinate. Sharon Walker will assign judges for photography. Looking for someone for the carving, sculpture & painting events.
Booths - Jack Magera & John Waddington 
Competition Guide - Sheri Gordon 
Ribbons - Holly Edwards 
Sponsorships & Grants - Beth will apply for some, but needs to form a team 
Advertising - Harvey Rebalkin will form a team
Auctions - Holly Edwards & Lori Merkle
Registration - Audrey Boyd
Show photographer - Wayne Keating
Volunteers - Harvey Rebalkin & Audrey Boyd

There are still areas that need coordinators:
Venue / Set-up
Signage
Records
Workshops

And - we will need people to help out on the teams. So, if you are interested in being a part of this exciting process, don't hesitate to contact me or someone else on the executive. 

Thank you to those who are stepping down:
Audrey Boyd - stepping down as treasurer
Reuben Unger - was taking care of the Venue & Set-up
Holly Edwards - was Co-chair and Vice President
Bob Gander - had looked after the booths

This should be an exciting year!