About Us
Col Mitchell
Paper Artist, Designer, Mixed Media Addict & Collaborator
Meet My Collaborators
 |
Christa Benedict / Jibe JewelleryJibe Jewellery Studio and Gift Boutique is home to Christa Benedict's distinctive, handmade jewellery shop and studio. This quaint boutique has all the charm of Muskoka but with New York City vibe! Christa combines her nature inspired jewellery designing with my nature inspired art. Together we are TwoNatures Jewellery.
|
 |
Daniel Gallant / Sail La Vie StudioSail La Vie Studio gives driftwood a second wind. Each sailboat structure is a Muskoka original made from driftwood with chewed beaver sticks for masts. The driftwood is hand painted and finished to enhance the natural beauty.
|
Why "Wild Blackbird?
At the core of my inspiration is my memories and experiences of the summers I spent immersed in the magnificent natural surroundings of Algonquin Park. Where the too few amenities of the cottage my grandfather built on Smoke Lake in 1931 meant nature was a strong presence, very much “in my face.” No electricity, and therefore no television, Gameboys or iPhones meant imagination was King. My siblings and I planned our entertainment, invented games played on both land and water. We spent time still and enveloped in lush expansive views, or crouched in intense contemplation of tiny life forms or fauna; tickled or bitten by insects, entranced or startled by sound, buffeted or soothed by wind, warmed or burned by sun.
A half hour paddle up the lake led to a landing where Algonquin Park's popular printed newsletter, The Raven, could be found. I don’t recall if fetching this newsletter was the primary goal, but it was a takeaway and gave a tiny bit of justification for escaping chores . . . or siblings!
The Raven represents the source of my core inspiration. Get your feather from it by clicking here!