patricia howes
island bark bowls
I am an island artist, photographer & maker. We moved to Wolfe Island in 2009 because living on the water called us here. I grew up on the shores of Lake Superior, a bit of a wild child at Point des Chênes in the summers, and I have felt the need to be closer to nature, and in particular the water, since I was that child. I am very much at home walking the shores, combing the beach for treasures, and I have accumulated a ridiculous collection of stones, shells and beach glass. I have also happily passed that trait onto my children.
During the pandemic, I rediscovered this pull towards nature. While reinventing my work life online, which I found draining, I found myself spending more and more time outdoors, wandering, searching, and communing in nature. I rediscovered a stand of willows near our home that was shedding beautiful ancient bark, and one day I decided to make something out of her warm weathered wood. I instantly fell in love with the whole process; the searching, the envisioning, the creating, the finishing. And so were born my whimsical willow bark bowls, the perfect vessels, for all those stones and beach glass I avidly collect. For kindred beachcombers, like myself, I now have enough creations to share with others who, like me, are drawn to the shore, soothed by the waves, and reinvigorated by long walks on the beach in search of nature’s treasures. Now your collection of treasures can become art nestled in a warm old willow wood bowl. |