Victoria BC hotels, luxury, boutique - Sooke Harbour House

Dinah Giffin

Gallery — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:21:12 +0000

Stuffed Grizzlet

Dinah Giffin was born in 1954 in Toronto, Ontario. While she was in elementary, junior and high school her entire focus was art, art. In 1983 she graduated with Honors from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Followinmg graduation, Dinah represented the Fine Art Department for the Helen Pitt award in Vancouver, B.C.

Fish Bench

Dinah paints on recycled wood which is salvaged from old buildings, fences or is washed up on local beaches. The paintings are framed in alder twigs or in Pacific Willow branches. Pieces of wrecked boats which are washed up on shore and weathered boards present a natural beauty that represents years of history that blend into the ambience of her unique style of painting.

Bear

“My roots are firmly and happily planted on our beautiful island. There is a great feeling of inspiration from walking the beaches and enjoing the natural beauty of the ocean. Each piece of wood has its own imperfections, nail holes, scrapes and marks which I include in my paintings. I hope you enjoy my art.” Dinah!

Carmen Bilac

Gallery — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:44:08 +0000

Carmen Bilac, presently resides in Victoria B.C.and is a life-long artist whose eclectic background has taken her around the world. As an art student in Switzerland, Carmen taught younger art students and explored the museums and galleries of Europe, inspired by the works of the great masters. Studying variously at Ontario College of Art, The University of Toronto, The Emily Carr School of Graphic Design, Sheraton College and BCIT, Carmen fueled her connection with the creative source, expressing that connection through diverse media.

Spring Planting $525.00 CAD

Sculpture, paper sculpture and printmaking were some early avenues for Carmen’s creativity. In Vancouver, she also worked in set design and interior design and as a colour consultant.

Carmen reached a comfort level with three-dimensional art forms and is now exploring two-dimensional work. Carmen started working in oils and has now moved to acrylics. Her ability to manipulate the form grows with each successive painting. Layers and vibrant combinations of colour and iconic imagery are evident in her work.

The Birds & the Bees $525.00 CAD

This imagery speaks to each viewer’s subconscious, resonating in a profoundly individual way. Underlying the work is a thread of optimism that invokes happy feelings in the viewer. Her artwork has found a home in many private collections throughout Canada, U.S.A.

Soul Propietor $525.00 CAD

Kimiko Ziolkowski

Gallery — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:45:52 +0000

Golden Koi $1,300.00 CAD

Kimiko Ziolkowski was born in Kumamoto, Japan, and moved to Canada in August 1997. Kimiko studied oil painting with Tomoko Sakaguchi, Tokyo, Japan from 1991 and studied Nihonga (Japanese-painting) with Kiyoharu Inoue, from 1994 in Tokyo.

Path of the Koi $1,500.00 CAD

Kimiko specializes in the medium of Nihonga, translated as traditional Japanese painting. The features of Nihonga are its use of powdered, organic mineral pigments instead of oils, bound to Japanese parchment with unique, natural glue.

Kimiko specializes in flowers, although she has done extensive work also in landscape and figures. Since coming to Canada in 1997, Kimiko’s subject matter has embraced West Coast themes.

Tumbo Channel Afternoon Glow $1,500.00 CAD

Kimiko is a regular entrant to Vancouver Island art exhibitions including the Sooke Fine Art Festival and Art in Bloom at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Kimiko sells through Sooke Harbour House Hotel, Peninsula Gallery, and others. Kimiko also teaches regular classes in Nihonga (traditional Japanese painting).. She has also exhibited in many Japanese exhibitions.

Kimiko was awarded the first place (Mayors Trophy) from among the approximately 250 entrants at the Tokyo Kodaira Art Show in fall, 1996 for the Nihonga (Japanese-painting) work, Jakujo (from a Buddhist term, translated as Silent Solitude).

2010 Awards for Excellence from Conde Nast Johansens received by Sooke Harbour House

Frederique — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:30:51 +0000

We are really happy and proud to have received from Conde Nast Johansens the award of MOST EXCELLENT ECO RESORT and be on the list of finalists for MOST EXCELLENT SMALL HOTEL in the USA and Canada. We are among some of the best hotels and among friends. As Hoteliers, Innkeepers we all strive to do our best every day, opening our doors for you dear travelers to eat well, sleep soundly, rejuvenate, laugh, love and built memories and friendship.

For the last 31 years we have purposefully try to be as “green” as possible, we have showcased, from the first day we open our doors, everything that is so extraordinary about our region, the south west coast of Vancouver Island. We have served seasonal and local cuisine, helped by the abundance of fish, meat, produce that our fishermen, foragers and farmers have brought to our chefs on a daily basis. We have shown as much as possible the wonderful and artistic creations of the numerous artists that live around us.

We are very grateful to receive this award and humble at the same time as it is only with the help of every member of our great staff that this award is possible.

Sooke 2010 tourism video

The Innkeepers — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:52:01 +0000

Lisa Riehl

Gallery — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:45:17 +0000

Red Tulip $425.00 CAD

“Lisa Riehl was raised in BC and has been seriously painting since 2004, when a move to Sooke to a house with a studio in the backyard gave her the space she needed.

Inspired by the dramatic landscapes around her, she has translated her passion for hiking, surfing and her love of nature to canvas.

Over the years Lisa has perfected her craft, capturing in bold colours her vision of the heart and soul of the West Coast.

Understory $395.00 CAD

This is evident in her impressionistic interpretations of the beaches of Tofino & Sooke, the forests of the West Coast and the mountains of Whistler.

Sunset at the Point $295.00 CAD

The amazing landscapes she portrays will bring you closer to the wild West Coast.”

Harriet Hiemstra

Gallery — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:59:38 +0000

Blue Hat

I have been a studio potter since graduating from Kootenay School of Art, Nelson, BC in 1976.

My Work combines my love of drawing and painting with my passion for clay work.

My method of hand building using thinly rolled slabs of white earthenware clay, images are carefully drawn and incised, and textures are then rolled and embossed into the wet clay.

Working in short series I use the playful imagery and fabulous textures inspired by art deco and the “Flapper” era to showcase my eccentric imagination. Each piece is painted with various underglazes and oxides and then fired in an electric kiln several times to develop the rich detail.

Gretchen Markle

Gallery — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:55:42 +0000

Frosty Fields $550.00 CAD Oil on Canvas

Gretchen Markle was born and raised in a small mining town in Northern Ontario. In 1976, she moved to Vancouver Island. The isolation and beauty of both locales have had a profound and lasting effect on her art making.

Untitled $650.00 CAD Oil on Canvas

Her earliest inspiration came from Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, particularly Lawren Harris, who captured the soul of her native Algoma in paint. Later influences include such artists as Richard Diebenkorn, Wolf Kahn, and Fritz Scholder, as well as lesser-known contemporaries Will Julsing and Marianne Brabanski.
Because of her deep connection with the natural world, much of Markle’s work is landscape. However, whether landscape or figurative, representational or abstract, her pieces are an attempt to move beyond the boundaries of mere picture making to a consideration of deeper issues: a feeling of wonder and a sense of responsibility.

The Journey $1,200.00 CAD Oil on Canvas

Take Back Your Time!

The Innkeepers — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:08:13 +0000

In today’s busy society we often forget to take time for the most important things in life. We offer a ” take back your time” package including a two night stay, one 3 course dinner for two, and your choice of 2 spa treatments (massage, facial or reflexology) or outdoor adventures (ziplining, harbour tour or seaweed tour) for 2. We encourage our visitors to seek, to experience, to plan, to create, to DREAM and to discover one of the greatest luxuries in life; time. Savour every moment with us. We want to give you the necessary kick start you need to live more in the moment, not to postpone and to take back your time now. We look forward to welcoming you to our little white inn on the Pacific very soon.

Call 250-642-3421 or 800-889-9688 to make your reservation.

Spring Fling- A simple package for a spring getaway

The Innkeepers — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:33:11 +0000

Be spontaneous !

Run away to a quiet spot on our beautiful coast to smell, taste and see Springs arrival with it’s renewing power and elegant, gentle, unstoppable move.
New blooms and blossoms, first flowers, ocean freshness, warm days and crisp starry nights await you here. The very freshest produce of the new season is making it’s way into our kitchen. Spring ocean waters yield an abundance of seafood. We have the comforts of the indoors and the excitement of the outdoors . Enjoy this simple package and our best rate. Ask us about the variety of seasonal outdoor activities in the area.

Blooming fruit trees outside Sooke Harbour House

Blooming Rosemary in Sooke Harbour House gardens

More fruit trees in bloom

Do not delay! The fleeting magic of Spring will not wait for our busy schedules, take the time to enjoy it’s arrival! Our package is only available from February 25th to April 1st, Click here to book now!

Cozy cottage feel with a touch of luxury

Romantic misty mornings

Spectacular Sunsets

Welcoming Tulips

We would love to see you soon. Take advantage of our offer and enjoy this wonderful time of the year! Click here to book now!

Retreat to a quaint seaside Inn, escape Vancouver and Whistler

The Innkeepers — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:09:45 +0000

During the games, Vancouverites who want to escape the games, but still watch them can come and spend a week or two at Sooke Harbour House and watch Olympic Games as well as Olympic Mountains right across the strait of Juan de Fuca from our guestrooms. Leave all the crowds, street closures, lineups, and mad rush behind. Come, put your feet up and enjoy peace and quiet at Sooke Harbour House at a special rate.

Stay a week, 7 days for the price of 5, our Olympics are a free.

Sooke Harbour House has inspired one of our guest, “Go Canada” beautiful and powerful drawing was left in The Kingfisher Room

Frederique — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:47:00 +0000

Deborah Czernecky

Gallery — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:26:55 +0000

"Single Red" $900.00 CAD

Deborah is a Vancouver Island born British Columbian. At 18 she decided to see the world and joined the Canadian Forces to pursue this journey. During her 20 years with the military, Deborah traveled extensively across Canada, from West to East, North to South, and to including various parts of Europe. The diverse scenery she encountered in her travels inspired her to become a full time painter. In 1992, having decided to give her all her time to painting, Deborah retired from the Forces, went to art school and became a full time artist.

"Red B" $600.00 CAD

Formal Education -
1997 & 1998 – Ottawa University – Fine Arts
1995 & 1996 – Mission Renaissance School – Old Masters’ Techniques
1992 to 1994 – Fine Arts Diploma, St Lawrence College – Graduated with Distinction

Independent Studies
2000 – University of New Brunswick – Art Educator
1988 & 1989 – Winnipeg Art Gallery – various art courses

Teaching-

Deborah has also been on staff as an Art Instructor at Orleans Visual Art Centre, Art Study Giverny France, Ottawa Continuing Education, Coast Collective Art Centre Victoria.

Memberships -

Coast Collective Art Centre – Vice President
Colwood Art Network – Board Director
Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts – Board Member
Ottawa Art Association – President 2004-2006
Ottawa Art Festival – Board Member, 2003-2005
Ottawa Tulip Festival – Art co-chairperson, 2004-05

Isa Sevrain

Gallery — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:38:44 +0000

"E330" Food Colouring $4,400.00 CAD

"Candlelite" In Bread Delight $4,400.00 CAD

I’m from a small place called Berson near Bordeaux in west south France. My childhood was infused with the culture of a traditional French village, gossip and old stones, accordion “flonflon” and Strauss waltzes without forgetting August carnival.

My parents ran a small trade business and when I was 5 they also took over my grandfather’s vineyard. So, all together, from farming to trading, I developed the skills of perseverance, resourcefulness, quality craftmanship, and communication. At age 9 a woman painter client of my father gave me the most beautiful book I had ever seen, an illustrated Chinese story-book. I think it was the main inspiration of my childhood, an encouragement to believe in the power of expressing my heart.

A classical French education in boarding school introduced me to rebellion, rock’n roll, cinema and classical dance. In 1982 I found myself in the “big” city of Bordeaux. I started to go to the mime school of Philippe Bizot. For the next 5 years I worked with different theater companies and I took jazz and African dance classes. There I also opened up to Arabic culture and all together to a multicultural life. I added travel to my insatiable curiosity to meet more and more people. In 1987 I was working in Switzerland, saving to go live in the Caribbean for a while. With a last minute turn of thought, after meeting some Quebecquois, I bought a ticket for Montréal. When I arrived in December, I questioned my sanity. But I know now, it was meant to be. In retrospect, I feel that moving to Canada has been one of the best thing that has happened to me. From there I kept travelling back and forth to France via Caribbean. After a first trip in 1988 in the Okanagan, I swore that I would come back to western Canada. In 1990, I did and a new part of my life started.

For a couple of years I traveled more still between the Gulf islands and the Yukon. In 1992 I stopped in Nanaimo and I went to Malaspina College. I took some courses in their fine art program with Ian Garriock and Iris Church, I also attended an E.S.L program to improve my English. From then on I kept taking courses with different artists, including, Tony Onley in watercolour, Heather Spears in life drawing, Carole Ray in lino cut, and ceramic with Ian Nattras and Deb Taylor. I also kept going to life drawing classes which is my favorite way of learning.

Delphine, my baby girl, was born in 1995. From 1996 to 97 I participated in many group exhibitions on the island. In 1998, I had a solo show called “peephole” at the Parksville Art Council. At that time I also decided to give a try at craft, mostly to justify my craving for doing art. So for the next 5 or 6 years I tried to sell art in craft shows and markets. The good thing about this it is that I met with many good people. Finally, in 2003, I won the first prize award at the Sooke Fine Art Show and, around this time, I also became very ill and my family fell apart. These combined events made me determined to pursue my dream.

Today the focus of my art work is in ceramic, but I also work in acrylic paint, ink, collage, etc. My approach to everything I create artistically is through dance: when I draw I dance with line; when I paint I dance in colour; and when I work the clay, I dance with its mass. Movement fascinates me because it becomes an expression. And I plan to keep on dancing.

NBC new video on Vancouver and Vancouver Island with Sooke Harbour House featured.

Frederique — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:23:58 +0000

Click to watch a short video

This video was done for the Olympics by LX TV 1st Look to showcase as much as possible what beautiful British Columbia offers from mountains to water.. this video takes you from Grouse Mountain to our little white Inn on the edge of the Pacific. Sinclair is showing our organic edible gardens – remember this video was done in January - taking NBC Host to the shore in front of the hotel and trying sea lettuce, observing the wild life so close to the dining room with the river otters playing in the fountain, watching our Head chef Sam Benedetto prepare a special dish with some seasonal local ingredients.

Enjoy this short video, I hope it will entice you to come and visit us soon. Make a reservation now……..