resources
There are a number of great resources that I have come across in my creative journey. Everyone has their own unique style of creating art and I am the last person to be considered a gate keeper. Over the years I have connected with a number of great artists that helped me along the way, either by giving advice, suggestions or provided information. It is through my creative processes and my own trial and many errors that this information is generated. Use the info at your own leisure and risk. If I haven't provided the information you are seeking below, please reach out and I will do what I can to answer your questions in a somewhat timely manner! Most importantly, enjoy creating art! xo Teena
NB: The world is large enough for all of us artists, although I suggest don't copy another artists work and try and sell it because that is simply not cool actually it is totally uncool!!!
Be Inspired. Be Creative. Be YOU!
Compiled and sorted into a few categories:
*please note that I do not receive ANY monetary benefit from my list of resources*
NB: The world is large enough for all of us artists, although I suggest don't copy another artists work and try and sell it because that is simply not cool actually it is totally uncool!!!
Be Inspired. Be Creative. Be YOU!
Compiled and sorted into a few categories:
- diving
- photography (underwater)
- resin
- sculpture
*please note that I do not receive ANY monetary benefit from my list of resources*
diving
Full retail, service and training facility located in New Westminster, BC. What I love about George (owner) is that he does not try to sell me equipment I don't need or upsell!
THE largest female ONLY diving community in the world. In a world where the sport is dominated by men it is nice to connect with other female divers. I also follow GTS on Facebook and found that the group has great conversations and helpful hints. Also a great way to connect and network with woman from around the world!
- They organize ALL female diving trips
- Great source for product recommendations
- Supportive community for female divers
My go to place for items that Dive and Sea Sports does not carry. Great customer service and return policy. Shipped out of the states so you are comparing on the US dollar.
photography
Depending where you are located even when you try to shop local often times you cannot find the equipment especially for underwater equipment. In Vancouver there are MANY great suppliers of standard DSLR cameras and equipment but it is when you get into underwater I found it to be a lot more difficult. (except when I was in Grand Cayman!)
There are 100's of online camera dealers and after 5 divers suggesting Backscatter they became my go to source. In addition to having everything you might need they have great support if things go wrong.
- Great customer service and support
- Helpful videos to help you get started
- Latest equipment
resin
I am going to be blunt here. Resin is expensive and a bitch to work with. It is messy, finicky and pain in the ass. But, when you finally go through the creative process and your vision is realized JUST WOW! Resin has been popular for a number of years and maybe because I am exploring this media I have come across a million artists doing ocean landscapes. Through my process I do have a limited edition selection of the ocean landscapes simply because you have to start at the beginning and for me it was figuring out layers, cell movement and the media itself. My goal ultimately was to integrate resin in my ceramic sculpture pieces.
I have 3 favourite mica powder products.
Mrs. Colorberry
Black Diamond
Eco Poxy
More info coming soon with direct links etc!
I have 3 favourite mica powder products.
Mrs. Colorberry
Black Diamond
Eco Poxy
More info coming soon with direct links etc!
sculpture
Support your local businesses when possible, but at the same time if I am buying 500+ pounds of clay and it is half the price it is worth my time to travel to purchase even with exchange. I declare everything and pay duty when necessary, not worth the fines or the trouble!
Pottery supply store located in Tacoma Washington. Schedule a full day down and back to pick up, they do deliver but it is expensive. I head down when I decide to purchase 500 pounds+ of clay. You can find the Laguna and Little John Clay here.
I highly recommendation if you are just starting out and thinking about making work for craft fairs to check out Mea Rhee from Good Elephant Pottery. She has an EXCELLENT blog and info about the pricing your work and production scheduling. I do not know her personally, I learned so much from her posts that I can only recommend her as a resource. I love her simple style and her willingness to impart her knowledge to the rest of the world.
Local pottery supply store. One of two pottery supply stores in the Lower Mainland. If you have a speciality clay you want to try out they will order it in on special request.
Established in 1955, the Potters Guild of British Columbia (PGBC) is our province's largest and oldest organization for professional ceramicists. PGBC is a non-profit society that serves the needs of the BC Ceramic arts community.
I usually order the larger sized underglazes through Seattle and ship just south of the border.
Amazing workshops and classes in ceramics (and other media as well!). Great classes for all ages.
Local pottery supply store. The other large pottery supply store in the Lower Mainland. These guys have great hump molds and speciality tools you cannot get at the other store. I love my Xiem tools, which I discovered at this store! They also host workshops.