There Dwells a Spirit

Within every block of wood and stone, there dwells a spirit, waiting to be released. Direct carving is a way of freeing the spirit - my own and that of the stone or wood. ~ Hap Hagood

Early in December, I accompanied my friend, Allyson to the town of Haliburton where she was interested in possibly attending their School of the Arts. She had a tour and appointment booked at the school, in this town where I had almost settled a few years ago. Good company and a lovely destination – I didn't need my arm twisted.

The day was rather dull and dreary but my camera doesn't seem to care about that sort of thing. It flung itself over my shoulder like it always does when it hears the words "road trip!"



We knew we were on the right track, so to speak, when we saw this classic Haliburton landmark. Engine 2616 is something of an impostor, which you can read about here if you're at all interested.






The timing was such that we took a quick look around to locate the school and then headed off to have lunch. I selected the diner - a place where I'd eaten once before, and we were both pleased with the meals.






Allyson enjoyed this dessert.






Getting closer to our destination, this colourful home caught my eye.







While waiting for the tour (which consisted of the two of us, a teen and her mom) to begin, we chatted with this young weaver. She brought to mind my namesake at Crazy as a Loom  and Theresa over at Camp Runamuck - two very fine weavers and even better people.






The tour took us through several creative spaces. This beautiful mess was begging to be photographed.






Lots of fabric for those who know how to express their creativity through stitches.






Over in pottery, the wheel was having a bit of a rest...






But a potter was busy shaping handles for the mugs she was making. And this, of course, made me think of Gary - an artist of whimsical creations over at his Pottery Blog.





One of the students or visitors was carrying this little sweetie around – a young lop-earred bunny.






Once the tour and interview was over, we were encouraged to have a wander around the grounds to see the sculpture garden. We had actually seen this one near the front entrance on our way in. It's called Kennisis – Horse and Rider by William Lishman. It's a celebration of muscle and leg power and was inspired in part by Terry Fox.






This limestone sculpture with a bronze maple leaf by Mary Ellen Farrow is called A Walk in the Woods.






Somebody wore the wrong shoes for trail walking. The artist, Charles O'Neil calls his work Fire and Ice: A Really Big Shoe.







This "mystical totem" called Dreaming Stones was created by Kevin Lockau. Its granite boulders are from around the area and include a sleeping coyote at the base, topped off by an owl.






Moose Scraps is made from retired vintage farm and other hardware by artist, Leo Sepa.








After seeing this Conspiracy of Ravens made of bronze and steel by John McKinnon, we took it as our cue that it was time to fly home.

Happy New Year to all of my wonderful blogging buddies, and to family and friends who continue to peek in from time to time. May 2016 bring you nothing but happiness.