Hello Superforesters!
I have a question for you:
If there was a custom-made painting hanging in your room that you felt represented you, what would it look like? What colours would be used? What images? How would you feel when you looked at it every day?
Well, I know someone who knows exactly how to create such a custom painting. Superforesters, I would like to introduce to you my very talented sister — Wendy Heagney-Bakewell of Tiny Brushstrokes!
Growing up with two amazing older sisters was a childhood to remember — my other sister Andrea was (and still is) a strong, compassionate and protective older sis; while Wendy was (and still is) a creative, artistic and thoughtful older sis — how lucky am I to have such fine older sisters? I am very grateful.
L to R: Heather, Andrea & Wendy rocking some fab ’80s swim attire
Every day with Wendy was pretty much a creative game and art-related extravaganza, as she began painting and drawing passionately from a young age. Now, through her business, Tiny Brushstrokes, Wendy is making the most amazing, detailed and personalized paintings and painted objects that anyone can enjoy! She does focus on artwork for children, but she also loves creating paintings for people of all ages. I asked Wendy to share some of her thoughts on her art, creativity, music and the environment with all of us here at Superforest:
Superforest: Did you always know you were going to be an artist?
Wendy:Yes! I always wanted to do something artistic and although I have explored different creative paths along the way, I think that I have found the best way to share my artwork. For me, the focus on artwork for children was natural — I love teaching art to kids and allowing them to explore their own talents and imaginations. I hope that in the future I can incorporate that element of art instruction into Tiny Brushstrokes.
Superforest: What are you working on right now?
Wendy:Right now I’m working on a custom order for a 2-year old girl. A great friend of mine started a tradition of ordering a little birthday painting for her daughter from me each year that reflects what she is “into” at the moment. This year she has a new baby sister, so I am incorporating them both into my design. Other current projects include: new paintings, new coaster designs and handmade collage greeting cards — on recycled cardstock! I also would like to make some fun stickers (colouring book-style) to go along with my A to Z Organically alphabet book set.
You can find out more about this book here
Superforest: What is something you hope to accomplish through your artwork?
Wendy: Through my artwork, I want to:
- celebrate the hand-drawn, painted image and provide accessible paintings (not prints) for kids to enjoy on their walls as they grow up
- share and encourage creativity and imagination
- promote handmade, customized, Canadian products for my clients
- show how easy and gratifying it is to give a personal, memorable gift
This one was for Orla, a little girl born in Brooklyn
Superforest: How can someone who doesn’t think they are artistic start to explore their creative side?
Wendy: Well, generally I think that every person has at least the tiniest little bit of artistic talent, even if it may be buried deep down there somewhere! I would say that the best place to start would be to just explore whatever you may be interested in — drawing, photography, painting, sculpting, design, music, dance etc. Take a class or try it on your own! Just go for it — have fun and see what happens! Art appreciation is another way to explore your creative side. Go to a museum, art gallery, play or performance. Supporting the arts is important and can be another type of experience in which to connect with your creative side. If all else fails, sit down with a 5 year old, some paper and crayons and I am sure you will be inspired to express your creativity!
the artist as a young girl…
Superforest: What was one of your favourite custom projects thus far and why?
Wendy: I have a lot of favourite custom projects, but the ones that stand out most in my mind are those with little stories attached to them. A recent favourite was for a little 1-year old boy in Calgary. His Mom contacted me to discuss getting a custom painting for his room, inspired by one of my Animal Friend paintings. She had a specific idea in mind, and I was totally enthusiastic to bring her idea to life! She decorated his nursery in a “great white north” theme, and thought that a larger version of my Canadian Friends painting would be a perfect finishing touch.
the inspiration…
…the custom painting!
Once the painting was completed; the polar bear, moose, beaver and owl were on their way to Calgary to complete the nursery in celebration of his 1st birthday. His Mom emailed me upon opening the painting with the most wonderful message describing how her son went right over to it and gently touched each of the animals. His bedtime and morning routine now includes greeting each of the four animals! Also when he is on the floor, he looks up and reaches toward the painting with a big smile — I couldn’t have asked for a better response than that!
Superforest: Do you listen to any specific types of music while you paint?
Wendy:I listen to a variety, depending on my mood — anything from ipod mixes to the radio and cds. I am lucky enough to have a very diverse music collection. I will often listen to everything I own from one artist, giving myself “concerts” as I work. One mainstay is always rock music: old, classic, hard, new and timeless.
Superforest: Your maps are awesome! Do you have any more in the works?
Wendy: Yes, actually! I have sketches for upcoming maps waiting in my sketchbook. I’ll be bringing more animals into my maps and I have a poll on my blog right now where you can vote for which group of Animal Friends will get to star in my next illustrated map!
One of the things I like most about the maps is that they are somewhat ageless. They are cute in a baby’s room, but they can also live alongside the child and spark their imagination as they grow. I’ve even had some adults proclaim that they would love one in their space! I suppose my work is for the young, but also the young at heart!
Superforest: Here on Superforest, we talk about the environment as “everything that disappears when you close your eyes”. We want to start with our own environments and improve those, and go from there. What are a few things that you do in your daily life to improve the environment?
Wendy: I use a stainless steel canteen for my drinking water on the go, and I use public transit and walk around the city. In our condo there is no green bin program yet for composting, but we do recycle. We also started growing our own herbs this year and we have plants in the condo as well. I always participate in Earth Hour, and I try to buy from local vendors and promote handmade products where possible. When shopping for food, I try to purchase local produce wherever possible and I try to avoid foods with lots of packaging, or are in non-recyclable containers. I always bring along reusable tote bags for shopping — my favourite one is from Lu Prints (in B.C.) — it’s the perfect size, I love the design and it rolls into a little pouch.
With Tiny Brushstrokes, I use recyclable kraft paper to wrap all of my work and I use stretch canvas that was made in Canada for all of my paintings. A goal of mine is to try to find a good quality, eco-friendly acrylic paint, so if there is anyone who can suggest one, that would be great!
I’d like to thank Wendy for answering our questions! If you’d like to take a closer look at her work or you’re looking for a great gift idea, head on over to Tiny Brushstrokes, and you can keep in touch with Wendy’s projects on her blog of the same name.
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