| Betty Nelson Daniel |
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A native of London, Ontario Betty moved to Toronto in 1969 and began working in arts related fields such as film and animation studios, merchandising display and craft. In 1983, she began creating her signature mockingbirds and hasn’t looked back since.
Among Betty’s many commissions are ‘Oreo Bakers’ for Nabisco who ordered a baker’s dozen, and a caricature of John Candy which was presented to him by his limo driver. Boston’s Tiffany and Co. boutique has featured Betty’s Nutcracker dancers in their famous Christmas window displays. She continues to create her delightfully intricate mockingbirds to show in fine craft galleries across Canada and the United States from her studio in Midland, Ontario. Betty uses a variety of media and techniques to create her mockingbirds and is always exploring new and unusual materials. Wire and papier maché provide the basic shape while textiles, ribbon, feathers and other adornments are layered on to round out the piece. Vintage glass beads and unusual materials such as moose hair give Betty's mockingbirds a sense of heritage. Each one is an individual work of art. Exhibitions 2002 Black and White, A Show of Hands Petroff Gallery, Toronto, ON 2001 Window of Opportunity, A Show of Hands Contemporary Petroff Gallery, Toronto, ON 1999 Thanksgiving Art and Craft Show, St. Marie Among the Hurons, ON 1997 Scarborough Arts Council Studio Tour, Scarborough, ON 1996 Toronto Gift Show, Uniquely Ontario Section, Toronto, ON 1996 Shaw Show of Arts and Crafts, Stratford, ON Publications and Media 2000 Appeared on "Craftscapes" filmed in her home gallery for the Life Network 1999 American Style Magazine, “Colourful Characters", Fall Issue. 1998 Canadian Interiors, Fabric Layout 1995 The Doll, “Beyond Dolls", New York Publishers. 1993 Contemporary Doll Magazine, "Birds", and a four-page article focusing on Betty's work. 1991 AirBrush, Japan. Volume #4. Featured on front and back cover. Recognition and Awards 1996 Innovative Gallery product, Uniquely Ontario, Toronto Gift Show 1996 Mocking-Bird design chosen for promotional posters for Uniquely Ontario Spring Show |
