Sanctuary Peace Work.

I have been a fine art painter for many years and I have always felt blessed by my incredible good fortune to go to paint and create every day in my wonderful studio. (You can purchase prints of my abstract and realistic bird paintings at my other Etsy shop, CarolineJamesFineArt). That said, it always troubled me a little that so many people could not afford to buy my original work. During the economic down turn, with galleries closing and going bankrupt I found myself at a resting place with painting, and looking for something more immediate that would allow me to engage more directly with my well established clientele. I had no idea how that might manifest, so I continued to paint, waiting for "a sign".

There had always been peace symbols in my abstract paintings and I had always had a pre-occupation with the concept of creating peace in my life and the larger world. One day while working on a larger painting I was testing some new materials (crackle medium and resin) on a piece of found wood that I had never used before. I put a peace sign on it and covered it in a coat of resin leaving it over night to set. The results I found in the morning were so surprisingly beautiful I decided to make a few more for our Summer Market that year.

From that first very plain white board there evolved hundreds of new designs and sizes , many on beautiful found wood from the glorious Hornby beaches, and many on found wood from our award winning recycling depot here on the island. These include the beautiful "New World Flag", Country Peace Flags, and many other unique designs that are sold in twelve gorgeous shops and galleries all over B.C., Canada and Washington, USA. I now teach "Create Your Own Peace Work" workshops in my studio and my wonderful stall at the Hornby Island Artisans Market in the summer is a joyful hub of kids and grownups laughter for which I am eternally grateful.

While I continue to paint, (www.carolinejames.com) I have LOVED creating unique, one of a kind, beautiful, affordable art work that is meaningful and inspiring and loved by kids and adults of all ages, and so look forward to chatting with all my Etsy customers. Custom orders of any kind are always welcome. Thanks for listening to my story,.....:)......Peace, Blessings,....Deep Breath,...

Caroline