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Discovering makers from across Canada is one of the most exciting parts about working at the One of a Kind Show. Even though our office is based in Toronto, Ontario, our recruitment and exhibitor relation team travels often to seek the best in Canadian handmade talents. Last November, when we learned that Valérie--our bilingual Exhibitor Relations & Recruitment Manager--was going to Halifax, we asked her to document her visit for the One of a Kind Magazine. From visiting artisan studios to local restaurants, we wanted to give our readers a glimpse of her experience as she spent the day discovering the city. Valérie stopped by Jana’s workshop as her first stop. A NSCAD graduate, Jana enrolled in a cabinetmaking workshop in order to perform some D.I.Y. renovation on a home she purchased. This decision also guided her to start Swaine Street Woodworking, a company focusing on creating beautiful wooden boards for the kitchen. We ask Jana about her process, her favourite custom pieces, and her must visit hangouts in Halifax. Up next, we paid new One of a Kind Spring Show exhibitor Bethany Butterworth a visit. Utilizing playful motifs like mermaids, whales and ships, Bethany’s functional ceramic pieces are sure to put a smile on your face. In this article, we talk to Bethany about her inspirations. We also discuss how the tight knit community in Halifax has fostered her business, Bread and Butter Pottery. When planning the rest of her day, Val turned to I Love Local Halifax as her guide to the city. The website is an online directory highlighting the best in independent businesses, shops and restaurants. We speak to founder Gordon Stevens about this project about encouraging the community to shop and spend locally. We hope you enjoy spending A Day in Halifax as you browse through issue 5 of the One of a Kind Magazine. Janice Leung Editor, One of a Kind Magazine Cover Image: Ceramics in Bethany’s Studio All photos included in this publication are courtesy of the artisans and owners, unless otherwise noted.
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Table of contents 4 6 12 14 22 30 36 38 40
READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ
PATTI’S PICKS MADE IN HALIFAX A DAY IN HALIFAX A CUT ABOVE COSTAL LIVING LOCAL MOTION ONE OF A KIND RECOMMENDS STUDIO STORIES ONE OF A KIND CALENDAR
Let us know what you think! Send us a note at janice@oneofakindshow.com Contributors: The One of a Kind Show Team; Editor: Janice Leung Special thanks: Brian Gallucci
Tips on using the Issuu viewer
• Click on the page to zoom into the document • When you roll your mouse over the page, all links are highlighted in blue • Click on the X to close the full screen viewer Winter 2014 3
Patti ’s Picks I am a big fan of ceramicist Basma Osama from Montréal, Québec. I love the clean and sophisticated look of these bowls. The design is really timeless.
In each issue, One of a Kind Show Director, Patti Stewar will share one of her favourite purchases from the Show. PHOTO: JANICE LEUNG 4 One of Kind Magazine
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Made in
Lovingly handmade in Nova Sco pieces from artisans, designers &
Ceramic plate by Bethany Butterworth Bread and Butter Pottery Read her FEATURE STORY on page 20
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T-Shirt by Geordan Mo The Quarrelsome Yeti P Earrings (top) by Therese Bo Therese Bombardier De
Halifax
otia, here are some of our favourite & makers working in Halifax today.
oore Press ombardier esigns
Cutting boards by Jana Bookholt Swaine Street Woodworking Read her FEATURE STORY on page 8
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Necklace by Angela Grace Arsenault Angela Grace Jewelry Read her STUDIO STORIES on page 38
Hand Printed pillow by Thief &
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Glass by Kyla Francis Kyla Francis
Wooden tray by Alissa Kloet Keephouse Studio
y Amie Cunningham Bandit
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Screen printed card by Alyssa & Bryanna Chapeski Double Dare Screen Printing Studio
Wall hook by Geof Ramsay Geof Ramsay Design Studio
Find these artisans at the 2014 One of a Kind Spring Show
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Brooch by Karolina-Anna Hajna Karolina-Anna Hajna
Organic Fair Trade Chocolate Turtles by Heather Oliveira Cocoa and Honey
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A Day in 12 One of Kind Magazine
n Halifax Winter 2014 13
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A CUT ABOVE
JANA BOOKHOLT With a background in cabinetry and printmaking, Jana is committed to creating useful, beautiful, and sustainable wooden objects for the kitchen. We speak to the Halifax native about her story of becoming a woodworker. Photos: ValĂŠrie Roy Story: Janice Leung
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Can you tell us a bit about yourself? How did you get started? In 2010 I finished my BFA in printmaking and drawing at NSCAD. I bought an old house in the west end of Halifax around that time and it really needed to be fixed up. Waiting tables for a living meant I didn’t have much money to put toward the place, so I signed up for a cabinetmaking course and learned to do it myself. While I was in school I made a butcher block during some free time. A few of the guys in my class had gotten wood burning pens and were decorating plaques for their girlfriends. I asked if I could borrow one and decided to put a cow and a carrot on my cutting board because the kitchen in my rooming house was so small. Then I made a board for my mom, and her friends started asking for them, and it went from there. I never imagined I’d love working with wood so much, or that it would turn into starting my own company. I love what I do.
Your company Swaine Street Woodworking is named after a street in Halifax. Can you tell us a bit more about this? I bought the house next to the one my dad grew up in, on Swaine Street in Halifax’s west end. It’s pretty old, and needed some work, which is why I took the cabinetmaking course. Being the reason I got into woodworking, it seemed to be an appropriate name for my company. People who grew up, or lived on the street will come visit at shows because they see the name Swaine St. Last 16 One of Kind Magazine
summer an older gentleman came and introduced himself and said he worked with my Grandad in the 1940’s. That was an incredible moment.
How about your studio? Can you give us some information about your work space? I do my woodworking at the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft. The shop has a view of the VIA Rail train station, and gets surrounded by cruise ships in the summer. It’s pretty small, but has all the basics in terms of equipment I need. In addition to the wood shop, they have glass, textiles, ceramics, and metal studios. They are located at the Halifax Seaport in the middle of a great community of artists and craftspeople. It’s close to the farmers’ market which is handy for picking up a coffee, or things for dinner, and across the street from Garrison Brewing. The Nova Scotia College of Craft and Design is also across the street. I love working in the midst of so many talented people.
You graduated from NSCAD, can you tell us how your education has contributed to what you do today? I took printmaking and drawing at NSCAD which has influenced a lot of what I do. Beyond simply learning to draw there, they taught me to look around, and how to research. I spend a lot of time in the library, researching woodworking techniques, and looking for visual inspiration for my next series of work.
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The last time I went into the NSCAD library I found an incredible Encyclopedia of Heraldry, and it’s been keeping me going for a while.
I see on your instagram that you do a lot of custom work for your clients, is there a particular project you find the most memorable? I love custom projects. A lot of what I do is custom boards for weddings with names and dates. One of the first custom boards I made is still my favourite. I was asked to transfer a drawing from a wedding invitation onto a cutting board. The groom had drawn an illustration of himself as a wolf man and his bride with an eye patch. There was a little tractor, a house, and an apple tree. I also copied a 200 year old map of the Saint John River onto a butcher block which was a fun project. If someone is visiting Halifax for the first time,what are some of your must visit hotspots ? Stillwell Beer Bar on Barrington Street is my favourite place to relax after a long night in the shop. They have a wall of 12 beer taps and are constantly rotating kegs. When one runs out another beer comes in. The food is great too. Thursday with the Mellotones at the Seahorse Tavern is the best night to dance. They’re some of the best musicians in the city and the place is always packed. The McCully St. Antique Store is full of old treasure, but the best thing going there is the basement is full of folk art. You have to go. Saturday morning is the best time to visit the Seaport Farmers’ Market. The view of the harbour from the rooftop garden is fantastic. While you’re at the port visit the Seeds Gallery for student art, and the Mary E. Black Gallery. The Coastal Cafe on Robie St. has the best all day breakfast in the city. They’re only open until 3pm. They serve breakfast and lunch, and it’s amazing. If you come during the winter you can go for a skate on the oval at the Halifax Commons, or in the warmer parts of the year walk through the Public Gardens and Citadel Hill. A trip to McNab’s Island at the mouth of Halifax Harbour is always worth the trek. I love popping in to the Maritime Museum of The Atlantic. The collection includes displays on the Halifax explosion, artifacts from the Titanic, and beautiful objects from ships. COME SAY HI TO JANA AT THE 2014 ONE OF A KIND SPRING SHOW MARCH 26-30 AT THE DIRECT ENERGY CENTRE Winter 2014 21
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COASTAL LIVING
BETHANY BUTTERWORTH Since moving out to the East Coast in 2003, Halifax has not only been a source of inspiration, but its community has also supported the growth of Bethany’s business. From mermaids to cats, we speak to Bethany about her playful designs, and what it means to her when she sees her works as a part of someone’s daily routine. Photos: Valérie Roy Story: Janice Leung
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You will be taking part at your first One of a Kind Show this Spring, can you tell us a bit about yourself? I’d love to - I grew up in rural Quebec and moved out east in 2003 to attend the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD). I graduated in 2007 with a major in Ceramics and have made Halifax my home ever since, getting into all sorts of good trouble out here. I’ve done a number of residencies over the years: the Craft Council of Newfoundland, Haystack Mountain in Maine and Arrowmont School in Tennessee. I started Bread and Butter Pottery in 2010 and am having a lovely time running a small business. It’s a lot of work but I really enjoy it! How about your studio? This past summer I moved into an amazing studio- it is a big space above a commercial kitchen equipment warehouse. There are eight artists working in a variety of mediums, four of us work in clay. Sharing space is a lot of fun - we get to troubleshoot together, inspire and support each other, share snacks, and tell each other jokes. Because all eight of us have other things going on in our lives, we’re rarely all in the studio at the same time. Being on the second floor means the studio is a place where I can be quiet, focused and hardworking, which is a treat. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful. You studied at NSCAD and are currently living and working in Halifax. What do you love most about this city? Oh, Halifax! I have such a list of things that I love! Halifax really is more of a small town than a city, which is one of the things I
like most about it. People look out for one another and take care of one another. How has the city played a role in your creative work? Or your operation as a small, local business? This closeness between people has had a huge influence on my creative work and my business because I know many of the people who are buying my work. They tell me who they’re buying it for, or why they chose a certain design, or they squeal with delight when a cat looks like their cat or a mermaid looks like them. I often get to see my pottery in people’s homes, being a cherished part of their daily routine, and that is an amazing feeling. Other things that I love about Halifax are the music, the rubber boots, the fun, the wind, the rain, the sparkling sea, and the stories. Can you tell us a bit about your process? My process involves a lot of different steps so I’ll explain surface decoration. My mermaid, cat, and ship ware is all made of red clay that is covered in a thin layer of white clay. To decorate each piece I use a method called sgraffito, which means drawing into the surface with a sharp tool. I carve through the layer of white clay to reveal red clay underneath. This is a lot of fun to do and makes every piece unique. It also means I have a lot of room to play, so the designs have changed and developed over the years. Once each piece is decorated, I bisque fire the work, then I add colour using underglaze which is heat-resistant watercolour paint. After the underglaze has been applied I cover each piece in clear glaze and fire it one more time. Winter 2014 25
Your functional pieces are playful with great whimsical touches. Can you tell us w Life on the east coast is a huge inspiration for me. I love the connection with the sea and exciting to see more of those elements show up in my work. I draw regularly, documenting imagery is inspired by my neighbourhood, I live in a house that backs onto an alley where cats
Finally, can you share with us some of your favourite hangouts in Halifax? Oh certainly. I live and work in the North End of Halifax, which is a great neighbourhood, and I think my favourite is Edna, they have delightful food and drink. In terms of long-standing pla Java Blend makes a really nice coffee (plus there are always pals working there). That being sa to a lake or the beach whenever I can and soak it all in.
COME SAY HI TO BETHANY AT THE 2014 ONE OF A KIND SPRING SHOW MARCH 26-30
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what inspire your designs? the history and imagery that comes along with it. I’ve always loved folktales and it is really g things around me, and these day-to-day things often show up in my work as well. The cat reign and they somehow charmed their way onto my pottery!
d a number of new restaurants and bars have recently opened so I’ve been trying them out. aces, I’m a big fan of Salvatore’s Pizza (their portobello hero has saved me many times) and aid, my favourite hangouts are always by the water. I can get out of the city easily, so I like to go
0 AT THE DIRECT ENERGY CENTRE.
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LOCAL MOTION I LOVE LOCAL HALIFAX Got a day in Halifax? We ask I Love Local Halifax’s founder, Gordon Steven to give us some tips and suggestions. Photos: Michelle Doucette Story: Janice Leung
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Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I left a job in Finance in 2003 with the desire to start my own business in Halifax. In our first year we opened 3 cafes (Uncommon Grounds) and Rum Runners Rum Cake Factory. Over the next ten years we have our products in retail shops. We added Sugah! Confectionery and the Lost Cod Clothing Company. At the heart of each of our businesses is a strong connection to Nova Scotia and we make the vast majority of the products that we sell in house. What is the mission behind I Love Local HFX? What inspired you to start this community? In 2009 I was looking for a way to promote our own businesses for Valentine’s Day and thought that a better prize would include things such as wine, dinner, accomadations, and spa treatments. Rather than open six more businesses, I reached out to a few local businesses to see if they were interested in co-operating on a Valentine’s Day contest - since it was Valentine’s and since all the businesses were local, I decided to call it I Love Local HFX. The contest was a huge success for everyone involved, the message really resonated with our customers, and I immediately started to think of ways I could take that message and expand it beyond Valentine’s. Over the next year I invited other businesses to join our group, other contests occurred, we started to build up a social media presence (Twitter) and the project took on a life of it’s own. 32 One of Kind Magazine
From the beginning, I defined criteria for our definition of local--non-franchise, locally owned, direct to consumer, permanent storefront, geographically limited to peninsular Halifax & most importantly, able to demonstrate community involvement and support. The mission has always been to promote our business members, but also to use our platform to strengthen our Community. This sometimes means marketing social events, theatre, or festivals. Other times it could be arranging toy drives at Christmas, food drives, or encouraging people to vote. In 2012 we took that mission and applied it to starting our own events and created a spring event called Open City and a fall event called City Harvest. Both events are quite free form, any business, charity, museum, universities, or public space can take part. Open City’s goal is to get people to experience things in their own community that they haven’t in a long time. The hope is that they become better ambassadors of our attractions prior to tourist season. For some operators, it is also a chance for them to put their summer staff through their paces early in the season. Open City happens on the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend. City Harvest is similar, but the goal is to have people experience our food offerings at the peak of harvest season as well as visit our shops and boutiques just as they are getting ready (and fully stocked) for the Holiday season. City Harvest happens the second or third Saturday in October.
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Can you tell us some of the events I Love Local HFX will be organizing in 2014? In addition to City Harvest and Open City, we are exploring a series of events that are des coming out for a glass of wine after dinner at home, and more al fresco style shopping.
What are some of the best places in Halifax to discover handmade designers, arti On a weekly basis the markets of the city (Halifax Seaport & Brewery Market) are by far some held twice a year is another great opportunity. And the shops and restaurants in Downtown Ha products and locally owned businesses, and nowhere is that more evident than in our downto
A day in Halifax is the theme of this issue. What would be the ideal itinerary if a v Stay at the Halliburton Hotel on Morris St., a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of the reju and is a short five minute walk from both the Historic Brewery Market and the Halifax Seapo beautiful Halifax boardwalk with it’s stunning views & unique boutiques. Grab an ice cream a Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Gardens with an espresso on the deck of Horticultura on the Commons working up an appetite before making your way to Halifax’s newest hot ne opening all the time in this formerly run-down part of town and it is now a shining light to the s
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signed to inject a bit more of a European style of living into the city, such as eating later,
isans and makers? of your best places to meet the makers of food, art, and craft. The Halifax Crafters Society alifax also have a lot to offer in this regard. Halifax is very supportive of locally made own.
visitor only has 24 hours to spend in this city? uvenated south end of Barrington St. This part of town has fabulous restaurants and cafes, ort Market. After hitting up the markets and Garrison Brewery, you’re right on the edge of the and head North along the waterfront then head up Spring Garden Rd. to the Public Gardens. al Hall. In the winter, you can ice skate the Oval, in the summer you can rollerblade the Oval eighbourhoood, Agricola & Gottingen Streets. Cafes, restaurants and independent shops are spirit of Halifax.
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For more One of a Kind picks, check out our blog at: www.oneofakindshow.tumblr.com
Andrew recommends
SENIOR MANAGER OF ACCOUNTS & SPECIAL PROJECTS
HOUSE OF CARDS ON NETFLIX
The US remake of the 1990s British political miniseries moves the shenanigans to Washington DC. After learning he won’t be appointed to a coveted Cabinet position, House Majority Whip Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his wife Claire plan revenge on the administration he helped elect. MORE INFO
Amy recommends
MARKETING & SALES COORDINATOR
FISHBAR
I can never say no to oysters! MORE INFO
THE CRAZY TOMATO
EVERYTHING! is good – but gotta love the traditional woodburning pizza, complete Italian inspired menu, family dining, and much more in a casual setting. MORE INFO
Janice recommends
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION & DIGITAL STRATEGIES
CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR!
I cannot get enough of all the videos posted on Choir! Choir! Choir!’s Youtube page. From ubiquitous hit to Britpop classic, you can’t help but be moved by their impressive arrangements and infectious performances. And since this is the Halifax, issue, be sure to check out their rendition of Sloan’s Everything You’ve Done Wrong (recorded in celebration of the band’s 20th anniversary in 2011). MORE INFO
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I’M WITH THE BAND: CONFESSIONS OF A GROUPIE Getting my rock ‘n’ roll fix. MORE INFO
Jill recommends
EXHIBITOR RELATIONS & RECRUITMENT
BLUSH AND BLOOM An insanely talented wedding and special events florist. MORE INFO
MILK & MARIGOLDS
Absolutely delicious gluten-free and dairy-free recipes that will have you wanting seconds…and thirds! MORE INFO
Devlin Recommends ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
NIGHT-RIDING AT BLUE MOUNTAIN
A great escape from the city and what makes winter in Ontario worth it! MORE INFO
NADÈGE
Macaroons from Nadège are the perfect winter treat! MORE INFO
Valérie recommends
Patti Recommends
THE FOGGY GOGGLE
ICE SKATING AT DIEPPE PARK IN EAST YORK
MANAGER-BILINGUAL EXHIBITOR RELATIONS & RECRUITMENT Great local friendly pub perfect for lunch. Very fresh salad served very quickly. MORE INFO
CHIVES CANADIAN BISTRO
Spectacular meal! I had two of their specialties (crab cakes and the lobster risotto). Everything on the menu is local and the food is carefully prepared. The place is great for date night! MORE INFO
SHOW DIRECTOR
As Canadians we need to embrace this cold weather and get outside to enjoy it. One of my favourite things is to go skating on one of the many outdoor ice pads this city has to offer. This newly designed and landscaped outdoor rink at Dieppe Park in East York has a pleasure skating pad and a separate ice surface with boards for the hockey players. MORE INFO
BONJOUR BRIOCHE
Amazing French pastries, croissants and delicious savoury tarts. I love to go especially for brunch. The smell of butter and freshly baked goods hits you as soon as you walk in the door. Sometimes on week ends there is a line up but it is worth the wait! MORE INFO
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Studio Stories QUOTE: ANGELA GRACE ARSENAULT PHOTO: CHRISTINA ARSENAULT
I recently moved into a new studio since my old one was in my apartment and I move to a house. My new studio is down on the Halifax Seaport, directly across from the farmers’ market in a building called the Arts Annex. It’s kind of a crazy space filled with the decades long collections of the jeweller I rent from: there are bones, feathers, antlers, antiques, sculptures, paintings, animal skulls, mineral specimens, rocks, gems, swords, knives, shells, horns and other collectibles brimming in every corner, on every flat surface and all over the walls. There is even a rack of moose antlers hanging from the ductwork high above our heads. It is most definitely an eccentric but very creative place to work. Say hi to Angela at the 2014 One of a Kind Spring Show. For more info, visit www.angelagracejewelry.com 38 One of Kind Magazine
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