Piecing Together A Vision At Kwomais Park

THE ART AT MY FEET was a pleasant surprise at the end of a forested road to Kwomais Point Park in South Surrey. The mosaic circle was a meaningful touch added to the newly completed plaza by the community buildings.

A little online research revealed that the creation, eight feet in diameter, was a very effective collaboration by visual artist Deborah Putman and ceramic artist and potter Connie Glover.

The fluidity and interconnectedness of the work was compelling. I was drawn to the "no beginning or end" aspects of its intricate design. It adorned the park like a beautiful bauble attached to a grand necklace.

There were circles within circles ...

and familiar creatures roamed the tiles.

Land, air, fire and sea were all represented.


Details captured the water's edge environment perfectly,

paying homage to the wildlife that nests yearly above in the trees ...

and that swims magnificently in the bay below.

Taking several pictures of the work, I regretted not photographing a large prayer circle of simple stones removed months ago during reconstruction of the park that was once a church camp for children. Thanks to the directions on this mosaic I can say that the former circle was on the western side.

It wasn't easy tearing myself away from the spell of the patterns.

Heading home along the forest path I saw more natural connections.

Worn out shrubbery, evergreens and leafless trees wove a messy tapestry.

The circle of life was visible all around me as I stepped through the dissolving unkempt litter of fallen leaves.

I was glad to have had those solitary moments with the mosaic and plan to visit it regularly before the official reveal at a grand opening next spring.

To view more sights from around the globe visit Our World.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

Creative Overflow At Elgin Hall In Surrey

THE URGE TO FASHION handcrafted wonders or to capture a special moment with the click of a camera is unstoppable. With all this creativity spilling over it is a good thing there are chances to display the results this gift giving season. It was especially nice to see Lynette's work from Imagination Lane at the Elgin Hall Craft Fair where I dropped by on Saturday.

I couldn't resist purchasing a few of her art cards and was thrilled to see the shot she captured of seagull chicks hatched in the eaves of the White Rock Museum. As far as I know this is the first time the historic building and former train station had become a nursery to baby gulls.

Across the room Simon Andrews was showing his lovely captures. Some scenes seemed to float on the table blending the lines between art and reality.

A chat with the talented and friendly Simon revealed he puts extra effort into the matting and framing aspects to protect and showcase his work.

At a nearby table Myrna Decock of MAD Creations seemed anything but angry. Her handcrafted teddy bear ballerinas were as charming as she was ...

and her decorated Santas were definitely jolly.

Myrna has a knack for making tea candles look edible. To me, they looked as yummy as mint candy or chocolate.

It was also nice to meet Nicci Battilana at the fair where I discovered her eye-catching cards. Nicci is a gifted artist known for the slogan: "Life is too short to be bashful". Living by those words, she quickly reorganized and made room at Elgin Hall for displaced crafters who had purchased tables at a canceled event elsewhere. Nicci's can-do attitude is also seen on youtube in an HCTV episode of That's Clever where she merges her artistry with a craft.

Incidentally, on a cautionary note, I learned earlier that some crafters are being defrauded by paying for tables at nonexistent fairs. Unfortunately, thieves can also be creative and take advantage of the season in unexpected ways. Nonetheless, I was glad to find all the knitted caps and scarves, decorations, art, jewelry and glitter I expected. The sparkling event had me wishing I had reserved a spot for my Penelope Puddle cards at the fair.

To view more sights from around the globe visit Our World.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms