Meet Amna Wali

This artist and art instructor from Kitchener, Ontario—Melissa Fitzgerald, known as "The Green Witch"—is all about embracing nature, tapping into her creative spirit, and adding a dash of joy to life. Growing up, Melissa was always a creative soul, whether it was jewellery making, crafts, creative writing, or her most recent passion—painting and illustrating. It was only natural for her to express herself this way, given that both her grandmother and mother are artists. While she's largely self-taught, she has been fortunate to have many mentors and teachers who continue to inspire and guide her. Melissa's art reflects her deep love and respect for nature and earth-based spirituality. Recently, she's been focusing on depicting fungi, plants, and animals in a magical, folkloric style. "If we slow down and listen, we can learn a lot from nature. The trees, the wind, the waves, birds, and bugs all have messages for us." She views her art as a devotional to these messengers, a way to celebrate and acknowledge their stories. Ink, wash, and wonder Melissa adores classic children's book illustrations, especially those by Beatrix Potter. She's also a big fan of fairy tales, folklore, and vintage botanical illustrations. Watercolour is her favourite medium because of its soft and translucent qualities. She finds it ideal for use with waterproof ink fine-line pens in an ink-and-wash style, but it's also exceptional on its own.  Over time, her style has become more detailed; she loves spending hours on a piece, watching it come to life with each tiny brushstroke. For her, the process is as important as the outcome—perhaps even more so. "Art is therapeutic," she explains, "and it should never be rushed." Play, experiment and have fun Melissa teaches watercolour classes for older adults, and they just love her! "It's such an honour to teach art in a community setting," she says with a big smile. "When I developed my classes, I wanted to share watercolour with beginner-level students in a way that emphasizes play, experimentation, collective learning, and community building." She believes art should always be accessible and enjoyable. Her goal is to create an environment where students feel comfortable enough to take risks and make "bad" art before they start to feel more confident with the medium. "I make bad art all the time!" she laughs, her eyes twinkling. "I don't take art too seriously. For most of us, it's something we do because we love it, not because we are striving to be the best. Pressure and competition really get in the way of creativity. I don't want anyone to leave my class feeling discouraged or like they don't belong. I want everyone to feel like they can do this!" We are surrounded by magic When Melissa is fully immersed in nature, time seems to stand still. She enters a nourishing state of flow, and spending an afternoon wandering the woods becomes "medicine for the brain." Crawling around the forest floor to observe bugs and fungi or getting her sneakers wet for a better glimpse of a frog in the swamp are all part of the experience. Her camera roll is filled with photos from these excursions, each one influencing her art. Sharing these magical findings with others brings her joy. "We are surrounded by magic; you just gotta go outside, take your time, and not be afraid to get a bit dirty," she says. In her painting and sketching, Melissa always references what she has learned about the subjects, both scientifically and symbolically. She's passionate about nature and folklore, exploring how different cultures throughout history have engaged with their natural surroundings. It's easy to forget that "we ARE nature." Adding whimsical touches—like a cowboy hat on a toad—is her way of reinforcing that connection. It makes her smile and breaks down the barrier between humans and animals.  "We should care about our fellow animals and be mindful of our impact on the planet we share with them."     What's on Melissa's exhibit, "The Dark Half: Mabon to Samhain," is a tribute to two of the three harvest sabbats celebrated in September and October. Themes of magic, gratitude, and abundance are woven throughout the pieces, along with concepts of symbiosis and natural cycles, including death. She believes in the balance of nature—embracing the entire cycle rather than resisting the dark and dreading the cooler nights. This mindset has shaped her work, as she aims to honour these themes and the ever-changing seasons. Visit Melissa's exhibition at the Waterloo City Hall, Berlin Tower ARTSPACE from September 13 to October 31. It's a great chance to experience her magical world and find your inspiration to connect with nature.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of attending the National Art Material Trade Show in New Orleans. Amidst the bustling aisles, I met Jessica Rudolph, the Founder and CEO of "My Very Own Blanket." Her small booth, filled with beautiful handmade blankets, instantly caught my attention. Jessica's passion was evident as she shared the heartfelt story behind her organization. I knew immediately that her journey deserved to be shared with a wider audience. My Very Own Blanket is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing love, comfort, and hope to children in foster care through handmade blankets. Thousands of blankets are donated each year and personalized with the child's name. For the past 25 years, they have impacted countless lives, thanks to the dedication of volunteers who craft each blanket by hand with care. What inspired you to start My Very Own Blanket?It all started in 1999 when I was knitting by my child's crib. In that quiet moment, I realized that I could use my knitting skills to help children in foster care. The lack of personal belongings and the constant movement from one place to another struck a chord with me. I wanted to give these children something they could call their own, something that would provide them with comfort and a sense of belonging. Thus, "My Very Own Blanket" was born. What is your mission?I want to provide love, comfort, and hope to children in foster care through the gift of a handmade blanket. Each blanket is a labor of love, crafted by volunteers who share our passion. We believe that these blankets offer a sense of security and a tangible reminder that someone cares deeply about them.  "It takes a village to raise a child...Volunteers donate their time to make a profound impact on a child's life.” Why is this cause so important to you?Children in foster care face numerous challenges, often feeling lost and alone. A blanket may seem like a small gesture, but it represents so much more. It's a symbol of love and stability in an otherwise turbulent time. Knowing that I’m making a difference in these children's lives is incredibly rewarding. Where are you located, and how can people get involved?We operate primarily in Ohio, but our reach extends to Canada, Australia, England, Ireland, and the US Virgin Islands, with our network of dedicated volunteers. Everyone can get involved by making a blanket or quilt. They can also support us by donating, providing transportation, or hosting a blanket-making event. We welcome "blanket angels" of all ages, from Scouts to seniors and everyone in between. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us achieve our goal of bringing comfort to children in foster care. To get a better sense of the person behind this heartfelt mission, we asked Jessica a few personal questions. What's your favorite comfort food when you're knitting a cozy blanket?I absolutely love enjoying a warm cup of tea! It complements the coziness of knitting perfectly. Tell us about an amusing or surprising talent you have beyond knitting.Apart from knitting, I also dabble in creating stained glass pieces. If you could host a blanket-making event with one famous figure, living or dead, who would they be and why?I would choose Sandra Bullock. I admire her values, morals, and ethics, and I believe she would be the perfect partner for a meaningful blanket-making event.     Jessica's dedication has made "My Very Own Blanket" a symbol of hope for children in foster care. In her words, "You are doing something profound, something that has a long-term impact on someone's life." When you donate locally, you contribute to a meaningful cause and get to see firsthand of impact. This year, Jessica aims to bring 40,000 handmade blankets to children and teens in foster care and in need. So far, they have delivered 19,898 blankets.  Will you help her reach the next milestone? Visit My Very Own Blanket to learn more and get involved.

Mother’s Day is special to a lot of people, and this time around, we have invited Susan Fitzgerald as our special guest. The mother of three, loves moments with her children and also the simpler things in life. However, nothing compares to the joy she finds in watercolour painting.  Susan, can you tell us a bit about yourself? My name is Susan Fitzgerald. I married my best friend 50 years ago, I’m the mother of 3, (6 if you count their spouses, which I do) and Nana to 4 darling hooligans. I enjoy a forest walk, beach combing, travelling, knitting, sewing, puttering my garden and watercolour painting. When I'm creating, I'm in my element, and it brings me immense joy. On the flip side, when I'm not creating, I can get a bit antsy 😊 How has your upbringing influenced your creativity? My mom was a significant influence on my creativity. She was always engaged in various creative activities like sewing, knitting, and oil painting. She excelled as a porcelain artist, which became her true calling. Growing up, creativity was a way of life in our household. Whether it was sewing clothes or crafting with found objects, there was always an opportunity to create. We had plenty of drawing and colouring supplies, which further fueled my passion for creativity. "...never give up, embrace life with a light heart, and understand that age is just a number." What led you to discover your passion for watercolours? It began unexpectedly at the start of the pandemic lockdown. It was a time of uncertainty, and my son decided to order some basic art supplies for me. It quickly turned into a daily obsession. I found solace in painting, and it became a form of meditation for me. The process of creating with watercolours allowed me to quiet my busy mind and immerse myself fully in the present moment. Painting alongside my daughter, despite our differing styles, further deepened my love for the medium. Now, I take joy in sharing my art supplies with my grandchildren, encouraging them to explore their creativity. While I may not be a full-time artist in the traditional sense, the endless possibilities of watercolour painting continue to fascinate me, and I find immense joy in the experimentation and learning it brings. Can you share the story behind your favorite artwork? One of the most meaningful pieces I’ve created was a commission—a gift for my friend's husband in memory of their beloved pets. Despite initial nerves, witnessing her emotional reaction was rewarding. It was truly gratifying to see that I touched her, and her vision was fulfilled. That is the ultimate gift I could receive. What are your must-have art supplies in your studio? My must-haves in art supplies are simple. Good paper, an assortment of watercolor paints (dry and tube), and some basic brushes. I augment my supplies with sticks, feathers, and salt—anything with which I can mark paper. What new mediums or techniques are you wish to explore next? While I adore watercolor, I'm eager to explore new mediums and techniques. Experimenting with alcohol inks holds a particular fascination for me, offering endless possibilities for creative expression. If life were a masterpiece, what would you consider its title and medium to be? Well, life is a masterpiece, isn’t it? I cannot envision it as a piece of art, per say, but rather as a feeling. The sounds of wind in the trees, birdsong, sunlight and inky dark sky, warm hugs, laughter and tears, experiencing new places, new ideas, meeting new people, and cherishing dear friends and family. Nature paints in broad colourful strokes; her medium is earth, air, fire and water.  My plan is not to age gracefully, but to live life outrageously ❤️     As we wrap up the chat with Susan, her story leaves us feeling uplifted. As someone who loves creating things, she reminds us how good it feels to be creative. Let's celebrate Mother's Day together and keep finding inspiration in our creative pursuits. Follow Susan on Instagram @susan.fitzgerald.art and show your support. For inquiries about our blog, feel free to send a message to social@cantoocity.com.