as I am totally in love with their products and artistic vision.
From my heart to yours.
It's mid-September, although the weather gods are still totally convinced it's mid-July (fine by me!). And mid-September means one thing for certain every year: it's time for Etsy Made in Canada and our local edition Etsy Fait au Québec Montréal. Over 100 artists, designers and makers from the Montreal area will gather under one (historic) roof to showcase and sell their incredible products with the community, which is becoming increasingly interesting in buying local. Here are 12 artists I cannot wait to see this weekend, as I am totally in love with their products and artistic vision. (Clicking on each artist's image will take you to their Etsy shop. Do it, you know you want to!) 1. Mathilde Cinq-Mars Illustrations 2. Maksym 3. Paskaleidoscope 4. Portes Bonheur 5. Pepito le Chat 6. The Hat with No Feather 7. Stéphanie Fauteux Céramiste 8. Le Cubicule 9. Meemoza 10. Us & Coutumes 11. Andrea Shelley Designs 12. Atelier Cheval de Bois Veni Etiam Photography will also be there all weekend long with tons of new items in the Montreal collection, the brand new Havana collection, magnets and gift items, coffee tables, a surprise new product (come see for yourself!) and new frames available on the spot in the exact sizes of my prints! I'll have reduced prices on prints and custom orders, so if you have questions about sizing or anything else, feel free to reach out even before the event! P.S. If you're curious, this post belongs to the theme #TradeThursday, part of the Etsy Montreal Social Media Challenge. The artists who are participating as vendors in the annual Etsy Fait au Quebec (Made in Canada) market are encouraged to share behind the scenes posts as they prepare for the show. Follow along with all of us on Instagram with the main hashtags #etsyfaitauquebecmtl and #etsymtl. We all hope to see you there! From my heart to yours.
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In case you missed it: I got to cross off a destination from my bucket-list!
I just returned from Havana, and shared my impressions in words and photographs of the city in my previous blog post.
And now, I'm extremely excited to launch my new Havana collection, which aims to convey the mood and raw beauty that La Habana radiates.
Here are the images that are new in shop, and which could be ordered on paper, canvas, metal, acrylic or wood.
Aging gracefullyColores cubanosFidelDreaming in greenEl MalecónMaravillosaLa CubanaThe lady on VillegasHasta la victoria siemprePerfect balanceA colorful lifeObispoLions of El PradoHabana viejaDeteriorating detailsCanvas DoorwayEntreabiertaOut for a strollThe wayLayers of beautyDecay and delightColores de la HabanaCuba libreLook around, look withinHavana styleLike a dreamMelanconiaIt's all in the detailsRústicoHidden beautyPaseo de MartiPerfectly imperfectPrado pleasuresDoorway detailsDrawn to youWhich would you chooseLinesLavado de ropaChe is CubaShut the door, pleaseOchre paletteGentle shade
This collection really excites me, not only because I've always wanted to discover Havana, but also because of all the senses and feelings I aimed to capture forever.
The collection is not yet in my art shop or on Etsy. I’m offering FIRST PICK and 20% off to my VIPs until August 25th.
Not on my VIP list? You’re missing out. Join here. From my heart to yours.
This past spring, I was proud to be one of the participating artisans of the One of a Kind Spring Show. I met so many wonderful people during the show, and our conversations about travels and life were mutually inspiring. It made me happy when they found a piece of the world (and of my heart) to take home with them, but I have ESPECIALLY loved hearing from them after the show. I love it when they tell me where the piece hangs and how it brings them joy every time their eyes land on it, or how my art and my stories offer a perspective that they may have missed before.
It is for this precious "connectedness" that I was so excited to set up my *new* One of a Kind Online Shop. Now, show-goers (and anyone, of course!) can easily find me year-round. Here's a peek:
If you are stumbling upon Veni Etiam for the first time, WELCOME! Through my travel photographs from near and far, my mission is to inspire and transport you, while enlivening your space. Each piece can be created for you on canvas, aluminum, acrylic, wood or fine-art paper, in the size of your choice. There is something for every decor, mood, memory or dream.
On the OOAK shop, you'll find a selected collection of my prints and wall art from Montreal, Toronto, parts of Europe and Asia, and - coming very soon - Havana.
So, until we meet again at a future OOAK show, you know where to find me!
From my heart to yours.
As part of my brand new "Feature Friday" project to highlight inspiring members of the community, I interviewed Canadian author Jeremy Ethan Cohen to discuss his intriguing first novel "An Apocalyptic Legend".
Jeremy is an ESL teacher at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf in Montreal, and has been writing for as long as he can remember. While unpublished short stories and a children's book are tucked away in his home office, "An Apocalyptic Legend" is his first work to grace the shelves of several Montreal bookstores. Jeremy describes the novel as a descriptive, multilayered psychological fantasy, and gave me a tour of its style, themes and his process of writing in our interview.
WITHOUT SPOILERS, WHAT IS THE STORY ABOUT?
In short, after a battle between divinities, one god has resurfaced and is trying to manipulate an individual to bring about the end of the world. Two adolescents have discovered what is going on and are trying to stop this from happening. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES IT SPECIAL AS A STORY? I don’t think it’s a story that’s been told before, with its own organic twists, turns and unpredictability. Once you’ve finished reading it, you might feel a sense of satisfaction at seeing at how it all wraps up. WHAT GENRE DO YOU THINK YOUR NOVEL FITS MOST IN? I like to call it a psychological fantasy, but it also mixes the mythological and spiritual. Plus, the style could be considered Gothic, to an extent, because of the tone and descriptiveness. IF YOU THINK OF YOUR STORY, WHAT 3 WORDS COME IMMEDIATELY TO MIND? Complex, intriguing and descriptive. YOU SAY YOUR BOOK IS MULTILAYERED. CAN YOU ELABORATE A BIT ON THAT? I think the book looks at different levels of consciousness, awareness – so, levels of the psyche, in a way. Plus, there’s an understated level of magic, not quite at the forefront but which plays an important part nonetheless. WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE MOST POWERFUL THEMES IN YOUR STORY? Faith, brotherhood, memory. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PASSAGE IN THE BOOK? I always think of one chapter. I like the imagery, the emotion, the raw naivety of one particular character in the scene. It takes place in a sort of purgatory. IS THERE ANYTHING IN THE STORY THAT SURPRISED YOU OR TOOK A DIFFERENT TURN THAN YOU EXPECTED? As I was writing, sometimes something would happen that would actually surprise me. It’s like the ideas were coming out and taking the plot in an unexpected direction. But, I can’t fully answer this question without giving too much away. Once finished, and seeing how the plot wrapped up, I was surprised to see little connections throughout the book that I hadn’t intentionally planned out. WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR WRITING A BOOK? I had originally written it as a short story. Then, one day, it’s like a door opened and I saw its potential and where it could go. From that point on my only inspiration was getting the story out, which was just pure enjoyment. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO WRITE IT? About six years. I’m quite a slow, meticulous writer. I started it back when I was at Concordia University – I spent a lot of time writing rather than studying! WHAT AUTHORS OR STORIES DO YOU THINK HAVE SHAPED YOU AS AN AUTHOR? Frank Herbert’s Dune, for instance, and other novels with the themes of “destiny” or “fate”. Also, Ursula Le Guin, especially for her Earthsea novels. WHAT HAVE YOU READ THAT HAS MADE YOU CHANGE YOUR PERCEPTION ON FICTION? For one, Alfred Bester’s The Demolished Man. It pushed me to look at the depth writing, the subtext and subtleties. I believe An Apocalyptic Legend has a multileveled style, which asks the reader to be a bit patient and attentive. Also, Margaret Atwood’s novels – her writing technique is at a level that awes and inspires me. ARE THERE AUTHORS YOU DISLIKED AT FIRST BUT THEN GREW INTO? Edgar Allan Poe’s stories and other Gothic literature. When I got more and more into reading classic science fiction, fantasy and horror, I picked up Poe’s stories again and really started to appreciate how the English language could be manipulated and used with such complexity and beauty. I started to see how English could be used in a more nuanced way. YOUR STORY HAS POWERFUL CHARACTERS. HOW DID YOU CREATE THEM? I’ve always been drawn to characters that are wise beyond their years – how knowledge and intelligence sets them apart, but brings with it challenges and conflict. DO THEY REMIND YOU OF OTHER CHARACTERS OR ANYONE YOU KNOW? As I was writing, I didn’t have anyone in mind, but after rereading and talking about it with others who have read it, I realized, hey, there are people from my life who helped to form some characters. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOUR CHARACTERS RELATABLE FOR YOUR READERS? Due to the conflicts they face, the devotion and emotions they feel, and the difficult choices they have to make. WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF WRITING FOR YOU? HOW DID THAT EVOLVE OVER THE COURSE OF WRITING YOUR NOVEL? I think the grinding attention to detail – in every sentence or bit of dialogue – makes the writing process emotionally demanding for me! In terms of how it evolved…I think after having finished writing An Apocalyptic Legend, I felt a sense of accomplishment and relief, but I am sure it will still take as much creative energy (maybe even more) to write my next book. I feel a bit of self-imposed pressure. I’m mulling over new ideas and am excited about continuing to write, but sometimes I feel even more critical towards my own writing.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL MARKET FOR YOUR BOOKS?
Older teens who are perceptive readers, and adults as well. WHAT ELSE MIGHT YOUR READERS HAVE READ AND ENJOYED?Well, Dune and the Earthsea novels, as mentioned, because of the similar style, and how the reader can gather a lot from the subtext and insinuations. IF YOU COULD COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR READERS, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM? If you do choose to read my novel, give yourself a chance to get immersed in the story. If you feel that it’s at first challenging to read, I can pretty confidently tell you that you’ll find your rhythm and almost adapt to the style. WHAT ARE THE GOALS AND DREAMS YOU HAVE FOR THIS NOVEL? It would be great if a publisher picked it up. My immediate goal is just to get exposure and for people to read it, hopefully like it (haha!) and to, also hopefully, give me feedback. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW? Well, I’ve got a sequel in mind. In the first story, fairly hefty decisions were made and I feel that there might be some fallout. The idea is still brewing, but I’m getting close to breaking the ice. I also have some short story ideas that I’d like to get started on. They’re all linked by a common theme, but I’d like to try writing each story in a separate style.
For more about the book and upcoming events, follow Jeremy on his blog and Facebook page. You can currently find "An Apocalyptic Legend" at Chapters, Indigo Books & Music and Drawn & Quarterly in Montreal. Thank you, Jeremy, for such an interesting and insightful interview!
Are you an artist, author, travel destination, restaurant or café and want your story to be featured in "Feature Friday"? Send me a message and I'll share how it works!
The toughest part about artistic collaborations is that you have to keep them a secret until the launch! As this new international project unfolded behind the scenes, it was difficult for me to contain my excitement, as this is the first home furniture design project that Veni Etiam has been part of in its short history.
The concept was born out of the vision of an American duo of architects and designers, passionate about creating original home furniture that innovatively flips perspectives yet allows customers to enrich their space with furniture that reflects their own style. Together, Ann Clark and Lena Georas founded LAMOU design, creating designer tables that are as artistic as they are functional.
"Tables are at the center of our living and working spaces. We gather around the table, bring things to the table, turn the tables: shouldn't tables reflect our spirit and personality? I think so." -- Ann F. Clark, LAMOU co-founder.
Since the start of Veni Etiam Photography in 2015, my mission has been to combine art with innovation, offering my photographs in a range of mediums (paper, canvas, metal, acrylic and wood), so that you are able to customize the art to suit your own decor, dreams and moods. Your home is your sanctuary, after all, and it should reflect you.
Having connected on Instagram and "met" face-to-face on Skype (long live technology in our modern world!), the LAMOU team and I instantly knew that we were a great fit and that together we could create an exclusive collection that would excite and inspire our followers.
Our tables come in 2 square sizes (15 or 20 inches) and one large rectangular size (23.4 x 47.5 inches). The height of all table models is 23 inches. The tabletop is made of solid (1-inch thick) Baltic wood. My digital photograph is directly printed (and UV-cured) onto the primed birch surface with a satin finish. The elegant hairpin legs are made of solid steel with a factory finish.
The wood is primed before the photographs are printed onto it, so the finished product is almost perfectly loyal to the colors of the original image. Edge colors options include black, natural oak and folkstone grey. Hairpin legs are black by default but you may request custom order if you would like to change the leg color to suit your decor. There are 8 images in the permanent collection, but in the spirit of customization, you may request another Veni Etiam photograph on your table as a custom order for no extra charge!
The tabletop is coated with a protective covering that basically makes it a giant coaster, already protected against spills. To clean, wipe with a soft damp cloth only. Although robust, your table should be treated with care and is intended for indoor use. Recommended maximum weight is 50 lbs. Your table will ship in two parts (tabletop + legs) delivered together. Easy assembly with handheld Philips head screwdriver (screws included).
As this is the fruit of a collaboration with LAMOU, these tables ship from the USA. Production time is approximately 2 weeks, and shipping times are estimated at 3-7 business days.
Head here for more information and to shop the collection!
Ici vous trouverez toutes les informations en français.
Read this en français On Mother's day weekend (May 13-14), On Sème will be hosting their 3rd annual May Market in Montreal. It's a wonderful opportunity to finally welcome spring and buy your seedlings, flowers, local food, teas and unique creations by 40 Montreal artists. The event is free, totally family-friendly and the perfect opportunity to find a meaningful gift for Mom -- and perhaps also a treat for yourself and your beautiful home! Directly from the Concordia Greenhouse, the City Farm School team will provide thousands of ecological seedlings. There will be eggplants, beets, beans, broccoli, cherries, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, kale, fennel, onions, chilies, leek, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash, and all sorts of greens, herbs and flowers to discover at the event. The edible and permaculture plant nursery Neumark Design will also be on site, offering fruit and nut shrubs, perennial vegetables and flowers, tea and herb plants, mediterranean and tropical edibles, permaculture landscaping plants and more. MicroHabitat will also be offering compost, ecological fertilizers, pots, as well as gardening advice. There will also be 5 workshops you could purchase tickets to attend.
A diverse selection of Montreal artists will be selling art prints, jewelry, flowers, jams, spices and other food items. To see the full list of exhibiting artists, hit "see more" in the description of the Facebook event page. Veni Etiam Photography is excited to be part of this joyful initiative this spring! In addition to your favorite Montreal and international photographs, I will have a new collection of food and floral magnets and prints especially for the occasion. They make perfect little accents for your kitchen, garden and bathroom decor, not to mention colorful gifts for Mother's day. What I am most looking forward is spending my weekend in a vibrant community atmosphere, surrounded by plants, flowers and kind people. Come say hi and celebrate spring in Montreal. Where? 6750, avenue de l'Espanade, bureau 102, Montreal, Quebec H2V 4M1 When? May 13-14, 10 to 5pm From my heart to yours.
As you know by now (from my incessant mentions on Facebook and Instagram), I’ve been at the One of a Kind Show & Sale in Toronto all week long. It has been an incredible experience for me so far, both as an entrepreneur and as a person. The show itself is IMMENSE and super exciting -- there are so many beautiful things and beautiful people gathered under one single roof. It's actually overwhelming (in a positive sense!)
Here are my 8 of my favorite finds at the show. These are makers I just discovered, and who inspired me either because of their unique story or unique stuff! 1. Light and Paper
Light and Paper has blown me away on Instagram on numerous occasions with their stunning and intricate papercutting and lasercutting artwork. Ali creates original wall art, personalized cake-toppers, coasters and more. Check out this video of Ali's story by Makeology.ca and be wowed by her work!
2. Bookhou
Aside from loving their shop name (which makes me think of “beaucoup” but is actually a combination of the owners’ family names), I adore the tones and textures of their products, from their screen-printed notebooks to their textile products like pillows and pouches. Everything that John and Arounna create is handmade and made slow. And can I just mention that I can stare at their Instagram feed for hours?
3. Behind the Woods
This was one of the first booths I was drawn to, before the show even opened! Stephen and Marco are two cousins who make wooden silhouette wall art out of reclaimed wood of all kinds and all colors. They have many beautiful scenes, ranging from landscapes to maritime elements, animals, Canadian emblems and everyday objects. The way the wood comes through makes for a truly stunning effect, and a highly original piece for your walls.
4. Coast to Coaster Canada
I love coasters, but these ones particularly stand out for me with their original designs. Whether you love colors or geometric patterns – or both – you’re sure to find a set of coasters that appeals. The creator Elizabeth Billiald makes each item by hand with love out of paper that she carefully sources, and donates 10% of all proceeds to “Habitat for Humanity” for those struggling with homelessness.
5. Atelier Trema
Marie-Joël & Jordan create ceramics inspired by the sea, with color palettes and patterns mimicking the traces of salt and sand left on maritime objects. As I am a sucker for ceramics and all things related to the sea, their work drew me in right when I saw it.
6. Karolina-Anna Hajna
Karolina's work immediately stood out for me in its sea-inspired design and multipurpose use. Her beautiful collection consists of ceramic candle holders, pots and planters based on underwater sea life, especially coral. Karolina explained how she grew up on both coasts and was always fascinated by the underwater world, its natural growth and decay. The lanterns cast a gorgeous patterned shadow when they are lit, making them look as dreamy in the dark as they do in the light.
7. Pebble Art
The first time I saw Sharon Nowlan’s work, I had to lean in closer: are these heartwarming images truly made up of pebbles, sea-glass and other natural finds? Sharon makes original art depicting seascapes, birds and nature, love, friendship and family. Some of her compositions are simply touching.
8. Hinkleville
Janet Hinkle's ceramics are fun and pretty to look at. She makes small dishes, jewelry rests, planters and mugs in whimsical styles and soft colors, all of them handmade in Toronto.
If you’re in/near Toronto, you still have this weekend to come and astonished by one-of-a-kind handmade creations from hundreds of passionate Canadian artists.
The show is open 10 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday For a special discounted ticket, head here right away and put in the promo code ETYUMPWG. Oh, and if you’d like to come say hi to me and see all the dreamy prints and wall-art I have from all over the world, I’m at booth P44E in the Marketplace! From my heart to yours!
You may also like:
There are many reasons to choose to shop from local, independent businesses.
1. Originality
Independent shops often have unique creations that you may not find in mainstream places. These make one-of-a-kind additions to your home, original gifts and sometimes even fun conversation pieces. There is something really satisfying about getting or giving something that is different.
2. Small businesses have big dreams
By buying local, you are supporting small business owners who are passionately pursuing their creative vision and expertise. It isn't easy to be an entrepreneur - it takes a lot more than "just" making something. Endorsing their work makes you a good person. ?
3. Fostering economy and community
You are also supporting your local economy and community, both of which grow and flourish when local businesses thrive.
4. Closer connections
You often get to interact with the local artist, which adds value to the product and to the experience. You get a better sense of what you bought, how it's made, and why it's special.
5. Because it's just so darn fun
Buying from independent makers can become a wonderfully addictive habit, for all the reasons listed above.
Say it with me: #makersmakeitbetter !
This spring, you can find me at a few local Canadian markets. Please be sure to check out all the amazing makers that will be participating along with me at the One of a Kind Show and the Etsy Montreal Spring Show. There is so much inspiring talent around, and so many beautiful things!
From my heart to yours!
There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.
- George Sand
Valentine's Day is but one extra occasion to shower our love with attention and affection. There are so many creative and cute gift ideas that pop up this time of year, it is nearly impossible to resist them!
Here are 25 of my favorite love-themed gift items this February.
For your words
For her
For him
For the home
From Veni Etiam Photography
You'll also find a few love-themed items in my shop.
The fine-art prints above are available as a limited edition "Love Bundle" set.
"Amore" and "Trulli Lovely" are also part of the Full Circle Metal Collection -- these round-cut brushed aluminum pieces come ready to hang on your wall in a variety of sizes.
May you always be surrounded by love and joy!
From my heart to yours. |
Kristina KasparianThanks for stopping by! #OnTheBlog are the stories behind my prints, posts about my travels, glimpses into my daily life, news about my shop, events in the Montreal community and tips on travel, home and photography. Categories
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