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Kivari StudioFeaturing the Artwork of Jennifer Kivari

Let's Compost!

3/16/2014

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Have you ever wondered what a perfect way would be to get rid of your food without throwing it away into the trash? Well, here’s the answer to your problems! It’s about time you introduce compost to your home.

            Why is compost good you ask? Well, first of all, not only does compost reduce the amount of waste going into landfills, it also is an amazing fertilizer for your garden that enhances the soil and aids in plant life.

            Now here’s the question; what do you put into a compost? There are many things you can add to the compost bin that are beneficial to your garden life, and they come in two groups: the greens, and the yellow/browns. It is important to know how much you are putting of each color into your pile, and you keep it fairly balanced.

            The greens: The first thing we all think of when we say “compost” is kitchen scraps. Any peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, apple cores, rotten or moldy lettuce leaves, oranges, etc. can be added. Garden debris such as deadheaded flowers, fresh plant stalks. Grass clippings, seaweed, animal manure (horse, chicken, rabbits…); even weeds can be composted, as long as they have not set seed or grow back from the stems.

            The yellow/browns: The greens aren’t the only important thing to add to your compost for nutrients, there are some very important yellows and browns as well. You can add dried plant stems (corn, sunflower, potatoes, tomatoes…), hedge prunings, dead leaves, small amounts of pine needles, and lots of straw (although keep in mind that in hay there are lots of weed seeds and grass seeds).

            Keep in mind the things that are harmful to your compost, such as: diseased plants, non-biodegradable dog, cat, pig or reptile manure (contains parasites), any scraps that contain paint or other toxic substances, any greens or browns that contain petroleum or other residues, meats, dairy products, bones and fish, any glossy paper or waxed paper.

            If you have a garden in need of some nutrients and you have the space, then all you need are three boxes, custom made to fit the amount of compost you will be producing. The first box will hold all the fresh compost that you create, and needs to be turned every once and a while to improve air flow. The second box contains half-decomposed compost, where only the toughest ingredients, such as fruit pits, still have yet to finish decomposing. The last box is filled with fresh compost, loaded with nutrients and is ready to be spread amongst the soil of your garden, just make sure to remove any rocks first!

            Once your first bin is full, you may then transfer all of your bin 1 compost into bin 2 so you have enough space for more. You will need to stir, turn, or mix the contents of bin 2 around so the compacted ingredients spread out and permit oxygen flow.

            If you are living in an apartment building or someplace where you do not have access to a three bin compost, have the space for one, or simply do not need one that large, there is always the option of using a vermicompost. A vermicompost is an indoor compost that uses red wriggler worms to convert smaller amounts of food waste into high grade fertilizer. 

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Summer Studio Tour 2012 -  Art draw winner

10/22/2012

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Congratulations to Pat Holloway of Metchosin B.C. who won the kitchen art entitled "Time to Eat"!
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Westshore Unlimited TV

10/22/2012

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Check out the interview with Efren Quiroz from [Exhibit-V](http://www.exhibit-v.ca/) of myself as well as some of the Stinking Fish Studio Tour artists.  Thank you Efren and Judi Dyelle of ['Chosin Pottery](http://www.chosinpottery.ca) for setting up and arranging this.

(http://www.westshoreunlimited.ca/latest-episode)

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My Art Direction:

6/26/2012

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         As an artist, I find myself working more and more with recycled, reclaimed and organic materials. This present time in our world it is important to find uses for what is readily around us. Artists are in a fantastic position to forge ahead with creative ideas for using what is available in our surrounding environment. Using collected materials, unwanted items and what many consider to be “waste” is an earth-friendly, green approach to art making.  The supplies are endless, we are surrounded by appropriate materials which can be ‘born again’ in a new life within a piece of fine art. This is what truly excites me as a mosaic artist to share my enthusiasm for incorporating reclaimed/everyday materials which are then passed on to those that view the art. 
         Recently I have been creating art entirely from materials provided by mother- nature and the feathered friends on our farm.  Included are egg shell art, feather art and a series called In My Organic Cupboard.  The later was a personal challenge where I had to open up one of my kitchen cupboards and use only the materials found within that space. Organic beans, seeds and pasta were incorporated to create scenes of animals and nature found in this beautiful place we call home. 

         My mosaics and bricolages allows me to  ‘think outside of the box’ with new eyes, listen to my ‘recycle conscience’ and have a blast creating unique art from organic materials and repurposed cast-off objects, which then become part of a new art story…  

Copyright © 2012, Kivari Studio. All Rights Reserved.
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Mother/Daughter/Grandmother - The Joy of Creating

6/26/2012

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“To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today”
- Anonymous 


         As a mother and an artist, I feel privileged to share with my daughter the experience and joy of creating, running a business with integrity and having fun with our studio and gallery.

         In 2009, I joined the Stinking Fish Studio Tour and my daughter (age 11 at that time), enthusiastically agreed to work with me as Chief Operator of refreshments and Tour Guide of the farm and gardens.  This is a role she takes very seriously and has created her own entrepreneurial business in which she relies to add profits to her savings account. With the help from her dad and older brother, she creates a lemonade /refreshment stand with straw bales and our hay wagon.  Homemade lavender lemonade and a variety of organic cookies and treats are offered to our thirsty customers.

         A year ago, an added generation joined our studio tour team. My Mom moved in next door and has assisted in tidying the gardens and her grand daughter with refreshments. Three generations working together to create a memorable experience for our studio tour customers!

         Giving your children some of your time on a consistent basis is a must for the health of your kids, your family and yourself -- especially because they won't be kids forever.  Sharing with my daughter the creative process of an artist, operating a business and learning the ins and outs of money management are skills which she will take with her into adulthood and pass on to her children.


Copyright © 2012, Kivari Studio. All Rights Reserved.
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What's New in the Studio!

3/4/2012

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Our new website is under construction. Let us know if you see any glitches and feel free to add comments or suggestions .
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    Jennifer Kivari

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    Kivari Studio and farm shots

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