Posts Tagged ‘photography’

“Spread the Word” is a series of posts we’re writing about our lovely customers, those who consistently support what we’re doing to promote Canadian designers, and who are engaged in amazing work that in turn deserves our support. This is where we’ll spread the word about the wonderful people around us. Sophie Noel de Tilly is our third customer to be featured in this space. She’s also one of my best friends!

When I was carrying our newest shopgirl I wanted to capture my pregnant belly in all its glory. What I didn’t want were the typical maternity studio images.  I wanted tasteful yet sexy with a great backdrop.  Because of the intimacy of the shoot, I especially wanted to feel comfortable with the photographer. Sophimage fit the bill!  With 15 years of photography experience under her belt, Sophie’s ability to capture those candid moments is unparalleled.  Sophimage combines strong attention to detail with a splash of humour, bringing out the best in her subjects.

Based out of Montreal but always willing to travel, this loyal Shopgirls shopper has provided us with stellar images from life events to those in the shop…her photography is as unique in look and feel as is her sparkling personality. Whether you are looking for the perfect gift or someone to capture a special moment in your life, I highly recommend Sophimage Photography.

Whether it’s in a park, in your back yard or in your home, Sophimage will create lasting memories that you will cherish forever.

And if you’re still not convinced, check out her portfolio at www.sophimage.ca.

You can thank me later!

Toronto artist Fiona Bailey studied Textiles at Sheridan College, but her work combines this formal knowledge with another of her hobbies – photography. Fiona prints and then tea-stains her photographs to age them and finishes them by needle felting little trails of dots over them. The photographs are mounted on cards or framed as artworks and Shopgirls has had a collection of them basically from the beginning. Fiona was kind enough to submit to a mini interview with us recently.

What kind of work do you do and what materials do you use?
I make both functional and decorative textile based works. Currently at Shopgirls I am selling needle felted photographs that I make into cards. I use wool fleece, embroidery floss, original photographs, and paper.

What makes your work unique?
With each photograph I take and make into an art piece, I make sure not to reprint and use again, this makes each piece original and different. Needle felting wool onto a photograph is a very non traditional way of applying the technique. I developed my technique through sampling and experimenting while studying textiles.

Who or what are your influences?
I am influenced by the natural world, and the environments which surround me, whether indoors or out. I enjoy photography as it allows me to capture these environments and the things that catch my eye within them.

What is your current creative obsession?
Currently, I have been working to expand my cooking skills and recipe box.

Who’s your favourite Canadian artist or designer?
I’m very inspired by Virginia Johnson, and I also love the photography of Dianne Bos.