Name: Catherine O'Mara
Medium: Egg Tempera

How long have you worked in this medium? 17 years.

Were you formally trained or self-taught? Self taught.

What do you love about your medium? The ability to achieve a great depth of colour with thin, transparent layers.

What is your least favourite aspect of your medium? Waiting for it to completely cure (dry).

What do you listen to when you’re working in the studio? Mostly CBC 2 ....also CBC 1, my own cd's ( wide variety).

Favourite things to do when you’re not working in the studio? Gardening and walking.

Favourite artist / craftsperson of all time and why? There are many... Vincent Van Gogh.

Favourite book? I will choose from  just the past year... the Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.

How long have you lived in Muskoka? 51 years.

Favourite restaurants in Muskoka?  This is too hard !! My friends' places, Little Place by the Lights, The Norsemen, ​​Three Guys and a Stove​.

Favourite road to drive in Muskoka?  The Limberlost of course!

Favourite place to hike, bike or walk in Muskoka? Limberlost Wildlife Reserve.

If you weren’t an artist/craftsperson, what would you be instead?  A florist or a something to do with gardening ... maybe a landscape architect.

Visit ​Catherine's Artist Page​ to learn more about her work.

('Ask the Artist' is an ongoing Q&A series that provides a little bit of insight into the lives of the members of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour)

Name: Jennifer Pimentel
Medium: Pencil drawings

How long have you worked in this medium? 30+ years.

Were you formally trained or self-taught? Self-taught.

What do you love about your medium? Classic, clean & simple.

What is your least favourite aspect of your medium? It's very time consuming.

What do you listen to when you’re working in the studio?Farming & gardening podcasts.

Favourite things to do when you’re not working in the studio? Gardening, time with my partner & my dog at our cabin, hiking, and kayaking.

Favourite artist / craftsperson of all time and why? I like many, no single favourite.

Favourite book? Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

How long have you lived in Muskoka? 9 years.

Favourite restaurants in Muskoka? Spencer's Tall Trees, Bo's Authentic Thai Cuisine.

Favourite road to drive in Muskoka? Early morning on Highway 35.

Favourite place to hike, bike or walk in Muskoka? Hard to beat early mornings in Algonquin Park​, but also Limberlost Wildlife Reserve​​​ is pretty spectacular.

If you weren’t an artist/craftsperson, what would you be instead? An organic farmer.

Update: Jennifer is not a current member of the Studio Tour. Please visit her website to contact her directly.

Name: M-R Newell
Medium: Wood-fired Stoneware

How long have you worked in this medium? About 20 years.

Were you formally trained or self-taught? Mostly self taught but had the really good fortune of taking a few courses from exceptional teachers.... (glaze technology, for example, which is insanely important to the functional potter).

What do you love about your medium? I love that I can take a lump of clay throw it into a form.  Fire it,  and serve food to my family and friends in it the next day. The turnover can be a matter of a couple of days... highly rewarding... almost visceral satisfaction.

What is your least favourite aspect of your medium? I think most potters would smile and say glazing is their least favourite aspect.

What do you listen to when you’re working in the studio? I have been a devoted, some say rabid, fan of Rush since I was a teenager... with over 40 years of music to chose from, there is always something to listen to that suits your mood.

Favourite things to do when you’re not working in the studio? I love to bake and cook, hang out with my husband and dogs. I walk, bike, kayak, read and drink copious amounts of coffee. I'm also learning to spin my dog's hair into wool -  he's a samoyed and the hair is quite wool-like.
 
Favourite artist / craftsperson of all time and why? Hmmm... well obviously every guy in Rush... but my favourite potter is John Leach... a third generation British potter.

Favourite book? Nothing I have read has ever surpassed my love of To Kill A Mockingbird. 

How long have you lived in Muskoka? I've lived in Muskoka all of my life, save when I went to university.

Favourite restaurants in Muskoka? We don't eat out much... we're vegan.

Favourite road to drive in Muskoka? Highway 141 from Utterson to Rosseau.
 
Favourite place to hike, bike or walk in Muskoka? Stephenson Road 8. We walk from our house around to number 8 a few times a day. With our dogs we see a wetland full of herons, moose, bitterns, deer, ducks, hawks. We've seen northern lights dancing over the pond, full moons, a lunar eclipse... oh and some mosquitoes and deer flies... if you live in muskoka you know the drill!

If you weren’t an artist/craftsperson, what would you be instead? Tough question. I have so many interests... maybe a baker or a chef in my own vegan restaurant.

Visit Mary-Ruth's Artist Page to learn more about her work.

('Ask the Artist' is an ongoing Q&A series that provides a little bit of insight into the lives of the members of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour)

Name: Jim Carter
Medium: Wood/Iron

How long have you worked in this medium? I have worked in wood for 12 years.

Were you formally trained or self-taught? I was self taught.

What do you love about your medium? The best part of working with wood is that we get to enjoy the outdoors when milling the wood.
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What is your least favourite aspect of your medium? The least favourite is the heavy lifting.

What do you listen to when you’re working in the studio? I listen to 70s rock and country.

Favourite things to do when you’re not working in the studio? My favourite thing to do is camping and travelling.

Favourite artist / craftsperson of all time? My favourite artist is Samuel Yellin​, he was a master blacksmith and metal designer. 1885-1940.

Favourite book? My favourite books are usually on history.

How long have you lived in Muskoka? I have lived in Muskoka for 44 years.

Favourite restaurant in Muskoka? Wabora in Bracebridge.

Favourite road to drive in Muskoka? All of them.

Favourite place to hike, bike or walk in Muskoka? I like to hike around High Falls in Bracebridge.

If you weren’t an artist/craftsperson, what would you be instead? I would have worked for Natural Resources or in forestry.

Update: Jim is not a current member of the Studio Tour. Please visit his website to contact him directly.

Name: Elizabeth Johnson 
Medium: Painting - oils, watercolours, acrylics

How long have you worked in this medium? 35 years.

Were you formally trained or self-taught? I studied art at the University of Guelph and Haliburton School of the Arts and with various Canadian and American painters.  Most of my learning was through books and by just painting. 

What do you love about your medium? The tactile nature of the medium. the expressiveness of the brush stroke, the blending of the colours,  the design pattern of the values.   I love getting out in nature and taking the time to really look and observe nature.  It's a  meditative kind of art, best executed in silence and solitude. There's a real euphoria I get when I  hang my work on the wall and step back to assess it and see that it truly captures the mood of  the scene and is beautiful.  I love meeting my  clients, too.

What is your least favourite aspect of your medium?  Painting is a  solitary occupation.  Sometimes it can get a bit lonely.  You have to be your own motivator and your own sales person.  The hardest part for me is the marketing of my work.    

What do you listen to when you’re working in the studio?  Silence, sometimes classical music and sometimes CBC radio.
 
Favourite things to do when you’re not working in the studio?  Since I am largely a plein air painter, I don't work a lot in the studio.  Outside of painting, I take care of my big family - I cook, help run the family businesses, garden and hike.  I love going on hiking holidays.  I also have a little cabin that I love to escape to.  

Favourite artist / craftsperson of all time and why?  Hard question.  The Beaver Hall Group, ( Kathleen Morris, Anne Savage) are my heroes.   Not only were they wonderful painters, and hard workers,  they were the first group of Canadian women whose art was taken seriously and not considered just a hobby.   

Favourite book?  101 Famous Poems,  Jane Eyre,  Lord of the Rings.

How long have you lived in Muskoka? 27 years.

Favourite restaurant in Muskoka? My daughter's wood-fired pizzeria, Pizza on Earth.

Favourite road to drive in Muskoka? Hwy 35 from Dorset to Carvarvon.

Favourite place to hike, bike or walk in Muskoka?  The trails at the old Leslie Frost Centre in Dorset.  

If you weren’t an artist/craftsperson, what would you be instead? Can't imagine being anything other than a painter!  But, if I had to choose a second best, I'd be a writer.

Update: Elizabeth is not a current member of the Studio Tour, please visit her website to contact her directly.

 Name: Pam Carnochan
 Medium: Watercolour with Wool

How long have you worked in this medium? Approximately nine years.

Were you formally trained or self-taught? I was self taught,  this art form just came to me one night while playing around with my dyed wool.

What do you love about your medium? I love the flexibility and the intuitive nature of this way of painting using wool.

What is your least favourite aspect of your medium? Shearing the sheep!!! They hate having their hair cut.

What do you listen to when you’re working in the studio? Music of all forms and sometimes comedy podcasts.

Favourite things to do when you’re not working in the studio? Gardening, biking and hiking and just being outside.

Favourite artist / craftsperson of all time and why? Tom Thompson, because he broke the rules and just explored the world through his paintings.  He has challenged us to be adventurous in art expression as well.

Favourite book?  OHHHH that is too hard - there are many - but Best Laid Plans is a good laugh.

How long have you lived in Muskoka? 23 years.

Favourite restaurant in Muskoka? That Little Place by the Lights.

Favourite road to drive in Muskoka? Hwy 60.  It never gets old.

Favourite place to hike, bike or walk in Muskoka? Algonquin Park for all three (plus swimming, skiing and paddling).

If you weren’t an artist/craftsperson, what would you be instead? I’m also a B&B owner, and love doing that as well, but I don’t think we are ever just one thing, as many of us are also parents, and that job doesn’t show up on the resume.

Visit Pam's Artist Page to learn more about her work.
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('Ask the Artist' is an ongoing Q&A series that provides a little bit of insight into the lives of the members of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour)

Over two weekends this fall in Ontario’s cottage country, when the leaves are at their most spectacular and the air is cool and crisp, artists of the 2016 Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour invite folks to take an epic drive down colourful rural roads to visit them in their creative lairs.
Running September 24-25 and October 1-2, this year’s edition of “Canada’s oldest studio tour” features 21 exceptional artists in their studios working in a variety of media, from painting to jewellery to metal work and more.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about the inescapable connection between these artists and the quintessentially Canadian wilderness that surrounds them. Ask questions and learn about individual methods and details that make each piece of artwork unique; find out how the artists have experienced an evolution as they continue to discover methods and techniques both new and old, and as they continue to be affected by the incomparable landscape found here.
The tour is also the perfect event to find artwork to fill that empty space on your wall, your table or even around your neck. Purchase a gift for that special someone that comes with a captivating tale of visiting the piece’s maker. Whether you are an artist yourself or are drawn to another artist’s projects, you will leave Muskoka inspired and uplifted after seeing the creative process played out before your eyes.
The studios themselves are spread out across Muskoka – one of the most beautiful destinations in Canada in autumn – and it may take more than one weekend to visit them all. (A complete map of the tour can be found by clicking here.)  Consider an extended stay in the region, and take in all that Muskoka has to offer in fall. Whether you like to paddle, cycle, fish or golf, there is plenty to see and do against the backdrop of red, orange and yellow maples, and the hundreds of sparkling blue waters that dot the region.
For 37 years, The Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour has been one of the most anticipated events of the fall season. Come enjoy the natural beauty of Muskoka, while learning from 21 incredible artists about what inspires them, and how they will inspire you too.

For more information about the artists participating in this year's Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour, click here.

To plan your stay in the region, click here. 

Photos from top to bottom: Potter Jon Partridge at work in his Bracebridge area studio (photo by Scott Turnbull), Muskoka Autumn landscape (photo by Scott Turnbull), a work in progress by Huntsville weaver, Marni Martin (photo courtesy of the artist)

 Name: Wendy Moses
 Medium: Acrylic

How long have you worked in this medium? Fifteen years.

Were you formally trained or self-taught? Studied at U of T - Art Education.

What do you love about your medium? Intensity of colours and speed of drying.
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What is your least favourite aspect of your medium? Deciding whether to use Fluid or Heavy Body.

What do you listen to when you’re working in the studio? Jazz (piano), Bill Evans, Stevie Nicks, Wintersleep, Berlioz (Symphonie Fantastique), Jon Bon Jovi.

Favourite things to do when you’re not working in the studio? Cross Country Skiing, Rowing, Walking, Gardening.

Favourite artist / craftsperson of all time and why? Painters Eleven... Fabulous abstract work - exciting, powerful and full of energy.

Favourite book? The Watch that Ends the Night.

How long have you lived in Muskoka? 38 years.

Favourite restaurant in Muskoka? Ronnie’s (formerly All Fired up).

Favourite road to drive in Muskoka? South Monck Summer Road.

Favourite place to hike, bike or walk in Muskoka? Partridge Lane.

If you weren’t an artist/craftsperson, what would you be instead? On the Masters Womens Olympic Rowing Crew.

Visit Wendy's Artist Page to learn more about her work.

('Ask the Artist' is an ongoing Q&A series that provides a little bit of insight into the lives of the members of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour)

Name:  Pat Fairhead
Medium: Watercolour, acrylic, oil, collage etc.

How long have you worked in this medium? Most of my life.

Were you formally trained or self-taught? Formal training at the Ontario Collage of Art (now OCADU).

What do you love about your medium? I love PAINT!!!

What is your least favourite aspect of your medium? When I can’t do it.

What do you listen to when you’re working in the studio? I need peace and quiet.

Favourite things to do when you’re not working in the studio? My work is my life.

Favourite artist / craftsperson of all time and why? Strongest influences are Turner and Carmichael.

Favourite book? Many, many... mostly biographies.

How long have you lived in Muskoka? Sixteen years full time and many, many summers.

Favourite restaurants in Muskoka? Riverwalk.
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Favourite road to drive in Muskoka? Along the river in Bracebridge.

Favourite place to hike, bike or walk in Muskoka? Wilson's Falls trail.

If you weren’t an artist/craftsperson, what would you be instead? An otter. I was born an artist.

Update: Pat is not a current member of the Studio Tour, please visit her website to contact her directly.

Name: Brian Markham
Medium: Wood turning

How long have you worked in this medium? My grandfather taught me how to work at the lathe as a boy. I enjoyed turning as a hobby until 2007 when I moved full-time to Muskoka and was able to spend more time in my workshop. 

Were you formally trained or self-taught? I am self-taught. My skills and techniques for turning and finishing my bowls have evolved and developed as I have had more time at the lathe. 

What do you love about your medium? I love the mystery of wood. You never know what you will find in a burl until you begin to turn it. I discover the intricate patterns of grain, the shades and colours of the wood and bark inclusions as it takes shape on the lathe. Having burl bowls, platters and furniture is like bringing the forest into your home. It is a connection to nature. 

What do you listen to when you’re working in the studio? I enjoy listening to rock music. 

Favourite things to do when you’re not working in the studio? I am an avid cyclist and just completed the TriMuskokan race in Huntsville. 

Favourite book? The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

How long have you lived in Muskoka? I have been a cottager on Rebecca Lake since 1988 and a full-time resident since 2007. 

Favourite restaurants in Muskoka? The Norsemen Restaurant and Muskoka on the Rocks are my favourite local restaurants. 

Favourite road to drive in Muskoka? Limberlost Road, especially in the fall. The autumn leaves are dramatic and colourful. 

Favourite place to hike, bike or walk in Muskoka? I often bike into Algonquin Park. 

Update: Brian is not a current member of the Studio Tour, please visit his website to contact him directly.

('Ask the Artist' is an ongoing Q&A series that provides a little bit of insight into the lives of the members of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour)
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