Let me introduce myself: I'm Janet Davis, an artist and entrepreneur living and working on the North side of Bonavista Bay, on the island of Newfoundland in Eastern Canada. There are many challenges to running a business here in my small rural hometown, and there are many wonderful benefits too. This blog is where I share some of those challenges and triumphs, and share what it's like to live in this part of the world.
“This Yamaki guitar hangs in my office, but has been owned by my dad, and all three of my brothers at some time. All four of us kids learned to play guitar on this instrument, and it’s pretty special to me. “
Products from the Dark Tickle Company
I have been carrying these products in my shop and at the Café Giftshop for many years. The products are each exceptional, but here are my Top Three:
What are your favourite Dark Tickle products?
Matted lino-cut relief print with watercolour, designed after a summer family wedding in Greenspond. The wild irises were in full bloom, and a magical feeling was in the air. Love actually, is, all around!
I made four images in this Beach Series: Sea Urchins, Starfish, Sand Dollars, and Mussels. I love the grey wooden frames which look like driftwood- they are supplied by my friends at Image Fusion.
Sea Urchins
I’m taking a little time off this week, and I started my holidays with a walk on the beach with my favourite cousin at Cape Island.
We found these interesting balls on the beach, and with a little investigation, we deducted that they are balls of seaweed type grasses that have rolled on the beach to form balls.
A grey and beautiful walk with a treasured friend. A great way to spend some time away from the studio & office!
I received an exciting package in the mail this week: all new jewellery from our buddy Michelle Lambert! She has created a number of ArtSea Jewellery pieces just for Norton’s Cove! They are available in store only- check them out when you visit! The prices are very reasonable, and there are a wide variety of styles and matching sets for those special occasions and every day.
A 15 minute drive north from Norton’s Cove brings us to Windmill Bight, a municipal park at Lumsden. We like to visit in the winter months when the park is closed.
We park at the turn-off on the highway, and walk past the camping area, over a bridge and brook, past a play-ground and camper overflow area, and the freshwater lagoon area to get to the ocean side beach. Most of the walk is sheltered by fir and spruce trees.
When we get to the beach, the wind off the ocean is damp and cold, so we only stay long enough to fill our lungs and take in the views; And of course play fetch with Jack who can find a stick wherever we go.
Then we make our way back to the truck again. Oftentimes we meet another who enjoys quiet winter walks, and we did today, but not always. We are very lucky to be living in such a beautiful place with so much space available to be explored!
The View from Norton's Cove 