Friday, June 6, 2014

Art Show Summer Schedule and New Work!

Okay - so this year I was really enthusiastic when it came time to send in applications for the summer art shows.. the result is that I'm doing a lot of shows in the next 4 weeks! It's a lot to keep track of, so I've made this handy list for you :)

And in case your next question is: "what's new for this year?" - I have an answer for that too! I've been working really hard on a couple of new collections - I'll be unveiling my Ireland Collection at the Riverdale Artwalk June 7-8, including some super-cute little limited edition sets that you may have heard about! (you haven't heard? Follow us on facebook and twitter already, so you won't be out of the loop next time!) Here's one of my favourite images from this Collection:

These images from Ireland were taken over a few trips, one of which was our wedding trip and honeymoon road trip :) There's a lovely story to go along with this collection, and as soon as I have a minute to write that blog, I'll post a link to it here!

I'm also going to be participating in a group show during World Pride at the Artscape Youngplace, with a theme of "Pride in Canada".. this was a great challenge for me, as it's the first time I've been given an "assignment" in terms of what I'm creating. I'm really happy with the results - 7 images that combine animal characters with vintage details and some playful text. Here's one of my favourite images from this set, "The Fortune-Teller":


And since I know that not all of you are in Toronto or available on weekends, there are also two new places where you can find perfect happy art gifts (either for others or yourself!): the first is my shiny new Etsy shop here, and the second is my awesome Society6 shop where you can get everything from tote bags to cushions, wall clocks, or even a shower curtain! As a bonus, Society6 has free shipping this weekend if you use this link!

Alright, art-lovers - it's time for me to get some sleep before my art show marathon begins tomorrow morning! Hope to see you in an art-filled park very soon!

xo Jessica

Welcoming Baby Oliver to the World :)

Almost 3 years ago, we saw how naturally parenting came to Sarah & Mike when they had their first baby, Cameron. Now that baby Oliver has arrived, we noticed that big-brothering seems to come very naturally to Cameron :) Admittedly, it's not a huge challenge with a baby as sweet as Oliver! It was so amazing to watch the two of them together.. If Oliver started to fuss, Cameron would take his hand and sing to him, give him kisses, and coo "It's okay, Oli-bear" - and Oliver would immediately calm down :) We spent a lovely afternoon with the family.. here are some of my favourite images from the session..

 

 tiny baby parts, and Oliver's "Mommy's Friends Blanket" :)

to decorate the nursery, Sarah crocheted rainbow bunting, and Cameron made the cutest collection of animal portraits at daycare! 
If Oliver's first 13 days are anything to go by, this is going to be a pretty adorable year for the whole family :) I can't wait to see how much fun we're all going to have at his 3-month session!

Sarah & Mike: congratulations on your beautiful new baby boy! It was so great to spend time with all of you, and we're really looking forward to watching Oliver grow over the coming year :) And thanks again for the rhubarb!

xo
Jessica + Norman

{if you're expecting a tiny new addition to your own family and would love gorgeous maternity and newborn portraits of your own - email us now for more information! We also do gift certificates and registry - inquire for details!}

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Michael & Saira's Sweet Family Portrait Session :)

Michael & Saira are an awesome couple, so it should come as no surprise that their kids are awesome too :) Full of smiles, and super-cuddly and sweet, they were a joy to hang out with. We even got assigned our own dinosaur names! This family also has one of the greatest book and record collections I've ever seen - which made for a fantastic setting for photos :) Here are some of my favourite images from the session..

Photographing siblings is my new favourite thing - I love how these images below capture the joy and struggle of having an older sister who wants to hug you, or a younger brother who can't stop grabbing for your hair :) 
How great is this rocking moose?! Pretty great, that's for sure :) 
something else that I love - those chubby little baby parts!

Michael & Saira: you and your little ones were fantastic and so much fun to photograph :) Thank you for sharing this moment in your lives with us, and I can't wait for you to see your finished album!

xo Jessica

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