What’s My View? - Fiona Oxford, Waverly, Nova Scotia

More beautiful fall photos from Nova Scotia to inspire us by Fiona Oxford.

What’s My View? - Jennifer Scantlebury Vienneau, NB whose heart remains in Cumberland, Prince Edward Island

There are large fat flakes falling which should be a reprieve from the -35 C degrees we have experienced the last few days. But, somehow, the rise in temperature accompanied by snow is not making me feel any warmer.

These photos do however remind me that there will be another summer and there will be opportunities to swim in these incredibly warm, sultry waters.

I have been very fortunate. I grew up on these banks and in these waters and my children have spent as much time as possible doing the same. It is a sirens' call that brings us back time and time again to the south shore of Prince Edward Island. 

These photos were taken in late September just after I had taken a lovely swim, not always a possibility that late every fall, but definitely a joy when it happens.

What’s My View? - Jennifer Gill, St. John’s, Newfoundland

This is the view from my studio at our family summer home, in Newfoundland usually called "the cabin". It is in Eastport, Bonavista Bay, a beautiful, little community with lovely sandy beaches, modest well-kept homes and gardens and a vibrant arts community. The ocean is always changing and I never tire of looking out upon it.

What’s My View? - Grace Butland, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Every 8 a.m. every weekday morning, year round, I gather with a group of equally enthusiastic (or demented, depending on the weather) people on the Annapolis Royal wharf for half an hour of Tai Chi. The view is always beautiful. It’s always different but the same - depending on the tides, the fog or sun, the boats at the haul-Up, the birds circling overhead or on the wharf. Some mornings there are seals or dolphins, and usually there are herons and often eagles. Some days the fog is so thick that we can’t see Granville Ferry, just across the river. Other days are sunny and so still it’s difficult to tell the village from its reflection in the river. Some days there isn’t a cloud to be seen; other days the sky is black and roiling (if it starts to rain, we make a mad dash for the covered area of the Farmers’ Market across the street). Some days the weather is so perfect that I don’t want to leave and others, especially in January and February, are so cold that I lose contact with fingers and toes and question my sanity (as does my husband). But I go back every day for the inspiration.

Here’s the view on a sunny day in October.

Grace

What’s My View? - Fiona Oxford, Waverly, Nova Scotia

These lovely images are from Fiona Oxford and are evidence of the breathtaking beauty of Nova Scotia’s  shores.

What’s My View? - Judy Kelly, Arnold’s Cove, Newfoundland

What gives me inspiration? I think, more than anything, the sights and scenes that I encounter every day in my beautiful province of Newfoundland & Labrador. No matter what season, the rugged beauty that surrounds me is an inspiration for my art/quilting. I am  happy to share some of my favorite pictures with you. 

What’s My View - Lois Bowden, Port Williams, Nova Scotia

These photos give us a glimpse of the incredible views Lois Bowden enjoys in Port Williams located in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia.

Apple bins at Noggins Corner Farm

What’s My View? - Heather Loney, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

After viewing the latest "What's My View" by Laurie Swim, Heather thought it would be of interest to share her view, in reference to Laurie’s project, Hope and Survival.

At the beginning of Laurie Swim's video is a view of the damaged area near the Narrows of Halifax Harbour.  The area has obviously been rebuilt, and it is now "my view". I watch the container ships pass by, at a much slower speed courtesy of by-law changes after the Halifax Explosion. I watch commuter traffic scurry across the MacKay Bridge, and I am eye-level to the multitude of birds that frequent the harbour (yes, even the occasional eagle and osprey). The green spaces around me even allow the occasional deer, fox and pheasant to frequent the area in spite of living in the city. I have created two pieces of work based on "View from my Deck".

What’s My View? - Penny Berens, Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia

What inspires me? Oh so much. Basically the world around me. But there is one thing that surprises me. When I first arrived to live in the woods of Nova Scotia, I had never seen woods as tangled and messy as the ones outside my back door.  They are not easy to walk in nor do they give up their secrets to just anyone!  I thought I would never get used to them. But living amidst the trees watching their response to the seasons, the ebb and flow of life in the woods has of course changed all that.  They are vibrant and primal.....and oh so messy! I find myself trying to make my work look less tame and orderly but it is not as easy as it sounds!

Here is a quote that applies to the woods behind me being my inspiration.

In my book collection is "Drawing Closer To Nature" by Peter London.  I have learnt so much from Mr. London's approach to working in nature not least of all these words.  "Find a portion of the world that is close at hand and adopt it.  Become acquainted with it.  Draw closer to it by staying with it over a long course of time.  In all seasons, all times of day, all weathers, all circumstances of your own life.  The more often you return to this chosen portion of Nature, the more finely you will be able to perceive it's more delicate features, as well the slow-to-emerge pattern and rhythms."

What’s My View? - Regina Marzlin, Antigonish, Nova Scotia

I took the photo of the birds on the wire from our upstairs office window some years ago and played around with my photo software a bit.

Since then this has been used in a couple of small fabric collages, postcards etc, see attached pictures. I just love the way the wires cross through the image and the birds' shilouettes against the cloudy sky.

What’s My View? - Linda Strowbridge, Baltimore, Maryland

I have been incredibly lucky to live in places that provided wonderfully inspiring visuals, from fishing outports in Newfoundland to big city architecture in Chicago. These days, however, I live and work in a suburb of Baltimore, Maryland. While I love Baltimore, my suburban corner of it is not the world’s richest source of visual inspiration. So, I recently started a quest to find inspiring, abstract imagery during my walks around deepest, darkest suburbia. Slowly, I am finding them in unusual places, like (shown) the sides of dented and rusted construction equipment. 

What’s My View? - Kathy Tidswell, Burtts Corner, New Brunswick

This is a photo from the NB Trail just up from my home.  I walk by it most days. It is one of my favourite scenes and it has inspired several thread paintings. Trees are often found in my work and I am presently working on a forest scene for a wearable art piece. 

What’s My View? - ReBecca Paterson, Searsville, New Brunswick

Here is a pic of the neighbours sheep that Keta and I see on our walks.

Another of an Iris that I’m thinking of doing something with.

What’s My View? - Heidi Wulfraat, Lakeburn, New Brunswick

My inspiration very often comes from day trips along the back roads of New Brunswick.

I try to have my camera ready at all times!