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4 totems – fire, earth, water, wind – by Curtis Dickie

In July 2022 I paired with Northern Rockies Art Council and Curtis Dickie of the Kwakwaka’wakw and Dene people and living in Fort Nelson B.C.

Curtis was carving four totems – fire, earth, water, and wind – for Hudson’s Hope school longhouse. For an article of the project see https://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/regional-news/hudsons-hope/hudsons-hope-longhouse-taking-shape-5672597

Sketches for Fire and Water

Over the next few weeks I would visit Curtis as he was carving and take photos of the process from start to finish. We would sit and talk and discuss the trials and errors that went along with carving a totem out of Douglas fir – not the traditional cedar. Fir was used because it would be more hardy for the cold and wet weather in the northern part of B.C. , whereas red cedar is primarily found only in southern and coastal areas of western Canada and USA.

By the third week of August, the totems had to be completed, which gave only a month of carving. Curtis encountered a few hiccups along the way, with a couple pieces having large cracks, and one with several big knots in the section that was marked for carving. Adjustments to the design had to be made in order to fit the elements Curtis wanted for his design. He had to sacrifice some artistic elements in order to ensure the carving stayed together and didn’t break. Some elements in his carvings have hidden designs within the animal. Can you find the wise man, raven, and the fish hidden in two of the other figures? A few final embellishments were added like ’empty space’ behind arms (the wood is lifted off of the pole itself with free space behind it), and finishing nails for eyes.

Unfortunately, I was unable to be there on the final day to see ‘wind’ completed – I will need to make a trip out to Hudson’s Hope to see the finished building and all of the totems in place.

I want to say thank you to NR Art Council and Nancy for contacting me about this opportunity, and Mahsi Cho to Curtis for allowing me to share in documenting this beautiful carving process. I look forward to working with you again in the future!

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Retro Glam – Sold my 1st dress!

Not only was this photo session exciting because of all the laughs we shared, but this was a session to celebrate @mudslingerpaintflinger getting her very own custom made dress by me! Doesn’t she just look amazing and retro?! I love this look on her; what a great mini-session (which went overtime because we were having too much fun). I hope you love them as much as I do, DG 🙂

Dress- custom made by Blom Photography
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Golden Sunrise in the Cold

In the morning glow, on a winding path, the golden lace billows in the icy air. Hundreds of tiny trees fade into the distance, the buttes grow into high mountain tops. The Rocky Mountains of the North rise from the flat lands on the East, and spindly trees in the South, before hitting a vast expanse to the North. Although close to people, you are also far away; it is part of living in the North that gives both excitement and loneliness.

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Michael and Elza Wedding – Kasteel Hooge Vuursche

Elza and Michael

In July, I traveled to the Netherlands for this beautiful wedding. The bride and groom chose to take their couple photos before guests arrived which worked out very well to capture intimate and happy moments before all of the excitement of the celebration. Michael was able to see Elza for the first time in a beautiful dress ( ) upon the steps of the magical Kasteel Hooge Vuursche in Baarn, Netherlands. The venue was well organized and perfect for this couple. Congratulations, Elza and Michael, on your special day. Wishes for you and your future together.

 

 

Promotional Video

Exploring Canada’s Beauty #reddress-series

#reddressseries

Bow Lake – Alberta’s Glass Lake.

To say that Bow Lake is beautiful is an understatement. Anyone who has seen photos or driven the Icefield Parkway themselves knows how captivating the drive is. From the moment you approach the rest stop, you see the mountains towering above Bow Lake; it reflects, like glass, the sky above, while somehow managing to stay absolutely frozen despite the subtle breeze. Maybe I was lucky and stopped at the right time, but I feel as though I have seen this lake in other years, just as still and pristine.

#reddressseries in July 2021 – Bow Lake Alberta
Bow Lake #reddressseries on a calm afternoon in July

Like many travelers before me, I wanted to stop at Peyto Lake (the brilliant turquoise lake seen in thousands of photos online that stands below a cliff viewpoint), but this lake was closed due to construction on a new parking lot, and also for CoVid. Bow Lake did not disappoint, however, and I found a moment to enjoy it in my #reddressseries that I made for clients to use in photo sessions with me — I can’t help it if I also enjoy dressing up in marvelous gowns and dresses for my own photo shoots.

What about you? Have you done a traveling photo shoot? What is your favorite place to travel? Comment below ~

#Reddressseries Liard Hot Springs

I have always enjoyed dressing up. As a child I wore dresses (every day) until I was in Grade 6 when a boy made fun of me and asked why I didn’t wear pants like normal girls. I am happy to say I still enjoy dresses from time to time (but do find pants warmer and more practical for most cases), and when I do wear a dress I like to make an occasion of it — like this #reddress gown I made for photography. If you have never visited Liard Hot Springs a few hours north of Fort Nelson, B.C in Canada, I recommend you make a trip. Not only do we see northern lights (almost daily in winter), but we have the best hot springs I have ever visited! They are naturally occurring, and surrounded by trees and wildlife. Often you will find moose in the shallow spring areas eating vegetation year round (do be careful as they are wild and very dangerous — they are not trained photo-props). If you are looking for a remote adventure, far from large cities and light pollution, come visit Northern B.C. and enjoy what nature has to offer. #northernrockiestourism #northernrockies #travelBC #travelnorthernBC

It’s a little cold outside…

The nights are long in this small northern town in Canada; the long nights bring days where the sun barely skims the tops of our twig-like trees. The days are cold and will freeze the cells of your body within minutes. You must come prepared for what the land brings, and be ready for extremes. 

Graduation

Graduation sessions starting at $300 – for up to 3 friends. Add another friend for $75. Includes individual and group photos.

Just your son/daughter (grad) and family? No problem! $300 will include group photos with family, and individual photos of the future graduate.

Photos can happen before or after grad. It is never too late to celebrate!

Fort Nelson, British Columbia

A new adventure awaits in the North. Welcome to Fort Nelson and surrounding area on the Alaska Highway.