Fascinated by her gorgeous images and her process, I recently sat down with Elizabeth at her gallery to learn more.

Ruralist –How did you create the Coordinates collection?

Elizabeth – I drove around with a map of Huron County literally taped to my dashboard. I grew up in Huron County so I knew some areas really well, but other areas I hardly knew at all. I wanted to really understand my community so I forced myself to consciously get to know different parts of the county.

Ruralist – Tell us about the motivation behind the development of the Coordinates project.

Elizabeth – I wanted the photos to be timeless, so I chose natural settings as opposed to urban settings. I avoided anything that would date the photographs, so I chose to stay away from things that reflect a human impact (with the exception of ditches and fence posts). I didn’t want the images to be site specific; I wanted them to capture the feel of an area.

Ruralist – How does geocaching fit in to your work?

Elizabeth – I was completely and utterly fascinated with technology and the way a GPS device could pinpoint with only a few numbers exactly where you were on earth. Geocaching is a means of finding places and using technology. We started geocaching with my boys when they were small. They would be too impatient to wait for me to take a picture, so looking for geocaches gave them something to do. Through geocaching I discovered new trails, and I wanted to understand the meaning behind the choice of location coordinates. I search out what others found beautiful about the spot. We fell in love with geocaching and even went on a family vacation to France where we geocached our way across the country.

Ruralist – What was your process for gathering the images for Coordinates?

Elizabeth – Working full-time, it is hard to find the time to go out and shoot the images. So I began to schedule my geocaching and photography between 6 and 10 am Friday and Saturday mornings, regardless of the weather, every week – no matter what. It seemed that quite often I had horribly grey and dull weather so I had to look for contrasts in shapes and textures rather than light and shadow.

Ruralist – How did you decide on which images would go into the final Coordinates collection?

Elizabeth – This project covers a regional and seasonal variation of space as well as a setting of natural variation. There is mix of horizontal and vertical images which are intended to work together in the final exhibit. The photographs are printed on fine art canvas in the perfect shade of black and white. I had to print the images many, many times to get just the right shade of black and white. The intention was to create something that would stand the test of time.

Ruralist – Tell me about what inspires your work.

Elizabeth – I am inspired by the landscape of my county, realizing that I do not have far to travel to experience a wide range of regional variations. Huron County offers up a myriad of landscapes from lake and river to forest and field. I depict these landscapes in both black and white photography and painterly representation, juxtaposing the pure black and white of the photography with the “pushed” style and the intensified colour of the paintings. In most of my work, I strive for an element of timelessness. I tend to avoid structural elements that place the image in a modern context.

Ruralist – Your images are very large-scale (40″ x 60″): tell us about your choice to make your prints so big.

Elizabeth – The traditional black and white photograph takes on a new feeling when presented in a very large scale, on canvas. When an image reaches such a large size, viewers feel as though they could “walk into the landscape.” I would like to present a range of image sizes for the exhibit, but still focus on the larger scale. The finished fine art photo is created with archival qualities that are both lightfast and permanent.

Ruralist – Who inspires your photography?

Elizabeth – Reuben Sallows is an inspiration to me. I admire how his images have become a piece of history, like an artifact. I built the finished Coordinates project with every aspect of the construction designed to stand the test of time. I chose to use the most indestructible materials I could get: the ink has a 200-year lightfast rating, and I sealed each one with 100-year laminate so the canvases can actually be wiped.

Ruralist –Tell us more about Elizabeth’s Art Gallery.

Elizabeth – We are celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the gallery this summer: it opened in July 1992. We have a large selection of fine art for sale as well as art supplies. We do custom framing, fine art printing and workshops. Our website has a complete listing of all the programming and events at the Gallery.

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If you are not familiar with geocaching but would like to learn more, head over to this geocaching website. Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online. In Ontario alone there are literally thousands of different geocaches hidden throughout the province and millions more around the world.

I know that insects are probably not up there on your “favourite things” list and you may not know many, if any, insects that you think of as great.  I know most of the time they’re pesky little things that annoy or even outright disgust, but here in the country there are a few that we are quite fond of!

Here they are in no particular order:

Ladybugs

Wearing that fancy red polka-dot jacket, they look like they’re ready for a barn dance at any given moment. They’re adorable! You can’t help but love them.  But ladybugs don’t just look good, they’re hard-working little creatures, too.  They eat aphids and other soft-bodied insects that feed on plants in the garden.  Ladybugs are a welcome guest around any country home.

Fireflies

I have memories of catching fireflies in Mason jars as a kid. I can’t remember if I ever actually caught one, but the hunt was literally hours of fun! Anyone who’s ever had the opportunity to sit and watch the fireflies twinkle over the fields in summer knows exactly how calming that little flickering light can be. However, in Ontario, firefly numbers are dwindling.  You can count yourself lucky if you get a chance to spot their illuminating dance.

Dragonflies

Dragonflies dine on mosquitoes. Enough said!

Cicadas

There’s nothing better than the sound of the cicadas buzzing on a hot August night! I associate this innocent insect with heat waves, tall grass and lemonade. In my research I have discovered that cicadas actually make good eating. Who knew? I suppose if you’re game to try this delicacy, go ahead, but I think I’ll stick to enjoying their soft summery drone.

Honeybees

I’m sure this one goes without saying.  Who hasn’t enjoyed the sweet treat these guys work so hard to make? If you’ve never had the chance to visit an apiary or eat fresh honey straight from the comb, check out Fergusons Apiaries in Hensall.

–Erin

A 25 year-old musician and photographer from Lancaster, Tracy Lalonde is a ruralist from the easternmost fringe of Ontario. Originally from Cornwall, Tracy is a graduate of the Digital Arts for Musicians at St. Lawrence College. After some extended travelling throughout the United Kingdom, and United States, she has returned to her roots where she enjoys spends her free time driving and photographing the back roads of Glengarry County and making music. Tracy’s photography has been part of exhibitions at The Art Gallery of Cornwall and she is currently working on her debut album – a 5-song EP of material.

With the help of Graham Greer, a local musician, and a Popular Music grant from the Ontario Arts Council to help fund the album, Tracy is anxious for it’s  late-June/early-July release. Self-described as “a folky mish-mash of pop and rock flavours, with songs inspired by love, literature, and local history,” The album includes an eclectic mix of instruments such as a banjo, violin, electric guitar, pots and pans, glockenspiel and an organ. To listen to Tracy click here  for a performance of 1829.

I first met Tracy through Instagram, where I quickly fell in love with her photography of eastern rural Ontario. Her carefree spirit and love for her community shines in this emerging artists work. The photographs above are six of my favourites chosen from Tracy’s Instagram profile. I asked Tracy to tell me where the photos were each taken and a bit about what was happening in the shot. I hope you will enjoy these charming images and the delightful artist who creates them. Be sure to follow Tracy on Instagram to also keep up with her budding musical career!

The Photography of Tracy Lalonde

Top Left: This was taken on Street Road, sort of north-east of Cornwall on one of the first nice and green days of Spring this year. I haven’t come across another lane like this during my local travels (yet!). My driveway will look like this someday.

Top Right: Usually, I drive around the backroads on my own, but this was one of the rare times when my younger sister tagged along and insisted on driving. We spent a late afternoon goofing off and roaming the countryside with the windows down, talking in funny voices and being way too silly for our own good. Being in the passenger seat, I took advantage of a free ride, kicked my feet up onto the dashboard, and snapped this as we were driving on County Road 43, west of Alexandria.

Centre Left: There is no shortage of old wooden barns in Glengarry County, and I like sniffing them out. This one is near the intersection of South Branch and Glen Falloch Roads, north-east of Cornwall. South Branch Road is one of my favourite roads to drive down, especially on my way home after a day at work. It’s beautiful during Autumn.

Centre Right: Here, I’m looking east down the railway tracks as they intersect Fraser Road near Lancaster.

Bottom Left: That’s me! I’ve got an incurable case of messy hair and spend a lot of time thinking “Ugh, I need a haircut…”. This was one of those contemplative moments. (Fun Fact: I got a haircut the next day.)

Bottom Right: The chickadees from Cooper March along County Road 2 (Highway 2) near South Lancaster are extremely friendly. I think they might have been expecting food from me, which I didn’t have, but that didn’t stop them from swooping down and resting on my outstretched hand a few days before this past Christmas.

If you’re on Instagram follow Ruralist or introduce yourself by commenting on one of our images, that’s the best way for us to know you’re out there. We are always eager to make new Instagram friends and discover more of the beauty of rural Ontario.

–Erin

It turns out they’re right: even when you put a country girl in the city, you can’t take the country out of her. Many of the things that I take the most delight in are either made in, are located in, or remind me of my rural roots.

Here are a few iPhone snaps of things that keep me grounded and allow me to keep dreaming of a someday country house (Left to right, top to bottom):

Vintage – Upon first glance at our mailbox, it looks a bit rusty and rundown. But when you take a closer look, you see the totally cool vintage knight that guards our front door.

Gardening – I could spend hours arranging and planting flowers. There’s something about getting dirt under your fingernails that is relaxing. This photo of my niece Salome and I was taken by Sandra Regier at Huron Ridge Acres. More from that day here.

Spring flowers – Guess who discovered lilacs in their yard this week? Lilacs are one of the reasons I missed Ontario when I lived in southern climes for several years. Their delicacy, their fragrance – ahh.

Handmade – I could be accused of flaunting my made-in-Ontario goodies. This ring is one of my favourites. It’s by Rosella Resin and has real gold flakes in it (more of Rosella Resin on Ruralist here)!

Home-grown – After living most of my life in the country, it was only when I moved to the city a year ago that I became the primary caregiver of a vegetable garden.

Heritage buildings – I’m so curious about old buildings: who built them? What was the town like back then? Who lived in them? I walk past the Woodstock Museum when I take lunchtime strolls at work, and I glimpsed “The Major Store” sign after a tornado-damaged storefront was torn down on The Square in Goderich.

Country walks – Fresh air, wide open spaces, no people for miles… gosh I miss those! Here’s me enjoying an afternoon in the fields behind Huron Ridge Acres. Photo by Sandra Regier.

Fresh – To a coffee snob like me, there’s simply nothing better than “crazy fresh,” locally roasted fair trade coffee, and I stock up whenever I can. I have never tasted coffee any fresher than Coastal Coffee Company‘s!

–Sarah

This particular hand cream is Upper Canada Soap Company’s Whipped Hand Repair Balm and it’s worthy of a try for several reasons.  First, the fact that it is “made in Canada,” and more precisely, made in Ontario, makes me stop and consider it over other imported products.  Next, this hand cream is made with 97% natural ingredients and is free of parabens, mineral oil, SLS and synthetic dyes, which also seems sensible to me.  I like the “Pressed Olive Avocado” scent, it’s light and not overwhelming, which is important as I’m sensitive to strong scents.  Lastly, this product has a lovely package which is just a bonus.

I purchased my hand cream at The Old Mill in Blyth for $7.99, where they have a huge selection of Canadian made goods. I like that with this purchase not only do that I get a great hand cream, the proceeds support two longstanding Ontario businesses that offer great quality products. Isn’t that really the kind of “repair balm” our local communities could really use?

Finally, I just have to add Upper Canada’s Soap Company’s ad featuring the Canadian Woman – I love it!

 –Erin

1. Beeswax Candle from Honey Pie, Prince Edward County

2. Bee Pollen from Dickey Bee Honey, Innisfil

3. Beeswax lip Balm from Honey Pie, Prince Edward County

4. Honey Mineral Foundation from Goods with Story, on-line (Update: our apologies, the Goods With Story page seems to be down at the moment. We’ll update the link when the product page is available again. Sorry!)

5. First Lessons in Bee Keeping from Munro Honey, Alvinston

6. Goat Milk and Honey soap from Goods with Story, on-line (See #4)

7. Clover Honey from Whole Sugars, on-line

Painting a Tribute to Prince Edward County

On May 25, 2013, fine art painter Milé Murtanovski will be hitting the road – specifically Prince Edward County’s Highway 33, also known as Loyalist Parkway. Beginning in Carrying Place near Trenton and heading east along Highway 33, he’ll make 33 stops, creating one 20” x 20” oil painting on site each day. His painting marathon will conclude June 26 at the Glenora ferry dock.

Primarily a studio-based painter who works from his own photographic reference, Murtanovski will step outside his comfort zone and paint en plein air every day for just over a month. He chose Highway 33 as it stretches from one end of the County to the other and has a great variety of scenery to depict, including picturesque rural landscapes, sites of historical significance, and the charming architecture of the County’s most prominent towns.

This painting marathon will culminate in an exhibition at Blizzmax Gallery, opening on June 29 at 7pm and running until July 21. Throughout this painting marathon there will be regular updates on Facebook, Twitter (@smallpondarts) and Milé’s artwork blog.

Milé has been painting for 25 years and works mainly in watercolours, oils, or inks. In 2010 he left Toronto, relocating to a 160-year old farmhouse in Prince Edward County, Ontario, where he founded Small Pond Arts with his wife, playwright and puppeteer Krista Dalby. Small Pond Arts is an artist residency centre and art gallery, and host to numerous creative community events throughout the year.

–Erin

Moms love anything and everything when it comes to Mother’s Day. Breakfast in bed, a handmade card or a hug can be the sweetest gift. However, if you’re looking to take it up a notch rural Ontario has some pretty fantastic offerings that I bet mom would enjoy (at least I know I would). We’ve curated some of our favourite things that are not just great for mom, but for a special women any time of year.

Funky - Bamboo Skate Shades are perfect for your one-of-a-kind mom. Second Shot, based in Orangeville, combines the strength of bamboo with the artistic styling of 100% recycled skateboards creating a unique piece of wearable art. Every pair is handcrafted in Canada, making no two the exact same.

Vintage - If your mom loves plants these vintage plant pots are sure to put a smile on her face! The best thing about vintage is that each piece has it’s own special story. Revival Store in Bancroft is a treasure trove of great finds.

Cozy – A pair of Collegien slippers will warm your mom’s heart as well as her toes. They are as soft as a sock, as comfortable as a slipper, they hug the foot and are machine washable. These slippers are available from Hive of Bayfield and come in many different bright colors and designs.

Sparkly – For the mom who is worth her weight in gold,a handmade resin ring filled with gold leaf. These rings from Rosella Resin in Seaforth come in an incredible array of sizes shapes and colors. Choose her favourite color and you are sure to wow her with these lightweight and durable rings.

Pretty – This lovely dahlia in a ‘tea cup’ from Huron Ridge Acres in Zurich would look lovely on your mom’s patio table! The dahlia will keep blooming all summer as each flower is loaded with buds, just water and enjoy.

Relaxing – Give mom the gift of a weekend away. From May 31st to June 2, The village of Bayfield on Lake Huron is hosting a Girls Getaway Weekend with your choice of three different packages. Her all-inclusive weekend experience will include many extras such as a kick-off cocktail party and complimentary goodie bag.

Handy – If she’s travelling this summer why not get mom a gorgeous new weekend bag. Made by Jenna Rose in the Lanark Highlands, each piece of cloth is hand screen printed using non-toxic water based pigments on mostly organic materials. The colours are all mixed and printed in small runs and each design is initially illustrated by hand.

Nifty – Show mom some love this Mother’s Day with a limited edition upcycled key tag from All Deck’d Out in Brantford. This heart keychain is made from 100% recycled skateboard. The back side is a natural ply and the front side is all graphic with signs of it’s previous life. You can have it laser engraved with a special message for a more personal touch .

Sweet - Your mom is one lucky lady! This tiny necklace from Artisan Tree in Trenton are a lovely way to say Happy Mother’s Day. The delicate golden horseshoe strung on a red silk cord is timeless and sure to bring luck when given on such an auspicious day.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Mother’s Day this year your thoughtfulness will be appreciated. Don’t forget this Sunday, May 12 to remember your mom and take a moment to show her how much she means to you.

–Erin

I stumbled upon Melanie Ferrara and her Device line when I was initially researching this idea last month. I was very impressed by her portfolio and her polished and professional website, and it is a pleasure to feature this young Ontario designer on Ruralist.

Melanie describes her line as made up of “vintage inspired classics.” She incorporates eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, and modal into her versatile and timeless pieces. Recently she was named one of Canada’s top 15 eco designers.

The Device line is currently sold on Etsy.com. If you like the selections shown here, be sure to visit the Etsy site to see the other colours and styles available.

–Sarah

About the Clothes:

1. Florence Top in white – A simple spring blouse with a touch of sophistication, this blouse is a wardrobe essential- one of those pieces which can single-handedly multiply your outfit possibilities with its versatility.  Proudly made in Toronto, Canada.  Available in sizes XS-XXL.
Price: $74

2. Florence tops, any two – A simple spring blouse with a touch of sophistication, available in many colors and fabrics with two sleeve style choices.  Individually priced at $72 and $74, you can save up to $24 when purchasing two at once.  This blouse is a wardrobe essential- one of those pieces which can single-handedly multiply your outfit possibilities with its versatility. Available in short petal sleeves or elbow-length sleeves. Proudly made in Toronto, Canada.  Available in sizes XS-XXL.
Price: $122

3. Benson Skirt – High-waisted skirt with wide, belted waistband and figure-flattering a-line silhouette. Pleated pockets with tab and button detail add a retro-modern flair. This piece is stylish and unique while still being appropriate for the office. It’s also lined, which means it can be easily paired with tights or stockings in the fall and winter.  Proudly made in Toronto, Canada.  Available in sizes 2-12.
Price: $178

4. Sybil Shell – Eco-friendly, eye-catching printed sleeveless blouse in silky micro-chiffon. The print is a photographic manipulation of feathers and cherry blossom branches on a soft yellow background, with vibrant accents of pink and orange hues. Proudly made in Toronto, Canada.  Available in size 6/M.
Price: $89

5. Hanna Dress – Sustainable and summery in white or black.  Lace adds romance to this cap sleeve dress with contoured stylelines and blouson waist.  Triangular lace insets at side hem.  Proudly made in Toronto, Canada. Available in size S.

Who knew turquoise and emerald were “in” colours this spring? The owner of Elle North, that’s who. Lauren Northgraves’ love of fashion trends and discovering and sharing great products led to the birth of this fun and funky online store that features jewellery, scarves, giftware, candles (made by her parents’ company, Country Home Candle), and more.

Lauren put together this colourful collection for this, Elle North’s second appearance on Ruralist. This time, the store has greatly expanded its inventory, covering everything from wine paraphernalia to handy jewellery and scarf hangers to necklaces and bracelets in many different styles.

1. Hint of Mint Earrings – $15.00

2. Turquoise Floral Patch Scarf – $20.00

3. Studded Leather Bracelet in Turquoise – $20.00

4. Emerald Braid Necklace – $30.00. Hand-beaded in India.

5. Colourblock Top in Turquoise – $45.00. Made in Canada.

6. Candy Waterfall Necklace – $25.00

7. Turquoise Stone Bracelet – $15.00

8. Ombre Blue Chiffon Tunic – $45.00

9. Steel Magnolia Bracelet in Turquoise – $24.00. Fair Trade Jewelry.

10. Versa Wrap Turquoise – $25.00. Wear it in 6 different ways. Fair Trade Clothing.