Tania explains her inspiration:
This knitted piece, called ‘The Wave’, is composed of seven increasingly intricate cable patterns and is meant to depict a top-down view of a wave heading out from shore.
I chose to depict water-related imagery since being near the water on the East Coast is a big part of why I love living here.
In the last few years, I have returned to my knitting for comfort after much loss in 2022 — four different family members. I could write pages about each of them, but for now, I’ll keep it short and sweet.
My vivacious aunt, who was a lawyer and loved to travel, passed in March, followed by my sweet uncle whose handmade snowshoes I still treasure.
An aggressive form of cancer took my kind older brother from us and I wish I had more years with him.
My paternal Nan was 101 and talented in her own right, with her food and flower garden, knitting and other creative pursuits.
My knitting connects me with my wonderful Newfoundland roots and my two very creative Nans. My maternal (other) Nan used to say, “You can’t worry about your problems while you’re knitting.”
Get to know Tania
Who or what inspires you and why?
Whether a person calls themself an artist or not, I am inspired by their ideas and creative work. I can be inspired by pottery, poetry, painting, illustration, weaving, knitting, metalsmithing, quilting — the list goes on. I think it boils down to a strong appreciation of the many unique forms of creative expression that exist.
What do you enjoy most about living on the East Coast?
There are many aspects of living on the East Coast that I enjoy, but being near the ocean tops the list. During my 20-year career as an engineer in the Canadian Army, I lived in many landlocked places. Whenever I had the opportunity to visit the East Coast or to live on the East Coast, it brought with it a feeling of being home.
What is your motto?
I love beautiful words and have long been collecting my favourite quotes in notebooks. One in particular serves as my mantra:
“To know what you prefer, instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive”- Robert Louis Stevenson
What’s your favourite place to see art?
Everywhere. Art can be found in all aspects of life. While I enjoy visiting art galleries, art can also be found in local coffee shops, on the walls of a friend’s home, in the creativity of someone’s wardrobe, and in nature.
Where can people connect with you?
Instagram @brightspotpapier
Facebook @brightspotpapier
I also have an Etsy shop where I offer original artwork, prints, handmade books and more: www.brightspotpapier.com
